News

2005 Ice Fishing Season Opens
By David Martineau

Saturday, January 1, 2005 marked the opening of ice fishing season on most ponds and lakes in the state of Maine. While many of the smaller bodies of water had safe ice to venture out on, most of the medium to larger ponds and lakes had only fair or dangerous ice conditions. Right, The Togue Tote Board, from the Windham Rotary Ice Fishing Derby, 2004 The Monument: David Martineau photo

Wortherly Pond in Poland had 6"-8" of ice which was more than sufficient to support our ATV. During the first hour of legal fishing the action was hot with many people limiting out on brook trout in the 8"-16" range. We packed up after an hour and drove to Middle Range Pond also in Poland. Seeing open water at the opposite end of the pond raised concerns and we checked the ice carefully as we proceeded.

Ice thicknesses were only safe very close to the shore and ranged from 4" down to 1". We also checked the ice out on Sabattus Lake having heard that ATV and snowmobiles have been on the lake for over a week. Ice there ranged from 4"-6", however; friends who live on the lake warned us that open water and dangerously thin ice still exist.

Sportsman would be well advised to learn what constitutes safe ice and how to check for it safely. It is important to remember that all articles and recommendations concerning ice safety are merely guidelines. Conditions such as current, spring holes, pressure ridges, depth of water and exposure to sunshine are factors that greatly influence the formation of ice on a body of water. Unsafe ice along pressure ridges and areas with even moderate current may be present even during the coldest months in winter.

Clear "black ice" is stronger than the opaque "white ice" that usually forms on the surface. White ice gains its appearance from the millions of tiny bubbles that exist within the ice. This ice usually forms from the melting and refreezing of wintery precipitation. The minute air voids make the ice less dense and not as strong as the first clear ice of the year. Once you are sure that there are between 2" - 4" or clear ice, you can consider venturing onto the ice to check further.

When a pond begins to freeze, ice typically forms near the shore first and then spreads outwards. You will find that thicker ice exists closer to shore and varies in thickness farther from shore or over deep water. Drill a series of holes beginning near the shore to check for safe ice, making sure to avoid stream outlets and inlets and discolored ice near opaque ice. These discolored patches indicate that a spring hole may be present under the ice possibly creating current and an unsafe condition.

If you are wondering how thick the ice has to be in order to be safe, there are many ice thickness guidelines that can be reviewed via the internet. The following "Recommended Ice Thicknesses" were obtained from a study done by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and posted on www.maine.gov:

· 4" of new clear ice is the minimum thickness for travel on foot.
· 5" is minimum for snowmobiles and ATVs
· 8"-12" for cars or small trucks
· Less than 2 inches - stay off.

If the worst happens and you or a companion fall through the ice, it is important as in any other emergency situation to remain calm. If you are the victim, grab hold of the ice's edge and kick hard with your legs keeping your torso flat on the unbroken ice as you work your way forward. Keeping flat will distribute your weight over a wider surface area on the already weak ice. Use anything in your possession such as car keys, eyeglass frames, pens or any other sharp object to help claw your way out of the hole. Seeking medical attention after a cold water submersion is always advisable.

If you are aiding someone else who has fallen through the ice, approach the victim with extreme caution, spreading your body weight over as much of the ice's surface as possible. Use available items such as rope, trees, clothing or ski equipment to extend to the victim, keeping as far away from the unsafe ice as possible.

With due care, ice fishing can be a great way to escape the confines of your home and enjoy the beauty of our state. It is also one of the best times of the year to enjoy some of the best fishing that Maine has to offer.