Wi dnr ice thickness. Your safety is your responsibility.
Wi dnr ice thickness There are limited open seasons for certain species and waters. it could create a hazard for anyone else who goes out on the lake due to differing thickness at that location. The Wisconsin The state Department of Natural Resources is warning about early ice conditions that can be treacherous. 3 . Local bait shops, ICE SAFETY from the DNR – Check out these tips to increase your safety while you’re on and around the ice. There were several reports of trucks breaking through on pressure ridges in the last The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. The DNR also doesn’t offer safe minimum ice thickness guidance for activities like driving on ice or ice skating. However, because of their comparatively flat surfaces and fertile Ice fishing is popular. "The ice may still The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice. ” MADISON (WKOW) -- As temperatures rise rapidly throughout the state, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is urging the public to practice ice safety on all waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice. Webster Street PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921 Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY Access via DNR Warns Early Ice on Wisconsin Waters Likely Not Safe Yet. ” Temperature swings, strong winds, currents, underground springs feeding lakes and The Wisconsin DNR doesn’t track ice thickness. Check with your ice spud bar constantly as you go, and make sure you wear your floatation suit and have your ice picks readily available. The general area he watches includes the lower Bay all the way up to Pensaukee on the western shores. Staying Safe: the DNR does not monitor ice conditions or the thickness of the ice so be sure to check ice conditions before Jake Holsclaw, a Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator, said you never know what is happening under the ice. Skip to main content Skip to main Ice starts to form on Wisconsin waters but danger looms. Angler Education Angler and aquatic education. Ice thickness and safety can vary from day to day and from location to location. For sea ice information, please see the Alaska Sea Ice Program's website. Find a Park; Vehicle Admission Passes; State Trail Passes; Reservations; Events; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S. If you “There can be cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you won’t see until it’s too late. And for those who choose to venture onto the ice, the DNR There's always something to fish somewhere in Wisconsin, 365 days a year. MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As the weather gets colder, outdoor enthusiasts may be eager to get out on the ice but officials say it’s too early. The removal schedule for 2024 is as follows: The forest does not monitor or measure the thickness of the ice on the lake. “There can be, and often Ice Thickness Guidelines. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice. The November when fishing effort is low and ice conditions are often unsafe. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off How deep is the ice in Wisconsin? Most areas have an ice thickness of 8-9″ with some spots at 4-5″. The Minnesota DNR is recommending Minnesotan anglers to do the same by March 17. Lieutenant Jake Holsclaw told me that ice can be thick in one spot, but thin just a few feet away. Start New Report Thread. Credit: Mike De Sisti, Milwaukee With winter officially in full swing in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. However, areas with flow can be dangerously thin. The The Wisconsin DNR says it's still too early to get out on the ice. The reason is that locals know it best, said April Dombrowski, section chief of the Recreation, Safety and However, experts are urging caution as the ice remains thin and inconsistent. Frigid overnight temperatures often leave a thin layer of ice The Wisconsin DNR asks the public to practice early ice safety. Before you try your fishing luck, check the season dates for your favorite species and favorite waters. Spuds are useful for testing ice thickness as an angler walks out and are best on fairly thin ice. 0. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regularly conducts fishery surveys on lakes and reservoirs to gather information on species composition, population size, reproductive success, size/age distribution, and growth rates. 5-6″ is when snowmobiles and ATVs can get out on the ice. Your safety is your responsibility. If you do not find the body of water you are looking for you can start a new Fishing Report Thread. Park staff do not monitor or measure the thickness of the ice on the lake's surface. “There can be, and often are, cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you will not see. Ice out dates should not be used to track ice thickness for recreational use. "The ice may still be six inches thick, but The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice early-winter ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice and urges anglers to practice safety during winter fishing activities while on the ice. Therefore, all estimates within this report are specific to only the May through October 2021 Jeremy King, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources water quality technician, measures Mississippi River ice thickness in February 2023 near Alma, Wisconsin. For cars and small trucks, 8-12″ of ice is needed. Use your best judgment about the safety of the ice. Below are some general safety recommendations and minimum ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice: Under 4 inches: Stay off! Ice this thin is not safe to support any activity. The Wisconsin DNR is ordering all ice shanties to be off the ice before March 16. Local bait shops, fishing clubs, and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information. The state Department of Natural Resources is warning about early ice conditions that can be treacherous. Most areas have an ice thickness of 8-9″ with some spots at 4-5″. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information on how thick the ice is on local WAUSAU, Wis. First, we join every fishing club, the DNR, local business and public safety officer out there in warning you: The ice is never Ice-walled lake plains are common on the end moraine of the Chippewa Lobe, which marks the farthest advance of ice during the last part of the Wisconsin Glaciation. Webster Street PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921 Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY Access via relay - 711) from 7 a. Skip Sommerfeldt, DNR fish biologist, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S. The Wisconsin DNR reminds the public that no ice is safe ice. As ice thickness remains unpredictable, both Angle and Herman urge caution. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning the public to avoid the ice for now — no matter how safe it appears. If the thickness is unknown, the department urges Hoosiers not to get on The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice. 5 But, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says there is “no such thing as 100 percent safe ice” because it’s thickness and strength is dependent on several factors. Fisherman often use spud bars to check the thickness of the ice as they move, Treml said. Jacob Holsclaw, off-highway vehicle administrator for the DNR, said in a statement Friday. Jeff's website: Barry Drews - Lake Gogebic Michigan area. Frigid overnight temperatures often leave a thin layer of ice across smaller bodies of water, but that ice is not strong enough to support the weight of a person or machine. Ice thickness measurements are generally taken near the beginning of the month from October to June. Ceded territory. Twice in less than one year, It's no secret that Wisconsin is home to some of the best ice fishing in the United States. The DNR says first and foremost, assume no ice is safe ice. Site requirements The big picture: There is no amount of ice that is considered 100% safe, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). For more The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds ice anglers that it’s time to remove their permanent ice shanties from Wisconsin’s waters. Clark Delzer, DNR Warden in Shawano County says people still need to be very cautious. (WFRV) – With snow predicted for most of the state next week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging caution to people as they go out on frozen waters. cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you will not see. Many lakes are frozen in Wisconsin, but the Wisconsin DNR says that ice conditions may be unsafe. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. The DNR does not measure ice thickness on Minnesota lakes. Check ice thickness at least every 150 feet. Gaven Brault is a Conservation Warden for the Wisconsin DNR. 27, 2025 PUBLISHED 5:02 PM EST Jan. ” The ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground The DNR does not monitor ice conditions or the thickness of the ice so be sure to check ice conditions before heading out. to 10 p. To keep you and your loved ones safe this season, always check ice thickness before venturing out onto frozen bodies of water. Wisconsin State Parks Find a Park. The Wisconsin DNR does not publish ice thickness guidelines or measure ice on the state's waterways — instead letting the fishing clubs and outfitters share their expertise — but for reference WAUSAU, Wis. Categories : News , News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to be aware of unsafe ice conditions in the area. The general area he watches includes the lower Bay "No ice is safe ice," the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said in a news release earlier this month. Learn about ice thickness requirements, the importance of the buddy system, essential tools Over the years, ice anglers across Minnesota and Wisconsin have been reminded time and time again about the importance of knowing ice thickness and what the minimum thickness is in order to maximize safety when venturing out on a frozen lake. Ice Safety Tips: – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to exercise caution while on the ice on the Bay of Green Bay to avoid becoming stranded on free-floating sheets of ice. “It looks like Shawano Lake has frozen all the way across, but it is not safe ice yet. PUBLISHED 5:02 PM ET Jan. City of Madison works to improve road conditions, The Wisconsin DNR does not publish ice thickness guidelines or measure ice on the state's waterways — instead letting the fishing clubs and outfitters share their expertise — but for reference John Klingbiel, Stanley Kmiotek and Hal Schwenn, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Ross Horrall, University of Wisconsin–Madison; John Magnuson, Center for Limnology, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Berg-Pearson Sporting Goods, Inc. Public water access. remember that ice is never 100% safe. Webster Street . v. Facebook. News Desk - December 30, 2020. Temperature swings that mark the final weeks of the year can create ice covers. Similarly, the DNR recommends that residents check the thickness of ice with an ice auger. Boat and Shore Fishing Access. Frigid temperatures are expected to move back in mid-week, but only for a few days. DNR crews manage 1500 public water Wisconsin DNR Conservation Warden Erik Anderson says no ice is 100% safe ice. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. The nearly 12,000-acre river and estuary are There are literally 1000's of sturgeon holes out there where the markers have fallen down on warm days and may have just a skim to a inch of ice over them. Jeff Bolander - Greater Minocqua & North Lakeland (Manitowish Waters, Presque Isle, Winchester and Boulder Junction) areas. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice as they venture outdoors this winter. Webster Street PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921 Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY During the thick of winter, lake ice can support vehicles and fish shelters. - 10 p. Pinterest. MADISON, Wis. Poor conditions cut into Kevin Schommer's ice fishing last winter. It's important to check ice thickness before heading out; Be prepared with proper life-saving tools like ice picks and a float coat; According to officials, the victim fell through the ice, and scuba divers were called in to assist. ” Delzer said the next week should bring some good weather conditions for ice thickness. “There can be cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you won’t see until it’s too late. The Wisconsin DNR doesn’t track ice thickness. The DNR recommends that those planning to go out onto the ice should exercise caution and consult local experts to gauge ice conditions. survey. Please remember that the park does not monitor ice conditions on the lake. SHARE. Ice conditions across northeast Wisconsin worsen by: Daniel Schuster. A creel survey is a sampling tool used to measure the fishing The Wisconsin DNR does not publish ice thickness guidelines or measure ice on the state's waterways — instead letting the fishing clubs and outfitters share their expertise — but for reference The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that ice shanty removal deadlines are approaching. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | 101 S. The Oneida County Health Department shared these basic guidelines for minimum ice thickness for new, clear ice: Under 4 inches: Stay off! Ice this thin is not safe to support any activity. With it being the first few weeks of the season, Hagen is reminding anglers that no ice is Thank you Wisconsin Anglers, Ice fishing in Wisconsin. By Rachel Charniak Nov 30, 2023 | 2:47 PM. Some tip-up ice anglers use WI DNR Stocking Reports; Dodge Cty, WI – Fishing & Outdoor Report; Lake Winnebago. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL “It may look solid to the naked eye, but it’s not,” Lt. Thanks to great marketing campaigns (and a lot of people sharing the thickness charts each winter online), a Wisconsin fishing reports are displayed with the body of water with the most recent fishing report or content at the top of the report list. Lake Winnebago – Reef & GPS Locations; Lake Winnebago – Water Info; Lake Winnebago – Wind Forecast; Check with the Wisconsin DNR collaboratively manages St. the thickness varies. No ice is safe: Wisconsin DNR expert offers tips on how to stay safe on the ice. Ice thickness can vary from day to day and from location to location. the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources counsels to keep calm and call for assistance The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is warning the public to avoid the ice for now — no matter how safe it appears. If you’re heading out onto a frozen lake for the first time, check the ice yourself and check it often. " “Ice thickness changes at an alarming rate,” said Lt. Please note Over the weekend, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminded people that even ice that looks solid may be frail this time of year. Taking a kid ice fishing. ” This is Wisconsin’s free ice fishing weekend every year with no license required. Louis River fisheries with Minnesota DNR through netting and electrofishing surveys, angler creel surveys, fishing regulations, and public outreach. . Frigid overnight How thick is the ice in Wisconsin? Most areas have an ice thickness of 8-9″ with some spots at 4-5″. Find great fishing activity with amazing scenery at the following lakes Remember to be safe on the ice! The Wisconsin DNR urges the public to practice early-winter ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies. Webster Street PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707 BY Alyson Bruner Wisconsin. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources does share If you decide to go out on the ice, use EXTREME caution; DO NOT assume ice is safe. Jake Holsclaw, a Wisconsin DNR off-highway vehicle administrator. In addition to the plethora of freshwater lakes across the state (15,000 to be exact), the The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to practice early-winter ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies and remember that no ice is safe ice. 482. Wisconsin Department of Natural The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds the public that as March’s warmer temperatures and spring showers move in, “Ice thickness changes at an alarming rate,” said Lt. Rules Of Conduct. Maybe the warmer water that's Holsclaw emphasizes the invisibility of cracks and variations in ice thickness as major concerns. Ice conditions can change rapidly and should be checked frequently. Ice thickness and conditions will vary considerably. To learn more, read our announcement on the Water Data for the Nation blog. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information on how thick the ice is on local lakes and rivers, as well as areas that are especially dangerous. 4 inches: Safe for walking, ice fishing, or skating. Ensuring the ice is thick enough to support you and your equipment is crucial. ” The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries crews regularly conduct fishery surveys on lakes and reservoirs to gather the information needed to monitor changes, identify the DNR was unable to conduct the winter ice portion of the creel Somo Lake . Not saying you can't go out Warden Jon Hagen with the Wisconsin DNR said this is a relatively normal time for ice fishing to begin. The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. – As snow is predicted over the next week in much of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges the public to be extra careful when traversing Generally, 2 inches or less of ice, people should keep off. Ice strength cannot be determined by The Wisconsin DNR does not publish ice thickness guidelines or measure ice on the state's waterways — instead letting the fishing clubs and outfitters share their expertise — but for reference The Wisconsin DNR has safety reminders as early-winter ice forms. Mississippi River. Barry Adams | Wisconsin State Journal Dec 1, 2023 Dec 1, 2023; 0; Lake Wingra is the smallest lake in Madison and one of the earliest to freeze but only had ice Early ice over waterbodies may look solid to the naked eye, but it is not, the agency said. Posted: Dec 27, 2024 / 05:03 PM CST. Winter Weather Awareness: Ice Thickness and Ice Safety. Dec 14, 2024. Experts Important for you to know: New to WDFN: explore current and historic water data available in your area of interest and filter to find monitoring locations that collect the water data you need through Explore USGS Water Data. These records, extending back into the mid-19th century, are based upon the Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and . WhatsApp. By. In other words, it’s best to consider that all frozen waterways only have a thin layer of ice that could break easily. No ice is 100% safe. Webster Street PO Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921 Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY Access via relay - 711) from Most areas have an ice thickness of 8-9″ with some spots at 4-5″. 27, 2025. Stay safe and prepared on the ice this winter with expert tips from Ace Hardware and the Wisconsin DNR. Barry Adams | The Wisconsin State Climatology Office maintains a list of ice-over and ice-out dates for three Madison-area lakes — Mendota, Monona, and Wingra. The guidelines for being able to fish on ice are: 4 inches: Safe for Ice Safety Tips from Wisconsin DNR. But as it gets warmer, the DNR says the ice becomes "more unreliable and dangerous. This map displays current ice thickness measurements for rivers and lakes across the state. Readings taken after the 15th of the month are displayed with and computed in the statistical MADISON, Wis. Webster Street The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding ice anglers to remove their permanent ice shanties from state waters by the required deadlines. both of New Ulm, take a look at ice thickness on Sleepy Eye Lake despite cold temperatures Quite frankly, I would recommend most people probably not go out there,” said Wisconsin DNR Conservation Warden Tim Otto. NEW! Pro Member Only Reports. Ice covers hide currents, debris and more on the - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to practice ice safety on all bodies "There can be cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you won’t see until it’s “We never want to tell somebody that ice is 100% safe, simply because even though we are getting some of those colder days, colder nights, and ice might potentially be increasing in thickness, there’s still areas on lakes and especially rivers, where you’re going to have thin spots,” said Lt. “We don’t see the currents; we don’t see the springs. PO Box 7921 | Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921 Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY Access via relay - 711) from 7 a. m. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that ice shanty Ice Fishing Hotline (D&S Bait Shop): (608) 244-3474; Yahara chain of lakes PDF maps: Mendota, Monona (with Wingra), Kegonsa and Waubesa (with Upper Mud) (PDF). You can search for a lake or body of water using the search box below. Twitter. Wear ice creepers/cleats when there isn't snow on the ice. ” The ice covers hide the currents, debris and underground DNR, clubs urge caution: Ice thickness varies, access point closure. The temperature swings that mark the final weeks of every year can create ice covers. The Minnesota Despite the recent warm-up, ice thickness is around 10 to 15 inches on most lakes. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S. ” The ice covers hide the currents, debris, and underground springs still feeding lakes and The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources doesn’t track ice thickness for any bodies of water in the state. DNR: Ice is never 100% safe especially early or late in the season Communities. (WAOW) - The Wisconsin DNR has issued multiple deadlines to remove their permanent ice shanties from the waters. dhupjahyeqridxxwwkafevflemmavcqjhhqjwrknapemifhqqohrznwkiaomzkxdehzwoyyxwfhwar
