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'Do Not Drive Out On The Ice.' Dept. Of Fish & Wildlife Calls For Ice Fishing Safety

Look for four inches of clear, black ice — enough to support a person walking — before enjoying ice fishing, officials from the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife say.
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Look for four inches of clear, black ice — enough to support a person walking — before enjoying ice fishing, officials from the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife say.";s:

Mid-February is prime time for ice fishing in Vermont, but a recent tragedy is focusing attention on the risks of the winter sport. 

Vermont State Police last week recovered the body of a missing ice fisherman in Lake Champlain. The angler appears to have died after his truck fell through the ice near Orwell.

"Really, no ice is safe ice," says Chris Powers with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Powers joined Vermont Edition to review ice fishing safety.

"We like to see four inches of nice, clear, black ice. That's enough to support a person walking," he adds.

When it comes to vehicles on the ice, Powers says the department doesn't recommend it. Ever.

"Ice conditions can be really, really variable," he says. "We'd prefer that anglers would keep their vehicles on the shore." He recommends lighter vehicles, like four wheelers or snowmobiles, for getting out on the ice.

Powers also suggests talking with local bait shops for the latest on ice conditions and up-to-date information.

Listen to the full interview above to hear more on ice safety, the roughly  40 different lakes in which Vermonters can cast their lure and what Powers personally enjoys about the sport.

Broadcast on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Bob Kinzel has been covering the Vermont Statehouse since 1981 — longer than any continuously serving member of the Legislature. With his wealth of institutional knowledge, he answers your questions on our series, "Ask Bob."
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
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