Ice safety
How thick is safe?
No ice is ever completely safe. Thickness varies across a lake and changes with snow, current, springs and temperature swings. Use these numbers as a minimum, check the ice yourself as you go, and follow outfitters’ marked roads.
Minimum thickness for new, clear ice
Guidance from the Minnesota DNR.
| Thickness | What it can hold |
|---|---|
| Under 4″ | Stay off |
| 4″ | Walking |
| 5–7″ | Snowmobile or ATV |
| 9–10″ | Small car or SUV |
| 11–12″ | Small truck or medium SUV |
| 13″ | Medium truck |
| 16–17″ | Heavy-duty truck |
White or snow ice is only about half as strong as clear ice. Double these numbers for it.
Before you go out
- Check with a local resort or bait shop about current conditions.
- Carry ice picks, a spud bar or auger, and a rope. Wear a flotation jacket or life vest.
- Drill as you go, and never fish alone on early or late ice.
- Stay away from inlets, outlets, bridges and pressure ridges.
- Tell someone which lake and access you’re using and when you’ll be back.
Read the full guidance at the Minnesota DNR ice safety page.