WISCONSIN RAPIDS (WAOW) -
Ice fishing is a popular Wisconsin winter activity.
"It's really kind of a neat experience. It's a little
different than typical open water fishing," said Jon Scharbarth of the
Wisconsin DNR.
With Thursday's snowstorm, many would think now is the time
for ice fishing to begin, but officials say the snow actually worsens ice
conditions.
"It makes it difficult for ice to form because of the
insulating factor. You know, the cold weather just can't get down there and
doesn't make it as conducive to making good, solid ice," said Scharbarth.
And the snow can make it seem like there's more ice than
there really is.
"In reality, the ice conditions are really thin, and with
the snow covering it up, you might have a problem with recognizing that," said
Scharbarth.
Fleet Farm Employees say their ice fishing equipment sales
have been a little low due to the lack of ice, but they say people seem anxious
to get out on the ice once conditions improve.
But these dangerous conditions haven't stopped some ice
fishermen from enjoying their favorite winter activity.
"Amazingly, ice fishermen are pretty creative and pretty
bold," said Scharbarth.
If people are going to get out on the ice, the DNR urges
them to remember safety first.
"If they're going to go out, make sure that they have a
plan. They let someone know where they're going to be, when they're going to be
home and carry some safety equipment with them in case they were to fall
through," said Scharbarth.
DNR officials say that another week or two of cold
temperatures will help firm up the ice so people can safely fish.
