safe ice?

[lyons6]

Hey everyone I am wondering if 15 inches of ice is still safe in this weather or if I am a fool for going out on it? Went out yesterday and everything seemed ok but when I got back in an elderly local told me I was an" idiot and must be from the city" lol. And I was at phylis if anyone was wondering thanks.

[mayuan]

The problem with the ice at this time of year is that it is inconsistent. Where you were drilling it may have been 15", but a few feet away it may be one inch. I don't ice fish once the weather is constant above 0C.

My recommendation if you want to fish on the ice at this time of year is; Wear a life vest, bring a change of clothes, know how to get out of the water if you fall in.

[FishBrain]

I think if you know where the springs are and where the creeks run into Phyllis you chould be OK. But at the same time Mayuan gave some great advise.

[SushiUnagi]

Yeah better safe than sorry.

Hopefully you were out with someone else and not alone?

Ice claws would be added insurance if you have to go out. As well as a buoyant heaving rope so the one of you can throw to get the other one out if you do fall thru.

[ghostguy6]

The problem with ice when the tempature is constantly above 0*C is that it developes pockets. While the ice may be 15" thick where you are is, the ice may only be able to support lets say 200 lbs without shattering. Generally the rule I tell everyone if there is open water visable on the lake then you should stay off the ice.