Ice fishers in Lanark and Leeds take note

Thousands across Ontario are waiting for the chance to go ice fishing this winter, but haven’t had the opportunity to yet.

With many areas of the province experiencing a mild winter, ice surfaces are not safe to fish on yet.

President of the Ontario Conservation Officers Association Derek Hebner says it’s something that lots of people are missing.

He says that for the most part in Ontario this winter, the ice conditions have been inconsistent or unsafe.

Hebner suggests checking the ice thickness before heading out, and to either bring someone with you, or let someone know where you’re going in case of an emergency.

As far as ice thickness, Hebner says generally clear ice should be a minimum of 10cm (4”) for walking and ice fishing, 12cm (5”) for one snowmobile or ATV, 20-30cm (8-12”) for a car or small pickup, 30-38cm (12-15”) for a medium truck.