Ice fishing is one of the few sports where sitting in a chair and drinking coffee (or beer) counts as peak performance. It’s just you, a frozen body of water, and the promise of a big catch. But while the promise of pulling a lunker through a tiny hole is real, so are the risks.
Every season, anglers take unexpected dips, suffer gear malfunctions at the worst times, and endure weather that turns casual fun into a survival lesson.
Below are some tips and tricks from several state agencies, along with experience from the GearJunkie editors. The purpose is to help you stay safe while you’re out on the ice.
Each year, people find themselves skating on thin ice, so to speak. It never fails: several fishermen inevitably fall through thin ice, fall victim to poor conditions, just flat fall on ice (the most common ice fishing injury), or even find their trucks sinking into the depths — every season.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or still trying to remember which end of the auger goes down, safety should always come first. From checking ice thickness to packing the right gear, here is how to stay prepared, stay warm, and, most importantly, stay on the right side of the hard water.
Ice Fishing Safety: What Can Go Wrong

Falls
Slipping on slick ice is one of the most common ice fishing injuries. Even with the right boots, an unexpected patch of glare ice can send you sprawling. Tripping over gear, stepping into an unseen hole, or losing balance on uneven ice can lead to bruises, sprains, or worse. Wearing ice cleats and keeping a careful eye on your surroundings can help prevent painful falls.
Thin Ice
Stepping onto ice that is too thin is one of the most dangerous risks in ice fishing. Ice near inlets, outlets, and areas with moving water can be weaker than expected. Even in the middle of a lake, the thickness can vary due to underwater currents or recent temperature changes. Always test ice thickness with a spud bar before walking out.
Ice Floes
Burns
Wind
Collisions

Previous Ice Holes
How to Prepare Before You Go

Check the Weather
Get the Ice Report
Bring a Friend
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Pack the Right Gear
Checking the Ice

Ice Thickness Varies
Moving Water Is a Hidden Danger
Beware of Inlets and Outlets
How to Check Ice Thickness

Methane Dangers
