With recent warm weather in New Mexico, anglers should take extra precautions before stepping out onto frozen lakes as the ice becomes weaker.
This winter, warmer temperatures led to a delay in lakes freezing. It was only recently that many lakes across the state became fully frozen. This “first ice” represents some of the most dangerous conditions for would-be ice fishermen, as the ice can be too thin in spots and inconsistent in others. The same goes for “last ice” conditions when the lakes begin to thaw, as they have this week. In fact, New Mexico State Parks announced the closure of Eagle Nest and Fenton lakes to all ice activity within the past few days, citing deteriorating ice conditions. Make sure to check with local authorities, including State Parks, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the U.S. Forest Service, before you go out to get the latest update on lake conditions.
While your nearest favorite fishing spot may still be open, that doesn’t necessarily mean conditions are safe for you to step out on the ice. First, you should make sure the ice is thick enough – if the ice is clear, it needs to be at least four inches thick for it to be safe to walk on. Keep in mind that cloudy or snowy ice is not as strong as clear ice, making it less safe.
Regardless of the ice conditions, you should always be prepared with rescue equipment for everyone in your party, including ice safety picks, personal flotation devices suitable for ice fishing, whistles and throw ropes. You should also wear a good pair of ice cleats. All this gear is relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the potential consequences of not having it. Remember: it’s better to have it and not need it, than it is to need it and not have it!
Above all, never go onto the ice alone. Make sure there is someone close enough to help in the event of an emergency, but don’t travel too closely together in case the ice isn’t thick enough to support everyone’s body weight.
Ice fishing can make for an enjoyable day out on the lake when the weather is cold, but taking these precautions can help ensure that it is a safe day out on the lake as well.
Remember to let us know how your fishing trip goes! Share your tips, tricks, and stories with your fellow anglers by filling out the iFish form at https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/fishing/weekly-report/ and let’s help the next generation of anglers find success.