The true beginning of ice fishing season is always a guessing game. Cold weather helped freeze smaller bodies of water, but winds kept the larger ones open. Now, after recent snowfall there is a snow blanket on top of some unstable ice, so it is always advisable to test ice conditions in multiple areas before ever driving a vehicle (be it an ATV, side-by-side, and definitely a truck or SUV) out onto the ice. On December 13th Douglas County Sheriff’s Recreational Deputy Cody Notch did a check at a number of local lakes for their ice conditions. The data shows the amounts varied from six to thirteen inches.
The DNR says no ice is ever 100% safe. Ice conditions can vary within a few feet. Everyone should check the ice before traveling on it. They also suggest you should make checks every few feet while progressing across the lake. It is also recommended that you wear a life jacket when you are on the ice.
The reasons why people are so eager to get out on the ice are pretty simple. The Alexandria Lakes Area has some great fishing as is evidenced by a recent outing by fiancés John Vogeler and Karly Betterman.
