MONTPELIER, Vt. – Ice conditions on lakes and ponds across the state are changing fast due to recent warm temperatures and rain. With additional warm weather expected, game wardens with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are urging ice anglers and others to use good judgment when deciding whether to recreate on the ice this weekend and beyond.
"Late season ice requires a safety-first approach," said Game Warden Major Jenna Reed. "Ice conditions will vary day to day, waterbody to waterbody and even at different points on the same waterbody as the weather warms. If you have any doubts about the safety of the ice on a given waterbody this time of year, that is a good indicator to change your plans and find a different location to recreate."
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department recommends anyone planning to recreate on the ice carry safety gear including self-rescue picks and a spud bar or auger to test the ice as you go. It is important to know how to distinguish strong ice from weak ice, and to let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. More guidance on ice safety is available on the department's website.
The department also reminds ice anglers that ice shanties must be removed before the ice weakens, or by March 31 at the latest. Ice anglers should keep track of the weather forecast in their area to determine a responsible date by which to remove shanties.