ANGLERS ENCOURAGED TO STAY SAFE ON THE ICE

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ANGLERS ENCOURAGED TO STAY SAFE ON THE ICE

 

For Immediate Release

December 19, 2008

 

 

McGuinty Government Wants All Winter Anglers To Check Ice Hut Regulations

 

NEWS

 

With colder months ahead, anglers are reminded to play it safe on the ice.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, anglers should:

 

- Advise others where they plan to fish and when they plan to return

 

- Wear appropriate clothing, such as a floater suit

 

- Carry appropriate equipment, like a set of ice picks

 

- Register ice huts where required, except tent-style huts with a base area of less than seven square metres

 

- Check ice thickness regularly with a spud bar or auger as they move further out on the ice.

 

QUOTES

 

“Ice fishing is a popular winter activity for thousands, but people need to play it safe and stay off the ice unless they’re sure about ice conditions,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield. “Anglers should also be familiar with the regulations about registering ice huts.”

 

QUICK FACTS

 

- Ice does not freeze at a uniform thickness across most lakes and rivers, particularly at the start of the winter season when near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice further out.

- Ice that forms over flowing water, springs, pressure cracks, old ice holes or around the mouths of rivers and streams can be weaker than surrounding ice.

 

- The strongest ice is clear blue in colour. White or opaque ice is much weaker, and ice with a honeycombed look should be avoided.

 

- Added precautions must be taken when travelling on frozen lakes or rivers. Snowmobiles require at least 20 centimetres of clear blue ice and most light vehicles require 30 centimetres or more. Double these amounts if the ice is white or opaque.

 

- A layer of heavy snow on a frozen lake or river can insulate the ice below and slow down freezing.

 

LEARN MORE

 

Read more about the registration of ice fishing huts.

 

Find out more about fishing licences and laws - (ontario.ca/fishing).

 

Check regulation changes in the upcoming winter fishing season. (PDF)

 

For More Information

 

Ivan Langrish, Minister’s Office, 416-314-2212

 

Barry Radford, Communications Services Branch, 416-314-2123

 

General EnquiriesNatural Resources Information Centre

1-800-667-1940

TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)