Bring Supplies, Smarts While Ice Fishing

Anchor Bay fishermen don't let winter stand between them and their catch.

And, while ice fishing can be treacherous, they say it's a favorite and popular pastime off and 's shoreline.

Clinton Township resident Clyde Beatty is a longtime, local ice fisherman who enjoys the excitement of reeling in fish as well as spending quality time with his son James.

“I’ve been fishing in the area for many years,” Beatty said. “The Salt River area is the best place to go.”

Ice fishing is similar to traditional fishing but requires a short-sized fishing pole and some know how for safely navigating the ice.

Mike Ward, manager of in Chesterfield Township, said that nobody should walk out onto the ice without an ice fishing “spud,” or long metal pole with angled teeth on one end used for checking thickness.

“The ice, it’s never safe,” Ward said. “Even if it’s a foot thick, I never tell anyone it’s safe.”

In fact, and caution the public about the dangers of venturing onto the ice. While it's allowed with the proper permits, they strongly advise against it.

Ward recommends that ice fishermen take precautions by looking out for differences in the ice's appearance. He said signs of trouble include areas of ice that appear to have blown out and reformed since newer layers are never as thick.

Bubbles are also cause for concern and mean the ice formed gas pockets and is unstable. Ward recommends calling the U.S. Coast Guard in emergency situations.

“Just be aware of whatever you’re doing,” he said. “Watch where you’re going on snowmobiles and don’t go out as far as others. Those guys farthest out usually have a clue about where the thickest ice is.”

Many ice fishermen forget to look out for holes made by others, according to Ward. As a safety precaution and courtesy, one should place the cut-out piece of ice in an upright position in the hole made to signal others of the danger.

Ward sells equipment and accessories that he says are vital for ice fishing.

He recommends ice fishermen dress for the sport by wearing a weather-proof pantsuit by Clam Ice Fishing and warns against dressing in too many layers. Clam suits cost about $300 and up.

Must-have ice fishing accessories include a cell phone, ice fishing rods, live bait and minnows. Night crawlers are best reserved for warmer months. Popular this season are electric or gas-powered augers for drilling fishing holes in the ice. Models cost $300 or more depending on drill size. More traditional ice fishermen still opt for hand augers, he said.

Even with supplies in hand, ice fishermen can check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment's Recreational Fishing Report before heading into the bay.

The summary for Lake St. Clair stated Jan. 13 that "ice anglers are catching lots of perch, but many are small."

For more information on the weekly fishing report, visit the DNR's website.