HELENA, Mont. (NMB) – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to remind ice anglers and others recreating on ice to use caution, as conditions vary throughout the state.
If you have the slightest doubt about the safety of the ice, stay off it. Tips the FWP recommends include making sure to test the ice ahead of you with an ice spud bar or an auger and not to leave children unsupervised on the ice.
The minimum ice thickness needed for a snowmobile or ATV is six inches. For a small spread out group, the minimum is five inches, while the minimum is four for a single person with gear.
FWP does not recommend driving automobiles out on the ice, but if you do, the minimum thickness needed for a small automobile is nine inches. For a pickup truck or SUV, the minimum thickness is 12 inches.
Lastly, make sure to carry ice picks with you and let others know where you are fishing before you head out.
