Ice Fishermen Beware!
By Gary Moore
It has been cold and ice has formed on many bodies of water so those of us who ice fish are anxious to get out. Just be careful. It is still early in the season.
Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a "rule of thumb" on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or All-Terrain Vehicle travel.
Keep in mind that thick ice does not always mean safe ice. It is possible for ice to be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes. Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.
I like the saying, Thick and blue, tried and true
Thin and crispy, way too risky
Vermont Fishing Regs Take Effect With New Year
Vermont anglers will want to know about several changes to fishing regulations that take effect on January 1, according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
Most notable are the updated regulations referring to panfish and the use of baitfish. Additional changes can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations booklet available free from license agents and on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Panfish: For most waters other than Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, daily limits of panfish have become more restrictive. Bluegill, Bullhead, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass and Yellow Perch have a combined daily limit of 50 fish, no more than 25 of which can be Black Crappie or White Crappie.
The commercial sale of crappie is now prohibited.
Anglers who wish to sell their catch will need to add a free fish seller’s endorsement to their license.
Baitfish: The current three-year cycle of the wild baitfish endorsement expires on 12/31/2025. If you would like to harvest baitfish between 1/1/26 and 12/31/28 you will need to take the quiz and add the free tag to your license.
You can now use a larger minnow trap to harvest your own baitfish. The size of a legal minnow trap has increased from no longer than 18” with an entrance not exceeding 1” in diameter to no longer than 24” with an entrance not exceeding 2.5” in diameter. This means that folks will be able to target larger fish to use as bait.
Stay Hydrated even In Winter
Staying hydrated is important when active outdoors. Just because it is winter and below freezing does not mean hydration is any less important.
Drink plenty of fluids even if you are not thirsty and check your urine. Clear is great, bright yellow is not.
The old adage hikers recite in summer and fall is worth remembering in the winter. POPC, pee often, pee clear.