Safe Ice Thickness | Can You Ice Fish in Pennsylvania?

Safe Ice Thickness is Your Most Important Ice Fishing Priority

ICE FISHING

January 11, 2021 by FISH THIS STAFF

Pennsylvania is not what many would call a major ice fishing destination. States like Minnesota, Michigan, and other northern midwestern states make their name with hardwater opportunities. However, you can ice fish in Pennsylvania with great success if and when winter cooperates.

Anglers can find ice fishing opportunities all across Pennsylvania. Certain lakes receive additional winter trout stockings specifically for ice fishing enthusiasts. Regardless of your target species, season and creel limits apply on state waterways just like other times of the year.

When Can You Ice Fish in Pennsylvania?

​Ice fishing opportunities abound in the Keystone State. There are however, two caveats. First, there has to be safe ice. Second, you have to follow season and creel limits for both the species you are fishing for and the lakes you are fishing.

Safe Ice Thickness

Safe ice thickness is standardized throughout the world. Generally, 4-inches of ice is the minimum for safe fishing. Anything less than 4-inches is NOT SAFE to fish on. Of course, some anglers will test the limits of safe ice thickness but 4-inches is a good standard to go by. 

Most importantly, however, is to understand ice thickness is not uniform on a lake or pond. Simply because you measure ice thickness at 4-inches in one spot does not mean it is the same 6-feet in another direction. ​You need to constantly check the thickness of ice as you move and throughout your day of ice fishing in Pennsylvania. 

Ice Thickness Guidelines

Ice Thickness	What Can it Hold?
Less than 4-inches	Not safe
4-inches	One Angler (~200-lbs)
5-inches	Ice shelter and gear (~800-lbs)
6-inches	Small group of anglers (~1,200-lbs)
7-inches	Snow machines and ATV's
8-inches	Small car (~2,000-lbs)
Above 8-inches	Larger vehicles, multiple groups of anglers

How to Measure Ice Thickness

Pennsylvania is notorious for variable ice thickness. Temperatures vary in the winter and weather patterns change the condition and depth of ice each day. Ice fishing blogs and forums and local stores are the best place to start for ice thickness. They will be able to give you a general idea of ice conditions. If the ice looks good, plan your fishing trip. Once you arrive, you will need a spud bar, safety rope, and other ice fishing accessories. The spud bar allows you to check the ice as you go from the shore to further parts of the lake. A safety rope is important incase you fall through but if you checking ice that should be a rarity. Always check the ice thickness yourself and do not rely on others or reports.

Safe Ice Thickness Rules

• Ice thickness below 4-inches is not safe
• Check ice thickness every few feet to make sure ice is consistent and safe
• Always ice fish with another angler
• Avoid areas on the ice that are slushy, cracked, or obviously appear unsafe

The ice fishing season in Pennsylvania is relatively short. Most years, hardwater anglers can expect at least a few weeks with safe ice. The variability in winter weather, however, makes it critically important to understand safe ice thickness to determine if you can ice fish in the state on a particular lake.