State of Vermont cautions fishermen about thin areas of ice.(Vermont Daily News file photo)

Waterbury, Vt – February 26, 2010 - Ice fishing has been excellent in recent weeks, but the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is urging anyone venturing onto the ice to use caution.

“Ice conditions are deteriorating,” said Colonel David LeCours, Vermont’s chief game warden. “Ice is melting, water is warming and ice is moving away from shore in some places, so we are asking anyone going fishing to be extra careful. Conditions can change hourly, so keep an eye on the conditions around you.”

At the same time, in response to the warming water and longer days, many fish such as walleye, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch and northern pike are moving closer to their spawning areas and feeding heavily in preparation for spawning. Fishing can be a lot of fun and very productive.

LeCours says if you are going ice fishing, don’t go alone, carry a cell phone, a floatation vest, ice spikes to pull yourself out, leave your motor vehicle on shore, and check ice thickness as you go.

“We like to see people enjoying a good fishing experience,” added LeCours, “but we are very concerned about everyone staying safe.”

LeCours also offered a reminder that ice shanties must be removed from the ice before the ice becomes unsafe or loses its ability to support them, or before the last Sunday in March, the 28th this year. He also pointed out that walleye fishing season closes March 15.

-Vermont Daily News report and Vt. Dept. of Natural Resources press release