DELAFIELD, Wis. — Andrew Pavlekovich and Kody Lehr love ice fishing. It’s why on a Friday morning they were leaving Dick Smith’s Live Bait and Tackle with a bucket full of bait. Normally these friends like to fish close to home, but today were planning to drive 60 miles north to Fox Lake. 

What You Need To Know

  • While many lakes in the state are frozen, warmer weather in southern parts of the state are creating questionable ice conditions

  • The weather is driving people to explore northern parts of the state when it comes to ice fishing and other winter outdoor activities 

  • If you are planning to head out on the ice anywhere in Wisconsin, check ice conditions before you venture out, and to bring safety equipment to test ice thickness

“Driving that far you have to prepare for a longer drive and you aren’t getting much fishing time,” said Pavlekovich. 

Questionable ice conditions on inland lakes across southeastern Wisconsin prompted these friends to head a bit farther north. Staff at Dick Smith’s said they have been seeing this quite a bit.

While many lakes are frozen over, store co-owner Mike Smith said ice thickness has been less predictable this year. 

“We had the 40s, days over 50, rain, it kind of deteriorates the ice over time, especially warm nights,” said Smith. 

While he has a loyal customer base, Smith said questionable ice conditions have led to a small drop in business this winter. 

“Last year at this time we had real good ice the whole January so we had a lot of people out. Friends, families, kids — this year a lot of the seasoned veterans are getting out, not the people who may not know as much about the ice conditions,” said Smith. 

If you are planning to head out on the ice anywhere in Wisconsin, Smith said it is always important to check ice conditions before you venture out, and to bring safety equipment to test ice thickness. ​

Related Stories