North Dakota warns anglers of unpredictable ice dangers this winter
Cold weather has helped ice form across North Dakota’s lakes and ponds. But anglers are being warned not to assume conditions are safe. Officials stress that ice thickness can shift quickly, even between trips. Earlier temperature swings and pressure ridges have left some areas with unpredictable ice. What seems solid one day may weaken the next. Game and Fish officials urge caution before stepping onto frozen water. Anglers should also clear all gear from the ice when leaving. Abandoned items can pose risks to others or become hazards. No recent data shows average ice thickness or pinpoints danger zones as of January 21, 2026. The warning comes as winter fishing picks up. Without reliable thickness measurements, anglers must check conditions themselves. Officials remind everyone that no ice is ever completely safe.
