How to Use an Ice Chisel

Ice fishing is a popular pastime across the northernmost region of North America, and especially in Canada and Alaska. Vast spans of frozen water are available for fishing, hunting, and other recreational activities during much of the year. Walking on ice can be dangerous, as the thickness of ice can fluctuate between very thick and very thin on the same body of water. It is best to carry an ice chisel while out on the ice so you can test the thickness of the ice as you walk. The ice chisel is more like a trekking pole with a pointed chisel-like tip. This tool is essential when traversing large spans of ice for remote ice-fishing.

Things You'll Need

  • Ice-chisel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ice chisel vertically like a walking-stick, or trekking-pole. Be careful of the pointed tip to prevent injury.

    • 2

      Stand at the shore. Reach out and place the point down onto the ice and push. Lift up and poke into the hole a few times until you feel the chisel breach the other side.

    • 3

      Pull the ice chisel out and look on the pole to see how far it protruded into the ice. You will see a water line or a mark of snow and ice on the chisel pole.

    • 4

      Measure the distance from the water line to the chisel tip. This is how deep the ice beneath your feet is. As a rule of thumb, do not attempt to cross the ice unless the chisel confirms the ice is at least four inches thick.

    • 5

      Repeat the process every few yards as you walk to periodically check the ice.