Tuesday 5 January 2010

Ice fishing in Muskoka

No! Don't! Not yet.

More time needed before Simcoe is safe for ice anglers Jan. 2, 2010


Ya think? We need below zero for more than this.

But some fisherfolk have headed out onto the bays in Lake Couchiching on four to five inches of ice. Ice thickness on Lake Simcoe is still inconsistent and not safe for ice fishing. Larger lakes, like Muskoka, are noted for this. We lost two beautiful community members last year in

While some areas measure six inches, the thickness goes down to three inches or less with no indication of the variation on the surface.
 There are still big areas of Lake Simcoe that are open water.

Despite all the snow in Parry Sound, Muskoka Haliburton areas, trails there are closed because of the recent rain and warm conditions. We have a ton of snow, but the ground is not frozen yet. You can see from my photo of the lakeshore. The bogs and swamps are insulated, and they are not safe for a heavy machine. The snow melts at the edge of the lakeshore, and the ice is thin. With colder temperatures and more snow anticipated this week, more trails should be opening.  
Trails in the Orillia District Snowmobile Club area are closed, ... "We get people coming up from other areas and they'll see what looks like a perfectly frozen lake,"



While some differ in their estimates, for light equipment like a snowmobile, at least six to eight inches of ice is needed. For heavier equipment, like a snowmobile, Hales wants to see at least 10 to 12 inches.

There are way too many incidents and drownings around here. There were eleven last year, 9 the year before.

I cannot imagine how crews cope. A with our military, you have to first admit you have a problem, and then get help with it. PTSD is ignored or denied in this group.

Groups, like our OPP and Toronto Police, are realising that  there is stress around dealing with the ill, dead, dying, and drowned and frozen corpses. Despite ignorant folks stating the opposite. This is an excellent document attesting to the good that comes from getting help.

Critical Incident Stress Intervention[PDF] (Toronto Police)

The critical incident: concepts and interventions comprises a range of crisis intervention services that usually include precrisis training, individual crisis counseling, group debriefing, and postincident referral for primary and secondary victims. CISM is utilized to address the aftermath of violent acts, and has evolved from earlier crisis intervention and group psychological debriefing procedures. These approaches have been used throughout the world, and CISM is emerging as a standard of care.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Services - Employee ...

31 Aug 2007 ... Description of the services offered by the Employee Assistance Services (Health Canada) through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

9 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

Much as I like to fish I'm not going out on the ice to partake in the sport.

Gaelyn said...

I just can't see where it's worth taking the risk. Winter is just starting, plenty of time to play on thick ice.

Lucy said...

Oh! I hope everyone will stay safe!

EG CameraGirl said...

I saw a few ice houses on Lake Simcoe at Virginia Beach last weekend! Some people are crazy!

Jenn Jilks said...

Good to hear, Travis! And, yes, Gaelyn, so risky. I wonder, L & D, I just hope people think about it and take the safety steps.

Obviously, EG, they are already out there. I remember the shock that went through the community when it all happened. Horrible.

Unknown said...

You can see fishing shacks on all our lakes now, lol. It's like we get more villages in the winters. I would be scared though.

Cloudia said...

magical, dear

Michelle B. Hendry said...

There is 8" under our shack, but, where we go is very shallow and freezes quickly. In most spots the water is only 6' deep. It will be a while before the snowmobile goes out though - and certainly not out into the big bay. I don't like lake running at the best of times!

Yogi♪♪♪ said...

People need to be more careful. I lived near a large lake in Texas and got to know a lot of the fishing guides and it was shocking the number of people I personally knew who drowned because of stupid accidents. Not a one of them ever wore a pfd.