Ice roads to be installed this weekend

NEENAH - There is currently a foot of ice on Lake Winnebago.

Even though sturgeon spearing doesn't start until February 13, ice fishing clubs will be out this weekend to clear the way for roads on the ice.

"We've got a lot of fish out there,” said Ron Bruch of the Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources. “It's just a matter of getting people out there safely and having clear enough water so they can see them."

Fishing clubs want to make sure safety is a top priority this year. Even though many people are already fishing, clubs are asking people to wait for roads before driving on the ice.

"It's crazy to jump the gun," said Dale Frank, who is on the board of directors at the Paynes Point Fishing Club.

"You have to know what you're doing and the best advice you can get is from people like us because we check it on nearly a daily basis and we'll never send you in the wrong direction," said Frank.

Even after checking in, it's also a good idea to take precautions when driving on the ice.

"You're out walking in front of your vehicle drilling through the ice, checking the thicknesses, watching for cracks or whatever,” said Bruch. “That's really the only way to be safe is to know for sure yourself, and you're on good ice."

"It's not a playground, and if you don't know what you're doing, go out with somebody who has experience," said Frank.

Fishing clubs are hoping the cold weather will help produce another two to three inches of ice before the weekend. Roads on both sides of the lake are expected to be installed Saturday.