Ice conditions deteriorating

GREEN BAY - A view from 1,700 feet showed just how unstable the ice is on Monday. And anglers say that is not uncommon.

"I like to ice fish, and I'm out there quite a bit, but this time of year, you got to be really careful," said Jim Frazir of Dyckesville.

The DNR agrees. Officials say it just takes some wind, warmer weather, and cracks in the ice to create the large ice islands.

• Photos: Ice conditions on the bay of Green Bay

"You can pretty much assume the ice is going to get worse," said DNR recreational safety warden Jeremy Cords.

And with warmer weather headed our way, it's a trend that will continue.

"Ice is always unpredictable," Cords said. "Ice is like glass, and when there's stress on it, the little fractures start to form and then it'll crack and freeze and will re-crack and might crack in a different spot."

Even when conditions improve, Cords says do your research before heading out.

"That's the great thing about Wisconsin, ice fishing, everyone is friendly and you can start up a conversation pretty easily, how's the fishing going? Let's take a look. Let's take a look at the ice thickness and just look down the ice hole there," Cords explained.

But no ice is considered safe.

Because of that Cords says always have a game plan, and be prepared for the worst.