Pipe Fishing Club gives ice warning

PIPE - With sturgeon spearing set to begin in two days, another fishing club is putting out an ice warning.

The Pipe Fishing Club on the east shore of Lake Winnebago reminds people that ice conditions vary greatly across the lake. Club leaders say a line of trees placed on the lake is not an indication the ice is safe. Clubs place tree lines on the ice as navigational tools.

The club reports several areas of ice more than 12 inches thick, but says there are also areas where the ice is less than 10 inches thick. The only way to measure ice thickness is to drill into the ice.

Club leaders remind people heading out onto the ice to be extremely careful, check with others familiar with local ice conditions. They also suggest walking ahead of a vehicle to check ice conditions.

Experts say the ice on Lake Winnebago or any lake is never completely safe.