There are many dangers involved with ice fishing. Ice needs to freeze to at least four inches in depth to support the weight of humans, and a foot to support the weight of vehicles. Care must be taken, because sometimes ice will break and move with currents, leaving open areas which refreeze with much thinner ice. In Alaska, off-shore winds can break off wide pans of ice stranding large numbers of fisherman. Late winter warm spells can destroy the texture of the ice, which, while still of the required thickness, will not adequately support weight. It is called rotten ice and is exceedingly dangerous. Some ice fishermen will continue to fish, but will carry a pole horizontally to hold them, if they fall through. Fishermen may carry a self rescue device made of two screwdrivers connected by a string to help pull them back onto the ice out of the water.

Ice gear is highly specialized. First, an ice saw or auger is required to cut a circular hole or larger rectangular hole in the ice. Power augers are sometimes used. A strainer is sometimes required to remove new ice as it forms. There are three main types of ice techniques. Small, light rods with small, brightly colored lures may be used in jigging for fish. Tip-ups, which carry a line attached to a flag that tips up when a strike occurs, allow unattended or less-intensive fishing. The line is drug in by hand with no reel. In spear a large hole is cut in the ice and fish decoys may be deployed. The fisherman stands over the hole while holding a large spear attached to a line.


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