Mike Jones of Elko caught this 22-inch rainbow trout at Wildhorse last weekend. “Trout and perch fishing are good in Hendricks and Penrod arms, though be careful of the early season ice,” said Joe Doucette of the Nevada Department of Wildlife. “Drill test holes before venturing too far upon it.”
We’ve been talking about how early ice is variable and what can be safe one day may not be the next. This week, it warmed up at Wildhorse and even with signs posted, people ventured upon the ice without drilling test holes for thickness and several people had their feet punch through, while one person even went completely through.
Luckily, no serious accidents, but there could have been. Ice off the state park boat ramp ranged from as thin as one inch up to six inches and along the pressure ridges there was even some open water. It is not recommended to venture onto the ice from the state park. Ice in the Penrod and Hendricks Arms appears to be a bit more stable averaging four to six inches, but again, drill test holes before going on too far.
Don’t fish alone and please make sure to have the appropriate safety gear with you. Items should include a throw rope, throwable flotation device and ice claws.
If someone goes in, don’t go to the edge of the ice to try to help them, you may end up in the water yourself. Throw them a flotation device and then a rope to help pull them out. Stay prone on the ice to spread out your weight.
If you go in yourself, use a swimming motion and try to swim your way back onto the ice in the direction you came from. The ice supported you there until you went through. Once out, stay prone and crawl to where you know it is safe.
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