How To Take Your Dog Ice Fishing: Advice, Courtesies, & Tips
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Many people take their dogs everywhere with them outdoors. If you want to take your dog ice fishing with you this winter, then do it. You can gain great joy having your four-legged companion by your side.
In this article, I will cover some basic things to watch out for and some ideas to make yours and your dogs’ time on the ice a safe and enjoyable one.
It’s also important to be courteous to other ice fishermen fishing around you. Just use common sense and some compassion for your dog and the people ice fishing around you.
Find out where and how far apart to drill ice holes for the best results.
How To Take Your Dog Ice Fishing
Make Sure It’s Legal
I’m not sure if it is legal to take a dog ice fishing in all states but you should consult your state’s fishing regulations if you have any doubt in your mind.
Most states, if they do put any limits on dogs ice fishing, will require dogs to be kept on a leash to limit conflict associated with wandering dogs. Even more likely is there may be posted signs at your lake advising dogs to be leashed.
Again, I’m not aware of any anti-dog ice fishing laws but just be cautious and make sure your state allows it and what restrictions you have to abide by.
Don’t Let Your Dog Wander
Let your dog play but don’t let them wander. Even during the dead of winter, a lake can be a dangerous place. Unfortunately, ice fishermen forget fishing gear which your dog could step on getting a nice hook in his paw.
There may be certain patches of ice that are razor thin especially over moving water, warm springs, etc which your dog could fall through.
A doggy life-jacket is a great idea for taking your do ice fishing just in case. Another thing to keep in mind is snow-covered ice is hard to tell apart from snow-covered land. You could be walking and peeing on someone’s private backyard and not the edge of the lake like you think.
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Monitor Your Dog’s Paws
This is a big one. Ice and snow can be fun for your dog to play with and slide on but it can quickly turn to a situation where your dog’s paws are raw and bleeding. You could buy your dog special snowshoes if he’ll wear them. If not, simply monitor his paws.
If you start seeing your dog lift one paw off the ice while standing, check his paws. If you see them looking raw or even red, you should get your dog off the snow and ice.
Snow packed between the toes can cause some cuts and raw skin. If you notice little specks of blood in the snow where your dog stands, likewise, time to go. Your dog may not feel any pain while he’s playing but his paws will be very tender in the days after.
If you know your dog won’t wear shoes, try out these musher’s paw wax (also available at Amazon) that will protect their paws from ice and snow, but be a lot less intrusive.
Keep Your Dog Away from other Ice Fishermen
If you are going to bring your dog ice fishing, be courteous to other fishermen around you. Your dog is not their dog and they didn’t choose to bring it to the lake with them.
Many fishermen will welcome a friendly dog to their zone but many other fishermen simply will not want your dog sniffing around their gear, their ice holes, or their children.
If you are fishing on a remote patch of ice without any ice fishermen in sight, feel free to let your dog play. But if you are surrounded by other fishermen you don’t know, be courteous to them and let them enjoy their time on the ice dog-free. A simple leash will be adequate.
Provide a Blanket or Mat
Give your dog a nice, comfortable place to rest. Ice and snow can be harsh to stand and lay on for hours. Your dog will be wandering and enjoying himself but will want a comfortable spot to relax. A simple blanket or dog mat will be a great addition to your trip.
Having a cushioned mat or blanket will make the day more enjoyable for your dog and you’ll hear less whining from him. By providing a good lay-down spot for your dog, both you and the dog will be able to ice fish longer.
Monitor Your Dog’s Comfort-Level
You will be bundled up with a heavy coat, insulated boots, and gloves. You may be drinking from a hot thermos of coffee. Your dog, on the other hand, won’t have any of these creature comforts. If your dog starts shivering, it’s time to go or at least take him into the car to warm up.
Don’t just keep an eye out for shivering, dogs can get overheated if they are active and it’s a warmer day on the ice. Just because you are nice and comfortable doesn’t mean your dog is. Always keep a close eye on their condition.
Don’t Leave Hooks & Gear Laying on the Ice
This is a big one. Be careful not to leave your fishing gear, hooks, and electronics laying around on the ice. You don’t want to take your dog to the vet to have a fishing hook removed from her paw or stomach if she swallows it.
To a lesser extreme, you don’t want to have to buy new electronics and fishing gear if your dog breaks it either.
Dogs can break fishing rods with one misstep. They can bump expensive electronics into the water. Keep your gear organized and off the ice where dogs can reach it.
Food, Water & Toys
This goes without saying but bring some food and toy items to occupy your dog. Food probably isn’t a huge deal as you’ll only be on the ice a few hours but some treats or a chew-bone can go a long way to keeping them happy and excited to be there with you. Likewise, a toy can keep them entertained and occupied.
You do need to consider their water situation. If you are okay letting them drink from the lake, you can simply drill them a hole in the ice or scoop out some lake water for their dish. If you don’t want them drinking lake water, a water bottle is good enough for them to drink from.
Personally, I would rather just carry an extra water bottle than have them drink lake water. I don’t think it would hurt them but it’s just my personal preference. Whatever you choose, just don’t neglect your dog’s water requirements.
Dogs May Inhibit Some Ice Fishing Success
If you are taking your dog fishing with you, just like taking a child, you are under the agreement fishing will be a bit harder. Like kids, dogs make noise, distract you, get into things, knock over things, and generally give you a little extra to worry about aside from ice fishing.
Dogs and kids will time making noises and walking all over the ice. These footsteps could alert some fish below the ice. Dogs could also bump tip-ups and set them off. I’m probably over-exaggerating this section some but dogs make your job just a little bit harder.
Let Your Dog Decide Fishing is Done
Ultimately, if your dog is done, you should be too. Ice fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors with your dog but let them decide when it’s time to go home.
If they are antsy or shivering, take the note and start picking up your gear. Don’t be stubborn if it makes your dog miserable. Be a responsible dog owner and understand your dog’s needs and wants.
Concluding Thoughts
Dogs can be a great companion to have on the ice while ice fishing. They are a bundle of excitement and are sure to keep you laughing. Just know that they will give you an extra responsibility to watch over them and keep them out of trouble.
Be courteous to other ice fishermen who don’t want to play with your dog. And lastly, be mindful of your dog’s comfort and needs. If your dog Is over ice fishing for the day, the best thing to do is start gathering your gear and heading to the truck.
