However, the occurrence reminds people that some areas are safer than others, and that venturing onto frozen water inherently carries some amount of risk. Many people who break through ice are not as fortunate or prepared as the gentleman whose amphibious Argo got stuck on Wednesday. And when departments respond to an ice rescue, it requires resources and places emergency responders — often volunteers — in danger as well.

Right now, ice is strong and getting thicker on much of Little Bay de Noc, but there are areas of thin ice and open water, particularly near tributaries and in other places with high current.

Although it is said that “no ice is safe ice,” there are many ways for winter enthusiasts to be safety-minded and take precautions. An individual should avoid going out solo without telling someone the plan and having reliable communication, like a phone with service or two-way radio. Carrying two long nails or screwdrivers is a good way to be prepared to pull oneself out if a fall through ice into deep water happens. There are products like the Jay Rope, designed for both utility and emergency rescues.

An oft-promoted rule of thumb for new, clear ice is that about a four-inch thickness is strong enough to support a person looking to ice fish, five inches should hold a snowmobile, eight to 12 can support a car, and 12 to 15 may support a truck. However, ice should not be trusted too far, and thicknesses may vary — measuring every few steps is wise.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides a rough guide for new, clear ice.

People must keep in mind that when temperatures have been fluctuating, ice may have melted, broken and refroze, making it less stable. Weak, refrozen ice may appear milky.

When visiting unfamiliar areas, it’s good to check with trusted locals — bait shops are a good bet — to find out which spots are most secure and which are dangerous.

On Little Bay de Noc, even when weather has been consistently cold and much of the bay is covered in strong, thick ice, there are places that should be avoided.

In a small cove between Gladstone and Kipling, Butlers Island and the reef surrounding it — marked by a green buoy in the summer — the ice is never well formed. This area is a little northwest of Saunders Point, another spot known to have caused problems for people in the past.

“The current there is so strong it just eats the ice away,” said angler Sarah Greenlund. “Most locals know to avoid it.”

An amphibous vehicle got stuck on Wednesday, prompting unnecessary alerts. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bloedorn)

Despite that, several people have broken through the ice near Butlers Island already this year.

Another area of the upper bay to steer clear of is near and north of Garth Point, where several rivers pour into the bigger body of water. Below is the mouth of the Days River, which should also be treated cautiously or avoided. Rivers tend to be sketchy when it comes to ice cover.

The issue that arose around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday wasn’t due to inexperience. Everybody makes mistakes.

The driver of the Argo — which floats — was an older local man who knew better but misnavigated and turned 100 feet too soon, said Paul “Blade” Bloedorn.

Blade runs a well-known area bait shop and is particularly respected for his ice reports.

Shanties, snowmobiles, trucks, people and animals are on the frozen bay during good ice conditions in February 2025. (R. R. Brasntrom)

“Every time this happens, it’s somebody disoriented, and then they think, ‘man, I didn’t know I was here,'” Blade said.

When the Argo operator found himself stuck, he called dispatch to advise them that he was not in danger and did not need to be rescued — in case any witnesses were afraid someone was in distress. Blade then helped him call Pro Towing.

But, whether it be out of an abundance of caution or a misunderstanding, responders were dispatched to the Kipling boat launch anyway. Volunteers from Masonville with an airboat, plus a deputy and officer from the Delta County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene at 7:34 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the report filed with the sheriff’s office.

After gearing up and heading out onto the ice, Masonville volunteers were told their help was not needed “and that emergency services should have already been canceled,” read the report.

Responders cleared the scene at 8:42 a.m.

A chocolate lab owned by an ice fisherman runs to greet a cameraman on Little Bay de Noc. (Courtesy photo)

Pro Towing ended up helping the Argo break free.

“The good thing is, nobody was hurt, and like I said, he was more stuck. There’s nothing that was submerged, nothing that went in under the ice… Big difference,” Blade said.

Blade reassured people that most of Little Bay de Noc has some of the best ice in years. Many areas are heavily scattered with ice shanties and anglers who are being smart and staying safe.

Another region that’s less trustworthy on Little Bay de Noc these days is the lower bay — south of the narrows between Gladstone and Hunters Point, though decades ago, the county use to maintain a plowed ice road across the bay, shortening the drive between Escanaba and Stonington. It wouldn’t be advisable today; the weather is warmer, and vehicles are much heavier.

For details on Little Bay de Noc fishing and ice conditions from the Kipling-based authority who travels in another amphibious vehicle, a Wilcraft, and takes regular measurements, people may read Blade’s reports at bladesbait.com and occasionally in the Daily Press.

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R. R. Branstrom may be reached at 906-786-2021, ext. 140, or rbranstrom@dailypress.net.