whats the minimum amount of ice needed for ice fishing i just started going and would like to get out a time or 2 again but its getting warmer out but supposed to dip below 30 this weekend after 3 days above 40. now when i went out on the river sunday it was bout 8in will alot of that melt by this weekend with a few warmer days but the lows still around 32 with wind.

The ice thickness will be about the same but with warm temperatures and melting of the snow on top it may honeycomb. The water on top will work it's way through the ice and weaken it. Use extreme caution. Thickness does not mean strength. Use a spud to check the integrity of the ice. First and Last Ice is when folks go through. Fish with someone experienced and never alone.

when we go its me my brother in law and my nephew. we dont have alot of stuff me and my nephew are new to it what is a spud. but i supose if theres others out there like last time it should be safe idk i wanna get there at sun up to get the good spot so i dont want to be the idiot to go threw

A Spud Bar is used to test the quality and thickness of the ice. If it breaks through with 3 hits stay off. With water on the top it will be difficult to read any underwater springs so be very careful

Defined below:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spud_bar

Be careful on river ice! It can change daily. Especially when there is a warm up. Make sure the river isn't rising or you might find yourself floating downstream on a brand new ice-raft.

i might have to have the welding class here at work make me one of them spud bars

Be careful on river ice! It can change daily. Especially when there is a warm up. Make sure the river isn't rising or you might find yourself floating downstream on a brand new ice-raft.

Ditto!  Rivers are particularly dangerous.  Rising waters (which often occur during thaw periods) can undercut the ice.  If you do fall through, the current could easily pull you under the ice and then it's curtains.

well its 53 calm and sunny today calling for the same tomorrow but night temps are around 30. this weekend and next week is calling for low 30's for a high and mid 20's.

What river?  I seriously doubt anyone will be on the ice this weekend.  If they are, they are nuts.  Remember, ice melts off 1st near shore.

What river? I seriously doubt anyone will be on the ice this weekend. If they are, they are nuts. Remember, ice melts off 1st near shore.

If your talking strictly rivers/moving water I agree. But there is 15"+ of ice on my lake right now, 10"+ on Conesus, and 14"+ on Honeoye. I was out there today, this little warm up is not going to kill the ice. Just stay away from any run-in spots. If this lasted a week, yeah, forget it. The shore ice would be shot.

To the OP, 4" of good CLEAR "black ice" is the LEAST I will walk on, I like to see 6" to feel 100% about it. I will never be the first one on, or the last one off in a season. Let the crazy idiots test the ice. I usually let my buddy Noel walk out first  ;D

were fishing three bridges in front of narbys by Point breeze its Oak orchard river. one of my students was farther up stream yesterday and said there was still 7inches perch still biting good