PIERRE, S.D. - Anglers using dark-house spearing methods for winter ice fishing should mark their abandoned holes as a safety precaution.

With the statewide expansion of dark-house spearing for northern pike, those venturing onto the ice this winter should also be aware of the increased risk from spearing holes.

Dark-house spearing involves cutting a large hole in the ice and using a portable or permanent ice house to keep light conditions low, allowing the spearer to see pike below the ice.

When a portable shack is used and removed from the ice daily, this can leave a large open hole that others traveling on the ice could fall through or drive over with an ATV or other vehicle. In addition to holes in the ice, blocks of ice removed to create spearing holes are sometimes left on top of the ice, creating potential hazards for vehicles.

Spear fishermen are being asked, out of courtesy to others, to mark their abandoned holes with natural objects, such as branches or brightly marked wooden lath to indicate the potential hazards.

Ice anglers and other users are urged to use caution and be aware of their surroundings when traveling on frozen lakes. 

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