Where to find Maine ice thickness reports this winter
By Susan Bard, Bangor Daily News Outdoors Editor
Maine lakes and ponds are beginning to freeze as winter sets in, but ice conditions remain variable across the state. Early ice can be unpredictable, and thickness can differ from one area to another, even on the same waterbody.
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife provides winter fishing reports with notes on ice conditions and safety guidelines, as well as an ice safety web page with recommendations on checking ice thickness.
ICE THICKNESS — Cold Stream Pond south of Lincoln in March. The milky, whitish-gray ice shows ripples and varying textures, indicating inconsistent thickness, with some areas appearing thinner or wet near the shoreline.
The Lake Stewards of Maine maintain an ice-in and ice-out map that tracks when lakes freeze over and thaw, based on volunteer observations. While it does not provide ice thickness measurements, it can help confirm whether ice has formed before seeking local thickness reports.
Community‑reported ice measurements are available in the Ice Thickness in Maine Facebook group, where members share recent ice thickness reports and conditions.
Walking generally requires 4-6 inches of clear ice, snowmobiles or ATVs need 5-7 inches and cars or small trucks require 8-12 inches. Ice can be thinner near inlets, outlets, springs or areas with underwater currents. Ice thickness should be measured in multiple locations with an ice chisel or pick.
For the most current location-specific conditions, people traveling from farther away can contact an IFW regional office during the week to speak with a biologist or warden familiar with local waters and how ice usually forms there.
Many snowmobile clubs post ice and trail conditions on their websites and Facebook pages, using reports from local riders and volunteers. Bait shops are another reliable source, often sharing recent firsthand information from anglers already on the ice, while sporting camps that operate in winter track conditions on nearby lakes and ponds and can provide updates for visitors.