Lake Erie Ice Fishing Rescue: Two Stranded After Dangerous Ice Break Near Buffalo, NY

Two ice fishermen were safely rescued Sunday evening after dangerous ice conditions left them stranded about a mile offshore on Lake Erie in western New York.

The dramatic rescue unfolded around 6:30 p.m. after a sheet of ice separated near Sturgeon Point, trapping the fishermen, who had no safe way to return to shore. The ice had shifted about 25 feet, creating a gap too wide to jump across, Erie County Sheriff's Lt. Chris Schreiber said in a statement.

"Swimming would have been extremely dangerous," Schreiber said, noting the life-threatening conditions the fishermen faced.

The Erie County Sheriff's Office worked alongside the U.S. Coast Guard in the rescue operation. Using infrared technology, the sheriff's aviation unit located the stranded fishermen in the darkness.

A Coast Guard Ice Rescue Team transported a rescue boat across the treacherous ice to extract one fisherman and their equipment. Meanwhile, a sheriff's search and rescue technician was lowered onto the ice by helicopter to assist the second fisherman, who was then airlifted to safety at Sturgeon Point Marina.

Both men were evaluated by Evans Fire Department personnel and appeared to be in good condition.

Current Lake Erie Ice Safety Guidelines

If you're thinking about ice fishing, you should always follow these essential safety protocols:

Before heading out:

• Check local ice thickness reports (minimum 4 inches for walking, 5-7 inches for snowmobiles)
• Monitor weather forecasts for temperature changes and wind conditions
• Carry ice picks, rope and waterproof communication devices

While on the ice:

• Stay aware of changing conditions throughout the day
• Avoid areas with currents, inlet streams or darker ice
• Fish in groups and maintain visual contact with shore when possible

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Erie Ice Fishing Safety

Lake Erie ice fishing can be relatively safe with proper precautions, but conditions change rapidly. The lake's shallow depth and strong currents make ice conditions less predictable than smaller inland lakes.

What should you do if ice breaks while fishing?

Stay calm, call for help immediately if you have communication devices, avoid panicking in the water and try to distribute your weight if you're still on the ice. Having ice picks and rope can be lifesaving.

When is ice fishing season in Western New York?

Ice fishing season typically runs from late December through February, depending on weather conditions. Always check current ice thickness and safety reports before heading out.

Who should I contact for current Lake Erie ice conditions?

Check with local bait shops, the National Weather Service Buffalo office and Erie County emergency services for the most current ice condition reports.

This rescue operation near Evans, New York, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response but also underscores the importance of ice fishing safety awareness throughout the Buffalo area and broader Western New York region. As Great Lakes ice conditions remain variable this winter, authorities continue urging caution for all ice fishing activities on Lake Erie.

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.