[JWoods]

Hey everyone i have a quick question about ice safety. I have a good friend who has a small farm pond outside burlington wi and during open water it is a haven for monster crappie and bass. Being as this is my first season on the ice I have never fished it thru the ice. During the summer and when there is open water there are two aerators that keep the water oxygenated and keep all the moss and surface growth pushed out to the sides of the pond. i have not been up there to see if he even keeps these aerators running in the winter months. My question is if these aerators are running what will it do to the ice formation? will the pond be safe other than where the aerator is at or will it cause a current thru the entire pond and weaken the ice on the entire pond.
thanx again chitowners

[DANCES WITH FISH]

There are too many variables to tell you if the ice would be suitable to fish or not. The only way to know for sure is to check for yourself. Chances are, if it's a small pond with two aerators going, it will not be safe. If the pond is deep enough to get the fish through the winter without a kill, most owners will shut the aerators off during the winter months.

[JWoods]

so I called up there and apparently the aerators are still on I dont think the pond gets any deeper than 10 feet or so. With the aerators on and with your advice im guessing its not worth the drive up there thanks for your help