Fishing on the ice is a kick. But keep in mind that the type of ice fishing I’m talking about is the kind that’s done on lakes and ponds.

I know that there’s ice on rivers and streams, but this is one hard-water angler who won’t be found ice fishing over moving water — no matter how thick the ice might look.

Cold weather in ice fishing country means that there’s little chance you’ll get crowded with other anglers. It’ s a type of fishing that doesn’t normally generate big crowds — unless there is a local tournament scheduled that day.

If the weather is clear, the day can be quite beautiful. And you can have a great time on the ice if you are dressed for it.

A well-insulated body doesn’t assure a warm day unless the head, hands and feet are properly considered. Also, your eyes will thank you if you have dark glasses to handle the sun and snow glare. To help with neck and face coverage, bring a balaclava in addition to lip balm and sunscreen. Additionally, a coat hood and warm hat with ear flaps will handle breezes just right.

Remember, moving water can create dangerously thin ice spots that aren’t visible from the top. Lake ice also needs scrutiny, for blowing sand can mix with ice, weakening the ice surface while attracting sun heat for melting purposes.

Don’t buy the thought that most ice is safe. Upwelling spring water could be an ice-thinning problem in spots. Avoid getting too close to inlets ... or even outlets, for that matter.

Any structure can attract sun heat, so take care around docks, bridges, visible rocks and even shorelines where sun heat can radiate trouble. If this is a new lake to you, check around locally before you move out. Talk to proprietors of fishing shops, gas stations, Division of Wildlife or park personnel who work in the area. Trails used by a number of ice fishermen and lots of folks actually fishing are a good indicator that the ice has every chance of being safe.

Nobody fishing today? Lack of hard-water anglers could mean bad ice, so pay attention to such clues.

The best access plan is to walk, not ride an ATV or snowmobile. Too much weight could break ice, no matter how thick.

Besides, vehicle retrieval from a lake bottom could get expensive. New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As you advance onto the ice, watch for problems where ice meets shore. Rising or falling lake water can create fractures and moats, so use caution when crossing. Avoid walking over old ice holes as they might not have thick ice yet.

Ice huts are usually lightweight and comfortable on windy or slightly snowy days. Those can be backpacked or pulled on a bucket sled with your tackle and ice auger.

But ice huts also can be a problem to chase down if the wind is strong and anchoring is weak. An extra hole, some rope and a stout stick spanning the hole under the ice should hold everything down.

Small jigs tipped with mealworms or grubs are great starters, and other jigging spoons and lures also take fish at times. Ask around, spy on other anglers or even ask for suggestions or help from nearby successful anglers.

Fish always seem to taste better when caught through the ice too. At least they do to me.

Definitely, don’t take on the ice alone. A snow squall or fog can get you lost or at least cause an unnecessarily long walk to get back to your vehicle.

To avoid getting lost, add a compass as part of your gear, along with a simple pair of ice picks attached to a connecting cord.

This assures fallen anglers a way to pull out of a hole and slippery ice to safety. Any flotation gear, ice testing stick, boot cleats and even your cell phone are good stuff to take along.

Give ice fishing a try. Go with a hard-water veteran to save time and improving catch rate. And finally, stay warm, dry and on top of the ice.

Local fishing and hunting expert Dick Hess can be reached at ColoradoHess@hotmail.com.