I’m out on an undisclosed Michigan lake, looking to catch a few fish. 

Before I channel my inner Yooper and head out onto the ice, we should talk about not falling in.

Here’s the deal: Not all ice is created equal.

Clear, solid ice? That’s the good stuff, the filet mignon of ice.

But cloudy or slushy ice? That’s more like soggy leftovers.

Cloudy ice has air bubbles in it, which makes it weaker. And slushy ice? That’s what happens when ice gets lazy. It melts, refreezes, and totally forgets its job.

If you’re walking, you need 4 inches of clear ice.

Bringing the snowmobile? 5 to 7 inches.

And if you’re planning to park your F-150, or in my case a jeep, on the lake—you need 12 to 15 inches.

Michigan lakes are trickier than they look. One spot could hold a truck, while 10 feet away, you’re swimming with the fish.

Clear ice and a little common sense: That’s the recipe for a Michigan winter to remember.

James Zandstra is an experienced outdoorsman with a passion for the Mitten State. Follow his work on X @TheFairChase1.