Ice is unavoidable during winter on the Champlain Islands. Surrounded on all sides by an icy expanse, islanders embrace this seasonal terrain — as a place to walk the dog, to skate and to fish. 

One North Hero resident sees trucks of ice fishermen driving out onto the lake and wants to know: How do they know when it's safe? 

You can find the web version of this story here. For ice fishing guidance from the state of Vermont, head here.

Thanks to David Erich, of North Hero, for the great question.

This episode was reported and produced by Sabine Poux. Additional editing and production from Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is our executive producer. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music from Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Kevin White and Andy Julow.

As always, our journalism is better when you’re a part of it:

Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.