For those drawn to the frozen Schuylkill River, the icy expanse might seem like the perfect place for ice fishing, but unfortunately, that activity is prohibited, writes Nate File for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Ice fishing is illegal in Philly,” said Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Eric Gripp.
While ice fishing is not explicitly banned, walking onto the ice to create a hole and cast a line violates city rules.
“You can’t walk, swim, or be in/on the waterway – unless in a vessel – regardless as to whether or not it’s frozen,” said Gripp.
Following reports over the weekend of adults and children walking on the frozen Schuylkill River, authorities began warning residents earlier this week not to step onto the ice. According to the Police Department’s directive on code violations, activities such as ice skating, skiing, and sledding are considered violations.
Ice fishing would violate several of the city ordinances as well, incurring a summary offense and a $25 fine for each violation.
Authorities warned that ice covering the Schuylkill River may appear thick, but its integrity is dangerously unpredictable, making activities like ice fishing extremely dangerous.
Read more about the dangers of ice fishing along the Schuylkill in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
