An early freeze skimmed over lakes and ponds in much of Maine, but snow, rain and warm weather have made ice conditions unpredictable in many parts of the state.

Currently the Maine Warden Service is recommending that people check the thickness of ice before venturing out for any activity on frozen water.

The Warden Service offers these tips for ice safety:

. Never guess the thickness of the ice. Check it. Check the ice in several different places, using an auger or some other means to make a test hole and determine the thickness. Make several holes, beginning at the shore and continuing as you go out.

. Check the ice with a partner so if something does happen, someone is there to help you. If you are doing it alone, wear a life jacket.

. If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off. Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice are other signs of weak spots.

. Avoid areas with currents, around bridges, and pressure ridges. Wind and currents can break ice.

. Parents should alert children of unsafe ice in their area and make sure they stay off the ice. If they insist on using their new skates, suggest an indoor skating rink.

If you do break through the ice, remember:

. Don’t panic.

. Don’t try to climb out immediately. You probably will break the ice again. Reach for solid ice.

. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. Once on the ice, roll, don’t walk, to safety.

. To help someone who has fallen through the ice, lie down flat and reach with a branch, plank or rope, or form a human chain. Don’t stand. After securing the victim, wiggle backward to the solid ice.

Penobscot Fly Fishers to meet

The Penobscot Fly Fishers will hold their next monthly dinner meeting Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Coach House Restaurant in Brewer.

The dinner begins at 6 p.m.

The speaker will be Joan Trial, who will talk about the status of sea-run Atlantic salmon in the Penobscot River and shad fishing in the Narraguagus River.

For more information, contact Ed Bruno at 862-5666 or info@penobscotflyfishers.com.

East Grand derby on tap

The sixth annual East Grand Area Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Jan. 24 and 25.

All fish must be caught in East Grand, Brackett, Deering and North lakes.

A grand prize of $1,000 is up for grabs by random draw, and largest-fish prizes also will be awarded.

A derby registration with one raffle chance costs $5 while a registration with three raffle chances costs $10.

To submit an item for publication in the Outdoor Notebook, send e-mail to jholyoke@bangordailynews.net, fax to 990-8092 or mail information to Outdoor Notebook, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor, Maine, 04402-1329.