blake
Life Member
From the Iowa DNR :
Ice Fishing Underway Across North Iowa
CLEAR LAKE - Ice fishing is already beginning at Clear Lake and other lakes across north Iowa. With cold temperatures predicted for the remainder of the week, ice anglers by the thousands should be drilling this weekend.
Although many lakes in central Iowa are freezing, the ice is not thick enough for fishing. Anglers should allow the cold temperatures to add ice thickness.
There is usually a "hurry up" mentality among ice anglers who want to get out on the first ice of the year because it usually has some of the best fishing success of the season. But anglers are encouraged to test that ice early and often as they set out.
"Different factors can influence the rate of ice forming on the same body of water so it would be wise to test the ice thickness frequently as you head out," said Mick Klemesrud with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water and there is no such thing as safe ice. There is always risk associated with going out on ice."
There are a few safety tips ways to keep anglers on the right side of the ice. The first tip is to use your judgment and trust your instincts. If the ice does not look right, don't go out. Another tip is to follow others footsteps when going out.
Anglers should also include a few ice rescue items in their fishing bucket, like 50 feet of rope and ice picks, and to sit on a throwable float cushion that can be used in the case of emergency.
"One thing we really don't like to see is when a lake freezes then is covered with a blanket of snow that will actually insulate the ice slowing the cold weather from growing ice and it can hide potential hazards or weak spots," Klemesrud said.
Anglers should also avoid any off colored ice or dark areas of ice which can both be signs of weakness or dangerous ice.
<u>The Iowa Department of Natural Resources follows the general guidelines tabulated by the Lumbermen's Safety Association and other sources and should be considered minimum thickness guidelines.</u>
1.One inch of ice is not safe.
2.Two inches of ice can support on person on foot, under good conditions.
3.Three inches of ice can support a group in single file or spread out.
4.Four inches supports general use.
5.Five inches for snowmobiles.
TURN IN POACHERS!
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