blake
Life Member
From the Iowa DNR:
Ice Fishing Underway: Use Caution When Heading Out
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa and sending anglers out for the coveted early ice fishing of the season.
"Ice fishing is a great winter activity. It is a social activity that does not require any special physical skills. There are no mosquitoes to battle. We are fortunate to live in part of the county that has four distinct seasons and sitting on a frozen lake or farm pond is a great way to spend our winter," said Mick Klemesrud, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Anglers heading out are reminded to check the ice often as they make their way to their favorite fishing spot.
"Even with this cold blast, there could be pockets of thin ice or places where the geese had kept ice from forming, so it would be wise to check ice thickness as you go out," Klemesrud said.
As a general guide, at a minimum, four inches of quality ice is recommended for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.
"Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water. Things like current and springs slow ice growth. Things that poke through the ice like rocks, trees or docks will conduct heat and make the ice around it less stable," Klemesrud said.
Getting prepared to go ice fishing goes beyond just checking last year's fishing line and buying bait. It should include having a few safety items in the bucket.
Anglers should pack ice picks, about 50 feet of rope and should bring a throwable floatation seat cushion that they can sit on that could be used in case of a rescue.
Ice Fishing Underway: Use Caution When Heading Out
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa and sending anglers out for the coveted early ice fishing of the season.
"Ice fishing is a great winter activity. It is a social activity that does not require any special physical skills. There are no mosquitoes to battle. We are fortunate to live in part of the county that has four distinct seasons and sitting on a frozen lake or farm pond is a great way to spend our winter," said Mick Klemesrud, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Anglers heading out are reminded to check the ice often as they make their way to their favorite fishing spot.
"Even with this cold blast, there could be pockets of thin ice or places where the geese had kept ice from forming, so it would be wise to check ice thickness as you go out," Klemesrud said.
As a general guide, at a minimum, four inches of quality ice is recommended for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.
"Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water. Things like current and springs slow ice growth. Things that poke through the ice like rocks, trees or docks will conduct heat and make the ice around it less stable," Klemesrud said.
Getting prepared to go ice fishing goes beyond just checking last year's fishing line and buying bait. It should include having a few safety items in the bucket.
Anglers should pack ice picks, about 50 feet of rope and should bring a throwable floatation seat cushion that they can sit on that could be used in case of a rescue.