DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is recommending precautions for the early ice fishing season.
It's advising that four inches of clear ice is required for ice fishing, and five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.
The department says new ice is safer than old ice, and that no ice is 100 percent safe.
Check ice thickness as you make your way to your favorite fishing spot,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Ice conditions change constantly and its thickness can vary across the lake. Trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.”
Iowa DNR does endorse ice fishing as an "inexpensive activity to get outdoors and avoid cabin fever."
It also offers tips for successful ice fishing. "Early ice offers an excellent chance for success," the department said in a statement. "If fish are finicky, cut a series of holes and spend 15 minutes at each hole. Use small baits and a light line."
Additional safety tips for ice fishing are listed below;
- No ice is 100 percent safe.
- New ice is usually stronger than old ice.
- Don’t go out alone - if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
- Check ice thickness as you go out - there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed.
- Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
- The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
- Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves.
(Image from Iowa Department of Natural Resources)