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(Undated) -- There are some Iowans who see a bright side to the extreme cold temperatures in the forecast for later this week. Tyler Stubbs with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau says the predicted frigid temps should firm up the ice for the ice fishing season. He says the season has already started in far northern Iowa, such as at Okoboji and Clear Lake, but elsewhere in the Iowa, the ice has not gotten thick enough. He says in addition, anglers may find wide ice variability in urban ponds and lakes, especially if there are geese in the area.
The DNR says ice should be at least 4-6 inches before walking on it. Stubbs also reminds anglers to test the ice often and not go fishing alone.
The DNR offers additional information about ice fishing on its website.