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Dec. 14, 2023Iowa | By: Jeremy Werner
With the recent cold snap enveloping two-thirds of Iowa, lakes and ponds are rapidly freezing, paving the way for the anticipated early ice fishing season.
Anglers are eager to embrace this popular winter activity. Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are encouraging anglers to prioritize safety, recommending a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.
Larscheid advises checking ice thickness regularly and trusting instincts about the ice's condition. Safety tips include avoiding off-colored snow or ice, and bringing essentials like hand warmers, ice cleats, ice picks, a life jacket, and a whistle for safety.