There are a variety of fish to be caught as ice anglers head out to area lakes this winter.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says there is an ice thickness of at least six inches at Lake Darling. DNR Fisheries Biologist Chad Dolan says he and other anglers have ventured on the lake, “People are tending to catch crappies that are nine and even 10 inches, bluegills that are easily running seven-and-a-half to eight inches and in some cases occasionally some sorting which is to be expected, but decent fish.”

According to the fishing report bluegills and black crappies are likely to be found in 10-12 foot deep water at Lake Darling and are suspended over the rock piles and brush. A minimum of four inches of clear blue ice is recommended for fishing, and new ice is stronger than old ice. Dolan recommends drilling test holes near the shore before going out, and periodically as you move, to gauge the thickness and quality of the ice.