Frigid temperatures this past month in southeast Iowa are welcome to anglers as the latest fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows some favorable conditions for public waters.

As of February 2nd, the DNR reports that the ice on Lake Darling has increased to a foot with some crust, an increase of five inches since mid-January. Washington County Conservation Naturalist Megan Jorgenson reminds residents that precautions should be taken no matter how thick the ice may be, “No ice is 100% safe. So it’s always important to check ice thickness before you go. New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Generally you don’t want to go out alone either. So letting people know when you are going and when you are returning is important. Another you might want to be aware of too is the off color snow or ice. That is usually a sign of weakness.”

Items to help keep you safe while fishing this winter include ice cleats, hand warmers, a life jacket, a whistle to call for help, and an extra set of clothes and gloves. The latest DNR report shows that black crappie and bluegill catches are fair with black crappie biting at or just after dark and bluegills biting most around the last hour before dark.