Check ice thickness before ice fishing this winter.

Iowa DNR Fisheries Management Biologist Chad Dolan reminds anglers what to look for, “The key is to make sure there is four inches of ice thickness before you really venture out on the ice. No ice is safe, but with four inches of ice thickness we feel you are pretty safe as far as walking on that and not having any trouble. It needs to be much much thicker if people are going to take a snowmobile or a small ATV, and of course it would have to be much much thicker if you are going to drive a car or small pickup. In our given neck of the woods, in southeast Iowa, all those things I just mentioned, short of walking are probably a no. We just don’t get that kind of ice thickness around here. As long as you got that four inches, it’s a good time to get out there and partake in a little ice fishing if you are walking. It also helps to talk to somebody that’s done it before, so you know what to expect and what you’re doing”. 

Dolan also shared some safety tips for when you are on the ice, “First thing I would say, it’s never a bad idea to travel in pairs. Some people ventured out on their own, but that’s when something bad does happen. You can get yourself into trouble pretty quickly. The worst things would happen if you went into the water and you were by yourself. There are ways to get out, but obviously if there is somebody there to help or call for help, that is going to be a big thing. Other things people need to think about, ice is slippery. Having basically boots outfitted with cleats to prevent slipping is always a good idea. You have to dress for the weather. Usually if you are ice fishing it’s going to be awful cold. Make sure to dress in extra layers. It is always a good idea to have an ice pick. They are usually hung around the neck and if you do go on the ice, you can use the picks to kind of grab onto the ice and pull yourself out”. 

The recent fishing report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources advises to use caution at Lake Darling, with the campground arm of the lake at about six inches of ice as of Tuesday. And by the main ramp ice is at about four inches thick. The report adds there are many thinner spots and it is highly variable, with geese and swans keeping a spot open in the middle of the lake.

Listen to the full conversation KCII News had with Dolan on In Touch With Southeast Iowa.