Anglers might be clamoring to get out to ice fish this winter, and Guthrie County Conservation and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reminds people to always keep ice thickness in mind.

The recent cold temperatures may ensure the peak of the ice fishing season, but the DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs. Guthrie County Conservation Director Joe Hanner gives his perspective on ice thickness, “I ice fish a reasonable amount so four inches of ice, good clear ice, is okay. I’d much rather have five or six inches inches myself at a minimum just to be comfortable. And it’s very important to understand that ice is variable on any water body and it’s also never 100% safe, and I want to say that understanding that ice can be four inches in this spot but if you walk over 50 or 100 feet maybe it’s only 3 there or so.”

Hanner doesn’t want to scare anglers away from the winter sport as he says it can be very enjoyable, but he urges people to check ice thickness as you go out, and to not go fishing alone. Other tips to keep in mind is new ice is usually stronger than old ice, and to avoid off-colored snow or ice as it is usually a sign of weakness.