When temperatures get below freezing avid anglers see an opportunity to hit the frozen water and do some ice fishing. 

Iowa DNR Chief of Fisheries Joe Larscheid says there are important things to remember when setting out to go ice fishing. No ice is completely safe but you should avoid off-colored ice. Larscheid notes that new ice is generally stronger than old ice and it’s important to check the ice before heading out. 

“When a pond first freezes over, and you think some ice has been made, the best thing to do is to start in shallow water, start right from shore, and punch a hole and measure the thickness of the ice if it’s at least four inches of hard clear ice then you’re probably good to go.”

Larscheid says it’s important to be prepared with the proper equipment such as ice picks, in case you fall through the ice, going ice fishing with other people and letting those around you know where and when you’re going out in case something were to go wrong.