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Ice fishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by many, and has become popular this year.
Winter certainly took a while to hit central Iowa this year, but now that it’s here, anglers are starting to flock to the region’s now-frozen lakes and ponds.
At Iowa Central Community College, the student Fishing Club is taking advantage of the ice and will host a pair of ice fishing tournaments over the next two weekends.
The first of the contests begins this morning at Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. The second tournament is next Saturday, Feb. 4, at Twinterfest at Twin Lakes.
The Twinterfest tournament will begin at the south boat ramp at Twin Lakes. Registration is from 7-10 am, with the tournament starting at 8 am.
Awards will be given for longest walleye, heaviest panfish, heaviest catfish and largest number of yellow bass. The entry fee is $50 for each team of two.
Stay safe
When it comes to ice fishing, safety is the highest priority and stepping on ice is always a risk.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources publishes a weekly fishing report on its website, which includes ice conditions during the winter. The DNR recommendation is at least four inches of clear ice for fishing and that new ice is stronger than old ice. It is also important to note that the thickness of one area of the lake may not be the same as another area.
“We see a lot of these big lakes,” Ben Wallace, Iowa DNR fisheries management biologist, who helps manage public fishing waters in 12 counties including Webster County, previously told The Messenger. “They’ll have nice, good quality ice in one spot, but as you move across the lake you’ll find a spot that’s only a few inches thick, or the ice is very soft or weak.”
There can be a variety of factors that cause inconsistencies, so Wallace suggests stopping to drill and check the thickness of the ice as you travel to your ideal fishing spot.
“It is the angler’s responsibility to check the ice before they go out and to check it often,” he said.
The DNR also warns that ice around submerged trees and emerging vegetation tends to be weaker.
Currently, in Brushy Creek, the ice is about 10 inches, according to Sone Chounthirath, faculty advisor for the Iowa Central Fishing Club.
In addition to being aware of ice thickness and conditions, there are other things ice fishermen can do to ensure their safety.
“There’s some basic equipment you should take with you that will really help keep you safe and that’s things like a life jacket or float coat or suit; a rope or other floatation device and a set of ice picks – this is if you fall, grab them in your hand and dig them into the ice to pull yourself out,” Wallace said. “Just don’t go out alone. Go with someone. Or, at least, tell someone where you are going and what time you plan to return.”
The best times for ice fishing are around dawn and dusk, Chounthirath said. Fish tend to be more active at low times.
Anglers 16 and older need a fishing license. Fishing licenses are available at most convenience stores and WalMart as well as online by visiting the Iowa DNR website and downloading the DNR app.
