While earlier this year saw temperatures dip below freezing and often below zero, now it is starting to warm up a little and ice fishing might be a cautious activity. 

With warmer temperatures earlier this week, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says it can cause the ice in many areas to deteriorate including along the shore. 

DNR officials suggest that anglers should be cautious when getting on and off the ice and they are encouraged to bring safety equipment with them including 50-feet of rope, a throwable cushion and a spud bar. 

Anglers are reminded that ice depths are not uniform on any body of water and ice is never completely safe. Warmer weather can quickly affect ice conditions and anglers should check the ice thickness before going out.