Now that temperatures are consistently staying low enough that ice will form on bodies of water, some may choose to partake in a winter sport.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jeremy King says that ice fishing is increasing in popularity, bringing more and more people out for this unique experience. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio where Guthrie County residents can try their luck at catching fish on the ice.

“Guthrie County does not have a lot of great ice fishing locations. If you have permission and legal access to get on Lake Panorama, you can catch a lot of crappie and bluegill and some walleye out there. Other than that, locally close, maybe just outside of Guthrie County, on the fringes you have Beaver Lake by Dexter, which typically is a pretty good panfishing lake. You also have Meadow Lake just north of Greenfield.”

King mentions that safety should be kept in mind when ice fishing. He explains that the DNR suggests fishing in areas where ice is at least four inches thick, or in areas where it is thicker depending on the weight of equipment, shelter or vehicles that individuals choose to use or take with them.

King adds that a broomstick or spud bar are also suggested to have on hand, as they can be used to test ice thickness. He says that when banging the broomstick or bar on the ice, if it breaks through it is best to turn around and follow the path you took out and find a different place.