Iowa Lakes are Beginning to Freeze

CLEAR LAKE - Winter has arrived over much of Iowa, and cold night time temperatures has produced a layer of ice over many lakes. Ice conditions will need to increase in thickness to support fishing or other uses. Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water and there is a certain level of risk associated with any activity on ice.

Jim Wahl, fisheries biologist at Clear Lake, said there are lakes in his region that have open water, including Clear Lake and Rice Lake. "Our lakes are by no means ready for ice fishing right now, but with another week of below freezing temperatures, we will probably see some fishing in the this part of the state," Wahl said.

The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of new, clear ice for general activity, including fishing, and at least five inches for snowmobile or ATV activity. The DNR does not recommend anyone operate a car or truck on ice.