Open Season for Ice Anglers

The Arctic ice maker has sent another cold blast to central Iowa pushing numbers 20-25 below average.

It's the caliber of cold that has kept shot-gunners shivering, but it's the same cold that's putting a smile on the faces of central Iowa ice anglers.

Although early ice conditions are quite variable, fishable ice can be found in much of central Iowa. Based on variables like the average air temperature,  ice thickness, snow pack, wind speed, sky cover and others I have put together a "best guess" model of the ice growth in central Iowa.

By my "best guess" it appears central Iowa should expect 5"-7" ice thicknesses as of December 11th - and it's growing. Southern and western Iowa has seen much slower growing ice and thicknesses will still be iffy between 2" - 4".

According to the Minnesota DNR 4" of ice is recommended for ice fishing. Thinner ice can support a person, but it's very dangerous. As always, if you choose to go out test the thickness often. Feel free to send me pictures and I'll put them on the blog cconoan@myabc5.com.

Be safe and good luck!