Ice-out in Iowa

 “ice-out” – The disappearance of ice from the surface

of a body of water as a result of thawing.  

~Merriam-Webster Dictionary

 

Tread Carefully!
Ice-out in Iowa generally occurs the second week of March.  That means that ice conditions are rapidly becoming unstable across Iowa as warming temperatures weaken ice. Follow ice thickness guidelines cautiously this time of year. While four inches of newly formed, solid ice in January may support a person, four inches of partially-thawed old ice in March may not. If you are unsure if ice is safe - stay off!

Good-bye Ice Fishing

If you have not already, now is the time to clean, organize and pack up your ice fishing gear until next winter. We hope you were able to get your kids out and make some wonderful memories on the ice this winter!

With our good-byes to ice fishing come our plans for open water fishing. Do you have fishing trips planned as a family? A fishing clinic with your school or youth group? Now is a great time to be planning and looking forward to getting children to the local lake or pond.

Have you looked through your fishing equipment yet? Why not make it a fun weekend project with the kids! Gather all your rods, reels, and tackle and have a “Repair & Organize Workshop”. Repair, clean, organize and inventory new items you may need. Now you will be ready for another awesome fishing season!

Fun Facts - Early Spawning

Northern pike are one of Iowa’s earliest spawning fish species. They begin spawning just after ice-out when the water temperature is around 35° F. In fact, they often move into shallow water while there is still ice in preparation for spawning.

On average northern pike females lay 63,000 eggs, though large females have been recorded laying 500,000 eggs. Eggs are not watched over by adults. Once spawning is complete the adults return to deeper water. The eggs hatch after 12 to 14 days. The young remain in shallow water and feed on zooplankton.

For more information on northern pike visit the IDNR - Northern Pike web page: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/IowaFishSpecies/FishDetails.aspx?SpeciesCode=NOP