Stay safe on the ice in NWI

With warm temperatures forecast for the next week, Iowa DNR officials are reminding people to be aware of deteriorating ice conditions.

Last week several events at Winter Games at the Iowa Great Lakes had to be moved off the ice out of an abundance of caution. Ice conditions rebounded last month during a cold snap, however, recent warm temperature are expected to make thickness fluctuate.

The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of quality ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.

Ice forms at different rates on each body of water depending upon the size and water depth. Once frozen, conditions change constantly and ice thickness can vary across the lake. Rocks, trees, docks or other things that poke through the ice will conduct heat and make the ice around it less stable. The DNR recommends that anglers test the ice thickness frequently and to trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don't go out.

A blanket of snow on top of an ice-covered lake insulates the ice, slowing the growth of ice and hiding potential hazards or weak spots. River ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice. Ice with a bluish color is safer than clear ice. Avoid slushy or honey-combed areas and stay away from dark spots on the ice. Don't walk into areas where the snow cover looks discolored.

• NWI fishing report

East Okoboji Lake: The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness was 12 inches or less in most areas as of last Thursday.

Black crappie, fair. Use minnows and plastics. Bluegill, fair. Try a small hook and piece of worm. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye, fair. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting will most likely be needed.

Minnewashta Lake: Ice thickness was 10-12 inches as of last Thursday.

Black crappie, fair. Try slowly trolling over vegetation with minnows and plastics. Bluegill, fair. Pumpkinseed, good..

Silver Lake (Dickinson): The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness averaged 12 inches as of last Thursday.

Walleye, fair. Expect the walleye bite to improve with falling water temperatures.

Spirit Lake: The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness was 10-12 inches in most areas as of last Thursday. Be aware of large heaves.

Black crappie, good. Minnows and plastics work well. Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill, good. Try a small hook and a small piece of worm. In deeper water, use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Walleye, good. Minnows work well. Yellow perch, good. Find good numbers; may need to sort for size.

West Okoboji Lake: The lake is fully iced up. West Okoboji is one of the last lakes to completely ice up; it has some of the thinner ice in the area. Foot traffic and small ATV use should be possible in most areas. Use caution.

Black crappie, fair. Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill, good. Use pilkies with wigglers or a slip bobber setup. Pumpkinseed, good. Walleye, good. Minnows and plastics work well. Yellow perch, fair. Sorting may be needed.