New ice is usually stronger than old ice because the bond between the ice crystals decays with age. Dark or honeycombed ice indicates deterioration and should be avoided. Even if a cold snap halts the deterioration process, dark or honeycombed ice will never refreeze to its original strength. According to ice strength figures compiled by the Lumbermen's Safety Association and other sources, 2-3 inches of clear, blue ice will support one person walking. Ice angling slow Anglers in the Iowa Great Lakes region report limited success in catching fish this ice fishing season.
Most fish caught are medium size, with an occasional jumbo.
So far this ice fishing season, no limits have been seen. Some perch are being caught in Anglers Bay and off the south end. Anglers are having the most luck using jigging spoons and teardrop jigs tipped with minnows, wax worms, night crawlers or a perch eye. Walleye fishing has also been slow with most fish being caught in the early morning and evening hours. Some keepers have been caught east of Buffalo Run, near Templar Park and Reeds Run.