Although we are seeing warmer temperatures at the close of this past week, the recent arctic blast has added to the ice on lakes and ponds over much of the state. According to Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) chief of fisheries, Joe Larscheid, ice fishing is one of Iowa’s biggest winter sports, and he wants to remind anglers to check the ice often as they make their way to their favorite fishing spot. The DNR recommends at least four inches of ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles or ATVs. They are also cautioning that ice thickness in any body of water may not be uniform, and those traveling out onto the ice should check the thickness in different locations as they go out. They also offer several safety tips to remember if you are headed out for ice activities: there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice and new ice is usually stronger than old ice. Do not go out on the ice alone, avoid off-colored snow or ice and remember that the insulating effect of snow will slow down the freezing process. Finally, take safety items with you, including ice picks, about 50 feet of rope and a throwable floatation device.