Frozen Fins Family Ice Fishing event returns to Jasper County

For fans of fishing, the cold Iowa winters make the warm summer days on the lake seem like a distant memory. Luckily, Jasper County Conservation is giving anglers who are itching to get out on the water a chance at the Frozen Fins Family Ice Fishing event from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Izaak Walton League pond.

JCC Naturalist Greg Oldsen has a passion for fishing and is excited to get out on the ice with kids, adults and anyone who want might want to learn about the activity.

“Ice fishing has been a passion I have had since I was a little kid,” Oldsen said. “It is just another way to get people out during the winter ... Good way to get out and get some exercise during the winter time. Cutting holes and trying to catch a fish while you are at it, too.”

For those who aren’t experienced ice fishers, Oldsen will be on hand to help out and give tips along the way.

There is science behind ice fishing, Oldsen said. During winter, the fish’s metabolism slows down which makes it more difficult to get them to bite. They also move into the weed beds at the beginning of winter and out into the basins throughout the cold season.

“Bluegills and crappies are kind of the staple throughout the winter. Every once in a while you can run into a bass maybe,” Oldsen said. “That’s the one fun thing behind ice fishing is having to chase those fish around and only having a six inch or eight inch hole to be able to find them.”

The event has not been held for several years due to mother nature not cooperating. Unfortunately the ice has not been safe to fish on when the family outing was planned.

“We haven’t had a family ice fishing event in more than six years I would say,” Oldsen said.

The conditions early this year weren't very good for ice fishing but a cold spell the week before the event might help the ice, Oldsen said. Safety is always the biggest priority and the thickness of the ice needs to be between four to six
inches to be usable.

“We will be checking thickness and the integrity of the ice as it gets closer and if we don’t think it is suitable to have the event then we will cancel it,” Oldsen said.

The event itself will start with an ice safety lesson including items you should have when you go ice fishing and tips on how to track the fish. This session will happen inside of the building at the Izaak Walton League before families hit the ice.

“It is another good way to get their families out into our parks and not only our parks but all around the state,” Oldsen said. “It is a good way to get out during the winter time and enjoy some family time with your kids.”

The event is free to attend and all equipment and bait needed for ice fishing will be provided.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com