Photo by Ron Sinfelt

It's cold and snowy, and the wind is howling in ways that only Jack London could describe. No matter: You've got the itch -- the itch to do some fishing. And it's got to be scratched, no matter what!

Well, there's plenty of opportunity in Iowa for midwinter fishing -- ice-fishing -- but to be successful, you need to prepare.

WATCH YOUR FEET
Your first consideration should be the ice itself. Most anglers opine that you should never venture out on hard water unless there are at least 4 inches of solid ice; that's the minimum. There are those who will travel on ice as thin as 2 inches, but that's a risk -- a high risk -- and one not worth taking. Ice capable of supporting sheds, vehicles and motorized equipment is much thicker. In many cases 12 inches or more of clear, solid ice are recommended.

No matter how thick, all ice is dangerous. For that reason, Iowa's midwinter anglers should always be cautious on ice. Test each and every section before venturing out on it. Many experienced ice-anglers carry a spud and probe the ice in front of them as they move along.

Ice-fishermen should be especially careful around areas where ice over the current varies in thickness and strength. Some of it may be thick and hard, but just a few inches away, it could be paper-thin.

Finally -- you've heard this before -- never fish alone. Little things when you're with friends can become big things when you're alone. Consider setting up your rig well away from your partner or group when on the ice. That way, one of you will be able to help the other should the ice give way.

RIGGING UP
After safety comes equipment. Specialty ice-fishing rods are best. Light-action models by and large, most of them measure 24 to 30 inches long. In most cases, a tiny open-face spinning reel spooled with 2- or 4-pound-test line is about right. You might want to consider purchasing one of the lines engineered especially for cold weather use. They'll remain flexible under the coldest of conditions.

Of course, you'll need something to cut through the ice, and you have a number of choices among tools. A good-quality motorized auger will run you around $100; hand augers go for $20 to $30. Either way, invest in a second set of blades. Sharp blades make a world of difference when the temperature's below freezing.

Finally, dress in warm, well-insulated layers of clothing -- and you're good to go!

Now that's the basics, but, if you want to go upscale, you may want to build or purchase a shelter. Your choices are limitless: You can spend less than $100 for a simple one or purchase a Neiman Marcus model for several thousand dollars. Along with your shelter, you may want to invest in a portable depthfinder. Some models are made specifically for ice-fishing.

OK -- LET'S GO FISHING!
If you live in the northwest corner of Iowa, one of your top choices for midwinter fishing should be West Okoboji Lake. This 3,800-acre natural lake is in Dickinson County on the northwest edge of Arnold's Park.

"West O" (as the locals call it) contains several species of fish that bite well under the ice. Even better, it's known as a big-fish lake, and ice-fishing here may get you a big crappie, a big walleye or even a big smallmouth. It's best known, however, for its trophy-size bluegills.

If you want to catch a few, try fishing any of the four bays on the lake: Triboji, Emerson, Miller's or Smith. They've all given up their share of big fish. Begin by searching out spots in which the weeds are growing up into the ice. Once you find a good-looking area, search for holes in the weed growth.