The Illinois Department of Natural Resources reminding ice fishermen to be very safe this year. IDNR Conservation Sargent John Williamson explains waterways will freeze from the shoreline out but they thaw from the middle-inward. Williamson cautions if you plan to venture out to the middle of a pond or lake, you need to be very careful.

Williamson indicates, a calm, cool freeze is the best conditions for water to freeze.

Williamson encourages ice fisherman to take an ice pick, ice auger and take a life jacket. He says you can’t take enough safety precautions when ice fishing.