Coming from California you don't hear much about Ice Fishing.  Since living in Iowa I hear the conversation of going out ice fishing often during the winter months.  I love to fish but have never gone Ice fishing.  I do not know if I am that hard core of a fisherman.  It's not really the cold that bothers me, it's the thought of being out on the ice.  Sitting there hoping the ice is thick enough to withstand the weight.

I know that just a short drive from Sioux City or anywhere in Iowa there are good places to go ice fishing.  Ice fishing is a bit different.  The main issue is safety.  One main safety issue is the process you follow of getting yourself on the ice.  Check to see what the past few days' air temperatures were.  Let someone know your plans.  Before walking out onto the ice survey the area.  Any cracks?  When walking out onto the ice listen for cracking noises.  Dress appropriately.  Are you in good physical condition to be out doing an activity in the cold?  Some of the equipment you will need is an ice fishing rod, ice auger, bait bucket, bait, something to sit on and don't forget your fishing license.  How about shelter?  There are a lot of resources online for you to go over what is needed and being safe so you can enjoy your ice fishing experience. 

Here are some great websites for Ice fishing in Iowa:

http://www.iowagameandfish.com/

http://www.iowaoutdoors.com/

Some other sites:

www.icefishingchat.com/

www.icefishingworld.com

http://icefishingtheoutdoors.com