Clinton Lake and Weldon Springs can be prime places for ice fishing in central Illinois and local authorities have some safety reminders for this niche of outdoorsmen.

Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police acting Captain John Williamson says the ice, particularly at Weldon Springs, is very thick this winter with all the cold we've had since the first of the year.

Capt. Williamson recommends a life jacket and an ice pick for any trip you make out on the ice. He implores fishermen to know the thickness of the ice as a trip out can quickly turn deadly.

Capt. Williamson says the consistent cold is of this winter has made the ice fishing season very accomodating.