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KIPLING -- The ice fishing village on Little Bay de Noc continues to grow by the day.  Despite the snow Thursday morning, local anglers were out in full force to get a few hours of fishing in before Christmas dinner.

The snow and cold didn't deter Gladstone resident Rick Peterson and his son from venturing out on the ice to catch some fish.  Despite a slow start, both Peterson and other anglers say fishing is looking up.

"It's beginning to improve out there," explained Peterson.  "The perch are starting to come out.  There are a lot of pike out there yet, so they're scaring the perch, but walleye, we caught a couple walleye yesterday."

"Fishing has been pretty good," said Wilson resident, Jonathan Groleau.  "A lot of perch, some walleye, we caught a big pike last night.  So yeah, just the basics."

The ice fishing season is a busy time of year for Bayshore Resort Bait and Tackle owner Naomi Johnson.  She says the winter business brings in over half the year's income.

Johnson says the ice is about four to six inches thick throughout the Bay, but anglers should still be cautious.

"Be careful on the ice," said Johnson.  "There are cracks up in the northern end and the little bit of snow we have, there are some drift pockets where ice is a little thinner."

There is change in regulation this year.  Now, anglers are allowed to drop three lines in the water instead of just two.  However, the walleye and pike seasons are the same as last year; they both end on March 15.

Authorities want to remind anglers that no ice is safe and to always be aware of ice and weather conditions before heading out.