Sunday, December 10, 2005 Saint Paul Pioneer Press Ice conditions The recent cold snap has greatly improved ice conditions around Minnesota, but the Department of Natural Resources is warning anglers to be cautious. Lake of the Woods: Resorters there expect 10 to 12 inches of ice by this week, and some predicted anglers would be on the lake by late last week. Lake Mille Lacs: Dale Eggen of McQuoids Inn near Isle expected to start pulling small houses out onto the lake by this weekend. East metro: Josh Stevenson at Blue Ribbon Bait in Oakdale said most of the smaller lakes were frozen and were suitable for walking last week, including Battle Creek Lake (Woodbury), Silver Lake (North St. Paul), Lily Lake (Stillwater), Long Lake (Oakdale), Lake Jane (in Lake Elmo), Powers Lake (Woodbury) and Round Lake (St. Paul). Stevenson said larger, deeper lakes might not be suitable for foot traffic yet. The DNR recommends: • a minimum of 4 inches of new clear ice for foot travel. • a minimum of 5 inches for snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles. • a minimum of 8 to 12 inches for cars or small trucks.