NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice thickness on Brushy Creek Lake ranges from 8 to 11 inches. Anglers are driving four wheelers out on the ice. Use caution and test ice depths frequently. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are having luck catching bluegills on wax worms. Most fish have been picked up in the north end of the lake.
Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1500 rainbow trout will be stocked into Bacon Creek Lake at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26th, 2016.
Black Hawk Lake
Aerators in Town Bay are in operation (i.e., expect open water and thin ice in Town Bay). Ice thickness on Black Hawk Lake off of Ice House Point boat ramp was around 7-11 inches. Use caution if venturing out and test ice depths frequently. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegill near Ice House Point and off of Gunshot Hill using wax worms. Anglers are marking lots of fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being picked up in 5-8 feet of water on minnows. Fish the dredge cut in front of Denison Beach and around Ice House Point.
Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is roughly 7- 11 inches off the boat ramp at Arrowhead Lake. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are having luck catching bluegill on wax worms. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are being caught on minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers have reported catching yellow perch using small minnows.
Black Hawk Pits
There is around 6 inches of good ice on Black Hawk Pits off the boat ramp. Thicknesses are inconsistent; use caution and test ice depths frequently. Anglers have had luck catching bluegill on wax worms and yellow perch on small minnows.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout will be stocked at noon on Jan. 23, 2016.
Ice conditions in western Iowa have improved for ice fishing. Most lakes in the Black Hawk District have approximately 6-11 inches of ice. Use caution and check ice depths frequently. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Anglers have caught bluegills, crappies, and yellows on Beeds this past week.
Lake Smith
Anglers are having fair success on bluegills and crappies.
Lake Catherine
Bluegill – Fair: Not many anglers, but those who have been out have caught some 8-9 inch bluegills.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has about 12-15 inches of ice on both the little lake and the main lake. There is a little bit of current flowing into the little lake from Ventura Marsh; be aware of possible thin ice on the south side of the little lake. There are a growing number of permanent shacks and people driving out this week. Yellow Bass – Good: Action is good if anglers move often if they are not catching fish; fish in 8-12 feet of water on the little lake and move until you find schools. Anglers will catch a few different year classes but anglers are catching 8.5-9.4 inch fish pretty consistently. The action has been good near the west aerator to Baptist camp. Walleye – Fair: An occasional walleye is being caught near the aerator or west to Baptist camp. Crappie – Good: Crappie have been caught mixed in with some of the yellow bass catches in 8-12 feet of water but the better locations are in the deeper 15-24 feet holes during early morning (7-9 a.m.) or evening (3-8 p.m.). Good numbers of 10-12 inch fish.
Lake Cornelia
No reports this week but anglers were catching 5 inch yellow bass, 6 inch crappies, 5 inch perch and small bluegills.
Blue Pit
There was 1,400 trout (rainbow and brook) stocked on Jan. 16th. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Anglers may need to search the edges or try the corners to find the larger schools of roaming trout. Limit is 5 trout per trout stamp.
Bluebill Lake
Ice thickness is 14 inches. Yellow Perch – Good: Some perch and bluegill are being caught on wax worms and spikes adjacent to the submerged brush piles.
For lake updates and fishing information in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch have been caught in front of the pump house and off of buffalo run. Black Crappie – Fair: Templar lagoon has been producing some small crappies. Walleye – Slow: A few small walleyes have been picked up north of the foot bridge.
Center Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice conditions varied. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice condition: 12 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch on the main lake basin. Yellow Bass – Slow: Some yellows are being caught north of the narrows.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 9-10 inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use. Fishing activity has been minimal.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Bluegill – Good: A few bluegills are being caught in Millers and Emerson bay. Spencer beach has also been producing some nice bluegills. Yellow Perch – Good: Some nice perch have been picked up east of Triboji and in Browns bay.
Ingham Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice conditions varied. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Five Island Lake
Ice conditions: 12 inches of ice but ice conditions varied. Use caution while on the ice. The aeration system is in use. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Upper Gar Lake
Ice conditions: 8-10 inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Bluegill – Slow: A few nice bluegills are being caught on the north end of the lake. Yellow Perch – Slow: Some nice perch have been picked up while bluegill fishing.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Ice Conditions: 5-6 inches of ice covered with snow and slush. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Scharnberg Pond
The Scharnberg Pond trout stocking and family event scheduled for Jan. 9th has been postponed until Jan. 30th due to unsafe ice conditions.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake has 8 plus inches of ice. Use caution when going out on ice. Few anglers have been out and the fish aren’t telling where they’re hiding. Crappie – Slow: Crappie can be found hanging around brush. More aggressive fish are hanging around above the brush. Tip a jig with a wax worm and golden rod wasp larvae. Bluegill – Slow: Try dropping your jig tipped with a wax worm slowly down to the bottom keeping it about a foot off the bottom. Jiggle your line for a short bit and stop. Repeat.
Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has 8 plus inches of ice under about 2 inches of packed snow. Use care when going out on ice. The aerator is on so be careful around that area. Quite a few anglers have been out but catches vary among anglers. A reminder to ice anglers, Howard County Conservation Board does not allow permanent shacks or motorized vehicles on the ice. Bluegill – Fair: Much of angling has been off the pine tree point in about 10 feet of water. Use small jigs tipped with wax worms. Crappie – Fair: Crappie should be found suspended just off the bottom. Jiggle a jig tipped with a wax worm for a short time than let it rest. Repeat but don’t forget to set the hook especially for the light biters.
Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has 12 plus inches of ice with very little snow on top. Use caution when going on ice especially around cracks and fissures. Crappie – Slow: Anglers may have to drill a few holes to find fish this year especially with all the new habitat. Bluegill – Slow: Fish are hanging about 1 foot off the bottom. Fish have been slow to bite so be patient.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Turkey River (above Clermont)
Vernon Spring impoundment near Cresco has ice under about 5 inches of snow. Use extreme caution when going across areas of flowing water under ice. Check ice depths often. Rock Bass – Fair: Rock bass have been biting on small jigs tipped with wax worms. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Bass will hit a hook tipped with a minnow or wax worm. Bluegill – Fair. Crappie – Slow: Crappie will be hiding around submerged woody structure.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
More folks have been going on the impoundment above Nashua and around Howards Woods. Use extreme caution when going on river ice especially with increased flows and falling water levels. Check ice depth often. Crappie – Slow: Crappie up to 11 inches have been caught using a small jig tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Slow: 7 inch bluegill are common.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Look for sporadic midge hatches on warmer days. For these hatches, use #18 or 20 emergers or nymphs with a #22 or #24 drop hook gnarly midge. Use more streamers or scuds as prey availability has changed and fish are looking for something meatier. Anglers using minnows and dark flashy hair jigs will catch fish. Brook Trout – Good: According to a report regarding stocking submitted by E.D. Carlton, Fish Commissioner of Iowa, to the State Fish Commission in 1888, an individual bought 75,000 trout eggs for $138.00 in 1886. Brown Trout – Fair: Water clarity is excellent so watch your shadow on clear sunny days. Use larger jigs or streamers that imitate minnows or small trout. Rainbow Trout – Good: Larger rainbows are moving upstream in preparation for spawning. Try using baits imitating minnows and small trout.
It’s going to be a beautiful weekend to get out on the ice. Temperatures will be in the upper 20s to low 30s. If you’re going on the ice, let someone at home knows your day’s itinerary. Don’t forget to buy your 2016 licenses before you go out. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake (Delaware County)
Ice thickness is about 8 inches. Silver has been receiving a fair amount of fishing pressure but most anglers are reporting catches of small bluegill and small crappie. Bluegill-Fair. Crappie-Fair. Northern Pike-Fair.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills)
Ice thickness is reported as 8-10 inches of clear and smooth ice. Fishing has been slow and water conditions are cloudy. Bluegill-slow. Crappie-slow.
Plainfield Lake
Fishing has been slow at Plainfield Lake with some nice bluegill caught occasionally. Bluegill-slow.
Brinker Lake
Brinker has been receiving some angling activity with reports of small bluegill and crappie as the primary fish caught. A few nice crappies are being caught. Bluegill-fair. Crappie-fair.
South Prairie Lake
South Prairie has been good at times for crappie with bluegill mixed in the catch. Crappie-Fair. Bluegill-Fair.
George Wyth Lake
Ice thickness is reported as 8-10 inches. Anglers are catching small (6 inch) bluegills and small crappies with an occasional nice crappie or small northern pike. Bluegill-Fair. Crappie-Fair.
Martens Lake
Anglers are catching bluegills and crappies with many of the fish on the small size and some keepers mixed in. Bluegill-Fair. Crappie-Fair.
Manchester District trout streams-trout streams are in fantastic condition with relatively high flow and clear water conditions. Most of the better trout streams remain ice free. Use small dries during sunny days or streamer patterns when fly fishing. Spincast anglers are typically using artificial lures that imitate baitfish this time of year. For further information, contact the NE Iowa Regional Office at (563) 927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Mississippi River level at Lansing has risen slightly to 8.2 feet and is expected to hold near this level over the next week. Ice conditions are improving with an average of 8-9 inches. Walleye – No Report. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are biting through the ice on teardrop jigs tipped with a wax worm.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Mississippi River level at Lynxville has risen slightly to 16.6 feet and is expected to hold near this level over the next week. Ice conditions are improving with an average of 8-9 inches. Walleye – Slow: Tailwater fishing has slowed due to lots of floating ice coming through the lock and dam. Sauger – Slow: Tailwater fishing has slowed due to lots of floating ice coming through the lock and dam. Bluegill – Good: Mixed reports of good bluegill fishing in Norwegian Lake at Sny Magill and Greymore Lake near Prairie Du Chien. Crappie – Slow: A few crappies reported in the Norwegian Lake area near Sny Magill. Northern Pike – Slow: A few pike are being caught on tip-ups in the Norwegian area of Sny Magill.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Mississippi River level at Guttenberg has been fairly stable at 7.4 feet and is expected to hold near that level over the next week. Ice conditions are improving with an average of 8-9 inches. As of Thursday January 21, the boat ramp at the DNR office is free of ice allowing access to tailwater fishing. Parking is limited and visitors are reminded that vehicles with trailers must park on side streets near the office. Walleye – Fair: A few walleyes are being caught in the tailwaters on jig and minnow. Sauger – Fair: Sauger bite can be good but many are smaller with a few nice sized fish. Bluegill – Good: Some decent catches of bluegills are reported in Zollicofer and near the marina at Mud Lake. Yellow Perch – Fair: A mix of small and nice sized perch are being caught in Sunfish Lake.
Upper Mississippi River levels are up a little bit but stable. Ice continues building on the backwaters with 8-9 inches in many backwater areas. Ice thickness can be variable and caution should be used in any area that may have current.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are still slightly high for winter conditions and levels are up a bit from last week. Water level was reported at 7.0 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 9.7 feet at the railroad bridge. Expect conditions to remain stable. Ice fishing is going on in many backwater areas. Bluegill – Fair: Fishing is reported as fair from nearly all the good backwater locations on Pool 12. Anglers are reporting catching many small fish and an occasional large gill. The in-between sizes do not appear to be out there. Yellow Perch – Good: Lots of yellow perch are being caught this year mostly by ice anglers targeting bluegills. A few magnums were reported on early ice but nothing from last week. Northern Pike – Good: A few anglers are targeting northern pike with tip-ups. The Northern pike population in the Mississippi River is very high with lots of quality fish in the River. Crappie – Slow: An occasional crappie is being reported generally by anglers who are targeting bluegills.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The main channel again experienced ice flows at the tailwaters. As of Thursday, the Bellevue tailwater is open, but conditions could change by the hour. Water level was reported at 7.9 feet at Bellevue which is down slightly from last week. The extreme cold weather this week greatly improved ice fishing conditions. Sauger – Good: Some nice sauger were reported on three way rigs. Yellow Perch – Good: Yellow perch have been a consistent biter in the tailwater areas and some are being taken in the freshly frozen backwaters. Crappie – Fair: A few nice crappie and some token gills have been caught in the Sabula Lakes backwaters. Bluegill – Fair: No real positive reports on bluegills were taken this week. Earlier many small bluegills were reported with an occasional very large fish taken.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Ice conditions really firmed up this week in Pool 14. Lots of fishing is taken place in Willow Lake and in Rock Creek. Water levels are at 6.8 feet at Fulton, 10.6 feet at Camanche and 5.6 feet above the dam at LeClaire. These are up slightly from last week. Expect water levels to be stable. The boat ramps at Clinton are frozen in. Sauger – Fair: Earlier some sauger fishing took place in the Clinton tailwater this week although anglers cannot get out of the ramps on the Iowa side. Bluegill – Good: Some bluegills are being reported out of Rock Creek and Willow Lake. Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are also being reported mostly as a by catch from bluegill anglers.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level was reported at 10.5 feet at Rock Island which is up considerably from last week. Water level should be more stable this upcoming week. No fishing was reported to us on Pool 15.
Good ice exists throughout the district for ice fishing. Use caution and common sense when ice fishing on the Mississippi River. Beware of crossing any sloughs with flowing water, and avoid any discolored ice. Snow insulates ice and at times keeps it from becoming thick. A good article on ice fishing safety can be found at: http://www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/360/Ice-Safety-Reminder-as-Iowa-Lakes-Freeze-Over.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 10.50 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The main channel is frozen and the Marquette St. boat ramp is frozen in. There has been some ice fishing in Sunset Marina. With the rising river levels make sure to check ice conditions often as there could be some areas with unsafe ice. Ice along the shoreline may be unsafe with the recent rising river levels. Bluegill – Fair: There are reports of some bluegills being caught in Sunset Marina through the ice. Try fishing with small ice jigs and wax worms. Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are being caught through the ice in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with small jigs and waxworms.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 7.74 feet. Tailwater stage rose once again over the past weekend. Last week Big Timber had unsafe ice conditions along the shoreline due to the rising river levels. There have been a few people out on the ice out from the boat ramp but we have not received any reports on how thick the ice is. Big Timber can have some flow and spots where ground water seeps in that creates areas of unsafe ice. Check ice conditions often as you move.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 11.34 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Tailwater stage rose once again over the past weekend. The main channel and the boat launch at Toolsboro are frozen in with ice. We have not received any reports on ice conditions. With the rising river stages there could be unsafe ice conditions especially along the shorelines.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 5.57 feet. Tailwater stage rose once again over the past weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any reports on boat ramps or ice conditions for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tailwater stages were on the rise again over this past weekend. If venturing out on the ice check conditions often as you move. With the rising river levels there may be spots of unsafe ice especially along shorelines. Avoid areas with current. Boat ramps are being reported as frozen in throughout the river. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Ice thickness is about 4-5 inches; stay away from the hole that the geese is keeping open. A deer fell through the ice late last week. A few anglers are starting to get out on the bay between the boat ramp and shelter 2.
Lake Belva Deer
Ice Conditions: 10 inches of ice. Anglers started to get out on the ice towards the end of last week. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing is hit and miss. Belva Deer is always better in the early morning or late in the evening. Fishing during midday is always kind of tough.
Lake Darling
The cold weather this last weekend made ice; thickness increased from 3.5 inches of ice to 8 inches on Tuesday morning. Not too much angler activity yet. Bluegill – Fair: Lots of small ones with a few keepers. Darling is a good place to introduce kids to ice fishing.
Lost Grove Lake
The ice is about 6 inches thick. Stay away from where the water runs through the causeway. Bluegill – Fair: Lots of smaller fish with about 1 in 12 being big enough to keep. Black Crappie – Fair: Mostly smaller fish but a few keepers.
Big Hollow Lake
The ice is about 4 to 5 inches thick. Check the ice thickness; around where any water enters the lake will be thinner. Crappie – Fair: Not many people getting out and the cold weather isn’t letting them stay very long.
For more information conditions on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Hannen Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Iowa Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Kent Park Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Lake Macbride
Most of the lake has 8-9 inches of ice but some areas may have less. There is still open water around the causeway bridge area. Black Crappie – Fair: Some anglers are having decent success if you can find the right structure. Target wood in 15-20 feet of water with fish suspended over and around it. Many fish are 9-11 inches. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are generally easy to catch around wood or rock, but size is marginal at best.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is currently about 12 feet low for the upcoming restoration project. Much of the lake has about 10 inches of ice. Yellow Perch – Fair: Most fish are small, but they are being caught on jigs/waxies off the dam. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught around brush on jigs/waxies. Some 8 inch fish are being caught along with many smaller ones. Crappie – Slow: Look for suspended fish around brush. Many fish will be around 9 inches.
Otter Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Union Grove Lake
The lake is currently drained for the renovation project that will start this winter.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on 1/21 is 683.3′ which is normal winter pool. Most of the lake is ice covered; it is not safe due to past dropping water levels and in/outflow.
Sand Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 6-9 inch fish are being caught on jigs/waxies. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Some trout are being caught in the north lobe of the lake. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the tube on Jan. 21 is 2500 CFS. The discharge has slowly been dropping and will continue to decrease. Walleye – Fair: Some fish are being caught on jigs below the Coralville dam.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Most backwater areas have good ice. Crappie – Good: Most fish have been smaller. Bluegill – Fair: Some decent fish are being caught.
Lake Macbride District Farm Ponds
Bluegill – Good. Crappie – Fair.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
The lake still has areas of open water, primarily in front of the lodge. Ice thickness varies across the lake so use caution.
Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness has been reported at 7-8 inches. Use caution as the lake froze over at different times. Anglers are reporting catching bluegills using teardrop jigs tipped with a wax worm.
Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah State Park is undergoing a road construction project so access to the park is limited. The boat ramps are still accessible by using the entrance to the north and east of the park. The ice thickness varies across the lake so use caution and check thickness often.
Lake Sugema
Ice thickness varies across the lake so use caution; 4-5 inches of ice has been reported in some areas. The ice along the dam was the last to form so use caution in that area. Some anglers have reported catching walleyes using minnows.
Bob White Lake
A complete fisheries renovation was completed in September. Fingerlings were stocked this fall.
Rathbun Reservoir
Most of the lake has frozen over but use caution as the ice formed at different times. There have not been many anglers out fishing yet. The current lake level is 910.12. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.
Take your trash with you so your favorite fishing spot is clean and litter free. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions regarding angling in south central Iowa.
SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Crappie – Fair: Beaver Lake is worth a look for ice anglers seeking crappies. There are good numbers of 9.5 to 10.5 inch fish.
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve Lake (west)
Bluegill – Fair: Jacob Krumm is consistently a good producer during the ice season. Good size bluegills are available. A good place to start is on the western side of the mid-lake portion. Jumping hole to hole in the flooded timber on the upper half can also produce some crappies mixed in with the gills.
Big Creek Lake
Ice thickness on Big Creek as of Wednesday, Jan. 20th ranged from 8 to 11 inches. Avoid the lower portion of the lake near the outlet structure construction project. Bluegill – Fair: Big Creek holds some large bluegills. It takes some exploration of sunken brush piles and old rock piles to get on fish. Much of this habitat is in 15 feet of water or greater. Crappie – Fair: Anglers fishing in the evenings are finding some good crappie over 10 inches. Target over deeper brush piles, the drop-offs into the original creek bed in the mid-section of the lake, and the old road bed out from the Ensign shelter running towards the east boat ramp. Walleye – Good: Walleye are being caught in the evenings and after dark. Generally the fish are coming off deep drop-offs and points in 25 feet of water or greater both out from and south of the east and Williams Drive ramps. Fish with jigging spoons tipped with minnows or minnow heads, jigging style crankbaits tipped with a minnow head on the center treble hook, or just a lip hooked live minnow.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught over habitat sunk in 15 feet of water or more using wax worms. The afternoon bite has been the most active.
Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout – Fair: A trout stocking and family fishing event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30th at noon pending good ice conditions. Trout remain from the fall stocking to be caught using jigging spoons or Swedish pimple style baits tipped with wax worms. Live minnow rigs can also work well.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Fall stocked trout should remain in good numbers to be caught. A trout stocking and family fishing event is scheduled for Feb. 6th at noon pending good ice conditions. The trout can be targeted by tipping jigging spoons or Swedish pimple style baits with wax worms and fishing with live minnows. In the past, the trout have moved in schools around the perimeter, so begin by not fishing water over 20 feet deep.
Good ice fishing conditions are occurring in central Iowa. Thicknesses range from 8 to 11 inches. Use caution and check ice thickness. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield will be a good destination this winter for ice fishing. The lake has a good panfish population. Bluegill – Fair: Fish are being caught in 16 to 18 feet of water near the channel. Crappie – Slow: Anglers fishing the last hour before dark are having the best success. Fish glow in the dark jigs with minnows or wax worms to catch 8 to 10 inch crappie.
Mormon Trail Lake
Mormon Trail has a large year class of 8 to 9 inch crappies. Crappie – No Report: Fish around tree piles in the lake to find 9 inch crappies.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has 8 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population. Bluegill – Good: Fish one of the five cedar tree piles in the lake to catch 8 to 9 inch bluegills. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up an occasional crappie around the tree piles. Late afternoon is the best crappie bite.
Lake Anita
Anita has 8 inches of ice. Most angler reports are coming from the north arm of the lake. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are moving and sorting for 8 to 9 inch bluegill. Black Crappie – Slow: The best crappie fishing will be the last half hour before dark. There is a large year class of 8 inch fish in the lake. The larger size is 10 to 12 inches.
Viking Lake
Fish surveys indicate a good crappie population ranging from 8 to 11 inches. Crappie – Fair: Fish around the deeper tree piles and flats next to the channel to find 8 to 10 inch crappie.
Prairie Rose Lake
Try Prairie Rose this winter for 7 to 9 inch bluegill. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are finding bluegills on the south shore west of the main boat ramp. Sorting is necessary for the 8 to 9 inch fish.
Lake Manawa
Ice conditions vary on Manawa. Use caution and drill holes often when venturing out. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappies early morning and late afternoon north of the beach. Use minnows or glow in the dark jigs for fish up to 12 inches.
Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has quality size panfish and will provide good ice fishing this winter. Bluegill – Slow: Move often to find 9 plus inch bluegills. Crappie – No Report: Fish late afternoon or early morning to catch quality size crappies.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds can be an excellent place to fish during the winter. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Bluegill – Good: Many good reports have come in on farm ponds this week. Typically the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start looking for fish. Crappie – Fair: Larger ponds that support crappie populations are fair this week. Look for deep structure and try fishing early or stay late in the afternoon for best success.
Lakes in the southwest district averaged 6 to 8 inches of ice. There are still areas of unsafe ice due to running water. Never assume ice is safe everywhere on a lake. A trout stocking is planned for Big Lake on Jan. 22 pending safe ice. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587
Lake Icaria
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the roadbed. Walleye – Slow: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught using minnows fished near the roadbed.
West Lake (Osceola)
Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm or a minnow fished near the creek channel or along main lake points.
Little River Watershed Lake
Variable ice thickness has been reported at Little River Watershed Lake especially off the Paul Vonn boat ramp. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished in the campground bay. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 15 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a minnow fished in the campground bay.
Green Valley Lake
Geese have kept an area of open water on the main lake. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using a jig tipped with a wax worm fished near the cedar tree brush piles.
Summit Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished in 7 feet of water. Crappie – Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished in 7 feet of water. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm or minnow fished in 7 feet of water.
Three Mile Lake
Some areas of open water on the main lake.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the creek channel along the timber. Crappie – Slow: Crappie up to 11 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the creek channel along the timber.
Most lakes in the Mount Ayr district have approximately 5-10 inches of ice. Variable ice conditions have been observed especially at the larger lakes with areas of open water or thin ice. All lakes are 100 percent snow covered. Be cautious and check ice thickness often.
