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 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on Jan. 26th. There is 8 inches of good ice under 6 inches of cloudy ice. There are weak areas near the dam. Use caution and check ice depths regularly. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Anglers are having success using live minnows fished under a bobber, small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, small casting spoons, and power baits. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish minnows or wax worms near the upper end of the lake.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow, most being caught are small. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have had success fishing the South Cove Park area, the inlet, and Chautauqua Point area using minnows and jigs. Red seems to be the color of choice. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch fishing has been productive near the inlet.
Black Hawk Lake
Aerators in Town Bay are in operation (expect open water and thin ice in Town Bay). Ice thickness on Black Hawk Lake off of the Ice House Point boat ramp was around 8-13 inches. Some trucks have been out on the ice. 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. Most fish are on the small side. Anglers are marking lots of fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being caught in 8 feet of water on minnows. Try fishing minnows and wax worms near the dredge cuts in front of Denison Beach and Provost Point. The rock pile near Gunshot Hill and the 8 feet depths of water in the middle basin between the dredge cuts can also be productive. Walleye – Fair: Some 17 inch walleye have been picked up. Fish the dredge cuts in front of Denison Beach and Provost Point. Also try the rock piles in front of Gunshot Hill, Ice House Point, and the rock pile in the middle of the basin north of Cottonwood Point.
Arrowhead Lake
There are roughly 8- 12 inches of ice off the boat ramp. Bluegill – Fair: Fish wax worms on tungsten jigs. Sorting is required, but the bigger gills are around 8.5 inches. Target areas with structure and contour. Popular places include the east side and southern end of the lake. Black Crappie – Fair: A few larger crappies have been caught using minnows. Fish areas with structure and bottom contour.
Black Hawk Pits
There is around 7-8 inches of good ice near the boat ramp. Use caution and test ice depths frequently. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are doing well fishing wax worms on tungsten jigs. Lots of action, but a fair amount of sorting is required to get the bigger gills. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows and wax worms. Crappie action has been best at night. Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers are catching good numbers of perch using minnows. Lots of sorting is required to get the bigger fish. Using larger minnows (walleye minnows) has been effective for catching large perch. Using larger minnows will mean less action, but will catch big perch.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 23. There is around 16 inches of ice. Use caution when venturing out and check ice depths frequently. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Use live minnows fished under a bobber, small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, small casting spoons, and power baits.
Most lakes in the Black Hawk District have approximately 8-16 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. Fishing activity has been around 6-12 shacks.
Lake Smith
Anglers are having fair success on bluegills and crappies.
Lake Catherine
Bluegill – Fair: Not many fisherman, but those who have been out have caught some 8-9 inch bluegills.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has about around 15 inches of ice on both the little and main lakes. 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. Yellow Bass – Good: Action is good if you move often if not catching fish; fish 8-12 feet of water on the little lake and move until you find schools. Anglers will catch a few different year classes but are catching 8.5-9.4 inch fish 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. Use jigging spoons, small lipless cranks, or 1/8 oz. jigs with minnows. 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 early morning (7-9 a.m.) or evening (3-8 p.m.). Good numbers of 10-12 inch fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Occasional larger perch (9.5-10 inches) have been caught on the little lake.
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
Approximately 1,400 trout (rainbow and brook) were stocked on Jan. 16th. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Some anglers have reported doing well this past week right off the east shoreline. The trout seem to move in groups, so you may need to move up and down the shoreline to find them. Limit is 5 trout per trout stamp.
Bluebill Lake
There is 14 inches of ice on the lake. 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 of Marble beach in 20 feet of water and off of buffalo run. Walleye – Slow: A few small walleyes have been picked up by perch anglers south 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 Bass – Slow: Some yellows are being caught in front of the marina. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching some walleyes in the evening out from the marina.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 12+ 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. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch are being picked up by the east boat ramp and the island.
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 bays. Spencer beach has also been producing some nice bluegills. Yellow Perch – Fair: The perch bite on Triboji has slowed. Anglers are picking up a few perch in Millers 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: 12+ inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has minimal this week.
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
An Urban Winter Trout Stocking and Family Fishing Event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30 at noon.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake has 8 plus inches of ice. Use caution when going out on ice. Fish seem to be hanging around brush piles and other structure. 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 12 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 are 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 anglers 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 fluctuating water levels. Check ice depth often. Morning and evening bites are best. Crappie – Slow: Crappie up to 11 inches have been caught using a small jig tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Slow: Seven 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.
We’re having a heat wave as the quote goes. Temperatures will be in the upper 30’s and possibly 40 on Sunday. Use caution around the edges of waterbodies. These areas tend to melt in the afternoon sun. Urban trout stockings will take place this weekend; find out where at www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Trout-Fishing. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Brinker Lake
There have been reports of anglers doing fair on both bluegill and crappie. Bluegill – Fair: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm fished near or just off of the bottom. Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies suspended near structure in 8-15 feet of water. Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm or small crappie minnow.
George Wyth Lake
There have been reports of anglers doing fair on both bluegill and crappie. Bluegill – Fair: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm fished near or just off of the bottom. Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies suspended near structure in 8-15 feet of water. Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm or small crappie minnow.
South Prairie Lake
There have been reports of anglers doing fair on both bluegill and. Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies suspended near structure in 8-15 feet of water. Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm or small crappie minnow. Bluegill – Fair: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm fished near or just off of the bottom.
Ice fishing season is in full swing. Anglers are getting out and hitting the lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Trout stream are in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. Iowa District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Mississippi River level at Lansing has risen slightly to 8.1 feet and is expected to hold near this level over the next week. Ice thickness is around 10 inches but use caution in areas that may have current. 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 fallen slightly to 16.1 feet and is expected to hold near this level over the next week. Ice thickness is around 10 inches but use caution in areas that may have current; 2 anglers fell through the ice near the boat ramp at Bussey Lake. Anglers are encouraged to park on Island Road on the north side of Bussey Lake for safe access to fishing. Parking is allowed on the south side of Island Road only. 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 are 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 thickness is around 10 inches but use caution in areas that may have current. The boat ramp at the DNR office remains 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 – Good: 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 falling slightly but are stable. Ice thickness is 10 inches or better in many backwater areas but ice thickness can be variable and caution should be used in any area that may have current.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 7.80 feet and has fallen over the past week. The Marquette St. ramp in Davenport is being reported as open. There has been some ice fishing in Sunset Marina. Check ice conditions often as you move and avoid areas of current. Warmer weather in the forecast could create some poor ice conditions. 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 wax worms.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 7.90 feet. Boats are able to launch in Muscatine and there has been some anglers fishing below the dam. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for Big Timber. Big Timber can have some flow and spots where ground water seeps in that creates areas of unsafe ice. Warmer weather in the forecast could create some unsafe ice conditions. Sauger – Good: Anglers were catching saugers below the dam at Muscatine this past weekend and earlier this week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye – Good: Anglers were catching walleyes below the dam at Muscatine this past weekend and earlier this week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 11.48 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. As of Jan. 27th, the main channel and the boat launch at Toolsboro are frozen in with ice. The road into Toolsboro is muddy. We have not received any reports on ice conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 6.40 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 have been steady to falling slightly. If venturing out on the ice, check conditions often as you move. Warmer weather in the forecast could create some poor ice conditions. Avoid areas with current. Boat ramps in Davenport and Muscatine are open. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Belva Deer
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing continues to be hit and miss. Most anglers are fishing out from the South ramp and down the stream channel in the trees from there.
Lake Darling
The ice is good clear ice, about 9 inches thick. The water remains a little murky because of the recent rain and snow melt. Bluegill – Slow: Watching them through the camera, lots of fish come up to look at the bait but most swim away. The bigger bluegills are in the 7 1/2 inch range. They are right down on the bottom.
Lost Grove Lake
Lots of anglers are getting out on the lake, especially above 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 in that 10 inch range.
Big Hollow Lake
The water is very clear; you can see your lure down 10 to 12 feet. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies working the trees in deeper water. They are scattered so you need to move around.
For more information conditions on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Hannen Lake
Ice thickness is reported as 10 inches. No minnows are allowed here. An ice fisheree is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 30; contact the Benton CCB for more information. Bluegill – Good. Crappie – Slow.
Iowa Lake
Ice thickness is reported as 8-12 inches. Bluegill – Good: Fish around brush with jigs/waxies. The bite has been reported as more aggressive this past week. Crappie – Slow.
Kent Park Lake
Fishing is reported as generally slow here.
Lake Macbride
Most of the lake has 10-12 inches of ice. There is still open water around the causeway bridge area. Black Crappie – Fair: Target wood or rock in 15-20 feet of water with fish suspended over and around it. Many fish are 9-11 inches. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are generally easy to catch around wood or rock, but size is marginal at best. Walleye – Slow.
Central Park Lake
Ice thickness is being reported as 10-12 inches. Fishing is being reported as slow.
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 – Good: Most fish are small, but an occasional keeper is being caught. They are being caught on jigs/waxies off the dam and out from the main ramp. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Slow. Crappie – Slow.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Ice thickness is reported as 8-10 inches. An ice fishing derby is scheduled here on Saturday, Jan. 30; contact the Poweshiek CCB for more information. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being caught around brush on jigs/waxies. Many sizes are being caught, but a good number of fish are 7-8 inches. Crappie – Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush or out in the basin. Many fish will be around 9 inches. Channel Catfish – Slow: A few catfish are being picked up by pan fishermen.
Otter Creek Lake
Ice thickness is reported as 7+ inches. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Bass – Slow.
Union Grove Lake
The lake is currently drained for the renovation project that will start this winter.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on 1/27 is 683.77′ which is about 5″ higher than last week. It is supposed to drop to 683.3′ (normal winter pool) by the end of the weekend. Most of the lake is ice covered but 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. 27 is 2850 CFS. The discharge bumped up this weekend but is predicted to drop some by the end of the weekend. 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 – Fair: Most fish have been smaller. Bluegill – Fair: Some decent fish are being caught.
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. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers have been catching some crappies using jigging spoons tipped with a wax worm. Sorting is required for larger fish.
Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness has been reported at 7-8 inches but always use caution as the lake froze over at different times. Anglers are reporting catching bluegills using teardrop jigs tipped with a wax worm. Try areas around submerged structure and near the dam.
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 but has been reported in some areas at 4-5 inches. 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 908.63. 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
Don Williams Lake
Crappie – Good: Good catches of crappie are being caught mostly on wax worms. Target deeper points at depths ranging from 15 to 25 feet. The bite is good late afternoon and slows at dark. The fish are a little smaller than most anglers prefer at 8-9 inches.
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
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 – Good: Trout will be stocked on Saturday, Jan. 30th at noon. The trout can 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. The next 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.
Ice fishing conditions remain good in Central Iowa. Thicknesses range from 8 to 13 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 is a good destination for ice fishing this winter. The lake has a good panfish population. Bluegill – Fair: Fish are being caught in 16 to 18 feet of water near the channel. Crappie – Fair: 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 – Fair: Fish around tree piles in the lake to find 9 inch crappies.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has 14 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.
Cold Springs Lake
Cold Springs has had very little fishing activity this winter. The lake has a good bluegill population with fish averaging 7 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Good: An angler reported catching 7 to 8 inch bluegill on the southwest corner of the lake in 10 feet of water.
Lake Anita
Anita is reported to have 12 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.
Willow Lake
Willow has 12 inches of ice. Bluegills are being caught around the many trees in the lake. Bluegill – Good: Fish around tree piles with wax worms to catch bluegills averaging 8 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 – Good: Anglers are finding bluegills on the south shore west of the main boat ramp. Sorting is necessary for 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.
Lakes in the southwest district averaged 6 to 12 inches of ice. There are still areas of unsafe ice due to running water. Never assume ice is safe everywhere on a lake. 1000 rainbow trout were stocked in Big Lake on Jan. 22. For more information call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.
Little River Watershed Lake
Variable ice thickness has been reported at Little River Watershed Lake especially off the Paul Vonn boat ramp. Bluegill – Slow: 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.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the cedar tree brush piles. Crappie – Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the cedar tree brush piles.
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 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.
Three Mile Lake
The main lake has some areas of open water.
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 – Fair: Crappie up to 11 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm or minnow fished near the creek channel along the timber. Walleye – Slow: Walleye of all sizes have been caught using minnows fished near the creek channel along the timber.
Most lakes in the Mount Ayr district have approximately 8-10 inches of ice. However, variable ice conditions have been observed especially at some of the larger lakes. All lakes are 100 percent snow covered. Be cautious and check ice thickness often.
