NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Ice is around 8 inches. Ice thickness can be inconsistent on lakes, use caution and check ice depths frequently when venturing out. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have been catching good numbers of quality size (9+ inch) bluegill with wax worms fished in 12 to 16 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers have been picking up some 10 inch crappies while targeting bluegill.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice thickness ranges from 8 to 12 inches. Anglers have driven four wheelers out on the ice. Use caution and test ice depths frequently. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are 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 were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on Jan. 26th. As of last Thursday, there was 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 – Good: 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: Try fishing 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; there are areas of open water and thin ice. Ice thickness on Black Hawk Lake off of Ice House Point boat ramp was around 10-13 inches. Most areas of the lake have about 5 inches of snow 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 small. Anglers are marking lots of fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being picked up 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 for perch. Walleye – Fair: Some 17 inch walleye have been picked up. Those catching walleye have been fishing 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 is roughly 10 inches of ice off the boat ramp and 6 inches of snow cover. Bluegill – Fair: Wax worms fished on tungsten jigs has been productive. 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 picked up using minnows. Fish areas with structure and bottom contour.
Black Hawk Pits
There is around 7-9 inches of good ice near the boat ramp. Use caution and test ice depths frequently. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are having success fishing wax worms on tungsten jigs. Sorting is required to get the bigger gills. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish are being picked up using minnows and wax worms. Crappie action has been best at night. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up perch using minnows. Lots of sorting is required to get the bigger fish. Use larger minnows (walleye minnows) to pick up large perch. Using larger minnows will mean less action, but will catch the big perch.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 23. At that time there was around 16 inches of ice. Use caution when venturing out and check ice depths frequently. Rainbow Trout – Good: Anglers are catching trout using 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
Beeds has continued to produce this week early and late in the day. Anglers have caught bluegills, crappies, and yellows this past week.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has around 16-17 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. Yellow Bass – Good: Move often if you are not catching fish; fish in 8-12 feet of water on the little lake and move until you find schools. The flats in 8-10 feet of water out from the Lynne Lorenzen have been good. Farmers Beach in 8-10 feet of water has been good. The bite near the aerator has been hit or miss with the increased angler activity possibly moving yellows around. 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 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 AM) or evening (3-8 PM). Some better catches are on the little lake towards the south shoreline. The ice is thinner in that area, maybe 12 inches. Yellow Perch – Fair: Occasional larger perch (9.5-10 inches) have been caught on the little lake.
Lake Cornelia
Action is slow, not very many anglers out.
Blue Pit
Approximately 1,400 rainbow and brook trout were stocked on Jan. 16th. Rainbow Trout – Fair: No reports this week but there should be some willing biters yet. 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
As of last weekend, the lake had about 15 inches of ice and numerous anglers were out. The action was slow, but a few crappies were being caught.
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: 14-16 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few perch have been caught north of Marble beach in 20 feet of water and off of buffalo run. Walleye – Fair: Some nice walleyes have been caught north of buffalo run in 16-18 feet of water.
Center Lake
Ice conditions: 15-16 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 conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use caution while on the ice. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleyes in the evening out from the marina. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few perch are being caught on the north end of the lake near the hatchery.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 15-17 inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch have been picked up along the southern shore.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice but ice thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 14-16 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. Haywards bay has also been producing some nice bluegills. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some nice perch are being caught south of Pikes point and on the saddle in Emerson bay. Walleye – Fair: Haywards and Emerson bays have been producing walleyes in the evenings.
Ingham Lake
Ice conditions: 12-14 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: 14-16 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: 14 inches of ice. Use caution while on the ice. Much of the lake has opened back up due to the high winds.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Ice Conditions: 12-14 inches of ice covered with snow and slush. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake has 8 plus inches of ice under about 8 inches of snow. 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 10 inches of snow. Use care when going out on ice. The aerator is on so be careful around that area. Few anglers have been out this week. A reminder to ice anglers, Howard County Conservation Board does not allow permanent shacks or motorized vehicles on the ice. Bluegill – Slow: Much of angling has been off the pine tree point in about 10 feet of water. Use small jigs tipped with wax worms. If fish don’t bite, take the wax worm off and just use the jig. Crappie – Slow: Crappie are generally found suspended higher off the bottom than bluegills. 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 14 plus inches of ice under about 10 inches of snow. Use caution when going on ice especially around cracks and fissures. Few anglers have been out this week. 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. Use a very small jig with small rubber tail.
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)
Use extreme caution when going on river ice especially with increased flows, fluctuating water levels and snow. 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: Water clarity is excellent so watch your shadow on clear sunny days. Use larger jigs or streamers that imitate minnows or small trout. Brown Trout – Fair: Sny Magill and North Cedar Fish and Wildlife areas were the first private lands purchased for the purpose of trout stream management open to the public, according to the 1975 Job Completion Report by Fisheries Management Section to the State Conservation Commission. Rainbow Trout – Good: Larger rainbows are moving upstream in preparation for spawning. Try using baits imitating minnows and small trout.
Temperatures will be in the 30’s for the weekend. Most of our areas received 8 to 10 inches of snow. An urban trout stocking will take place this weekend. To find out where, go to http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Trout-Fishing. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake (Delaware)
Anglers were catching bluegill and northern pike before this past week’s winter storm. Northern Pike – Fair: Try setting tip-up devices using live chubs or shiners for some great pike action below the ice. Bluegill – Fair: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm fished near or just off of the bottom near the outlet end of lake.
Big Woods Lake
It’s been reported there are signs warning of dangerous ice conditions on Big Woods Lake from recent ice jams on the Cedar River. Use caution when entering onto this lake.
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 close to structure. 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 northern pike. Northern Pike – Fair: Try setting tip-up devices using live chubs or shiners for some great pike action below the ice.
South Prairie Lake
There have been reports of anglers doing fair on both bluegill and crappie. Some crappies are being reported as “nice” in size. 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.
Martens Lake
Last weekend was the “”hot-bite”” for bluegill. Reports of 7 to 8.5 inch bluegill. An occasional crappie or northern pike have been caught as well. Bluegill – Good: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm fished near or just off of the bottom close to structure. Crappie – Fair: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm or small crappie minnow. Northern Pike – Fair: Try setting tip-up devices using live chubs or shiners for some great pike action below the ice.
Ice fishing season is in full swing. Anglers are getting out and hitting the lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Saturday’s forecast calls for sun and temperatures in the mid-thirties, great day for fishing. Trout streams are in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. Ia. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Mississippi River level at Lansing has stabilized at 8.1 feet and is expected to hold near this level over the next week. Ice thickness is around 12 inches but anglers should use caution in any areas that may have current. Bluegill – Good: Shore Slough and the boat ramp at Lansing continue to be popular with mixed results typical of midwinter ice fishing. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch are being caught near Village Creek boat ramp. Crappie – Slow: Occasional crappie are being picked up in shore slough.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Mississippi River level at Lynxville has stabilized around 16.1 feet and is expected to hold near this level over the next week. Ice thickness is around 12 inches but use caution in areas that may have current especially 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: Getting mixed midwinter reports of fishing success. Norwegian and Greymore lakes continue to be popular spots. 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 7.7 feet and is expected to hold near that level over the next week. Ice thickness is around 12 inches but caution should be used 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 reported in Zollicofer and near the marina at Mud Lake. Yellow Perch – Fair: A mix of small and nice sized perch being caught in Sunfish Lake.
Ice thickness is close to 12 inches in many backwater areas but ice thickness can be variable; use caution in areas that may have current. Much of Northeast Iowa received 7-10 inches of snow recently which may insulate and hide areas of weak ice. Upper Mississippi River levels have stabilized over the last week.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level at Dubuque tailwater is 7.2 feet and the water level at the RR bridge is 9.7 feet. Ice fishing is taking place in nearly all locals throughout pool 12 but catches have not been red hot.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at Bellevue is 8.1 feet. Some anglers are launching into the tailwater and reports are mixed. Ice fishing in Pool 13 is common but good reports are not.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Anglers are not able to launch boats into the Clinton tailwater at Clinton. Water level at Fulton is 6.7 feet.
Ice fishing conditions are good throughout the district but be careful crossing and flowing water sloughs.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 7.73 feet. 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. Use 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. Sauger – Slow: There have been a few boats fishing by the dam but fishing has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 7.90 feet. Boats are able to launch in Muscatine. Big Timber has variable ice conditions. Ice varies from 4-7 inches along the slough that runs past the boat ramp. There may be some spots with thinner ice. Big Timber can have some flow and areas with ground water that seep in that can create poor ice conditions. Use caution if venturing out on the ice and check ice conditions often as you move. Warmer weather is in the forecast. Sauger – Fair: Anglers were catching saugers below the dam at Muscatine this past weekend. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye – Fair: Anglers were catching walleyes below the dam at Muscatine this past weekend. 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 8.02 feet. Tailwater stage has fallen close to 3 feet over the past week. Boats are able to launch at Toolsboro but the road going into Toolsboro is muddy. We have not received any reports on ice conditions in the backwaters. Sauger – Slow: There have been a few boats out below the dam at New Boston earlier this week but fishing has been slow. There has been some flow ice coming down the channel as well.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 5.83 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 falling over the past week. Ice conditions may be variable with the recent warmer weather and rain. Check ice conditions often as you move. Warmer weather and chances of rain in the forecast could create poor ice conditions. Boat ramps in Davenport, Muscatine, and Toolsboro are open. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Unsafe ice conditions.
Lake Belva Deer
Under about 2 inches of honeycomb ice there is still about 5 inches of decent but not great ice. There is open water down by the dam, around the culverts flowing into the lake and around some of the trees and docks.
Lake Darling
Tuesday’s rain took the ice down to about 3.5 inches of marginally good ice with about 1.5 inches of honeycomb ice on top. About four inches of water is on top of the ice around the edges. There is open water anywhere water is coming in or leaving the lake.
Big Hollow Lake
Tuesday’s rain took away what was left of the better ice. The Kid’s Ice Fishing Clinic that was scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 6th has been cancelled.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Hannen Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Slow. Crappie – Slow.
Rodgers Park Lake
Bluegill – Fair. Crappie – Slow.
Iowa Lake
Ice thickness is reported as about 9 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Fish around brush with jigs/waxies. Crappie – Slow: Crappies have been harder to come by. Try looking for suspended fish in the basin.
Lake Macbride
Most of the lake has 8-12 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. Reports are saying more small fish with a 10-12 inch fish mixed in. Early and late in the day is best. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are generally easy to catch around wood or rock. Size is generally small, but some fish may be considered “keepers”. Walleye – Slow: Most of the walleyes being caught are <12 inches. Nicer fish are available but tough to find.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is currently about 12 feet low for the upcoming restoration project. Much of the lake has about 10-12 inches of ice. Weekends have been very busy. Yellow Perch – Good: Most fish are small, but 8-10 inch fish are also being caught on jigs/waxies or minnows off the dam in 20-25 feet of water and out from the main ramp. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Ice thickness is reported as 6-8 inches; use caution around the shorelines and inlet areas. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being caught around brush on jigs/waxies. Many sizes are being caught, but a good number are 7-8 inches. Crappie – Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush, off the dam, 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.
Union Grove Lake
The lake is currently drained for the renovation project that will start this winter.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on Feb. 4 is 683.3′ which is normal pool. Most of the lake is ice covered but it is unsafe due to past dropping water levels and in/outflow, as well as rain and wind.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Some of the backwaters have deteriorated ice conditions.
Prairie Park Fishery
Ice thickness has been reported as about 10 inches. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
The ice thickness has deteriorated and lake still has areas of open water, primarily in front of the lodge. Ice thickness varies across the lake.
Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness has deteriorated and the thickness varies from one place to the next.
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; use caution and check thickness often.
Lake Sugema
Ice thickness has deteriorated and the ice along the shoreline has opened up; there is open water between the ice and the shore. The ice along the dam has also started to open up.
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. The current lake level is 908.07. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.
Warmer temperatures last week and rain has affected the ice. Use caution at any lake in south central Iowa. 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 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 were stocked on Jan. 30th. Use jigging spoons or Swedish pimple style baits tipped with wax worms. Live minnow rigs can also work well.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Snowmelt from the parking lot has caused thin ice at the base of the boat ramp that is now covered by snow. DO NOT access the lake off of the boat ramp. 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.
Ice fishing conditions remain fair to good in Central Iowa. Thicknesses range from 6 to 12 inches. Warm weather and snowmelt last week caused some edges to deteriorate; in some areas snow covered these spots before a good refreeze. 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. 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 pressure 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 10 inches of ice. Most angler reports are coming from the north arm of the lake and the west silt pond. 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 Lake 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 the 8 to 9 inch fish.
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 – Slow: 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 especially in the southern part of the district. 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
