NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Ice is around 8 inches. Ice thickness can be inconsistent on lakes, use caution and check ice depths frequently. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are catching good numbers of quality size (9”+) bluegill with wax worms fished in 12 to 16 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up some 10 inch crappies while targeting bluegill.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice thickness ranges from 10 to 14 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 20-30 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie have been picked up while fishing for bluegill in 20-30 feet of water. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch have been picked up with minnows fished in 20-30 feet of water. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching a few walleyes using minnows fished in the flats at 20-30 feet of water.
Bacon Creek Lake
There are weak areas of ice near the dam. Use caution and check ice depths regularly. Approximately 1500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on Jan. 26th. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Anglers are having success using several methods including: 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)
Ice thickness varies from about 10-16 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow, most being caught are small. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have picked up a few walleye in the dredge cuts towards the east end of the lake using minnows and jigs. Others have had some success fishing the South Cove Park area, the inlet, and Chautauqua Point area using minnows and jigs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch have been picked up near the inlet. The bite is hit or miss.
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 10-14 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: A few bluegills have been picked up 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. Fish minnows and waxworms 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 – Slow: Target walleye using minnows fished near 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 10-12 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 8-12 inches of 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. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up perch using minnows. Lots of sorting is required to get the bigger fish. Use larger minnows to key in on the bigger fish.
Moorland Pond
Use caution when venturing out and check ice depths frequently. Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 23. Rainbow Trout – Fair: 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.
Lake Smith
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills (mostly 6.5-7.25, with a few larger ones) are biting the last hour or so of daylight near the deeper structure.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake has about around 16-17 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 anglers move often if not catching fish; fish 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 and in 8-10 feet at Farmers Beach have been good. The bite near the aerator has been hit or miss with the increased angler activity possibly moving yellows around. Walleye – Good: Anglers have had good success on structure (East aerator, HyVee-Reef, Fishermans Reef, Gilmore Reef) on the east end of the lake. 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 AM) or evening (3-8 PM). Some better catches on the little lake are 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 are out. Yellow bass (mostly smaller ones) are being caught, though the action is not fast right now.
Blue Pit
There was 1,400 trout (rainbow and brook) 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 with varied ice thickness. 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 Bakers point. 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 with varied ice conditions. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish have been found in17 feet of water suspended 5 feet or more off the bottom. Early morning and evening is the best bite.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice condition: 14-16 inches of ice with varied ice thickness. 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. Yellow Bass – Fair: Some nice yellow bass have been caught off the point. Keep moving to find active schools of fish.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice with varied ice thickness. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use. Walleye – Fair: A few walleyes have been caught in the evening around the island and in the west bay.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 14-16 inches of ice with varied ice thickness. 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: 14-16 inches of ice with varied ice conditions. 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 with varied ice conditions. Use caution while on the ice. The aeration system is in use.
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 high winds.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Ice Conditions: 14-16 inches of ice covered with snow and slush. Use caution while on the ice.
Lakes are 100 percent snow covered with 5-8 inches, slush pockets near shore lines.
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: Drop 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 – Slow: 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 – Slow. 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: 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. Use minnows and dark flashy hair jigs. 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. Use baits imitating minnows and small trout.
A warm-up will begin on Sunday with temperatures in the low 20’s. For those who have ice fishing shelters out on state-owned waters or lands, they must be removed by February 20 or ice melt. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake (Delaware)
Anglers were catching bluegill, crappie and northern pike this past weekend. 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. Crappie – Fair: Look for suspended fish on electronics, jig a wax worm or small minnow for crappie.
Brinker Lake
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 to 15 feet of water. Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm or small crappie minnow.
George Wyth Lake
Northern Pike – Fair: Try setting tip-up devices using live chubs or shiners for some great pike action below the ice.
Martens Lake
The report from Martens Lake has been slow this past week, anglers are still picking up a few smaller bluegill. Bluegill – Slow: Tip an ice fishing jig with a wax worm fished near or just off of the bottom close to structure.
Anglers are getting out and hitting the lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area but without much success. Weekend forecast calls for overcast conditions and temperatures only in the mid-teens. Trout streams 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 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 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 biting near Village Creek boat ramp. Crappie – Slow: Occasional crappie catches in shore slough.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Mississippi River level at Lynxville has stabilized around 15.5 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 shoulder 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 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 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 any 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 nicer sized perch being caught in Sunfish Lake.
Colder temperatures this week are making ice. Ice thickness is 12+ inches in many backwater areas but ice thickness can be variable; use caution in areas that may have current. Northeast Iowa has heavy snow cover which may insulate and hide areas of weak ice. Upper Mississippi River levels are stable.
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. Yellow Perch – Fair: Not catching many but some “wall mounter” yellow perch have been reported.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at Bellevue is 7.7 feet which is down a bit from last week. Some anglers are launching into the tailwater and reports are mixed. Ice fishing in Pool 13 is common but good reports are still not common. The high pressure systems are playing havoc with our anglers. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Although not commonly caught some very nice yellow perch have been reported this year. Some fish close to the state record are being caught but plan on sitting on your bucket for a while.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level at Fulton is at 6 feet, 10.2 feet at Camanche and 5.3 feet at Le Claire. Water levels are holding steady. No ice fishing was reported although some activity was noted at Rock Creek. Walleye – Good: Some angling for walleyes in the tailwater was reported and some nice fish were caught mostly using jigs and minnows. Due to the recent cold spell access to the tailwater from Iowa ramps might again be tenuous; contact local bait shops in Clinton before planning a trip.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels at Rock Island are around 6.8 feet. Boat ramps in the upper parts of Pool 15 were open as of Tuesday.
Good ice fishing conditions throughout the district but be careful walking across flowing water sloughs. Lots of reports of flowing water sloughs with unusual amounts of open ice free water. Non-flowing backwaters generally have decent ice conditions but please read the ice safety reminder on the Iowa DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/About-DNR/DNR-News-Releases/ArticleID/450/Ice-Safety-Reminder.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Unsafe ice conditions.
Lake Belva Deer
The ice left after last weekend has firmed up and is about 6 inches thick. Areas that opened up over the weekend stayed open until Wednesday because of the winds: avoid areas around some of the trees, around the docks, down by the dam, and over by the beach. Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers need to sort but are able to catch enough bigger ones to eat.
Lake Darling
Lots of areas of open water after last weekend’s highs in the upper 40’s and about 38 degrees all night Saturday. The open water didn’t refreeze even with cold temperatures on Monday and Tuesday because of high winds. Skimmed over ice on Wednesday.
Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Iowa Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
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. 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 10 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.
Green Castle Lake
Bluegill – Slow
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Ice thickness is reported as 7-9 inches. 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.
Otter Creek Lake
Nobody has been fishing here the past couple weeks.
Union Grove Lake
The lake is currently drained for the renovation project that will start this winter.
Coralville Reservoir
The ice is unsafe. There are areas of open water and skim ice.
Grundy County Lake
Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Sand Lake
Bluegill – Slow.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
The ice thickness has deteriorated and there are areas of open water, primarily in front of the lodge. Ice thickness varies across the lake and not many anglers have been out.
Red Haw Lake
Anglers have reported catching bluegill and redear on teardrop jigs tipped with a wax worm. Ice thickness has been reported at 6 inches. Avoid the area by the west arm and the fishing jetty as flowing water has formed an open area.
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 so 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. Due to the variable ice conditions, not many anglers have been out. The current lake level is 906.75. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.
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. Start 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. 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: Trout were stocked on Feb. 6th. 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 have returned to good in Central Iowa. Thicknesses range from 8 to 13 inches. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield is a good ice fishing destination. 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 10 inches of ice. The best angler reports are coming from early morning for panfish. The west silt pond has been good for bluegills. 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 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. 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.
