NORTHWEST
Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is 11 inches near the boat ramp. Bluegill – Fair: Keeper-sized bluegill have been picked up this week. Use waxworms fished on a small jig in 10-15 feet of water near structure.
Bacon Creek Lake
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is currently operating. Ice thickness is around 13 inches near the Ice House Point boat ramp; this is where most of the ice angling has taken place. Use caution – there are pressure seams and areas of open water around Lakewood Point and in the middle of the east basin. There are open water fishing opportunities near the fish house in Town Bay. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers have had the best luck around the Gunshot Hill area. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable; the thickest ice is by the big island near the south boat ramp and in the area around the north boat ramp. These areas are where most of the ice fishing is taking place. Conditions are more variable in the middle portion of the lake; there is thinner ice and a seam running across the big part of the lake. Use caution and check the ice thickness often when venturing out. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Moorland Pond
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is around 15-18 inches in most areas. Conditions remain variable; there is open water and recently frozen over areas that are thin near the big island, and thin areas near Stoney Point and the little island. Use caution when venturing out and check ice thickness often. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleye; best bite is during low-light hours. White Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up fish; sorting is needed.
Lakes throughout the district have roughly 10-18 inches of ice. Watch out for seams and waterfowl holes with open water on the bigger lakes. Recent warm temperatures have degraded the ice on some areas in the southern part of the district. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Try a bright colored jigging spoon tipped with bait in 2 to 4 feet of water. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily bag limit is 5.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Slow: Try a minnow or jigging spoon near edge of the rushes. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or a plastic bait near the edge of the rushes or open areas in the vegetation in 2 to 3 feet of water. Walleye – Fair: Use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow or cut bait in 8 to 10 feet of water. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Bass – Slow: Try a small jig tipped with bait in 8 to 10 feet of water. You have to stay mobile to find fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are biting in 2 to 4 feet of water. Try fishing near vegetation; use a larger bait to get the bigger fish.
Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Try a minnow near the edge of the dredge cut. Bluegill – Slow.
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms. Best bite is early morning and the last hour of light.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation in 2 to 4 feet of water. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small minnow near vegetation.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms in 2 to 3 feet of water.
Aeration systems are running at Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. Avoid any open water areas. For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Center Lake
Ice thickness is around 13 inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation, creating a large open hole.
East Okoboji Lake
Most of the lake is fully iced with an average of 18+ inches of ice allowing for safe ATV traffic in most areas. Be cautious of the open holes and seams that still persist. Panfishing has been good out from the Ritz; some sorting is needed. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics and baits. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.
Ingham Lake
Ice conditions very heavily around the lake; most areas have 17+ inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation.
Lost Island Lake
Ice conditions vary with an average of 17+ inches. Caution: The aeration system is currently in operation on the east side of the lake out from the nature center. This creates a large open hole in the ice. Yellow Perch – Fair: Lots of sorting may be needed.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions are safe enough to venture with ATVs with an average ice thickness of 18+ inches. The panfish and crappie bite has been fairly good. Black Crappie – Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little movement around the lake. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed – Fair.
Scharnberg Pond
Trout were stocked this winter; fish should be biting well. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout are biting on a variety of different baits. Try a worm or lure that imitates a minnow.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is fully iced, with an average ice thickness of 19+ inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
The lake is fully iced; watch out for areas that had open goose holes until recently. Ice thickness is 18+ inches in most places. Black Crappie – Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Bluegill – Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 18+ inches in most places; there still are a handful of seams usually running from points. Know where trouble areas are before you venture on or off the ice. Panfishing has slowed a bit; with a little movement on the north end and Little Emerson Bay you may be able to catch a good amount of fish. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics or baits. Black Crappie – Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Bluegill – Good: Many anglers have been successful off Triboji on the north end of the lake. Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.
Most area lakes have 18+ inches of ice. Watch out for iced over holes and seams running across the lakes. Be sure you know a safe route on and off the ice. Bring safety essentials like flotation, ice picks and a friend. Area lakes have 1-3 inches of snow coverage. The forecast calls for a mix of warmer and freezing temperatures. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Ice thickness is 12 to 16 inches. Use caution when crossing areas with flow. Check ice thickness often. Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Good: Try waxworms and spikes. Walleye – Fair: Use minnows under a slip bobber with enough weight to get your bait near the bottom.
Decorah District Streams
The 2022 trout stream stocking calendar is ready for download on our trout fishing website. Wildlife management areas are not plowed in the winter; use care when parking along a plowed road. Winter trout fishing is a great time to explore new streams and enjoy opportunities with fewer anglers out. Water clarity is excellent. Be prepared to blend into the background for wary fish. Brook Trout – Fair: Insect hatches are starting to take place on sunny afternoons. Use midge, minnow or scud patterns for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Brown Trout – Fair: Murky melt water will soon excite brownies. Try spinner or crankbaits near or around structure. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Rainbow Trout are coloring up for their spawning season. Hatchery hold overs remain in the stream teasing anglers. Use small spinnerbaits or hair jigs floating past structure.
Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is about 16 inches. Water clarity is excellent at 9 feet. Areas around the aerator remain open; use caution. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing in the sharp drop-offs. Finicky crappies may bite as you slowly raise the lure. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworm or spike fished near structure.
Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 18-20 inches. Best bite is early morning and before dusk. Find fish in 8-10 feet of water and around brush piles. Black Crappie – Fair: Be prepared to change lures often to trick those educated fish. Bluegill – Goof: Catching all sizes of bluegills. Anglers with cameras see lots of fish looking at bait, but not biting. Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few nice-sized bass are finding their way into the creel.
Volga Lake
Ice thickness is about 12-14 inches. Best bite is is early morning or pre-dusk. Black Crappie – Good: Bright colored ice jigs tipped with a waxworm works well, especially for light biters. Bluegill – Good: Find fish around brush piles about 1-2 feet off the bottom.
Weekend weather varying widely from patchy blowing snow on Friday with wind chills below zero to mostly sunny and mid 40s on Sunday. Ice thickness on most waterbodies is 12+ inches. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching bluegill. Bluegill – Fair: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of some crappie being caught on backwater ice; use extreme caution when on river ice. Black Crappie – Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick. The few crappie being caught are quality-sized.
Heritage Pond
Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Slow: Try jigging flashy jigs with a blade to entice rainbow trout to take your lure or jig.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Very clear water conditions; use subtle presentations and approach fish from downstream. Sunday could provide some runoff on our streams which can often be beneficial in catching brown trout. Brown Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.
Martens Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie and some yellow perch. Move often to locate fish; spots are hit-and-miss. Black Crappie – Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Try a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or a minnow on a dead stick. The few crappie being caught are quality-sized. Bluegill – Good: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching some 9- to 11-inch perch. Try a waxy on a jig or a jigging rapala.
North Prairie Lake
Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Slow: Try jigging flashy jigs with a blade to entice rainbow trout to take your lure or jig.
Silver Lake (Delaware)
High catches of small bluegill. Harvest-sized fish are rare, but a good location to catch some fish with the kids. Bluegill – Slow: Best bite is evening or early morning with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike – Slow: Try fishing tip-ups with a large shiner or chub.
Ice thickness is 8 inches on most lakes and ponds in east-central Iowa. Remain cautious while ice fishing; avoid areas with water current or discolored ice. Ice fishing is slow in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Best bite is morning and evening. Call area/local bait shops for the most up to date reports. Contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Lansing water level is just under 8 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice thickness often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Notice: Dredging is completed at Lansing Village Creek. The west part of the parking lot remains closed. Black Crappie – Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill – Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike – Slow: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot or two off the bottom.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Lynxville water level is near 614 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Anglers are crossing Wyalusing Slough at Sny Magill to fish down in Methodist Lake. Stay on well traveled paths in areas of potential current. Black Crappie – Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill – Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike – Fair: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot or two off the bottom.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tailwater is 5.7 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Black Crappie – Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill – Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike – Fair: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot or two off the bottom.
Upper Mississippi River levels remain stable. Fish are not as active mid-winter; move often to find fish. Ice depth in backwaters is more than 12 inches. Ice on areas with current varies; use caution. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily limit 6/possession 12.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is steady. Water levels are 5.7 feet at the Lock and Dam and 8.4 feet at the railroad bridge. Water clarity is good. Boat ramps are all frozen in. Bluegill – Slow: Poor catches have been reported; size has been small. Hopefully late ice will produce better results. Sauger – No Report: The ramps are iced in. Yellow Perch – Fair: Expect to see more yellow perch as winter progresses. We have had excellent reproduction of yellow perch in the past few years.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at the Bellevue Lock is receding at near 5.9 feet. The Bellevue Boat ramp is completely frozen in. The viewing of bald eagles at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is spectacular as they are feeding on dead shad. The city parking lot is an easy location to watch the action. Black Crappie – Fair: An occasional report of anglers catching a nice crappie at times; use a tip-up with minnows. Bluegill – Slow: Reports of slow winter fishing with brief periods of decent bites. Rainbow Trout – Good: The kids’ trout pond just north of the DNR station has been stocked with rainbow trout for the winter. You can only keep two trout per child. Sauger – No Report: The Bellevue Ramp is frozen in. Yellow Perch – Fair: Lots of small perch are being seen during fish surveys. The future looks bright for decent yellow perch fishing in Pool 13. Some nice catches of yellow perch; fishing has been boom or bust as schools move around under the ice.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is steady at 5.0 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.5 feet at Camanche and 4.3 feet at Le Claire. Water temperature is around 33 degrees in the main channel. Water clarity is good. Most ramps on Pool 14 are frozen in; boat launching is not possible. Bald Eagle viewing in the tailwaters has been very good below the dam. Bluegill – Slow: Reports of spotty catches out of Rock Creek and Catfish Slough; most anglers report poor catches. Sauger – No Report: It remains difficult to launch out of frozen ramps. Yellow Perch – No Report: Lots of small perch are in the system; the future looks bright for yellow perch fishing in Pool 14.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is steady at 4.8 feet. The water temperature is near 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill – No Report: Not a lot of backwater bluegill habitat exists on Pool 15 outside of marina areas. Sauger – No Report: Launching is difficult in Pool 15; boat ramps are frozen in.
Lots of ice fishing throughout the district; make sure you have a safety plan as Mississippi River ice can be unpredictable. Be aware of places with flowing water or where ice looks discolored. Most ice is up to 12 inches in the backwaters. The main channel water is low and clear; boat ramps are frozen in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 4.73 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been fairly steady. As of Feb. 16, the Marquette Street boat ramp is open; some anglers have been tailwater fishing. Snow in the forecast could change ramp conditions. We have not received any ice fishing reports for this pool this week. Warm weather and rain the past couple of days could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along shorelines. Sauger – Fair: Some saugers have been caught below the Lock and Dam in the Quad Cities. Use hair jigs and minnows or nightcrawlers; mostly small saugers have been caught.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 3.55 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been slowly falling. As of Feb. 16, the ramps at Muscatine were open; some anglers have been out tailwater fishing. Ramp conditions may change with snow in the forecast. We have not received any reports on ice fishing in Big Timber. Ice conditions can be variable in Big Timber; check ice thickness often as you move. Warm weather and rain the past few days could create unsafe ice. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers below the lock and dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers. Walleye – No Report: Some anglers were out this past week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 3.85 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been falling. As of Feb. 16th, the Toolsboro ramp was being reported as open. Ramp conditions may change with snow in the forecast . We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week. Warm weather and rain this past week could create unsafe ice conditions. Sauger – Slow: Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers. Walleye – Slow: Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 2.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is forecast to slowly rise the next few days. We have not received any reports on tailwater fishing for walleye and sauger. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week. Warm weather and rain this past week could create unsafe ice conditions.
There has been some tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers below the lock and dams. Use caution and check ice thickness often as you move. Warm weather and rain the past few days could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
The ice is turning milky in color and starting to pull back from the shoreline as melt water enters the lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Moved into the “late ice” time of the ice fishing season. Finding fish will be the biggest task.
Lake Belva Deer
Warm weather and wind is starting to work on the ice. It’s still in pretty good condition, but start to look for “bad spots” Bluegill – Fair: Fishing is hit-or-miss. Move around often to find fish; they are more out in the open and away from the trees
Lake Darling
Recent warm weather has turned the ice milky and started to pull it away from the shoreline. Bluegill – Fair: Fishing is hit-or-miss; move around often to find fish.
Lost Grove Lake
Entering into late ice fishing conditions. Be prepared to move and drill more than a few holes to find fish. Bluegill – Fair: Move often to find fish – don’t wait for them to come to you. Find the “right” spot and you can do well.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.
Diamond Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Use jigs or waxies around brush piles. White Crappie – Good: Most fish are 8 inches; a few bigger fish have been mixed in.
Green Castle Lake
Ice thickness is about 18 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Keeper-sized fish have been hit-and-miss this week.
