NORTHWEST
Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is 6-7 inches near the boat ramp. Areas in the middle of the lake may be thinner. Use caution and check ice thickness often as you move around.
Black Hawk Lake
Ice thickness is 7-8 inches off of Ice House Point boat ramp. This is the best ice on the lake – other areas in the middle are much thinner as they were open and recently froze over. Use caution; there is a large seam near the middle of the lake. There is open water fishing at the fish house in Town Bay – area underneath the structure is kept ice free with a water agitator. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a waxworm or small minnow or jigs. Most luck has been around the fish house in Town Bay and near Ice House Point. Walleye – Fair: The bite has slowed, but fish can still be picked up around Ice House Point boat ramp, near the Gunshot hill area, and in the inlet bridge bay area. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up some perch with minnows and waxworms. Most are having luck between Denison Beach and Gunshot Hill area.
Black Hawk Pits
Ice thickness is 6-7 inches near the boat ramp. Variable ice conditions with thinner areas near the middle; use caution.
Brushy Creek Lake
Anglers have been out on the north end. Foot traffic only. Other areas of the lake are thinner or open water. Use caution if venturing out; check ice thickness often as you move around (ice conditions on this lake are variable). Black Crappie – Fair: Pick up crappie by the north boat ramp. Best luck is near trees. Sorting is needed. Bluegill – Fair.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is 7-10 inches. Conditions are variable, with the usual thin areas/open water around the big island and ice seams. Use caution; check ice thickness often as you make your way out. Walleye – Slow: Some fish are being picked up along the dredge cuts. Yellow Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair. Most perch being caught are small.
Ice is variable on area lakes. Ice thickness is 5-10 inches; some lakes have pockets of open water and thin areas that recently froze over. Use caution if venturing out. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
|
|
Blue Pit
Rainbow trout were stocked on Jan 11th. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Good.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 12-14 inches on most of the lake. The west aerator is off, use caution around this area as it freezes over in the next few days. Wear safety gear and check ice thickness as you go. Black Crappie – Fair: Use caution when fishing near the rushes on the north shore. Foot traffic only recommended. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with bait near vegetation. Walleye -Fair: Try a minnow near rocky habitat. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Bass – Slow: Use a jig tipped with bait in 2 to 3 feet of water. Yellow Perch – Good: Most perch being caught are 4- to 6-inches.
Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 12-14 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with bait. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye -Slow.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 12-14 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair. Use a jig tipped with bait near vegetation.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 12-14 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation. Northern Pike – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a jig tipped with bait in 2 to 3 feet of water.
Aeration systems are running at Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. Avoid any open water areas; be cautious of waterfowls holes on these lakes. Check ice thickness often as you move. For information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
|
|
East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is around 11 inches in most areas. A handful of areas have just frozen over recently, mainly on the northern most basin. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Caution: There is a large open hole just north of the island. Ice thickness is around 11.5 inches. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aerator is in operation. Ice thickness is around 12.5 inches. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
Spirit Lake
The lake has suitable ice for fishing, but also has a large open water section off Big Stoney Point. Ice thickness is up to 12 inches in some location; there are thinner areas on the main basin that froze more recently. There is no access on the south end due to a large heave. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Most areas are now fishable; there are still many unsafe areas or areas of open water on the main lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Warning: Many larger lakes have areas of open water or areas that have iced over very recently. Be cautious of seams that have popped up on many lakes. Most area lakes have 12 or more inches of ice. The extended forecast calls for continued below freezing temperatures. Check ice thickness often when going out. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
|
|
NORTHEAST
Decorah District Streams
A good trout stream stays open during cold weather. Avoid walking on cleared gravel areas in faster moving water. These are brook and brown trout nests or redds. Many streams flow through public areas where hunting occurs. Wear plenty of orange so hunters can see you. Brook Trout – Good: Be stealthy approaching steams. Water clarity is excellent. Find fish in deeper pools above beaver dams. Brown Trout – Good: Be stealthy approaching steams due to clear water. Flip a fly along the edge of vegetation. Try flies intimating minnows or other small fish. Rainbow Trout – Good: Use a small chunk of worm or cheese under a bobber fished through a deeper hole. Running spinners through a deep hole will show good results as well.
Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is 12 inches. Water clarity is good. Avoid the area around the aerator; unsafe ice. Black Crappie – Fair: Use small jigs with waxworms or small plastic. Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs with waxworms or small plastics.
Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is 10-12 inches. Water clarity is excellent. Black Crappie – Good: Use small jigs with waxworms in deeper water around brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Try small jigs with waxworms in 8-12 feet of water around brush piles.
Volga Lake
Ice thickness is 7-8 inches. Water clarity is good. Use extreme caution; check ice thickness often. Black Crappie – Good: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms and around brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Try waxworms on a small jig around brush piles where fish will be stacked up.
Most area rivers are low with ice along the edges or on pools. Ice thickness is 7-12 inches on the most lakes and ponds. Ice conditions have improved with the latest blast of cold weather and should continue to build up as the colder weather moves in the next week. One day of warmth coming on Friday where temperatures reach a high of 42, but then drops back down. Always use caution on ice. Use caution and wear orange when fishing on public hunting areas. For more information, contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
|
|
Big Woods Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Fair: Try an ice jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm; look for suspended fish near the structure using electronics. Bluegill – Fair: Try finding structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.
Brinker Lake
Anglers are catching yellow. Yellow Bass – Good: Find woody structure in the 30 feet of water using a small jig tipped with a waxworm.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers are catching a few walleye on the Cedar River. Walleye – Fair: Tip a jig and plastic with a live minnow.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie, sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Fair: TTry an ice jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm; look for suspended fish near the structure using electronics. Bluegill – Fair: Try finding structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition.
South Prairie Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie Try an ice jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm; look for suspended fish near the structure using electronics. Bluegill – Fair: Try finding structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.
Interior rivers remain at low levels and have frozen over with the recent cold snap. Few reports of ice fishing in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Ice conditions are improving daily; ice thickness is 6-8 inches in most areas. Always use extreme caution on the ice. Trout streams remain in excellent condition and provide great angling opportunities for rainbow and brown trout. For more information, contact Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276.
|
|
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 8.1 feet at Lansing. Freezing weather has improved ice conditions. Ice thickness is around 12 inches in Shore Slough and Lansing Village Creek. Black Crappie – Good: Nice sized crappies are being caught. Use a small minnow for larger fish. Bluegill – Excellent: Good sized bluegills being caught in the early bite. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are catching nice bass with waxworms Northern Pike – Good: Early tip-up fishing has been good at times. Yellow Perch – Good: Look for perch in the backwaters. Try using minnows for bigger fish.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level is 613.7 feet at Lynxville. Freezing temperatures are improving ice conditions. Anglers are fishing the newer dredge cuts above the Marquette bridge. Avoid ice at the ramp in Bussey Lake; unsafe ice conditions at Guttenberg. Ice anglers are entering on the island road and reporting around 12 inches of ice. Anglers have been crossing at Sny Magill. Use caution as ice conditions may change with warm-up and water fluctuations. Black Crappie – Good: Nice sized crappie being caught. Try using small minnows for larger fish. Bluegill – Good: Good sized bluegills being caught in the early bite. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers catching some nice bass fishing waxworms for panfish. Northern Pike – Good: Early tip-up fishing has been good at times. Sauger – Good: Sauger fishing in the tailwaters has been good; access may be limited by ice. Walleye – Good: Fishing in the tailwaters has been good recently but access may be limited by ice. Yellow Perch – Good: Look for perch in the backwaters. Try using minnows for bigger fish.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is at 5.3 feet at Guttenberg. Ice thickness is 12 inches in protected backwaters. Boat ramps in Guttenberg have iced in. Avoid ice in areas with any current yet. Avoid the mouth of the creek at Mud Lake The spring at Zollicoffer has thin ice. Black Crappie – Fair: Nice sized crappie being caught. Try using small minnows for larger fish. Bluegill – Good: Good sized bluegills being caught in the early bite. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers catching some nice bass fishing waxworms for panfish. Northern Pike – Good: Early tip-up fishing has been good at times. Sauger – Good: Walleye fishing in the tailwaters has been good recently but access may be limited by ice. Walleye – Slow: Fishing in the tailwaters has been good; access may be limited by ice. Yellow Perch – Good: Some good reports of perch catches at Mud and Sunfish lakes.
Ice is building with the colder weather. Ice thickness is around 12 inches on most backwater lakes. The bite has slowed this past week. Anglers having the best luck are moving often to find fish. Don’t forget ice cleats; the ice is slippery without snow cover. Fluctuating water levels may cause unsafe ice around the edge. Avoid areas with current. Use a spud bar to test the ice thickness before venturing out.
|
|
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level is stable at 5.5 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.1 feet at the RR bridge. Water is clear. Water temperature is around 33 degrees in the main channel. Hawthorne boat ramp is iced in. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are often using tip-downs with a minnow for bait. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are targeting the various harbor sites within the city of Dubuque. If you have airboats or hovercrafts, several newly dredged backwater area like Stone Lake and Tippy Lake have been good. Northern Pike – Excellent: Pike fishing has been very good in the backwaters. Anglers are using large shiners with tip-ups. Walleye – Good: Some walleye and saugers are being taken with a jig and minnow in the tailwaters. Getting out of iced in ramps will be a challenge.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is stable at 5.7 feet at Bellevue. Water temperature is 33 degrees in the main channel. Water is clear. Bellevue City Ramp can be open at times, but will undoubtedly ice in during the next cold snap. The DNR ramp is also presently frozen in. The main channel is open below the dam; major ice flows are occurring at times. Bluegill – Good: Ice conditions have become more favorable this week and a lot of fishing is going on, especially in lakes around Sabula. Ice can be sketchy around the south campground; check ice thickness often before going out. The ice itself is very slick; use cleats to move around. Walleye – Good: Most angling is taking place in tailwaters using jigs and minnows. Yellow Perch – Good: Many little yellow perch with an occasional nicer fish being seen around the Sabula Lakes area.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is stable at 4.9 feet at Fulton, 9.7 feet at Camanche and 4.6 feet at LeClaire. Water is clear. Water temperature is around 33 degrees. Bluegill -Good: Ice fishing is occurring at Rock Creek and in Willow Lake. Sorting of bluegills is occurring but some nice fish are being caught. Walleye – No report: Ice is playing havoc on getting to the tailwaters for walleye and sauger fishing. When available the angling has been good on jig and minnow rigs.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is stable at near 5.9 feet at Rock Island. Water is clear. Water temperature is around 33 degrees.
Ice fishing conditions are generally good in traditional areas; always use caution. Ice has been slick; wear cleats to help you move around. If you have angling questions, call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.
|
|
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage has risen to 5.89 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities. Tailwater state is forecast to stay fairly steady over the weekend. The Marquette St. Boat ramp in Davenport is open except for a couple feet of ice extending out from the bottom of the ramp that would prevent launching a boat. Ramp conditions may change. We have not received any ice conditions for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.40 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Tailwater stage is forecast to fall slightly over the weekend. The boat ramp in Muscatine is frozen; a lot of ice is floating out from the ramp. Ice conditions in Big Timber were around 5 inches along the parking lot. Thinner ice conditions may exist in the main part of Big Timber; check ice thickness often if you venture out on the ice.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 5.71 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has risen close to 1.5 feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. We have not received any ice conditions reports for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 2.42 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. We have not received any reports for tailwater walleye and sauger fishing below the dam. We have not received any ice condition reports for this pool this week.
Tailwater stages have been on the rise. Main channel temperature is around 32 degrees. The main channel is freezing up with recent cold temperatures. Tailwater stages are fluctuating which could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
|
|
SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. The ice is still thin. Ice is thickest at the boat ramp bay. Nearly everywhere else is much thinner. Some thicker ice on the south side where it is shaded from the sun.
Lake Belva Deer
Use caution. Ice conditions are improving with the colder weather. Still some spots of thin ice. Not much angler activity yet.
Lake Darling
Use extreme caution. Nobody has been out fishing yet. Ice thickness is about 6 inches on the campground arm. Ice thickness is about 4 inches by the main ramp. Geese and swans are keeping a spot open just west of the middle of the lake. Lots of thinner spots; highly variable ice conditions. Bluegill – No report: A couple of anglers have been out and drilled test holes and then left.
Lake Geode
Unsafe ice conditions. Ice is still thin. Ice thickness is less than 4 inches in most spots.
Lost Grove Lake
The ice conditions continue to improve at the lower end of the lake; still use caution. Most activity is at the west end of the lake. Bluegill – Fair. Anglers are catching some bluegills toward the west boat ramp around the flooded timber.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
|
|
Central Park Lake
Ice thickness is about 5-6 inches. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Slow. Largemouth – Fair.
Hannen Lake
Ice thickness is 8 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: 8- to 10-inch crappie are being caught. Bluegill – Fair: mostly small fish being caught.
Kent Park Lake
Ice thickness is 4-7 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Use green jigs or silver spoons tipped with waxworms around brush piles in 8-12 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Try green jigs or silver spoons tipped with waxworms around brush piles in 8-12 feet of water Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use green jigs or silver spoons tipped with waxworms around brush piles in 8-12 feet of water.
Lake Macbride
Ice thickness is 1-6 inches. Use caution if going ice fishing; check ice thickness often. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing around submerged brush piles. White Crappie – Fair: Try fishing around submerged brush piles.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Fishing around structure at sunrise or sunset is most productive.
Rodgers Park Lake
Ice thickness is 7 inches. No fishing activity reported
Union Grove Lake
Ice thickness is 6-8 inches. Large open area near west boat ramp from waterfowl.
Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Ice thickness is 6 inches in backwater areas near Pinicon Ridge Park. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Good: Lots of small bluegill are being caught. White Crappie – Slow.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
|
|
Hawthorn Lake
Ice conditions are variable with open water in some areas and 2-5 inches in others. Fishing activity has been slow. Use caution if venturing out.
Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project. Please keep out of the lake bed.
Lake Miami
Ice conditions are variable with a pressure ridge developing on the east side creating some open water. Entering the lake from the west boat ramp is best. Catch crappies with jigs in brush piles.
Lake Sugema
The lake has quite a bit of open water; Canada geese are keeping areas open. No fishing activity has been occurring. Unsafe ice conditions.
Lake Wapello
Ice conditions vary; use caution.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.09 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Anglers are fishing in the coves and bay at South Fork, Buck Creek and Honey Creek. Ice thickness varies; use caution and be aware of pressure ridges in some areas. Catch crappies with jigs in brush piles. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels; properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody.
Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Target brush piles and the submerged structure near the campground hill.
Ice conditions vary at each lake; use caution and check ice thickness often. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing south central Iowa.
|
|
SOUTHWEST
Big Creek Lake
Ice thickness is 9 inches. There is a large seam mid-lake that had water around it the previous week. This has refrozen; use caution near it. Black Crappie – Slow. No reports of a good crappie bite. A fair population of large crappies is present if you can find schools. Try glow jigs and glow spoons tipped with live minnows, minnow heads or waxworms in the evening. Bluegill – Fair: Use waxworms and spikes near sunken trees.
Don Williams Lake
Ice thickness is around 9 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Catch crappies in the lake afternoons and evenings on glow jigs with waxworms or glow spoons with live minnows or minnow heads.
Hickory Grove Lake
Ace thickness is 7-9 inches. Best bite is late afternoon into evening over the dead willow and cottonwood trees that grew while the lake was drained. The portion of the lake with most of this habitat is between the Snow Bunting Lodge and the South Boat Ramp at depths greater than 12 feet.
Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout were stocked through the ice on January 16. Try jigging spoons or panfish jigs tipped with a waxworm. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Terra Lake
Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout were stocked through the ice on January 16. Try jigging spoons or panfish jigs tipped with a waxworm. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Triumph Park West
Bluegill – Good: Use waxworms. Start by fishing where bottom depths are 6 to 12 feet. Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout were stocked through the ice on January 16 in both Triumph East and West Ponds. Try jigging spoons or panfish jigs tipped with a waxworm. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Ice thickness is 7-10 inches on Central Iowa lakes and ponds. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.
|
|
Lake Anita
Ice thickness is 7 inches. The panfish population looks good heading into winter. Black Crappie – Good: Sorting is needed for larger fish. Look for a deep tree pile for best success. Bluegill – Fair: A group of anglers did well in the south arm of the lake fishing in 10 feet of water around tree piles.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield showed a good panfish population in 2024. Black crappies average 9-inches with an occasional 12-inch fish. Sorting is needed for 8-inch bluegill.
Meadow Lake
Ice thickness is 7 inches. Bluegill average 8-inches; there is a good population of 10-inch black crappies. Find a deep cedar tree pile for best success. Black Crappie – Slow. Try fishing an hour before dark to find 10-inch black crappie. Bluegill -Good: Catch 8-inch bluegill around cedar tree piles .
Prairie Rose Lake
Ice thickness is 6-8 inches. Black Crappie – No report: There is a fair population of 10- to 12-inch black crappie. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are starting to catch bluegill around the cedar tree piles.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake will offer good crappie fishing this winter. Bluegills will average 7.5-inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching 9-inch black crappie in the campground arm of the lake. Bluegill – Good: Fishing is good for 7.5-inch bluegill.
Ice conditions have improved in the southwest district. Ice thickness is 7 inches on most lake and ponds. For information on lakes in the Southwest District, call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.
|
|
Green Valley Lake
Ice thickness is 7 inches of ice off the beach area boat ramp. Geese are keeping an area open near the campground. Black Crappie – Fair: Catch crappie up to 8- inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm near deep cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8-inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm near deep cedar tree brush piles.
Little River Watershed Lake
Ice thickness is 5-6 inches off the main boat ramp. There is an area of open water off the Paul Vaughn boat ramp. Geese are keeping an area of open water on the south end of the lake.
Summit Lake
Ice thickness is 7 inches of ice off the main boat ramp. Avoid thin ice near the HWY 25 bridge. Geese are keeping an area open about mid-lake.
Three Mile Lake
Open water across the south end of the lake. Lake level is 11 feet below normal pool. Boat ramp lanes are out of the water at the main boat ramp.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Variable ice conditions; ice thickness is 6 inches off of the east boat ramp. Areas of open water on the south end of the lake. Area of open water off the Townline Boat Ramp. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm in 15-20 feet of water along the flooded timber to catch all sizes of yellow perch.
Most Mount Ayr district lakes have variable ice conditions; ice thickness is 0 to 7 inches. Some larger lakes have areas of open water. Use caution and drill test holes often. For more information, call Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
