NORTHWEST
Arrowhead Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.
Black Hawk Lake
Most remaining ice is unsafe. There are open water fishing opportunities at the fish house in Town Bay. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a waxworm small minnow or jigs. Fish around the fish house in Town Bay.
Black Hawk Pits
Ice fishing is not recommended.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice is deteriorating quickly with the warm weather. Conditions are unknown as they are changing daily this week. Much of the remaining ice is honeycombed and starting to rot. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish are being picked up on the north end in 20 plus feet of water. Yellow Perch – Fair:
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice is deteriorating quickly. Many areas are unsafe. There are open areas and seams. Use extreme caution if venturing out on any remaining ice. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Fair:
Ice has deteriorated during the week. Ice fishing is not recommended in many of the lakes in the southern part of the district. Some lakes have 7-plus inches of ice still but it is rotten ice. Use extreme caution if venturing out. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
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Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 14 to 16 inches on most of the lake. Watch out for bad ice conditions in the Channel, from Dodge’s Point to the Island, and the east shore south of Outlet to Billy’s Reef. The access points are still good but will start to deteriorate with the forecasted warm weather. Black Crappie – Good: Fish a small jig tipped with bait near the rushes. Use caution in this area as the warm weather will change ice conditions rapidly. Walleye – Fair: Use jigging spoons tipped with a minnow. Best bite is near sunset and after dark. White Bass – Good: Fish a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head in the little lake. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are being caught on small spoons and jigs especially near sunset.
Crystal Lake
Aeration system is operating near the boat ramp. Use caution if fishing in that area. Black Crappie – Fair: Use small spoons and minnows in 10 to 16 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs with insect larvae in the deeper dredge cuts.
Rice Lake
Winter aeration system is operating. Use caution if fishing in that area. Bluegill – Fair: Fish a small jig tipped with insect larvae near submersed vegetation. Yellow Perch – Good: Try small minnows, jigs and spoons in 4 to 6 feet of water. A lot of sorting is needed for larger fish.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Aeration system is operating near the boat ramp area. Use caution if fishing in that area. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms. Yellow Perch – Fair: Fish a small jig or minnow near submersed vegetation.
Ice conditions are variable across north central Iowa lakes. Avoid areas around pressure cracks, points, and reefs. Use caution if venturing out. For information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
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East Okoboji Lake
The lake still has a handful of areas that are open or have just frozen over recently, most of which are on the northern most basin. There is around 16 inches of ice or more in most areas. The walleye season is currently closed. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many fish have been observed but sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
The lake is fully ice covered with around 17 inches of ice. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have had some success in the morning and afternoon.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aerator is currently in operation. The lake has over 15 inches of ice. Walleye – Fair: The bite has been hit or miss.
Spirit Lake
The lake has safe ice for ice fishing but also has a large open water section off Big Stoney Point. Most areas have over 17 inches of ice. The walleye season is currently closed. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers have been finding fish of quality size up to 14 inches. Bluegill – Good: Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed but anglers have been finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Most places have 16 inches of ice or more, but there are still many unsafe areas or areas of open water out on the main lake. The walleye season is currently closed. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good:
Most area lakes still have plenty of good ice. Many of which have 14 or more inches. Some areas have started to open up due to warm weather. Standing water has also started to pool on the surface in some areas. Permanent Ice shelters must be removed from lakes and state property unless occupied. The walleye season on the IGL’s is closed until May 3rd. For current conditions, call 712-330-2542.
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NORTHEAST
Cedar River (above Nashua)
About 8-10 inches of ice with the edges starting to become weak so use caution. Warmer weather is bringing more people out over the last week and they are having success! Black Crappie – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a minnow in backwater areas with no current. Bluegill – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with a waxworm under a bobber a few inches off the bottom. Northern Pike – Good: Use a spoon or flashing jig in an off-channel area. Tip-ups have been producing as well in the surrounding ponds.
Decorah District Streams
The 2025 Catchable trout stocking calendar is now available. Catchable stocking season begins April 1st. Start planning your getaway to beautiful northeast Iowa. Brook Trout – Slow: Use a midge minnow or leach pattern for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Sneak up on these fish to not spook them especially in crystal clear water. Brown Trout – Good: Fish around an undercut bank or similar structure. Fishing a cloudy day with off color water creates a perfect mix for catching this trout. Rainbow Trout – Good: Hatchery holdovers remain in the streams. Use small spinner baits or hair jigs floated past structure.
Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is about 12 inches. Avoid area around the aerator. More anglers out with the warming weather. Always use caution on the ice. Black Crappie – Fair: A small jig tipped with minnow or waxworm fished near the bottom works. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a spike or waxworm about a foot off the bottom near brush piles.
Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 16 inches. Ice depth changing with warmer weather. Black Crappie – Slow: Fishing near the brush piles will bring you the most success. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigs tipped with waxworms about a foot off the bottom near brush piles.
Volga Lake
Ice thickness is 9-10 inches. Fishing picking up with warmer weather. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Fair:
Most area rivers remain low and mostly ice covered. The majority of lakes and ponds still have 10-12 inches of Ice. Ice conditions are changing rapidly with warmer temperatures. A partly cloudy weekend with highs in upper 40s and teens for lows. Above freezing weather is sticking around. For more information, contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
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Big Woods Lake
There have been reports of anglers taking a few crappies out of Big Woods Lake this past week. Black Crappie – Fair: Use electronics to locate structure and suspended fish in deep water for best success.
Brinker Lake
There have been reports of anglers taking a few crappies out of Brinker Lake this past week. Black Crappie – Fair: Use electronics to locate structure and suspended fish in deep water for best success.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There have been a few reports on the Cedar River this past week. A 12-pound walleye was checked in a few weeks ago at an area bait shop. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing a jig head with or without plastics and tipped with a live minnow. Look for the deeper pools current breaks and tail ends of riffles for some walleye action.
George Wyth Lake
There have been fair reports of anglers catching bluegill and crappie on George Wyth Lake, some sorting may be necessary. Be careful of ice as geese have been keeping an area open on the lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Try locating structure and use an ice jig tipped with a minnow or waxworm look for suspended fish near the structure using electronics. Bluegill – Fair: Try locating structure and use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Next week’s forecast calls for temperatures to be in the 40s which may trigger some hatches to occur.
South Prairie Lake
There have been a few reports of anglers catching a few quality-sized bluegills out of South Prairie Lake. Bluegill – Fair: Try locating structure and use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.
Next week’s forecast calls for temperatures in the 40s with a bit of rain early in the week. Interior rivers are losing ice and should provide for some walleye angling. As of this morning there have been a few reports of anglers catching some panfish in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Ice conditions remain around the 6-8 inches of good ice on most area lakes, as always use extreme caution. For more information, contact your local area bait and tackle shop.
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MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level at Lansing is 8.2 feet and expected to rise slowly over the next week. Ice is around 15 inches but warm weather is beginning to degrade ice quickly. Caution should be used along shorelines and areas with current should be avoided. Black Crappie – Fair: Occasional nice sized fish being caught. Bluegill – Good: Late winter bite has begun with a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-up fishing has been good this winter with a lot of 20-inch fish being caught. Yellow Perch – Good: Late winter perch bite has begun.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level in the tailwaters at Lynxville is currently 613.7 feet and expected to rise slowly over the next week. Ice is around 15 inches but warm weather is beginning to degrade ice quickly. Caution should be used along shorelines and areas with current should be avoided. Lynxville ramp may open soon but there will be a lot of ice flows to deal with. Black Crappie – Fair: Occasional nice sized fish being caught. Bluegill – Good: Late winter bite has begun with a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-up fishing has been good this winter with a lot of 20-inch fish being caught. Yellow Perch – Good: Late winter perch bite had begun.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level at Guttenberg is 5.6 feet and expected to rise slowly over the next week. Ice is around 12-15 inches but warm weather is beginning to degrade ice quickly. Caution should be used along shorelines and areas with current should be avoided. The DNR boat ramp in Guttenberg is open to access tailwater walleye fishing. The city ramp may open soon but there will be a lot of ice flows to deal with. Black Crappie – Fair: Occasional nice sized fish being caught. Bluegill – Good: Midwinter bite can be mixed with a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-up fishing has been good this winter with a lot of 20-inch fish being caught. Sauger – Fair: Early tailwater fishing has been mixed to start but should get better up as river conditions improve. Walleye – Fair: Early tailwater fishing has been mixed to start but should get better up as river conditions improve. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch fishing should pick up during late winter.
Upper Mississippi River Pools 9-11 river conditions are changing quickly. While many backwater lakes still have around 15 inches of ice, it is starting to honeycomb and degrade. Predicted continued warm weather and potential rain could make many areas unsafe in the coming days. Anglers should exercise caution especially along shorelines and areas with current. Most main channel ramps remain iced up. Some may open soon but there will be a lot of channel ice to deal with.
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Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level at Dubuque Lock and Dam is rising at 5.5 feet and the RR Bridge is at 7.9 feet. Water is clear with the temperature is around 33 degrees in main channel. As of Thursday, Hawthorne Boat ramp is frozen in. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are often using tip downs with minnows. Bluegill – Excellent: Anglers are targeting the various harbor sites within the city of Dubuque. If you have airboats or hovercrafts several newly dredged backwater areas like Stone Lake and Tippy Lake have been good. Northern Pike – Excellent: Pike fishing has been very good in the backwaters. Anglers often using large shiners with tip ups. Bite may have begun to slow up some. Walleye – No Report: Very difficult to get to the tailwater as boat ramps have iced in or subject to ice flows.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at Bellevue is rising and is near 5.6 feet. Water is clear with the temperature near 33 degrees in the main channel. Bellevue City ramp is presently open. Ice flows may happen at any time. Bluegill – Excellent: In general ice thickness is decent. Ice can be sketchy around the south campground in Sabula at times so please check it before going out. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of big bass have been reported by ice anglers in the Sabula area. May have tailed off recently. Northern Pike – Excellent: Pike are being caught in a variety of locations on tip-ups tipped with large shiners. May be the best pike fishing seen on the river in years but it has tailed off a bit lately. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season on the Mississippi River is March 1 through April 15. Snagging is only allowed within 500 yards of navigation dams and their spillways. Please review the rules as they are complicated. Rainbow Trout – Good: The kids trout pond north of the DNR fisheries station is stocked with trout and should remain good fishing till the April/May time frame when it will weed over. Presently it is frozen over and nearly impossible to fish. It should open soon with warmer temps. Walleye – Good: The tailwater has been open most of the winter and Bellevue City Ramp is presently open. Yellow Perch – Good: Many little yellow perch with an occasional nicer fish being seen around the Sabula Lakes areas. Some perch also being caught at Millers Landing in lower Pool 13 in some very shallow backwaters. Typically late ice can be good for yellow perch. Ice conditions may be increasingly sketchy with recent warm weather.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level at Fulton is rising and near 4.7 feet, 9.7 feet at Camanche, and 4.3 feet at LeClaire. Water is clear with the temperature around 33 degrees. Bluegill – Good: Ice fishing is occurring at Rock Creek and in Cattail Slough. Sorting of bluegills is occurring but some nice fish are being caught. Northern Pike – No Report: Lots of pike being caught in the pools above Pool 14 but would not be surprising that they could not be targeted here as well. Pool 14 has a very good pike population. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season on the Mississippi River is March 1 through April 15. Snagging is only allowed within 500 yards of navigation dams and their spillways. Please review the rules as they are complicated. Walleye – No Report: Some boating activity seen in the tailwaters but care must be taken as ice flows are a potential at any time.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is stable at Rock Island near 4.9 feet. Water is clear and temperature is around 33 degrees.
Ice fishing conditions are generally good in traditional areas but care must always be taken. Edge ice could be getting very poor. Even in some traditional areas thin ice or even open water has been reported. If you have angling questions, call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.
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Mississippi River Pool 16
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 3.62 feet and forecast to reach 4.7 feet by the middle of next week. The ramps at Muscatine are open and anglers are able to access the tailwaters for walleye and sauger fishing. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger – Slow: Sauger fishing below the dam at Muscatine is being reported as slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing below the dam at Muscatine is being reported as slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.46 feet and forecasted to reach is 2.4 feet by the middle of next week. The Tama Beach boat ramp was still frozen in earlier this week. Unsafe ice conditions.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tailwater stages have been steady to falling slightly the past few days. River stage is forecasted to start rising over the weekend. Main channel water temperature is around 33 degrees and water clarity is good. Boat ramps are opening up to access the tailwaters for walleye and sauger fishing. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
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SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
UNSAFE. The very warm weather and warm wind is degrading ice quickly
Lake Belva Deer
UNSAFE. The open water areas are getting bigger again as the wind helps break up the remaining ice. The ice is a very dark “slush” color now.
Lake Darling
UNSAFE. Most of the middle of the lake is now open water. Both boat ramps remain iced in. The remaining ice looks more like slush.
Lake Geode
UNSAFE. More open water every day. .
Lost Grove Lake
UNSAFE. A combination of warm air temps and wind is degrading the ice quickly and conditions on changing on a daily basis.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
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Diamond Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Lake Macbride
Ice fishing not recommended.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Rodgers Park Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Union Grove Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Final stage of dredging at the Pinicon Ridge Park has begun. Some areas will be closed to fishing. Closures are expected to last for about one month.
Ice conditions have deteriorated significantly since last week. Ice fishing is no longer recommended. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
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Hawthorn Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. The warm temperatures have deteriorated the ice.
Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project — Please stay out of the lakebed.
Lake Miami
Ice fishing not recommended. The warm temperatures have deteriorated the ice.
Lake Sugema
Ice fishing not recommended. The lake has quite a bit of open water due to the Canada geese keeping areas open. No fishing activity has been occurring.
Lake Wapello
Ice fishing not recommended. The warm temperatures have deteriorated the ice.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.40 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Ice fishing not recommended. The warm temperatures have deteriorated the ice. There is open water in the main lake area.
Red Haw Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. The warm temperatures have deteriorated the ice.
Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa. Ice conditions are not thick enough to support anglers with open water in most areas.
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SOUTHWEST
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Big Creek Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Don Williams Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Hickory Grove Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Lake Petocka
Ice fishing not recommended.
Terra Lake
Ice fishing not recommended.
Triumph Park West
Ice fishing not recommended.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye – Slow: Catch occasional walleye below the Saylorville Spillway and Des Moines dams casting jigs with twister tails swimbaits or live minnows. If water flows and clarity remain good through March the bite will improve.
As of February 27, ice conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Ice fishing is not recommended. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.
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Lake Anita
Ice conditions are unsafe.
Littlefield Lake
Ice conditions are unsafe.
Prairie Rose Lake
Ice conditions are unsafe.
Ice conditions are unsafe in the southwest district. For information on lakes in the Southwest District, call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.
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Green Valley Lake
Ice conditions are unsafe.
Three Mile Lake
**Driving is prohibited on any service roads used to access the lakebed and the lakebed itself.** 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
Ice conditions are unsafe.
Ice conditions on Mount Ayr district lakes have deteriorated due to warm and windy conditions especially around lake shorelines. Ice fishing is not recommended. For more information, call Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-931-6031
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Iowa DNR launches new website design
The Iowa DNR is pleased to announce the launch of a new design for its website, providing a streamlined, user-friendly experience for visitors.
You can still find the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov. We invite you to explore the site and navigate through the menu to find relevant program information. While many prior web page URLs will be redirected to the new site, we recommend updating any links or bookmarks to specific DNR pages you and your audiences may use.
Thank you for visiting the DNR website, and if you have any questions or suggestions regarding the site changes, please email us at: [email protected].
