Our popular fishing report has been updated with new search and filter options including by location, fish species and various amenities available at each location.
The weekly fishing report is broken down by fisheries regions and management districts – Mississippi River, northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest. You can check the activity of your favorite lake, pond, river and stream within each region, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), and simple tips and tricks for targeting those fish.
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Click on “View entire message” at the bottom of this email so you can view all fisheries regions and management district reports.
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Mississippi River
Guttenberg Management District
- Contact Person: Karen Osterkamp – 563-252-1156
Ice is building on the upper Mississippi River backwaters, but ice fishing is still not recommended. Some areas have up to 2 inches of ice, however, access along shorelines is unsafe. Subzero temps will add to ice thickness this week. Last updated on 12/03/2025
Pool 09, Mississippi River (Allamakee)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 33.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice is not considered safe enough for ice fishing.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure
Bluegill – Status Unsure
Largemouth Bass – Status Unsure
Northern Pike – Status Unsure
Sauger – Slow: Sub-zero weather is keeping most anglers away. Tailwaters are open and fishable but no reports this week.
Walleye – Slow: Sub-zero weather is keeping most anglers away. Tailwaters are open and fishable but no reports this week.
Pool 10, Mississippi River (Clayton)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 33.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice is not considered safe enough for ice fishing.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure
Bluegill – Status Unsure
Largemouth Bass – Status Unsure
Northern Pike – Status Unsure
Sauger – Slow: Sub-zero weather is keeping most anglers away. Tailwaters are open and fishable but no reports this week.
Walleye – Slow: Sub-zero weather is keeping most anglers away. Tailwaters are open and fishable but no reports this week.
Pool 11, Mississippi River (Clayton)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 33.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice is not considered safe enough for ice fishing.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure
Bluegill – Status Unsure
Largemouth Bass – Status Unsure
Northern Pike – Status Unsure
Sauger – Slow: Sub-zero weather is keeping most anglers away. Tailwaters are open and fishable but no reports this week.
Walleye – Slow: Sub-zero weather is keeping most anglers away. Tailwaters are open and fishable but no reports this week.
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Bellevue Management District
- Contact Person: Dave Bierman – 563-872-5495
Very little recent angling activity with the early onset of Winter. Main channel temperatures have plunged to the low 30’s over the past week. Good panfish populations exist across the District; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish. Last updated on 12/04/2025
Pool 12, Mississippi River (Dubuque)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 5 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and holding steady. Main channel water temperatures have plunged to near freezing over the past week. Wait for safe ice to develop before heading out to ice fish.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure: Excellent panfish populations exist in Pool 12; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Bluegill – Status Unsure: Excellent panfish populations exist in Pool 12; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Sauger – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
Walleye – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
Pool 13, Mississippi River (Jackson)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 4.7 feet at the Bellevue tailwater and holding steady. Main channel water temperatures have plunged to near freezing over the past week. Wait for safe ice to develop before heading out to ice fish.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure: Excellent panfish populations exist in Pool 13; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Bluegill – Status Unsure: Excellent panfish populations exist in Pool 13; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Sauger – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
Walleye – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
White Crappie – Status Unsure: Excellent panfish populations exist in Pool 13; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Pool 14, Mississippi River (Clinton)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 4.6 feet at the Lock and Dam 13 tailwater and holding steady. Main channel water temperatures have plunged to near freezing over the past week. Wait for safe ice to develop before heading out to ice fish.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure: Good panfish populations exist in Pool 14; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Bluegill – Status Unsure: Good panfish populations exist in Pool 14; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Sauger – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
Walleye – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
White Crappie – Status Unsure: Good panfish populations exist in Pool 14; once safe ice develops head to the backwaters to target these fish.
Pool 15, Mississippi River (Scott)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 35.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 4.35 feet at Lock and Dam 14 and is forecast to remain fairly stabe. Main channel water temperatures have plunged to near freezing over the past week.
Sauger – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
Walleye – Slow: Very little angling effort over the past week. Use a jig with a twister tail/plastics in the tailwater if you venture out.
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Fairport Management District
- Contact Person: Andy Fowler – 563-263-5062
Tailwater stages have been fairly steady this past week. There has been some skim ice in the main channel. Main channel water temperature is 33-34 degrees. The backwaters are iced over. Unsafe ice conditions. Last updated on 12/04/2025
Pool 16, Mississippi River (Scott)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 34.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Tailwater stage is 4.71 feet and has been fairly steady this past week. As of Dec 4th, the Marquette street boat ramp was free of ice but conditions may change with the freezing temperatures. The lower part of pool 16 was starting to skim over with ice. Unsafe ice conditions.
Bluegill – Status Unsure: Backwaters are freezing over. Unsafe ice conditions.
Sauger – Status Unsure: As of Dec 4th, the Marquette street ramp was open but ramp conditions may change with freezing temperatures in the forecast.
White Crappie – Status Unsure: Look for crappies in the backwaters and side channels around brush piles. Try vertical jigging with minnows/plastics or minnows under a bobber. Places to try are Sunset Marina and the Andalusia Island complex.
Pool 17, Mississippi River (Muscatine)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.72 feet. As of Dec 4th, there was some skim ice starting to form in the main channel out from the boat ramp in Muscatine. Big Timber is frozen over with some open water around the boat ramp. Unsafe ice conditions.
Pool 18, Mississippi River (Louisa)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 33.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 3.73 feet. As of Dec 4th, the Toolsboro ramp was open. Ramp conditions may change with below freezing temperatures in the forecast. There was some skim ice coming down the channel that could make accessing the tailwaters difficult. The ramp does have some ice on it that could make launching a boat difficult. Unsafe ice conditions.
Pool 19, Mississippi River (Lee)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 33.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.63 feet and has been fairly steady. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Unsafe ice conditions.
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Northeast
Decorah Management District
- Contact Person: Caleb Schnitzler – 563-382-8324
Weekend temperatures to stay well below freezing. Chance of snow possible. As lakes, ponds, and impoundments freeze, anglers are reminded to use extreme caution when walking on new ice. Check ice depths often. First shotgun deer season opens Saturday, December 6 through the 10. Wear orange. Last updated on 12/04/2025
Allamakee County Trout Streams (Allamakee)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
First shotgun deer season opens Saturday, December 6 to 10. Public hunting occurs on many wildlife management areas that contain trout streams; anglers may observe increased activity on these shared lands. For your safety, dress appropriately (e.g., wear bright colors). Please respect all users of these shared natural resources. The Trout Team thanks the dedicated anglers, generous landowners, and loyal supporters who contributed to the success of our program. Your support and kind words ensure our program remains strong and vibrant.
Brook Trout – Slow: Brook trout spawn in similar locations as brown trout. Walk around these clean, gravelly areas. Brook and Brown trout eggs incubate in these areas for several months.
Brown Trout – Good: A good trout stream doesn’t freeze in the winter because water temperatures remain above 32 degrees. Use larger flies like streamers that imitate smaller fish for a hungry brownie.
Rainbow Trout – Good: Area streams hold plenty of carryover trout to keep anglers busy through the off season, even with the close of the catchable trout stocking season. Use spinner baits, hair jigs, or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floated through deeper holes.
Cedar River (above Nashua) (Floyd)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Impoundments and areas with little to no current are iced over. Use caution when going out on first ice and check ice depths often.
Smallmouth Bass – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Aerator is on creating an open area around this site. Geese keeping an area open around the pine tree point.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure: No anglers at this time.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Lake is completely iced over. Anglers drilling test holes but not staying long.
Bluegill – Slow: Use a jig tipped with small piece of worm or waxworm under a bobber.
Turkey River (above Clermont) (Fayette)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Vernon Springs impoundment near Cresco is iced over. The parking lot is cleared. Use caution when going out on first ice. Ice depths in areas with currents vary greatly.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) (Winneshiek)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Impoundments and areas with little to no current are iced over. Lidtke Mill parking lot is plowed.
Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use jigs tipped with a worm or plastic tails in deeper water or find areas out of current.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice fishing not recommended. Lake is open in the middle.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure
Bluegill – Status Unsure: Few anglers testing the water yet.
Winneshiek County Trout Streams (Winneshiek)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
First shotgun deer season opens Saturday, December 6 to 10. Public hunting occurs on many wildlife management areas that contain trout streams; anglers may observe increased activity on these shared lands. For your safety, dress appropriately (e.g., wear bright colors). Please respect all users of these shared natural resources. The Trout Team thanks the dedicated anglers, generous landowners, and loyal supporters who contributed to the success of our program. Your support and kind words ensure our program remains strong and vibrant.
Brook Trout – Slow: Brook trout spawn in similar locations as brown trout. Walk around clean, gravelly areas. Brook and brown trout eggs incubate in these areas for several months.
Brown Trout – Good: Try larger flies imitating small sculpins, minnows, or suckers.
Rainbow Trout – Good: Area streams hold plenty of carryover stocked trout to keep anglers busy through the off season. Use spinner baits, hair jigs, or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floated through deeper holes.
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Manchester Management District
- Contact Person: Dan Kirby – 563-927-3276
Fishing reports are very minimal for this past week with the drastic change in weather. For further information contact your local area bait shops for the most recent up to date hotspots. Last updated on 12/04/2025
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Northwest
Black Hawk Management District
- Contact Person: Ben Wallace – 712-657-2638
Area lakes are recently frozen over. Ice thickness varies from 1″ to 6″. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
On Dec 4, Ice thickness was around 4 inches near the Ice House Point boat ramp. Anglers are starting to make their way out in the area right around the Ice House Point boat ramp. Ice in other parts of the lake may be variable. As always, use caution.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake) (Buena Vista)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is now ice-covered. On Dec 4th there were unsafe conditions in some areas and up to 6 inches in other areas. So conditions are extremely variable. Use caution.
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Clear Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Scott Grummer – 641-357-3517
Most area lakes are covered with 2 to 3 inches of ice. Aeration systems are running at Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. For information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Trout were stocked Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Rainbow Trout – Good
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is 2 to 3 inches. The West open water aeration system is running.
Walleye – Status Unsure
Yellow Bass – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is 2 to 3 inches. The open water aeration system is running.
Black Crappie – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is 2 to 3 inches. The open water aeration system is running.
Yellow Perch – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is 2 to 3 inches. The open water aeration system is running.
Bluegill – Status Unsure
Yellow Perch – Status Unsure
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Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
The extended forecast calls for highs that remain below freezing. Most lakes are completely frozen over, with many starting to have fishable ice. Ice has been building quickly with some areas having 5 inches of ice. Ice thickness close to shore has been poor in some areas due to snow accumulation. Remain cautious and take extra precautions with early season ice. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
The Lake is completely frozen over. Most areas close to shore have poor ice due to accumulated snow. Many areas have around 5 inches of ice.
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
Walleye – Fair
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
Spirit Lake completely froze over the first of December. Ice fishing on foot is not recommended in most areas, but cold temperatures have been building ice quickly. Porta-potty units are available at Marble Beach and Mini-Wakan boat ramps. During open water season, crappie fishing was reported as excellent near Templar Park. Fish were holding in 12–13 feet of water.
Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappie on jigs with minnows or plastics, as well as Berkley PowerBait shiners.
Yellow Perch – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 34.0
- Ramp Condition: Closed
A few bays have frozen over, but the majority of the lake is still open.
Black Crappie – Fair
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Southeast
Lake Darling Management District
- Contact Person: Vance Polton – 319-694-2430
For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 11/10/2025
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is about 80 percent open. The boat ramp bay and much of the shallower shoreline areas are frozen over.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Bluegrass Lake in West Lake Park, like Railroad Lake has mostly frozen over with a few small spots of open water as of Wednesday. Ice isn’t thick enough yet to hold a person yet.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Much of the shoreline is iced in. There is still a fair amount of open water toward the middle of the lake.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Not recommended
THE PARK IS CLOSED THIS WEEKEND (DECEMBER 6 AND 7) FOR THE PARK DEER HUNT. There is about an inch of ice on the upper ends of the lake (1/2 ice : 1/2 frozen snow) with large parts of the lake still open water. Boat ramps are iced in.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The shoreline is starting to ice over; much of the rest of the lake is open water.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Not recommended
Lake of the Hills is about half open water with the other half being covered with a little less than 1 inch of ice.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The calmer areas out of the wind and most of the shoreline is iced over.Much of the middle of the lake toward the dam is still open water. Lots of snow on the ground. The entire area is open to deer hunting; this weekend is the opening of the deer gun seasons.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not recommended
Railroad Lake is mostly frozen over with a few small spots of open water. The ice is certainly not thick enough to walk on yet.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Mostly open water; parts of the shoreline are starting to ice over.
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Macbride Management District
- Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack – 319-624-3615
Area lakes and ponds are beginning to freeze over. Ice conditions are changing rapidly with cold weather and waterfowl movement. Extreme care should be taken if venturing out on ice. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
~1″ of ice there is an open hole from waterfowl.
Coralville Reservoir (Johnson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
As of 12/3 upper half of reservoir was froze but lower portions still had large open water areas.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
~2″ of ice and there is a open hole on north end.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
~2.5″ of ice.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) (Johnson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Sauger – Slow
Walleye – Slow
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Main lake is open and boat docks have been pulled. South arm east of causeway at campground boat ramp has ~1.5″ of ice.
Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows around brush piles in 12-20 FOW.
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
~2″ of ice.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
~1.0″ of ice at south boat ramp.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
~1″ of ice and there is an open hole from waterfowl out from dam.
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Rathbun Management District
- Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel – 641-647-2406
Very little fishing pressure is occurring due to the cold weather. Ice is not thick enough for anglers. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Skim ice forming at night will make fishing difficult to impossible until it thickens to support anglers. Very little to no fishing activity is occurring now. All 12- to 16-inch largemouth bass must be immediately released.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project. Please stay out of the lakebed.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Skim ice is forming on cold, calm nights.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Skim ice is forming on the calm, cold nights. No to very little fishing activity is occurring. All 12- to 18-inch largemouth bass must be immediately released.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Skim ice is forming in the coves with the lower temperatures and calm nights.
Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) (Wapello)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Thicker ice is needed for angling. Trout were stocked in early November.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Lake level is 904.28 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before going to another water body. No to very little fishing activity is taking place. The boat ramps at Prairie Ridge and Honey Creek Resort are closed. The campgrounds at Bridgeview, Prairie Ridge and Island View are closed for the season.
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Southwest
Boone Management District
- Contact Person: Andy Otting – 515-204-5885
As of December 4, ice is forming on Central Iowa waterbodies, but ranges from open water to just under 3 inches. Ice fishing is not recommended in the short term, but temperatures look to be favorable for better conditions soon. Last updated on 12/04/2025
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake (Story)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
As of December 4, Ada Hayden was all open water.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
As of December 4, ice on the upper end was 1.5 inches with thinner ice and open water lower in the lake.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
As of December 4, thin ice has formed on much of the lake with some open water on the lower portion.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
As of December 4, ice thickness was just under 3 inches. Waterfowl are keeping a small area of open water on the SW corner.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
As of December 4, ice thickness was 2 inches.
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Cold Springs Management District
- Contact Person: Mark Boucher or John Lorenzen – 712-769-2587
Most lakes in the district are beginning to skim with ice. More reports will be available once there is safe ice. Last updated on 12/04/2025
Big Lake (Including Gilbert’s Pond) (Pottawattamie)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice is unsafe at this time.
Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Most of the lake is still open water. The arms above the road bed have one inch of ice as of December 3rd.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice is not safe at this time.
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Mt. Ayr Management District
- Contact Person: Andy Jansen – 641-464-3108
Skim ice is forming on smaller lakes in the district. Large lakes remain open as of Monday, December 1st. Last updated on 12/04/2025
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is about 8 feet below normal pool.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake (Union)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Docks are still in.
Yellow Perch – Slow
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Iowa DNR and Wildlife Forever encourages all Iowans ages 5-18 to enter the Iowa Fish Art Contest! Winning submissions will be featured in the DNR building at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
The art must include one or more of the following fish species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Iowa Darter and/or Muskellunge.
Deadline for submissions is Feb. 28, 2026. Only digital submissions are accepted.
