NORTHWEST
Arrowhead Lake
Ice is 8 inches thick near the boat ramp.

Black Hawk Lake
Ice is up to 8 inches near the Ice House Point boat ramp; this is where most of the ice angling has taken place. Ice is variable, especially in the middle and east end. Use caution - there are multiple pressure seams and areas of open water in the middle portion of the lake. There are still open water fishing opportunities near the fish house in Town Bay. Black Crappie - Fair: Some anglers have picked up 10 to 11-inch crappie around the Gunshot Hill area.. Bluegill - Fair. Yellow Perch - Fair.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable; use caution and check the ice thickness often if venturing out. Recent warm weather has reduced ice quality in some areas. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill - Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice is around 10-12 inches in some areas. Conditions remain variable; there are thinner areas and some patches of open water along the south shore and near the big island. Watch out for seams in the middle of the lake. Use caution when venturing out and check ice thickness often. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Lakes throughout the district have roughly 7-12 inches of ice. The recent warm weather has reduced ice quality in some areas. Watch out for seams and waterfowl holes with open water on the bigger lakes. 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 5 to 10 inches. Rainbow Trout - Slow. Trout were stocked the first week of November. 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 14 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. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm in near the edge of the rushes or open areas in the vegetation in 2 to 3 feet of water. Walleye – Slow: Use a jigging minnow or try dead sticking a minnow. Best bite is near last light. Yellow Bass - Slow: Try a small jig tipped with bait in 5 to 6 feet of water. You have to stay mobile to find fish. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in the Farmers beach area 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 12 inches. Be cautious of a few open water areas outside of the aeration boundary.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 8.5 to 11 inches. Geese are keeping a hole open between the beach and the island. No fishing activity to report.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 14 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 0 to 12 inches. Bluegill – Slow.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with a waxworm.

Aeration systems are running at Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. Avoid any open water areas and be cautious of waterfowl holes that may have recently frozen over on these lakes. Check ice thickness often as you go. 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
Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation, creating a large open hole.

East Okoboji Lake
The lake is fully iced with an average of 14+ inches of ice allowing for safe ATV traffic in most areas Black Crappie - Good. Bluegill – Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

Ingham Lake
Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. Ice conditions very heavily around the lake; most areas have 12+ inches.

Lost Island Lake
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. The lake has varying ice conditions with an average of 12+ inches. Yellow Perch - Fair: Lots of sorting may be needed.

Minnewashta Lake
The panfish and crappie bite has been fairly good with the recent onset of ice. The bite is good enough that live bait hasn't been needed to be successful. Ice conditions are safe enough to venture with ATVs with an average ice thickness of 14+ inches. Black Crappie - Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little movement around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed - Fair.

Scharnberg Pond
Trout were stocked unannounced this fall. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout are biting on a variety of different baits. Try a worm or lure that imitates a minnow.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. The lake is fully iced up, with an average ice thickness of 14+ inches. Be cautious of holes that have frozen over more recently on the main basin. Walleye - Fair.

Spirit Lake
The lake is fully iced, but conditions can vary in areas that had open holes until recently. Ice thickness is 14+ 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
The lake is fully iced up, but has had many seams and frozen over holes that are thinner than the majority of the lake. Bays and areas that have been iced up the longest have around 14+ inches of ice. Practice best ice safety if you try to venture out. 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.

All walleye between 19 and 25 inches must be immediately released unharmed at Big Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lakes, Upper Gar Lake, Minnewashta Lake, Lower Gar Lake and Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. The majority of area lakes have 12+ inches of ice allowing for safe ice fishing. Small vehicle traffic has been prevalent in areas with thicker ice. Watch out for holes and seams on bigger lake basins. Make sure you have flotation, ice picks and check ice thickness often. The forecast calls for high temperatures just below freezing though the weekend and a winter storm this Friday. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.



NORTHEAST
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Ice conditions are improving. Use caution when crossing areas with flow. Check ice thickness often. Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Morning and evening bites are best. 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
Winter trout fishing is a great time to enjoy exploring new streams and opportunities with fewer anglers present. Water clarity is excellent. Be prepared to blend into the background for wary fish. Brook Trout - Fair: Use midge minnow or leach patterns for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Brown Trout - Fair: Try spinner or crankbaits near or around structure. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout are coloring up for their spawning season which begins soon. Hatchery hold overs remain in the stream teasing anglers.

Lake Hendricks
Areas around the aerator remain open; use caution. Few anglers out this week as windy weather presented formidable conditions. 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
Snow on the ice improved fishing conditions. Best bite is morning and evening. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair.

Volga Lake
Few anglers have been out as conditions were suitable for a few brave souls; ice conditions remain variable. Check ice thickness often. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing around cedar tree clusters. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around structure. Best bite is mid to late afternoon.

Iowa's 2021 fishing licenses expired Jan. 10. Get your 2022 license today! Wind advisory through Friday with temperatures below freezing. Ice conditions are improving. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.




Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Bluegill - Fair: Fish evenings or early mornings for best success with small presentations.

George Wyth Lake
There has been moderate fishing activity on lakes in George Wyth State Park, but most fish have been small. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Fair.

Heritage Pond
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake at this time. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Very clear water conditions; use subtle presentations and approach fish from downstream. Brown Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

North Prairie Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake at this time. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
High catches of small fish. Harvest-size fish are rare, but a good location to catch some fish with the kids. Bluegill - Fair: Try small plastics. Largemouth Bass – Slow. Northern Pike – Slow.

Ice conditions are generally 4-6 inches on lakes and ponds in east-central Iowa. Remain cautious while ice-fishing; avoid areas with water current. Call the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.


MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Lansing water level remains stable near 8 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Warmer days have caused some snowmelt and slush on the surface. 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 - Fair: 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 a tip up/down. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot off the bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Lynxville water level is stable near 614.2 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Warmer days have caused some snowmelt and slush on the surface. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Black Crappie - Fair: 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 a tip up/down. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot off the bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tailwater is 5.6 feet and is remaining fairly stable. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Warmer days have caused some snowmelt and slush on the surface. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs tipped with 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 a tip up/down. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot off the bottom.

Upper Mississippi River levels remain stable. Boat ramps remain iced in. Ice depth in backwaters is averaging around 8 to 10 inches. Use caution on areas with current with variable ice conditions due to snow cover. 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 and temperature is in the low 30's. Water levels are 5.5 feet at the Lock and Dam and 8.2 feet at the railroad bridge. Water clarity is good. Boat ramps are nearly all frozen in. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are commonly being caught in nearly all the marina areas and deeper backwater lakes. Lots of sorting needed; sometime 1 in 10 are keepers. 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 steady at near 5.6 feet. Water temperature is near freezing in the main channel. Water clarity is good. The Bellevue Boat ramp is open as of Jan. 13. The viewing of bald eagles at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is fantastic right now as they are feeding on dead shad. Black Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappie were reported from lower Sabula Lake, but they are not abundant. Bluegill - Good: Ice thickness reports have varied; when good ice, most anglers are reporting plenty of gills. 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: Boat ramp is open as of Jan. 13, but no anglers were out yet. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Lots of small perch are being seen during fish surveys. The future looks bright for decent yellow perch fishing in Pool 13.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is steady at 5.1 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.5 feet at Camanche and 4.5 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. Bluegill - Good: Try the Rock Creek area. Lots of sorting needed; if you catch 20 gills, 3 might be keepers. 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 5.3 feet and is droppihg. The water temperature is near 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. Sauger - No Report: Try fishing in the tailwater with a simple jig and minnow. Usually you need to fish at a depth greater than 20 feet for walleye and sauger.

Ice fishing is well underway; 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. The main channel water is low and clear and some fishing 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 5.31 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. The Marquette St. boat ramp is frozen in. The ramp is also snow and ice covered. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.13 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been fairly steady. The ramps at Muscatine are inaccessible due to the main channel being frozen up. As of Jan. 12, there was about 7-8 inches of ice off the parking lot of Big Timber. Ice conditions can be variable in Big Timber; check ice thickness often as you move. We have not received any ice fishing reports from Big Timber.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 4.62 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been slowly falling the past few days. The Toolsboro ramp is inaccessible due to the main channel freezing up. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 2.33 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has been slowly rising the past few days. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

The tailwaters are inaccessible due to the main channel freezing up. Tailwater stages have been on the rise. We have not received much for ice fishing reports from these pools this week. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.


SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
Ice was about 4 inches thick on Jan 10, added some more Jan. 11. Only a couple of anglers have been out. Black Crappie - No Report: Use caution - the ice around the trees won’t be in the best conditions after a couple of warm sunny days. Crappies like to work the edges of the flooded timber around the middle of the lake on the south side.

Lake Belva Deer
Most of the ice is around 8 inches thick. Not many anglers have been out yet. Most of the ice was put on the beginning of this week. Bluegill - No Report: Most anglers start in the campground bay of the lake and work their way out into the trees along the creek channel.

Lake Darling
The lake really put on the ice earlier this week. Ice is about 7 inches thick. Most of the ice fishing has been done the last couple of days. Black Crappie - Fair: Picking up a few crappies over the trees and culverts in 12 to 14 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing has been a little hit-and-miss. Most anglers are fishing out in the middle.

Lost Grove Lake
The ice put on several inches over the weekend and Monday and Tuesday; mostly 8 to 9 inches thick. Some water and slush on top of the ice with the warmer weather. Bluegill - Fair: Most anglers start out in the flooded timber along the old creek channel out from the 230th Avenue access points.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.



Diamond Lake
Ice is reported as 4-7 inches. Black Crappie - Good: Most fish are 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair.

Green Castle Lake
Ice thickness is 4-8 inches. Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Slow.

Hannen Lake
Most of the lake is reported as having 6-8 inches of ice.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice is reported as 8-9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill - Fair.

Lake Macbride
Most of the lake has 4-8 inches of ice. Extremely variable ice depending on location. Black Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught on minnows at sunrise/sunset. White Bass - Fair: Minnows, spoons, and jig/waxies are catching fish if you can find a school.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Most of the lake has 4-8 inches, but there can be considerable variation based on location. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch 10 to 12-inch fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs/waxies along brush.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice is reported as 6-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Decent "eaters" were reported this week.

Union Grove Lake
Ice thickness is about 10 inches. The aeration system should be on by the weekend. Black Crappie - Slow: Try fishing in the brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around brush in 10-15 feet of water. Walleye - Slow.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Ice thickness is reported as 6+ inches in backwaters; use caution if venturing out. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows at sunrise for best action. Bluegill - Fair: A few smaller fish were caught on waxies.

Most lakes have "safe ice," but some lakes have variability in thickness. Check ice thickness often and use caution before venturing out. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.


Hawthorn Lake
Ice thickness varies. Use caution and drill lots of test holes.

Lake Miami
Use caution as ice thickness varies. Drill test holes as you venture out. Target areas with submerged habitat.

Lake Sugema
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Geese will create areas of open water.

Lake Wapello
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Target areas with submerged structure.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.50 feet msl; 904 feet msl is recreation pool. Ice thickness varies; use caution and drill test holes. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels; make sure you properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody.

Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Target areas with submerged habitat.

Ice conditions vary across each lake. Use caution and drill test holes. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.



SOUTHWEST
Big Creek Lake
As of Jan. 12, Big Creek Lake had 9 inches of ice at the boat ramp. Use caution around the ice heaves mid-lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Target crappies in the evenings over brush piles and roadbeds in the middle part of the lake using glow jigs with waxworms or live minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills over brush in the bays on the lower half of the lake.

Don Williams Lake
Ice thickness is around 8 inches. There is an area of open water from waterfowl between the boat ramp and beach. Black Crappie - Slow: Few crappie are being caught during the day. Try glow jigs and waxworms or live minnows in the evenings.

Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Catch trout through the ice with jigging spoons tipped with multiple waxworms or just a hook with live minnow. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

As of Jan. 12, Central Iowa ponds and lakes have ice thickness ranging from 6 to 9 inches. Use caution on ponds, especially in urban areas; warm weather is deteriorating the ice. 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. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for black crappies around deep tree piles. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching 7.5 inch bluegills in the campground arm of the lake.

Lake Manawa
Variable ice conditions. A few anglers have reported fishing around Tin Can Dyke. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes were caught along Tin Can Dyke with minnows.

Littlefield Lake
Ice thickness is 8 inches. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is good around any of the cedar tree piles in the lake. Sorting is needed for larger fish.

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake will provide good fishing this winter. Find a cedar tree pile for best success.

Orient Lake
Orient has a good bluegill and crappie population with a chance to catch a bonus walleye or yellow perch. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers report catching 8-inch bluegill.

Prairie Rose Lake
Ice anglers are finding bluegills in tree piles. Black Crappie - No Report: There is a small population of large black crappies in the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Look for underwater tree piles to catch 8.5 inch bluegill.

Viking Lake
Viking Lake will provide good bluegill and black crappie fishing this winter. Geese are keeping a portion of the lake open. Black Crappie - No Report: Find crappies around deep tree piles that are close to the creek channel. There is a good population of black crappie in the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill size has improved with the drawdown.

District lakes have 5 to 7 inches of ice. Use caution when venturing out, especially on lakes holding large numbers of geese. For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.


Green Valley Lake
Geese are keeping a large area of open water between the beach and campground. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 11-inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm or minnows fished near deep cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near deep cedar tree brush piles to catch bluegill up to 8.5-inches.

Lake Icaria
Ice thickness is about 8-8.5 inches off the main boat ramp and the Moss Road boat ramp.

Little River Watershed Lake
Ice thickness is about 6-7 inches near the main boat ramp and off the campground point.

Three Mile Lake
Ice thickness is about 9 inches off the main boat ramp and 9 inches at the north boat ramp. Geese are keeping an area of open water on the south end of the lake. Walleye - Slow: Try minnows fished along the roadbed or in the flooded timber near creek channels to catch walleye of all sizes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Catch yellow perch up to 10-inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm fished off the roadbed.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Ice thickness is about 8-8.5 inches off the east boat ramp and main boat ramp. Black Crappie - Slow: Catch crappie up to 11-inches with minnows fished along rock piles, deep cedar tree brush piles or along the roadbed.

Mount Ayr district lakes have variable ice conditions ranging from 6 to 9 inches. Unseasonably warm weather this week may impact ice quality. Use caution and drill test holes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.