Here is the Iowa DNR weekly fishing outlook for January 10th - 16th.
Once again I would like to remind our ice anglers to use caution for the next day or so when you get out to an Iowa lake. The surfaces need time to refreeze after these above normal temperatures we've experienced this past week. One more day with a Spring like influence on the ice then we can expect the cold to return.
NORTHWEST
Once again I would like to remind our ice anglers to use caution for the next day or so when you get out to an Iowa lake. The surfaces need time to refreeze after these above normal temperatures we've experienced this past week. One more day with a Spring like influence on the ice then we can expect the cold to return.
Fri | Sat | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Jan 11 | Jan 12 | Jan 13 | Jan 14 | Jan 15 | Jan 16 | Jan 17 | |
Weather: | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Description: | Sprinkles early. Overcast. Cool. | Passing clouds. Chilly. | a mixture of sun and clouds. Cold. | a mixture of sun and clouds. Cold. | a mixture of sun and clouds. Chilly. | More sun than clouds. Chilly. | More sun than clouds. Cold. |
High temperature: | 50 °F | 43 °F | 25 °F | 32 °F | 38 °F | 32 °F | 21 °F |
Low temperature: | 39 °F | 19 °F | 15 °F | 20 °F | 24 °F | 10 °F | 8 °F |
Comfort Level: | 42 °F | 13 °F | 9 °F | 24 °F | 26 °F | -1 °F | 15 °F |
NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Yellow Smoke still has around 7 inches of good ice. Water clarity is excellent. However, fishing has been very slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Anglers
are doing well for nice sized bluegill and crappie. Most anglers are
using wax worms and fishing off the Christmas tree south of the boat
ramp in about 13 feet of water.
Oldham Lake
Oldham
has 7 to 10 inches of ice depending on location. Fishing has been very
slow. Anglers are marking a lot of fish, but are having difficulty
getting them to bite. Recent surveys show an abundance of 7.5 to
8.5-inch bluegills.
Badger Lake
Ice is between 8 to 10 inches depending on location. Anglers are reporting decent bluegills.
Brushy Creek Lake
There
is around 10 inches of ice in the near shore areas and in the upper end
of the lake. Avoid the main body of the lake as ice conditions can be
quite variable. There is open water east of the beach. Most anglers are
targeting the north end. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting, but
most are on the small side. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are biting, but
most are on the smaller side.
Bacon Creek Lake
Bacon
Creek has about 7 inches of ice. Trout fishing has been good with
waxies on a small jig head or a Kastmaster spoon. Trout will be stocked
between 1:30 and 2 p.m. on Jan. 12.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Fishing
for walleye seems to have picked up over the last couple weeks.
However, many of are 12 to 14 inches. The mornings and evenings have
been the best with anglers fishing in 4 to 5 feet of water.
North Twin Lake
North Twin has around 10 inches of ice. Anglers are doing okay for yellow bass. Target the south west portion of the lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Black
Hawk Lake was renovated in November 2012 so there is no fishing to be
had. Ice is around 8 inches thick. Waterfowl are keeping a small area
open in the Town Bay.
Browns Lake
Browns
Lake has about 8 inches of ice. Anglers have been catching some
bluegill and crappie, but there hasn't been a lot of size to them.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
The
east pond has around 9 inches of ice and the fishing has really turned
on. Bluegill - Good: A lot of 8 to 9-inch bluegills are being caught
using waxies and spikes on a jig head. Most fish are being picked up
between 8 and 18 feet of water. Fish in the middle of the water column
and raise or lower your bait to the fish when located on the fish
finder. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth are being picked up
fishing closer to shore. Crappie - Good: A lot of 10 to 12-inch crappie
are being caught in the same manner as the bluegill. The crappies have
been preferring waxies and spikes over minnows.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (west)
The
west pond has around 8 inches of ice. Fishing in the west pond is
slower than the east pond. Some bluegills and crappie are being caught,
but a lot of sorting is required.
Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake has around 7 inches of ice. Anglers reported catching some 7.5 to 8.5-inch bluegill and a few large yellow bass.
Black Hawk Pits
Black
Hawk Pit has around 7 inches of ice. Anglers have been fishing it
pretty hard, but are having difficulty locating fish. Keep moving as
the fish are likely stacked into a small area of the pit.
Moorland Pond
Moorland
Pond was stocked with trout in mid-November. Anglers should experience
good trout fishing through the ice there right now. The next stocking
is scheduled for Jan. 18.
For more information or questions contact the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at
712-657-2638 .

Maynes Grove Lake
6 to 8 inches of ice.
Briggs Woods Lake
The ice thickness is around 6 to 8 inches.
Interstate Park Lake
8 inches of Ice.
Lower Pine Lake
Good sized bluegills are being caught in fair numbers. Bluegill - Good:
Upper Pine Lake
Upper Pine Lake is seeing minimum activity however a few smaller crappies have been caught.
Lake Smith
Ice depth is 10 inches plus. Bluegill - Good: Anglers having good success on bluegills, but some sorting required.
Lake Catherine
Ice thickness is 12 inches. Bluegill - Good: Large bluegills still biting late afternoon at Thorpe Park.
Clear Lake
Ice
thickness on the little lake area is 14 to 18 inches. Main lake is
around 10 to 15 inches. The bite is slow in midday. Best bite is in the
morning or evening. Crappie - Good: Most of the crappies are ranging
from 9 to 10 inches with a few being reported at 12-13 inches. Some
anglers are reporting good success for crappies well past sunset. Most
are being caught on minnows. Fish in deeper water; 15-20 feet, or near
the drop-offs to those deeper areas. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are
catching modest numbers and an occasional 12-13 incher. A few of the
bigger ones have been taken by the Lynne Lorenzen access or close to the
deeper water northwest of McIntosh Woods State Park access. Walleye -
Slow: Anglers are catching a few under 14 inches but the larger ones
seem to be hard to come by. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers seem to be
doing better for numbers on the west end of the little lake and by the
aerator mid-lake. Yellow bass are being caught around 8 to 15 feet of
water.
Lake Cornelia
10-12
inches of ice. Walleye - Fair: Some reports of small walleyes being
caught. Yellow Bass - Good: Lots of 6 to 8-inch yellow bass.
Little Wall Lake
Ice 8 to 10 inches. Fishing has been slow. Try fishing in the deeper pockets of the lake with wax worms.
Crystal Lake
Bluegills and an occasional Walleye or Largemouth Bass. Fish near the dredged area 8 to 12 feet of water. Bluegill - Good:
Bluebill Lake
11 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch still biting good at in 12 to 15 feet of water.
For ice condition updates and fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at
641-357-3517 .

Big Spirit Lake
Expect
to find 10 to 13 inches of ice across most of the lake with ATVs
currently being the best means of travel. Northern Pike - Fair: Most
pike are being caught by accident on walleye tackle but setting tip-ups
with chubs around structure has been producing. Bluegill - Slow: A few
gills are being caught in Little Anglers Bay and off the grade. Try
small jigs and being very quite as they are spooky. Yellow Perch - Slow:
Look for perch off the ends of structure as well as in the main basin.
Moving to find active fish may be necessary to catch any numbers.
Wigglers, waxies, and minnow heads on either spoons or small jigs seem
to be the go to lures. Walleye - Slow: Action seems to be restricted to
dawn and dusk without much of a pattern. Try spoons and jigging raps
tipped with a minnow head.
West Okoboji Lake
There
is 6 to 10 inches of ice and ATVs are driving on much of the lake. Be
aware: geese kept holes of open water in a few areas, avoid discolored
ice and when in doubt turn back or test the ice with a spud. Northern
Pike - Fair: Setting tip-ups in or near weeds is producing a few pike as
well as setting them on drop-offs. Bluegill - Slow: Look for bluegills
in the bays (Emerson and Millers seem to be the best) in or near
standing weeds. Sight fishing has been the most popular method but a few
choose to hole hop. Try small jigs tipped with wax worms or wigglers
but don't overlook some of the finesse plastics. Yellow Perch - Fair:
Look for perch in 20 feet plus of water along drop-offs or on mudflats.
Try spoons tipped with live bait such as wigglers, wax worms, or minnow
heads.
Lost Island Lake
A few yellow bass, walleye, and perch are being caught but fishing has slowed from earlier in the year.
For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at
712-336-1840 .

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga
Lake has 10 inches of clear ice. Lots of folks have been out and are
scattered over the lake. Fish seem to be hanging around structure in
deeper water. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Good: Anglers are finding
fish near structure. Try small teardrops tipped with wax worms.
Lake Hendricks
The
lake has 8 to 10 inches of ice. Anglers are fishing in the bay by the
pier and off the point with great success. The bite has slowed some but
should pick up by Saturday. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have been found
in 8 to 9 feet of water. Small jigs tipped with wax worms continue to
work well. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies up to 10
inches in about 8 feet of water using small jigs tipped with wax worms.
Lake Meyer
The
bite should pick up by the early part of the weekend. Fish can be
found at variable depths. If you don't find fish in one spot, don't be
afraid to move. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been fishing in a variety
of depths on small jigs tipped with wax worms. Crappie - Fair:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Yellow River
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Reports
of 4 to 9 inches of ice on some of the backwaters and slack water areas
are coming in. Be sure to check ice depths as you go to the spot you
want to fish. Current can make ice depths vary. The bite has picked up
a bit this week. Bluegill - Fair: Fish are being found about 6 inches
off the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are using a small jig tipped
with a wax worm or spike.
Decorah District Streams
Morning
midge and afternoon baetis hatches still occur occasionally even as
colder weather approaches - #24 dry fly patterns have been successful
for trout rising to small surface flies. Spin fishers using
spinnerbaits and roostertails are reporting excellent catches of trout
on area trout streams.
Don't
forget to buy your new fishing license and trout stamp for the year.
Thursday, January 10 is the last day Iowa Resident licenses are valid.
Much of the snow on open ground has melted or will melt with rain
forecast for Thursday/Friday. Ice conditions on area lakes remain good
and are averaging 9 inches. Trout streams remain in excellent condition
and are accessible in many instances. For more information or to let
us know what's been biting, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at
563-382-8324 .

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Ice
conditions are as 8 inches of good ice across the lake. Fish near
structure towards deeper areas of the dam especially during early
morning or late afternoon hours. Bluegill - Fair: Try a wax worm on a
small ice jig near sunken brush piles for decent bluegill.
Big Woods Lake
Some
crappie are being caught but be cautious of uneven ice on this lake.
Bluegill - Fair: Wax worm tipped on an ice fishing jig has been fair for
bluegill. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a wax worm or small crappie
minnow under a jig, fish heavier jigs in deeper water.
Brinker Lake
Anglers
are keying in on habitat structures. Bluegill - Fair: Wax worm tipped
on an ice fishing jig has been fair. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a wax
worm or small crappie minnow under a jig, fish heavier jigs in deeper
water.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers
are reporting 7-8 inches of ice. Fishing has been fair for crappie and
bluegill. Bluegill - Fair: Try a wax worm on a small ice jig near
sunken habitat. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a wax worm or small crappie
minnow under a jig, fish heavier jigs in deeper water.
North Prairie Lake
North
Prairie Lake was stocked with 1,800 trout on Jan. 5. Rainbow Trout -
Fair: Use small, flashy lures jigged under the ice, or ice fishing jigs
tipped with a wax worm.
South Prairie Lake
Bluegill
fishing has been fair near submerged structure. Decent sized bluegills
are being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Try a wax worm on a small ice jig
near sunken habitat.
Martens Lake
The
northwest portion of the lake has been good for fishing, especially for
the early morning and late afternoon bite. Bluegill are anywhere from
6.5-8.5 inches. Bluegill - Good: Wax worm tipped on an ice jig in 3 to 4
feet of water near weeds or structure has been good. Crappie - Fair:
Wax worm or minnow tipped on an ice jig fished just under the ice has
been fair.
Plainfield
Nice
sized bluegills are being caught. Move often or locate structure for
some good bluegill fishing. Bluegill - Good: Wax worm tipped on an ice
fishing jig has been good.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There
have been reports of walleye and crappie being caught on the Cedar
River in Black Hawk and Bremer counties. Use extreme caution when
venturing out onto river ice as conditions may vary greatly and most
often not recommended.
2012
fishing licenses expire Jan. 10. Be sure to check out the new fishing
license options available for 2013. Black Hawk and Bremer County lakes
are reporting anywhere from 6-8 inches of good ice, use caution as ice
thickness can vary on lakes. For more information contact the northeast
district office in Manchester at
563-927-3276 for any additional information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Lansing
river stage is 7.9 feet and expected to remain stable over the next
week. Backwater ice thickness is 6 to 10 inches. Bluegill - Good: Nice
sized bluegills still being caught in Shore Slough and Village Creek
boat ramp but bite is inconsistent. Crappie - Fair: Some nice sized
crappies caught in Shore Slough but bite is inconsistent. Yellow Perch -
Fair: A few smaller yellow perch being caught.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Lynxville
river stage is up slightly to 12.7 feet and expected to remain at this
level over the next week. Ice thickness in 6 or more inches in most
areas. The boat ramp at Lynxville is blocked by ice. Depending on how
much rain and warm weather we get, crossing Johnsons Slough in the Sny
Magill area may become dangerous. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike still
being caught on tip-ups in Norwegian and Bussey Lake. Bluegill - Good:
Nice sized bluegills still being caught in Joyce Lake by Harpers Ferry,
Norwegian and Ice Lake in the Sny Magill area, Greymore Lake by Prairie
Du Chien and Bussey Lake, but bite is inconsistent. Largemouth Bass -
Fair: Bass hitting tip-ups in Bussey Lake. Crappie - Fair: Some good
catches of crappie reported in Sand bar slough in the Sny Magill area as
well as Bussey Lake.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River
stage at Lock and Dam 10 in Guttenberg is 4.2 feet and expected to
remain stable over the next week. The DNR boat ramp in Guttenberg is
still open but the city ramps are blocked with ice. Ice thickness is 5
or more inches in most backwaters. Bluegill - Good: Nice sized
bluegills biting well in the Mud Lake marina and Zollicofers slough as
well as the lower part of Sunfish lake on the Wisconsin side but bite
can be inconsistent. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappie reported in
Zollicofers slough and Sunfish Lake but bite is inconsistent. Yellow
Perch - Fair: A few smaller perch being caught in Mud Lake Marina and
Sunfish Lake. Sauger - Fair: Vertical jigging with a minnow for sauger
in the tail waters has been successful. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are
biting on jig and minnow fished along drop-offs in the tail water areas.
Although
solid ice still remains, warm weather and rains may weaken ice,
especially along shorelines and any areas that may have current. Warm
weather and rains will also remove the snow cover making ice conditions
very slippery. Ice cleats are recommended until snow returns. Ice
thickness is 6 or more inches in most areas but anglers should always
use caution in any areas that may have current. Most boat ramps are
blocked with ice limiting tail water fishing access. Water levels remain
low on the Mississippi.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The
Dubuque Lock and Dam water level is 4.9 feet and slightly rising. The
tail water is completely socked in with ice. Boat ramps are unusable
right now. For ice fishing, good ice should occur in most stagnant
backwater areas but take care and never go on any ice if unsure of the
thickness. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are mixing in with the
gills being caught at O’Leary’s Lake and various other backwaters.
Bluegill - Good: Many folks report catching small fish mostly from the
various harbors on Pool 12. Some activity is being reported also on
Frentress and O’Leary’s lakes. Fish Trap was reported to be slow.
Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught with the gills but they
too have tended to be small. In some place very small 3-inch type fish
are pestering anglers. Sauger - No Report: As of Thursday it was not
possible to launch a boat as all ramps were frozen in. Rain may change
that situation.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water
Level at Bellevue dam is at 4.3 feet which is very low. The tail
water ramp at Bellevue is open. Please take care and not back off the
end of this ramp due to low water levels. Ice fishing is taking place
at many locations on Pool 13. Most popular spots have been Michelson’s
Landing and Sabula lakes. Bluegill - Good: A lot of bluegills are being
reported from various places on Pool 13 but the size has been small.
Most anglers using various tear drop type lures tipped with grubs.
Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been excellent all year in Pools 12
to 14. A few are being taken by ice anglers but most of the reported
fish are small. Yellow Perch - Good: Some yellow perch are showing up in
the tail waters and the size has been pretty decent. Sauger - Good:
The sauger bite is good with many small fish being reported mainly by
anglers using a three-way rig tipped with a minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 14
A
water level at Fulton is low at 4.2 feet. Ice fishing is occurring at
Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. The tail water ramps at Clinton have
re-opened as ice has receded. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being
reported out of Rock Creek and Cattail slough area. Many of the fish
are small and you have to catch 50 to keep 12. Crappie - Slow: A few
smaller crappies are also biting at Rock Creek by anglers using wax
worms and teardrops. Sauger - Good: A few boats are being reported in
the Pool 14 tail water and catching some small sauger on a jig and
minnow and three-way rigs.
Mississippi River Pool 15
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
One
of the best ice fishing seasons in recent history is taking shape on
Pools 12-15 so get out and enjoy it. Please take care on the ice and
never cross into places where you are uncertain of the ice depth. Low
water conditions persist in the district. Expected warm up will play
havoc with some spots with current flow. Ice will be very slick at
times; some anglers are putting short stove pipe screws in the soles of
their boots to help walk on the ice.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail
water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.74 feet. Ice fishing is not
advisable due to unsafe ice conditions from the recent warm
temperatures. A few anglers have been getting out to fish the tail
waters and in Sylvan Slough for walleye and saugers.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail
water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 2.84 feet. Ice fishing is not
advisable due to unsafe ice conditions from the recent warm
temperatures. As of Thursday morning the boat ramps in Muscatine are
open. Sauger - No Report: We have received no tail water fishing
information for this pool this week but anglers have been able to launch
boats in Muscatine to access the tail waters.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail
water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 2.54 feet. Ice fishing is not
advisable due to unsafe ice conditions from the recent warm
temperatures. Anglers have been able to launch boats at the Toolesboro
ramp this past week. Sauger - Good: We have received reports that
anglers have been catching some saugers at the dam this past week. Try
vertical jigging with minnows or plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail
water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 0.77 feet. Ice fishing is not
advisable due to unsafe ice conditions from the recent warm
temperatures. Anglers have been able to fish the tail waters for walleye
and sauger but fishing is being reported as slow.
Mississippi
River Pools 16-19: With recent warm temperatures there are unsafe ice
conditions throughout the pools. There is also rain in the forecast that
could further deteriorate ice conditions. Ice fishing is not advisable
at this time. Some anglers have been getting out to fish the tail waters
for walleyes and saugers. For more fishing information contact the
Fairport Fish Hatchery at
563-263-5062 .

SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Thin ice, won’t hold anybody. Don't try.
Lake Belva Deer
Ice
is 6 + inches thick. Expect to see water on the ice, especially with
the forecasted rain and expected 40-50 degree air temps for the next
couple of days. Bluegill - Good: Go early. The bite seems to kind of
wrap up by about 10:30 a.m. Come in the middle of the day and the bite
will be really slow. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few while
fishing for bluegills in the morning. There is a better bite for them
around dark.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Lake
has about 5 inches of ice. The warm weather has made the top of the ice
kind of sloppy. A forecasted return to cold weather next week should
fix that. Bluegill - Good: Work the brush piles out in deeper water.
Lake of the Hills
Ice
about 5-6 inches thick. Use caution there are some thinner spots. Stay
clear of the aeration system hole around the boat rental and beach
area. Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where you can
use live minnows. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout catches are sporadic but
if you keep moving and find a spot where they are staying you still
should be able to catch a limit. Bluegill - Good: Fish the deeper brush
piles and you'll find the bluegills. Sorting is required for larger
fish. Wax worms are the popular bait. Crappie - Good: Expect to find
crappies mixed in with the bluegills.
Wilson Lake
Ice
is about 5 inches thick. Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers are picking up a
fair number of trout. I would work some of the cedar tree piles in the
deeper sections of the lake.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at
319-694-2430 .

Hannen Lake
Ice
thickness is about 9 inches. Remember, no minnows are allowed here.
Bluegill - Fair: Look for submerged brush piles. Most fish are 6 to 8
inches. Best results have been in water less than 15 feet. Crappie -
Good: Fish around submerged brush piles in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Generally the fish are suspending 10 to 15 feet down. Most fish are
about 9 inches.
Iowa Lake
There
is about 8 inches of ice on the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around
submerged brush with a small jig/waxie. Crappie - Fair: Look for
suspended fish around deeper brush or just out roaming the basin.
Kent Park Lake
The lake has about 8 inches of ice. Bluegill - Good: Fish early and late in the day around submerged brush piles.
Lake Macbride
The
majority of the lake is covered with 8 inches of ice. Bluegill - Good:
Bluegills can be caught on most structure but size is usually 4 to 6
inches. Crappie - Slow: A few anglers are finding the right brush piles
and catching some 10 to 12 inches crappies. Depths of 10 to 15 feet seem
to be producing best.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Most
of the lake has 8 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Fish along the dam in
15 to 20 feet of water with small jigs/waxies. Yellow Perch - Slow: A
few perch are also being picked up by bluegill fishermen along the dam.
Walleye - Fair: Most walleyes are being caught along the dam in 15 to 20
feet of water. They can be caught on bluegill tackle but small spoons
are working as well.
Diamond Lake
The
lake has about 9 inches of ice. Remember, no minnows are allowed here.
Bluegill - Good: Fish brush piles or the creek channel with small
jigs/waxies. Most fish are 7 to 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Fish around
deeper brush piles with small jigs/waxies. Most fish are about 9 inches.
Union Grove Lake
Ice
thickness is about 9 inches. The aeration system is turned on so
caution should be used towards the south end of the lake as there will
be open water. Bluegill - Fair: Fish along the bottom next to brush
piles. Crappie - Fair: Look for suspended fish near deeper brush or
roaming the basin.
Coralville Reservoir
Ice
depths are variable but some areas have up to 8 inches. Crappie -
Slow: Most fish have been small at this point. Look for fish around
submerged trees, pallet structures, or suspended along steeper rock
bluffs.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at
319-624-3615 .

Red Haw Lake
Ice
conditions are variable across the lake so use caution if venturing
out. The area of open water by the beach and dam has gotten larger with
the warmer temperatures and the wind. There is about 7 inches of ice in
the campground bay. Use small jigs to catch bluegill.
Albia (lower)
Ice
thickness is about 4-5 inches. The area of open water near the dam has
gotten larger with the warm temperatures and the wind. Use small jigs
tipped with a wax worm for bluegills.
Rathbun Reservoir
The
lake level is 902.95 feet with 904 feet being normal. There is still
some open water so use caution. Most of the fishing so far has been in
the Honey Creek area and other bays and coves. Crappies have been
biting on small jigs but sorting is required for larger fish. Don't
forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain,
and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.
For questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at
641-647-2406 .

SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are finding actively feeding bluegills and crappies near the wood structure.
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being picked up in 10 to 12 feet of water. The better sized fish are running 10 to 12 inches.
Roberts Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Ice anglers after crappie are doing well on the lower portion of the lake.
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill
- Good: Anglers are catching good sized bluegills over brush piles.
Crappie - Slow: Some anglers are having fair nights on crappie fishing
30 feet of water using minnows.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill
- Good: Hickory Grove has about 8 inches of ice. Ice anglers fishing
over pallet and brush piles are doing well on good size bluegills from 7
to 9 inches with an occasional crappie mixed in.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill
- Fair: Some good size bluegills are being caught on the brush piles.
Good ice fishing brush piles and rock piles can be found out from the
steep north shore.
Lake Petoka
Rainbow
Trout - Good: Rainbow trout that were stocked can now be caught through
the ice using wax worms on jigs and jigging spoons or small live
minnows.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow
Trout - Good: Rainbow trout can be caught through the ice using wax
worms on jigs and jigging spoons or small live minnows.
Good
ice fishing conditions continue in central Iowa. Ponds and lakes in
central Iowa are averaging 10 inches of ice. For questions on central
Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at
515-432-2823 .

Greenfield Lake
Greenfield
has 8 inches of ice. The lake is 6 feet low. Use extreme caution when
venturing out as geese are keeping a portion on the west side open.
Bluegill - Good: Small jigs and wax worms are catching 7 to 8 inch
fish. Crappie - Fair: Sorting is necessary but anglers are catching
crappies up to 10 inches.
Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has 8 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite was slow this week at Meadow. Fish average 8 inches.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway
is 7 feet low. The lake has 8 inches of ice and a good bluegill and
crappie population. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught using
wax worms in 8 to 10 feet of water. Fish range from 7 to 8 inches.
Crappie - Fair: The best crappie bite is in the evening just after dark.
Fish minnows in 10 to 13 feet of water. Sorting is necessary for the 9
to 10-inch fish.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield
has 8 inches of ice. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite was good last
week using wax worms. North of the beach in 10 feet of water was a good
location for 7 to 8-inch fish. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies have been
caught with wax worms. All sizes are being caught up to 10 inches.
Lake Anita
Anita
has 8 inches of ice. Geese are keeping a large area of open water near
the dam. Anita has 9-inch bluegill and 10-inch crappie. Bluegill -
Slow: Bluegills bite has been slow. The best success has been in the
campground arm of the lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies have been
caught in the late afternoon on minnows.
Willow Lake
Willow has 9 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching 8-inch bluegills on wax worms.
Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)
Rainbow
trout will be stocked on Jan. 18. A youth fishing event is scheduled
for Jan. 19, pending ice conditions. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Trout can be
caught on a variety of ice fishing jigs tipped with wax worms or
minnows.
Lake Manawa
Manawa
has 9 inches of ice. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish can be caught on
wax worms north of the beach. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches
are being caught on minnows. The best locations have been Tin Can dyke
and north of the beach.
Hacklebarney East
Hacklebarney
has 8 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught using
wax worms. Fish average 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being
caught in 18 feet of water using minnows.
Farm Creek Lake
Farm
Creek has 8 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish
population. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught on wax worms in
15 feet of water. Fish average 8 inches. Crappie - Slow: Fish late
afternoon with minnows to catch 8to 10-inch crappies.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm
ponds in the southwest district have 7 to 9 inches of ice. Remember to
always get permission to fish private ponds. Bluegill - Good: The
deepest part of the pond is usually the best location to start fishing
for bluegills. Crappie - Fair: Larger ponds that support crappie
populations have been good. Late afternoon has been the best time to
target crappies.
Ice
conditions are good in the southwest district. Lakes have 7 to 9 inches
of ice. For more information call the district office at Cold Springs
at
712-769-2587

Lake Icaria
Most
of the lake is ice covered. Anglers are using the area just to the
north of the beach and the old roadway under the main arm. Ice
condition will deteriorate over Friday and Saturday. It should get
better after Sunday. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are finding some good
bluegills just north of the beach in the old creek channel. Crappie -
Good: The old roadway on the main arm and creek channel in the lower
portion of the lake is producing some crappies. The fish are suspended
at various times of the day.
Little River Watershed Lake
The
water level is down about 12 feet to allow completion of a shoreline
stabilization project. The fish have been restocked and are growing
fast.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The
water level is down about 6 feet to allow boat ramp repairs and crowd
the fish to increase predation. The repairs are complete. The water
level will be allowed to rise as run-off occurs. Anglers are fishing
the flooded trees and sub-merged brush piles for panfish. Bluegill -
Fair: A few medium sized bluegills are coming from the creek channel and
flooded trees.
Lake of Three Fires
Most
of the lake has 4 inches of ice but is getting weaker. Check often.
Bluegill - Good: Several bluegills are being caught from the tree pile
150 yards north of the center of the dam. Crappie - Good: Some nice
crappies are biting from the cedar tree pile just north of the center of
the dam. Wax worms are working but minnows are best.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland and shoreline stabilization to be completed.
Green Valley Lake
Most
of the lake is ice covered. Some areas will be too thin or too weak to
support people. Check the ice thickness frequently. Bluegill - Fair:
Some nice sized bluegills can be caught from the deeper cedar tree piles
located just south for the main ramp and immediately north of the
center of the dam.
Summitt Lake
The
spillway replacement project is complete but run-off has not refilled
the lake. Restocking and boating will occur when water levels rise.
Three Mile Lake
The
water level is down about 4 feet. The lake is mostly frozen. It is
possible a few areas will have ice too thin or too weak to support
people. Check ice thickness frequently. Crappie - Fair: A few nice
sized crappies are coming from the creek channel edges in the upper
portion of the lake and from around the deeper tree piles in the mid and
lower portion of the lake.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The
water level is down about 3.5 feet. Ice has formed over the most of
the lake. Some areas will still be too thin or too weak. Check
thickness frequently. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are finding some
bluegills near the flooded trees near the creek channel. Start around
10 to 16 feet down. Crappie - Good: Anglers are finding some nice
crappies from around the creek channel of the west shore and the deeper
edges of the fish mounds. Start around 12 to 16 feet down.
The DNR reports most
lakes are covered by 4 inches of ice. The warmer weather and rain have weakened the ice quality. Looking toward Friday and Saturday many areas will be
too weak to hold ice fishermen. Next week the cold temps return and should get the ice ready for more outdoor recreation. Activity is strong and anglers are finding a lot of fish.
Check thickness often and be very careful.