Iowa Weekly Fishing Report

Today I want to share The Iowa Department of Natural Resources  weekly fishing report which comes out on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is put together with information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

We have been experiencing some extreme cold giving us a great start to some ice layers and time for Ice Fishermen to drill holes to sink lines...at least until today. The weather forecast for thawing temperatures in the next 6 days could convert those layers in our neighborhood back to slush in the daytime.  Please check out some Ice Fishing Safety tips from my local Bass Pro Shop in Altoona, IA. 


NORTHWEST
 
Yellow Smoke Park Lake

Yellow Smoke has around 7 inches of good ice.  Water clarity is excellent.  Fishing has been very slow.

Brushy Creek Lake

There is around 7 to 8 inches of ice between shore and 100 yards out from shore.  Avoid the main body of the lake as geese are keeping an area open.  Most anglers are targeting the north end of the lake.  The panfishing has been fairly slow with anglers catching around half a dozen crappies or less per trip.  The fish are in the 9 to 10-inch size range.

Bacon Creek Lake

Bacon Creek has about 6 inches of ices with 2 inches of snow cover.  Trout fishing has been excellent with waxies on a small jig head or a Kastmaster spoon.  A family fishing event and trout stocking is scheduled for Jan. 12.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake was renovated in November 2012 so there is no fishing to be had.  Ice is around 7 inches thick.  Waterfowl are keeping a small area open in the Town Bay.

Arrowhead Lake

Arrowhead Lake has 6 to 7 inches of ice.  Anglers have reported catching some bluegill in the 7.5 to 8.5-inch size range and a few large yellow bass.

Black Hawk Pits

Black Hawk Pit has around 6 to 7 inches of ice.  Anglers have been fishing Black Hawk Pit pretty hard, but are having difficulty locating fish. Keep moving around to locate fish.  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 January 18.

Most lakes are frozen over around the Black Hawk District, with a few exceptions where waterfowl are still keeping small pockets of water open.  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.

Lower Pine Lake

Pine Lake has 5.5 to 7 inches of ice. Geese are keeping a hole open on the north side to the island.   Bluegill - Good:   Crappie - Good:

Lake Smith

Thickness at Smith Lake near Algona is 8 to 12 inches. A winter aeration system is in use, so anglers need to stay away from that area.  Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are having good luck on bluegills and crappies. A little sorting required for both.

Lake Catherine

Bluegills biting before dark on wax worms at Lake Catherine at Thorpe Park. 10 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Good: Bluegills biting before dark on wax worms.

Clear Lake

Ice is 11 inches thick at McIntosh State Park. Ice by Farmers Access on the main lake is 8-10 inches. Be careful around the aerators.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies and perch are being caught in the little lake.  Walleye - Fair: Some small walleyes are being reported on the little lake.  Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are concentrated on the little lake and having success fishing with wax worms or a small jigging spoon tipped with cutbait. Some anglers are doing good by Farmers Access in 6-8 feet. Drill lots of holes and move around in the shallower water.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills biting good on black and white jigs with wax worms. Walleye - Fair: Occasional walleye or pike. Try a jigging spoon with a minnow head.

Bluebill Lake

8.5-11 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Fair:   Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on wax worms in 12-15 feet of water.

Interstate Park Lake

8 inches of ice.

For ice condition updates and fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at  641-357-3517 .

Lake Pahoja

Lake Pahoja is open to promiscuous fishing and a few bluegills and bass are being caught. 

Mill Creek (Lake)

Bluegills and bass have been a bit on the slow side but a few are being caught yet.

Big Spirit Lake

There is currently 8-10 inches of ice with ATV's and snowmobiles driving most areas on the lake.  Yellow Perch - Slow: Try a spoon or small jig tipped with wigglers, wax worms, or minnows for perch. Walleye - Slow: Early morning and late afternoon seems to be the best time to fish for walleye. Try a jigging spoon or jigging rap with a dead stick nearby.

Center Lake

The aerator is now on at Center Lake and there is 6-9 inches of ice.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Silver Lake currently has 9-11 inches of ice and the aerator is running on the east side of the lake.

West Okoboji Lake

There is currently 5-7 inches of ice and ATV's are driving on much of the lake. Be aware there are goose holes 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 with chubs on weed lines or over standing weeds should produce pike.  Bluegill - Fair: 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 of water along drop offs or on mudflats.  Try spoons tipped with live bait such as wigglers, wax worms, or minnow heads.

Alton Roadside Park Pond

A few gills are being caught try using small jigs tipped with live bait.

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.  The bite this week seems to be around mid-day.  Bluegill - Fair:   Crappie - Good: Anglers are finding fish in 16 feet of water near structure.  Try small jigs 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 remains strong. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have been found in 8 to 9 feet of water.  Small jigs tipped with wax worms continue to work well.  Largemouth Bass - Slow: A stray largemouth has been caught while fishing for bluegills.  Crappie - Excellent: Anglers are catching crappies up to 10 inches in about 8 feet of water using small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

Lake Meyer continues to make ice.  The water is very clear.  The bite has really slowed this week.  Bluegill - Slow: Anglers have been fishing in a variety of depths on small jigs tipped with wax worms.  Crappie - Slow:

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.  Anglers are reporting a slow bite this week.

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.

Ice conditions on area lakes continue to improve with temperatures running in the low teens at night.  Very little snow is sitting on the ice and in many areas the ice is very clear.  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 reported as 6-7 inches of good ice across the lake. Concentrate efforts near structure towards deeper areas of the dam.  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.  Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a wax worm or small crappie minnow under a jig, fish heavier jigs in deeper water.

Brinker Lake

Anglers have been concentrating efforts near habitat structures and reporting 7-8 inches of good ice.  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 for decent bluegill.  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 in Cedar Falls will be stocked with trout on Jan. 5. Forecast are for temps in the mid-20s, bring the entire family for an enjoyable outing.

South Prairie Lake

Bluegill fishing has been fair; concentrate efforts near submerged structure. Decent bluegill of size are being reported taken from the lake.  Bluegill - Fair: Try a wax worm on a small ice jig near sunken habitat for decent bluegill.

Martens Lake

Anglers have been fishing on Martens Lake (a.k.a. Sweet Marsh Unit); ice thickness is being reported as good throughout the lake.

Ice thickness reports have vastly improved with the arrival of arctic temperatures across Iowa. 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. North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout this coming Saturday, January 5. Bring all of the family for a wonderful time! For more information contact the district office in Manchester at  563-927-3276  for additional information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Lansing river stage is 7.9 feet and is expected to remain stable over the next week. Backwater ice thickness is 6-10 inches.  Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting well in Shore Slough, the marina and Village Creek boat ramp, near Lansing.  Nice sized bluegills are being caught with some sorting. 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 6-10 inches in most areas. The boat ramp at Lynxville is blocked by ice. Anglers are able to cross Johnsons Slough in the Sny Magill area, but stick to the well travelled path.  Northern Pike - Good: Tip up fishing for pike is good in Bussey Lake.  Bluegill - Excellent: Nice sized bluegills biting well in Joyce Lake by Harpers Ferry, Norwegian and Ice Lake in the Sny Magill area, Greymore Lake by Prairie Du Chien and Bussey Lake.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass hitting tip ups in Bussey Lake.  Crappie - Good: 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 6-9 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.  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.

Now is a good time to take advantage of ice fishing opportunities on the Upper Mississippi. Ice thickness is a solid 8 inches in most areas but anglers should always use caution in any areas that may have current.  Boat ramps are beginning to freeze up limiting tail water fishing access. Water levels remain low on the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Right now at the Dubuque Lock and Dam the water level is 4.5 feet and steady.  The tail water is completely socked in with ice.  Boat ramps are unusable right now. For ice fishing, the best 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 bluegills being caught at O’Leary’s Lake and various other backwater areas.  Bluegill - Good: Many folks reporting catching small fish mostly from the various harbors on Pool 12. Some activity is being reported also on Frentress and O’Leary’s lakes.  Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are also 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. 

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water Level at Bellevue dam is at 4.1 feet which is very low.  The tail water ramp at Bellevue is open.  Take care to 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 the 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 - No Report: Although no yellow perch have been reported to us yet we expect some nice creels of yellow perch this season.  Although perch can be hard to find, when you do it can mean great fishing. Near state record sized 14-inch perch have been reported by fall anglers.  Have fun and try to find one of these monsters under the ice! Sauger - No Report: Prior to the large snow fall and bitter cold temperatures, numerous smaller saugers were being caught in the tail water areas with anglers using a jig and minnow. 

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water levels at Fulton are very low at 4.0 feet. Ice fishing is occurring at Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. The boat ramps in Clinton as of today are socked in with ice.  Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being reported out of Rock Creek. We expect also some pressure in the Cattail Slough area on the Illinois side of the river. Anglers using wax worms and teardrop type lures.  Ice thickness was reported at 4.5 to 5.0 inches although that can vary greatly depending on where you fish. Crappie - Slow: A few smaller crappies are biting at Rock Creek by anglers using wax worms and teardrops. 

Mississippi River Pool 15

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Ice fishing is in full swing throughout the district.  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.  Low water will affect where to fish and potentially the health of the fishery if winters become sever.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.66 feet. Anglers are beginning to venture out on the ice. We have received reports of around 4-5 inches of ice in Sunset Marina and around 4 inches of ice in the Credit Island harbor. Anglers should use caution when venturing out on the ice. Check ice conditions often and avoid areas with current. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in the backwaters using small jigs and wax worms. Try fishing around the commercial docks in Sunset Marina. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina using small jigs and wax worms or using minnows. Try fishing around the commercial docks.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 2.88 feet. The boat ramps in Muscatine are frozen. Big Timber (The Breaks) has around 4 inches of ice. Anglers should use caution if venturing out on the ice. Check ice conditions often as you move and avoid areas with current. We have received no ice fishing reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 2.70 feet. We have received no fishing reports for this pool this week. We have received no ice condition reports for this pool.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.15 feet. We have received no tail water information for this pool this week. We have received no ice fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: The backwaters have frozen and a few ice anglers are beginning to get out. Most reports are saying 4-5 inches of ice. Anglers should use caution when venturing out on the ice and check ice conditions often as you move around and avoid areas with current. 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

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.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Lake has about 5 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Good: Work the brush piles out in deeper water.

Lake of the Hills

Ice about 5 inches thick.  Bluegill - Good: Fish the deeper brush piles and you'll find the bluegills.

Crawford Pond

Anglers have been getting out on to the ice for a little over a week now. Ice around 4 to 5 inches thick.  Bluegill - Fair: Work the deeper habitat out from the boat ramp.

Wilson Lake

Ice is about 5 inches thick.  Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers are picking up a fair number of trout.  Target the cedar tree piles in the deeper sections of the lake.

Big Hollow Lake

Anglers just started getting out on the ice at the end of last week. Mixed reports.

Lake Darling

The lake remains drained for renovation but there is lots of good fishing in the watershed ponds that were built in the park.  Most of them have about three inches of ice.  Some of the ponds do have thinner ice because of spring flows in them so be careful and drill test holes as you work your way out.

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

Hannen Lake

Ice thickness is about 6-7 inches. Remember, no minnows are allowed here.  Bluegill - Good: Look for submerged brush piles. Most fish are 7-8 inches. Best results have been in water less than 15 feet. Crappie - Good: Fish around submerged brush piles. Most fish are 9 inches with some bigger fish mixed in.

Iowa Lake

There is about 6 inches of ice but no fishing reports are available.

Kent Park Lake

The lake has about 6 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 6 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can be caught on most structure but size is usually less than 7 inches. Crappie - Slow: A few anglers are finding the right brush piles and catching some 10-12-inch crappies. Depths of 10-15 feet seem to be producing best.

Central Park Lake

Ice thickness is reported as about 6 inches, but no fishing reports are available.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Most of the lake has 6 inches of ice on it. Bluegill - Fair: Fish along the dam in 15-20 feet of water with small jigs/waxies.  Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are also being picked up by bluegill anglers along the dam. Walleye - Fair: Most walleyes are being caught along the dam in 15-20 feet of water using bluegill tackle but small spoons are working as well.

Diamond Lake

The lake has about 5-6 inches of ice. Remember, no minnows are allowed here.  Bluegill - Fair: Fish brush piles with small jigs/waxies.  Crappie - Fair: Fish brush piles with small jigs/waxies. Most fish are about 9 inches.

Otter Creek Lake

The lake has 5-6 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around brush with small jigs/waxies.  Yellow Bass - Slow: Yellow bass can be caught on small jigs or spoons tipped with a waxie or minnow head. These fish tend to roam, so keep moving until you find them.

Union Grove Lake

Ice conditions should be about 6 inches. The aeration system will be turned on Jan. 4. Caution should be used down towards the south end of the lake as there will be open water. No fishing reports are available.

Coralville Reservoir

Ice depths are extremely variable (3-6 inches). Bays and protected areas may be safe, but main channel areas, especially under Mehaffey Bridge are not safe. Crappie - Slow: Most fish have been small at this point. Look for fish around submerged trees, pallet structures, or docks.

Most areas are ice covered, but much of it may be unsafe. Use extreme caution during early ice. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at  319-624-3615 .

Lake Wapello

Ice conditions are variable. There are several spots on the lake with open water.

 Red Haw Lake

Ice conditions are variable across the lake.  Use caution if venturing out. There is some open water out from the beach and the dam.  There is about 4 inches of ice in the campground bay.  Use small jigs to catch bluegill.

Albia (lower)

Ice thickness is about 4 inches. There is some open water near the dam. Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm for bluegills.

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 903.72 feet with 904 feet being normal. The surface water temperature is 33  degrees.  The lake is starting to ice over but there is still some open water. Bays and coves will freeze up first. 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 – 12 feet of water. The better size 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

As water levels continue to drop in Big Creek anglers should use caution on the ice, especially near shore, as seams form when the ice follows the water level down.  Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching good sized bluegills over brush piles.

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 bluegills from 7 to 9 inches with an occasional crappie mixed in.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Good: Rainbow trout can 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.

Ice fishing is going strong in central Iowa.  Ponds and lakes in central Iowa are averaging 6 to 8 inches of ice and gaining.  For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at  515-432-2823 .

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield has 6 inches of ice. The lake is 6 feet low. Use extreme caution when venturing out on the lake as geese are keeping a portion on the west side open.  Bluegill - Fair: Small jigs and wax worms are catching 7-8-inch fish.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway is 7 feet low. The lake has 6 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 average 7.5 inches.  Crappie - Fair: Crappies average 10 inches. Fish minnows around deep structure. Late afternoon has been the best time to target crappies.

Lake Anita

Anita has 7 inches of good ice. Geese are keeping a large area of open water near the dam. Anita has 9-inch bluegill and 10-inch crappie.  Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in the north arm of the lake on wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies have been caught in the late afternoon on minnows.

Willow Lake

Willow has 6 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 the 19th pending good 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 7 inches of good ice.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish can be caught on wax worms north of the beach.  Crappie - Good: 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

Haclkebarney is reported to have 6 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.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds in the southwest district have 5-7 inches of good 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.

Ice conditions are good in the southwest district. Lakes have 5 to 7 inches of ice. For more information call the district office at Cold Springs at  712-769-2587 .

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 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.  A few geese had a small spot near the west cove open.  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 but some areas will be too thin to support people.  The water fowl are keeping two areas open.  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 over.  It is possible a few areas will have ice too thin 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. Check thickness frequently.  Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are finding some bluegills near the flooded trees near the creek channel; 10 to 16 feet down is a good depth to start.  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; 12 to 16 feet down seems to be the best.

Most lakes are covered with 4 inches of ice. Activity is strong and anglers are finding a lot of fish.  A few larger lakes have a few spots of open water.

My plan for the future is to maintain this as a weekly post to inform anglers of what conditions they will find on Iowa waterways.Check back next Thursday...

Media Tour of New Bass Pro Shop in Altoona, IA

  The Channel 13 News in Des Moines,IA has opened up the Bass Pro Shop in Altoona, IA to it's viewers. Yes, they mentioned it was a media tour and everyone else would have to wait...Oh well. The Grand Opening for the new store will be in three weeks, a date already scratched off on my calendar. The time I have waited to go checkout the hunter's paradise will soon be rewarded. Another post will be forthcoming when I finally step foot in the huge retail outlet.

Altoona Bass Pro - Update

Progress is being made at the Bass Pro Shop in Altoona, IA. The top picture was taken this past Sunday evening, May 31,2009. As you can see in the picture immediately beneath, things were just beginning to be enclosed in February. What a difference three months can make... It is impressive to see the character being given to the building by the materials chosen to cover the structure.

Passing the Bass Pro Shop in Council Bluffs, on our trips back and forth to Lincoln,NE. a couple of times in the last year, left me to wonder what they might decide would fit the Altoona location. The Council Bluffs location reminds me of a huge log lodge, a very inviting site. The Altoona store looks like pine siding on parts of it from the Interstate. Presently, I can only speculate until I get a closer look. A job fair was planned for June 1st-3rd, to begin the search for the nearly 300 full and part-time staff . The invitation to people of the outdoors to become apart of the workforce whether you are a teenager, or a seasoned pro, is being heard over all the local news media. They are looking for individuals to work in the main store, 10 lane Bowling Alley and the Grill section.

Mark your calendars for the Grand Opening scheduled for Thursday, August 27th,2009, if you live close-by, or will be passing through the state on your vacation. I know I plan on being there to check out the inventory and getting pictures to pass along....;)