Iowa Weekly Fishing Report for January 24th - 30th

Attention Central Iowa Anglers! The IDNR have planned a couple of trout releases - one to be today around noon in Bondurant at Lake Petocka .and the second will be next Saturday, February 2nd, at Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake in Ames,again around noon. They plan to have experienced trout fishermen on hand to introduce techniques to those who may be just beginning, or for those who might need another angle to be successful.

Here is the weekly weather forecast for the Des Moines Area. -

 

Sat	Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri
High: 35°F Low: 25°F	High: 39°F Low: 31°F	High: 41°F Low: 35°F	High: 41°F Low: 21°F	High: 21°F Low: 8°F	High: 18°F Low: 8°F	High: 18°F Low: 8°F
Partly Sunny	Sleet	Mostly Cloudy	Rain	Light Snow	Partly Cloudy	Partly Cloudy

Caution should always be exercised when stepping out onto the ice but it appears from today through
at least Wednesday thin spots could develop.

NORTHWEST

Yellow Smoke Park Lake

Yellow Smoke has around 8-9 inches of good ice.  Water clarity is excellent, however, fishing has been pretty slow.  The few bluegills that anglers are catching are big, though.

 

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing was good over the past few weeks, but has become more hit or miss now.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Some decent sized catfish are being harvested while fishing for other species.  Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been doing very well for bluegill.  The mornings until noon have been the best.  Most anglers are fishing just southeast of the center of the lake and some are fishing over the Christmas trees.  Anglers are using wax worms and fishing a few feet off the bottom, but fish finders are also helping to pick up suspended fish when they move through.  Bluegills are very nice sized.  Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappie are being picked up while bluegill fishing.  Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch are also being picked up.

 

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.

 

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 of the lake.  Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting, but most are on the small side.  Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting, but most are on the small side.  Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleye have been reported.

 

Bacon Creek Lake

Bacon Creek has around 8 inches of ice.  1,500 trout were stocked Jan. 12, and fishing has been excellent.  Try fishing about 2 to 3 feet below the ice with bright/shiny lures.  Later in the season, switch to baits like Berkley power bait.

 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Fishing for walleye has been sporadic.  Anglers are spread out over the lake in search of fish.  A few white bass are being picked up while targeting walleye.  Ice is around 14 inches, but there was some open water near the north shore earlier in the week, likely from a pressure seam.  Water clarity is still poor.

 

Arrowhead Lake

Arrowhead Lake has around 8 to 9 inches of ice.  An ice-fishing clinic held last weekend yielded good results for bluegill.  Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegill around the pallet structures on the west side of the lake.  Mid morning has been the best.  Chartreuse jigs seemed to work better than orange or silver.  Bluegills ranged from 7.5 to 8.5 inches.

 

Black Hawk Pits

Black Hawk Pit has around 9 inches of ice.  Fishing continues to be slow.

 

Moorland Pond

Moorland Pond was stocked with trout Jan. 18. Fishing for trout is good.  Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for trout has been good since they were stocked a week ago.

 

For more information or questions contact the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake

Anglers are saying that action is slow; a few bluegills.

 

Briggs Woods Lake

Crappie - Good: Crappies started biting well towards evening on jig and wax worm.

 

Lower Pine Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills, average size, being caught deep and right on the bottom.

 

Upper Pine Lake

Not much activity on Upper Pine. 

 

Lake Smith

Ice thickness at Smith lake is 13 inches plus. Bluegill fishing has been fair with the best bite later in the day.

 

Clear Lake

Ice depth is 12-15 inches.  Warning: Be cautious around the pressure ridges that have developed near shore on the main lake. Fishing has slowed some but anglers have had good catches on the warmer days. Some anglers are venturing out on the main lake and having catches comparably to those on the little lake.  Crappie - Slow: Crappies are mostly being found in 15-20 feet of water, and are being caught on minnows or wax worms. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are being caught in low numbers; a few of them are over 10 inches. Try a small spoon and a minnow or minnow head.  Walleye - Slow:   Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass are scattered. Move around till you find numbers of them. They seem willing to bite whole minnows, cutbait, or wax worms.

 

Lake Cornelia

Anglers are catching lots of 6 to 8-inch yellow bass and some small walleyes.

 

Crystal Lake

Bluegill - Fair:  Fish near the dredged area 8 to 12 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass and an occasional walleye being caught on minnows. 

 

Bluebill Lake

14 inches of ice. Fishing has been slow.

 

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 12-16 inches of ice across most of the lake with ATV travel being the best means.  Be aware a few trucks have put tires through the ice the biggest area of concern is between Marble Beach and Templar Point.  Northern Pike - Fair: Most pike are being caught by accident on walleye tackle, but setting tip ups with chubs around structure has been producing some fish.  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 around looking for active fish may be needed in order 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 revealing itself.  Try spoons and jigging raps tipped with a minnow head. 

 

West Okoboji Lake

There is currently 12-14 inches of ice and ATVs are driving on much of the lake. Be aware there were 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 in or near weeds and on drop offs is producing a few pike. 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

Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes around dawn and dusk on into night.  Try jigging raps and spoons tipped with minnow heads.

 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)

Walleye and perch fishing has been slow but if you put your dues in some nice fish can be caught. Being very quiet and fishing during low light will bring the most fish.

 

For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

 

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Volga Lake has 12 inches of clear ice.  Lots of folks have been out and are scattered mainly along the west shoreline and along the dam.  Fish seem to be hanging around structure.    Bluegill - Good: Anglers using a small jig tipped with a wax worm are having success.  Crappie - Good: Anglers are finding fish near structure.  Try using small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with wax worms. 

 

Lake Hendricks

The lake has 10 inches of ice.  Few anglers were out this past weekend.  The bite should pick up by the weekend. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have been found in 8 to 9 foot of water.  Small jigs tipped with wax worms continue to work well.  Crappie - Fair: 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 slowed last weekend with the front that came through but should pick up by this weekend.  The best times to fish are early in the morning or toward evening.  Fish are hanging toward the bottom this week.  If you don't find fish in one spot, move.  Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are finding fish near the bottom using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been caught while fishing for crappie.  Crappie - Good: Crappie have been hitting small jigs tipped with wax worms fished off the bottom.

 

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)

Ice depths vary so check often as you go out.  Crappie - Good: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with a wax worm or a minnow head.  Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch have been caught in the backwaters and around structure.  Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching walleye below the Nashua dam using a spinner with a slow retrieve. 

 

Decorah District Streams

Fly fishing has been superb in January.  Streamer patterns such as wooly buggers and light spruces have been successful.  Pheasant tail, prince and GRHE nymphs have produced fish, as well as a variety of wet flies including red badgers and partridge and oranges.  Try your smallest dry flies for the occasional rising trout. Spin fishers using spinnerbaits and roostertails are reporting excellent catches of trout on area trout streams.

 

Ice conditions on area lakes are in excellent condition.  Trout streams with good water quality will be open and 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 8 inches of good ice across the lake. Locate efforts 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 and bluegill are being caught, but be cautious of uneven ice.  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 have been concentrating near habitat structures with some nice crappies being caught.  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.

 

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.

 

South Prairie Lake

Fishing has been fair for decent sized bluegills near submerged structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try a wax worm on a small ice jig near sunken habitat for decent bluegill.

 

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 in size.  Bluegill - Fair: Wax worm tipped on an ice jig in 3-4 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 for crappie.

 

Plainfield

Nice sized bluegills are being caught. Move often or locate structure for some good bluegill fishing.  Bluegill - Fair: Wax worm tipped on an ice fishing jig has been good for bluegill.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

There have been reports of walleye and crappie being caught on the Cedar River in Black Hawk County. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto river ice as conditions may vary greatly and is strongly not recommended.  Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a small jig or spoon tipped with a minnow under the ice.  Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow for some nicer walleye.

 

The 2012 fishing licenses have expired. Be sure to check out the new fishing license options available for 2013. Fishing has remained only fair throughout Black Hawk County for most panfish.  Black Hawk and Bremer County lakes are reporting anywhere from 8-10 inches of good ice, use caution as ice thickness can vary on lakes. 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 7.8 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Backwater ice thickness is 8-10 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 are being caught.

 

Mississippi River Pool 10

Lynxville river stage is up 12.7 feet and expected to remain at this level over the next week.  Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches or more in most areas. The boat ramp at Lynxville is blocked by ice.   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 Sandbar 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 but the city ramp is blocked with ice. Ice thickness is 8-10 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 crappies 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.

 

Most backwater lakes have a good 8-10 inches of solid ice but caution should always be used along shorelines and any areas that may have current.  Ice cleats are recommended until snow returns.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12

At the Dubuque Lock and Dam the water level is 4.8 feet and steady. Safe ice should occur in most stagnant backwater areas but please take care and never go on any ice if unsure of the thickness. Always drill test holes and never assume the ice is safe. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are mixing in with the gills being caught at O’Leary’s Lake and various other backwater areas.  Bluegill - Fair: Cold weather seemed to have decreased the bluegill bite.  Anglers who did fish Pool 12 are reporting catching small fish mostly from the various harbors. Some activity is being reported also on Frentress and O’Leary’s lakes.  Fish Trap and Keogh was reported to be slow.  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. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch were reported along the channel edge in areas of safe ice.  Anglers using flashy ice fishing jigs, spoons and minnow heads.

 

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water Level at Bellevue dam is at 4.4 feet and steady.  It is a tug of war with ice sometimes socking the Bellevue tail water ramp in and then wind and waves opening it back up. Ice fishing is taking place at many locations on Pool 13 but use caution and never assume the ice is safe, and drill test holes. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills seemed to slow down during the recent cold front. Size in most places has been reported as mostly small with much sorting needed.  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: Some yellow perch were showing up in the tail waters and the size has been pretty decent, however, no one fished the tail waters during the recent cold snap. Sauger - No Report: The sauger bite is was good with many small fish being reported mainly by anglers using a three-way rig tipped with a minnow. Anglers should understand that when fishing in water depth below 35 feet the deep water hooking mortality of walleye and sauger increases greatly. Cold weather this week limited the tail water fishing activity.

 

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water levels at Fulton are low at 4.3 feet. Warm weather two weeks ago opened up a lot of the typical ice fishing areas.  Recent cold weather refroze many of these same spots.  Please take care on the ice and make sure it is safe. Bluegill - No Report: Before the recent warm spell bluegills were 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. Please take caution as ice has deteriorated greatly.    Sauger - No Report: 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. It is unsure if the ramp in Clinton is still open for use.  

 

Mississippi River Pool 15

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

 

Cold weather refroze areas that had opened up but take care on the ice and never cross into places where you are uncertain of the ice depth.  Take materials needed to help you get out of the water if you do fall through. Ice will be very slick at times;  some anglers are putting short stove pipe screws in the soles of their boots or using chains to help walk on the ice.  

 

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.00 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable due to unsafe ice conditions. We have received no tail water fishing information for this pool this week.

 

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.19 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable due to unsafe ice conditions. Big Timber still has some thin ice conditions. The boat ramps in Muscatine are frozen in. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.35 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable due to unsafe ice conditions. We have received no tail water fishing information for this pool this week. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.29 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable due to unsafe ice conditions. We have received no tail water fishing information for this pool this week.

 

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Ice conditions are still unsafe throughout the pools. Many of the backwaters still have areas with thin ice. Ice fishing is not advisable at this time. With the recent cold temperatures the main channel has frozen again. Many of the boat ramps are iced in. For more fishing information contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Lake Belva Deer

Ice is 6 plus inches.  Last week's warm weather didn't seem to hurt the ice conditions much and a return to cold weather has repair the damage done to the edges of the ice. Anglers are catching an occasional walleye that was stocked years ago by the county.  Bluegill - Good: Go early.  The bite seems to kind of wrap up by about 9:30 a.m. Come in the middle of the day and the bite will be really slow. It picks back up around 4:30-5 p.m.  Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up good numbers of crappies during the morning. There is a better bite around dark.

 

Pollmiller Park Lake

Ice got a lot thinner last week.  Water came up through the cracks when the ranger stepped out on the ice earlier this week. The cold weather since has helped some but now the ice is cloudy and really nobody has been out to fish since.

 

Lake of the Hills

Last week’s warm weather did real damage to the ice. This week's cold nights have repaired some of the damage but not all. Use caution; there are still some thinner spots.  Stay clear of the aeration system’s hole around the boat rental and beach area. Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows are allowed.  Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout catches are sporadic but if you keep moving, limits are still possible.  Bluegill - Good: Fish the deeper brush piles and you'll find the bluegills. Will have to do some sorting to find the bigger ones.  Wax worms are the popular bait.  Crappie - Good: Expect to find crappies mixed in with the bluegills.

 

Big Hollow Lake

Ice thickness has been reduced to about 3 inches, but that looks to be good, solid ice.  Be very careful though as Big Hollow doesn't seem to develop a consistent ice layer and has a lot of variation in ice thickness.  Bluegill - Fair: Work the flooded timber just down from the boat ramp and you should be able to find some bluegills.

 

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

 

Hannen Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here.  Bluegill - Fair: Look for submerged brush piles. Most fish are 6-8 inches. Best results have been in water less than 15 feet.  Crappie - Good: Fish around submerged brush piles in 15-20 feet of water. Generally the fish are suspending 10-15 feet down. Most fish are about 9 inches.

 

Iowa 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 colder weather has slowed fishing down. In addition to the lake, some bluegills are being caught in some of the park ponds.  Bluegill - Fair: Fish early and late in the day around deeper submerged brush piles.

 

Lake Macbride

The majority of the lake is covered with 6-9 inches of ice. However, some shorelines (mainly south facing or those with shallow rock or boat ramps) have thin or no ice around the edge. The worst shorelines are along the Cottage Reserve Road and either direction of the Opie Ave. boat ramp. There is open water down towards the dam on the north side, as well as under the causeway bridge extending southeast. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught on most structure but size is usually 4-7 inches.  Crappie - Slow: A few anglers are finding the right brush piles and catching some 10-14 inches crappies. Depths of 10-15 feet seem to be producing best. The first hour or two of sunlight has been the most productive time.

 

Central Park Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Jig/waxie has been producing some decent bluegills.

 

Pleasant Creek Lake

Most of the lake has about 8 inches of ice but some shorelines or ramps may be thinner. Sunrise and sunset has been best due to the clear ice and water. White Bass - Slow: A few white bass are being caught in 20-30 feet of water by walleye anglers.  Bluegill - Fair: Fish brush or along the dam with small jigs/waxies.  Walleye - Fair: Most walleyes are being caught in 20-30 feet of water. Try spoons or minnows for the bigger fish.

 

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Ice is about 9-10 inches now.  Bluegill - Good: Fish brush piles or the creek channel with small jigs/waxies. Most fish are 7-8 inches.  Crappie - Fair: Fish around deeper brush piles with small jigs/waxies. Most fish are about 9 inches.

 

Union Grove Lake

The aeration system is turned on so caution should be used down towards the south end of the lake as there will be open water. The recent warmth and wind has made the open water even larger and the "Thin Ice" signs around the opening have been wiped out.  Bluegill - Slow: Fish along the bottom next to brush piles.

 

Coralville Reservoir

Ice depths are variable. Much of the lake has 6-8 inches, but many areas (especially upstream of Mehaffey Bridge) have poor shorelines or even open water. Access from the Macbride Park boat ramp is not an option at this point due to open water from the west side of the ramp all the way down below the Macbride spillway. Right under Mehaffey Bridge is also open, as well as nearly 100 acres between Bobbers Marina and Hoosier Bay.  Crappie - Fair: Some nice fish are being caught by anglers able to get on and around the lake. Look for fish suspended around submerged trees in coves.

 

Dike Lake

Bluegill - Fair:   Crappie - Fair:

 

Murphy Lake

Bluegill - Fair:   Crappie - Fair:

 

Sand Lake

This is the lake on the east side of Marshalltown. There were 2,000 trout stocked in late October.  Bluegill - Fair:   Crappie - Fair:

 

Hale Ponds

Bluegill - Fair: Jig and waxies are producing some fish.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bluegill anglers are catching some bass as well on jig/waxies.

 

FYI...The City of North Liberty has now approved ice fishing on city owned ponds. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Red Haw Lake

There is about 6 inches of ice reported in the bay with the boat ramps.  There is an area of open water by the beach and the dam so use caution if venturing out of the campground bay.  Anglers have been catching some bluegills in the afternoons with the bite slowing down after dark.  Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm.

 

Albia (lower)

There is an area of open water near the dam and ice conditions have been variable with the weather changes.  Use caution and drill test holes.  Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm for bluegills.

 

Lake Sugema

Lake Sugema still has a lot of open water. Most anglers have been fishing the Tug Fork lakes off the northwest corner of Lake Sugema. Fishing has been slow but some anglers are catching some bluegills using small jigs.

 

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 902.82 feet with 904 feet being normal. Ice thickness varies across the lake and there are still some areas of open water so use caution and drill test holes.  Fishing has been slow with most anglers fishing in the bays and coves.  Anglers have been catching some crappie, but some sorting may be 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.

 

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Good catches of 7 to 8-inch bluegills are being caught on wax worms throughout the day out from the southwest shoreline and around flooded timber.  Crappie - Fair: Decent catches of 9 to 11-inch crappie are coming from anglers fishing around the flooded timber in the upper half of the lake using wax worms. The best crappie bite has been early in the morning. Live minnows are not permitted at this lake.

 

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being picked up in 10 to 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

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching decent numbers of good sized bluegills over brush piles and in the 30 feet plus water from mid lake and south.  Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are finding the evening and night bite crappie fishing 25 to 30 feet of water using minnows or glow jigs with wax worms. The crappie will be suspended 4 to 8 feet off the bottom.

 

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. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been fair to slow.  Crappies are being caught in the evenings using minnows.

 

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.

 

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Ice anglers have been doing well on crappies in the marina bay around the docks and in the dredge area.

 

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Good:   There will be a trout stocking on Jan. 26, around noon.  A family fishing event will be held during the stocking.   

 

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

The next trout stocking will be in the north side Feb. 2, around noon.

 

Banner Lake (south)

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.

 

Cold temps have made up for the damage done to the ice during last week's warm up.  Ponds and lakes in central Iowa are back to 10 plus 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 9 inches of ice. The lake is 6 feet low. Bluegill - Fair: 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 10 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite continues to be slow. Fish average 8 inches.

 

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway is 7 feet low. The lake has 9 inches of ice and a good bluegill and crappie population.  Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught using wax worms in 10 feet of water. Sorting is necessary for 7 to 8-inch fish. Crappie - Fair: The best crappie bite is in the evening just after dark. Fish minnows or wax worms in 10 to 13 feet of water. Sorting is necessary for the 9 to 10-inch fish.

 

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has 10 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Fair: The best bluegill bite has been in the afternoon. 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 9 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: Bluegill bite has been slow. The best success has been around brush piles 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 10 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching 8-inch bluegills on wax worms.

 

Arrowhead Pond

Arrowhead has 9 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught in 12 feet of water with wax worms. Fish average 8 inches.  Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught close to submerged trees using minnows or wax worms. fish average 9 inches.

 

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

1,000 rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 18. Big Lake has 8 inches of ice. Rainbow Trout  Good: Trout can be caught on a variety of ice fishing jigs tipped with wax worms or minnows.

 

DeSoto Bend

Desoto Bend has 9 inches of ice. Crappie - Slow: Very few reports have come from Desoto. Crappie fishing has been slow all winter.

 

Lake Manawa

Manawa is holding its annual ice fishing derby this weekend. Only the southwest portion of the lake will fished due to variable ice conditions.  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 on the lake have been Tin Can dyke and north of the beach.

 

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney has 9 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 9 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population.  Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in 18 to 20 feet of water. Fish average 8 inches. Crappie - Slow: Fish minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water. The crappies average 9 inches.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds in the southwest district have 8-10 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: Large ponds that support crappie populations have been good. Late afternoon has been the best time to target crappies.

 

Cold weather has improved ice conditions in the southwest district. Lakes have 8 to 10 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.  There is an open area just north of the beach point.  Anglers are fishing nearby.  Check the ice thickness often.  Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are finding some good bluegills just north of the beach in the old creek channel and around some of the deeper cedar tree piles.  Crappie - Fair: The old roadway on the main arm and creek channel in the lower portion of the lake is producing some crappies.  Evenings are best.

 

West Lake (Osceola)

Most of the lake has good ice.  There is a thin area just south of the west end of the dam.  Be very careful.  Crappie - Excellent: A lot of mid-sized crappies are being caught during the early mornings, evenings, and after dark.  Minnows are best but wax worms will work.

 

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.  Crappie - Good: Some nice sized crappies are coming from the flooded trees around the creek channel.

 

Lake of Three Fires

Most of the lake has good ice.  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.  The waterfowl have kept a couple of areas at mid-lake open.  Bluegill - Excellent: Some real big bluegills can be caught from the deeper cedar tree piles immediately north of the center of the dam.  Crappie - Excellent: The cedar tree piles are producing a lot of big crappies during twilight and evening hours.  Mid-day crappie fishing has been slow.  Minnows are best but wax worms will work.

 

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.  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. Bluegill - Excellent: Anglers are finding some big bluegills near the flooded trees near the creek channel.  10 to 16 feet down is a good depth to start. Wax worms any time of the day are working well.  Crappie - Good: Anglers are a lot of big crappies from around the creek channel of the west shore and the deeper edges of the fish mounds.  Flooded trees and some of the deeper piles seem to be better.  Twilight and night is the best.  Mid-day crappie angling is tough.

 

Criss Cove County Park Pond

The ice is good and anglers are finding fish. Bluegill - Good: Some mid-sized bluegills are being caught on wax worms from the middle of the lake.

 

Good ice is covering most lakes.  The waterfowl are keeping the water opens at localized locations of the bigger lakes.  Angling activity is very strong and anglers are finding a lot of fish.  Check thickness often and be careful.

 

 Please click here to be redirected to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources fishing information page for more information.

 

  Here's wishing you a great week !

 

Shed Hunting Begins at Timber Life

The time has come to get out and search for the antlers that had been gracing the stately bucks of the timber just a couple week ago...Yes, it's shed hunting season!

I was viewing my Facebook thread around the 3rd when I saw that Tiffany Lakosky posted that her little Lab/shed hunter had starting finding sheds at their place in southeast Iowa. My thoughts had shifted in that direction about that time when the deer were showing up without bucks being evident any longer and the bunching up behavior had begun .

The last picture I took of a buck still carrying was of this guy the evening of December 30th, when he was on his way out of the timber for the evening browsing in the neighborhood.

I have been a little slow in getting out, because of the snow depth we still have around from the storm that arrived not long before Christmas.

Being short in stature I find the drifts to be a challenge to navigate even with the melting that has occurred the last few days. That being said I have been out looking around in an attempt to find the trophy sized tines this year before all the little creatures use them for chew sticks. High coyote activity in our area has them gnawed up before I can get to them.

                                                      Some Examples of Shedding Rubs
These are just a few of the shedding rubs I discovered on my second day of searching. My total hunting experiences in the past and so far today haven't automatically led to the immediate reward of finding antlers.

  
I usually find sheds along trails, beside fences, tucked under bushes, or tall grass and occasionally on the remains of mature bucks too tired to leave the comforts of home.

Our forecast for the next couple of days is rain and warmer temperatures. My hope for the short-term future is that the leftover antlers will be revealed once this snow has been washed away and I can see their contrast to the landscape.

I enjoy the time out looking around the timber, not only for the sheds, but for the birds flitting by and identifying tracks of animals that passed sometime ago.

It is my hope to be able to bring some pictures of "where-it-lays" soon, to let you know of the possibilities you could search in your situation.



Do you find shed collecting to be a hobby you pursue every year?

Golden Tongued Orators

Question of the day...Who do you consider to be down to earth individuals using their everyday existences to provide an entertaining point of view?

I digress a bit here to build my thought process.

Turning on the television  early A.M. Sunday I found the US Farm Report just getting started. I watched the reports for the crop markets and continued drought forecast. Although I am not a producer myself part of my income is derived from the success of my cropland renter. So I see it as a good thing to keep informed of the current news in farming.

Getting back to the program - a little while later another part of the show brought a smile to my lips.We need some humor in our lives to temper the difficult moments...

It was time for Baxter Black to bring his cowboy poetry to us. Maybe you know of Mr. Black? My first exposure to him came when he used to provide his humor to local Public Broadcasting Systems on late Saturday evenings,they would use his quotes for the day as lead-ins to the next show.

Please find one of his take on the rigors of a rancher borrowing money from the banker.


Another man whose humor I found to keep one thinking was Garrison Keillor of "A Prairie Home Companion" fame.I was first introduced to his story telling skills also on the Iowa Public Broadcasting system a long time ago.

Our trips back and forth to Jamestown,ND. over Interstate 94 passed the Anoka, Minnesota  exit brought my memories back to Mr. Keillor's " The News from Lake Wobegon."

Here is one of his monologues about the fictitious little town he calls home,  Lake Wobegon.

                                            The Lake Wobegon Philosophy by Garrison Keillor

I hope I could add something to your listening enjoyment during these winter months when a change of pace may be what the Dr. ordered...

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...