Spirt Lake update.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Ice fishing has begun on the Iowa Great Lakes. All of the area lakes are now frozen over, but only the bays that had first ice are now safe for ice fishing. Always use precaution when going out on early ice and drill many test holes to make sure the ice is thick enough!

Big Spirit is now completely frozen over, however safe ice is only found in Little Angler's Bay, the north grade, and Templar Lagoon. Anglers are reporting 4-5" of good ice in those areas.

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting nice bluegills in areas that are safe to fish.

Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch are being caught where people are fishing for bluegill.

Walleye - Fair: A few nice walleye have been caught in Little Angler's Bay

[Esox_Magnum]

All area lakes are not froze, West is only froze in some bays....

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Was out on sunday. Went off of Crandalls Beach in about 20 feet of water on Spirt on saturday reports of guy catching 20-25perch was common. We didn't catch anything and the ice was around 8in. Picked up and went to West O and hit Emerson's Bay. Moved a buch and couldn't find the fish. Close in in was about 8-12in. farther out it fell to 6....5....4in once I hit four I turned back. Was just about to head to Miller's bay, but got a call and the wife's uncle was starting to pass so had to head home. Hope the rest of you guys that got out did better.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Was out on sunday. Went off of Crandalls Beach in about 20 feet of water on Spirt on saturday reports of guy catching 20-25perch was common. We didn't catch anything and the ice was around 8in. Picked up and went to West O and hit Emerson's Bay. Moved a buch and couldn't find the fish. Close in in was about 8-12in. farther out it fell to 6....5....4in once I hit four I turned back. Was just about to head to Miller's bay, but got a call and the wife's uncle was starting to pass so had to head home. A friend that was fishing on Emerson was deeper in about 16 ft of water and said after we left they caught 20 perch, but 90% of them were small and put backs. Hope the rest of you guys that got out did better.