Ice conditions Ames/Webster City?

[Carp-fisher]

I’m making my way down to the Ames/Webster City area this weekend (3-2) to see me ma and the in-laws. How are the ice conditions on lakes and ponds in the area? Will I be able to bring my ice gear? Thanks in advance,

Ben

[PikeBayCommanche]

They are still good with most lakes at around 10-12 inches. Might need a shovel and some slop boots.

If I get out I will let you know more conditions.

[Carp-fisher]

Thanks PikeBay. How much snow do you have down there?

[PikeBayCommanche]

We have around 12 inches right now.

[hotrod]

Plenty of ice, lots of snow. May begin to get tough getting onto the lakes, i know Rock Creek has many areas near the shore that you can not get out from. Bring your stuff, and good luck.

I would guess Don Williams, Briggs woods, hickory grove should all be "good".

[Carp-fisher]

How is Briggs Woods these days? I ice fished it last year with pretty decent success. Did the fall renovation mess up winter fishing?

[PikeBayCommanche]

Have not been there lately.

Hotrod,

Your email did not work send one to my email below so I can send you a message.

Thanks

[Carp-fisher]

Well I can't make it down this weekend because of the travel conditions...

How much snow did you guys get in the Ames/WC area?

[PikeBayCommanche]

We got around 8 more inches here. Go west 20 miles and they got 12-14".

[hotrod]

Sorry about that Pike, i sent you another one.

Heading out tonight to Hickory Grove Lake in Central iowa. Will report tomorrow.

[hotrod]

Hickory Grove: March 6th dusk and night time hours.

Caught about 20 fish, 8 for the fryer. Mostly crappies, with about 7-8 gills. Caught most on orange or black jigs with a waxie. Caught a few on minnows, they practically jerked the rod out of your hands biting the minnows.

The ice was growing as we left the lake, 50 degree temps starting this Sunday for the next 4-5 days, so get your picks out and be careful. Good luck.

[OldBear]

That sounds pretty good there Hotrod. I was out the last 5 days at a farm pond West of Rhodes having kind of the last fling. Ice still is 14-15" and pretty good stuff yet. Didn't go out today as it was raining. Water on the ice from rain or melt is not good. We may be done after this week of 50's and rain.

Also about a month ago I was up to Webster City and stopped at Briggs Woods. Water is still way down and hasn't refilled yet with renovation. One other person out in the middle. I caught 2 good size blue gills then it was just to cold without the ice shelter.

[hotrod]

March 11th- Rock Creek: water melt all along the shore for about 15 feet, you can only access it by walking out on the flotation docks. Good ice once you got out on the lake. Caught about 8-10 crappie, mostly small. Fished about 3 hours.

March 11th- Hickory Grove: Fish all over the deeper structure. Numerous colors working, couldn't get the crappies to bite at dusk. 40+ fish in about 6 hours. The ice was cracking and melting fast, limited access due to the melting dnow by the shore.

I am done for the year. Be careful, and get the big rods out.