Northwest Iowa Fishing Reports

Rick · January 24, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
On Jan. 24th there was 7 inches of ice near the boat ramp.

Bacon Creek Lake
The Bacon Creek trout stocking that was rescheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 26 has been postponed again due to unsafe frigid temperatures and wind chills expected this weekend. Frigid temperatures can also cause issues for the fish in the hatchery truck (e.g, tanks build ice and oxygen lines can freeze). An update will be posted on the DNR website when a reschedule date is set.

Black Hawk Lake
On Jan. 24th there was 8 inches of ice off the boat ramp of Ice House Point. Be aware of thin ice or open water near Ice House Point, Denison Beach area, and in the east basin near the outlet. Conditions are improving, but they are still extremely variable throughout the lake; look out for thin areas that may have just recently frozen. Check ice thickness often. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have been picked up through the ice in between the boat ramp of Ice House Point and Gunshot Hill with a small jig tipped with waxworm. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being picked up near the inlet bridge and through the ice near the Ice House Point boat ramp. Use a small jig tipped with waxworm. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being picked up in between the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill with jigs tipped with waxworm.

Black Hawk Pits
On Jan. 24th there was 6 inches of ice near the boat ramp. Ice is variable; check thickness often when venturing out.

Brushy Creek Lake
Anglers are fishing near the north boat ramp and in the northeast arm of the lake. All other ice is variable. Look out for open water and thin ice near the beach and in the main lake. Be cautious of thin areas that recently froze over. Ice conditions are improving; check ice thickness often. Float coats and ice picks are always good safety items. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have picked up some bluegill in the northeast arm of the lake using waxworms fished on a small jig.

Moorland Pond
The trout stocking and family fishing event at Moorland Pond has been rescheduled for Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m.

North Twin Lake
Anglers have been out, but ice thickness is variable. Look out for thin ice in areas that have recently frozen over. Reports of open water along the southeast shore and mid-lake by Featherstone Park a week ago. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up some crappie in the southwest part of the lake.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice conditions on Storm Lake are improving, but are still variable; use extreme caution. Avoid ice along pressure seams, near the big island and any other off-colored ice in areas that were recently open water and are now covered with thin ice. Some areas of the lake have up to 10-15 inches of ice and have seen lots of fishing activity. Ice conditions can change fast; use caution and check ice thickness often. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and jigging spoons during low light conditions. Anglers have had better luck on the east side of the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try waxworms in 4-6 feet of water in mornings or evenings.

Ice conditions have improved in the Black Hawk district, but ice thickness varies greatly across lakes and ponds. . Some areas that were open water a week ago have just recently frozen over with thin ice. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Angling for yellow bass is sporadic. Use small jigging spoons with insect larvae. You have to keep moving to stay on fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching a few nice sized crappie fishing near aquatic plant beds and in the deeper dredge cuts on the west end of the lake. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few walleye at sunset. The minimum size limit on Clear Lake is 14 inches.

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are getting a few crappie after sunset.

Rice Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with insect larvae. Yellow Perch - Slow: Try small jigging spoons or small minnows. Angling success has been slow, but there are good numbers of yellow perch in Rice Lake.

Ice conditions have improved in the Clear Lake District. Some ice has recently formed in the last week; check ice conditions as you go. For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish are being caught; sorting is needed with small fish mixed in the catch. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching large yellow bass from the basin in 18 feet of water. Move often to stay on the school of active fish.

Five Island Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers report limited catches of black crappie and yellow perch; anglers will be pleased by the large size of fish harvested. Yellow Bass - Good: Some activity reported on the lake; you need to search to find active fish.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Recent surveys show good numbers of angler acceptable size bluegill in the lake with large fish over 8 inches not uncommon.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Report of fish being caught from the lake with "bonus mixed bag" of bluegill and crappie in the catch. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass activity has picked up with good numbers of fish "on the bite."

Scharnberg Pond
The trout stocking and family fishing event has been rescheduled for Feb. 2 at noon.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Open water and thin ice conditions on the east side of the lake.

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Angler acceptable size fish are being caught; best action is half hour before sunset to half hour after sunset. Yellow Perch - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish continue to be caught from the basin in 18 - 20 feet of water; sorting is needed as numbers of small fish will also be in the catch.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch continue to be harvested from the lake; anglers are very pleased with the quality of the fish caught.

Virgin Lake
Walleye - Good: Good opportunities to catch fish averaging 16 inches. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish averaging 8 inches are common.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Action has slowed; persistent anglers will catch good numbers of bluegills from the lake. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers report catching fish in 18 feet of water in Smiths Bay.

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

Rick · March 7, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
There is around 14 inches of ice and 1-2 feet of snow near the boat ramp.

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR stocked rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake on Feb. 16th.

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation; beware of open water and thin ice in Town Bay. There is around 18 inches of ice with 1-2 feet of snow near the Ice House Point boat ramp. There is open water in the east basin near the outlet. Little fishing activity since last week due to the heavy snow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworm in the rock piles out front of Gunshot Hill and off of Cottonwood Point.

Brushy Creek Lake
Few reports last week due to weather. There is 1-2 feet of snow on the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Try waxworms fished on a small jig in 10-15 feet of water near structure in the northeast arm of the lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a minnow and spoon near submerged structure. Try also waxworms on a small jig.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Most ice is 18-20 inches with 1-2 feet of snow. Avoid ice along pressure seams and near the big island. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and jigging spoons in the dredge cuts on the east side of the lake in about 8-12 feet of water and the west side in 6-10 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try minnow head jigging spoons or waxworm on a small jig. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up keeper size crappie using minnows/jig.

Most ice in the Black Hawk district is 15 to 20 inches with 1-2 feet of snow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
The lake is covered with several inches of snow. Local anglers have plowed a few paths on the lake for access. Please be courteous and don’t park in the middle of the path blocking traffic. Yellow Bass - Fair: Start shallow with a small jig or jigging spoon tipped with several spikes or a waxworm near the Baptist camp. You have to keep moving to stay on fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Lots of small fish are being caught. If you’re not going to use the fish you catch, please release them. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head in the early morning. Walleye - Slow: Dead stick a minnow early morning or evening near the island.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches.

Upper Pine Lake
Access the lake from the boat ramp; the campground is closed due to deep snow.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching yellow bass from the basin. Move often to stay on the school of active fish.

Five Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Some activity reported on the lake; you need to search to find active fish.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of angler acceptable size bluegill in the lake with large fish over 8 inches not uncommon.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass activity has slowed, but persistent anglers can catch good numbers of fish. Black Crappie - Good: Yellow bass anglers report crappie mixed in the catch.

Spirit Lake
Angler access at the north end of the lake. Yellow Perch - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish (8 - 9 inches) continue to be caught from the basin. Sorting is needed with numbers of small fish also in the catch.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch continue to be harvested from the lake; anglers are very pleased with the quality of the fish caught.

Virgin Lake
Walleye - Good: Good opportunities to catch fish averaging 16 inches; best action is half hour before sunset to half hour after sunset. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish averaging 8 inches are common.

West Okoboji Lake
Angler access at the north end, Smith Bay and Emerson Bay. Bluegill - Good: Persistent anglers will catch good numbers of large bluegills.

Heavy snow on the Iowa Great Lakes is limiting access. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

Rick · March 15, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
There was around 14 inches of ice near the boat ramp on March 14. Access might be difficult, as conditions along shore are deteriorating fast with recent rain and snow melt.

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation. Ice conditions along shore are deteriorating fast; many areas may be inaccessible by the weekend. Use extreme caution if venturing out. Little fishing activity has been observed since last week.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions along shore are deteriorating fast with lots of water on top of the ice. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice along shore is deteriorating due to recent rain and snow melt. Ice conditions can change fast with the recent flooding conditions. Many access points may not be usable by the weekend.

Ice conditions are deteriorating fast due to recent rain events. Ice is unsafe on some lakes, and many areas along shore are open. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Rick · April 15, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Beeds Lake
The courtesy docks are in.

Bluebill Lake
The access gate to the boat ramp is open, but the courtesy dock has not been installed yet.

Clear Lake
The courtesy docks at McIntosh, Lynne Lorenzen and Bayside boat ramps are in. Walleye - Good: Fish the east shore after dark.

Crystal Lake
The docks are not in yet. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Cornelia
Lake Cornelia docks are not in yet. A few people have been fishing in the harbor and catching small yellows.

Winnebago River
Now is the time to target pike and walleye. Fish areas with current breaks near dams and where a stream enters the river.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Prime time is here; ice-out provides an excellent bite using traditional channel catfish baits. Fish twilight and after dark; fish will be on a feeding frenzy and provide lots of "pole bending" action.

Spirit Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Expect action to start in the Templar Park lagoon as the water warms.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Traditionally, Triboji Lagoon provides the first action for bluegills. Expect action to start once the water temperature warms.

All Lakes are ice free, expect open water fishing to improve as the water warms. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

Rick · April 25, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use crawlers fished under a bobber. Most action has been in Town Bay off the stone piers, the floating dock, and the fish house. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are picking up perch from the floating dock and the fish house in Town Bay using crawlers and minnows. Some have had luck fishing from the inlet bridge and the State Marina. Walleye - Fair: : Expect walleye action to pick up as water temperatures continue to warm. Black Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up good numbers of crappie from the inlet bridge and the fish house in Town bay.

Brushy Creek Lake
Expect panfish action to pick up near submerged structure along the shore as water temperatures continue to warm. Black Crappie - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Use crawlers and small minnows fished under a bobber in 5-10 feet of water near shore and submerged structure. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up crappie in the marina using crawlers and minnows. White Bass - Fair: Pick up white bass from shore with crawlers and twisters. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye from shore in the marina and along the north and east shores with twisters, leeches and minnows. Look for action to pick up as post-spawn fish start to feed. Evenings and just after sunset have been productive from shore.

Water temperatures are around 60 degrees in most of our areas. Shore fishing action is picking up on many of our lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the mid-fifties. Shore anglers are catching crappies and yellow bass off the jetties in the little lake. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success slip bobber fishing the rock reefs with jigs and a minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the edge of the rushes with a small minnow. Yellow Bass - Good: Try small jigs in 6 to 9 feet of water. White Bass – Fair.

Crystal Lake
The water temperature is in the mid-fifties. The courtesy docks are in.

Rice Lake
Water temperature is in the upper fifties. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting on crankbaits fished near vegetation.

Winnebago River
River levels are getting back to normal level. Fish the current breaks near a dam with a jig and minnow.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Wader fishing is at its prime fish after dark. Fish slow with a jig and minnow or twister tails on light jig heads. Boat angler activity has picked up; slowly troll crank baits.

Spirit Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappie action at Buffalo Run; boat anglers also report good numbers caught. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Early spring provides superb action for bass on calm sunny days with a jig and minnow on shallow rock piles.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Some action reported from Triboji Lagoon; sorting is needed. Expect action to improve as water temperatures warm.

Courtesy docks are in at the Iowa Great Lakes. Water temperature is 50 degrees. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

Rick · June 3, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-60's. Water level is about 12 inches over the crest of the spillway. Anglers are picking up fish in between rain events. Bluegill - Fair: Use crawlers fished under a bobber. Most action has been in Town Bay off the stone piers, the floating dock, and the fish house. Walleye - Fair: Use a slip bobber with a minnow or leech on a lead head jig along the Ice House Point shore, the east end near the outlet rock piles off Cottonwood Point and the east basin north shore and around the marina. Anglers have also had luck casting black and white twisters. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up crappie from shore and the fish house in Town Bay using live minnows fished under a bobber. Target areas with wood or rock cover along shore. Muskellunge – Fair.

Black Hawk Pits
Black Crappie - Fair: Use a live minnow under a bobber near wood and rock cover along shore. Bluegill – Fair.

Brushy Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try a live minnow under a bobber along shore near wood and rock cover. Bluegill - Fair: Use crawlers and small minnows fished under a bobber in 5-10 feet of water near shore and submerged structure. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Black Crappie - Fair: Try a live minnow under a bobber in areas around docks and along shallow rocky shores. Anglers have picked up crappie in the marina and near the inlet. White Bass - Good: Use leeches, crawlers and twisters. Walleye - Fair: Try leeches and minnows fished under a slip bobber or cast twisters or crankbaits near shore and in the dredge cuts. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait, stink bait, minnows or leeches fished near the bottom.

Water temperatures are in the mid-60's. Water levels on most lakes and rivers are above average. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
The water temperature is in the low 60's. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are having success slip bobber fishing the rock reefs with jigs and a minnow or leech. With the clear water, the best bite is early morning and evening. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the edge of the rushes with a small minnow. Yellow Bass - Slow: Use small jigs in 2 to 3 feet of water on warmer days. Best bite is at first light. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the windswept shore and areas where water is coming into the lake with cut bait fished on the bottom.

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Use minnows fished on the edge of the vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished on the edge of the vegetation. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leeches fishes near the dredge cut. Bluegill - Good: Try a small piece of crawler fished in 2 to 3 feet of water.

Lake Smith
Anglers are catching bass on a variety of baits. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill - Good: Use a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Fish shoreline habitat as the fish are shallow. Cast a mini jig or use a minnow under a bobber.

East Okoboji Lake
Walleye - Good: Anglers report angler acceptable size fish are being caught after dark trolling crankbaits. Bluegill - Good: Fish have moved shallow; fish deeper wooden docks for the best action.

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Report of 14 – 18 inch fish being caught. Expect the action to improve as the water temperature warms. Black Crappie - Fair: Report of black crappie and bluegill being caught in shallow water.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Wader fishing is at its prime after dark with the clear water. Fish slow with a jig and minnow or twister tails on light jig heads. Yellow Perch - Slow: Recent surveys show good numbers of fish approaching 11 inches.

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Black Bullhead - Good: Good bite with jumbo size fish reported being caught.

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Report of walleye fishing improving with fish caught throughout the day. Use leeches and slip bobbers in shallow, emerging weed beds. Black Crappie - Fish Trickles Slough or emerging reed beds for crappie and bluegill. Black Bullhead - Good: Action is picking up at the north grade using the traditional worm fished on the bottom.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Report of some fish being caught.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill and crappie action has been reported. Expect the action to improve as water temperatures warm.

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840

Rick · December 19, 2019

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake had around 4.5 inches of ice at the boat ramp, as of Dec. 19.

Bacon Creek Lake
Bacon Creek has around 4 inches of ice. A few anglers have been out on foot.

Black Hawk Lake
As of Dec. 19, there was 6 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp. There are still open water fishing opportunities at the Fish House and the Inlet Bridge. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching some perch around Shotgun Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper size perch range from 8- to 12-inches.

Black Hawk Pits
There is 5 inches of ice at the Black Hawk Pits boat ramp, as of Dec. 19.

Browns Lake
Browns Lake has around 6 inches of ice.

North Twin Lake
There was around 4 inches of ice on North Twin earlier this week. Some anglers have been out on foot.

Lakes in West Central Iowa are pretty well iced over. Foot traffic on the ice is increasing. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 8 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. You may have to change your technique to catch larger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow head. Black Crappie – Slow.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Anglers are catching small bluegills and a few crappies. Use caution near the aeration hole southeast of the island.

Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches. Anglers reported catching small crappies and bluegills.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 4.5 inches at the boat ramp. Ice thickness varies significantly across the lake; there is a large area of open water between the island and the beach.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegills are biting on small jigs tipped with a waxworm.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 4.5 inches at the boat ramp. Ice thickness varies significantly across the lake.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Bluegill - Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Use small jigs and wigglers near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Walleye - Good: Fishing near Parks Marina in the evening has been good. Use spoons, jigging raps, or minnows in early morning or evening.

Ingham Lake
The aeration system has been started. Use caution in the southeast side of the lake. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs are up around the aeration holes.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 7-9 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads in 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch - Good: Try minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Minniwaukon. Black Crappie – Fair.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.

West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji was the last lake to fully ice up, locking up Dec. 12. Use extreme caution when heading out on the ice; check ice thickness and conditions regularly. Ice thickness has been up to 5 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill - Fair: Little Emerson Bay has been producing a few nice bluegills; sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best an hour before and after sunset. Smallmouth Bass - Good: A unique early season bite has been reported in Little Emerson Bay.

Ice thickness has improved with thickness ranging from 4-10 inches. Use caution with ATV’s. No vehicle traffic is advised. Water flow into and out of area lakes has caused weak areas around bridges and other constrictions. Use caution and test the ice often. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs put up. Stay clear of these systems. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

Rick · December 26, 2019

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake had around 3-4 inches of ice at the boat ramp on Dec. 26. There has been little fishing activity. Use extreme caution.

Bacon Creek Lake
On Dec. 23, the DNR stocked about 1500 rainbow trout ranging from 10-12 inches long. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Ice thickness was 5 inches on Dec. 23. Use caution and check ice often if you venture out. Predicted rain over the weekend may further deteriorate ice conditions. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait bite fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Black Hawk Lake
As of Dec. 26, there was 5 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp. There are still open water fishing opportunities at the Fish House and the Inlet Bridge. There is thinner ice and open areas in the east basin. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching some perch around Shotgun Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper size perch range from 8- to 12-inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up some fish using minnows on a small jig.

Black Hawk Pits
There was 3-4 inches of ice at the Black Hawk Pits boat ramp on Dec. 26. Forecast temperatures and rain over the weekend may deteriorate ice conditions. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up some perch on minnows.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Reports of variable ice thickness on Storm Lake from 2-8 inches. Foot traffic only is recommended. Use extreme caution; may be some open areas and seams. Predicted rain over the weekend may further deteriorate ice conditions. Anglers have reported catching perch, walleye, and some crappie.

Lakes in West Central Iowa have lost 1-2 inches of ice since last week. As of Dec. 26th, ice thickness ranges from 2-8 inches on area lakes. Geese have kept several areas open on some lakes. Foot traffic only is recommended in our district at this time. Use extreme caution; predicted temperatures and rain over the weekend may further deteriorate ice conditions. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 8 to 9 inches. Use caution near the rushes. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. You may have to change your technique to catch larger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow head. Black Crappie – Slow.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Anglers are catching small bluegills and a few crappies. Use caution near the aeration hole southeast of the island.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Use small jigs and wigglers near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Walleye - Good: Fishing near Parks Marina in the evening has been good. Use spoons, jigging raps, or minnows in early morning or evening. Yellow Bass – Fair.

Ingham Lake
The aeration system has been started. Use caution in the southeast side of the lake. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs are up around the aeration holes.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 7-10 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads in 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Reports of lots of slot size and bigger fish. Bluegill - Good: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch - Good: Try minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Minniwaukon. Best bite is early and late. Black Crappie – Fair.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.

West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji ice conditions are variable. Use extreme caution when heading out and check ice thickness and conditions regularly. Ice thickness has been up to 5 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill - Good: Little Emerson Bay has been producing a few nice bluegills; sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best an hour before and after sunset. Smallmouth Bass - Good: A unique early season bite has been reported in Little Emerson Bay.

Ice thickness is 4-10 inches on area lakes. Warmer weather has slowed ice formation, but the quality is generally good. Some large seams and ridges have become evident; atay away from these areas. Use caution with ATV’s. No vehicle traffic is advised. Water flow into and out of the area lakes has caused weak areas around bridges and other constrictions. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs are put up. Stay clear of these systems. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840

Rick · January 4, 2020

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake had around 3-4 inches of ice at the boat ramp on Jan. 2. Ice has pulled away from shore in some areas. There has been little fishing activity.

Black Hawk Lake
As of Jan. 2, there was 5 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp. There are still open water fishing opportunities at the Fish House and the Inlet Bridge. There is open water and thin ice in the east basin and in the inlet bay. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching some perch around Shotgun Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper size perch range from 8- to 12-inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up some fish using minnows on a small jig.

Black Hawk Pits
There was 3 inches of ice, with some open areas and rotten ice right along shore, on Jan. 2. Ice fishing is not recommended until conditions improve.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Reports of 5-8 inches of ice on the East side, with more variable conditions elsewhere on the lake and open areas around the big island. Check ice thickness often if you venture out. Use extreme caution, may be some open areas and seams. Anglers report catching perch, walleye, and white bass.

Ice conditions are extremely variable in west central Iowa. Some lakes have open water areas and unsafe ice. Other lakes that are seeing angler activity have 3-8 inches of ice. Use extreme caution; check thickness often and avoid discolored ice. Foot traffic only is recommended in our district at this time. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Use caution near the rushes. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. Use larger baits and change location to find bigger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head near the edge of vegetation. Black Crappie – Slow. Yellow Bass - Slow: You have to move around to find fish.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Lot of small fish are being caught.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Anglers are catching small bluegills and a few crappies. Use caution near the aeration hole southeast of the island.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 3 to 4 inches. Poor ice condition along the shore is making access dangerous. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Walleye - Fair: Fish the southern basin. Try near Parks Marina. Evening bite is best. Bluegill – Fair.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill – Good.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Some anglers are doing well when they find a school of fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few larger fish are being caught with some sorting.

Scharnberg Pond
Rainbow Trout, stocked on Oct. 26, are still being caught. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 7-10 inches. Avoid seams and points. Walleye - Good: Evening and morning bite is best. Use live minnows and jigging baits. Bluegill - Fair: Evening hours are best. Yellow Perch - Good: Best bite is early and late. Recent unsettled weather slowed the bite slightly, but it should pick back up.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Slow: A few fish are being caught.

West Okoboji Lake
Use extreme caution on the main lake. Smaller bays have 5-6 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Walleye - Fair: Evening hours are best.

Ice thickness is 5-10 inches on area lakes. Warmer weather has slowed ice formation, but the quality is generally good after recent rains. Some large seams and ridges have become evident; stay away from these areas. Use caution with ATV’s. No vehicle traffic is advised. Avoid inlets and bridges. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs are put up. Stay clear of these systems.

Rick · January 12, 2020

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake had 4 inches of ice at the boat ramp on Jan. 8. There has been little fishing activity.

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR will stock rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 25th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait bite fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Black Hawk Lake
As of Jan. 8, there was 5-6 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp. This area of the lake has the thickest ice. There are open water fishing opportunities at the Fish House on Ice House Point. There is a large area of open water in the east basin and thin ice in the inlet bay. The winter aeration system in Town Bay will be started Jan 16; avoid this area as there will be open water and thin ice. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are catching perch around Gunshot Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper size perch range from 8- to 12-inches. The bite has been good, but sorting is needed. Most anglers are using waxworms. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up 6-9 inch bluegill using waxworms. Most anglers are fishing near the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill.

Black Hawk Pits
There was 3-4 inches of ice near the boat ramp on Jan. 8. Ice fishing is not recommended until conditions improve.

Moorland Pond
The DNR will stock rainbow trout in Moorland Pond at 11 a.m. Jan. 18th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait bite fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Reports of 6-8 inches of ice on the East side, with more variable conditions elsewhere on the lake and open areas around the big island and towards the outlet. Use caution and avoid open areas, seams, and discolored ice. Wear a float coat and have ice picks and rope with you. Anglers report catching perch, walleye, and white bass.

Ice thickness in west central Iowa is 3 to 8 inches. Some lakes have seams and open areas. Use caution, check thickness often, and avoid discolored ice. The winter aeration system in Town Bay of Black Hawk Lake will be started Jan 16; avoid this area as there will be open water and thin ice. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
There are areas of open water near the boat ramp and the west end of the lake, as well as along shorelines in certain areas. With melting snow, there will be increased water coming in from Spring Creek and that creates a current through the lake which can to create variable ice conditions.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Use caution near the rushes. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. Use larger baits and change location to find bigger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head near the edge of vegetation. Black Crappie – Slow. Yellow Bass - Slow: You have to move around to find fish.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Lot of small fish are being caught.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Anglers are catching small bluegills and a few crappies. Use caution near the aeration hole southeast of the island.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 4 inches at the boat ramp. There are large areas of open water and some areas of dangerous ice along the shoreline. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Ice thickness is 7.5-8.5 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the west side of the lake, north of the boat ramp. Signs have been put up around the aerator hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill - Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Try near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Use small jigs and wigglers. Walleye - Fair: Fishing near Parks Marina in the evening has been good. Use spoons, jigging raps, or minnows in the early morning or evening. Yellow Perch – Fair. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.

Ingham Lake
Ice thickness is 7.5-8.5 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution in the southeast side of the lake. Signs have been put up around the aerator hole.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is 9-10 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs have been placed around the aeration holes.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 9-10 inches. Reports that a vehicle caused a hole at the south boat ramp near the spillway; please avoid this area. Walleye - Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads n 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Reports of lots of slot size and bigger fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch - Good: Use minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and near Minniwaukon. Best bite is early and late. Black Crappie – Fair.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.

West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji ice conditions are variable. Use extreme caution and check ice thickness and conditions regularly. Ice thickness has been up to 7 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill - Good: Little Emerson Bay is producing a few nice bluegills. Sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best an hour before and after sunset.

Ice thickness is 7.5-10 inches on area lakes. Warmer weather has slowed ice formation, but the quality is generally good. Some large seams and ridges have become evident; stay away from these areas. Use caution with ATV’s. No vehicle traffic is advised. Water flow into and out of the area lakes has caused weak areas around bridges and other constrictions. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs are put up. Stay clear of these systems.

Rick · January 17, 2020

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Ice conditions are improving, but angling activity has been low due to unsafe ice. Check ice thickness often if you venture out. Use waxworms and minnows near structure to target the larger bluegill and crappie this lake commonly produces.

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR will stock rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 25th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Black Hawk Lake
There is 6-7 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp. This area of the lake has the thickest ice. There are open water fishing opportunities at the Fish House on Ice House Point. Most of the east basin was open last week and has recently frozen over with thin ice. The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation; expect open water and thin ice in Town Bay. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching perch around Gunshot Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper size perch range from 8- to 12-inches. Waxworms and small minnows work well. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up 6-9 inch bluegill using waxworms. Most anglers are fishing near the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill.

Moorland Pond
The DNR will stock rainbow trout in Moorland Pond this Saturday, Jan. 18th at 11 a.m. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is variable. Reports of 7-10 inches of ice in the northwest area; much of the southeast area of the lake was open and has recently frozen over so expect thin ice on some areas. Use caution and avoid open areas, seams, and discolored ice. Wear a float coat and have ice picks and rope with you. Anglers are catching perch, walleye, white bass and channel catfish.

Ice thickness in west central Iowa is 3 to 10 inches. Some lakes have open seams and thin areas that were open last week and have recently frozen over. Use caution, check thickness often, and avoid discolored ice. There is open water and thin ice in Town Bay of Black Hawk Lake from the aeration system. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. Use larger baits and change location to find bigger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head near the edge of vegetation. The best bite is during low light periods. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm on the edge of vegetation. Yellow Bass - Slow: Try a small spoon tipped with cut bait or several spikes. You have to move around to find fish.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 7 to 8 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Lot of small fish are being caught.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 6 inches at the boat ramp. There is still significant open water north and east of the island. No fishing activity reported.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm. Walleye – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 4 inches at the boat ramp. No fishing activity reported.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Ice thickness is 9-13 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the west side of the lake, north of the boat ramp. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 9 to 12 inches. Bluegill - Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Try near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Use small jigs and wigglers. Walleye - Fair: Fishing near Parks Marina in the evening has been good. Use spoons, jigging raps or minnows in the early morning or evening. Yellow Perch – Fair. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.

Ingham Lake
Ice thickness is 7-13 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution in the southeast side of the lake and off of the northern boat ramp. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 12 inches. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is 13 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs are up around the aeration holes.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 13-15 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads in 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Reports of lots of slot size and bigger fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch - Good: Use minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and near Minniwaukon. Best bite is early and late. Black Crappie – Fair.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.

West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji ice conditions are variable. Beware of heaves at Atwell and Gull Point; don't drive over heaves/seams. Ice thickness has been up to 12 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill - Good: Little Emerson Bay is producing a few nice bluegills. Sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best an hour before and after sunset.

Ice thickness is 7.5-13 inches on area lakes. Ice conditions have improved with recent low temperatures. Some large seams and ridges have become evident; stay away from these areas. Use caution with ATV’s. No vehicle traffic is advised. Water flow into and out of the area lakes has caused weak areas around bridges and other constrictions. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs are up. Stay clear of these systems.

Rick · January 24, 2020

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
There was 6 inches of clear ice under 3 inches of cloudy ice off the boat ramp on Jan 23. Conditions are variable; check ice thickness often if you venture out. Use waxworms and minnows near structure to target the larger bluegill and crappie this lake commonly produces.

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR will stock rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 25th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Black Hawk Lake
There was 11 inches of ice off the Ice House Point boat ramp on Jan 23. This area of the lake currently has the thickest ice. There was 9 inches of ice off the 30 Acres boat ramp at the state campground on the SE part of the lake. Conditions are more variable in the east basin of the lake, there may be thin and open areas; use caution. Snow cover varies from 0 to 15 inches. The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation; expect open water and thin ice in Town Bay. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching perch around Gunshot Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper-size perch are 8 to 12 inches. Waxworms and small minnows work well. Bluegill - Slow: Most anglers are using waxworms fished near the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill using waxworms.

Black Hawk Pits
There was 5 inches of ice off the boat ramp on Jan 23. Conditions are variable; use caution and check ice thickness often. There are several inches of water and slush on top of the ice.

Brushy Creek Lake
Most fishing activity has been in the northeast arm and around the island. Ice is variable; check ice thickness often. There are open areas in the middle of the lake and around shore near inflows. Expect thinner ice under bridges and anywhere with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use waxworms and small minnows. Walleye – Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Use a waxworm or small minnow on a jig fished near structure. Reports of 9 inch keepers.

Moorland Pond
The DNR will stock rainbow trout in Moorland Pond this Saturday, Jan. 24th at noon. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is variable from about 6-15 inches, with thinner ice on the east part of the lake and other areas that were open two weeks ago. Use caution and avoid open areas, seams, and discolored ice. Snow cover is variable; bare ice in some areas and 2-3 feet deep drifts in others. Anglers are catching perch, walleye, white bass and channel catfish.

Ice thickness in west central Iowa is 5 to 15 inches. Some lakes have open seams and thinner areas that were open two weeks ago. Use caution, check thickness often, and avoid discolored ice. There is open water and thin ice in Town Bay of Black Hawk Lake from the aeration system. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. Use larger baits and change location to find bigger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head near the edge of vegetation. The best bite is during low light periods. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm on the edge of vegetation. Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a small spoon tipped with cut bait or several waxworms. You have to move around to find fish. White Bass – Slow.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 9 to 11 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 10 -11 inches at the boat ramp. Use caution north and east of the island; this ice is new and may not be consistent.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm. Best bite is late afternoon. Yellow Perch – Slow:Try a small jigging spoon tipped with a waxworm.. Walleye – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Bluegill – Slow.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 7- 8 inches at the boat ramp.

For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the west side of the lake, north of the boat ramp. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. Bluegill - Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Try near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Use small jigs and wigglers. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been good near Parks Marina in the evening. Use spoons, jigging raps or minnows in the early morning or evening. Yellow Perch – Fair. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.

Ingham Lake
Ice thickness is 10 to 14 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the southeast side of the lake and off of the northern boat ramp. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 12 inches. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is 15 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs are up around the aeration holes.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 13-15 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads in 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Reports of lots of slot size and bigger fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch - Good: Use minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and near Minniwaukon. Best bite is early and late. Black Crappie – Fair.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.

West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji ice conditions are variable. Beware of heaves at Atwell and Gull Point; don't drive over heaves/seams. Ice thickness has been up to 12 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill - Good: Little Emerson Bay is producing a few nice bluegills. Sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best 1 hour before and after sunset.

Ice thickness is 10 to 18 inches on area lakes. Large amounts of snow in the recent week have covered up seams and ridges making them less evident. Talk with locals or bait shops to get the latest information before heading out on the ice. Do not travel under bridges and other areas of flow; most of these areas have only recently frozen over. It is Winter Games weekend in the Iowa Great Lakes, so expect lots of people out on the ice.

Rick · February 4, 2020

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
Conditions are variable; check ice thickness often if you venture out. Use waxworms and minnows near structure to target the larger bluegill and crappie this lake commonly produces.

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR stocked rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake on Jan. 25th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Black Hawk Lake
Areas around Ice House Point boat ramp and just north of Gunshot Hill currently has the thickest ice. Conditions are more variable in the east basin of the lake, there may be thin and open areas; use caution. The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation; expect open water and thin ice in Town Bay. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching perch around Gunshot Hill and the Ice House Point boat ramp. Keeper-size perch are 8 to 12 inches. Waxworms and small minnows work well. Bluegill - Slow: Most anglers are using waxworms fished near the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have picked up catfish off the rock pile north of Cottonwood Point. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have had luck in the marina and off the rock pile near Gunshot Hill.

Black Hawk Pits
Conditions are variable; use caution and check ice thickness often.

Brushy Creek Lake
Most fishing activity has been in the northeast arm and around the island. Ice is variable; check ice thickness often. There are open areas in the middle of the lake and around shore near inflows. Expect thinner ice under bridges and anywhere with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use waxworms and small minnows. Walleye – Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Use a waxworm or small minnow on a jig fished near structure. Reports of 9 inch keepers.

Moorland Pond
The DNR stocked rainbow trout in Moorland Pond on Jan. 24th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is 6-15 inches, with thinner ice on the east part of the lake and other areas that were open recently. Use caution and avoid open areas near the island, seams, and discolored ice. Snow cover is variable. Anglers are catching perch, walleye, white bass and channel catfish.

Ice thickness in west central Iowa is 5 to 15 inches. Some lakes have open seams and thinner areas. Use caution, check thickness often, and avoid discolored ice. There is open water and thin ice in Town Bay of Black Hawk Lake from the aeration system. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches. Use caution near the aeration systems. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. Use larger baits and change location to find bigger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head near the edge of vegetation. The best bite is during low light periods. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm on the edge of vegetation. Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a small spoon tipped with cut bait or several waxworms. You have to move around to find fish.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches.

Eldred Sherwood Lake
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm. Best bite is late afternoon.

Interstate Park Lake
Ice thickness is 12 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Best bite is from around 3:30 p.m. until dark.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm. Best bite is late afternoon. Yellow Perch – Slow:Try a small jigging spoon tipped with a waxworm.. Walleye – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches. Bluegill – Slow.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 7- 8 inches at the boat ramp.

For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Ice thickness is 14 to 16 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the west side of the lake, north of the boat ramp. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 14 to 15 inches. Bluegill - Good: Sorting is needed, but the bite has been good in the southern section of the lake along the weed line. Try near the trestle and the Hattie Elston Boat Ramp. Use small jigs and wigglers. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been good near Parks Marina in the evening. Use spoons, jigging raps or minnows in the early morning or evening. Yellow Perch – Fair. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair.

Ingham Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 16 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the southeast side of the lake and off of the northern boat ramp. Signs are up around the aerator hole.

Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 12 inches. Yellow Perch – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is 15 to 18 inches. The aeration system has been started. Use caution on the east side of the lake. Signs are up around the aeration holes.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 15 to 18 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish 1 hour before and after sunrise or sunset. Use spoons or jigging raps tipped with minnow heads in 12-14 feet of water. Also try live minnows. Reports of lots of slot size and bigger fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use wigglers and small jigs in Anglers Bay and Trickles Slough. Yellow Perch - Good: Use minnows and small jigs in Anglers Bay and near Minniwaukon. Best bite is early and late. Be prepared to move around until you get on top of them. Black Crappie – Fair.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Size quality is outstanding with some sorting. Use jigs and minnows or wigglers in the main lake.

West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji ice conditions are variable. Beware of heaves at Atwell and Gull Point; don't drive over heaves/seams. Ice thickness has been up to 14 inches in small bays and thinner on the main lake. Bluegill - Good: Little Emerson Bay is producing a few nice bluegills. Sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Fish rocky areas in 18-20 feet of water. Live minnows work best 1 hour before and after sunset.

Ice thickness is 12 to 18 inches on area lakes. Large amounts of snow have covered up seams and ridges making them less evident. The snow has made it harder to travel across the lake. Do not travel under bridges and other areas of flow; most of these areas have only recently frozen over. Aeration systems at Center Lake, Silver Lake (near Lake Park), and Ingham Lake have been started and signs are up; stay clear of these systems. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

Rick · February 7, 2020

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is 8 inches near the boat ramp. Conditions are variable; check ice thickness often if you venture out. Use waxworms and minnows near structure to target the larger bluegill and crappie this lake commonly produces.

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR stocked rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake on Jan. 25th. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig.

Black Hawk Lake
There is around 12 inches of ice off of Ice House Point boat ramp and 11 inches of ice off the 30 Acres boat ramp at the state campground on the SE part of the lake. Conditions are more variable in the east basin of the lake. The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation; expect open water and thin ice in Town Bay. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching perch around Gunshot Hill, the Ice House Point boat ramp, and in the marina. Keeper-size perch are 8 to 10 inches; sorting is needed. Waxworms and small minnows work well. Bluegill - Fair: Most anglers are using waxworms fished near the Ice House Point boat ramp and the rock piles off Gunshot Hill and Cottonwood Point. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have picked up catfish off the rock pile north of Cottonwood Point and in the east basin; use waxworms.. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows and waxworms fished in the marina and off the rock pile near Gunshot Hill. Most fish are 8-10 inches; sorting is needed. Walleye - Slow.

Black Hawk Pits
There was 6 inches of ice off the boat ramp on Feb 6. Conditions are variable; use caution and check ice thickness often. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms.

Brushy Creek Lake
Most fishing activity has been in the northeast arm and around the island. Ice is variable; check ice thickness often. There are open areas in the middle of the lake and around shore near inflows. Expect thinner ice under bridges and anywhere with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use waxworms and small minnows. Walleye – Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Use a waxworm or small minnow on a jig fished near structure. Reports of 9 inch keepers.

Moorland Pond
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use a piece of worm, small minnow, or power bait fished under a bobber. Put the bait on a small hook or small and shiny jig. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is 6-15 inches, with thinner ice on the east part of the lake. Use caution and avoid open areas near the island. Snow cover is variable. The bite has slowed down; anglers are catching perch, crappie, walleye and white bass.

Ice thickness in west central Iowa is 5 to 15 inches. Some lakes have open areas and seams. Use caution; check thickness often. There is open water and thin ice in Town Bay of Black Hawk Lake from the aeration system. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches. Use caution near the aeration systems. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of vegetation. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting on a variety of baits. Use larger baits and change location to find bigger fish. Walleye - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head near the edge of vegetation. The best bite is during low light periods. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm on the edge of vegetation. Yellow Bass - Slow: Try a small spoon tipped with cut bait or several waxworms. You have to move around to find fish.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches.

Interstate Park Lake
Ice thickness is 12 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Lower Pine Lake
Use extra caution directly north and east of the Island; an area of poor ice was reported. A few reports of anglers catching keeper-size perch and crappie, but most report catching only small bluegill. Bluegill – Fair.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm. Best bite is late afternoon. Yellow Perch – Slow:Try a small jigging spoon tipped with a waxworm.. Walleye – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 11 to 15 inches. Bluegill – Slow.

Upper Pine Lake
Anglers are catching small bluegill and perch.