Brinker Lake
|
Northeast |
Ice thickness on most area lakes is most likely safe but with the recent warmer temps use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing few catches of both bluegill and crappie but fishing has been slow. For further information contact your area bait and tackle shops. All field stations and fish hatcheries remain closed at this time, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. |
02/24 12:44 |
Brinker Lake
|
Northeast |
There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie in Brinker Lake. |
02/24 01:20 |
Brinker Lake
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a dead stick with a minnow on one rod and jigging an ice jig tipped with a waxworm or spike. Electronics are very helpful in locating suspended crappie. |
02/24 01:21 |
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
|
Northeast |
Ice thickness on most area lakes is most likely safe but with the recent warmer temps use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing few catches of both bluegill and crappie but fishing has been slow. For further information contact your area bait and tackle shops. All field stations and fish hatcheries remain closed at this time, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. |
02/24 12:44 |
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
|
Northeast |
Anglers have been catching both bluegill and crappie on Casey Lake. Ice thickness is around eight inches or more over most of lake. |
02/24 12:44 |
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing with a jig tipped with a minnow around sunken structure. |
02/24 12:44 |
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Good: Fish just off of the bottom with an ice jig tipped with a waxworm. |
02/24 12:44 |
Cedar River (above Nashua)
|
Northeast |
Take advantage of this weekends heat wave. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees. Chance of snow Saturday. Ice depths vary on area rivers especially areas with current. Check ice depths often. Ice depths on area Lakes are greater than 10 inches with 8 plus inches of snow. 2021 licenses available now. For more information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. |
02/18 08:47 |
Cedar River (above Nashua)
|
Northeast |
Backwaters have 6-10 inches ice. Ice depth varies in areas with current. |
02/18 08:47 |
Cedar River (above Nashua)
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Slow: A few gills caught while targeting crappie. Use small pieces of bait and lures. |
02/18 08:47 |
Cedar River (above Nashua)
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Fair: Nice size crappie found in deeper holes out of current. Minnows best for crappies. |
02/18 08:47 |
Cedar River (above Nashua)
|
Northeast |
Walleye - Slow: Use live bait for success. Find an eddy or deeper pool. |
02/18 08:47 |
Decorah District Streams
|
Northeast |
Take advantage of this weekends heat wave. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees. Chance of snow Saturday. Ice depths vary on area rivers especially areas with current. Check ice depths often. Ice depths on area Lakes are greater than 10 inches with 8 plus inches of snow. 2021 licenses available now. For more information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. |
02/18 08:47 |
Decorah District Streams
|
Northeast |
Brook Trout - Good: Fish pool edges and heads using flies imitating prey drifting down. On sunny afternoons, fish the hatch. |
02/18 08:47 |
Decorah District Streams
|
Northeast |
Brown Trout - Good: Use tackle imitating forage fish and fish the edge of a weed bed or large rock. |
02/18 08:47 |
Decorah District Streams
|
Northeast |
Rainbow Trout - Good: Get tackle in front of fish and imitate prey movements. Minnow, worm, midge, and caddis flies work well this time of year. |
02/18 08:47 |
Decorah District Streams
|
Northeast |
Streams are very clear with about 6-8 inches of snow in places. Don't forget to purchase a 2021 trout fee and license. Iowa's trout season remains open all year. Many streams maintain excellent populations of Brown Trout and stocked catchable size Rainbow Trout. Many flow through wildlife management areas. Use care when parking along road if a parking area isn't plowed. |
02/18 08:47 |
George Wyth Lake
|
Northeast |
Ice thickness on most area lakes is most likely safe but with the recent warmer temps use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing few catches of both bluegill and crappie but fishing has been slow. For further information contact your area bait and tackle shops. All field stations and fish hatcheries remain closed at this time, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. |
02/24 12:44 |
George Wyth Lake
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a dead stick with a minnow on one rod and jigging an ice jig tipped with a waxworm or spike. Electronics are very helpful in locating suspended crappie. |
02/24 12:44 |
George Wyth Lake
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Fish just off of the bottom with an ice jig tipped with a waxworm. |
02/24 12:44 |
George Wyth Lake
|
Northeast |
Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are catching some quality northern pike on tip-up rigs. Fish a live chub or shiner just off of the bottom for some great pike action. |
02/24 12:44 |
George Wyth Lake
|
Northeast |
There have been reports of anglers catching panfish and northern pike on George Wyth Lake. Please use extreme caution as there have also been reports of thin ice on areas of the lake with the recent warmer weather. |
02/24 12:44 |
Lake Hendricks
|
Northeast |
Take advantage of this weekends heat wave. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees. Chance of snow Saturday. Ice depths vary on area rivers especially areas with current. Check ice depths often. Ice depths on area Lakes are greater than 10 inches with 8 plus inches of snow. 2021 licenses available now. For more information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Hendricks
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Fair: Minnows work best for crappie. Fish deeper water. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Hendricks
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Use a waxworm or spike on a small jig under a bobber. Find brush piles. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Hendricks
|
Northeast |
Lake has 12 inches of ice and about 6 inches of snow. Open water around the aerator. Use caution around this area. No motorized vehicles allowed on the ice. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Hendricks
|
Northeast |
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Concentrate effort along rock reefs or brush piles. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Meyer
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Best bite on overcast days. Use small jig tipped with waxworm or spike. Activity picking up. Look for fish in 12-15ft. water. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Meyer
|
Northeast |
Ice depths 12 inches with 8 inches snow. Check depths often. Clarity excellent with 15 ft. visibility. Use care when walking to your favorite ice fishing hole. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Meyer
|
Northeast |
Take advantage of this weekends heat wave. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees. Chance of snow Saturday. Ice depths vary on area rivers especially areas with current. Check ice depths often. Ice depths on area Lakes are greater than 10 inches with 8 plus inches of snow. 2021 licenses available now. For more information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. |
02/18 08:47 |
Lake Meyer
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Slow: |
02/18 08:47 |
Manchester District Streams
|
Northeast |
Ice thickness on most area lakes is most likely safe but with the recent warmer temps use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing few catches of both bluegill and crappie but fishing has been slow. For further information contact your area bait and tackle shops. All field stations and fish hatcheries remain closed at this time, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. |
02/24 12:44 |
Manchester District Streams
|
Northeast |
All area Manchester trout streams are in excellent condition and hold vast populations of brown trout. |
02/24 12:44 |
Manchester District Streams
|
Northeast |
Brown Trout - Good: Spring branch Creek is a favorite amongst anglers for quality and trophy sized brown trout. |
02/24 12:44 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Heavy snow cover has made access to ice fishing difficult and oxygen levels poor. Fish are suspending just under the surface. Ice thickness ranges from a 12-18 inches. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily limit 6. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite is best in shallow backwaters fishing just below the ice surface. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill in shallow backwaters using jigs tipped with mousies |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Some reports of largemouth biting on tip-ups baited with minnows in backwaters. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Lynxville water is 614.2 feet. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice in areas with current. Johnson Slough at Sny Magill ramp is frozen and accessible. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Northern Pike - No Report: Pike are biting on tip-ups baited with a minnow or shiners in shallow backwater lakes. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Sauger - Slow: Vertical jigging with jigs in tailwaters of lock and dam has been effective. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Walleye - Slow: The bite has slowed. Fish jigging spoons or jig tipped with a minnow in tailwaters of lock and dams. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 10
|
Northeast |
Yellow Perch - Slow: Look for perch hanging above vegetation from 4 to 12 feet of water with jig and a minnow. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Heavy snow cover has made access to ice fishing difficult and oxygen levels poor. Fish are suspending just under the surface. Ice thickness ranges from a 12-18 inches. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily limit 6. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Sauger - Slow: Vertical jigging with jigs in tailwaters of lock and dam has been effective. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Walleye - Slow: The bite has slowed. Fish jigging spoons or jig tipped with a minnow in tailwaters of lock and dams. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Water level at Guttenberg is 6.0 feet. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice in current areas and edges. Ice anglers have been catching panfish at Mud Lake and Zollicoffers. Use caution and avoid the creek area. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Yellow Perch - Fair: Look for perch hanging above vegetation from 4 to 12 feet of water with jig and a minnow. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Good: Crappie bite is best in shallow backwaters fishing just below the ice surface. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill in shallow backwaters using jigs tipped waxworms. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some reports of largemouth biting on tip-ups baited with minnows in backwaters. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 11
|
Northeast |
Northern Pike - Slow: Pike are biting on tip-ups baited with a minnow or shiners in shallow backwater lakes. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 12
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: The winter doldrums have hit for ice fishing and most anglers only report poor to fair catch rates. Anglers are using wax worms and tungsten jigs. For the most part, ice conditions are decent but never assume good ice anywhere. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 12
|
Northeast |
Northern Pike - Good: Some nice pike were reported earlier this ice fishing season by anglers using minnows on tip ups. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 12
|
Northeast |
The water level is expected to hold steady this week. Water levels are currently 5.6 feet at the Lock and Dam and 8.2 feet at the RR bridge. The water temperature is around 33 degrees and the water clarity is good. Due to extreme cold very little ice fishing was noted in the past two weeks. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 12
|
Northeast |
Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable throughout the district. Tailwater ramps are iced in throughout the district. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 13
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: The winter doldrums have hit for ice fishing and most anglers only report poor to fair catch rates. Anglers are using wax worms and tungsten jigs. For the most part, ice conditions are decent but never assume good ice anywhere. Most Pool 13 ice fishing is taking place near the Sabula area backwaters. Due to extreme cold very little ice fishing was noted this week. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 13
|
Northeast |
Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being caught by anglers using tip ups and minnows this winter. Most ice fishing pressure is around the Sabula backwaters. Ice conditions in Browns Lake were reported as marginal in a few locations a few weeks ago but may have improved. Please be cautious when angling in this lake. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 13
|
Northeast |
The water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is holding steady at 6.1 feet. Water temperature is around 33 degrees and the water clarity is good. The Bellevue City ramp finally iced in due to the recent cold snap. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 13
|
Northeast |
Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable throughout the district. Tailwater ramps are iced in throughout the district. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 14
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: The winter doldrums have hit for ice fishing and most anglers only report poor to fair catch rates. Anglers are using wax worms and tungsten jigs. For the most part, ice conditions are decent but never assume good ice anywhere. Ice fishing activity is concentrated in the Rock Creek and Cattail Slough backwaters. Due to extreme cold very little ice fishing was noted this week. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 14
|
Northeast |
The water levels at the Fulton Lock and Dam is holding steady and currently at 5.4 feet, Camanche is at 9.5 feet and Leclaire is at 4.9 feet. Water temperature is around 33 degrees clarity is good. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 14
|
Northeast |
Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable throughout the district. Tailwater ramps are iced in throughout the district. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 15
|
Northeast |
The water level at Rock Island is receding at 6.6 feet. The water temperature his near 33 degrees and water clarity is good. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 15
|
Northeast |
Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable throughout the district. Tailwater ramps are iced in throughout the district. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. |
02/18 09:06 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Heavy snow cover has made access to ice fishing difficult and oxygen levels poor. Fish are suspending just under the surface. Ice thickness ranges from a 12-18 inches. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily limit 6. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Lansing water level has dropped to 7.4 feet. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice and shoreline edges. Fish are suspending just below the ice surface. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite is best in shallow backwaters fishing just below the ice surface. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill in shallow backwaters using jigs tipped with mousies. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Some reports of largemouth biting on tip-ups baited with minnows in backwaters. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Northern Pike - No Report: Pike are biting on tip-ups baited with a minnow or shiners in shallow backwater lakes. |
02/18 10:03 |
Mississippi River Pool 9
|
Northeast |
Yellow Perch - Fair: Look for perch hanging above vegetation from 4 to 12 feet of water with jig and a minnow. |
02/18 10:03 |
Volga Lake
|
Northeast |
Take advantage of this weekends heat wave. Temperatures may reach 30 degrees. Chance of snow Saturday. Ice depths vary on area rivers especially areas with current. Check ice depths often. Ice depths on area Lakes are greater than 10 inches with 8 plus inches of snow. 2021 licenses available now. For more information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. |
02/18 08:47 |
Volga Lake
|
Northeast |
Bluegill - Fair: Use small brightly colored jig tipped with a waxworm or spike under a bobber. Keep lure 1 to 2 ft. off bottom. A little wiggle goes a long way. |
02/18 08:47 |
Volga Lake
|
Northeast |
Lake has about 12 inches of ice capped with 6 inches of snow. Use caution when going on ice. Check depths often. Best times to fish are morning and dusk. |
02/18 08:47 |
Arrowhead Lake
|
Northwest |
Ice thickness in district lakes and ponds is between 11-18 inches with the occasional seam or thin ice in the main basins. Ice is covered with snow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. |
02/18 09:50 |
Arrowhead Lake
|
Northwest |
There is 11 inches of ice in front of the boat ramp. |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Lake
|
Northwest |
Black Crappie - Fair: Use wax worms and small live minnows. Sorting is needed. Fish 8-10" reported. Bite has been hit or miss. |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Lake
|
Northwest |
Bluegill - Fair: Use a waxworm on a small jig fished in 3-6 feet of water. Sorting is needed with some fish up to 8". |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Lake
|
Northwest |
Ice thickness in district lakes and ponds is between 11-18 inches with the occasional seam or thin ice in the main basins. Ice is covered with snow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Lake
|
Northwest |
Ice thickness is 13 inches in front of the Ice House Point boat ramp. There is open water in Town Bay from the winter aeration system. Ice in the east basin may have thinner areas. Most angling activity has been near the Ice House Point boat ramp and near the Gunshot Hill shoreline. Ice is thinner in the inlet bridge bay. Avoid ice near the bridge. |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Lake
|
Northwest |
Walleye - Slow: |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Lake
|
Northwest |
Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish the SW portion of the lake in the areas between Provost Point, Denison Beach, and Ice House Point. May have to move to find fish. Use waxworms or live minnows on a small jig. Fish are 6-12 inches. |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Pits
|
Northwest |
Ice thickness in district lakes and ponds is between 11-18 inches with the occasional seam or thin ice in the main basins. Ice is covered with snow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. |
02/18 09:50 |
Black Hawk Pits
|
Northwest |
Ice thickness is 11 inches at the boat ramp. |
02/18 09:50 |
Blue Pit
|
Northwest |
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. |
02/18 08:34 |
Blue Pit
|
Northwest |
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: |
02/18 08:34 |
Blue Pit
|
Northwest |
Trout are biting on a variety of baits. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily bag limit is 5. |
02/18 08:34 |
Brushy Creek Lake
|
Northwest |
Ice thickness in district lakes and ponds is between 11-18 inches with the occasional seam or thin ice in the main basins. Ice is covered with snow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. |
02/18 09:50 |
Brushy Creek Lake
|
Northwest |
Beware of thinner ice and slushy areas from a pressure ridge in the middle of the lake that starts near the fishing jetty just south of the east boat ramp. There is thinner ice near the swimming beach. The best ice conditions which are around 12 inches can be found at the north end and near the big island by the southeast boat ramp. Drill test holes often and use caution as ice on Brushy Creek is always inconsistent. |
02/18 09:50 |
Brushy Creek Lake
|
Northwest |
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have had luck in 10-20 feet of water. |
02/18 09:50 |
Brushy Creek Lake
|
Northwest |
Walleye - Fair: Fish are still being picked up with a jigging spoon and small minnow or minnow head. Try areas with up to 25 feet of depth to find fish. |
02/18 09:50 |
Brushy Creek Lake
|
Northwest |
Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers continue to pick up fish in 10-20 feet of water using minnows or waxworms. Sorting is needed but keepers are 10-12 inches. |
02/18 09:50 |
Brushy Creek Lake
|
Northwest |
Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have been picked up in 20 ft of water using waxworms. |
02/18 10:01 |
Center Lake
|
Northwest |
Iowa Great Lakes are fully iced up with conditions ranging from 18-22 inches. Recent temperatures have created safer ice conditions, allowing the use of some full sized vehicles, but people should still use caution and check conditions before driving out. Caution: there are still many seams throughout the lakes area as well as a few holes that have been kept open due to geese activity. The extended forecast calls for warmer temperatures again, so fishing should hopefully pickup. |
02/18 10:07 |
Center Lake
|
Northwest |
Caution: lake aerator is currently in use. Ice conditions are around 16.5 inches. |
02/18 10:07 |
Center Lake
|
Northwest |
The walleye season is currently closed on Spirit, East Okoboji and West Okoboji Lake. are fully iced up with conditions ranging from 18-22 inches. Recent temperatures have created safer ice conditions, allowing the use of some full sized vehicles, but people should still use caution and check conditions before driving out. Caution: there are still many seams throughout the lakes area as well as a few holes that have been kept open due to geese activity. |
02/22 01:01 |
Center Lake
|
Northwest |
Caution: lake aerator is currently in use. Ice conditions are around 16.5 inches. |
02/22 01:01 |
Clear Lake
|
Northwest |
Black Crappie - Slow: Look for suspended fish along the dredge cuts. |
02/18 08:34 |
Clear Lake
|
Northwest |
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. |
02/18 08:34 |