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Iowa's Fishing Report

Sign up today for free weekly fishing information from Iowa’s fisheries experts. Learn the best hot spots and latest news about Iowa’s fishing opportunities from region to region. This weekly fishing forecast will be emailed directly to your inbox every Thursday!

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How to read our weekly Iowa fishing report

Our weekly fishing report is broken down by counties or regions – Northwest, Northeast, Mississippi River, Southeast and Southwest.

You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each region, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern.

Fishing reports may include information on stream or river flows (and if it is rising or dropping), ice conditions, depths that fish are biting (watch for trends if this changes), or safety issues like if the water suddenly becomes shallow in spots.




Fishing Podcasts

Each month, Jeff Kopaska of the Iowa DNR and Ross Peterson from KXnO Sports Fanatics get together to talk about fishing opportunities, seasons and events in Iowa and around the Midwest. They are often joined by other DNR staff and guest speakers.

The links below are the podcast recordings of their conversations, and can also be found on the iHeartRadio app.


January 2021 Fishing Report - Kevan Paul joins us to talk about ice fishing on Clear Lake

 

January 2020 Fishing Report - Great Lakes Salmon

February 2020 Fishing Report - Andy Fales joins us to talk about Boundary Waters fishing, plus local fishing information

March 2020 Fishing Report - Local fishing, plus a conversation with Ben Wallace about Brushy Creek, Storm Lake and Black Hawk Lake

April 2020 Fishing Report - Coronavirus Impacts on Iowa fishing, Minnesota panfish regulations

The Mighty Mississippi River - Kirk Hansen talks about habitat restoration projects on the Mississippi River

May 2020 Fishing Report - Dr. Mark Pegg, Fisheries Ecologist, shares his channel catfish radio telementry research on the Red River of the North; crappie and bluegill fishing hot spots and tips

June 2020 Fishing Report - Clear Lake fishing trip; fishing in community ponds; where to catch Master Angler size fish

July 2020 Fishing Report - Chad Dolan joins us to talk about the science of electrofishing and turtle studies; plus local fishing information

August 2020 Fishing Report -  Jason Schooley from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation joins us to talk about their assault on the paddlefish record books, and the legend of "the big one" from Okoboji from over a century ago; plus local fishing hot spots. 

September 2020 Fishing Report - Shane Akin joins us to talk about musky fishing on the Iowa Great Lakes; plus local fishing information, river fishing tips and stocking channel catfish in community fishing ponds and lakes across Iowa

October 2020 Fishing Report - Dr. Scott Bonar, professor of natural resources at the University of Arizona, joins us to discuss how climate change is affecting fish and their habitats across the United States and the world; plus fall fish stockings and hot spots for fall fishing

November 2020 Fishing Report -  Robbie Weber, former ISU grad student, joins us to talk about musky and walleye at Big Creek and Brushy Creek; plus community trout stockings and fall river fishing

December 2020 Fishing Report - Keith Meals, Mississippi fisheries biologist, joins us to talk about crappie managment and fishing in the big four flood control reservoirs; plus getting ready for ice fishing

 

January 2019 Fishing Report - Jeff Kopaska reports on his fishing trip to Clear Lake, Scott Grummer joins to talk ice fishing opportunities in north central Iowa

February 2019 Fishing Report - Ice fishing opportunities across Iowa

April 2019 Fishing Report - big fish/internet legends from Davenport, how to best handle the fish you are keeping to eat

May 2019 Fishing Report - River monsters (lake sturgeon) below Red Rock, walleyes at Big Creek and Brushy Creek

June 2019 Fishing Report - Free fishing weekend, fish stories from 100 year olds, fish local information, DNR fishing atlas

July 2019 Fishing Report - Pond fishing info, urban fishing opportunities

August 2019 Fishing Report - Summer family fishing trips, how to fish the thermocline

September 2019 Fishing Report - Upcoming Professional Musky Tournament Trail event at Okoboji, with Corey Montgomery

October 2019 Fishing Report - National Musky Tournament and Taneycomo Trout

November 2019 Fishing Report - Pheasant opener, fall sampling at Big Creek and Brushy Creek (big muskies and walleyes), trout stocking and more

December 2019 Fishing Report - Ben Schneider joins us to talk about hunting for reindeer on a remote Alaskan island

 

January 2018 Fishing Report - Ice fishing safety, ice fishing tips

February 2018 Fishing Report - Lots of ice fishing, Lake Miami by Albia, Littlefield Lake, DNR Fishing atlas, new ponds in Altoona, Fishermen’s Swap Meet

March 2018 Fishing Report - Community fishing atlas, getting ready for open water

April 2018 Fishing Report - Local fishing in Des Moines, trout stocking

May 2018 Fishing Report - Post-sampling information about Big Creek and Brushy Creek, big muskies, community fishing program, Fort Des Moines pond, walleye opener at Okoboji

June 2018 Fishing Report - Free Fishing Weekend, fishing at Prairie Rose and Big Creek, more great spots to fish

July 2018 Fishing Report - What to do with all the high water, how do we fish these conditions

August 2018 Fishing Report - Mick Klemesrud talks about the August Roadside Survey, pheasant hunting, fishing downtown Des Moines, statewide hot spots, fishing for hot weather bluegills

September 2018 Fishing Report - Why there are slot limits, grass carp stocking and fishing

October 2018 Fishing Report - Trout stocking in Iowa, hunting seasons with Mick Klemesrud

November 2018 Fishing Report - Ice fishing outlook for the Iowa Great Lakes with Mike Hawkins

December 2018 Fishing Report - "50 fish" goals from Scott Gritters

 

 

November 2017 Fishing Report- How to catch fish when the water cools down, Big Creek and Brushy Creek report, prep for winter ice fishing

December 2017 Fishing Report - Ice fishing information, fishing Christmas gifts

 

Iowa Fishing Report
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Waterbody District Comments Date
Alice Wyth Lake Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
Alice Wyth Lake Northeast There have been good reports of anglers catching crappie on Alice Wyth Lake located in George Wyth State Park. 01/21 09:36
Alice 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. 01/21 09:36
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) Northeast Anglers have been catching both bluegill and crappie on Casey Lake. Ice thickness is around eight inches over most of lake. 01/21 09:36
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a jig tipped with a minnow around sunken structure. 01/21 09:36
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) Northeast Bluegill - Good: Fish just off of the bottom with an ice jig tipped with a waxworm. 01/21 09:36
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast There have been good reports of anglers catching a few walleye on the Cedar River, concentrate on the deeper overwintering holes. 01/21 11:02
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Walleye - Good: Angler success has been using a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow slowly retrieved off of the river bottom. 01/21 11:04
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Walleye - Good: Angler success has been using a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow slowly retrieved off of the river bottom. 01/21 11:04
George Wyth Lake Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
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. 01/21 09:36
George Wyth Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Fish just off of the bottom with an ice jig tipped with a waxworm. 01/21 09:36
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. 01/21 09:36
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. 01/21 11:01
Manchester District Streams Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
Manchester District Streams Northeast All area Manchester trout streams are in excellent condition and hold vast populations of brown trout. 01/21 09:36
Manchester District Streams Northeast Brown Trout - Good: Spring branch Creek is a favorite amongst anglers for quality and trophy sized brown trout. 01/21 09:36
Martens Lake Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
Martens Lake Northeast Anglers are catching panfish on Martens Lake. Most activity is occurring on the north end of the marsh as anglers cross the reservoir for access. 01/21 09:36
Martens Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a jig tipped with a minnow around sunken structure. 01/21 09:36
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast The bite has picked up with warmer weather. Backwater ice varies from 6-8 inches. Areas with current can have unsafe ice with fluctuating river levels. 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. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Lynxville water level has flucutated this week at 14.7 feet. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice in areas that may have current as conditions can vary. Water temperature is 33 degrees. Ice thickness is 6-8 inches. Bussey Lake bite has been fair. Anglers are able to cross Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area and many are fishing in Norwegian Lake. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Sauger - Slow: Vertical jigging with jigs in tailwaters of lock and dam has been effective. 01/21 10:58
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. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Look for perch hanging above vegetation from 4 to 12 feet of water with jig and a minnow. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Bluegill - Good: Ice anglers are catching bluegill in shallow backwaters using jigs tipped with mousies 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some reports of largemouth biting on tip-ups baited with minnows in backwaters. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Pike are biting on tip-ups baited with a minnow or shiners in shallow backwater lakes. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite has improved in backwater dredge cuts. 01/21 11:16
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast The bite has picked up with warmer weather. Backwater ice varies from 6-8 inches. Areas with current can have unsafe ice with fluctuating river levels. 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. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Sauger - Slow: Vertical jigging with jigs in tailwaters of lock and dam has been effective. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Water level at Guttenberg is 6.6 feet. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice in areas that may have current as conditions can vary. Ice thickness is 6-8 inches. Ice anglers have been catching panfish at Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area. Tailwater fishing is still accessible by both boat ramps in Guttenberg. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Bluegill - Good: Ice anglers are catching bluegill in shallow backwaters using jigs tipped with mousies 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some reports of largemouth biting on tip-ups baited with minnows in backwaters. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Pike are biting on tip-ups baited with a minnow or shiners in shallow backwater lakes. 01/21 10:58
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. 01/21 10:58
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. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Crappie bite has improved in backwater dredge cuts. 01/21 11:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Lots of small bluegills reported but fishing in general has been fair with most anglers using wax worms and tungsten jigs. For the most part, ice conditions are ok but take care on areas that have current flow. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Some nice pike have been reported this ice fishing season so far with anglers using minnows on tip ups. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast The water level is expected to hold steady this week. Water levels are currently 6.5 feet at the Lock and Dam and 9.0 feet at the RR bridge. The water temperature is around 34 degrees and the water clarity is good. Ice fishing is underway in a most of the usual locations. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable to reseeding throughout the district. Tailwater walleye fishing is underway but access to the tailwaters is somewhat difficult as ramps are mainly iced in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Lots of small bluegills reported but fishing in general has been fair with most anglers using wax worms and tungsten jigs. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast The water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is holding steady and is presently at 7.2 feet. Water temperature is around 34 degrees and the water clarity is good. Launching into the tailwater at Bellevue is possible as of Thursday but ice may need to be chipped or moved to launch. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Walleye - Good: Walleye and sauger angling is now taking place near the lock and dam, A jig and minnow is commonly used this time of year. The City of Bellevue ramp can be accessed as of Thursday but ice chunks may need to be moved or chipped out of the way. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable to reseeding throughout the district. Tailwater walleye fishing is underway but access to the tailwaters is somewhat difficult as ramps are mainly iced in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being caught by anglers using tip ups and minnows. Most ice fishing pressure is around the Sabula backwaters. 01/21 10:16
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Lots of small bluegills reported but fishing in general has been fair with most anglers using wax worms and tungsten jigs. Most anglers fishing at Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast The water levels at the Fulton Lock and Dam is holding steady and currently at 5.9 feet, Camanche is at 9.9 feet and LeClaire is at 5.0 feet. Water temperature is around 34 degrees clarity is good. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Walleye - Good: Most walleye and sauger angling is now taking place near the lock and dam in 15 to 30 feet of water. Jig and minnow is commonly used this time of year. Access to the tailwater from area ramps is somewhat difficult however with ice reported at most ramp locations. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable to reseeding throughout the district. Tailwater walleye fishing is underway but access to the tailwaters is somewhat difficult as ramps are mainly iced in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Water temperature in the main channel is near freezing and water level is stable to reseeding throughout the district. Tailwater walleye fishing is underway but access to the tailwaters is somewhat difficult as ramps are mainly iced in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast The water level at Rock Island is holding steady at 6.3 feet. The water temperature his near 34 degrees and water clarity is good. 01/21 09:41
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast The bite has picked up with warmer weather. Backwater ice varies from 6-8 inches. Areas with current can have unsafe ice with fluctuating river levels. 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. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Lansing water level 8.3 feet. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice in areas that may have current as conditions can vary. Water temperature is 33 degrees. Ice thickness is 6-8 inches. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill in shallow backwaters using jigs tipped with mousies. 01/21 10:58
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. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Pike are biting on tip-ups baited with a minnow or shiners in shallow backwater lakes. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some reports of largemouth biting on tip-ups baited with minnows in backwaters. 01/21 10:58
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite has improved in backwater dredge cuts. 01/21 11:16
North Prairie Lake Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
North Prairie 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 01/21 09:36
North Prairie Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Fish just off of the bottom with an ice jig tipped with a waxworm. 01/21 09:36
North Prairie Lake Northeast There have been reports of anglers catching bluegill on North Prairie Lake. 01/21 09:36
South Prairie Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Fish just off of the bottom with an ice jig tipped with a waxworm. 01/21 09:36
South Prairie Lake Northeast Ice thickness on most area lakes has set up well but with the milder winter use extreme caution. Lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are producing catches of both bluegill and crappie. 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. 01/21 09:36
South Prairie Lake Northeast There have been reports of anglers catching bluegill on South Prairie Lake. 01/21 09:36
Arrowhead Lake Northwest Most ice in the district's lakes and ponds is anywhere between 5 -10 inches with the occasional pocket of open water near shore, seams, or thin ice in the main basins to watch out for. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 01/21 08:35
Arrowhead Lake Northwest On Jan 20 there was around 6 inches of good ice right off the ramp. Ice may be thinner near shoreline. 01/21 08:35
Bacon Creek Lake Northwest Most ice in the district's lakes and ponds is anywhere between 5 -10 inches with the occasional pocket of open water near shore, seams, or thin ice in the main basins to watch out for. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 01/21 08:35
Bacon Creek Lake Northwest There is roughly 6 inches of good ice under several inches of poor ice in most areas. Conditions are variable so check ice thickness often. There are reports of open water and thinner areas in the southern part of the lake and along shore in some places. 01/21 09:26
Bacon Creek Lake Northwest Rainbow Trout - Fair: The DNR stocked roughly 1500 rainbow trout on Jan 20. Use a variety of methods such as: a small hook with a piece of night crawler or corn fished under a bobber, tube jigs, or a small spinner. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit. 01/21 09:31
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Fair: Wax worms and small live minnows have worked well. Sorting is needed. Fish 8-10" reported. Try the rock pile just off the shoreline from Gunshot Hill. 01/21 08:35
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". 01/21 08:35
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Ice thickness was 8-9 inches in front of the Ice House Point boat ramp. Ice in the east basin is more variable and 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. 01/21 08:35
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Most ice in the district's lakes and ponds is anywhere between 5 -10 inches with the occasional pocket of open water near shore, seams, or thin ice in the main basins to watch out for. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 01/21 08:35
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Walleye - Fair: Anglers have picked up occasional walleyes with jigging spoons and minnow heads. Low light conditions are more productive. 01/21 08:35
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - Fair: Most have been picked up in the SW portion of the lake in the areas all between Provost Point and Ice House Point in anywhere from 3-7 feet of water. May have to move to find fish. Use waxworms or live minnows on a small jig. Most fish are 6-10" with some 11- 12 inches. 01/21 08:35
Black Hawk Pits Northwest Most ice in the district's lakes and ponds is anywhere between 5 -10 inches with the occasional pocket of open water near shore, seams, or thin ice in the main basins to watch out for. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 01/21 08:35
Black Hawk Pits Northwest On Jan 20 there was 6 inches of good ice near the boat ramp. Conditions on this body of water are variable so use caution and check ice often. Ice has degraded along shore in some areas due to recent precipitation. 01/21 08:35
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. 01/21 09:16
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. 01/21 09:20
Blue Pit Northwest Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 01/21 09:21
Brushy Creek Lake Northwest Most ice in the district's lakes and ponds is anywhere between 5 -10 inches with the occasional pocket of open water near shore, seams, or thin ice in the main basins to watch out for. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 01/21 08:35
Brushy Creek Lake Northwest Ice is variable, but the areas with fishing activity have roughly 6-7 inches of ice in most places. There are reports of possible open water and thinner ice near the beach at the SW part of the lake. Also expect thinner ice near the spillway and near any inflows. Anglers have been out on foot at the north end , mid lake, and near the south end boat ramp. Use caution and check ice thickness often. 01/21 08:35
Brushy Creek Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have had luck in 10-20 feet of water. 01/21 08:35
Brushy Creek Lake Northwest Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleye in the north end of the lake. Try a jigging spoon with a small minnow or minnow head. 01/21 08:35
Brushy Creek Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are still picking up decent numbers of perch with minnows and waxworms in 10-20 feet of water. Keepers 10-12" with lots of sorting. 01/21 08:35
Center Lake Northwest Iowa Great Lakes are fully iced up with conditions ranging from 10-12 inches. Due to inconsistent freezing temperatures lately, many lakes may have irregular ice conditions as well as open holes. The use of full sized vehicles is not recommended. This weekend temperatures should begin to drop with highs in the upper teens and low 20s. This will hopefully create more consistent safe ice conditions throughout the great lakes area. 01/21 10:25
Center Lake Northwest Caution: lake aerator is currently in use. Ice conditions are around 12.5 inches. 01/21 10:25
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. 01/21 09:16
Clear Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Slow: 01/21 09:16
Clear Lake Northwest Ice thickness is 4 to 10 inches. Avoid the open water area by the island, the channel between the little lake and the main lake and use extreme caution if you fish with in the aeration holes boundary. 01/21 09:16
Clear Lake Northwest Walleye - Slow: The best bite is the near sunset. 01/21 09:16
Clear Lake Northwest Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellows are biting on a variety of baits. Use your electronics to locate the fish and stay mobile. The best bite is a half hour before sunset. 01/21 09:16
Clear Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - Excellent: Anglers are catching perch fishing near vegetation in 2 to 6 feet of water. Use a jigging spoon and minnow to catch the bigger fish. 01/21 09:16
Clear Lake Northwest Bluegill - Slow: Fish a small jig in the open areas near the rushes. 01/21 09:16
Crawford Creek Impoundment Northwest Most ice in the district's lakes and ponds is anywhere between 5 -10 inches with the occasional pocket of open water near shore, seams, or thin ice in the main basins to watch out for. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 01/21 08:35
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