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NORTHWEST
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Anglers report punching through the ice near shore with their boots. Travel on the ice is not advised. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report marking a lot of fish but very little action. Fish are biting lightly.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice has been forming in the fingers in the upper end of the lake; however, the main basin of the lake is still open.
North Twin Lake
Some anglers have been out ice fishing. Yellow Bass - Slow: Anglers have been catching a few 7 to 8-inch yellow bass.
Black Hawk Lake
Black Hawk Lake has about 4 inches of ice. Recent rains and warm weather have melted the snow on the ice. Special walleye regulations on Black Hawk Lake are three per walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Walleye - Slow: Some short walleye have been caught.
Browns Lake
Anglers report weak and/or thin ice near shore.
Moorland Pond
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked in mid-November. Have not received any reports as to the thickness of the ice or the fishing activity in the last few weeks.
Ice conditions continue to fluctuate. Anglers must use caution when going out on the ice. For information contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches. Anglers are catching 6 to 9-inch yellow perch on wax worms. Bluegill fishing has been fair; the best bite is in the afternoon.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Anglers are catching yellows and a few perch fishing near the rushes in the little lake. Farmers Beach area is producing some yellows in the main lake.
Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 4 to 6 inches. Small yellow bass are biting.
Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 3 to 4 inches. Bluegills and crappies are biting on wax worms fished near the north jetty.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Silver Lake will undergo a lake renovation project starting this winter. The fishing regulations have been relaxed. Anglers with a valid fishing license may take fish by any means except dynamite, poison, electroshocking, or any stupefying substances. The daily bag and minimum length restrictions are lifted.
Morse Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.
Bluebill Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Perch and bluegill are biting on wax worms fished in 15 to 18 feet of water.
Elm Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
The ice on most of Big Spirit is safe for walking traffic. Be careful on the ice heaves when walking out on the lake and do not travel near Big Stony Point as the geese still have an open area of water and even where it is frozen, there is not much ice. Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegill are still being reported in the afternoons in Trickles Slough and Little Anglers Bay. Try finding vegetation, even in very shallow water the fish are likely to be hiding in the weeds. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some very nice yellow perch are being caught off of Buffalo Run access in 10 to 15 feet of water. The bite is inconsistent and only lasts for a short period of time, though. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being reported at dusk near Cottonwood Point, Buffalo Run, and Marble Beach.
West Okoboji Lake
The ice is just thick enough to be safe in Miller's Bay, Smith's Bay, and Little Emerson Bay. Do not venture out any further as the main basin just froze over this week. Bluegill - Good: Many bluegills are being caught in the bays around vegetation. The afternoon bite has been the best.
Tuttle Lake
Given the dry fall, Tuttle Lake is very low with the deepest spots being around 2 to 3 feet. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing has been good at dusk fishing with a minnow.
Virgin Lake
Fishing regulations are now relaxed at Virgin Lake. Anglers can now harvest as many fish as they would like by any means except dynamite, poison, electroshocking devises, or any stupefying substances. This promiscuous fishing is designated to allow anglers to salvage and utilize the imperiled fish population in Virgin Lake before they die off due to the drawdown.
Ice conditions have improved on area lakes in the past week with most lakes in the Spirit Lake district reporting around 5 to 7 inches of good clear ice. Lakes with aerators do not have the "thin ice" signs up yet due to inconsistent ice conditions and warm weather so use extreme caution on these lakes. Make sure to check with area bait shops when you are going to lakes that are not reported for ice conditions. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Ice depths on Volga Lake are extremely variable. It is not recommended to go out on the ice. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 6 inches of ice. Be careful around the aerator. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report catching all sizes on wax worms. Fish are more active around evening. Largemouth Bass - Slow: An occasional bass is caught while fishing for bluegill. Crappie - Slow: All sizes of crappie are being caught. Anglers are using wax worms.
Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer is iced over but ice depths vary. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Turkey River (below Clermont)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Anglers are taking nice catches of fish below the Nashua dam. Ice depths vary in the backwaters. Use caution when going out on ice especially ice over flowing water. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are using a minnow and a jig below the dam at Nashua for best luck. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Good: Anglers report good catches of walleye below the Nashua dam using a jig and minnow.
Decorah District Streams
Though the Blue Wing Olive hatches are now fewer and farther between, a warm front might bring on more good hatches. Morning midge hatches have been excellent. Streamer patterns such as Wooly Buggers or Light Spruces have already been working well as the temperature continues to drop. Browns, rainbows and brookies will all hit a #10 Light Spruce. Trout streams are in excellent condition with very little snow on the ground making for a beautiful walk in the woods.
Rivers have really opened in some areas due to the warmer temperatures. Ice depths vary depending on the lake. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution when going out on early ice. Check ice depth frequently. Remember to let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning. Have a safe and happy holiday season. For more information, contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow would be most productive.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow would be most productive.
Fishing pressure for walleye has declined on the interior rivers but anglers are still having success. Ice fishing is not recommended at this time due to extremely poor ice conditions. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.81 feet and falling. Ice conditions are not safe for fishing. Sauger - Good: Anglers have been catching some saugers in pool 16. Try fishing in the tail waters on the Iowa side above the casino. Some fish are also being caught around the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge down to Enchanted Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows. Fishing for saugers has been slow in Sylvan Slough. Most of the fish being caught in the tail waters have been on the small side.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.71 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool. We have received reports that you can still launch boats in Big Timber. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 5.44 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Sauger - Fair: Tail water fishing for saugers this past week has been hit or miss. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.61 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Sauger - Fair: Tail water fishing for saugers has been hit or miss. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River levels have been slowly falling over the past few days. Anglers have been catching some saugers in the tail waters this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 37 degrees. Many of the backwaters still have open water. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
The lake remains open except for some ice around the edges.
Pollmiller Park Lake
The lake is frozen but the ice is very thin and is unsafe.
Lake of the Hills
The lake is frozen but the ice is thin and unsafe. Some pockets of open water with the warm weather.
Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake is frozen but the ice is unsafe, thin and rotten. Some open water due to recent warm weather.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430. Most of the ponds in our area have just a thin layer of ice on them and are in no way safe to walk on especially after the recent rains.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature is in the mid 30s and the lake is ice free. There has been almost no fishing activity.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is 1,660 cubic feet per second as of Dec. 22. Flows will then drop starting this weekend. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught below the dams on jig/minnows and ringworms. Many smaller fish are being caught but nicer fish are also being picked up.
Most bodies of water are ice free. There has been very little fishing activity in the region. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
The lake has opened back up but not many anglers have been out.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake renovation work is complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. The lake has opened back up but not many anglers have been out.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 904.24 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 30s. Some of the coves and bays have a skim of ice but not yet enough to support safe ice fishing. The main lake still has open water. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Lake Petoka
Brook Trout - Good: Good numbers of trout will remain to be caught through the ice. The lake is skimmed with ice, but not yet enough to support ice fishing. Petoka is a popular lake to ice fish for the stocked trout due to the very clear water allowing for sight fishing.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Open water fishing at Ada Hayden for trout should continue for some time yet as Ada Hayden is usually the last lake to freeze in central Iowa. The trout are swimming the entire perimeter in schools and are being caught using flashy spinners, wax worms, small live minnows, or prepared trout baits. Trout are confined to the north pit.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Plenty of trout remain to be caught this winter through the ice. Ice conditions are not ready to support anglers yet.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below the dams in Des Moines are having some luck catching walleye by slowly presenting 3 to 5-inch soft plastic worm baits.
Ice anglers will have to continue to wait. Larger lakes in central Iowa remain open. Some ponds are ice covered, but not enough to support ice fishing. Reports will become more numerous when safe ice fishing begins. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Manawa
Warm temperatures have continued. Most lakes and ponds have little or no ice. Ice fishing is not safe. For more information on ice conditions and fishing contact the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has come back up to 16.5 feet down. The fish population has been eliminated. A shoreline riprap and fish habitat construction project will be completed this winter. The water level will be kept at least 15 feet down until it is complete. The fish stocking will begin in the spring when the ice thaws.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been completely drained allow the construction of sediment stabilization structures and shoreline work. The lake will be allowed to refill when the work is complete.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is still down to allow completion of a sediment removal project. The in-lake work is very near completion. Water levels should rise when run-off occurs. The fishery contains a lot of large bluegill and crappie. The channel catfish and largemouth bass are mid-sized but very abundant. Ice fishing the next few months should be quite good.
Summitt Lake
The lake has been completely drained to allow the replacement of the spillway structure. Completion is expected in late spring.
Temperatures are hovering around 32 degrees. Skim ice comes and goes. A lot of open water exists and none safe to walk on. Boats could be used to access traditional ice fishing spots then use ice fishing tackle.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Anglers report punching through the ice near shore with their boots. Travel on the ice is not advised. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report marking a lot of fish but very little action. Fish are biting lightly.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice has been forming in the fingers in the upper end of the lake; however, the main basin of the lake is still open.
North Twin Lake
Some anglers have been out ice fishing. Yellow Bass - Slow: Anglers have been catching a few 7 to 8-inch yellow bass.
Black Hawk Lake
Black Hawk Lake has about 4 inches of ice. Recent rains and warm weather have melted the snow on the ice. Special walleye regulations on Black Hawk Lake are three per walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Walleye - Slow: Some short walleye have been caught.
Browns Lake
Anglers report weak and/or thin ice near shore.
Moorland Pond
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked in mid-November. Have not received any reports as to the thickness of the ice or the fishing activity in the last few weeks.
Ice conditions continue to fluctuate. Anglers must use caution when going out on the ice. For information contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches. Anglers are catching 6 to 9-inch yellow perch on wax worms. Bluegill fishing has been fair; the best bite is in the afternoon.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Anglers are catching yellows and a few perch fishing near the rushes in the little lake. Farmers Beach area is producing some yellows in the main lake.
Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 4 to 6 inches. Small yellow bass are biting.
Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 3 to 4 inches. Bluegills and crappies are biting on wax worms fished near the north jetty.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Silver Lake will undergo a lake renovation project starting this winter. The fishing regulations have been relaxed. Anglers with a valid fishing license may take fish by any means except dynamite, poison, electroshocking, or any stupefying substances. The daily bag and minimum length restrictions are lifted.
Morse Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.
Bluebill Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 7 inches. Perch and bluegill are biting on wax worms fished in 15 to 18 feet of water.
Elm Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
The ice on most of Big Spirit is safe for walking traffic. Be careful on the ice heaves when walking out on the lake and do not travel near Big Stony Point as the geese still have an open area of water and even where it is frozen, there is not much ice. Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegill are still being reported in the afternoons in Trickles Slough and Little Anglers Bay. Try finding vegetation, even in very shallow water the fish are likely to be hiding in the weeds. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some very nice yellow perch are being caught off of Buffalo Run access in 10 to 15 feet of water. The bite is inconsistent and only lasts for a short period of time, though. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being reported at dusk near Cottonwood Point, Buffalo Run, and Marble Beach.
West Okoboji Lake
The ice is just thick enough to be safe in Miller's Bay, Smith's Bay, and Little Emerson Bay. Do not venture out any further as the main basin just froze over this week. Bluegill - Good: Many bluegills are being caught in the bays around vegetation. The afternoon bite has been the best.
Tuttle Lake
Given the dry fall, Tuttle Lake is very low with the deepest spots being around 2 to 3 feet. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing has been good at dusk fishing with a minnow.
Virgin Lake
Fishing regulations are now relaxed at Virgin Lake. Anglers can now harvest as many fish as they would like by any means except dynamite, poison, electroshocking devises, or any stupefying substances. This promiscuous fishing is designated to allow anglers to salvage and utilize the imperiled fish population in Virgin Lake before they die off due to the drawdown.
Ice conditions have improved on area lakes in the past week with most lakes in the Spirit Lake district reporting around 5 to 7 inches of good clear ice. Lakes with aerators do not have the "thin ice" signs up yet due to inconsistent ice conditions and warm weather so use extreme caution on these lakes. Make sure to check with area bait shops when you are going to lakes that are not reported for ice conditions. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Ice depths on Volga Lake are extremely variable. It is not recommended to go out on the ice. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 6 inches of ice. Be careful around the aerator. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report catching all sizes on wax worms. Fish are more active around evening. Largemouth Bass - Slow: An occasional bass is caught while fishing for bluegill. Crappie - Slow: All sizes of crappie are being caught. Anglers are using wax worms.
Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer is iced over but ice depths vary. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Turkey River (below Clermont)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Anglers are taking nice catches of fish below the Nashua dam. Ice depths vary in the backwaters. Use caution when going out on ice especially ice over flowing water. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are using a minnow and a jig below the dam at Nashua for best luck. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Good: Anglers report good catches of walleye below the Nashua dam using a jig and minnow.
Decorah District Streams
Though the Blue Wing Olive hatches are now fewer and farther between, a warm front might bring on more good hatches. Morning midge hatches have been excellent. Streamer patterns such as Wooly Buggers or Light Spruces have already been working well as the temperature continues to drop. Browns, rainbows and brookies will all hit a #10 Light Spruce. Trout streams are in excellent condition with very little snow on the ground making for a beautiful walk in the woods.
Rivers have really opened in some areas due to the warmer temperatures. Ice depths vary depending on the lake. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution when going out on early ice. Check ice depth frequently. Remember to let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning. Have a safe and happy holiday season. For more information, contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow would be most productive.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow would be most productive.
Fishing pressure for walleye has declined on the interior rivers but anglers are still having success. Ice fishing is not recommended at this time due to extremely poor ice conditions. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.81 feet and falling. Ice conditions are not safe for fishing. Sauger - Good: Anglers have been catching some saugers in pool 16. Try fishing in the tail waters on the Iowa side above the casino. Some fish are also being caught around the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge down to Enchanted Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows. Fishing for saugers has been slow in Sylvan Slough. Most of the fish being caught in the tail waters have been on the small side.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.71 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool. We have received reports that you can still launch boats in Big Timber. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 5.44 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Sauger - Fair: Tail water fishing for saugers this past week has been hit or miss. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.61 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Sauger - Fair: Tail water fishing for saugers has been hit or miss. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River levels have been slowly falling over the past few days. Anglers have been catching some saugers in the tail waters this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 37 degrees. Many of the backwaters still have open water. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
The lake remains open except for some ice around the edges.
Pollmiller Park Lake
The lake is frozen but the ice is very thin and is unsafe.
Lake of the Hills
The lake is frozen but the ice is thin and unsafe. Some pockets of open water with the warm weather.
Wilson Lake
Wilson Lake is frozen but the ice is unsafe, thin and rotten. Some open water due to recent warm weather.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430. Most of the ponds in our area have just a thin layer of ice on them and are in no way safe to walk on especially after the recent rains.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature is in the mid 30s and the lake is ice free. There has been almost no fishing activity.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is 1,660 cubic feet per second as of Dec. 22. Flows will then drop starting this weekend. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught below the dams on jig/minnows and ringworms. Many smaller fish are being caught but nicer fish are also being picked up.
Most bodies of water are ice free. There has been very little fishing activity in the region. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
The lake has opened back up but not many anglers have been out.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake renovation work is complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. The lake has opened back up but not many anglers have been out.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 904.24 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 30s. Some of the coves and bays have a skim of ice but not yet enough to support safe ice fishing. The main lake still has open water. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Lake Petoka
Brook Trout - Good: Good numbers of trout will remain to be caught through the ice. The lake is skimmed with ice, but not yet enough to support ice fishing. Petoka is a popular lake to ice fish for the stocked trout due to the very clear water allowing for sight fishing.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Open water fishing at Ada Hayden for trout should continue for some time yet as Ada Hayden is usually the last lake to freeze in central Iowa. The trout are swimming the entire perimeter in schools and are being caught using flashy spinners, wax worms, small live minnows, or prepared trout baits. Trout are confined to the north pit.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Plenty of trout remain to be caught this winter through the ice. Ice conditions are not ready to support anglers yet.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below the dams in Des Moines are having some luck catching walleye by slowly presenting 3 to 5-inch soft plastic worm baits.
Ice anglers will have to continue to wait. Larger lakes in central Iowa remain open. Some ponds are ice covered, but not enough to support ice fishing. Reports will become more numerous when safe ice fishing begins. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Manawa
Warm temperatures have continued. Most lakes and ponds have little or no ice. Ice fishing is not safe. For more information on ice conditions and fishing contact the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has come back up to 16.5 feet down. The fish population has been eliminated. A shoreline riprap and fish habitat construction project will be completed this winter. The water level will be kept at least 15 feet down until it is complete. The fish stocking will begin in the spring when the ice thaws.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been completely drained allow the construction of sediment stabilization structures and shoreline work. The lake will be allowed to refill when the work is complete.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is still down to allow completion of a sediment removal project. The in-lake work is very near completion. Water levels should rise when run-off occurs. The fishery contains a lot of large bluegill and crappie. The channel catfish and largemouth bass are mid-sized but very abundant. Ice fishing the next few months should be quite good.
Summitt Lake
The lake has been completely drained to allow the replacement of the spillway structure. Completion is expected in late spring.
Temperatures are hovering around 32 degrees. Skim ice comes and goes. A lot of open water exists and none safe to walk on. Boats could be used to access traditional ice fishing spots then use ice fishing tackle.
