Heartland Outdoors

Ice unsafe in much of Iowa

Fri, January 06, 2012

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST
Crawford Creek Impoundment
There was some open water at Crawford Creek and ice conditions are poor.

Badger Lake
There was a report of an angler going through the ice at Badger Lake.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice has formed at the south boat ramp, but no one has been out on it yet.  Everything else is still open water, even at the north end.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice conditions at Storm Lake are variable.  Pockets of open water developed over last weekend at Storm Lake, but refroze some during the week.  The marina is mostly open.  Anglers are allowed three walleyes per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released. Anglers are allowed one walleye over 22 inches.  Walleye - Slow: Some walleye are being caught in the marina where there is open water.  The bite has been best in the evening.

North Twin Lake
Parts of North Twin have opened up in the middle and around the edges.

Swan Lake
There is a lot of open water at Swan Lake.  Travel on the ice is not advised.

Black Hawk Lake
Parts of Black Hawk were open last weekend but have re-frozen.  Ice conditions continue to be variable.  Special walleye regulations on Black Hawk Lake are three per walleyes per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches.  Aerators are in operation in Town Bay.

Peters Park
Peters Park was all open earlier in the week.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass were being caught the same way as crappie.  The largemouth bass were fairly small.  Crappie - Fair: Crappie are suspended around 12 to 13 feet of water above structure.  Try jigging a few feet above the suspended fish and then dropping it.  Crappies are around 6 to 8 inches in length.

Moorland Pond
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked in mid-November.  Have not received any ice thickness reports or fishing updates.

Little Sioux Park Lake
The ice conditions are poor at Little Sioux Park.  There is open water around the edges.

Ice conditions continue to be variable and unsafe at many lakes.  The reports for individual lakes this week do not account for the 60 degree weather on Thursday.  For information contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 6 inches. There is some open water on the NW side of the lake. Bluegill and a few crappies are biting on wax worms.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 4 to 6 inches. The aerator has opened a large area of open water with the recent winds. 

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches. Yellow bass fishing is fair. Anglers are having success fishing the Farmers beach area in 6 to 8 feet of water with a small jig tipped with a wax worm or spike. You have to keep moving to catch fish.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 4 to 5 inches. Small perch and yellow bass are biting on wax worms.
There is open water along the north and east shores and under the bridge to the harbor.

Little Wall Lake
Ice is not safe, a lot of open water.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 6 inches.

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.

For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Big Spirit Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended on Big Spirit Lake.  The ice is honey-combed and inconsistent ice throughout the lake.  There is a section of open water from Big Stoney Point across to the north shoreline all the way to Mini-Wakan State Park.  Also there are random open spots in the middle of the lake.

West Okoboji Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended on West Okoboji until ice conditions get better.

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 fishing is not recommended on area lakes.  Recent warm weather and rain has left the ice inconsistent on many lakes.  Lakes with aerators have had their aerators turned off so even if there is ice in these areas, it is likely very thin.  For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Ice depths are extremely variable and anglers are advised to stay off the ice.  Bluegill - No Report:  Largemouth Bass - No Report:  Crappie - No Report:

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about seven inches of ice.  Be careful around the aerator.  Bluegill - Slow:  Largemouth Bass - Slow:  Crappie - Slow:

Lake Meyer
Ice depths are ranging from 6 to 8 inches.  Northern Pike - No Report:  Bluegill - Good: Stay along weed lines to find fish.  Anglers are catching all sizes.  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
Northeast Iowa fly fishing has been excellent during the recently mild winter weather.  Late morning midge and baetis hatches have presented dry fly opportunities with surface flies such as Thread Wraps or other Blue Wing and midge patterns.  Scuds, nymphs, wet flies, streamers and wooly buggers have also produced many good fish sub-surface.  Trout streams are in excellent condition with very little snow on the ground. 

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.  Due to variable ice conditions throughout the state, winter urban pond stocking dates have been changed, call the Fisheries Office for the district the pond is in to find out when they will be stocked. Contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
Anglers continue to fish Shore Slough and the Village Creek boat ramp by Lansing but anglers should be cautious with warm weather predicted, getting on and off the ice may be difficult.  Bluegill - Fair: Mixed results for bluegills from Shore Slough as this area has had fairly heavy pressure this year so far. Anglers having some success at the Village Creek boat ramp in Lansing.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Ice conditions are five inches at best in many areas so anglers should use extreme caution when out on the river and beware of thin ice along shorelines and anywhere current may exist. Anglers have been fishing Sturgeon Slough by McGregor and Greymore and Abrough by Prairie du Chien with mixed results.  Ice at Bussey Lake is five inches on the upper end.  Bluegill - Good: Good catches of bluegill on Bussey with some sorting but anglers should be very cautious of weak ice.  Sauger - Good: Sauger fishing has been steady with a few limits caught.  Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes being picked up in the tail waters

Mississippi River Pool 11
Not a lot of ice fishing is occurring on Pool 11 due to lack of access to safe ice. Anglers have been catching fish in the Marina at Mud Lake. Boat ramps in Guttenberg are open for tail water fishing.  Sauger - Good: Sauger fishing has been steady with a few limits caught.

Recent cold nights have made a little more ice. Ice is 5 to 6 inches at best in protected areas but predicted warm weather may deteriorate ice conditions to unsafe conditions.  As an additional caution, warming weather and no snow cover will make the ice extremely slick and difficult to walk on and there is the risk of falling and breaking through.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Tail water fishing continues in Pool 12.  Ice fishing is limited; please review ice safety tips before venturing out on ice.  Tail water stage is at 4.9 feet and stable.  Sauger - Good: Small sauger continue to bite sporadically in Pool 12.  Most anglers are using a three-way rig with a minnow or a jig and minnow. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Tail water stage at Bellevue is slightly dropping and is at 4.3 feet. Ice fishing is limited; please review ice safety tips before venturing out on ice.  Yellow Perch - Good: Some yellow perch are being caught in the few limited backwater lakes that are able to support ice fishing.  Ice fishing is very limited for walk in anglers.  Sauger - Good: Angers are catching small sauger in the tail waters using a three way rig with a minnow or a jig and minnow.  A few nicer sized fish were reported.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Tail water is completely open with no ice reported.  Tail water stage is 4.5 feet at Fulton, Ill.  Sauger - Good: Some nicer sauger reported in the creel.  Most anglers using a three way with a minnow or jigs and a minnow.  Some folks also using ring worms with no bait.  Walleye - Slow: Some nice walleyes have been taken from the tail water but the bite is much slower for walleyes then sauger. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Open water conditions persist in the Tail waters of Pools 12 through 15.  Limited backwater fishing has been occurring. Use caution as ice is marginal to support people in many places.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.55 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice 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 being caught around the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge down to Enchanted Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and soft plastics. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.56 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.09 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing.  Sauger - Good: Anglers have been catching saugers in the tail waters. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and soft plastics.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.87 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing.  Sauger - Fair: Anglers have been catching saugers in the tail waters. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and soft plastics.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Anglers have been catching some saugers in the tail waters this past week. 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
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is 540 cubic feet per second as of Jan. 5. Flows will drop to about 440 CFS and hold steady 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 crusted over, but the ice is unsafe. 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 some skim ice in the coves but not enough to support ice anglers.  The majority of the lake still has open water.

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.  The warm weather has melted most of the ice and there is not enough ice to support ice anglers.  Most of the lake has open water.

Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 904.08 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool.  Water temperature has in the lower 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
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some good crappies fishing the docks in the marina bay with live minnows or small crappie jigs.  The docks are private property.  Please respect the property and carry out what is brought in.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: No ice and fair daytime temps are allowing anglers to continue to catch open water trout remaining from the first stocking.  Use flashy spinners, small live minnows, or wax worms.

Central Iowa enters January with little to no ice.  The winter trout stockings at Lake Petoka on Jan. 28, and Ada Hayden on Feb. 4, will be evaluated on Jan. 13.  For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Lake Anita
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Viking Lake
A few anglers are taking advantage of the open water conditions at Viking and jigging for bass from boats.  Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish for bass in deeper water (30 feet) near the old creek channel.

Lake Manawa
A few crappies and wipers are being caught on minnows.  The lake is ice free.  Crappie - Fair: There have been reports of a few crappies being caught on minnows.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: A few wipers are being caught by crappie anglers fishing with minnows around the docks.

Most area lakes are either ice free some have skim ice.  A few anglers are taking advantage of the open water at Manawa and Viking lakes to get out and fish.  The trout stocking at West Big Lake is being delayed until March to avoid stocking during unsafe ice conditions.

Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has been lowered 15 feet to allow shoreline improvements and fish habitat construction.  The fish will be restocked in the spring.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been drained to allow in-lake water quality improvements to be constructed.

Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down eight feet.  The sediment removal project is 99 percent complete.  The fish were restocking in 2009 and have grown very well.  Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish are all very good sized.  Anglers should be able to catch good numbers of quality fish this winter and spring.

Summitt Lake
The lake has been drained to allow the reconstruction of the concrete spillway.  Completion is expected in late spring.

Very little ice has formed.  Most water bodies have open water.  Fish can still be caught from a boat while using light ice fishing tackle.

Fishing Report for Manchester District

Poor Ice Conditions Delays Cedar Falls Trout Stocking

Cedar Falls - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has postponed its Jan. 7 trout stocking at North Prairie Lake until Jan. 20, because of thin ice conditions in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo metro area. 

Manchester District Report
The interior rivers have recently iced over but may open up again by the weekend. Reports on the Cedar River for walleye last week had been very good for walleye in both numbers and size. Very little Ice fishing has occurred in our region due to thin ice conditions, please use extreme caution if heading onto thin ice. The trout stocking for North Prairie Lake has been postponed until Jan. 20. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Walleye fishing has been good. Use jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow in the deeper overwintering pools.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Walleye fishing has been good. Use jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow in the deeper overwintering pools.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Walleye fishing has been fair. Use jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow in the deeper overwintering pools.

Maquoketa River (Above Monticello)
Walleye fishing has been fair. Use jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow in the deeper overwintering pools.

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