Black Hawk Lake
Courtesy docks are in. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, and in the fish house. The inlet bridge area has also been productive. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up crappie along Ice House Point shoreline and from the fish house using small jigs. Boat anglers are having luck fishing in 4-6 feet of water. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use minnows and jigs near Ice House Point and from the inlet bridge area.

Brushy Creek Lake
The lake is ice-free. Boat ramp courtesy docks are in.

North Twin Lake
The lake is ice-free. Water levels remain low; use caution when loading boats at the ramps.
Storm Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 40s, but will warm up fast this week with the warmer weather. Expect shore fishing opportunities as water temperatures warm climb. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; and no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. DNR staff are conducting walleye broodstock collection throughout the week with gillnets set near shore during evenings and nights.
Water temperatures are in the low 40s, but will likely warm fast throughout the week. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The lake is ice-free. Water temperature is in the mid-30s. Lake level is 3.3 inches above crest. The boat ramp courtesy docks are not in yet. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Channel Catfish – Fair: It’s time to target catfish; use cut bait from the wind-swept shore. Walleye – Slow: Anglers are having some success fishing from the jetties and wader fishing along the east shore after sunset. The bite will continue to improve as the water temperature rises over the next several days. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Lake Cornelia
The courtesy dock is in at the boat ramp.

Winnebago River
Water levels are dropping to 6.19 feet. Northern Pike – Slow. Walleye – Slow: Use a jig head and minnow along current breaks.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions are ok in some areas; access can be hard to find. Expect conditions to diminish. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-ups are working well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows are working well; some sorting may be needed.

Ingham Lake
A large portion of the lake is open. Walleye – Fair.

Lost Island Lake
Ice conditions are very poor. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.

Minnewashta Lake
Large portions of the lake are starting to open up. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
A large portion of the lake is open; ice conditions should continue to diminish. Walleye – Fair.

Spirit Lake
A few areas, like Anglers Bay, can still be fished safely on foot; most lake access is diminished. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji Lake
Lake access is heavily diminished; if you are able to safely get on the ice, much of the ice is still safe for foot traffic. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Fair: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.