Black Hawk Lake
Water temperature is in the mid-40s. Expect shore fishing action to pick up throughout the week as temperatures continue to warm. Black Crappie – Fair: Try in and around the fish house in Town Bay and along Ice House Point shoreline. Bluegill – Slow. Walleye – Fair: The last week has been slow. Expect shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures warm throughout the week. Use twisters or live bait from shore. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being picked up in Town Bay on minnows and crawlers.
Brushy Creek Lake
Courtesy docks are in on the north, east, and south ramps. One of the two docks is in at the west ramp. Black Crappie – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair.
North Twin Lake
Water levels are 2-3 feet low. No courtesy docks are installed at the south boat ramps due to low water levels. A courtesy dock is in at the west boat ramp at Featherstone County Park.
Storm Lake
Water clarity is about 2 feet. Water temperatures are in the low 40s, but will slowly climb throughout the week. Look for walleye to move in closer to shore as spawning activity ramps up. The DNR’s walleye broodstock collection efforts will be going on this weekend and next week. Black Crappie – Slow. Walleye – Fair: Look for shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures start to warm. White Bass – Fair. Yellow Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow: Anglers have picked up some perch in the marina.
Water temperatures slowly warmed to the mid-40s in many area lakes throughout last week. Look for shore fishing to improve as water temperatures continue to climb. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Water level is 11.6 inches below crest. The courtesy dock is in at the Ritz ramp. A temporary courtesy dock is in at McIntosh until new docks are installed. DNR staff will start netting walleyes soon. Anglers fishing after sunset should avoid nets set on the East shore, around the Island and Dodges point. Walleye – Slow: Anglers are having some success wader fishing and fishing off the jetties. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small jig in the rushes.
Crystal Lake
Walleye – Slow.
Lake Cornelia
The courtesy dock is in at the boat ramp.
Rice Lake
Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Yellow Perch – Slow.
Winnebago River
Water level is 5.69 feet. Northern Pike – Slow. Walleye – Fair: Try a jig head tipped with a 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
The lake level is at crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and afternoon.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
Lake access through the Templar Lagoon ramp has been restored. The lake is 9 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are finding quality-size fish. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji Lake
The lake level is at crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good. Pumpkinseed – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Area water temperatures continue to be low with cold weather conditions. Most area lakes are at or above crest. Most courtesy docks are not in place. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 4th. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.