Black Hawk Lake
Water clarity is around 12 inches. Water levels are several inches below the crest of the spillway. The fish cleaning station is closed for the season. Ramp docks are removed for the season. The dock at the marina boat ramp at the NE side of the lake will remain in year-round. Black -Crappie – Fair: Target crappie in and around the fish house in Town Bay along the Ice House Point shoreline and near the inlet bridge. Many of the keeper-sized crappie are 10- to 12-inches. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing along Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, the east shore near the outlet, and Shotgun Hill.
Brushy Creek Lake
The west boat ramp courtesy dock will remain in during the winter. The other ramp courtesy docks have been removed for the season.
North Twin Lake
Water levels are around 20 inches below crest. Boat ramp courtesy docks on the south boat ramps are removed for the season.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Slow: Anglers are picking up some walleye from shore. The Chautauqua Jetty and Frank Starr Park attract a lot of walleye in the evenings. If there is flow coming through the inlet, it is also worth fishing there.
Water temperatures continue to cool down. Boat ramp docks have been removed. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
Catchable-sized rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 26. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Good.
Clear Lake
Water level is 8.6 inches below crest. Water temperature is in the mid-30s. All courtesy docks have been taken out for the season. Walleye – Fair: Try live bait and jigs. Best bite is after sun set. Yellow Bass – Slow: Anglers are catching a few yellow bass while targeting walleye.
Crystal Lake
The courtesy docks have been removed for the season. Black Crappie – Slow: Drift fish or troll small jigs in the dredge cut. Walleye – Slow: Try fishing near vegetation edge and along the old roadbed.
Rice Lake
Any water west of the north boat ramp is a waterfowl refuge and is closed to all activity from Sept. 1st through the final day of the duck season. Signs across the lake mark this area. Bluegill – Slow. Walleye – slow. Yellow Perch – Fair. Use a jig and a piece of crawler near vegetation.
Silver Lake (Worth)
The courtesy dock has been taken out for the season. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – slow: Try a jig head tipped with a piece of crawler.
Winnebago River
River level is 5.03 feet. Smallmouth Bass – No report. Try fishing in the deeper pools. Walleye – Fair.
For information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Lake level is just below crest. The ramp/dock at upper gar can be used for the remainder of the open water season. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Many bluegill seen; easily catchable around functional docks. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are a ways off shore; you can find some around docks and structure. Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Lake level is below crest. Courtesy docks have been pulled for the season. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.
Spirit Lake
Lake level is a few inches below crest. The ramp/dock at Templar can be used for the remainder of the season. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are finding quality-size crappie up to 14-inches. Bluegill – Good. Walleye – Good: Evening bite is best with leech and bobber from shore or crankbaits and slip bobbers by boat. Yellow Perch – Good: Sorting is needed; anglers are finding many of acceptable size.
West Okoboji Lake
Lake level is a few inches below crest. Triboji dock is in. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good.
Many smaller/shallower lakes have started to ice over in the nights. Most fish have moved in closer to shore as temperature drop; catches has fallen off a bit for most species. Most ramp docks have been pulled for the season. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.