Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is 3 inches off the boat ramp.
Black Hawk Lake
Ice thickness is 4 inches off the Ice House Point boat ramp. Conditions are extremely variable; some areas had recently been open and just froze over. Test ice thickness often. Anglers are just starting to venture out in some areas.
Brushy Creek Lake
Much of the area by the dam and the east ramp is still open. Any ice is unsafe. Skim ice has formed along much of the shore, but is unsafe for walking.
Storm Lake
Ice thickness is from 0-5 inches. Many areas were recently open and have just frozen over with skim ice. Use extreme caution if venturing out anywhere; test ice thickness often.
Ice thickness of area lakes is from 0-5 inches. Conditions are extremely variable; use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
Blue Pit was recently stocked with rainbow trout. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Use spinnerbaits and small jigs.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 5 inches. Use caution and check ice thickness as you go. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. The daily limit is 3 with no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye – Fair: Use jigging spoon tipped with bait. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Good: Try live bait and jigs near vegetation. Use a bigger bait to avoid the small fish.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 5 inches. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with bait near vegetation.
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 is almost entirely iced over with around 4.5 inches in most areas. Use caution when going out; watch for holes that have iced over more recently on the south bay The water level is 10 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Walleye – Fair: Try crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows work well; some sorting may be needed.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye – Good: Try spinners, crankbaits, and shallow shad raps. Evening bite is improving as the water cools.
Minnewashta Lake
There is a good amount of ice on the lake for fisherman traveling on foot and some light machines. Black Crappie – Excellent. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake
Ice thickness is 4.5 inches. Walleye – Good: Use spinners, crankbaits, and long and shallow shad raps.
Spirit Lake
The lake is almost entirely iced over with 5+ inches of ice in most places. Watch for holes that have more recently iced over. The lake is 14 inches below crest. Muskellunge – Good: Try crankbaits, buck tails, and rubber baits. Walleye – Good: The bite is hit-or-miss at dusk, but the day bite is improving. Many anglers have started to fish in shallower with slip bobbers along weed edges. Try spinners, crankbaits, and long and shallow shad raps; look for weed lines to troll or jig off of. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji Lake
Many of the bays are starting to freeze over, but the majority of the lake is still open. The water level is 10 inches below crest. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Walleye – Fair: Crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.