Arrowhead Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.
Black Hawk Lake
Ice thickness is 11 inches off of the Ice House Point boat ramp; ice conditions are deteriorating. Ice near the boat ramp has pulled away from shore. The aerators in Town Bay are in operation; expect open water and thin ice in this area. Anglers can also fish open water at the fish house in Town Bay; the area directly underneath the structure is kept open with a small water agitator.
Black Hawk Pits
Ice fishing is not recommended.
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice has pulled away from shore in most areas. The quality of any remaining ice is deteriorating fast. Ice fishing opportunities are likely over for the season.
Storm Lake
The lake is holding ice, but the quality of ice is deteriorating. Shoreline access may be difficult in some areas. Conditions are changing quickly; use caution.
Ice fishing is winding down in most of our areas with a few exceptions. Some of the larger lakes are holding ice, but shoreline access is the issue. The winter aeration system in Town Bay (westernmost bay) of Black Hawk Lake is in operation. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 18 inches. 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. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a small minnow near vegetation in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with spikes in 2 to 4 feet of water. Best bite is early morning and near sunset. Walleye – Slow: Use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head in 6 to 8 feet of water near vegetation. Best bite is low light periods and after sunset. Yellow Bass – Fair: Stay mobile to find fish. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try live bait and jigs near vegetation. Use a bigger bait to avoid the small fish.
Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 18 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with bait near the dredge cut. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with spikes in 3 to 4 feet of water.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 18 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with bait near vegetation.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 0 to 18 inches. Bluegill – Good: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation. Best bite is early morning and sunset. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Most area lakes still have 18+ inches of ice. Access conditions can change daily this time of year. Winter aeration systems are running at Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. 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 thickness is around 19+ inches in most areas. 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.
Five Island Lake
Use caution; the lake aerator has been started up in Town Bay. Yellow Bass – Good.
Ingham Lake
Ice thickness is 19+ inches. Use caution; there is an open hole in the lake with the aerator in use. Walleye – Fair:
Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 20+ inches in most places. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice thickness is 20+ inches. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Ice thickness is around 19+ inches. Use caution; the lake aerator is in use. This creates an open hole on the east side of the lake. Walleye – Good: Best bite is at dusk.
Spirit Lake
The lake is entirely iced over with 18+ inches in most places. The best ice is on the south end and Anglers Bay. Most accesses are clear of heaves and snow. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie -Good. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.