Black Hawk Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. Aerators are in operation in Town Bay. There is open water around the fish house in Town Bay and under the inlet bridge.
Blue Lake
Aerators are in operation off-shore near the park visitor center for the winter season; expect open water and thin ice in this area.
Brushy Creek Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Storm Lake
Unsafe ice conditions.
Ice fishing is not recommended in the district. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
Rainbow Trout – Good: You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Clear Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate. Wear safety gear and check ice thickness as you go if you venture out. 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. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with bait near the edge of the rushes. Use caution near the rushes: ice conditions will deteriorate quickly in these areas. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. You may have to switch to bigger tackle to avoid the small fish.
Crystal Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. The winter aeration system is operating. Black Crappie – Slow: Bluegill – Slow: Try a small jig tipped with bait. Walleye – Slow.
Rice Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice fishing is not recommended. The winter aeration system is operating. Bluegill – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with bait in near vegetation. Best bite is early morning. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Ice fishing is not recommended. 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 fully ice covered. Ice thickness is 6 to 10 inches in most areas. The walleye season closes February 15. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows and plastics. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
The lake is completely ice covered. Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island Lake
Ice thickness is around 8 inches. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 10 inches. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Scharnberg Pond
You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Silver Lake
The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness averages 7 to 10 inches. Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
The lake is fully ice covered. Ice thickness is 6 to 10 inches in most areas. Ice can be highly variable. Be aware of large heaves and areas where the ice has started to split apart. The walleye season closes February 15. Black Crappie – Good: Minnows and plastics work well. Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Good: Minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Good: Find good numbers; may need to sort for size.
West Okoboji Lake
The lake is fully iced up. Ice conditions are highly variable with 4 to 10 inches. Foot traffic and small ATV use should be possible in most areas. Shoreline access is the biggest issue for anglers; use caution. The walleye season closes February 15. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good. Pumpkinseed – Good. Walleye – Good: Minnows and plastics work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Area ice conditions are highly variable. Most areas are still completely ice covered with 6 to 10 inches. Ice conditions deteriorated extensively with consistent above freezing temperatures the last couple weeks. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that have deteriorated the most. The walleye season closes February 15. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.