Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness was 10 inches near the boat ramp. Areas in the middle of the lake may be thinner. Use caution and check ice thickness often as you move around.
Black Hawk Lake
The aeration system in Town Bay is operating. Expect thin ice and open water in Town Bay. Ice thickness is 10-12 inches off of Ice House Point boat ramp. This is the best ice on the lake – other areas in the middle are much thinner as they were open and recently froze over. Use caution; there is a large seam near the middle of the lake. There is open water fishing at the fish house in Town Bay – area underneath the structure is kept ice free. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a waxworm or small minnow or jigs. Most luck has been around the fish house in Town Bay and near Ice House Point. Walleye – Fair: Fish can be picked up around Ice House Point boat ramp, near the Gunshot hill area, and in the inlet bridge bay area. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up some perch with minnows and waxworms. Most are having luck between Denison Beach and Gunshot Hill area.
Brushy Creek Lake
Anglers have been out on the north end. Foot traffic only. Other areas of the lake are thinner or have pockets of open water. Use caution if venturing out; check ice thickness often as you move around (ice conditions on this lake are variable). Black Crappie – Fair: Pick up crappie by the north boat ramp. Best luck is near trees. Sorting is needed. Bluegill – Fair.
Moorland Pond
The DNR will stock rainbow trout at noon on Jan 24. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but together, they can only keep one daily limit. Children can pay the trout fee, allowing them to keep their own daily limit.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is 10-13 inches. Conditions are variable, with the usual thin areas/open water around the big island and ice seams. Use caution; check ice thickness often as you make your way out. Walleye – Slow: Some fish are being picked up along the dredge cuts. Yellow Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair. Most perch being caught are small.
Ice is variable on area lakes. Ice thickness is 8-14 inches; some lakes have pockets of open water and thin areas that recently froze over. Use caution if venturing out. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Pit
Rainbow trout were stocked on Jan 11th. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Good.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 14-15 inches on most of the lake. Wear safety gear and check ice thickness as you go. Black Crappie – Good: Use caution when fishing near the rushes on the north shore. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with bait near vegetation. Walleye -Fair: Try a minnow near rocky habitat. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Bass – Slow: Use a jig tipped with bait in 2 to 3 feet of water. Yellow Perch – Good: Most perch being caught are 4- to 6-inches.
Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 14-15 inches with open water on the southeast side. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with bait. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye -Slow.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 14-15 inches. Bluegill – Slow. Walleye – Slow. Best bite around sunset. Yellow Perch – Good. Use a jig tipped with bait near vegetation.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 14-15 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation. Northern Pike – Slow. Yellow Perch – Good: Try a jig tipped with bait in 2 to 3 feet of water.
Aeration systems are running at Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. Avoid any open water areas; be cautious of waterfowls holes on these lakes. Check ice thickness often as you move. For information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
Okoboji Winter Games occur this weekend so expect heavy traffic. Ice thickness is around 14 inches in most areas. A handful of areas have just frozen over recently, mainly on the northern most basin. Black Crappie – Good: Bluegill – Good: Largemouth Bass – Fair: Yellow Perch – Good: Many perch seen; sorting most likely needed.
Ingham Lake
Caution: There is a large open hole just north of the island. Ice thickness is around 14.5 inches. Walleye – Fair: Morning and afternoon bite is best.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aerator is in operation. Ice thickness is around 15.5 inches. Walleye – Good: Bite hit-or-miss, but very good when bite is on.