The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.



NORTHWEST

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Crawford Creek has about 4 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report marking a lot of fish but very little action. Fish are biting softly.



Badger Lake

Badger Lake has 3 to 4 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching some nice size bluegills on wax worms.



Brushy Creek Lake

Ice has been forming in the fingers in the upper end of the lake; however, the main basin of the lake is still open.



Bacon Creek Lake

Ice is about 5 to 6 inches thick and anglers report murky water. 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked in mid-November. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Fish with minnows. Crappie - Slow: Fish with minnows.



Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Storm Lake has about 4 to 5 inches of ice near shore. There were some open pockets of water earlier in the week. Special walleye regulations on Storm Lake are three fish per day, all fish 17 to 22 inches must be immediately released, and only one fish over 22 inches may be kept. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught through the ice near the inlet. Some anglers have been catching walleye with a bobber and a minnow fishing the open water in the marina, but it has been hit or miss.



North Twin Lake

Some anglers have been out on the ice. Yellow Bass - Slow: Anglers have been catching a few yellow bass in the 7 to 8-inch size range.



Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake has about four inches of ice. Recent rains and warm weather have melted the snow on the ice. Special walleye regulations on Black Hawk Lake are three per walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Walleye - Slow: Some short walleye have been caught.



Blue Lake

As of last week Blue Lake had three inches of ice.



Browns Lake

Browns Lake has about 4 to 5 inches of ice. Anglers report a very light bite and having the best luck using very small lures. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies have been caught while fishing for bluegills.



Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

There was about four inches of ice with standing water on top of it earlier in the week.



Moorland Pond

1,500 rainbow trout were stocked in mid-November. Have not received any reports as to the thickness of the ice or the fishing activity in the last few weeks.



Black Hawk District Farm Ponds

Angles have had some success fishing farm ponds around Anthon and Moville. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish largemouth the same way as crappie. Crappie - Fair: Try a white or blue jig head tipped with a pink Berkeley Gulp plastic.



Anglers should use caution when traveling out on the ice. Recent rains and warm weather have affected ice conditions. For information contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.



Lake Smith

Colder temperatures are needed to improve ice conditions on Lake Smith. Anglers were fishing the lake last week, but warm temperatures and rain have weakened the ice. Use caution around the aeration system once ice conditions improve.



Clear Lake

Anglers were catching yellow bass in the west end of the lake prior to the warm temperatures and rainfall. Ice fishing is not advised until colder temperatures add thickness to the ice. Lake users should avoid the areas around the aeration systems until ice thickness improves.



Silver Lake (Worth)

Silver Lake will undergo a lake renovation project starting this winter. The fishing regulations have been relaxed. Anglers with a valid fishing license may take fish by any means except dynamite, poison, electroshocking, or any stupefying substances. The daily bag and minimum length restrictions are lifted.



Ice conditions have deteriorated across the area due to warm temperatures and rain. Anyone using the ice should use extreme caution and drill test holes until colder temperatures arrive. Contact the Clear Lake fisheries office for the latest ice conditions at 641-357-3517.



Virgin Lake

Fishing regulations are now relaxed at Virgin Lake. Anglers can now harvest as many fish as they would like by any means except dynamite, poison, electroshocking devises, or any stupefying substances. This promiscuous fishing is designated to allow anglers to salvage and utilize the imperiled fish population in Virgin Lake before they die off due to the drawdown.



Ice fishing was in full swing on Big Spirit Lake and some other area lakes until Wednesday's rain and warm weather. Ice fishing is not recommended for a couple of days due to inconsistent ice conditions. By this weekend ice conditions on Big Spirit should be safe again. Use caution when going out on the ice and be sure to drill many test holes.



For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, contact the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.



NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Volga Lake has open water and bad ice. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:



Lake Hendricks

The aerators are on. Please use caution when venturing out as there will be water on top of what ice was there. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:



Lake Meyer

Lake Meyer is iced over but ice depths vary. Anglers are advised to stay off the ice. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:



Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:



Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:



Turkey River (below Clermont)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



Cedar River (above Nashua)

Anglers are still catching fish below the Nashua dam. Much of the river and impoundments have opened up. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Good: Anglers report good catches of walleye on open water using minnows.



Decorah District Streams

Though the Blue Wing Olive hatches are now fewer and farther between, a warm front might bring on more good hatches. Morning midge hatches have been excellent. Streamer patterns such as Wooly Buggers or Light Spruces have already been working well as the temperatures continue to drop. Browns, rainbows and brookies will all hit a #10 Light Spruce. Consider wearing a lot of blaze orange when fishing. Second deer season continues through Sunday. There will be hunters near the streams.



Lakes and rivers were almost iced up but warmer temperatures and rain the last few days opened areas up. There is water on top of the ice in some areas. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution when going out on early ice. Check ice depth frequently. Remember to let someone know where you are going and when you plan on returning. For more information, contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.



Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleyes. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.



Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleyes. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow would be most productive.



Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Concentrate efforts in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow would be most productive.



Fishing pressure for walleye has declined on the interior rivers. Ice fishing is not recommended at this time because of recent rainfall and poor ice conditions. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for additional information.



MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River levels at Lansing are 8.2 feet and expected to rise slightly before stabilizing near this level. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on.



Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville has risen to 13.6 feet and expected to stay near this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Sauger - Good: Sauger continue to bite well with nicer sized fish being reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes being caught. Jig and minnow still seems to be the best combination.



Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg has risen to 5.2 feet and is expected to rise slightly before stabilizing near this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Sauger - Good: Sauger still biting well with some nicer sized fish reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes reported being caught in the tail waters on the Wisconsin side.



Recent rains and warm weather have raised water levels slightly and melted a lot of backwater ice making for unsafe ice conditions on the Upper Mississippi Pools 9 - 11. Guttenberg and Lynxville ramps are open for tail water fishing



Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at Dubuque is 4.9 feet and dropping. Water temperature is in the 30s. Sauger - Fair: Small Sauger are being taken on a jig and minnow and three-way rigs.



Mississippi River Pool 13

Water level at Bellevue is 5.4 feet and temperature is in the 30s. Sauger - Fair: Some smaller sauger are being taken in the tail waters on jig and minnow and three-way rigs



Mississippi River Pool 14

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



Mississippi River Pool 15

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



Water levels are low and steady, temperature is in the 30s and backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had but mostly confined to the tail water areas. Ice fishing has not yet started.



Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.64 feet and rising. River levels are forecast to rise due to the recent rains. Ice conditions are not safe for fishing. Sauger - Good: Anglers have been catching some saugers in pool 16. Try fishing in the tail waters on the Iowa side above the casino. Some fish are also being caught around the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge down to Enchanted Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows. Fishing for saugers has been slow in Sylvan Slough. The bite may change due to the recent rains.



Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.08 feet. There have been some anglers out fishing for saugers in the tail waters. We have received no information on how the bite has been. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing.



Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.51 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Sauger - Good: Fishing for saugers has been good in the tail waters this past week on jigs and minnows. The bite may change due to the recent rains.



Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.61 feet. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Sauger - Fair: There have been reports of some saugers being caught in the tail waters on jigs and minnows.



Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River levels are forecasted to rise due to the recent rains. Anglers have been catching some saugers in the tail waters this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 37 degrees. Some backwater areas are beginning to freeze up. Ice conditions are not safe for ice fishing. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.



SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

The lake remains open except for some ice around the edges.



Pollmiller Park Lake

The lake is frozen but the ice is very thin and is unsafe.



Lake of the Hills

The lake is frozen over but the ice is thin and unsafe.



Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake is frozen over but the ice is unsafe, thin and rotten.



For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430. Most of the ponds in our area have just a thin layer of ice on them and are in no way safe to walk on especially after the recent rains.



Lake Macbride

All the loading docks have been taken out for the winter. On Dec. 15 the water temperature was 35 degrees and the lake is ice free. Earlier in the week the upper arms had crusted over. Walleye - Slow: Crankbaits and jigs have produced a few fish. Rocky structure has been best.



Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is 1,200 cubic feet per second as of Dec. 15. Flows will be bumped up to 1,500 on Dec. 16 to lower the lake level. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught below the dams on jig/minnows and ringworms. Many smaller fish are being caught but nicer fish are also being picked up.



Many of the smaller area lakes were crusted over with ice but have now opened up due to temps, rain and wind. There has been very little fishing activity in the region. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.



Red Haw Lake

The lake is skimmed with ice, but not yet enough to support safe ice fishing.



Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)

The lake renovation work is complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.



Lake Sugema

Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. The lake is skimmed with ice, but not yet enough to support safe ice fishing.



Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 904.38 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 30s. Some of the coves and bays have a skim of ice but not yet enough to support ice fishing. The main lake still has open water. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body.



For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406



SOUTHWEST

Lake Petoka

Brook Trout - Good: Good numbers of trout will remain to be caught through the ice. The lake is skimmed with ice, but not yet enough to support ice fishing. Petoka is a popular lake to ice fish for the stocked trout due to the very clear water allowing for sight fishing.



Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Good: Open water fishing at Ada Hayden for trout should continue for some time yet as Ada Hayden is usually the last lake to freeze in central Iowa. The trout are swimming the entire perimeter in schools and are being caught using flashy spinners, wax worms, small live minnows, or prepared trout baits.



Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: Plenty of trout remain to be caught this winter through the ice. Ice conditions are not ready to support anglers yet.



Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below the dams in Des Moines are having some luck catching walleye by slowly presenting 3 to 5-inch soft plastic worm baits.



We were close to ice fishing in central Iowa, but warm temperatures and rain have delayed us another week or two. Some ponds in central Iowa remain ice covered, but not enough to support ice fishing. Reports will become more numerous when conditions improve. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.



Little River Watershed Lake

The lake has been lowered 18 feet to allow a fishery renovation, shoreline riprap, and the construction of fish habitat. All of the fish have been eliminated. The construction work is expected to be complete by mid spring. The water level will be kept at least 15 feet down until then. The fish stocking will begin in the spring when the ice thaws.



Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been completely drained allow the construction of sediment stabilization structures and shoreline work. The lake will be allowed to refill when the work is complete.



Green Valley Lake

The water level is still down to allow completion of a sediment removal project. The in-lake work is very near completion. Water levels should rise when run-off occurs. The fishery contains a lot of large bluegill and crappie. The channel catfish and largemouth bass are mid-sized but very abundant. Ice fishing the next few months should be quite good.



Summitt Lake

The lake has been completely drained to allow the replacement of the spillway structure. Completion is expected in late spring.



The warm temperatures and rain have opened up most lakes. What ice remains is very thin and rotten. Do not walk on the ice. Boats could be used to access traditional ice fishing spots then use ice fishing baits.