Iowa Fish Report
Ice conditions continue to deteriorate: "There is always a level of risk associated with ice fishing," said Joe Larscheid (AFS member, '86), chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "Even during our coldest winters, ice conditions vary and are never totally safe."

The record setting warm spell over much of Iowa has eliminated ice fishing over the southern two thirds of the state and is stressing ice quality on many of the northern lakes. The tragic incidents of three anglers drowning recently while ice fishing in Madison and Black Hawk counties brings the safety discussion to the forefront.

"Ice fishing is a lot of fun and a social activity many of us look forward to each year. If you are going out, head north and plan to check the ice thickness often. Bring safety items like 50 feet of rope and a throwable cushion, like the kind we have in a boat. And do not go out alone," said Larscheid. "If the ice does not look right, don't go out."

Ice depths are not uniform on any body of water and there is no such thing as safe ice. There are many factors that impact ice formation making some locations thinner than others. With the warm weather, ice conditions can change a lot in one day. Verify the ice thickness for yourself and test it often.

Clear Lake: Ice thickness is 3 to 12 inches. Yellow bass are biting on a variety of baits. Anglers are having some success fishing the Baptist Camp area and the Farmers Beach access. You have to keep moving to stay on the fish.

Lake Cornelia: Ice thickness is 9 to 11 inches. Small yellow bass are biting on minnows.

There is a lot of water on the ice.

Crystal Lake: Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Anglers are catching 6 to 8-inch bluegills wax worms. Largemouth bass and a few northern pike are biting on minnows.

Blue Pit: The trout stocking event scheduled for Feb. 4, was cancelled due to poor ice conditions. The trout will be stocked after ice out.

For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Silver Lake (Dickinson): The aerator has been turned on at Silver Lake. Use caution as thin ice signs have not been put out.

Lake Hendricks: Lake Hendricks has 5-8 inches of ice. Best time to fish is morning and evening. Wax worms are the bait of choice. Fish are still hanging around the bottom of the lake and are in about eight feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie- Fair.

Cedar River (above Nashua): Around Nashua, the bay and upriver have been producing a few fish. Also anglers are still catching a few crappies and walleye below the Nashua dam. Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are catching northerns while fishing for walleye. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are using wax worms. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallmouth are biting on jig and minnow. Crappie - Slow: Wax worms and minnows are working for crappies. Walleye - Slow: Minnow and jig working for a few walleye.



Posted in Iowa on Sunday, February 5, 2012 6:01 am Updated: 11:50 pm. |