Weekly DNR Fishing Report

Spirit Lake, Iowa — 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 more information contact the Spirit Lake fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHWEST
Black Hawk Lake
As of today, ice thickness near the boat ramp at Ice House Point was 4 inches. There is open water off Ice House Point near Town Bay and in the east basin. Use extreme caution and check ice depth often if venturing onto the ice. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught from open water under the inlet bridge and from the fishing shelter off Ice House Point. Black Crappie – Fair:Crappie are being picked up from the open water under the inlet bridge. Yellow Perch – Fair: A few perch are being picked up under the inlet bridge.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice is unsafe for travel.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
As of today, ice is variable from 3 to 8 inches in some areas. Anglers are starting to make their way out. Use extreme caution if venturing out and check ice thickness often. Walleye – Fair: A few walleye are being picked up through the ice.

Most lakes in the Black Hawk District have frozen over, but ice condition is variable. Some still have open water pockets kept open by waterfowl. Anglers are just starting to make their way out on some areas. If venturing out, use extreme caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice fishing activity increased this week. Most anglers are fishing close to access points. Ice thickness is 3-7 inches. Aeration systems are in operation for the winter. Yellow Bass – Fair: Nice sized yellow bass are hitting small jigs and spoons. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching perch, but a lot of sorting is needed. Black Crappie – Fair: Some nice sized crappie are being caught near rush beds. Bluegill – Fair: Fish shallow in rush beds with small jigs.

Lower Pine Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. Areas of open water remains on Pine Lakes.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches. Aeration system is operating for the winter.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Bluegill – Good: Nice sized gills are being caught off the north access. Use small ice jigs tipped with insect larvae.

Lakes and ponds in the Clear Lake District are iced over. Ice conditions remain variable; use caution if venturing onto the ice. For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Lake is snow covered. There is a large open water area on the south end of the lake. No ice fishing activity observed.

Scharnberg Pond
Rainbow Trout – Good: 1500 trout was stocked on Nov. 17th. You must have fishing license and trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Poor ice conditions continue; open water on the east side of the lake.

Spirit Lake
Anglers are ice fishing Templar Park Lagoon; foot traffic only. Anglers are catching a mixed bag of panfish. Areas of open water pockets still exist on the north end of the lake. No ice fishing activity on the main lake.

Upper Gar Lake
Limited ice; lake remains open due to the flow.

West Okoboji Lake
Lake has started to form ice but, thin ice conditions exist. No fishing activity is on the lake.

Area lakes continue to have scattered open water and are snow covered from last week’s storm. No activity on the lakes; ice fishing isn’t recommended. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

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