Northwest, Iowa – Here is this week’s Northwest Iowa Fishing Report as released by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Thursday, December 18th.
Spirit Lake Management District
- Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth – 712-330-2542
Most lakes have 8+ inches of fishable ice. Recent rains have melted most surface snow and diminished ice thickness close to shore in some areas. Ice quality should hold strong looking into the next week’s forecast. Remain cautious and take extra precautions with early season ice. Last updated on 12/18/2025
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Most areas have around 10-12 inches of ice. Reports of anglers catching quality-sized panfish species. Hole hopping may be needed.
- Black Crappie – Fair
- Bluegill – Good
- Pumpkinseed – Good
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is around 10 inches.
- Walleye – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is around 9 inches.
- Yellow Bass – Good: Reports of anglers catching lots of smaller yellow bass.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is variable at 9-12 inches.
- Walleye – Good: Reports of anglers catching 9- to13-inch walleye.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Ice thickness is 9+ inches in most areas. Porta-potty units are available at Marble Beach and Mini-Wakan boat ramps.
- Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappie on jigs with minnows or plastics, as well as Berkley PowerBait shiners.
- Yellow Perch – Good: Reports of anglers catching 9+ inch perch.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 34.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake has almost entirely frozen over. Some bays may permit fishing, but most areas are still not recommended.
Black Crappie – Fair
KIWA Staff Photo
