Iowa Fishing Report 1-6-2011

Basshawk

Iowa Fishing Report Officer
Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Location
North Liberty, Iowa
#1



For immediate release: January 6, 2011

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
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Yellow Smoke has about 9 inches of good, clear ice. Use caution when near the handicapped accessible dock because slush pockets have formed near it. The water is extremely clear. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers can expect to catch about a half dozen jumbo bluegill per trip. Anglers have been targeting the submerged trees in 18 to 22 feet of water. The water is extremely clear and the bluegills are very finicky. Anglers have been using a camera to fish because the bite is so light. Use the smallest tackle and lightest line possible. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers report a lot of bass around the submerged trees, but very few of them bite.

Crawford Creek Impoundment
There is about 10 inches of ice on Crawford Creek. Anglers are doing well for bluegill and catching some crappie and perch – all on wax worms. Target the area southwest of the fishing pier in about 17 feet of water. Bluegill - Good: Nice sized bluegill are being caught. The afternoon seems to be the best for catching bluegill as they shut off when the sun goes down. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies around 10 inches are being caught while fishing for bluegill. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few yellow perch around 10 inches are also being caught.

Brushy Creek Lake
There's good ice on most of the lake, but stay clear of the dam. Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie, and perch, but most of them are small.

Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek on November 10. The next stocking is scheduled for January 8, between 1:30 and 2 p.m. DNR staff will be on hand until 4 p.m., with ice fishing gear for people to use. There will be about 100 tagged trout. Prizes donated by local businesses will be available to the first dozen tagged trout caught. Anglers targeting trout need a trout stamp. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Anglers should expect great rainbow trout fishing on January 8. Trout bite readily off the stocking truck.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is extremely variable. Watch out for seams in the ice or areas kept open by waterfowl. Water clarity is poor. Walleye - Slow: The walleye fishing has been spotty. Anglers are scattered around the lake looking for walleyes. Daily bag limit at Storm Lake is three walleye: all 17 to 22-inch walleye must be immediately released, only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept.

North Twin Lake
Yellow bass fishing was good as of last week. There were a few reports of anglers filling a five gallon bucket in a couple of hours.

Swan Lake
Ice at Swan Lake is anywhere from 8 to 10 inches thick. The aeration system has been turned on so there is open water and weak ice around the fish house, the fish cleaning station, and east of the fish house. There have been very few people fishing the lake.

Black Hawk Lake
There is about 13 inches of good, clear ice on Black Hawk Lake. The winter aeration system has been started and there is now open water and weak ice in the Town Bay area. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are still catching walleye by the dredge cuts near Denison Beach, but the vast majority is sublegal fish. On Black Hawk Lake walleye must be at least 15 inches in length to keep and only three per day may be kept.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
The fishing is slow. Only a few bluegills have been caught.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (west)
The fishing is slow. A few bluegill and small crappie have been caught.

Arrowhead Lake
Arrowhead Lake has about 10 inches of good ice. Try fishing the new habitat on the west side of the lake, about 250 yards south of the boat ramp, in 10 to 14 feet of water. An underwater camera showed a lot of fish using these structures. Bluegill - Fair: A lot of small bluegill were caught on the east side of the lake before sundown. Yellow Perch - Fair: Most of the yellow perch that have been caught are small.

For more information on the lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Briggs Woods Lake
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Bluegills are biting on small jigs tipped with wax worms. A few crappies are being caught on minnows. The best bite is from 4 p.m. until dark

Lower Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 7 to 8 inches. Bluegills and crappies are biting on small jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches. Bluegills are biting in the late afternoon on wax worms.

Lake Catherine
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches. Bluegills are biting on wax worms at dusk.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 14 to 16 inches. Yellow bass fishing is fair, fishing in 6 to 10 feet of water using a small jig tipped with a spike or piece of cut bait. The best bite is from 4 p.m. until dark. Walleye fishing is slow.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches.

Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 13 inches. Bluegills and crappies are biting on wax worms in 10 to 12 feet of water.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches. Yellow perch fishing is slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches. No fishing activity reported.

Bluebill Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 15 inches. Bluegill and a few perch are biting on wax worms.

Interstate Park Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. A few Bluegill and Crappie are biting at dusk.

For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call us at the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at 641-357-3517.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught with spikes and wax worms, sorting will be in order as small fish are also active, however good number of angler acceptable size and larger fish are creeled. Crappie - Good: Fish around brush piles with small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Big Spirit Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Fish are being caught on the main lake basin using small ice jigs tipped with wigglers or wax worms. Most action is at Buffalo Run, Big Stoney and Cottonwood Points. Walleye - Good: Fish rock bars or weed lines at sunrise or sunset with jigging lures tipped with a minnow head and dead sticking with a minnow on a small hook below a split shot.

East Okoboji Lake
Walleye - Good: Use jigging lures tipped with a minnow head near Parks Marina.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Fish in the bays with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms/wigglers or plastics.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch action is good with excellent numbers of large fish caught, however smaller fish will also be apparent in the catch resulting in sorting of the catch. Water clarity has been reported as excellent with many anglers "sight fishing."

Scharnberg Pond
Scharnberg Park, 5 miles west of Spencer on Highway B24, received the first of two trout stocking on December 18. The second trout stocking is scheduled for January 22. Please refer to the Iowa Fishing Regulations Booklet or the Iowa DNR website for trout stamp requirements. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout anglers at other lakes in Iowa have reported great success using jigging spoons tipped with wax worms or synthetic trout baits.

Ice conditions are good on area lakes; however extreme caution should be used when ever going out onto the ice. For more fishing information on the Spirit Lake area call 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST
Silver Lake (Delaware)
Some fishing activity and reports have been observed. Size range of bluegill does vary, sorting may be required. There have been reports of northern pike being caught on tip-up rigs as well. Northern Pike - Fair: Tip-ups have been effective for pike near the shore using a chub or small bluegill for bait. Bluegill - Fair: Move around often to locate fish using small jigs tipped with a wax worm off of the bottom.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is ready for ice fishing and has received some light pressure. Anglers have been catching bluegill and yellow perch. Bluegill - Good: Try small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm off of the bottom around structure from the middle of the lake and east towards the dam. Yellow Perch - Fair: Concentrate fishing around structure, best times for perch have been during early morning or late evening hours.

Big Woods Lake
Fishing has been fair for bluegill and crappie on Big Woods Lake. Try fishing the north side of the lake around recently placed fish structure off of the jetties. Ice conditions may vary widely on this large water body, use extreme caution when venturing out. Bluegill - Fair: Try numerous small ice fishing jigs and a variety of colors tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Fair: Locate structure and find crappie suspended in and around the structure at various depths.

Brinker Lake
Brinker is now iced over but extreme caution is still advised near the middle/ deeper portion of the lake. Anglers have been concentrating on the bay area west of Hwy. 218 Bridge. Bluegill - Fair: Move around often to locate fish using small jigs tipped with a wax worm off of the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Move around often to locate fish. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm or small minnow at various depths for suspended fish.

George Wyth Lake
George Wyth Lake is ready for ice-fishing and a good season is anticipated based on fish population surveys. Bluegill - Fair: Try small ice fishing jigs in a variety of colors tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Fair: Locate structure and find crappie suspended in and around the structure at various depths.

Avenue of the Saints Pond
Avenue of Saints Lake is ready for ice-fishing and has received some light pressure. Anglers have been catching bluegill, crappie and some occasional channel catfish. Angling has been most productive during the early morning and late evening hours. Bluegill - Good: Try numerous small ice fishing jigs and a variety of colors tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Fair: Try locating cover and fishing various depths with minnow or wax worm under a bobber.

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

Plainfield
Nice bluegill are available here for the taking, look for structure fishing near the bottom and move often if necessary. Bluegill - Fair: Try numerous small ice fishing jigs and a variety of colors tipped with a wax worm around structure.

Ice thickness is 5 to 8 inches on most area lakes in northeast Iowa. Ice fishing appears to have slowed a bit over the last week. Trout streams remain in excellent condition and hold good numbers of trout throughout the winter months. For further information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Ice depth generally 8 to 12 inches but caution should be used in areas that have current or are insulated by deep snow. More open water exists then usual for the winter period. This is due to the higher water levels we are experiencing on the Mississippi River this winter. Northern Pike - No Report: Several anglers reported seeing folks using tip ups for northern pike but we have received no reports on the success rate. Bluegill - Good: Good catches in Minnesota Slough and Indian Lake by New Albin. Near Lansing, fishing in the Marina and in Phillippi Lake has been good at times. DeSoto Bay, on the Wisconsin side, is also seeing lots of fishing pressure. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice perch reported from Shore Slough and Minnesota Slough although fishing pressure appears to be lower.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Ice depth generally 8 to 10 inches but caution should be used in areas that have current or are insulated by deep snow. In the Sny Magill area near Effigy Mounds Park it is safe to cross over into Norwegian Lake but do practice caution when crossing over Wyalusing Slough to Methodist Lake. Northern Pike - Fair: Some smaller northern pike were being caught on tip-ups using larger shiners as bait. Bluegill - Good: Good catches of bluegills reported near Ambrough Slough by Prairie Du Chien and in the Sny Magill area decent catches reported in Ice Lake and Sandbar Slough. Bussey Lake has slowed a bit but still is cranking out some bluegills. Pressure at Bussey Lake has been heavy at times. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappies in Bussey but fishing has slowed. A few nice crappies in Sandbar Slough. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch reported from sloughs in the Prairie Du Chien area and a few in Bussey Lake. Sauger - Slow: The tail waters still have a lot of current due to the high water going into the winter. This has made fishing for sauger difficult as they do not appear to be in their normal winter locations.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Ice depth generally 8 to 10 inches but caution should be used in areas that have current or are insulated by deep snow. You can still launch a boat off the Guttenberg City ramp to access the tail waters. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are being caught marina at Mud Lake and in Zollicoffers in lower Pool 11 but it is often “hit or miss.” Generally small bluegills are being reported from the Marina. The bite at times has been a day bite with late afternoon producing the most fish. The bite on Sunfish Lake seems to have slowed. Crappie - Slow: A few nice crappies in Zollicoffers Lake by Dubuque and Swift Slough by Guttenberg. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice perch are being caught in Mud Lake and Zollicoffers Lake. Try letting the lure settle all the way to the bottom for a bit to entice perch to bite. Sauger - Fair: Anglers can access the tail waters of lock and dam 10 through the city ramp in Guttenberg. Winter water levels are very high and current is stronger than many winter anglers are accustomed to. The DNR fish hatchery ramp is completely covered with ice. Most sauger caught are generally small. Walleye - Slow: Although anglers can access the tail waters of lock and dam 10 through the city ramp in Guttenberg, fishing reports have been slow.

Generally good ice conditions but avoid flowing sloughs and large snow covered areas as snow insulates the ice preventing complete freezing. Ice thickness in many areas is 8 to 12 inches, but caution should be used. The river is currently very high for winter conditions and open pockets of water exist in many places that have current flow.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Ice conditions at most backwaters are fair with over 8 inches or more of ice at most lakes. Ice conditions in sloughs with flowing water will be considerably less and travel on them is not recommended. Use caution and drill test holes. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught on wax worms or spikes and ice jigs. Fish are being caught in the marinas, O'Learys, Greens, and Stone Lakes. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught in the marinas, O'Learys, Greens, and Stone Lakes. Yellow Perch - Fair: A fair number of yellow perch are being caught along with bluegills in the backwaters and marinas. Sauger - Fair: Reports of sauger being caught off the fishing barge below the dam. Walleye - Fair: Reports of walleyes being caught off the fishing barge below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Ice conditions at most backwaters are fair with 8 inches or more at most lakes. Ice conditions in sloughs with flowing water will be considerably less and travel on them is not recommended. Use caution and drill test holes. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have been biting on wax worms on ice jigs. Brown's Lake has been good over the past week. Fish are also being caught in South Sabula Lake, Spring Lake, and Mickelson's. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite has been slow, but a few are being caught in Brown's Lake, Spring Lake, and South Sabula Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch are being caught in South Sabula Lake, but the average size has decreased over the past couple of weeks.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Ice conditions at most backwaters are fair with 8 inches or more at most lakes. Ice conditions in sloughs with flowing water will be considerably less and travel on them is not recommended. Use caution and drill test holes. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught in Rock Creek and wax worms and ice jigs. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in Rock Creek, but the bite has slowed.

For fishing information in Pool 12 to 15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 7.94 feet. There are reports that anglers have been able to launch boats at the Marquette St. ramp. Ramp conditions could change. Bluegill - Fair: There are reports of some bluegills being caught through the ice on wax worms in Sunset Marina. The bite has been the best early in the morning and right before dark. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in Sunset Marina has slowed down. Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing below the dam and in Sylvan Slough has been slow. There are reports of some ice in Sylvan Slough that could make access limited. Anglers have been using jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs with a minnow.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 6.53 feet. Ice conditions in Big Timber are improving. There is 4 to 5 inches of ice along the parking area. Ice conditions are more variable out in the main part of Big Timber. Anglers should use caution when ice fishing due to variable ice conditions. Big Timber does have some areas with groundwater seeps that could create some poor ice conditions. Anglers not familiar with Big Timber should stay off the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in the backwaters on ice jigs and wax worms. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on ice jigs and wax worms. Sauger - No Report: We have received no information on tail water fishing for saugers.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 7.89 feet. Boats are not able to launch at Toolesboro due to the ramp freezing in. No ice fishing information for this pool has been received. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 5.69 feet. No fishing information was received for this pool.

Pools 16 to 19: Ice conditions in the backwaters are improving since last week's warm temperatures. Ice anglers should use caution when out on the ice and check conditions often as you move around. Most ice fishing reports are coming from area ponds. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Iowa Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush or stake/pallet beds with a jig/waxie. Crappie - Slow:

Kent Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie for nice sized bluegills. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being picked up in the same places as bluegills.

Diamond Lake
Ice conditions are variable.

Otter Creek Lake
There has been some fishing activity but no catch reports are available. Use caution around the beach area as geese kept this area open longer.

Coralville Reservoir
There has been snowmobile traffic on the lake but some areas may still be unsafe. Use caution. Not much fishing has gone on out here yet. Crappie - Slow: Some smaller fish have been reported on brush but larger fish are available.

For more information contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Macbride
Ice thickness ranges from 4 to 10 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around any rock or wood. Size is mediocre. Crappie - Fair: Not all spots are created equal. Look for brush in around 15 feet of water. Keep moving until you find fish.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Bluegill - Good: Good sized bluegills are being caught off the face of the dam in about 15 feet of water.

Union Grove Lake
The aeration system is running so there is open water down near the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around the brush west of the east boat ramp. Crappie - Slow: Fish the same areas as for bluegills. Most fish are coming at sunset.

For more information contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Red Haw Lake
Ice depths have been reported to be around 6 inches. Use caution when venturing out because there have been some variation in ice thickness. The geese had been keeping an area open by the dam and the beach so avoid that area. Bluegill - Fair: Use teardrop jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work has begun around the lake.

Lake Sugema
Use caution when venturing out onto the ice. The standing timber can impede the formation of good ice. There is open water along the north shore and around the north boat ramp. There is about 5 inches of ice uplake where most of the fishing is taking place. Angling is also occurring on Tug Forks West with some bluegill being caught. Tug Forks East still has some areas of open water so use caution. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm. Try fishing within a foot of the lake bottom.

Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 902.26 with 904.0 being normal pool. The main lake has frozen over. Ice thickness reports are as follows: Island View Dedication site boat ramp 6 inches, Glenwood ramp 7.5 inches, and Atwell's Landing 8.5 inches. Use caution because ice thickness has been variable. Crappie - Slow: Use teardrops jigs tipped with a wax worm or a minnow. Find areas with submerged structure and fish over them.

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

SOUTHWEST
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching good numbers of keeper bluegills. There is a good amount of habitat in this small lake, keep moving to find active fish.

Rock Creek Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill and crappie are being caught in good numbers fishing with wax worms in 8 to 12 feet of water. Morning and late afternoon have been the best times.

Big Creek Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are still being caught in Lost Lake and the brush piles. The piles near the east ramp have been fair. It is not an any-time-of-day bite. The best time seems to be early morning and late afternoon. Waxies are the preferred bait. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing remains fairly slow. The fish that are being caught are coming from the roadbed and the 30 to 35 feet deep creek channel running between the east ramp and Ensign shelter. Almost all crappies are caught after sunset. Use glowing tackle with wax worms, small live minnows, or just minnow heads. Walleye - Fair: Crappie anglers are picking up many walleyes with most being short fish that were just stocked in October. Check any LEGAL sized walleye for tags near the tail. If one is caught, follow the instructions on the signs near the boat ramps to collect a cash reward.

Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Fishing is staying consistent. The best bite is the hour before dark. They are being caught over sunken habitat in depths of 10 feet or greater. There is plenty of good habitat to search for in the coves, out from many of the points, and southeast of the island. Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught. For better success stay out the hour or two past sunset. They are coming off some of the same habitat as the bluegills. However, better crappie success is coming from more main lake habitat than back in the coves. Glow jigs with wax worms or minnows are working.

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up some 8-inch bluegills with wax worms. The most productive areas are the large sunken cedars in 16 to 20 feet out from the steep, west bank across from the beach area.

Ankeny Lake (DMACC)
Rainbow Trout - Good: The next trout stocking will likely be Saturday, January 29. Rainbow trout are still being caught through the ice by tipping ice jigs or jigging spoons with wax worms or minnows. If targeting just trout and don't want bluegills, stick with small minnows and fish in a little shallower water. Bluegill - Good: Decent sized bluegills are being pulled through the ice. Concentrate on the south central portion of the lake.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Good numbers of the rainbow trout stocked in November should remain to be caught. They seem to be traveling in schools around the perimeter. Try staying in the 5 to 10 foot contour interval. They can be caught on most ice fishing jigs or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. They are confined to the north pit.

Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Good numbers of rainbow trout are left to be caught through the ice. Anglers are catching them using normal ice fishing jigs or jigging spoons tipped with minnows or wax worms.

Ice conditions remain very good. Most bodies of water currently have 8 plus inches of ice. In general, the best bites have been happening after 4 p.m. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Lake Anita
Lake Anita was reported to have 9 inches of ice. Anita's bluegill have experienced good growth over the past year and are providing and excellent ice fishery. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught on jigs tipped with wax worms in 18 to 20 feet of water. Fish your jig close to the bottom. Bluegills are averaging 8 inches with fish up to 9.5 inches being caught.

Willow Lake
Willow Lake has 9 inches of good ice and extremely good water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching 8-inch bluegills with wax worms in 20 feet of water close to structure.

Lake Manawa
Manawa has variable ice thickness. Reports are anywhere from 7 to 10 inches. Most fishing has taken place around Tin Can Alley or the new and old beach. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish are being caught on Tin Can Alley using wax worms. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught with minnows and wax worms. Most fish are 8 to 10 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds in southern Iowa provide a good opportunity for a quality ice fishing trip. Remember to always get permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught using tear drops tipped with wax worms. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught using minnows on larger ponds that support crappie populations. Later in the afternoon has been the best time to target crappies.

Ice conditions are reported to be 7 to 9 inches on most water bodies in southwest Iowa. Caution is still needed as some lakes still have waterfowl activity. For more information on fishing or ice conditions call the southwest Iowa district office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria
Ice is usually 4 to 8 inches thick. Waterfowl are keeping an area in the north arm open. Use caution in other areas. Crappie - Good: The beach point and the old roadway are popular spots for crappies.

Green Valley Lake
The lake has been lowered for a sediment removal project. The fish are growing well and should be great for ice fishing. Bluegill - Good: The deepest portions of the lake are holding some really chunky bluegills

Three Mile Lake
Most of the lake is frozen over but the waterfowl has small areas of open water in the mid-lake area. Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are catching several crappies from the creek channels near flooded trees. The coves near the upper boat ramp are very popular.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Most of the lake is covered with ice. An area of open water is located in the middle of the lower portion of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in several locations around the lake. The old roadway and the deeper areas of flooded trees are the most popular.

Walnut Creek Marsh
Ice is usually 6 inches thick but the aeration system is keeping two holes open the southwest corner. Bluegill - Fair: Some real nice sized bluegills are being caught from the channel along the south dike.

Ice conditions are improved. Most lakes usually have good ice but the waterfowl have kept some areas of the bigger lakes open. Panfish are biting well at most lakes.