Iowa Fishing Report 12-16-2010

Basshawk

Iowa Fishing Report Officer
Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Location
North Liberty, Iowa
#1
Iowa Fishing Report​
December 16, 2010​
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.​
SOUTHWEST​
Greenfield Lake​
Greenfield Lake has a quality panfish fishery and is a popular ice fishing lake. Be cautious
as you venture out as Greenfield has waterfowl activity around the dam.​
Three Mile Lake​
Ice thickness varies greatly. Some open water is still present in middle but the backs of
the coves have some ice. Walking on the ice is not recommended at this time.​
Twelve Mile Creek Lake​
Ice thickness just off the end of the main boat ramp is about 2 inches. Open water is
present in the middle. Thickness varies widely and waling on the ice is not recommended
until thickness improves.​
Green Valley Lake​
The lake level has been lowered 12 feet for a sediment removal project. The lake has a lot
of quality panfish. Ice fishing this winter should be very good. A lot of open water is still
present.​
Summitt Lake​
The lake has been drained for a spillway replacement project. It should be down at least
until spring.​
Good ice is starting to form. The farm ponds and small lakes have from 4 to 7 inches of good
ice. The medium sized lakes have less and could have less than 1 inch. The big lakes have
some open water from waterfowl. A few more days will help.​
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds​
Numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa provides a good opportunity for a quality ice
fishing trip. Remember to always get permission before fishing private ponds.​
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.
Bluegill Good Bluegills are being caught using tear drops tipped
with wax worms.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Manawa​
Manawa has variable ice thickness due to waterfowl. Drill holes often as you venture out.
Most of the ice fishing has taken place around Boyscout Island and the new and old beach.​
Crappie Fair Crappies are being caught with minnows and wax
worms. Most fish are 8 to 10 inches.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Anita​
Lake Anita was reported to have 6-7 inches of ice. Anita's bluegill have experienced good
growth over the past year and are providing and excellent ice fishery.​
Bluegill Good Bluegills are being caught on jigs tipped with wax
worms in 18 to 20 feet of water. Color did not seem
to matter last this week but fish were close to
bottom. Bluegills are averaging 8 inches with fish
up to 9.5 inches being caught.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Early ice can be an excellent time to catch panfish. Ice is 5-7 inches thick on most water
bodies in S.W. Iowa. Be very cautious of lakes with waterfowl activity as they will keep ice
from forming. For information on fishing or ice conditions call the S.W. District Office at (712)
769-2587.​
Ankeny Lake (DMACC)​
Rainbow Trout Good Good catches of rainbow trout are being caught
through the ice by tipping ice jigs or jigging spoons
with a couple waxworms.
Bluegill Good Good sized bluegills are being pulled through the
ice. Concentrate on the South central portion of the
lake.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Big Creek Lake​
Ice conditions vary on Big Creek right now. Lost Lake has the best ice at around 7 inches.
The main lake is 5 inches plus in most areas, but some pockets and seams out from
Williams Drive boat ramp and Ensign shelter have just froze and have only around 2.5
inches. Use caution with the new snow covering up visible ice differences.​
Crappie Slow There has not been much ice fishing activity on the
main lake yet where the better crappie fishing
occurs. As ice conditions improve and more
anglers make it out over the weekend there should
be some reports on crappie activity.
Bluegill Good Anglers fishing in the Lost Lake portion of Big
Creek are doing well on nice bluegills in the 8 to 9
inch range.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Hickory Grove Lake​
There is 6 to 7 inches of ice being reported at Hickory Grove. Use caution around the
island as this was the last place to recently freeze up.​
Bluegill Fair So far only a handful of bluegills are being caught
by anglers fishing in the coves. Success should
improve as Hickory Grove is usually a good ice
fishery with some quality sized panfish.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Ahquabi​
5 inches of ice are being reported at Ahquabi.​
Bluegill Fair Anglers fishing over the sunken brush piles are
picking up some decent 8 inch bluegill with
waxworms.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
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
waxworms.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake​
Ada Hayden is usually one of the last lakes to freeze in Central Iowa, use caution and
check ice thickness frequently.​
Rainbow Trout Good Most of the rainbow trout stocked in November
remain to be caught through the ice. They can be
caught on most ice fishing jigs or jigging spoons
tipped with waxworms. They are confined to the
North pit.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Ice fishing has started in Central Iowa. Small lakes and ponds are averaging 5 to 8 inches of
ice. The larger lakes are varying more with anywhere from 2.5 to 7 inches. Check ice
thickness often on the larger lakes, some open water areas just froze up this week and the
recent snows covered up the visible ice differences. For questions on Central Iowa lakes and
rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.​
SOUTHEAST​
Hannen Lake​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
Lake Sugema​
The main lake is still open. Some of the bays are starting to ice up but there is not enough
ice to support anglers.​
Rathbun Reservoir​
The lake level is at 902.23 with 904.0 being normal pool. The main lake is still open and a
few of the bays are starting to ice over but there is not enough ice to suppport anglers.​
Red Haw Lake​
There is not enough ice to support anglers.​
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)​
The lake has been drained for a lake renovation to be started this winter.​
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa please call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-
647-2406​
Pleasant Creek Lake​
Use caution on the main lake, but the bays should have 6" of ice.​
Yellow Perch Fair
Crappie Fair​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Macbride​
Ice depths were checked at the following access points on 12/14: Main Ramp in Park=5
1/2", Cottage Reserve Road Ramp=6", Handicap Pier=6", Primitive Campground Ramp=7
1/2", Anglers Point Ramp=6", 4 Lane Sailboat Ramp=7", Opie Ave North Shore
Ramp=6". All these measurements were taken 100 feet from shore. Areas that are deeper,
unprotected, or later to freeze up will have less ice and could be dangerous.​
Crappie Fair Fish over brush in 10-20' of water. Nice sized fish
are available.
Bluegill Fair Any type of structure seems to be holding bluegills.
Size is mediocre.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Rodgers Park Lake​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
Iowa Lake​
Anglers have been fishing the lake but no ice or fishing reports are available.​
Kent Park Lake​
Anglers have not been seen since the rain event last saturday, so use caution if fishing here
as ice conditions could be variable.​
Bluegill Fair Bluegills were being caught around brush last
week.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Coralville Reservoir​
Areas that are protected and out of the current have up to 7" of ice. Areas in the channel
could have much less. Use extreme caution here!​
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)​
Anglers have been fishing backwater areas. Use caution around areas of flow!​
Crappie Fair
Bluegill Fair​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Union Grove Lake​
The aeration system was started up on 12/16, so be aware of open water down towards the
dam. There are "Thin Ice" signs surrounding the vacinity.​
Crappie Fair Fish over brush. First and last light tends to be best.
There is a huge year class of 8-9" crappies.
Bluegill Fair Fish around brush with a jig/waxie.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Diamond Lake​
As of 12/16 there was still an open patch of water due to geese. There has not been any
fishing activity here yet.​
Otter Creek Lake​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.​
Crawford Pond​
Ice is about 5 inches thick.​
Bluegill Good Fish around the numerous brush piles that are in
the pond in 10 to 15 foot of water. I like yellow
teardrop jigs tipped with a wax worm.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Darling District Farm Ponds​
Most of the smaller ponds now have about 4 to 5 inches of ice.​
Bluegill Fair Try out around the habitat in the deeper water and
fish close to the bottom.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake of the Hills​
The lake is frozen over but the ice is thin. UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS.​
Bluegill Fair Try the around the brush piles. Use caution and
test drill to check for ice safety.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Geode​
Unsafe ice conditions. The lake finally froze over this last Monday.​
Lake Belva Deer​
Ice conditions are improving. Use caution around the area around the dam and up at the
North end were geese had been keeping it open. No anglers had been out on the ice yet as
of Wednesday.​
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries office at (319) 694-
2430.​
MISSISSIPPI
RIVER​
Mississippi River Pool 17​
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 6.08 feet. The boat ramps in Muscatine are blocked
by ice. Big Timber has around 4 inches of ice in the slough along the parking area. Ice
conditons could be more variable out in the main part of Big Timber so anglers should use
caution when ice fishing. Big Timber does have some seeps in it that can create some poor
ice conditions. Anglers are advised to stay out of Big Timber unless they are familiar with
the area.​
Mississippi River Pool 16​
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 7.65 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp is currently
being reported as open as of Dec. 15th. There is a lot of ice floating at the boat ramp and
there is some ice on the ramp itself so conditions could change. Anglers should check
ramp conditions before backing down. Ice fishing is just starting in the backwaters.​
Crappie Fair Some crappies are being caught through the ice in
Sunset Marina on waxworms and small minnows.
Most of the crappies have been on the small side.
Sauger No Report No report on tailwater fishing for saugers was
received.
Bluegill Fair There are reports of some bluegills being caught
through the ice on waxworms and small minnows in
Sunset Marina.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Mississippi River Pool 19​
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 4.24 feet. Boat ramps are being reported as frozen
in. No ice fishing information was received.​
Mississippi River Pool 18​
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 7.69 feet. No fishing information was received for
this pool.​
Pools 16-19: River levels have risen over the past week. Most boat ramps are not accessible.
We have not received much for ice fishing reports yet due to variable ice conditions in the
backwaters. Anglers should use caution when ice fishing in the backwaters. For more fishing
information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.​
Iowa Fishing Report​
MISSISSIPPI
RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 10 - Last Updated: 12/16/2010​
Generally good ice conditions but avoid flowing sloughs and large snow covered areas as
snow insulates the ice preventing complete freezing.​
Yellow Perch Fair The first yellow perch of the ice fishing season are
being reported, and we are expecting another
bumper season on some very large perch present
in the Upper Mississippi River.
Bluegill Good Bluegill fishing is good at Joyce Lake area near
Harpers Ferry. We have received no report from
the Sny Magill area by McGregor but anglers are
urged to use caution crossing Johnson slough to
get to Norwegian Lake. Bussey Lake by
Guttenberg was good early and slowed a bit, but
nice bluegills are still being reported​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Mississippi River Pool 11 - Last Updated: 12/16/2010​
Good ice conditions in most places. Use caution when crossing any sloughs or areas
covered in snow.​
Sauger Fair The Mississippi River is very high going into the
winter which has made finding sauger difficult but
the good population is present. The fish are
slightly smaller for the most part this year however.
All boat ramps in Guttenberg were iced in including
the DNR hatchery ramp.
Yellow Perch No Report Yellow perch populations continue to excel in Mud
Lake and Sunfish lake in Lower Pool 11. Anglers
wanting to try to catch some trophy perch might
consider targeting these areas.
Bluegill No Report A very nice bluegill population exists in Bertrum
Lake by "Far Enough" boat ramp south of Cassville
Wisconsin. This is an area dredge and managed
for overwintering panfish and contains a massive
fish population in the winter!​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Mississippi River Pool 9 - Last Updated: 12/16/2010​
Generally good ice conditions but avoid flowing sloughs and large snow covered areas as
snow insulates the ice preventing complete freezing.​
Largemouth Bass Good Anglers reporting catching many bass while fishing
panfish.
Bluegill Good Good bluegill fishing is being reported in backwater
lakes off Minnesota Slough by New Albin. In
addition, fishermen are reporting catching bluegills
at the Lansing Village Creek boat ramp area and in
shore slough by Lansing​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Ice fishing under way on the upper pools of the Mississippi, but ice conditions are variable.
Please practice proper safety when ice fishing on the River, especially early in the season
avoid places with moving current as ice will be uneven in thickness. Ice thickness is ranging
from 7 inches in protected areas to 1 inch or less in open areas or areas with any current.
Boat ramps are iced in, cutting off access for any tailwater fishing for walleye.​
NORTHEAST​
Silver Lake (Delaware)​
Silver Lake ice conditions do vary but most places have around 4"-5" of good ice. Some
fishing activity and reports have been observed but caution is advised. Size range of
bluegill does vary, sorting may be required. Occasional crappie have been reported as
well.​
Bluegill Fair Move around often to locate fish using small jigs
tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Mississippi River Pool 12​
We have recieved a number of reports of anglers breaking through over the last week. The
heavy snow has slowed ice formation and ice conditions at most backwaters are fair with
reports of 3-5" at most lakes, but less in some areas. Ice conditions in sloughs with
flowing water will be considerably less and travel on them is not recommended. Use
caution and drill test holes. Reports of a few bluegill and crappie being caught in
O'Learys and in the marinas on jigs and wax worms.​
Mississippi River Pool 13​
We have recieved a number of reports of anglers breaking through over the last week. The
heavy snow has slowed ice formation and ice conditions at most backwaters are fair with
reports of 3-5" at most lakes, but less in some areas. Ice conditions in sloughs with
flowing water will be considerably less and travel on them is not recommended. Use
caution and drill test holes. Reports of bluegill being caught at Mickelson's Landing and
South Sabula Lake. No reports from other lakes.​
Mississippi River Pool 14​
We have recieved a number of reports of anglers breaking through over the last week. The
heavy snow has slowed ice formation and ice conditions at most backwaters are fair with
reports of 3-5" at most lakes, but less in some areas. Ice conditions in sloughs with
flowing water will be considerably less and travel on them is not recommended. Use
caution and drill test holes. Reports of crappie and bluegill biting at Rock Creek on wax
worms and ice jigs.​
For fishing information in Pool 12-15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish
Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976​
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)​
Ice conditions are reported as 4-5 inches of good clear ice. Casey Lake is ready for icefishing
and has received some light pressure.​
Bluegill Good Try small ice jigs tipped with a waxworm off of the
bottom around structure from the middle of the lake
& east towards the dam.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
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.​
Crappie Fair Locate structure and find crappie suspended in and
around the structure at various depths.
Bluegill Fair Try numerous small ice fishing jigs and a variety of
colors tipped with a wax worm.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Brinker Lake​
Brinker Lake is a deep lake with high wind-fetch, which slows ice formation. 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.​
Crappie Fair Move around often to locate fish. Try small jigs
tipped with a waxworm or small minnow at various
depths for suspended fish.
Bluegill Fair Move around often to locate fish using small jigs
tipped with a waxworm off of the bottom.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Volga Lake​
There have been a few people angling on the lake but the bite has been slow. There is at
least 12 inches of snow on top of the ice.​
Crappie No Report
Largemouth Bass No Report
Bluegill No Report​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Plainfield​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
Avenue of the Saints Pond​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
George Wyth Lake​
Ice conditions are reported at 4 inches of good ice. Wyth Lake is ready for ice-fishing and
a good season is anticipated based on fish population surveys. Caution is advised until ice
thickness increases.​
Crappie Fair Locate structure and find crappie suspended in and
around the structure at various depths.
Bluegill Fair Try numerous small ice fishing jigs and a variety of
colors tipped with a wax worm.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Ice fishing conditions continue to improve in N.E. Ia. with the recent below freezing
temperatures. Most reports have ice conditions ranging from a thickness of 4"- 8" of good
ice. Use extreme caution when entering on to thin ice this time of year. Trout streams remain
in excellent condition and hold good numbers of trout throughout the winter months. For
further information contact the N.E. District Office @ 563-927-3276.​
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
Cedar River (above Nashua)​
A few people have been ice fishing in some of the bays above the Nashua impoundment
and are catching fish.​
Walleye No Report
Smallmouth Bass Fair A few have been caught while angling for bluegill
and crappies.
Crappie Good Crappies are biting on jigs tipped with a minnow.
Bluegill Good Try a minnow on an ice fishing jig.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
Lake Hendricks​
Ice depths are running about 7 inches under at least 7 inches of snow. Folks are starting to
make their way onto the ice.​
Crappie Good Crappies are biting on jigs tipped with a waxworm.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Lake Meyer​
There is about 3 to 5 inches of ice under about 12 inches of snow. Very few anlgers have
been out and fish haven't been taking bait, yet.​
Charles City Impoundment​
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.​
NORTHWEST​
Big Spirit Lake​
Ice report:Marble Beach boat ramp 9.5" and Hale Slough boat ramp 14"​
Yellow Perch Fair Fish are being caught on the main lake using small
ice jigs tipped with wigglers.
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.
Crappie Fair Look for open holes in the weed beds on the north
end of Angler's Bay or fish in TemplarLagoon
around the docks. Use small ice jigs tipped with
wax worms or plastics.
Bluegill Fair Look for open holes in the weed beds on the north
end of Angler's Bay use small ice jigs tipped with
wax worms in 6'-8' of water.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Decorah District Streams​
There are plenty of trout to be caught overwintering in our streams. Streams with good
water quality will remain open through this cold weather. Urban ponds are now being
stocked, weather permitting. For information on when and where, please call the trout
stocking number at 563-927-5736 or visit our website at
http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/news/stockrep/urban.html.​
Ice and snow depths vary from lake to lake. Please use caution when going out on the ice.
Trout streams continue to provide good action. For more information about a specific stream
or river, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.​
West Okoboji Lake​
Ice report: Emerson Bay boat ramp 10", Lazy Lagoon (Triboji) Beach 8", and the north
access to Smith's Bay 7.5". Geese have reopened a large hole south of Triboji.​
Northern Pike Fair Use tip ups baited with large baitfish or jig using
large jigging lures.
Walleye Slow A few fish are being caught along drop offs with
perch colored jigging lures.
Yellow Perch Fair Fish the outside edges of weed beds with plastics.
Crappie Fair Fish in the canals with small ice jigs tipped with
plastics.
Bluegill Fair Fish in the canals and bays with small ice jigs
tipped with wax worms/wigglers or plastics.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Upper Gar Lake​
Ice report: Boat ramp 7.5"​
Yellow Perch Slow Lots of small perch are being caught using small ice
jigs tipped with a wax worm.
Bluegill Slow Lots of small fish are being caught using small ice
jigs tipped with a wax worm.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Iowa Lake​
Yellow Perch Slow Use a slip bobber above a minnow.
Northern Pike Slow Pike are being caught by perch anglers while using
minnows.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Scharnberg Pond​
On December 18th at 12:30 Pm Scharnberg Park 5 miles west of Spencer on Highway
B24 will recieve the first of two trout stocking this winter. A fishing clinic will be held
before the trout stocking. This will be an excellent event for families to attend that are
interested in ice fishing. Please refer to the Iowa Fishing Regulations Booklet or the Iowa
DNR website for trout stamp requirements.​
Rainbow Trout Excellent Trout anglers at other lakes in Iowa have reported
great success using jigging spoons tipped with wax
worms or synthetic trout baits.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Ice conditions are variable on area lakes. Extreme caution should be used when ever going
out onto the ice. On December 18th Scharnburg Park west of Spencer will recieve a stocking
of trout. For more fishing information on the Spirit Lake area call (712)-336-1840.​
Rice Lake​
Ice thickness is 3 to 10 inches. A few Yellow perch and Crappies are being caugth.​
Little Wall Lake​
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. Bluegills and Crappies atr biting on waxworms.​
Silver Lake (Worth)​
Ice thickness is 7 to 10 inches.​
Elm Lake​
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. Yellow perch are biting on waxworms.​
Morse Lake​
Ice thickness is 7 to 10 inches. Yellow perch are biting on jigs tipped with waxworms.​
Lake Cornelia​
Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches. Yellow perch are biting on small jigs tipped with
waxworms.​
Lower Pine Lake​
Ice is not safe, the geese have kept a large area open.​
Beeds Lake​
Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches. Crappies are biting on minnows fished near structure.​
Lake Smith​
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. Bluegills are biting in the late afternoon on waxworms.​
Clear Lake​
Ice thickness is 8 to 12 inches. Yellow bass fishing is fair in the Little lake. Walleye
fishing is slow.​
Lake Catherine​
Ice thickness is 7 to 9 inches. Bluegills are biting in the late afternoon on wax worms.​
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call us at the Clear Lake
Fisheries Office at (641) 357-3517.​
Crawford Creek Impoundment​
There is about 6 inches of ice on Crawford Creek. There haven't been any reports of
anglers fishing.​
Yellow Smoke Park Lake​
Yellow Smoke has about 7 inches of good, clear ice. The water is extremely clear.​
Bluegill Fair The action isn't real fast at Yellow Smoke, but when
anglers catch a bluegill they are jumbo size. Use
very light line and tackle.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Bacon Creek Lake​
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek on November 10th.
The next stocking is scheduled for January 8th, with January 22nd as the snow date. Iowa
residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout
Fee to fish for or possess trout.​
Rainbow Trout Excellent Rainbow trout bite readily off the stocking truck.
Use small, flashy lures with a piece of bait about 5
feet below the ice.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Brushy Creek Lake​
Water clarity at Brushy Creek is excellent. The majority of Brushy Creek still has open
water. There is about 1 inch of ice covering the northern portions of the lake. One ice
shack went through the ice last week.​
Black Hawk Lake​
On Black Hawk Lake walleye must be at least 15 inches in length to keep and only three
per day may be kept. There is about 9 inches of good, clear ice on Black Hawk Lake. The
winter aeration system will begin operation soon creating pockets of open water and thin
ice in the town bay area.​
Yellow Perch Slow An occasional perch is caught while walleye fishing.
The perch are about 8 inches long.
Walleye Slow Anglers are catching short walleye with a few
keepers mixed in. A super duper with a minnow
head has worked well. Target the old dredge cuts,
rock piles off of Shotgun Hill and Crescent Park,
and the deep hole near Ice House Point.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)​
Daily bag limit at Storm Lake is 3 walleye: all 17 to 22 inch walleye must be immediately
released, only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept. Ice thickness on Storm Lake is
around 3 to 4 inches out in the main basin with areas of open water. Ice is around 10
inches thick near the inlet where most of the fishing is taking place.​
Yellow Perch Slow Anglers pick up yellow perch on occasion when
fishing walleye. Not a lot of perch get caught, but
the ones that do are 9-11 inches.
White Bass Good Large white bass are being caught by anglers
targeting walleye. There is fast action for the white
bass when schools move through and then it slows
down until another big school comes by.
Walleye Fair Anglers are doing well for walleye near the inlet to
the lake. A live minnow fished right off the bottom
has been working well, or try using a super duper
and a minnow head. One angler reported that
Macho Minnow super glo baited with a minnow half
has been very effective.
Crappie Fair Some nice sized crappie are being caught around
the inlet area.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
North Twin Lake​
There is 3 to 4 inches of ice on most of the lake with thicker ice near shore.​
Swan Lake​
Ice at Swan Lake is about 6 inches thick.​
Arrowhead Lake​
Ice is 3 to 4 inches thick in Arrowhead.​
Badger Lake​
Badger Lake has 6 to 8 inches of ice.​
Bluegill Fair Anglers are catching decent bluegills on wax worms
in 8 to 10 feet of water.​
Fish Name Status Comments​
Browns Lake​
There is 3 to 4 inches of ice on Browns Lake. A few crappies were being picked up last
week, but there have not been any reports since.​
Snyder Bend Lake​
Snyder Bend has open water areas and 3 to 4 inches of ice in other areas. Snyder Bend
has warm water flowing into from a nearby power plant, and waterfowl are keeping the
water open in other areas. Use caution on Snyder Bend.​
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.