For immediate release: March 6, 2014www.iowadnr.gov | facebook.com/iowadnr | twitter.com/iowadnr | pinterest.com/iowadnr For lake locations, maps and other information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/FishingReports.aspx 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. NORTHWESTOldham LakeCrappie - Fair: A few crappies have been caught at sunrise or sunset with wax worms. Brushy Creek LakeBluegill - Good: Fish are being caught in 25 feet of water on wax worms. Crappie - Fair: Fish are being caught in 25 feet of water on wax worms. Bacon Creek LakeRainbow Trout - Good: Fish are being caught with shiny spoons. Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)There is a large open water area in the southeast corner of the lake. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish in 5-7 feet of water using a spoon tipped with a minnow head or live minnow on a dead stick rod. White Bass - Good: Fish in 5-7 feet of water using a spoon tipped with a minnow head or live minnow on a dead stick rod. Walleye - Good: Fish in 5-7 feet of water using a spoon tipped with a minnow head or live minnow on a dead stick rod. North Twin LakeYellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are being caught but a lot of sorting has been required. Swan LakeAeration units have a large open hole near the fish house. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish are being caught with small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Fair: A few fish are being caught with small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm. Browns LakeVery little angler activity has been reported. Lake SmithIce thickness is 25-26 inches. In general, fishing is slow. A few crappies have been caught. Best bite is late afternoon and evening hours. Clear LakeIce thickness is 28-29 inches. Anglers should avoid driving through the channel that runs from the little lake to the big lake, as that area can be unsafe; take the highway around instead. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still getting some suspended a ways off bottom in the deeper areas of the little lake around dark. A few crappies also have been caught near Baptist Camp/Farmers Beach areas. Most are 8-11 inches long. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some small perch being caught. Walleye - Slow: Occasional walleye near the aerator on the west end at dark or in the Farmer's Beach area. (14-inch minimum) Yellow Bass - Fair: Most of the yellow bass action seems to be coming from anglers on the main lake near the Baptist Camp and Farmers Beach. Yellows on the little lake seem to be around 12 feet of water. Most are 7.5-8 inches with a few 9-9.5 inchers. Lake CorneliaIce thickness is 20 plus inches. No reports. Crystal LakeIce thickness is 30 inches. Bluegill - Good: Fishing seems to be fairly consistent. Bluegill fishing has been good using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are reporting better success in the shallower water 8 feet near the edge of the dredged basin. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows at dusk in the deeper water near or on the drop-off of the basin. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye may be taken in the deeper water using minnows. Blue PitAdditional rainbow trout were stocked on Feb. 7. Anglers should be able to catch them with a small ice fly and a wax worm or a small spoon and start in shallow water near shore. Bluebill LakeIce thickness is 22 inches. No reports lately; earlier anglers were having some success catching perch, bluegill, and some largemouth bass on spikes and wax worms fished near sunken cedar tree clumps. For lake updates and fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. Big Spirit LakeThere is 28-30 inches of ice and walleye season is closed. A few bluegills and crappies are being caught in Anglers Bay with early morning or late afternoon being best. East Okoboji LakeWalleye season is closed West Okoboji LakeThere is 26-30 inches of ice and walleye season is closed. Bluegill - Slow: Most anglers have been targeting Emerson and Millers Bay and weeds have been a key factor. The fishing has been hit or miss with some days being much better than others. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish have been in 40 plus feet of water and lots of small fish have been caught. Keep in mind that fish coming out of deep water have a higher mortality rate. Five Island LakeThere is 24-28 inches of ice on the lake. Most activity is focused around the upper part of the lake with crappie, perch, catfish, and walleye making up most of the catch. Lost Island LakeThere is 28-30 inches of ice and there has been little fishing pressure. For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840. NORTHEASTVolga LakeThe lake has 24 inches of ice. Fish are suspended so fish 6-8 feet off the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught while fishing for crappies. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small brightly colored jigs tipped with multiple wax worms to entice those hungry crappies. Lake HendricksThere is about 17 inches of ice covered with five inches of frozen slush covered with more than seven inches. Use caution around the aerator. No motorized vehicles including ATVs are allowed on the ice. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Try dropping a small jig tipped with wax worm to the bottom then slowly lift it up about one foot. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Lake MeyerThe lake has about 20 inches of ice with about five inches of frozen slush covered by 5-6 inches of new snow. Water clarity is excellent with visibility 10-12 feet. Few anglers are out and fish activity remains slow. Bluegill - Slow: Fish activity is slow but gills can be caught using teardrop shaped jigs tipped with wax worms. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Crappie - Slow: Crappies can be found in 12-14 feet of water but are suspended about six feet off the bottom. Turkey River (below Clermont)Trout fishing on the Turkey River below Big Spring Hatchery is good. The river at the hatchery is open from the first set of tubes downriver. Cedar River (above Nashua)We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Decorah District StreamsBe prepared to park along roads to get to your favorite stream as many parking accesses are blocked with mounds of snow. Use caution when parking as road width is very deceiving. Better northeast Iowa streams have open clear water and trout have been taken on streamers, wet flies and nymphs. Surprisingly, winter midge hatches have been heavy and trout can sometimes be taken on dry flies when rising. Small Threadwraps (#18-#24) are effective early in the afternoon. Brown Trout - Slow: Sny Magill, Bloody Run, Grannis and Little Paint should be fishable. Mink, Otter and Glovers are completely ice covered. Weekend temperatures are predicted to be in the mid 20s to upper 30s. Much of our area received 5-8 inches of snow earlier in the week. Fish activity continues to be slow on area lakes. Few people have been on the ice. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. Martens LakeAngling pressure has been consistent. Bluegills have been the most productive. Concentrate on the northwest portion of the lake and to the south as the season prolongs. Bluegill - Good: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good. PlainfieldAnglers were catching quality sized bluegill near the north side of the lake in 12-14 feet of water last week. Move often to locate active fish. An occasional nice crappie had also been taken. Bluegill - Good: Small black colored jigs tipped with a waxy seem to be most productive on bluegill. Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)As interior rivers begin to open up, take the opportunity to hit the deeper holes for overwintering walleyes. Walleyes will aggressively feed until the April spawn. Tip a jig with a minnow and fish it slowly off the bottom. Walleye - No Report: Try a jig tipped with a minnow. Manchester District StreamsThe spring thaw is nearing. Trout fishing opportunities can be really good when there is a slight rise in water levels and a little turbidity to the water, especially for brown trout. Spring Branch Creek in Delaware County offers a good population of brown trout and fish of quality size. Remember, there is a 14-inch minimum size limit on all trout and artificial lure only regulation on this stream. Brown Trout - Fair: Black midge imitations have been triggering active fish on Spring Branch Creek. Ice fishing remains slow across the district, not many anglers reported fishing. Be sure to check other reports around the state for potential hot spots. The best success has been on Plainfield Lake and Marten's Lake in Bremer County. Trout streams should remain in good conditions as long as evening temperatures drop below freezing. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276. MISSISSIPPI RIVERMississippi River Pool 9Ice thickness is close to 24 inches in many areas, making it difficult for some to drill fishing holes. Thick ice is also concentrating fish towards the deepest water and pushing some towards the bottom ends of lakes closer to current and good oxygen. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting a bit better but the good late season bite has not yet turned on. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass should become active during the thaw but slow fishing has been reported over the past week. Crappie - Fair: Predicted warm weather may get crappie a little more active. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late ice is one of the best times to catch trophy yellow perch, but anglers have not yet begun to report the big fish. Mississippi River Pool 10Ice thickness is close to 24 inches in many areas, making it difficult for some to drill fishing holes. Thick ice is also concentrating fish towards the deepest water and pushing some towards the bottom ends of lakes closer to current and good oxygen. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting a bit better but the good late season bite has not yet turned on. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass should become active during the thaw but slow fishing has been reported over the past week. Crappie - Fair: Predicted warm weather may get crappie a little more active. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late ice is one of the best times to catch trophy yellow perch, but anglers have not yet begun to report the big fish. Mississippi River Pool 11Attention anglers fishing Mud Lake in Pool 11. A dye trace study will be performed in Mud Lake on March 11. A harmless red dye will be released at the inflow structure on the upper end of Mud Lake to follow river current patterns in the complex. Anglers may notice a red tint to the water but the dye is otherwise harmless to water quality or fish. The dye should work its way out of the system by week's end. Additional testing may be necessary. Ice thickness is close to 24 inches in many areas. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting a bit better but the good late season bite has not yet turned on. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass should become active during the thaw but slow fishing has been reported over the past week. Crappie - Fair: Predicted warm weather may get crappie a little more active. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late ice is one of the best times to catch trophy yellow perch, but anglers have not yet begun to report the big fish. Late winter ice fishing on the Mississippi can be some of the best fishing of the season. The projected warm weather may just be the kick start we need for that. Ice thickness has actually increased over the past two weeks to close to 24 inches in many areas. Anglers have been out more over the past week with mixed results. Attention anglers fishing Mud Lake in Pool 11. A dye trace study will be performed in Mud Lake on March 11. A harmless red dye will be released at the inflow structure on the upper end of Mud Lake to follow river current patterns in the complex. Anglers may notice a red tint to the water but the dye is otherwise harmless to water quality or fish. The dye should work its way out of the system by week's end. Additional testing may be necessary. Mississippi River Pool 12Fishing has mainly been slow. Try late ice fishing on Fish Trap Lake, Tippy's, Greens and Kehough. If you see murky water or the water has a smell, move to other fishing holes. This long season with snow covered ice has taken a toll on some of our backwaters. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers that did fish this week reported the bite as slow but angling is expected to improve as the weather warms up. Crappie - Slow: Lots of 8-9-inch crappies were seen in the various surveys conducted by the department. Look forward to some quality fishing for this species although they can be quite fickle during the winter bite. Try small minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some yellow perch are being incidentally caught by bluegill anglers. In some years good yellow perch fishing can be had on the back half of the ice fishing season. Mississippi River Pool 13Some people have been fishing in Town Lake by Sabula and in the opening to Spring Lake by Savanna. Oxygen levels in snow covered lakes is a concern. Clouded ice does not allow algae and aquatic plants to produce oxygen. Unfortunately Middle Sabula and Green Island may have lost most of the oxygen already with weeks to go before ice out. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite has slowed up greatly but a lot of fish are being marked on fishing graphs. Crappie - Slow: Crappies were abundant in fisheries surveys in 2013 and several year classes were noted. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few reports of anglers catching some yellow perch. Often these fish are incidentally caught when bluegill fishing. Some yellow perch up to 14 inches can be found at times. Try a slightly larger minnow imitation lures or minnow heads. Mississippi River Pool 14Anglers were fishing at Rock Creek, Swedes, Camanche Harbor and Cattail Slough, but lately activity level has been sparse. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill numbers are outstanding this year in Pool 14, and Rock Creek County Park by Camanche offers easy access to fishing and a great Environmental Center to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate. Crappie - Slow: Earlier there were some reports of crappies being caught out of cattail slough. The size has not been the best but we do have a very strong year class of 8-9-inch fish. Try using small minnows for best results. Mississippi River Pool 15No report for Pool 15 as ice fishing options are limited on this pool. Plenty of ice exists in most places and the best bite might still be coming, however, some lakes may be low in dissolved oxygen. Anglers should move if they are not readily marking fish or encounter murky water. Mississippi River Pool 16Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 4.40 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp is being reported as frozen in. Ice fishing has been slow. Mississippi River Pool 17Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine is 3.81 feet. The boat ramps in Muscatine are frozen in. We have not received any ice fishing reports for Big Timber this week. We have not received any ice condition reports for Big Timber this week. Big Timber does have some areas where ground water seeps in and can have some current so ice conditions can be variable. Check ice conditions often as you move. Mississippi River Pool 18Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 4.52 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Mississippi River Pool 19Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 2.22 feet. Ramps are being reported as frozen in. Ice fishing is being reported as slow. Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail waters are being reported as frozen in. Ice fishing is being reported as slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062. SOUTHEASTLake Belva DeerCounting the slush and snow that has turned into ice there is about 24 inches to drill through. The water is still a little stained from the rain and snow melt from a couple of weeks ago. The bottom of the thermocline is down around 20 feet so don't fish below that depth. Bluegill - Fair: The bite seems to be from 3-6 p.m. Anglers are still mostly working the creek channel area out from the south boat ramp. Look for fish in 15-18 feet of water. Where the incoming water from the marsh is bringing in just a little more oxygen. Pollmiller Park LakeNot much ice fishing activity going on right now. Bluegill - Fair: Locate them around the brush piles. Lake of the HillsTomorrow, (Friday, March 7th) at 10:30 is the spring trout release. Should have good ice this year. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows for bait is legal. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout are starting to be caught again on wax worms and jigs in deeper water. An additional 2,000 trout will be added on March 7. Bluegill - Good: Wax worms are the popular baits on ice jigs. The bite is picking up. Find the brush piles out the deeper water to find the fish. Crappie - Good: Crappies are also being caught off the brush piles in deeper water. The bite is also picking up for the crappies. Lambach LakeBe careful out on the ice. The ice around the edges is still a little thin. The use of live minnows as bait is not allowed on this lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills continue to bite. Some good numbers are being caught. Crappie - Good: Good sized crappies are being caught again with regularity. For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430. Iowa LakeWe have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Lake MacbrideMost of the lake has 15-20 inches of ice. The area east of the causeway on the south arm has poor oxygen levels and is probably not worth fishing. It is also not worth fishing deeper than 25 feet as there is no oxygen beyond that depth. There has been very little activity out here this week. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around any kind of brush or rock and chances are you will find bluegills. Unfortunately the size is marginal at best. Crappie - Slow: Crappie reports are tough to come by. Fish over/around brush or rock in 12-18 feet. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being caught in the evening over rock piles and stumps. Central Park LakeWe have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Pleasant Creek LakeWe have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Diamond LakeRemember, no minnows are allowed. Bluegill - Good: Fish around brush for 6-8-inch bluegills. Fish had been reported as suspended lately. Crappie - Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush. Most are 8-10 inches. Otter Creek LakeIce is close to 24 inches thick. Fishing activity has been low this week. Anglers are working harder for fish. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush in 10-15 feet of water with a jig and waxie. Average fish is 7-8 inches. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish 18-20 feet of water with a jig or spoon tipped with a waxie or cutbait. Average fish is about 10 inches Coralville ReservoirMost of the lake has 15-20 inches of ice but caution should still be used. No voids under the ice have been found/reported. DO NOT go under the Mehaffey Bridge. Water clarity and oxygen levels are low, resulting in poor fishing. The lake drawdown has not started but may begin next week. Prairie Park FisheryRemember, you need a trout stamp to fish for and to possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Crappie - Fair: For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615. Red Haw LakeAnglers report about 10 inches of ice around the shoreline and 15 to 16 inches out farther. Fishing has been fair for bluegills. Try areas with 20 feet of water and fish about 1-2 feet off the lake bottom. Fishing around brush piles will also increase your catch. If we get a warm-up the ice around the shoreline will start to melt so use caution getting on and off the ice. Albia (lower)Ice thickness is reported as up to 10 inches in some areas. Fishing has been slow and the fishing pressure has been light. Look for the areas marked with buoys as they were placed over brush piles. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the bottom. If we get a warm-up the ice around the shoreline will start to melt so use caution getting on and off the ice. Lake SugemaIce thickness is reported at 8-10 inches. Fishing has been slow on Lake Sugema with some anglers catching a few crappie using wax worms. Concentrate on areas with submerged structure or within a few feet of the lake bottom. If we get a warm-up the ice around the shoreline will start to melt so use caution getting on and off the ice. Rathbun ReservoirThicknesses of 8-12 inches of ice have been reported. Fishing has been slow and fishing pressure has been light. Try to find underwater structure and use small jigs tipped with a minnow. The current lake level is 904.99 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. If we get a warm-up the ice around the shoreline will start to melt so use caution getting on and off the ice. If you have other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406. SOUTHWESTBig Creek LakeBluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills up to nine inches have been coming off the old rock piles and other habitat in the upper half of the lake. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite has been slow to fair at times. Anglers are picking up a few 10-12-inch fish suspended in 30-40 feet of water in the main lake basin near the creek channel using live minnows or glow jigs with wax worms after dark. Walleye - Fair: The walleye catch over 15 inches has been better than in past years. Anglers fishing live minnows or jigging style minnow baits tipped with minnow heads are catching walleye in the main lake basin, especially if they can locate the rock humps. Hickory Grove LakeBluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Bluegills are being caught over habitat out from the points from the south boat ramp down to the island. The most active bite is occurring during the last hour of daylight. Habitat piles in depths of 15 feet or greater are holding better fish. Hooper Area PondBluegill - Good: Anglers are catching fair numbers of bluegills with occasional crappies fishing the lower half of the lake. Lake AhquabiBluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing over the sunken tree and rock piles has been good. Mid lake out from the northwest shoreline is a good area to start targeting. Crappie - Good: Suspended crappies are being caught in the evenings after sunset mid lake in depths of 15 feet or greater using wax worms on glow jigs and live minnows. Lake PetokaRainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Jan. 25. Trout remain to be caught using jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. The very clear water can allow for sight fishing during the day. Ada Hayden Heritage Park LakeRainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Feb. 8. Trout from the recent and November stocking remain for ice anglers in the north portion of Ada Hayden. Fish with small live minnows or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms in 15 feet of water or less. The east and south shorelines of the north portion are most productive. Ice conditions are remaining steady in central Iowa with ice thickness ranging from 18-24 inches. Ice fishing will be continuing well into March. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823. Greenfield LakeThere is a good panfish population. The large size of bluegill in the lake is eight inches and crappie range from 8-12 inches. The lake has 15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in 12-14 feet of water using wax worms. Fish are 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught around cedar tree piles using minnows. Late afternoon has been the best time of day. Nodaway LakeAnglers are reporting fair catches of bluegill. The lake has 15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are beginning to pick up eight-inch bluegills with wax worms. The deeper brush piles are a good starting point. Crappie - No Report: Littlefield LakeIce is 14 inches on the lake. There is a good year class of quality size crappies present in Littlefield. Bluegill - Fair: Eight inch bluegills can be caught in 8-10 feet of water with wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-12 inch crappies were caught using glow in the dark jig heads with minnows. Lake AnitaIce is 10-14 inches thick. Use caution when moving around in the campground arm of the lake as waterfowl created a large area of open water. Bluegill - Slow: Nine-inch plus bluegill are being caught on wax worms in the campground arm. Crappie - Slow: A few quality sized crappies are being caught in the campground arm on minnows and wax worms. Late afternoon has been the best bite. Willow LakeWillow is reported to have nine inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality sized bluegills are being caught on wax worms. Most fish are being caught in 12-14 feet of water. Redear Sunfish - Slow: Quality size redears are being caught with wax worms over cedar tree piles. Viking LakeViking Lake will provide good crappie fishing this winter. The lake has 10-12 inches of ice. Waterfowl have a large portion of the lake open in the concession arm. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush piles in 14-16 feet of water. It is a late afternoon to after dark bite. Use wax worms or minnows to catch crappies ranging from 9-11 inches. Arrowhead PondAnglers are catching quality sized bluegills. Ice is 12 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught in 10 feet of water using wax worms. Lake ManawaManawa has open water on much of the lake. Reports from local anglers say it is unsafe. Crappie - No Report: Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - No Report: Hacklebarney EastHacklebarney 10-12 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught in 10 feet of water around brush with wax worms. Crappie - No Report: Cold Springs District Farm PondsFarm ponds are reported to have 10-12 inches of ice. Anglers reported good bluegill fishing this week. Remember to get permission before fishing privately owned ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish can be a bonus catch while fishing for panfish on farm ponds. Bluegill - Good: Fish with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms to catch bluegill. Generally the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start looking for fish. Crappie - Fair: Larger ponds that support crappie populations can be good in the late afternoon using glow in the dark jigs with minnows or wax worms. Ice conditions range from 9-12 inches in the southwest district. Forecasted warm weather this late in the season will begin to erode ice. Use caution and drill holes often when venturing out. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office in Cold Springs at 712-769-2587. Lake IcariaIce conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having more than 14 inches. Most fishing activity is on the roadbed and along the channel off the beach point. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to 7.5 inches are being caught on wax worms along the roadbed. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to nine inches are being caught with minnows in the evening along the roadbed. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes up to 20 inches are being caught on minnows along the roadbed in the evenings. Grade LakeMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught on wax worms in the evenings. West Lake (Osceola)Most of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving ice conditions along the shoreline. Crappie - Good: Crappies up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows south of the dam. Little River Watershed LakeMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving ice conditions along the shoreline. Walleye - Good: Walleyes between 12-14 inches have been caught using minnows in the evening along the channel west of the campground. Badger Creek LakeMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms along the roadbed. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms and minnows along the channel or roadbed in the main lake in the evenings. Fogle Lake S.W.A.Most of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near the bottom on wax worms along the flooded timber. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows along the flooded timber in the evenings. Mt. Ayr Old ReservoirMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught with wax worms on the cedar tree pile. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 9.5 inches are being caught with wax worms on the cedar tree pile. Lake of Three FiresMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught near the bottom on wax worms from the cedar tree pile north of the dam. Crappie - Slow: Few crappies over 12 inches are being caught with wax worms and minnows from the cedar tree pile north of the dam and along the channel in the early mornings. Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end. Wilson Park LakeMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving the ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught on wax worms near the cedar tree pile west of the dam. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 9.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows near the cedar tree pile west of the dam. Windmill LakeIce conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more of ice. Crappie - Good: Crappies up to 8.5 inches have been caught on wax worms and minnows south of the dam and near the cedar tree pile in the middle of the lake. Afton City ReservoirMost of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving the ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught on wax worms north of the dam. Green Valley LakeMost of the lake has 18 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving the ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills 7-8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms around the cedar tree piles. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows and wax worms near the cedar tree piles. Three Mile LakeMost of the lake has 18 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving the ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 7.5 inches are being caught using wax worms along the channel in the flooded timber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows along the roadbed in the evening. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes up to 18 inches are being caught using minnows along the roadbed in the evenings. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass up to eight inches are being caught on wax worms along the roadbed. Twelve Mile Creek LakeMost of the lake has 18 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving the ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Slow: Big bluegills are being caught on wax worms and minnows near the bottom. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows and wax worms along the channel and the roadbed. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes up to 18 inches are being caught with minnows along the roadbed in the evenings. West Lake (Lenox)Most of the lake has 14 or more inches of ice with the cold weather improving the ice conditions along the shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught using wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught with wax worms along the dam. Fishing success has been variable on many lakes in the district. Most lakes have over 14 inches of ice, and colder temperatures have refrozen the rotted ice areas near the shoreline and ice conditions in these areas can be variable. For more information, call 641-464-3108. - 30 - MICK KLEMESRUD Information SpecialistIowa Department of Natural ResourcesP 515.281.8653 | F 515.281.6794 [log in to unmask] Building | 502 East Ninth Street | Des Moines, IA 50319WWW.IOWADNR.GOVLeading Iowans in Caring for Our Natural Resources. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp