If your Christmas break includes plans for ice fishing, the latest fishing report from the DNR indicates solid ice conditions across several area lakes. Here’s a quick summary of the current conditions:
East Lake Okoboji is fully covered with around 9 inches of ice. Anglers are seeing good catches of black crappie and bluegill around functional docks, with fair conditions for largemouth bass further offshore. Yellow perch are also plentiful, though sorting may be necessary.
Ingham now boasts about 9.5 inches of ice. Walleye fishing is fair, with the best bites occurring in the morning and afternoon.
Silver Lake in Dickinson, with approximately 8.5 inches of ice, offers good walleye fishing. While the bite can be hit-or-miss, it’s very rewarding when active.
Spirit Lake is now fully iced over with up to 9 inches of ice in some locations. Reports of quality-size black crappie up to 14 inches, along with good bluegill and walleye catches, particularly in the evening using leeches and bobbers from shore or crankbaits and slip bobbers by boat. Yellow perch are also abundant, though some sorting is needed.
Most areas are now fishable by foot, on West Lake Okoboji Lake, though caution is advised as some parts of the main lake are still unsafe. Anglers are reporting fair black crappie and good bluegill catches.
With most area lakes having 8.5 or more inches of ice, anglers are advised to check ice thickness frequently, especially since recent snowfall may obscure newly frozen areas. For current conditions, contact the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-eighteen—forty.
In more DNR fishing news, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will start trout stockings Jan 3rd.
The DNR will release rainbow trout in nine locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A family-friendly event is paired with some stockings to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.
The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.
Children aged 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but together, they can only keep one daily limit. Children can pay the trout fee, allowing them to keep their own daily limit.
Nearby locations to enjoy the trout event, include Bacon Creek Lake in Sioux City at 1pm on January 3rd and noon on February first at Scharnberg Pond in Spencer.
Winter trout stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/trout for the full schedule and possible changes to the schedule.
Stay safe and enjoy the winter fishing season!
