Minnewashta Lake

Many smaller and shallower lakes are now open. The conditions on the lakes that still have ice do not allow for safe fishing. Continued warm weather should open up most covered lakes in the coming week. The walleye season is now close on the IGL's until May 4th.

The Walleye season is currently closed.

Black Crappie - Fair:

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Many smaller and shallower lakes are now open. The conditions on the lakes that still have ice do not allow for safe fishing. Continued warm weather should open up most covered lakes in the coming week. The walleye season is now close on the IGL's until May 4th.

Black Crappie - Fair:

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Area ice conditions have deteriorated extensively making ice fishing essentially impossible. Many shallower lakes have begun to open up in areas and shorelines are receding. The walleye season is now close on the IGL's until May 4th.

The Walleye season is currently closed.

Black Crappie - Fair:

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Area ice conditions have been highly variable. Most areas are still completely ice covered. Most areas range from 6-10 inches. Ice conditions deteriorated extensively as consistent above freezing temperatures have been experienced for the last couple weeks. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that have deteriorated the most. The walleye season closes on the IGL's February 14th.

Ice conditions are in the 7-10 inch range.

Black Crappie - Fair:

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Area ice conditions have been highly variable. Most areas are still completely ice covered. Most areas range from 6-10 inches. Ice conditions deteriorated extensively as consistent above freezing temperatures have been experienced for the last couple weeks. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that have deteriorated the most. The walleye season closes on the IGL's February 14th.

Ice conditions are in the 7-10 inch range.

Black Crappie - Fair:

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

All area lakes are completely ice covered. Area ice conditions range from 8-12 inches. Ice conditions should continue to improve as the forecast calls for continued below freezing temps. The largest lakes have been the last to freeze.

Ice conditions are in the 10-12 inch range.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Area ice conditions have been highly variable. All areas are completely ice covered. Most areas range from 8-12 inches. Ice conditions will unfortunately begin to deteriorate as consistent above freezing temperatures are expected to continue for at least a week. Use extra caution along shorelines and accesses that will deteriorate fastest.

Ice conditions are in the 10-12 inch range.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

All area lakes are completely ice covered. Area ice conditions range from 8-12 inches. Ice conditions should continue to improve as the forecast calls for continued below freezing temps. The largest lakes have been the last to freeze.

Ice conditions are in the 10-12 inch range.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area lakes have around 5 in of ice or less. Current temperatures are below freezing and should continue to get colder over the next week. Expect ice conditions to get better and better each day. The largest lakes have been the last to freeze. Bays and smaller lakes are your best bet for safe ice fishing access. Be sure to check ice frequently as there are many open areas that have frozen more recently.

Ice conditions are in the 4 inch range.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area water levels are a few inches below crest. Most larger lakes are almost completely open. Warmer weather and rain showers has knocked back any ice that has been made. Expect ice to start building this weekend as high temperatures will finally be at or below freezing. Some bays have thicker ice, but otherwise ice fishing access can be hard to find. Check ice often if attempting to go out.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area water levels are a few inches below crest. Most smaller lakes are covered in a thin layer of ice with a few inches max. Warm conditions during the day have hindered ice production. Some bays have thicker ice, but otherwise fishing access can be hard to find. Check ice often if going out.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area water levels are a few inches below crest. Most smaller lakes are covered in a thin layer of ice. Warm conditions during the day have hindered ice production. Some bays have thicker ice, but otherwise fishing access can be hard to find. Check ice often if going out.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR

Most area water levels are a few inches below crest. Most smaller lakes are covered in a thin layer of ice. Warm conditions have deteriorated any ice that has set up. Until the ice thickens more, fishing access is hard to find.

Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly trolling over vegetation and using minnows and plastics has been working well for many anglers

Bluegill - Fair:

Pumpkinseed - Good:

Source: Iowa DNR