It’s cold out, so it’s time to go fishing. Here is the Iowa Department of Natural Resources weekly report on some area fishing holes:
Ice conditions may change fast with warmer temperatures. Backwaters have about 20 inches of ice. Use caution when going on ice. Check ice depths often. The bite is variable. Bluegill – Slow: Find fish in slack water out of current. Stumps, brush piles, and deep holes hold fish. Use small jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms. Black Crappie – Fair: Find fish in 8-10 feet water. Use minnows, waxworms, and multi-colored spikes on a teardrop shaped bladed lure.
Blue Pit
Trout are still being caught. Fish near the pier with small jigs tipped with live bait. Rainbow Trout – Fair.
Ice thickness is 17-20 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Ice heaves have made access on the lake difficult in spots.Yellow Bass – Good: The bite has picked up. Use light tackle and be mobile to stay on fish. The best bite is still at dawn and the last hour of light. Walleye – Fair: Try jigging spoons and minnow heads near the island. The best bite is still at dawn and the last hour of light. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 17-21 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Walleye – Slow.
