The chill in the air is a reminder that your passion for
fishing can thrive in any season. Each winter, thousands of anglers venture out
onto the ice, embracing some of the finest fishing experiences of the year.
Iowa stands out, offering some of the most remarkable winter catches in the
country.
Although fewer anglers fish in the winter, the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources says anglers often catch more fish through the
ice than during the spring, summer or fall. Fishing tends to be best during the
early and late winter weeks. Mid-winter anglers can have success, particularly
if they fish in the early morning or late evening hours.
Northern Iowa Hot
Spots
Ice fishing conditions vary across Iowa, with northern
Iowa having the longest season due to its colder winters. This region features
Iowa's largest lakes, including Big Spirit Lake, which offers a variety of
catches like yellow perch, walleye, bluegill, and crappie.
Clear Lake, in north central Iowa, draws anglers from Des
Moines and southern Minnesota. During winter, over 100 ice fishing shelters can
be seen on the lake, where fishers catch yellow bass, walleyes, and more.
Shelters range from simple tents to well-equipped trailers resembling tiny
houses.
The Scenic Mississippi Backwaters
The backwaters of the Mississippi River in northeast Iowa
are known for exceptional winter catches of yellow perch, bluegills, crappies,
and largemouth bass. Fish typically do not survive well in shallow backwaters
during the winter. Therefore, it is advisable to focus your ice fishing trip on
deeper, dredged backwater areas.
Central and Western Iowa Gems
Central Iowa has great places for ice fishing. Big Creek
State Park, located northwest of Des Moines, has a large lake with fish like
hybrid striped bass, walleye, and crappie. This lake takes longer to freeze
than smaller lakes.
In western Iowa, Black Hawk Lake in Lake View is a good
spot for crappie. You can also catch quality yellow perch. If you want channel
catfish, use a large auger to make a big hole to pull the fish through,
especially in the newly dredged area in the east basin.
Be Prepared
Every successful ice fishing experience starts with
careful preparation. Four inches of clear blue ice can support an adult.
Five to six inches of clear ice is needed for groups of three to four people,
snowmobiles or ATVs, so be sure the ice is thick enough to support your
fishing party.
Most sporting goods retailers can supply novice anglers
with basic equipment and bait for a successful ice fishing trip, as well as
up-to-date fishing regulations and licenses. The Iowa DNR also allows anglers
online access to the state's fishing regulations and a secure portal
for purchasing fishing licenses.
Posted by: Iowa Tourism Office
Posted on: 22/12/2025