Iowa Great Lakes Fishing

Ice conditions in the Iowa Great Lakes are marginal at best. Only foot traffic, pulling a Solo Frabill, and a hand auger are recommended. Ice depth will vary and there are many areas of open water. Anglers like the ice fishing Mavericks from Royal, are still venturing out on the ice pack with ice picks around their necks.
Big Spirit is still producing medium perch as is Silver Lake at Ayrshire. West Okoboji's Little Emerson is still the best bet for bluegills, but the bite has slowed down. Five Island Lake at Emmetsburg is producing walleyes and some nice crappies, both around Second and Third Islands.
For many, the ice fishing season is over. Don't forget to run some gas stabilizer through your power augers, that way they will be ready next winter. Spring IS just around the corner.
Jim McDonnell, is a professional fishing guide and outdoor writer who lives in Royal, Iowa. 712 933-5532.

[genio]

Jim, plenty of ice here in good old Northern Minnesota. We may have ice for several weeks yet. Plan on being at the Northwest Sports Show on Saturday and will look you up before or after one of your seminars.
Gene in Duluth

[Speedy]

I took a little trip around the area this afternoon. The ice is out on Big Spirit from templar park to the north end and east about halfway across, Anglers still has ice, I don't know how good, there was a pickup out in the middle of the bay. West Okoboji is open in the middle from about Hiawatha point to the south end, Bays are still frozen. East Okoboji has several large open areas. Tim Roberts