Family-Outdoors

Stay Safe While Paddling Rivers and Streams: A Family Guide

2024-06-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

Embarking on a paddling adventure with your family is a fantastic way to explore nature, bond, and create lasting memories. Whether you're navigating a serene river or a lively stream, safety should always be a top priority. Here’s a guide to ensure your family paddling trips are both fun and safe.

1. Choose the Right Waterway

Assess Skill Levels: Select a river or stream that matches the experience and skill levels of all family members. Beginners should start with calm, slow-moving waters. Be realistic!
Research Conditions: Check for water levels, flow rates, and weather forecasts. High water levels and strong currents can make paddling dangerous, even for experienced paddlers. This USGS Water Conditions site is a good starting point.

2. Wear Proper Gear

Life Jackets: Ensure everyone wears a well-fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times.
Appropriate Clothing: Wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothes and avoid cotton. In cooler weather, consider wetsuits or drysuits.
Footwear: Opt for water shoes or sandals with good grip to protect feet and provide stability.

3. Pack Safety Equipment

First Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked first aid kit and know how to use it.
Whistle and Signals: Equip each paddler with a whistle to signal for help if needed. Establish basic hand signals for communication on the water.
Throw Bag: A throw bag with a floating rope can be a lifesaver in swift currents.

4. Know Your Route

Map and Plan: Study your route in advance. Know the entry and exit points, potential hazards, and rest spots.
Inform Others: Let someone know your paddling plan, including your expected return time.

5. Understand the Water

Read the River: Learn to recognize river features such as eddies, currents, and potential obstacles like rocks and fallen trees.
Avoid Strainers: Strainers are obstacles that allow water to pass through but can trap paddlers. Steer clear of downed trees and branches in the water.

6. Practice Paddling Techniques

Basic Strokes: Master basic paddling strokes and steering techniques. Practicing these skills in calm water before venturing into moving water can boost confidence and control.
Capsize Drills: Teach your family how to respond if the canoe or kayak tips over. Practice self-rescue techniques in a controlled environment.

7. Stay Together

Buddy System: Pair up paddlers and ensure no one paddles alone. Stay within sight and sound of each other at all times.
Lead and Sweep: Designate a lead paddler to navigate the route and a sweep paddler to ensure no one falls behind.

8. Be Weather-Wise

Check Forecasts: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Sudden changes in weather can significantly impact water conditions.
Prepare for Sun and Rain: Bring sunscreen, hats, and rain gear to protect against the elements.

9. Respect Nature

Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, respect wildlife, and stay on designated paths to protect the natural environment.
Campsite Safety: If camping, set up your site away from the water’s edge to avoid flooding and to respect local regulations.

10. Know Your Limits

Stay Within Comfort Zones: Don't push beyond your comfort or skill level. It’s okay to turn back or choose an easier route.
Take Breaks: Rest regularly to stay hydrated and energized. Fatigue can lead to accidents and decreased enjoyment.

Paddling rivers and streams can be a thrilling family activity, offering a perfect blend of adventure, exercise, and nature appreciation. By following these safety tips, you can ensure that your family’s paddling experiences are memorable for all the right reasons. Stay safe, paddle smart, and enjoy the water!

Share Your Experiences

Have tips or stories about family paddling trips? Share them in the comments below! Let’s create a community of safe and happy paddlers.

By prioritizing safety and preparation, your family can fully enjoy the wonders of paddling while minimizing risks. Here's to many safe and joyful paddling adventures ahead!

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Top 5 Midwestern States for Public Land Adventures

2024-06-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

The Midwest: a land of rolling plains, vast farmlands, and friendly smiles. But beneath that seemingly simple exterior lies a treasure trove of outdoor adventure, much of it accessible on incredible public lands. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a curious daytripper, the Midwest offers stunning scenery, diverse ecosystems, and ample opportunities to get your boots dirty (or your kayak paddles wet!).

So, grab your gear and your sense of wonder, because we're diving into the top 5 Midwestern states for public land outdoor recreation:

1. Minnesota: The Land of 10,000 Lakes (and Endless Adventure)

Minnesota lives up to its nickname with a staggering number of lakes, rivers, and forests. Voyageurs National Park [Voyageurs National Park website] is a paddler's paradise, offering access to countless waterways teeming with wildlife. If you're looking for dry land adventures, Superior National Forest boasts incredible hiking trails, including sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Don't forget to check out the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for a true backcountry experience.

2. Michigan: The Great Lakes Playground

Michigan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the otherworldly beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore [Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore website] with its dramatic sandstone cliffs and hidden waterfalls. Sleep under a canopy of stars in the vast Huron-Manistee National Forests, or kayak through the crystal-clear waters of Isle Royale National Park [Isle Royale National Park website]. History buffs will love exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with its towering dunes and historic lighthouses.

3. Missouri: The Show Me State's Hidden Gems

Missouri offers a surprising variety of landscapes. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways provides a unique way to explore the region by floating down crystal-clear rivers. Hike through the rugged beauty of the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, or delve into the otherworldly landscape of the Mark Twain National Forest, where caves, sinkholes, and hidden springs abound.

4. Wisconsin: Escape to the Northwoods

Wisconsin is a nature lover's dream. Explore the glacial lakes and dramatic rock formations of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore [Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website], or kayak through the wild beauty of the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway. Hike the scenic trails of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, or paddle the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which spills over from Minnesota.

5. Iowa: More Than Just Cornfields

Iowa might surprise you with its diverse public lands. The Loess Hills National Scenic Area offers stunning overlooks and unique geological formations. Explore the hidden waterfalls and prairies of Ledges State Park, or go spelunking in the awe-inspiring Maquoketa Caves State Park. Paddlers will love navigating the tranquil waters of the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife and Fish Refuge.

Bonus Tip: Always check with the managing agency for regulations, permits, and closures before you head out on your public land adventure. Happy exploring!

Exploring the Health Benefits of Hiking: Your Path to Wellness, No Matter Where You Live

2024-05-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hiking is more than just a recreational activity; it’s a gateway to improved health and well-being. Whether you're navigating a bustling city, wandering through suburban trails, or trekking across rural landscapes, hiking offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. In this blog post, we'll delve into why hiking is beneficial and provide tips on personal safety to ensure your adventures are both enjoyable and secure.

MISSOURI HIKING

The Health Benefits of Hiking

Physical Health

Cardiovascular Fitness: Hiking is an excellent cardiovascular workout. It elevates your heart rate, which helps improve circulation, reduce blood pressure, and lower the risk of heart disease.
Muscle Strength: Trails often have varied terrain, which can challenge different muscle groups. Your legs, core, and even upper body get a workout, especially if you’re using trekking poles.
Bone Density: Weight-bearing activities like hiking help build and maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Weight Management: Hiking burns calories, making it an effective activity for weight management. The number of calories burned depends on the trail’s difficulty and your pace, but even a moderate hike can make a significant difference.

Mental Health

Stress Reduction: Being in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of daily life can reduce stress levels. The sights and sounds of nature have a calming effect on the mind.
Mood Improvement: Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Hiking can help combat depression and anxiety, leading to a more positive outlook on life.
Improved Sleep: Regular physical activity, like hiking, can improve the quality of your sleep. Exposure to natural light also helps regulate your sleep cycle.
Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Being in nature boosts creativity and cognitive function. The peace and quiet allow your mind to wander and relax, often leading to improved problem-solving skills.

Hiking for All Locations

City Dwellers

Living in a city doesn’t mean you’re cut off from hiking opportunities. Many cities have urban parks, greenways, and even nature reserves. Exploring these areas can offer a quick escape from urban stress and provide all the benefits of hiking without the need for long travel.

Suburban Residents

Suburban areas often have local parks, nature trails, and community paths. These settings provide a balance of convenience and natural beauty. Suburban trails can be a great way to stay active and explore your local environment.

Rural Areas

For those in rural areas, hiking trails are often more accessible, offering a deeper immersion in nature. The abundance of natural landscapes means you can explore diverse terrains, from forests to mountains, often without the crowds found in more populated areas.

Personal Safety Tips for Hiking

Safety should always be a top priority when hiking. Here are some essential tips to ensure your hikes are safe and enjoyable:

Plan Ahead: Research your trail before heading out. Know the distance, difficulty, and any potential hazards. Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
Tell Someone: Always inform someone about your hiking plans, including your intended trail and expected return time.
Stay Hydrated: Bring enough water, especially for longer hikes. Dehydration can occur quickly, especially in hot or humid conditions.
Pack Essentials: Carry a map, compass, or GPS device, a first-aid kit, and some high-energy snacks. Consider packing a whistle and a flashlight as well.
Dress Appropriately: Wear suitable clothing and footwear. Layer your clothing to adjust to changing weather conditions, and choose shoes with good traction and support.
Stay on the Trail: Stick to marked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect the natural environment.
Wildlife Awareness: Be aware of local wildlife and know how to react if you encounter animals. Keep a safe distance and do not feed or approach wildlife.
Personal Protection: Depending on the area, consider carrying pepper spray or a personal alarm. Learn basic self-defense skills if possible.

Conclusion

Hiking is a versatile and accessible activity that offers numerous health benefits, regardless of where you live. From improving cardiovascular fitness to boosting mental health, the advantages of hiking are profound. By taking the necessary safety precautions, you can ensure your hikes are not only beneficial but also safe. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and hit the trails to embark on a journey towards better health and well-being.

Happy hiking!

Safe and Enjoyable Family Hikes in the Summer

2024-05-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Family hiking offers great mental and physical
health benefits....keep it fun and safe!

Summer is the perfect time for families to embrace the great outdoors and enjoy some quality time together. One of the best ways to experience nature is through hiking. Family hikes not only promote physical fitness but also provide opportunities to bond, explore, and create lasting memories. However, ensuring that your family hikes are safe and enjoyable requires some planning and preparation. Here are some tips and recommendations for making your summer family hikes both fun and safe.

St. Louis Hiking

Choosing the Right Trail

1. Research Family-Friendly Trails: When planning a family hike, especially with younger children, choose trails that are known to be family-friendly. Look for trails that are relatively short, have gentle inclines, and offer plenty of shade. National parks and local nature reserves often have designated family hiking trails with clear signage and facilities.

2. Check Trail Conditions: Before heading out, check the trail conditions and weather forecast. Summer weather can be unpredictable, and it's important to ensure that the trail is safe and not affected by recent weather events such as heavy rain or extreme heat.

Packing Essentials for Safety and Comfort

3. Bring Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the summer heat. Pack enough water for all family members and take regular breaks to drink. A hydration pack can be a convenient option for carrying water.

4. Wear Appropriate Clothing and Footwear: Dress in lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing to stay cool and comfortable. Hats and sunglasses can protect against the sun. Ensure everyone wears sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes or boots to prevent blisters and provide good traction on uneven terrain.

5. Use Sunscreen and Bug Repellent: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to all exposed skin to prevent sunburns. Reapply as needed throughout the hike. Additionally, use insect repellent to protect against ticks and mosquitoes, which can be prevalent in wooded areas.

Keeping the Hike Fun and Engaging

6. Plan for Frequent Breaks: Children may need more frequent breaks than adults. Plan to stop regularly for water, snacks, and rest. Use these breaks to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and observe wildlife.

7. Pack Healthy Snacks: Bring a variety of healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts, trail mix, and energy bars to keep everyone energized. Snacks can also serve as a great way to motivate kids to keep going.

8. Make it Educational: Turn the hike into a learning experience by teaching your kids about the local flora and fauna. Bring a field guide or use a nature identification app to identify plants, birds, and insects. This can make the hike more engaging and educational.

Ensuring Safety on the Trail

9. Stick to the Trail: Always stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost and to protect the natural environment. Teach children the importance of following trail markers and staying together as a group.

10. Be Prepared for Emergencies: Carry a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications. A small whistle can be useful for signaling in case someone gets separated from the group.

11. Know Your Limits: Be realistic about your family’s abilities and stamina. Choose a hike that matches your fitness levels and be prepared to turn back if anyone feels tired or unwell.

Recommended Family Hiking Spots

12. Acadia National Park, Maine: Acadia offers a variety of family-friendly hikes with stunning coastal views. The Jordan Pond Path is a popular, easy hike that’s perfect for families.

13. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia: The park’s Skyline Drive provides access to numerous short, scenic hikes suitable for all ages. Stony Man Trail offers panoramic views with a relatively easy climb.

14. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina: This park boasts an abundance of family-friendly trails. The Laurel Falls Trail is a favorite, featuring a beautiful waterfall and a manageable distance for young hikers.

15. Yosemite National Park, California: Yosemite offers spectacular scenery and trails for all skill levels. The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a short, easy hike that leads to one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls.

16. Olympic National Park, Washington: With its diverse ecosystems, Olympic National Park provides various family-friendly hiking options. The Hoh Rain Forest offers easy trails through lush, moss-covered landscapes.

Family hikes in the summer are a wonderful way to enjoy nature, stay active, and strengthen family bonds. By choosing the right trails, packing the essentials, and prioritizing safety, you can ensure that your hiking adventures are both safe and enjoyable. So, grab your gear, plan your route, and head out into the great outdoors for some unforgettable family fun this summer!

Wisconsin: Find Your Adventure During Free Fun Weekend June 3-4

2023-06-01T09:17:00.002-07:00

State Park Admissions, Fishing Licenses And Trail Passes Waived

State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes
are waived for all visitors June 3-4, 2023. /
Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites the public to head outdoors for the 11th annual Free Fun Weekend happening June 3-4, 2023. State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all Wisconsin residents and non-residents.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 lakes, the DNR invites Wisconsinites to discover a new favorite park, trail, forest or recreation area, or to try a new activity during Free Fun Weekend. This is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin.

“Free Fun Weekend is always a great opportunity for the DNR property crews to welcome summer visitors back,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau Director of Parks and Recreation Management. “If you’ve never visited a state park, forest, trail or recreation area, this is the perfect weekend to find your outdoor adventure.”

Free Fun Weekend is an opportunity for more residents to visit the parks and to give fishing for food or fun a try. All the waters of the state are open to residents and non-residents alike.

“If you haven’t fished in a while or never fished Free Fun Weekend is a great chance to give it a try,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Bureau Director of Fisheries Management. “If you don’t have any fishing gear, no problem. You can check out our tackle loaner sites or join one of the many free events over the weekend, and enjoy your time in Wisconsin’s great outdoors.”

Free fishing clinics are held this weekend at state and municipal properties to provide instruction for beginning anglers. Find fishing clinics and more Free Fun events by visiting the DNR’s events calendar.

Find a full list of Wisconsin state properties, activities and maps by visiting the DNR’s website. Reserve a shelter or campsite through the DNR’s online booking system. Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know:

STATE PARKS

Vehicle admission stickers will not be required.
All state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Programs and events are posted online at the DNR’s website.

TRAILS

All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.
ATV, UTVs and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.

FISHING

Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
All 2023-2024 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits.
This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish and northern pike to be active.
New to fishing? Check out free clinics hosted at state properties.
Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.

BOAT LAUNCHES

All DNR boat launches are open.
Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.

SAFETY

Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
Use boat lights after sunset.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV ride or while operating a boat.
Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV.
All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet - bicycle helmets are not legal.
Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.

Grab your family and friends and head outdoors for Free Fun Weekend! Take the trail less traveled and head to some lesser known “hidden gem” state properties. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.

Wyoming-Free Fishing Day June 3

2023-05-25T07:38:00.005-07:00

Do you love fishing? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try to fish but don’t know where to start? Either way, Free Fishing Day is for you! On June 3 this year you can fish without a license. It’s the perfect time to try out a new hobby or keep doing what you already love. Families can enjoy fun fishing events throughout the state beginning on Free Fishing Day. Plan to attend an event near you!

Get hooked on crappies this spring

2023-05-19T08:25:00.002-07:00

BY JERRY KANE ON MAY 15, 2023

FISHING NEWS

By Daryl Bauer

There is no doubt the fish species that can send the largest number of anglers to the banks during the spring outbreak of fishing fever is crappies.

Everyone loves to sit on a shoreline on a warm afternoon and experience a good crappie bite. What can an angler do to maximize the number of spring days catching crappies?

Crappies love warm areas; they also love bays, coves, corners and similar areas that are protected from the wind, especially cold north and northwest winds. Find cover in those warming areas — emergent vegetation, stalks of last summer’s submerged vegetation, brush piles, fallen trees or beaver lodges — and you likely will find some spring crappies. Rocks and rocky habitats also hold fish, but, on many Nebraska reservoirs, those hold more crappies later in the spring after the water has warmed more.

Where did they go?

Fish for crappies on a beautiful spring afternoon and everything can be grand. Go back the next day when the wind is blowing and you will be lucky to dry off one crappie. In some cases, those crappies may be in the same spot, just tucked deeper into cover, but it is more likely they went toward deeper water.

Depending on where they started, how shallow they were, and the severity of the weather change, crappie may not have moved far. Or they may have moved hundreds of yards back to the relative stability of deeper water.

If those crappies moved out of the shallows with the weather change, they likely will not be as active or as easy to catch. Vertical presentations probably will be the best way to catch a few fish.

As spring progresses, the water warms and the weather stabilizes, the wild shifts in crappie location and feeding attitude will lessen. Pick your days and fish when the crappies are most likely to be shallow and catchable or follow the movements and catch fish even when the weather changes.

Keep it simple

Presentations for spring crappies should be relatively simple.

Crappies will chase prey, and at times, they can be quite aggressive. Much of the time, however, they are a lot more laid back. Even though their intent is just as deadly as a muskellunge or flathead catfish, their feeding strategy is completely different. Remember that and you will catch more crappies at all times of year.

Slow and steady, nothing fancy, nothing too aggressive usually is best for crappies, especially in the cold water of early spring. Put a bait in their vicinity, keep it there and give them a chance to move in and eat it.

Where allowed, nothing is simpler than a bobber, split shot, light wire hook, and a small, lively minnow. Dabble that in front of a crappie most anytime and they will eat; that is predator/prey dynamics at its simplest and rawest.

I like light wire hooks because they keep minnows lively. Even with 8-pound test line, you usually can straighten the hook when you get snagged in the woody cover you likely will be fishing. Hook the minnows through the back, just under the dorsal fin.

Use bobbers only as large as needed to suspend the bait. Bobbers that are too big inhibit bite detection and result in less fish caught.

Crappie jigs are a popular option. A selection of 1/64- to 1/8-ounce jig heads and a variety of plastic bodies will give you the tools you need and an infinite variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Other options include tube bodies, imitation minnows, marabou jigs and wax worms.

Jigs are meant to be cast and retrieved but remember slow and steady is usually best for crappies, especially in the spring. Bobbers are not just for fishing live bait. Attach a bobber on your line at the depth you want to fish and you can fish a jig slower.

The spawn

The spring crappie bite can be good weeks before the fish are thinking about nesting and spawning. That means when the fish are shallow, they may be in some of the same areas over a couple of months. As they get closer to spawning, the crappies, especially males, will become darker colored. Expect the bite to slow as the fish get closer to spawning. Males will select small territories, then build and defend their nests, which often are located next to shallow water cover objects.

When spawning behavior starts, males stay close to their nests and will not move far to take baits. Fish slowly and put baits right on the crappies to get them to bite during the spawn. Females may stage close by until they are ready to move onto a nest and deposit eggs; they also tend to have something other than feeding on their mind during the spawn.

Once the spawn is over, crappies tend to disperse and head toward more open waters. Depending on the water body, available habitat, and prey, they may venture to emerging beds of aquatic vegetation, wander in the middle of the lake, or utilize some other type of deeper-water habitat.

Some crappies will remain in shallow cover year-round, but most crappies become more difficult to catch as they disperse and roam open water feeding on abundant prey during summer.

Crappies still can be caught during the summer, but the fishing usually is not as easy as it was during those warm, spring days when everyone wants to go crappie fishing.

Daryl Bauer is the fisheries outreach program manager for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report 5/19

2023-05-19T07:51:00.001-07:00

Win weekly prizes and help Iowa DNR expand walleye collection data by simply recording your catches May 1 - June 30.

It's easy to join in the fun! Register today. There is a $25 entry fee; only paid participants qualify for prizes.

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and near the outlet. Black Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up crappie close to shore along the Ice House Point shoreline, from the fish house in Town Bay, and in the marina with small jigs. Some sorting is needed. Channel Catfish - Fair. Walleye - Good: Anglers are picking up good numbers of 12- to 18-inch walleye along shore and from boats. Yellow Perch - Fair.

Brushy Creek Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 60s. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a jig and minnow in 5-10 feet of water near shore and woody structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Walleye - Fair: Bite is hit-or-miss; a few fish have been in the mid to upper 20-inch range.

North Twin Lake
Water clarity is 4 feet. Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Water levels remain low; use caution when loading boats at the ramps. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig or a minnow and jig under a bobber along the shore and docks. Largemouth Bass - Good. Muskellunge - Fair: Anglers are picking up some musky. Fish are under 24 inches. Walleye - Good: Fishing has been productive for boat anglers using planer boards and crankbaits.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Water clarity is roughly 4 feet. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; and no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a jig or a jig and minnow under a bobber along docks rocky shorelines and in the marina. Walleye - Slow: Use live bait and twisters from shore in the evenings. Try the edges of the dredge cuts with crawler harnesses or crankbaits. Yellow Bass - Fair: Most fish are 5- to 7-inches.Yellow Perch - Slow.

Water temperatures are in the mid-60s in most area lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Water temperature is in the low 60s. Lake level is 3.1 inches above crest. Water clarity is 6 feet. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies around the rush beds and from the jetties. Best bite is in the morning. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a piece of cut bait fished on the bottom from the wind-swept shore. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success fishing a jig and minnow near vegetation or trolling crankbaits in 8 to10 feet of water. Yellow Bass - Good: Try a small jig near vegetation and around the island. Best bite is early morning.

Crystal Lake
Water temperature is in the low 60s. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a minnow or jig near woody habitat. Bluegill - Fair.

Rice Lake
Water temperature is in the low 60s.Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye - Fair: Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Water temperature is in the low 60s.Largemouth Bass – Good. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Winnebago River
Water level is 7.9 feet. Northern Pike - Slow. Walleye - Slow: Use a jig head and minnow along current breaks.

For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
The water temperature is in the mid-60s. The walleye season is open. Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye - Good. Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting will be needed.

Ingham Lake
Walleye - Fair.

Lost Island Lake
Water temperatures are in the lower 60s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie - Good. Walleye – Good.

Minnewashta Lake
Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill - Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Courtesy docks are in place. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Walleye - Fair.

Spirit Lake
The water temperature is in the low 60s. All boat ramp docks are in place. The walleye season is open. Black Bullhead - Good. Black Crappie - Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Walleye - Good: Leaches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch - Fair.

West Okoboji Lake
Water temperatures are in the lower 60s. All docks are in place. The walleye season is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill - Fair. Walleye - Good: Leaches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch - Fair: Sorting may be needed.

Courtesy docks are in for the season. Water temperatures are in the middle to low 60s. Most area water levels are a few inches over crest. The fish bite has been very good across most areas.Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge that runs 5/1 - 6/30 for statewide prizes for anglers. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water clarity is muddy with high flows. Water levels are falling, but up about 3 feet. Water temperatures are on the rise with warmer weather. Channel Catfish - Good: Try a dead chub or stink baits fished in slack water areas. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Try fishing eddies and current breaks. Walleye - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or worm below dams. Try using a 3-way with enough weight to keep the weight on the bottom.

Decorah District Streams
Area streams are in good condition. All stocked streams are announced at least once a month. Stocking continues at traditional rates, weekly or bimonthly. When on private property open to fishing, fishing is the only activity allowed. Brook Trout - Fair: Good hatches of a variety of gnats, mayflies, caddis flies, and midges. Brown Trout - Good: Try fishing near or around logs or undercut banks. Spinnerbaits work well. Try using streamers on larger waterbodies. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use spinnerbaits, hair jigs or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floating through deeper holes. Freshly stocked fish are waiting to take your bait.

Lake Hendricks
Water clarity is improving. Water temperature is in the mid-60s. Fish are starting to move shallow to spawn. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie action is picking up as the water warms. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers fishing near shore are finding gills. Use a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are starting to spawn in shallow water.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is about 3 feet. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie are starting to bite. Use a small jig near shore edges. Bluegill - Fair. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Try a spinnerbait fished in 3-4 feet of water.

Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water is muddy with high flows. Water levels are up about 4 feet and stabilizing. Water temperatures in the upper 50s. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Use a jig with a twister tail fished in the eddies and off channel areas. Walleye - Slow: Early morning or late evening bite is best. Try fishing the deeper holes with a crank or spinnerbait. White Sucker - Good: Try fishing the deeper holes with a worm fished near bottom.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Water is muddy with high flows. Water levels are up about 1.5 feet and falling. Use caution during early season paddling. Log jams and other strainers may have moved. Hypothermia is still a threat with cooler water temperatures. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Try fishing near undercut banks and current breaks. A flashy jig works well. Fly anglers using streamers are picking up some action. Walleye - Slow: Angling for walleye is picking up below the dams. Use a jig tipped with a plastic tail or crankbait.

Volga Lake
Water temperature is in the mid-60s. Fish activity is improving, especially near shore rocky areas. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing along the rocky edges in deeper water. Bluegill - Fair. Channel Catfish - Good: Trophy catfish are plentiful in this lake. Use a large crawler fished under a bobber in the evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Find bass in the shallow bays; use a crank or spinnerbait.

Area interior rivers and streams are up and muddy. Weekend temperatures in the mid-70s during the day to 40s overnight. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching crappie and bluegill as they stage for the upcoming spawn. Black Crappie - Excellent: Cast lighter jigs tipped with plastics or try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater artificial lures or spinnerbaits.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is high and muddy.

George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching crappie as they stage for the upcoming spawn. Black Crappie - Excellent: Cast lighter jigs tipped with plastics.

Lake Delhi
Anglers are catching crappie; some sorting may be needed. Avoid weekends and evenings due to heavy boat traffic. Black Crappie - Good: Cast lighter jigs tipped with plastics near structure or docks.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye - Good: Use plastics with a jig.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is high and muddy.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is on the rise; no reports this past week.

Some interior rivers are on the rise, check the USGS website for the most recent river levels. Lakes in and around Cedar Falls/Waterloo have been hot for crappie as they are currently spawning in the shallows. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Contact your local bait shop for the most recent angling opportunities. For more information, contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 12 feet at Lansing and is expected to drop to 11 feet over the next week. New Albin Army Road and Heytman's Landing are closed due to water over the road. Lansing Village Creek is inaccessible for larger boats under the railroad bridge. Some lower profile boats are able to clear the R.R. bridge. Fish are biting; look for areas away from the heavy current. Water temperature is near 63 degrees. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill - Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try a weighted crawler in moderate current from shore. Shorthead Redhorse - Good: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye - Slow: Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level is near 622.2 feet at Lynxville and is expected to fall below 621 feet this week. Ramps at Bussey Lake, Sny Magill and Noble's Island are under water and closed. The high water ramp at Harpers Ferry is accessible. The bite is picking up with warmer water temperatures. Water temperature is 65 degrees at the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill - Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with some nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are actively feeding. Use a weighted crawler in moderate current from shore. Shorthead Redhorse - Good: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch from shore. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye - Slow: Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is 13.5 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to fall to 12 feet over the next week. Guttenberg city ramp, the DNR ramp, Turkey River, and Finleys are under water and closed. Gates are out of the water at the dam. The bite is picking up with the warmer water. Water temperature is in the mid-60s. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill - Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with some nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try a weighted crawler from shore. Shorthead Redhorse - Fair: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch from shore. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye - Slow: Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12.

Upper Mississippi River water levels are slowly receding. Many boat ramps are still flooded and full of mud/debris. Call ahead for local conditions. Fishing is picking up as water temperatures rise into the 60s.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is dropping to near 15 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and around 17 feet at the RR bridge. This is considered minor flood stage. Water temperature is around 57 degrees; the water is stained. It will take some time to clean up parks and ramps after the flood recedes. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills will follow along the shorelines, even in flooded water. Channel Catfish - No Report: Expect the channel catfish bite to be good soon as they feed heavily in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Walleye - Good: Some nice catches of walleye have been recorded feeding on minnows near shore. White Bass - Good: You can still find fish in flooded conditions; most fish will be along the shorelines. Try minnows or small spinners to catch white bass feeding in these locations. Yellow Perch - No Report: Lots of smaller yellow perch are in the system; this is a good indicator for yellow perch fishing this upcoming year. It is still possible to catch yellow perch along hard shoreline banks, even during flooding conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at Lock and Dam 12 at Bellevue is dropping to near 15 feet. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is around 57 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded out. Water levels have dropped out of all flood stages, but remain very high. It will take some time to clean up boat ramps and parks after the flood. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills will follow along the shorelines, even in flooded water. Channel Catfish - Good: Try to catch channel catfish in places like Middle Sabula Lake, which should not be affected by flood conditions. Fishing in flood waters should yield abundant channel cats. Freshwater Drum - Good: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is closed. Flooding conditions are optimal for successful paddlefish spawns; hopefully this flood will create another strong year class. Rainbow Trout - No Report: Water has receded off the kids fishing pond; most trout probably left the pond during the flood. The area around the pond is very muddy with lots of trash floated in; the pond can still be fished, especially on the west side. It's a mystery on what fish are in the flood after the flood. Shorthead Redhorse - Excellent: Redhorse are running up the tributary rivers like the Maquoketa; they will make some fun action on an egg sinker worm rig. Yellow Perch - No Report: Smaller yellow perch are in the system; this is a good indicator for yellow perch fishing this upcoming year.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level at Fulton is receding to near 15 feet, 17 feet at Camanche, and near 10 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is 58 degrees. Water levels are still in minor flood stage, but may fall out of that stage by next week. It will take some time to clean up parks and ramps after floods recede. Bluegill - No Report: Many good reports on all panfish species in Pool 14 over the winter season. Hope this translates into a good open water season. Channel Catfish - No Report: Expect channel catfish fishing to be good over the next few weeks. Freshwater Drum - Good: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is closed. Flooding conditions are optimal for successful paddlefish spawns; hopefully this flood will create another strong year class. Shorthead Redhorse - Good: Redhorse will soon start to bite and will run up rivers like the Wapsipinicon. They can provide good early season fishing action.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is dropping to near 16 feet. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is 57 degrees. Water level is still in minor flood stage, but should fall out of that stage by next week.

The river is receding throughout the district. The recent snow melt flood was ranked the 3rd highest in this stretch of the river. The Mississippi River is still in action to minor flood stage. It will take some time to clean up all the debris and mud off the parking lots and boat ramps. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 15.30 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. River stage is 15.58 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. Most boat ramps are still closed due to the high water conditions. Fishing has been slow.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 14.71 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 16.69 feet at Muscatine; flood stage is 16 feet. Most boat ramps are still closed due to high water.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 15.58 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. Most boat ramps are still closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 11.66 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage is 16.43 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 528.62 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528.0 feet. Some boat ramps are still closed due to high water conditions. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions.

River stages are still above flood stage. Most boat ramps are still closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 64 degrees. Water clarity has been fair. We have not received much for fishing reports due the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
The water temperature was 68 degrees earlier this week. Water clarity is about 7 feet. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are staying out in deeper water. Don't look for them to come in shallow, the spawn already snuck by. Bluegill - Good: Work the brush piles in 3 to 4 feet of water using small jigs or bobber and worm. Largemouth Bass - Good: Males are on the nests. Try soft plastics tossed back up into the flooded timber near shore over their nests.

Deep Lakes
Water temperatures is around 67 degrees in these old gravel pits. Water clarity is 16-18 feet. Bluegill - Good: Find good near shore habitat and you can get a chance at 10-inch. Water is very clear. Fish are spooky; use caution when approaching or they will run and hide. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of males cruising the shallows looking for a good place to build a nest. Most don’t show the fin wear of having built a nest yet, but it won’t be long.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperatures is 67 degrees. Water clarity is about 8 feet. The curlyleaf pondweed beds are established. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie have moved out to 9 feet of water; they are starting to feed again. They snuck the spawn passed most of the anglers. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on the beds. Work the holes on the curlyleaf beds. The fish are the ones that made the holes while nest building. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass, especially males, are moving in to shallow water. Many are guarding nests.

Lake Darling
The water temperature was 68 degrees on May 15. Water clarity is 5 feet. Some nice weed beds are forming in the NW corner of the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies decided to spawn sometime during one of the warm spells; it happened fast. Most, if not all, have returned back to 8-10 feet of water. Spring survey on Monday failed to find any that were still carrying eggs; found a few young of the year crappies. Bluegill - Good: Many bluegills remain out in 5-6 feet of water. You can find the males on the beds in certain spots; the bluegill spawn has started. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Males continue to build nests; the wear and tear on their fins are starting to show. A few are guarding nests. Females remain out in deeper water.

Lake Geode
Water temperature is 658 degrees. Water clarity is 6 feet. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are back out to deeper water along the drop-offs. Bluegill - Good: Try worm and bobber fished in 3 to 4 feet of water. Might be a good time to head up to the new mounds up across from the beach to find bluegills Largemouth Bass - Good: Most are still under the legal size limit, but they are fun to catch.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is 65-66 degrees. Water clarity is about 7 feet. The weed beds are growing pretty fast. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are determined to stay out in deeper water. Start looking for them by the west boat ramp in the flooded timber. Bluegill - Good: Look for bluegill in the flooded brush in 3 to 4 feet of water. Worm and bobber is hard to beat, but a small jig tipped with a waxworm works nearly as well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for males to be in the shallow water setting up nesting territories. Females will be out a little deeper.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 683.5 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait in the channel or on wind-blown flats. White Crappie - Good: Try fishing around shallow brush or rock fingers in coves.

Diamond Lake
All facilities are open. Black Crappie - Excellent: Target the jetty areas and shorelines with brush. Most fish are 8- to 9-inches. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around shallow rock or sandy pockets. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish have been caught in the shallows and inlet areas.

Hannen Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Most fish are 8- 9-inches; some 13- 14-inch fish are available. Bluegill - Fair: Fish up to 10-inches are being reported. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most fish are 1-2 pounds.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
The curlyleaf pondweed is pretty thick around the shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing shallow brush weedlines or look for fish suspended 5-8 feet down in open water. Bluegill - Fair: Look for fish in pockets of the weeds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing along and in pockets of the weeds.

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures is in the mid-60s. Any sized motor may be used at 5 mph. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing around shallow wood or rock. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are moving to shallower structure and areas adjacent to spawning flats. Spotted bass - Good: Bass are moving to shallower structure and areas adjacent to spawning flats. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing windblown banks or rock reefs. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Most wipers are deeper, but some have been feeding shallow or on the surface at sunrise/sunset.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is drained for the ongoing renovation project.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing around shallow brush. Many fish are around 10-inches. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing around shallow rock and sand. Most fish are around 7-inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try fishing around shallow rock and wood.

Union Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing around shallow brush or rock in pockets. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing shallow pockets. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are moving shallower with warming water.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies will move shallow to spawn. Try small jigs and minnows. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target rip-rapped shorelines fishing slowly with jigs and plastics.

Lake Miami
Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs fished near shore. Keep moving until you find active fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use jigs fished along structure and near shore.

Lake Sugema
Black Crappie - Fair: Look for crappie to start to gather around structure and along the shorelines as the water temperature increases. Try small jigs in these areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits or jigs around rip-rapped shorelines and the rock jetties.

Lake Wapello
Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs along the shorelines and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use jigs or plastics in areas with structure.

Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond)
Rainbow trout were stocked recently. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try spinners or trout bait. Adjust the retrieval speed of your lure until you find what the trout are interested in.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.99 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Courtesy docks have been installed at the Dedication Point boat ramp, Honey Creek State Park and Bridgeview. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Black Crappie - Good: Try jig and minnows around structure. The water temperature is in the low 60s. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleyes trolling bottom bouncers and on crawler harnesses. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on walleye at Lake Rathbun. All walleyes measuring less than 15-inches must be immediately released unharmed. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Anglers are catching hybrid striped bass trolling or vertically jigging.

Red Haw Lake
Visitors are asked to avoid the campground area due to the continued storm damage cleanup. Bluegill - No Report: As the water temperature increases, look for bluegill to start to move closer to shore. Try small jigs, changing your retrieval speed until you find one the fish like.

Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow trout were stocked recently. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use small in-line spinners, spoons 1/8 ounce or smaller, twister tail jigs or live bait under a float.

Big Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie that are moving shallow to spawn fishing live minnows under a float near rock and wood in 6 feet of water or less or cast and retrieve small twister tail or panfish jigs near the same habitat. Walleye - Good: Catch walleyes jigging with twister tails, swimbaits, minnows, and leeches or trolling live bait rigs with minnows or leeches. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake in 10 to 25 feet of water around road beds points and humps during the day and shallow in the evenings.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing live minnows in treefalls or slowly trolling 2 inch or smaller twister tail jigs just out from shore.

Lake Petocka
Rainbow trout were stocked recently. There are some tagged trout for prizes offered by the City of Bondurant. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use small in-line spinners, spoons 1/8 ounce or smaller, twister tail jigs or live bait under a float.

Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing jigs with plastics or live minnows under floats in coves off the main lake and Whitebreast Arm near any shallow rock, riprap or wood. Some of these include Teter Creek Arm, Campetine Creek Arm, and the South Overlook Arm.

Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappies shallow near riprap and wood throughout the lake fishing live minnows under a float or cast small jigs with twister tails, tubes or paddletails.

Terra Lake
Rainbow trout were stocked recently. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Use small in-line spinners, spoons 1/8 ounce or smaller, twister tail jigs or live bait under a float.

Triumph Park West
Rainbow trout were stocked recently. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Try small in-line spinners, spoons 1/8 ounce or smaller, twister tail jigs or live bait under a float.

For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

Greenfield Lake
Anglers are staring to catch crappies around the jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs around the jetties to find 9-inch black crappies. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Greenfield has a good largemouth bass population with a good percentage of 14- to 16-inch fish.

Lake Anita
The water temperature is around 70 degrees. Black Crappie - Fair: Black crappies are near the end of the spawn; look for them around the underwater reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills around traditional spawning areas. Largemouth Bass - Good.

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is 2 feet low. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try shad sides or cut bait on windy shorelines. Catch catfish of all sizes. Walleye - Good: Walleye anglers are having success casting crankbaits.

Orient Lake
Water clarity is 22 inches. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Fish will average 8-inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 5 pounds with cut bait near the cleaning station.

Prairie Rose Lake
Water clarity is very good. Black Crappie - Good: Catch spawning black crappies around jetties and rocky shorelines. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are close to spawning areas. Cast small jigs and move often to find quality bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught all around the lake.

Viking Lake
The Viking Lake water level is close to full and will offer good fishing opportunities. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing around the jetties and underwater reefs to catch late spawning crappies. Bluegill - Good: Cast small jigs and move often to find spawning bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try fishing just outside the flooded terrestrial vegetation.

For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
Docks are in at the beach and dam boat ramps. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles to catch crappies of all sizes. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5-inches with jigs or small worms under a bobber along rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 20-inches with finesse plastics fished along shallow cedar tree brush piles.

Lake Icaria
Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9-inches with jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas.

Little River Watershed Lake
The dock is in at the main boat ramp. Black Crappie - Good: Try jigs fished along weedlines to catch crappies of all sizes. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 9-inches with jigs or small worms under a bobber along rocky shoreline areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try finesse plastics fished along weedlines to catch largemouth bass up to 19-inches.

Three Mile Lake
Docks are in at main ramp. Walleye - Slow: Use jigs or crankbaits along the fish mounds to catch all sizes of walleyes.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The dock is in at main boat ramp. Black Crappie - Good: Try jigs along rocky shoreline areas to catch all sizes of crappies.

Water temperature is in the low 70s in most lakes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Kick Off Summer in Iowa State Parks and Forests!

2023-05-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Save the Date: June 9-11, 2023

Ready for summer? Several state parks and forests will be hosting family-friendly programs and activities as part of the DNR's new statewide Summer Kick-Off event, June 9-11.

Bring your family and join us for hikes, nature programs, fireside chats, kayaking clinics and more. A list of parks and their programs, along with activity sheets and ideas for ways to explore parks on your own, are available on the Summer Kick-Off web page.

If you want to camp the weekend of the Summer Kickoff celebration, please make your reservation soon. Iowa has more than 4,400 state park campsites with most reservable in advance through the reservation system.

We can't wait to see you this summer in Iowa State Parks and Forests!

Bears are awake and looking for food; do your part to remain ‘bear aware’ in 2023

2023-05-16T18:37:00.001-07:00

Residual grease and fats from outdoor grilling
can be an enticing smell to a bear.
Be sure to clean your grill after each use
to discourage bears from coming to your yard in search of food.

DENVER - With spring upon us, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds citizens and visitors that bears have emerged from hibernation and are beginning their search for food.

CPW has already received 173 reports of bear activity in 25 Colorado counties this year. Wildlife officials are urging residents to secure any and all attractants. Bears should NOT be eating from trash receptacles, bird feeders or other human-provided food sources around homes or businesses.

“Every time a bear gets a treat, a bird feeder, a hummingbird feeder, or trash, it teaches the bear that people mean food,” said Matt Yamashita, CPW’s area wildlife manager for Area 8 covering Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Eagle and Pitkin counties “People who think that it’s one time, no big deal, are totally wrong. It is a big deal when you compound that ‘one time’ with how many ‘one timers’ they get from your neighbors, too. It adds up.”

The first bears to emerge from their winter dens are typically males (boars) followed by females (sows) that did not give birth to cubs over winter. The last bears to emerge from winter dens are the females who gave birth to this year’s cubs, usually in late April.

“Over the past several years, Area 8 in particular has seen a high number of bears inhabiting municipalities across both valleys and a subsequently high number of human-black bear conflicts," Yamashita said. "Even with a lack of natural food sources, bears continue to have large litter sizes of three to four cubs, indicating they are receiving supplemental food from humans.”

Early season natural food sources for bears include grasses, aspen buds and other vegetative matter that is beginning to sprout. Those gentle food sources, which are the first crops available to them, help a bear’s digestive system and metabolism adjust back to normal after not consuming anything for months.

“Their bodies are needing to adjust to the fact that they haven’t consumed anything for sometimes six months,” said Mark Vieira, Carnivore and Furbearer Program Manager for CPW. “So there is this phase that is referred to sometimes as walking hibernation, where they are out on the landscape moving slowly and eating what tends to be more vegetative material that starts to pass through their system to get their bodies ready for early summer food sources. That is when they will move back into the typical omnivore diet that we see bears eating the rest of the year.”

Over 90 percent of a bear’s natural diet is grasses, berries, fruits, nuts and plants - native crops all dependent on moisture. Wildlife officials monitor weather patterns in the spring and summer to help determine what natural forage will be available in the summer and fall.

In years where there is good moisture and natural food sources are abundant, human-bear conflicts and interactions are down.

Though most human-bear interactions occur in the late summer and fall months, a late frost or prolonged dry weather could lead to localized natural food failures and a rise in conflicts. A lack of natural food availability pushes black bears to be more persistent in their search for human-food sources. Being bear aware not only protects your home and property, but it can save a bear’s life.

Starting with proper bear aware practices in the spring may help prevent bears from discovering your home or neighborhood as a food source that it will return to throughout the year.

Become Bear Aware
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a reminder that by taking some simple precautions, you can avoid human/wildlife conflicts and help to keep bears wild.

Bear-proofing your home:

Keep garbage in a well-secured location. Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors: ammonia is effective.
Keep garage doors closed. Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside.
Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths. Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.
Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, haze it by yelling at it, throwing things at it and making loud noises to scare it off.
Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
Clean the grill after each use, and clean up thoroughly after cookouts.
If you have fruit trees, don't allow the fruit to rot on the ground.
Talk to your neighbors and kids about being Bear Aware.

Cars, traveling and campsites:

Lock your doors when you’re away from home and at night.
Keep the bottom-floor windows of your house closed when you're not at home.
Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.
When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.
Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the backcountry.
When camping in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any food into your tent.
Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

Protecting your chickens, bees, livestock:

Keep chickens, bees and livestock in a fully covered enclosure, especially at night.
Construct electric fencing when possible.
Don’t store livestock feed outside.
Keep enclosures clean to minimize animal odors.
Hang rags soaked in ammonia and/or Pine-Sol around the enclosure as a scent deterrent.

Media resources
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is providing additional resources to assist with media coverage on being Bear Aware in Colorado this year so residents can work towards keeping our bears wild.

The link below contains:

Facts and figures folder with: 2022 bear incident reports breakdown, bear incident reports progression map, black bears at a glance fact sheet, sample bear incident reports and bear aware materials
Folders with photos and videos from bear encounters for use by media outlets

MDC May 25 virtual program to focus on mounting turkey fans

2023-05-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Get tips on how to make a decorative keepsake out of a gobbler's tail feathers.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Along with its gobble, another noticeable characteristic of a male turkey in spring is it’s eye-catching fan of tail feathers.

Turkey hunters who want information on how they can transform the tail feathers of the gobbler they harvested during this spring’s turkey season – or will harvest in future seasons – into a decorative keepsake should sign up for the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) virtual program “Hunting: Turkey Fan Mounting.” This online program will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on May 25. This program will not be recorded. People can register for this program at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/191709

At this program, MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker will discuss the steps a turkey hunter has to take after the turkey is harvested to create a turkey fan mount. Whittaker will also discuss what supplies are needed for the mounting process.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate. Use the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Free Fishing weekend Wisconsin

2023-01-14T13:47:00.001-08:00

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting Free Fishing Weekend Jan. 21-22 to share the fun and excitement of winter fishing. No fishing license or trout and salmon stamps are required.

Anglers can fish state waters where there is an open season. All other fishing regulations apply, such as limits on the number and size of fish you can keep and any seasons when you must release certain fish species.

As a reminder, anglers cannot fish spring trout ponds during the Winter Free Fishing Weekend. Please review the trout regulations and 2022-2023 Hook and Line regulations for more information.

If you plan to keep your catch, be sure to review the DNR's Safe Eating Guidelines to stay informed of potential consumption advisories impacting some waterbodies throughout the state.

"Free Fishing Weekend is a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to give angling a try, without the added step and expense of getting a fishing license," said Theresa Stabo, DNR Angler Outreach Program Specialist. "Fishing is about so much more than the catch. Get out there and enjoy nature, spend time with friends and family, and if you’re lucky, bring home some fish for your next at-home fish fry.”

Find Free Fishing Weekend events on the DNR events webpage.

Prepare To Fish

Visit the DNR's Fishing Equipment For Loan webpage to find a tackle loaner site with ice fishing equipment near you. Locations with ice fishing equipment will have an “IF” next to their name. Basic gear is available; however, sites do not lend out ice augers. Hours and available equipment vary, so contact the site in advance and plan ahead to pick up the gear.

Winter Fishing Safety Reminders

Remember, no ice is 100% safe. Check with local bait shops for current ice conditions in the area you plan to ice fish. Stay safely on shore if ice conditions are questionable and if open water is within casting distance, give that a try. Always tell someone where you are going and when you'll return.

Lastly, dress for winter comfort, and don't forget your safety gear:

Warm layers that are water-resistant
Sturdy waterproof boots with spike-style creepers for traction
Extra hat and gloves
Rescue throw rope
Ice claws

Host A Community Clinic

Organizations planning a community clinic should complete a planning form to get their clinics registered with the DNR, and order educational materials to distribute to beginner anglers. The deadline to submit these forms is Jan. 17.

More Fishing Fun

Continue your fishing adventure after Free Fishing Weekend by buying a fishing license. The next Free Fishing Weekend will take place June 3-4, 2023.

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report for 4/1/2022

2022-04-01T07:04:00.001-07:00

This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each district, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern.

For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water levels are about 14 inches below the crest of the spillway. Anglers are targeting panfish along shore in Town Bay primarily from the floating dock, the fish house, and the stone piers. Black Crappie - Fair. Yellow Perch - Fair.

Brushy Creek Lake
The lake is ice free. Courtesy docks are in.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
The lake is ice free. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Anglers are fishing along shore and in the marina. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait along shore. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching keeper-sized yellow bass; bite is hit-or-miss. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use small minnows in the marina.

Area lakes are ice free. Water temperatures in the low 40s. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
The lake is ice free. Water temperatures are in the mid 30s. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Channel Catfish - Slow: Fish the wind swept shore with cut bait. Walleye - Slow: Try minnows and jigs fished off the Ventura jetties and in the cannels. Angler success will increase as the water temperatures rise. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are catching a few fish from the Ventura jetties.

Lake Cornelia
The lake is ice free. The docks are not in yet. Channel Catfish - Slow: Fish the wind swept shore with cut bait.

Little Wall Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the wind swept shore with cut bait or liver.

Winnebago River
It's the time of year to target Northern Pike. Fish a chub in the slack water below a dam or where a smaller stream enters the river. Walleye - Slow.

For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
The lake is ice free. Courtesy docks are not in place yet. Black Crappie - Good. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Yellow Bass - Fair: With a little movement on the basin you should be able to get on a decent bite and also catch a few other species.

Lost Island Lake
The lake is ice free. Yellow Perch - Fair: Lots of sorting may be needed.

Minnewashta Lake
The lake is ice free. Black Crappie - Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little bit of movement around the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed - Fair:

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The majority of the lake is open and free of ice. Walleye - Fair:

Spirit Lake
The lake is ice free. Launching boats is difficult with low water levels. The only courtesy dock in place is at Templar ramp; conditions are very shallow. Black Crappie - Fair: Mostly being caught along with the perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Bluegill - Fair: Mostly being caught along with the perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Walleye - Slow: Season is closed until May 7th. Yellow Perch - Fair.

West Okoboji Lake
The lake is ice free. The only courtesy dock in place is at Triboji ramp. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Bluegill - Fair: Many anglers have been successful off Triboji on the north end of the lake. Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

The walleye season for the Iowa Great Lake chain is closed. The season opens back up May 7th. Most area lakes are ice free allowing for open water fishing; courtesy docks are not in place yet. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stable. Turbidity is good on the Cedar. Fish eddies and current breaks. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are starting to look for food floating their way. Try a hook loaded with a crawler. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are on the move looking for good spawning grounds as ice melts and water warms. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Find smallies below the dams; use a nightcrawler. Walleye - Fair: Try worms or minnows under a slip bobber with enough weight to get your bait near bottom.

Decorah District Streams
Catchable rainbow trout stocking season begins April 1. The 2022 Trout Stream Stocking calendars is available on our Trout Fishing webpage. Stream clarity is variable depending on the stream. Flows are up with recent rain. Gravel roads are messy. Use care when walking from site to site; ground conditions are highly variable from mushy to greasy. Brook Trout - Fair: Insect hatches are starting to take place on sunny afternoons. Use midge minnow or scud patterns for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Brown Trout - Fair: Rain water flowing into streams is bringing a fresh supply of food for curious brownies. Try spinner or crankbaits near or around structure. Also try flies that look fishy. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbows are teasing anglers with soft strikes and nudges. Use small spinner baits, hair jigs or hooks tipped with imitation eggs floating past structure.

Lake Hendricks
Water clarity is good. No one is out fishing with wind and whitecaps.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is improving, but stirred up a bit with the wind. No one is out fishing.

North Bear Creek
Bridge replacement work is starting on the Sacquitne Bridge on 360th St. parking lot. Stream access should remain open; be courteous to workers. Rainbow Trout - Fair.

Volga Lake
No one is fishing with the windy conditions.

Chance of mixed precipitation through the weekend. Temperatures are fluctuating between the upper 20s and 50s. Water levels are up on area rivers. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers are catching a few walleye on the Cedar River; it has taken some effort before the spawn. Walleye - Fair: Cast a jig tipped with plastic and minnow. Keep your presentation slow and just off of the river bottom near current breaks or slack water areas.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Very clear water conditions; use subtle presentations and approach fish from downstream. Sunday could provide some runoff on our streams which can often be beneficial in catching brown trout. Brown Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout - Fair:

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Anglers are starting to catch a few walleye on the Shell Rock River. Walleye - Fair: Cast a jig tipped with plastic and a minnow. Keep your presentation slow and just off of the river bottom near current breaks or slack water areas.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Anglers are beginning to catch a few walleye and northern pike on the Wapsipinicon River. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast bucktail spinnerbaits or float a chub or shiner under a bobber. Walleye - Fair: Cast a jig tipped with plastic and a minnow. Keep your presentation slow and just off of the river bottom near current breaks or slack water areas.

Reports of anglers catching walleye and northern pike on the interior rivers. Call area/local bait shops for the most up to date reports. Contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level at Lansing has crested near 10.2 feet and is expected to gradually fall a foot over the next week. Water temperature has dropped to 37 degrees. Bluegill - Slow: Use light tackle tipped with piece of worm in areas away from current along the weed edges in backwaters. Northern Pike - Fair: The bite is picking up as pike start to feed to prepare for the spawn. Sauger - Fair: Some smaller sauger are being caught on twister tail jigs in tailwater areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving to tailwaters and side channel structure pre-spawn. Vertical jigging and drifting a live minnow has been effective. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has slowed with colder temperatures. Try jigging minnows or use a piece of crawler.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level at Lynxville crested near 620.1 and is predicted to gradually fall a foot this week. Gates are open at the dam. Water temperature has dropped to 39 degrees. Bluegill - Slow: Use light tackle tipped with piece of worm in areas away from current along the weed edges in backwaters. Northern Pike - Fair: The bite is picking up as pike start to feed to prepare for the spawn. Sauger - Fair: Some smaller sauger are being caught on twister tail jigs in tailwater areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving to tailwaters and side channel structure pre-spawn. Vertical jigging and drifting a live minnow has been effective. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has slowed with colder temperatures. Try jigging minnows or use a piece of crawler.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level crested near 11.5 feet this week and is predicted to gradually fall a foot. Gates are all open at the dam. Water temperature has dropped to 37 degrees. Bluegill - Slow: Use light tackle tipped with piece of worm in areas away from current along the weed edges in backwaters. Northern Pike - Fair: The bite is picking up as pike start to feed to prepare for the spawn. Sauger - Fair: Some smaller sauger are being caught on twister tail jigs in tailwater areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving to tailwaters and side channel structure pre-spawn. Vertical jigging and drifting with a live minnow has been effective. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has slowed with colder temperatures. Try jigging minnows or use a piece of crawler.

Upper Mississippi River levels crested Tuesday with a gradual fall predicted this week. Falling water temperature has slowed the bite as temperatures dipped into the 30s with the cold snap. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 11.5 feet at the Lock and Dam and 13.3 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. Water levels may have peaked this week and should start to recede. Lots of debris has been floating down river. Northern Pike - Good: Some pike are being taken on large chub rigs floated on bobbers. Sauger - Slow: Walleye and sauger angling has started out slow in Pool 12; most anglers are using jig and minnow rigs. Yellow Perch - Fair: Spring can be a good season to hit some tailwater yellow perch. Minnow heads often are the preferred bait.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at the Bellevue Lock is rising at near 12.0 feet. The water temperature is around 39 degrees. Boat ramps are all open; some debris is floating due to higher water. The gates are open. Water clarity is fair. Northern Pike - No Report: Usually pre-spawn northern pike fishing is good; we need warmer weather. Paddlefish - Slow: Paddlefish season is underway; review all paddlefish rules before angling in Iowa and Illinois waters. Contact the Bellevue Fisheries Management office or the local game wardens if you are uncertain of paddlefish snagging rules. When the gates open in the spring that usually signals the end of paddlefishing on the Mississippi River. Rainbow Trout - Good: The kids trout pond just north of the DNR station has been stocked again with rainbow trout for the winter. You can only keep two trout per child. Sauger - Slow: Ramps are all open; fishing pressure has been heavy when the weather is conducive. The bite has been slow, but some nice fish were reported. Yellow Perch - Fair: Ice out catches of yellow perch can often found in the tailwaters.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level at the Fulton Lock and Dam is rising at 11.2 feet, 13.8 feet at Camanche, and 8.3 feet at Le Claire. Water temperature is around 41 degrees in the main channel Water clarity is fair. Northern Pike - No Report: Pike are close to spawning. Pre-spawn bite can be good at times; none have been reported yet. Paddlefish - Slow: Paddlefish season is underway; review all paddlefish rules before angling in Iowa and Illinois waters. Contact the Bellevue Fisheries Management office or the local game wardens if you are uncertain of paddlefish snagging rules. High water levels may signal the end to the paddlefish season. Sauger - Slow: Boat ramps are all open; angling has been slow. A few nice walleye and sauger have been reported. Yellow Perch - No Report: Lots of small perch are in the system; the future for yellow perch fishing looks bright in Pool 14. Often the tailwaters can be a great early spot for perch when the ice recedes.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 11.2 feet at Rock Island and is rising. The water temperature is near 42 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Lots of floating woody debris reported in Pool 15. Bluegill - No Report: Not a lot of backwater bluegill habitat exists on Pool 15 outside of marina areas. Sauger - No Report:

Lots of wildlife are making their way back to the Mississippi River. The sounds of Spring are in the air, even though the air temperatures have been cool. Water levels are rising or have peaked throughout the district. If you have angling questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Management Station at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.21 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has risen close to 2 feet since last week. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 11.7 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers, but fishing has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Fishing has been slow in Sylvan slough and below the Lock and Dam in the Quad Cities. Try hair jigs and minnows or nightcrawlers. Mostly small saugers have been caught. White Bass - Fair: Reports of white bass being caught in Sylvan Slough. Cast jigs and twister tails.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.80 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has risen close to 2 feet since last week. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 11.1 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the dam. Water clarity at Muscatine is poor. Sauger - Slow: Look for saugers below the Lock and Dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers. Walleye - Slow: There have been some anglers out this past week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.99 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 2 feet since last week. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 12.5 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. River levels will be at the top of the Toolsboro ramps with current river predictions. The gates are out of the water at the dam. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.20 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has risen close to 2 feet since last week. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 8.2 feet by next Tuesday. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any reports on tailwater fishing for walleye and sauger. Sauger - No Report: Look for saugers below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows.

River stages are on the rise with recent rains. Tailwater stages have risen 2 feet this past week. River stages are forecast to continue to rise. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers below the Locks and Dams has been slow. Water clarity has been poor to fair. Water temperature is 40 degrees. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is 42-43 degrees. Water clarity remains fairly good despite rain and high wind. No boats have been out the last few days.

Lake Darling
Water clarity on the north side of the lake is suffering from the strong south winds. Weather is keeping most anglers off the water.

Lost Grove Lake
Hoping to get the docks in Friday; weather dependent. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Picking up a few early season bass working soft plastics very slowly along the rocks on the north shore.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River has gone down some from last week, but is muddy from the rains.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use minnows under floats in the backwaters. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs and crankbaits under dams and on sandbar breaks.

Coralville Reservoir
Water levels are at spring pool of 683 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the upper end of the lake with cut bait. Try current breaks or windblown flats.

Diamond Lake
The boat ramp and kayak launch are open; the rest of the facilities remain closed. No fishing report is available.

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Boat docks are not in yet; the boat slips at Main and Opie ramp are available. Black Crappie - Fair: A few fish are being caught over brush piles. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait in the upper reaches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try slow presentations around wood and rock.

Liberty Centre Pond
You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: 2000 fish were stocked earlier this month. Try small jigs, spinners, crankbaits or live/prepared baits.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The docks are in. No fishing reports are available.

Prairie Park Fishery
You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: 2000 fish were stocked earlier this month. Try small jigs, spinners, crankbaits or live/prepared baits.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake
Bluegill - No Report: Try small jigs along the shoreline as the water warms.

Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Slow: Try dead chubs around the shoreline.

Lake Sugema
Black Crappie - No Report: Try small jigs and minnows around the flooded trees as the water warms.

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass - No Report: Try rubber worms or other plastics fished around the cedar tree piles.

Ottumwa Park South Pond (Trout Pond)
Trout were stocked on March 25th.Try small tube and twister jigs, casting spoons or live minnows fished under a bobber. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.84 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Docks have been installed at Island View, South Fork, and Bridgeview. Army Corps campgrounds are closed. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try dead chubs or shad sides for early ice out catfish.

Red Haw Lake
Red Haw State Park is closed due to the damage from the tornado on March 5th.

Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye in early April shallow in the evenings just before and after sunset; cast jigs with twister tails or swimbaits.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye through March and April with twister tails, swimbaits or live minnows on jigs.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye through March and April with twister tails, swimbaits or live minnows on jigs. Best bite is early morning and evening.

For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake is a good destination for ice-out catfish. Channel Catfish - No Report: Look for channel catfish in the upper end of the lake or windblown shoreline using shad sides.

Lake Anita
The crappie bite picks up in the upper ends of the lake as water temperatures warm. Largemouth Bass - Fair.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will provide good spring fishing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few boats braved the cold wind this week and did fair on largemouth bass close to shore and around the jetties.

Viking Lake
Viking lake is 4.5 feet low; access is compromised. Black Crappie - No Report: Search the brush piles to find active crappies. Channel Catfish - No Report: Viking has a good catfish population. Use shad sides on a windblown shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair:

Very few reports this week due to weather. For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria
Docks are in at all boat ramps. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait along windblown shorelines to catch channel catfish of all sizes.

Little River Watershed Lake
The dock is in at main ramp. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jig tipped with live bait fished near deep cedar tree brush piles to catch crappie up to 11-inches.

Three Mile Lake
Courtesy docks are in place at main ramp.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 20-inches with finesse plastics fished near deep cedar tree brush piles.

Mount Ayr district lakes are 100 percent ice free. Water temperature is in the mid-40s. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Walleye Fisheries Management in Wisconsin

2022-02-25T08:04:00.000-08:00

The Wisconsin DNR is evaluating management of the state walleye fishery and seeking public input. If you have thoughts, here's your opportunity to be heard.

For tons of information on fishing in general and on walleye fishing in particular...even some great walleye recipes, visit Family-Outdoors.

DNR Seeking Public Comment On
Draft Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment now through May 31, 2022, on the state's draft Walleye Management Plan.

The Walleye Management Plan guides all walleye management activities in Wisconsin. One of the most popular sportfish in the state and an important species for the Ojibwe spring tribal harvest, the draft plan outlines present-day goals and management strategies for walleye in Wisconsin.

In 2020, the DNR began updating the plan in partnership with the Tribes of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Conversation Congress and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC). When final, the plan aims to address current management challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. The Walleye Management Plan was last updated in 1998.

Each year, the DNR stocks hundreds of thousands of walleye fingerlings into lakes across the state, surveys walleye populations and walleye anglers, and works on habitat projects to benefit walleye. Those activities are guided by Wisconsin’s Walleye Management Plan.

The public is encouraged to review the draft Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan and submit comments online through May 31, 2022. To learn more, visit the DNR's Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan webpage.

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report

2022-02-25T07:55:00.004-08:00

We are moving into the season where ice conditions can get unpredictable, so stay safe...some dditional information on Iowa ice conditions can be found here. For lots of additional information on fishing tips, techniques, places, gear and more, visit Family-Outdoors.

For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is 9 inches near the boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Use waxworms fished on a small jig in 10-15 feet of water near structure.

Bacon Creek Lake
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is currently operating. Ice thickness is around 13 inches near the Ice House Point boat ramp; this is where most of the ice angling has taken place. Use caution; avoid areas of thin ice and open water in the middle portion of the lake around Lakewood Point and the east basin. Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill - Fair. Yellow Perch - Fair.

Black Hawk Pits
Ice thickness is 9 inches near the boat ramp.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable; the thickest ice is by the big island near the south boat ramp and in the area around the north boat ramp. These areas are where most of the ice fishing is taking place. Conditions are more variable in the middle portion of the lake; there is thinner ice and a seam running across the big part of the lake. Use caution and check the ice thickness often. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill - Fair. Walleye - Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Crawford Creek Impoundment
The west end of the lake is open water. Anglers have made their way out on the existing ice. Ice conditions are extremely variable; use caution and drill test holes often.

Moorland Pond
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is around 15 inches in most areas. Ice conditions remain variable; use caution and check ice thickness often. There is open water and recently frozen over areas that are thin near the big island, some areas along the south shore, and the little island. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleye; best bite is during low-light hours. White Bass - Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up fish; sorting is needed. Try minnows fished near the bottom. Most action has been at the east end of the lake.

Lakes throughout the district have roughly 8-15 inches of ice in the thickest areas. Many lakes have pockets of open water and thin ice on areas that recently froze over. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Blue Pit
Ice thickness is 14 to 16 inches. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try a bright colored jigging spoon tipped with spikes. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily bag limit is 5.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a minnow or jigging spoon near the edge of rushes. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or a plastic bait near the edge of rushes. Walleye – Fair: Use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow or cut bait in 8 to 10 feet of water. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Bass - Slow: Try a small jig tipped with bait in 8 to 10 feet of water. You have to stay mobile to find fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Use a jigging spoon tipped with bait in vegetation.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a small minnow near the edge of the dredge cut. Bluegill – Slow.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 18 to 20 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Small yellow bass are biting on a variety of baits.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small minnow near vegetation.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 0 to 20 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms in 2 to 3 feet of water.

Aeration systems are running at Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. Avoid any open water areas. For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Ice thickness is around 13 inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation, creating a large open hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Most of the lake is fully iced with an average of 20+ inches of ice allowing for safe ATV traffic in most areas. Be cautious of the open holes and seams that still persist. Panfishing has been good out from the Ritz; some sorting is needed. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics and baits. Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Yellow Bass - Good: With a little movement on the basin, you should be able find a decent bite and also catch a few other species.

Ingham Lake
Ice conditions very heavily around the lake; most areas have 18+ inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation.

Lost Island Lake
Ice conditions vary with an average of 17+ inches. Caution: The aeration system is currently in operation on the east side of the lake out from the nature center. This creates a large open hole in the ice. Yellow Perch - Fair: Lots of sorting may be needed.

Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions are safe enough to venture with ATVs with an average ice thickness of 18+ inches. The panfish and crappie bite has been fairly good. Black Crappie - Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little movement around the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed - Fair.

Scharnberg Pond
Trout were stocked this winter; fish should be biting well. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Brook Trout - Good. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout are biting on a variety of different baits. Try a worm or lure that imitates a minnow.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is fully iced, with an average ice thickness of 18+ inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. Walleye - Fair.

Spirit Lake
Ice thickness is 20+ inches in most places. There is a large open hole on the southwest side due to strong winds and a few days of warmer temperatures. The Marble Beach access is in very poor condition due to ice heaving along the shoreline. Black Crappie - Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Bluegill - Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Yellow Perch - Fair.

West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 20+ inches in most places; there still are a handful of seams usually running from points. Know where trouble areas are before you venture on or off the ice. Panfishing has slowed a bit; with a little movement on the north end near Triboji, Emerson and Smiths Bay you may be able to catch a good amount of fish. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics or baits. Black Crappie - Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Bluegill - Good: Many anglers have been successful off Triboji on the north end of the lake. Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

Most area lakes have 20+ inches of ice. Watch out for open or iced over holes and seams running across the lakes. Be sure you know a safe route on and off the ice. Bring safety essentials like flotation, ice picks and a friend. Area lakes have -2 inches of snow coverage. The forecast calls for a mix of warmer and frigid temperatures. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Ice thickness is 12 to 16 inches. Use caution when crossing areas with flow. Check ice thickness often. Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Black Crappie - Good. Bluegill - Good: Try waxworms and spikes. Walleye – Fair: Use minnows under a slip bobber with enough weight to get your bait near the bottom.

Decorah District Streams
The 2022 trout stream stocking calendar is ready for download on our trout fishing website. Wildlife management areas are not plowed in the winter; use care when parking along a plowed road. Winter trout fishing is a great time to explore new streams and enjoy opportunities with fewer anglers out. Water clarity is excellent. Be prepared to blend into the background for wary fish. Brook Trout - Fair: Insect hatches are starting to take place on sunny afternoons. Use midge, minnow or scud patterns for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Brown Trout - Fair: Murky melt water will soon excite brownies. Try spinner or crankbaits near or around structure. Also try flies that look fishy. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout are coloring up for their spawning season. Hatchery hold overs remain in the stream teasing anglers. Use small spinnerbaits or hair jigs floating past structure.

Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is about 16 inches. Water clarity is excellent at 9 feet. Areas around the aerator remain open; use caution. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing in the sharp drop-offs. Finicky crappies may bite as you slowly raise the lure. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworm or spike fished near structure.

Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 18-20 inches. Best bite is early morning and before dusk. Find fish in 8-10 feet of water and around brush piles. Black Crappie – Fair: Be prepared to change lures often to trick those educated fish. Bluegill – Goof: Catching all sizes of bluegills. Anglers with cameras see lots of fish looking at bait, but not biting. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few nice-sized bass are finding their way into the creel.

Volga Lake
Ice thickness is about 12-14 inches. Best bite is is early morning or pre-dusk. Black Crappie - Good: Bright colored ice jigs tipped with a waxworm works well, especially for light biters. Bluegill - Good: Find fish around brush piles about 1-2 feet off the bottom.

Weekend weather varying widely from patchy blowing snow on Friday with wind chills below zero to mostly sunny and mid 40s on Sunday. Ice thickness on most waterbodies is 12+ inches. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching bluegill. Bluegill - Fair: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of some crappie being caught on backwater ice; use extreme caution when on river ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick. The few crappie being caught are quality-sized.

Heritage Pond
Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Try jigging flashy jigs with a blade to entice rainbow trout to take your lure or jig.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie, northern pike, largemouth bass and some yellow perch. Move often to locate fish; spots are hit-and-miss. Black Crappie - Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Try a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or a minnow on a dead stick. The few crappie being caught are quality-sized. Bluegill - Good: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike - Fair: Try fishing tip-up rigs with a live shiner or chub. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching some 9- to 11-inch perch. Try a waxy on a jig or a jigging rapala.

North Prairie Lake
Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Try jigging flashy jigs with a blade to entice rainbow trout to take your lure or jig.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
High catches of small bluegill. Harvest-sized fish are rare, but a good location to catch some fish with the kids. Bluegill - Slow: Best bite is evening or early morning with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike - Slow: Try fishing tip-ups with a large shiner or chub.

Ice thickness is 8+ inches on most lakes and ponds in east-central Iowa. Remain cautious while ice fishing; avoid areas with water current or discolored ice. Ice fishing is slow in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Call area/local bait shops for the most up to date reports. Contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is steady. Water levels are 5.6 feet at the Lock and Dam and 8.2 feet at the railroad bridge. Water clarity is good. The water level is steady. Boat ramps are all frozen in. View lots of eagles below the dam. Black Crappie - No Report: Try using tip-downs in your favorite Pool 12 backwater. You may have to search a bit, but they can be caught. Bluegill - Slow: Poor catches have been reported; size has been small. Hopefully late ice will produce better results. Sauger - No Report: The ramps are iced in. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect to see more yellow perch as winter progresses. We have had excellent reproduction of yellow perch in the past few years.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at the Bellevue Lock is stable at near 5.9 feet. The Bellevue Boat ramp is completely frozen in. The viewing of bald eagles at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is spectacular as they are feeding on dead shad. Some eagles are on the move north; get out to see the show while you can. The city parking lot is an easy location to watch the action. Black Crappie - Good: Reports of nice catches of crappie. Use minnow rigs in 4 to 6 feet of water. Bluegill - Slow: Reports of slow winter fishing with brief periods of decent bites. Rainbow Trout - Good: The kids' trout pond just north of the DNR station has been stocked with rainbow trout for the winter. You can only keep two trout per child. Sauger - No Report: The Bellevue Ramp is frozen in. Yellow Perch - Fair: Lots of small perch are being seen during fish surveys. The future looks bright for decent yellow perch fishing in Pool 13. Some nice catches of yellow perch; fishing has been boom or bust as schools move around under the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is steady at 5.0 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.5 feet at Camanche and 4.3 feet at Le Claire. Water temperature is around 33 degrees in the main channel. Water clarity is good. Most ramps on Pool 14 are frozen in; boat launching is not possible. Bald Eagle viewing in the tailwaters has been very good below the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tip-downs or other minnow rigs in Rock Creek or Cattail Slough by Fulton. Bluegill - Slow: Reports of spotty catches out of Rock Creek and Catfish Slough; most anglers report poor catches. Sauger - No Report: It remains difficult to launch out of frozen ramps. Yellow Perch - No Report: Lots of small perch are in the system; the future looks bright for yellow perch fishing in Pool 14.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is steady at 4.7 feet. The water temperature is near 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - No Report: Not a lot of backwater bluegill habitat exists on Pool 15 outside of marina areas. Sauger - No Report: Launching is difficult in Pool 15; boat ramps are frozen in.

Anglers are ice fishing throughout the district, but winter doldrums have settled in; some good angling has been sprinkled in. Have a safety plan; Mississippi River ice can be unpredictable. Beware of places with flowing water or where ice looks discolored. The main channel water is low and clear, but boat ramps are frozen in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 4.91 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been fairly steady. The Marquette Street boat ramp is open; some anglers have been tailwater fishing. Snow in the forecast could change ramp conditions. Warm weather and rain this past week created some unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers have been caught below the Lock and Dam in the Quad Cities. Use hair jigs and minnows or nightcrawlers; mostly small saugers have been caught.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 3.70 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been slowly falling. The ramps at Muscatine are open. Ramp conditions may change with snow in the forecast. The docks are not in at Muscatine. Warm weather and rain this past week has created unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - No Report: Look for saugers below the lock and dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers. Walleye - No Report: Some anglers were out this past week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 3.79 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been steady. The Toolsboro ramp is being reported as open. Ramp conditions may change with snow in the forecast. Warm weather and rain this past week has created unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 1.97 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has been falling the past few days. We have not received any reports on tailwater fishing for walleye and sauger. Warm weather and rain this past week has created unsafe ice conditions.

There has been some tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers below the Locks and Dams. Warm weather and rain this past week created unsafe ice conditions, especially along shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
The ice around the trees was gone last weekend; several spots along the shore have gone bad. Black Crappie - Fair: You need to move to find fish. Be cautious and check ice thickness often.

Lake Belva Deer
Use extreme caution around the flooded timber. It refroze, but had been open up against the trees earlier this week. Bluegill - Fair: Not much activity the last few days. se caution when getting close to the trees. Keep moving to find scattered fish.

Lake Darling
Earlier this week, the ice melted away from the shore along the riprapped shoreline facing south. Bluegill - No Report: The weather has kept angler numbers down the last couple of days.

Lost Grove Lake
Plenty of water was on top of the ice last weekend; soft spots were starting to develop. Bluegill - Fair: Move often to find fish - don't wait for them to come to you. Find the right spot and you can do well.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.

Diamond Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs or waxies around brush piles. White Crappie - Fair: Most fish are 8 inches; a few bigger fish have been mixed in.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice thickness is 13-20 inches. Best bite is mornings and evenings. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch 8- to 11-inch crappie in deeper trees or in the basin in 16-18 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Catch 6- to 8-inch bluegill in trees or in the basin in 16-18 feet of water.

Lake Macbride
Black Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught on minnows primarily at sunset. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs or waxies fished near structure. Size is marginal at best. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Some fish were caught last weekend during the warm up.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is drained for a restoration project.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Smaller fish have been caught on any structure in 15 feet of water or less.

Union Grove Lake
The aeration system is on; there is open water near the dam area. Best bite is afternoon or evening. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing in the brush piles in 10-15 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around brush in 10-15 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most fish are smaller.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Warmer weather has started melting the ice around the shoreline; use caution if trying to get onto the ice.

Lake Miami
Warmer temperatures have deteriorated the ice. Ice thickness varies; use caution.

Lake Miss (Tug Fork West)
Ice thickness varies; use caution. The ice around the shoreline has gotten thinner. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm around structure.

Lake Sugema
The warm weather has deteriorated the ice. Ice thickness varies; use caution. There could be some open water areas.

Lake Wapello
Warm weather and wind have deteriorated the ice. Ice thickness varies; use caution.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.56 feet msl; 904 feet msl is recreation pool. Ice thickness varies; use caution. Warmer weather and wind has deteriorated the ice and caused thin ice around the shoreline. Some areas of open water have developed. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels; make sure you properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody.

Red Haw Lake
Warm weather has deteriorated the ice. Ice thickness varies; use caution.

Ice conditions vary across each lake; use caution. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Catch trout through the ice with jigging spoons tipped with multiple waxworms or just a hook with live minnow. Start by fishing within 20 yards of shore. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Big Creek Lake
Ice thickness is 14 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Target crappies in the early morning and evenings over brush piles and roadbeds in the middle part of the lake; use glow jigs with waxworms or live minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills over brush in the mid and lower half of the lake. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Catch wipers mid-lake over the creek channel with jigging spoons with minnows.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Few crappie are being caught during the day. Try glow jigs and waxworms or live minnows in the evenings.

Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Catch trout through the ice with jigging spoons tipped with multiple waxworms or just a hook with live minnow. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Central Iowa ponds and lakes have ice thickness averaging 10 to 14 inches. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

Littlefield Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.

Prairie Rose Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.

Ice conditions have deteriorated; unsafe ice conditions. For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
There is a large area of open water between the beach and campground.

Three Mile Lake
Open water reported along the shorelines and concrete boat ramps.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Open water along the shoreline and concrete boat ramps. Lots of open water on the south side of lake.

Ice conditions continue to deteriorate after variable weather conditions. There is open water along shorelines, boat ramps, and other areas of Mount Ayr district lakes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Black Bears in Wisconsin: Help with Conservation of this Amazing Animal

2022-02-21T06:57:00.001-08:00

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Here in Missouri where I live, black bears along with other species which were either extirpated or close are making a comeback. The management practices of state and federal agencies are often informed by studies that help them increase habitat, minimize human/animal conflicts, and make decisions about harvest goals through hunting. The study being publicized is designed to do just that as Wisconsin biologists try to locate elusive black bear den sites.

Reminder: Report Black Bear Den Locations For New Research Study

Know where any black bear den locations are? We're asking the public to help us with a new research study and report any known locations.

Conducted by the department’s Office of Applied Science, the study will analyze reported dens and generate estimates of reproductive rates of black bears within each bear management zone. These estimates will improve the accuracy of the population models for those zones.

Public reporting of bear dens will increase the study’s success and the accuracy of the black bear population model, as black bear dens are difficult to locate. The public is encouraged to report as much information about the den’s location and recent use as possible without approaching or disturbing the dens. Den locations from prior years can be useful since black bears will occasionally re-use dens.

The DNR’s Office of Applied Sciences will begin research at the end of February and continue until collaring goals are met. Research staff will collar female black bears and collect data at each den, such as the sex, weight and body measurements of the sow and cubs.

The DNR’s researchers appreciate the help of local and federal biologists, tribal partners and the general public in locating black bear dens.

Wolves: The debate rages on

2022-02-14T19:58:00.002-08:00

Wolves have been nearly driven to extinction, and then carefully re-introduced as part of the natural ecosystem. They are loved by many, but hated by some...especially ranchers in the West. Here's the latest in their saga.

From SD GFP...

Gray Wolf Returns to Federal Endangered Species List

PIERRE, S.D. – On February 10, 2022, a District Court decision ruled that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) must re-instate wolves under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections, with the exception of wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Therefore, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) no longer has management authority over gray wolves, and they can no longer be hunted or trapped in South Dakota.

On January 4, 2021, the gray wolf was delisted as a federally protected species following 45 years of protection under the Endangered Species Act. This action allowed GFP to manage wolves as a predator as defined in state law.

Under GFP’s management authority, trappers, sportsmen and women, landowners and livestock producers had the ability to harvest gray wolves across the state. Now, because wolves are no longer under GFP management, individuals may only harvest a gray wolf if it is posing a danger to human life.

“Over the past few years, South Dakota has had a handful of gray wolves killed on both sides of the Missouri River; however, South Dakota does not have a resident gray wolf population,” said GFP Wildlife Director, Tom Kirschenmann. “The gray wolves that have been present in South Dakota are transient animals that have dispersed from populations east and west of the state.”

For more information, please visit gfp.sd.gov/wolf.

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report

2022-02-11T09:11:00.001-08:00

Looks like some good options this week for Iowa fishermen! Pay close attention to the warnings about ice conditions. Always check regs and conditions with Iowa DNR before a trip and visit us at Family-Outdoors for a wide variety of fishing info and tips.

Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of Feb. 10

For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Ice thickness is 12 inches near the boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Keeper-sized bluegill have been picked up this week. Use waxworms fished on a small jig in 10-15 feet of water near structure.

Bacon Creek Lake
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is currently operating. Ice thickness is around 14 inches near the Ice House Point boat ramp; this is where most of the ice angling has taken place. Use caution - there are pressure seams and areas of open water around Lakewood Point and in the middle of the east basin. There are open water fishing opportunities near the fish house in Town Bay. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up some crappie around the Gunshot Hill area. Bluegill - Fair. Walleye - Slow. Yellow Perch - Fair.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable; the thickest ice is by the big island near the south boat ramp and in the area around the north boat ramp. These areas are where most of the ice fishing is taking place. Conditions are more variable in the middle portion of the lake; there is thinner ice and a seam running across the big part of the lake. Use caution and check the ice thickness often when venturing out. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill - Fair. Walleye - Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Crawford Creek Impoundment
Ice has degraded with the recent warm weather; conditions are more variable. Watch out for thinner ice areas and open water areas near the dam to watch. If you do venture out, use caution and check ice thickness often.

Moorland Pond
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is around 12-14 inches in most areas. Conditions remain variable; there is open water near the big island, and thinner areas of ice near Stoney Point and the King's Point area. Watch out for seams in the middle of the lake. Use caution when venturing out and check ice thickness often. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleye; best bite is during low-light hours. White Bass - Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up fish; sorting is needed.

Lakes throughout the district have roughly 9-15 inches of ice. Watch out for seams and waterfowl holes with open water on the bigger lakes. Recent warm temperatures have degraded the ice on some areas in the southern part of the district. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

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Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of Feb. 10

For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST

Bacon Creek Lake
About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable; the thickest ice is by the big island near the south boat ramp and in the area around the north boat ramp. These areas are where most of the ice fishing is taking place. Conditions are more variable in the middle portion of the lake; there is thinner ice and a seam running across the big part of the lake. Use caution and check the ice thickness often when venturing out. Black Crappie – Good. Bluegill - Fair. Walleye - Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Blue Pit
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily bag limit is 5. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a bright colored jigging spoon tipped with bait in 2 to 4 feet of water.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 19 inches. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or a plastic bait near the edge of the rushes or open areas in the vegetation in 2 to 3 feet of water. Walleye – Fair: Use a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow or cut bait in 9 to 10 feet of water. Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Bass - Slow: Try a small jig tipped with bait in 8 to 10 feet of water. You have to stay mobile to find fish. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in the Farmers beach area in 2 to 4 feet of water. Try fishing near vegetation; use a larger bait to get the bigger fish.

Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 0 to 18 inches. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 17.5 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation in 2 to 4 feet of water. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small minnow near vegetation.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 0 to 17 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms in 2 to 3 feet of water.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a small minnow or plastic bait in 12 to 15 feet of water. Best bite is early morning. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm.

Center Lake
Ice thickness is around 13 inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation, creating a large open hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Most of the lake is fully iced with an average of 16+ inches of ice allowing for safe ATV traffic in most areas. Be cautious of the open holes and seams that still persist. Panfishing has been good out from the Ritz; some sorting is needed. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics and baits. Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

Ingham Lake
Ice conditions very heavily around the lake; most areas have 17+ inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation.

Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions are safe enough to venture with ATVs with an average ice thickness of 16+ inches. The panfish and crappie bite has been fairly good. Black Crappie - Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little movement around the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed - Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is fully iced, with an average ice thickness of 17+ inches. Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. Walleye - Fair.

Spirit Lake
The lake is fully iced; watch out for areas that had open goose holes until recently. Ice thickness is 16+ inches in most places. Black Crappie - Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Bluegill - Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Yellow Perch - Fair.

West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 16+ inches in most places; there still are a handful of seams usually running from points. Know where trouble areas are before you venture on or off the ice. Panfishing has slowed a bit; with a little movement on the north end and Little Emerson Bay you may be able to catch a good amount of fish. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics or baits. Black Crappie - Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Bluegill - Good: Many anglers have been successful off Triboji on the north end of the lake. Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

Most area lakes have 16+ inches of ice. Watch out for iced over holes and seams running across the lakes. Be sure you know a safe route on and off the ice. Bring safety essentials like flotation, ice picks and a friend. Area lakes have 1-3 inches of snow coverage. The forecast calls for a mix of warmer and freezing temperatures. All walleye between 19 and 25 inches must be immediately released unharmed at Big Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lakes, Upper Gar Lake, Minnewashta Lake, Lower Gar Lake and Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Decorah District Streams
Don't forget to buy your trout fee for 2022. A new lifetime trout fishing license is available. Wildlife management areas are not plowed in the winter; use care when parking along a plowed road. Winter trout fishing is a great time to explore new streams and enjoy opportunities with fewer anglers out. Water clarity is excellent. Be prepared to blend into the background for wary fish. Brook Trout - Fair: Use midge, minnow or leech patterns for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Brown Trout - Fair: Try spinner or crankbaits near or around structure. Also try flies that look fishy. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout are coloring up for their spawning season. Hatchery hold overs remain in the stream teasing anglers. Use small spinnerbaits or hair jigs floating past structure.

Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is about 16 inches with 6 inches of snow. Water clarity is excellent at 9 feet. Areas around the aerator remain open; use caution. Black Crappie - Slow: Try fishing in the sharp drop-offs. Finicky crappies may bite as you slowly raise the lure. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworm or spike fished near structure.

Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 18-20 inches with with 3-4 inches of snow. Fish activity slowed. Find fish in 8-10 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Fair: Catching mostly small bluegills. Anglers with cameras see lots of fish looking at bait, but not biting.

Volga Lake
Ice thickness is about 16 inches topped with crusted snow. Check ice thickness often. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing around cedar tree clusters. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around brush piles about 3 feet off the bottom. Best bite is mid to late afternoon.

Weekend temperatures will fall Friday from low 30s for highs to single digits through Sunday. Breezy. Ice thickness on most waterbodies is 12+ inches. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Alice Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching crappie. Black Crappie - Slow: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick.

Brinker Lake
Angling pressure has increased with the warmer temperatures. Black Crappie - Slow: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching bluegill. Bluegill - Fair: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations.

George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching crappie; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Slow: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick.

Green Belt Lake
Anglers are catching crappie and bluegill. Black Crappie - Good: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick. Bluegill - Good: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Very clear water conditions; use subtle presentations and approach fish from downstream. Brown Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Try a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or a minnow on a dead stick. Bluegill - Good: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
High catches of small bluegill. Harvest-size fish are rare, but a good location to catch some fish with the kids. Bluegill - Slow: Best bite is evening or early morning with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike - Slow: Try fishing tip-ups with a large shiner or chub.

South Prairie Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Black Crappie - Slow: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick. Bluegill - Slow: Best bite is evenings or early mornings with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom.

Ice thickness is 8+ inches on most lakes and ponds in east-central Iowa. Remain cautious while ice fishing; avoid areas with water current or discolored ice. Ice fishing has been extremely slow, but should pick up around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area with warmer weather in the forecast. Best bite is morning and evening. Call area/local bait shops for the most up to date reports. Contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
Lansing water level is just under 8 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice thickness often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Notice: Dredging is completed at Lansing Village Creek. The west part of the parking lot remains closed. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot or two off the bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Lynxville water level is near 614 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Anglers are crossing Wyalusing Slough at Sny Magill to fish down in Methodist Lake. Stay on well traveled paths in areas of potential current. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot or two off the bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tailwater is 5.6 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot or two off the bottom.

Upper Mississippi River levels remain stable. Fish are not as active mid-winter; move often to find fish. Ice depth in backwaters is averaging more than 12 inches. Ice on areas with current varies; use caution. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily limit 6/possession 12.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is steady and temperature is near freezing. Water levels are 5.6 feet at the Lock and Dam and 8.0 feet at the railroad bridge. Water clarity is good. Boat ramps are all frozen in. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are commonly being caught in nearly all the marina areas and deeper backwater lakes. Lots of sorting is needed. Catches have been sporadic. Sauger - No Report: The ramps are iced in. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect to see more yellow perch as winter progresses. We have had excellent reproduction of yellow perch in the past few years.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at the Bellevue Lock is receding at near 5.7 feet. Water temperature is near freezing in the main channel. Water clarity is good. The Bellevue Boat ramp is completely frozen in. The viewing of bald eagles at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is spectacular as they are feeding on dead shad. The city parking lot is an easy location to watch the action. Black Crappie - Fair: An occasional report of anglers catching a nice crappie at times; use a tip-up with minnows. Bluegill - Good: Ice thickness has been good. Anglers are reporting spotty good catches of gills. Rainbow Trout - Good: The kids' trout pond just north of the DNR station has been stocked with rainbow trout for the winter. You can only keep two trout per child. Sauger - No Report: The Bellevue Ramp is frozen in. Yellow Perch - Fair: Lots of small perch are being seen during fish surveys. The future looks bright for decent yellow perch fishing in Pool 13. Some nice catches of yellow perch; fishing has been boom or bust as schools move around under the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is steady at 5.2 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.6 feet at Camanche and 4.6 feet at Le Claire. Water temperature is around 33 degrees in the main channel. Water clarity is good. Most ramps on Pool 14 are frozen in; boat launching is not possible. Bald Eagle viewing in the tailwaters has been very good below the dam. Bluegill - Good: Try the Rock Creek area; some bluegills are being reported. Lots of sorting needed. Catches have been spotty. Sauger - No Report: It remains difficult to launch out of frozen ramps. Yellow Perch - No Report: Lots of small perch are in the system; the future looks bright for yellow perch fishing in Pool 14.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is steady at 4.8 feet. The water temperature is near 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - No Report: Not a lot of backwater bluegill habitat exists on Pool 15 outside of marina areas. Sauger - No Report: Launching is difficult in Pool 15; boat ramps are frozen in.

Lots of ice fishing throughout the district; make sure you have a safety plan as Mississippi River ice can be unpredictable. Be aware of places with flowing water or where ice looks discolored. Most ice is up to 12 inches in the backwaters. The main channel water is low and clear; most boat ramps are frozen in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 4.12 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been fairly steady. As of Feb. 10, the Marquette Street boat ramp is open; some anglers have been tailwater fishing. Reports of around 10 inches of ice in Sunset Marina. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught through the ice in Sunset Marina on jigs and waxworms. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers have been caught below the Lock and Dam in the Quad Cities. Use hair jigs and minnows; mostly small saugers have been caught. White Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught through the ice at Sunset Marina on jigs and waxworms.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.12 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been fairly steady. As of Feb. 20, the ramps at Muscatine were frozen in. We have not received any reports on ice fishing in Big Timber this week. Ice conditions can be variable in Big Timber; check ice thickness often as you move.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 4.73 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been slowly rising. As of Feb. 8th, the Toolsboro ramp was being reported as frozen in. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 2.34 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has been slowly rising the past few days. We have not received reports if the tailwaters are accessible for walleye and sauger fishing. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

There has been some tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers below the Lock and Dam in Davenport. River stages have been fairly steady the past few days. Some ice fishing activity at Sunset Marina and Big Timber. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Melt water on top of the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: The bite is sporadic; best bite is just before dark or just before light .

Lake Belva Deer
Melting the last couple of days has put water on top of the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing is hit-or-miss. Move around often to find fish; they are more out in the open and away from the trees

Lake Darling
A fair amount of water on top of the ice. Be prepared to drill more than a couple of holes to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Best bite is just after dark. Bluegill - Fair: The bite during the day is fairly slow; best bite is the last hour right around dark.

Lost Grove Lake
Entering into late ice fishing conditions. Be prepared to move and drill more than a few holes to find fish. Bluegill - Fair: Move often to find fish - don't wait for them to come to you. Work into shallower water rather than going deeper.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.

Diamond Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs or waxies around brush piles. White Crappie - Good: Most fish are 8 inches; a few bigger fish have been mixed in.

Green Castle Lake
Ice thickness is about 18 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Keeper-sized fish have been hit-and-miss this week.

Hannen Lake
Poor water clarity is making fishing difficult. Bluegill – Slow.

Lake Macbride
Black Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught on minnows primarily at sunset. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs or waxies fished near structure. Size is marginal at best.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is drained for a restoration project.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Smaller fish have been caught on any structure in 15 feet of water or less.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice thickness is reported as up to 14inches. Bluegill - Slow: Size has been decent. Try jigs or waxies fished around brush.

Sand Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use small spoons or jigs tipped with waxies. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Union Grove Lake
Ice thickness is about 15 inches. The aeration system is on; there is open water near the dam area. Black Crappie - Slow: Try fishing in the brush piles in 10-15 feet of water. Bluegill - Slow: Try fishing around brush in 10-15 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most fish are smaller.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Bluegill - No Report: Try small jigs over submerged habitat. Look for rock piles and changes in depth.

Lake Miami
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Black Crappie - Slow: Try jig and minnows over and around the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Slow: Use jigs and waxworms around brush piles and submerged structure.

Lake Miss (Tug Fork West)
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm around structure.

Lake Sugema
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Geese will create areas of open water. Black Crappie - Slow: Try small jigs tipped with a waxworm around the flooded timber or rock piles.

Lake Wapello
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Black Crappie - Slow: Try minnows in brush piles. Bluegill - Slow: Use jigs and waxworms in brush piles.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.58 feet msl; 904 feet msl is recreation pool. Ice thickness varies; use caution and drill test holes. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels; make sure you properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows in brush piles. Most fishing activity has been in the South Fork arm of the lake. The Buck Creek and Honey Creek arms also hold fish if you can find the submerged habitat.

Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm around habitat structures. The shoreline next to the campground has submerged habitat placed several years ago.

Ice conditions vary across each lake; use caution. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
As of Feb. 9, ice thickness is 15 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Target crappies in the early morning and evenings over brush piles and roadbeds in the middle part of the lake; use glow jigs with waxworms or live minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills over brush in the mid and lower half of the lake. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Catch wipers mid-lake over the creek channel with jigging spoons with minnows.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Few crappie are being caught during the day. Try glow jigs and waxworms or live minnows in the evenings.

As of Feb. 9, Central Iowa ponds and lakes have ice thickness averaging 12 to 15 inches. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)
Rainbow Trout – Fair: 1000 rainbow trout were stocked this winter. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Lake Anita
Ice thickness is 12 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: The crappie bite has been slow during the day. Anglers fishing late afternoon until dark are catching some crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching 7.5 inch bluegills in the campground arm of the lake.

Lake Manawa
A few anglers have reported fishing around Tin Can Dyke and the dredge cuts. Black Crappie - Slow. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes were caught along Tin Can Dyke with minnows. White Crappie - Slow.

Littlefield Lake
Ice thickness is 12 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: There is a small population of large black crappies. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing is good around any of the cedar tree piles in the lake. Sorting is needed for larger fish.

Meadow Lake
Ice thickness is 12 inches. Find a cedar tree pile for best success. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picks up after 5 p.m. Bluegill - Slow: Sorting is needed, but anglers are catching 8-inch bluegill in the cedar tree piles.

Orient Lake
Orient has a good bluegill and crappie population with a chance to catch a bonus walleye or yellow perch. Black Crappie - Slow: There is a good population of 8 to 9-inch black crappie. Best bite is late afternoon. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report catching 8-inch bluegill.

Prairie Rose Lake
Ice anglers are finding bluegills in the new cedar tree piles placed in the lake. Black Crappie - No Report: There is a small population of large black crappies. Bluegill - Fair: The DNR placed three new tree piles in the channel north of the pumphouse.

Viking Lake
As of Feb. 8th, ice thickness was 12 inches. The geese have expanded the open water area; stay away from the geese. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers using minnows are having the best success. Look for deep tree piles that are close to the creek channel. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill size has improved with the drawdown. Anglers can sort for 8-inch fish.

Southwest district lakes have 10 to 12 inches of ice. For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
Ice thickness is about 12 inches of the beach area boat ramp. Geese are keeping a large area of open water between the beach and campground. Black Crappie - Slow: Catch crappie up to 11-inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm or minnows fished near deep cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near deep cedar tree brush piles to catch bluegill up to 8.5-inches.

Three Mile Lake
Ice thickness is about 12 inches off the main boat ramp. Geese had area of open water on the south end earlier in the winter. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm or minnows fished near the flooded timber in the upper end of the reservoir. Bluegill - Slow: Try jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near the flooded timber in the upper end of the reservoir. Walleye - Slow: Use minnows fished along the roadbed or in the flooded timber near creek channels to catch walleye of all sizes.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Ice thickness is about 12 inches off the east boat ramp. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 12-inches with a jig tipped with a waxworm or minnow fished along the roadbed. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a waxworm near flooded timber in the upper end of the reservoir.

Ice conditions have started to deteriorate with the warm weather this week. Mount Ayr district lakes have variable ice conditions ranging from 8 to 12 inches. The top 2 inches of ice are poor quality; sse caution and drill test holes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Iowa Eagle Watching: Facts, Figures, and Statistics

2022-02-08T19:03:00.004-08:00

2022 Bald Eagle Midwinter Survey

Every winter during the early part of January, Iowa participates in the national Bald Eagle Midwinter Survey. Over 1,600 miles of rivers and lakeshores are surveyed and all of the bald eagles that are seen are counted. Between 2011 and 2021, an average of 3,104 bald eagles have been counted annually during this survey. In 2022, a whopping 5,404 adult and immature eagles were counted along 1,626 miles of water!

This huge number translates to about 3 eagles per mile of waterbody surveyed though that density increases to about 12 eagles per mile on the Iowa River. The other waterways with large numbers of eagles hanging around this winter were the Mississippi river with 10 eagles per mile and the Des Moines river with an average of 6 eagles per mile.

While counting, surveyors distinguish between adult eagles and immature eagles and the ratio of young birds in the count is an important metric. Since 1991, the number of immatures has made up around 30% of the count and if this number decreased consistently over several years in a row, it would raise concerns about the population's reproductive success rate. In 2022, 1,852 immatures were counted making them about 34% of the count.

But where did they come from and why are they here?

Well, that’s a little tricky to figure out since eagles don’t generally communicate in English but we have some ideas. We know that most eagles only move as far as they have to in the winter to find food and no further. During mild winters they will stick close to their nest. The eagle nesting season in Iowa kicks off in late February, so it doesn’t make sense to stray too far.

So, it is safe to assume that many of these winter eagles are resident birds that also nest in Iowa and just move to wherever they can find open water. These resident birds are likely joined by birds drifting down from the north, primarily Minnesota and Wisconsin. These two states hold LARGE populations of nesting eagles and some of them likely wander down to Iowa particularly when it gets this cold!

Why are there so many eagles that are sampling Iowa’s delights this year? It’s hard to say but it is probably related to how cold - and frozen – January was. Much of the water to the north is frozen and parts of the southern Des Moines and Mississippi rivers offer some of the best open water. Our count may also be increased by how concentrated birds are around small areas of open water, making them easier to count.

Wherever they are from and for whatever reason, they have definitely brought some excitement to this cold winter and to the many Iowan's that have been privileged to watch them!

South Dakota: Spring Turkey Applications Now Being Accepted

2022-01-26T12:45:00.001-08:00

Applications are now available for the Prairie Spring Turkey, Archery Spring Turkey, Custer Spring Turkey, Black Hills Spring Turkey and Mentored Spring Turkey seasons.

Applications for the Prairie Spring Turkey and Custer Spring Turkey seasons are due online by Wednesday, February 16 at 8 a.m. CST. Paper applications must be postmarked no later than February 11.

There is no deadline for Archery Spring Turkey, Black Hills Spring Turkey and Mentored Spring Turkey seasons.

These applications are now being accepted through the new Go Outdoors South Dakota e-commerce system. This system combines the purchases of hunting and fishing licenses with state parks camping reservations and other purchases

Apply for License Today

Iowa Fishing Report January 20 - Offers Caution on Ice Conditions

2022-01-21T06:59:00.003-08:00

Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of January 20

For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

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Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of January 20

For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Ice is 8 inches thick near the boat ramp.

Bacon Creek Lake
Ice thickness is around 8-9 inches. About 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 13th. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is currently operating. Ice thickness is around 10 inches near the Ice House Point boat ramp; this is where most of the ice angling has taken place. Use caution - there are pressure seams and areas of thinner ice in the middle portion of the lake. There are still open water fishing opportunities near the fish house in Town Bay. Black Crappie - Fair: Some anglers have picked up 10 to 11-inch crappie around the Gunshot Hill area. Bluegill - Fair. Walleye - Slow. Yellow Perch - Fair.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable; the thickest ice is by the big island near the south boat ramp and in the area around the north boat ramp. These areas are where most of the ice fishing is taking place. ATV travel is not recommended in the middle portion of the lake; there is thinner ice and a seam running across the big part of the lake. Use caution and check the ice thickness often when venturing out. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill - Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Ice thickness is around 10-12 inches in most areas. Conditions remain variable; there is open water near the big island, and thinner areas of ice near Stoney Point and the King's Point area. Watch out for seams in the middle of the lake. Use caution when venturing out and check ice thickness often. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleye; best bite is during low-light hours. White Bass - Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Lakes throughout the district have roughly 8-12 inches of ice. Watch out for seams and waterfowl holes with open water on the bigger lakes. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Blue Pit
Ice thickness is 5 to 10 inches. Rainbow Trout - Slow. Trout were stocked Jan. 18. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily bag limit is 5.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 14 inches. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm near the edge of the rushes or open areas in the vegetation in 2 to 3 feet of water. Walleye – Fair: Use a jigging minnow or try dead sticking a minnow. Best bite is near last light. Yellow Bass - Slow: Try a small jig tipped with bait in 5 to 6 feet of water. You have to stay mobile to find fish. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in the Farmers beach area in 2 to 4 feet of water. Try fishing near vegetation; use a larger bait to get the bigger fish.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 10 to 12 inches. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 0 to 14 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworms near vegetation. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 0 to 14 inches. Bluegill – Slow.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches. Bluegill - Good: Try a small minnow or plastic bait in 12 to 15 feet of water. Best bite is early morning. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm.

Aeration systems are running at Clear Lake, Crystal Lake, Rice Lake and Silver Lake. Avoid any open water areas and be cautious of waterfowl holes that may have recently frozen over. Check ice thickness often as you go. For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Center Lake
Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation, creating a large open hole.

East Okoboji Lake
Most of the lake is fully iced with an average of 14+ inches of ice allowing for safe ATV traffic in most areas. Be cautious of the open holes and seams that still persist. Panfishing has been good out from the Ritz; some sorting is needed. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics and baits. Black Crappie - Good. Bluegill – Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

Ingham Lake
Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. Ice conditions very heavily around the lake; most areas have 12+ inches.

Lost Island Lake
Caution: The aeration system is currently in operation on the east side of the lake out from the nature center. This creates a large open hole in the ice. The lake has varying ice conditions with an average of 12+ inches. Yellow Perch - Fair: Lots of sorting may be needed.

Minnewashta Lake
The panfish and crappie bite has been fairly good with the recent onset of ice. The bite is good enough that live bait hasn't been needed for success. Ice conditions are safe enough to venture with ATVs with an average ice thickness of 14+ inches. Black Crappie - Fair: A nice crappie bite can be found with a little movement around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Pumpkinseed - Fair.

Scharnberg Pond
Trout were stocked in mid-January; fish should be biting well. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout are biting on a variety of different baits. Try a worm or lure that imitates a minnow.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Caution: The lake aeration system is currently in operation. The lake is fully iced, with an average ice thickness of 14+ inches. Be cautious of holes that have frozen over more recently on the main basin. Walleye - Fair.

Spirit Lake
The lake is fully iced, but conditions can vary in areas that had open holes until recently. Ice thickness is 14+ inches in most places. Black Crappie - Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Bluegill - Fair: Mostly being caught along with perch; use tube jigs with wigglers or pilkies. Yellow Perch - Fair.

West Okoboji Lake
Ice thickness is 14+ inches in most places; there still are a handful of seams and recently frozen over holes. Know where trouble areas are before you venturing on or off the ice. Panfishing has been good with a little movement on the north end and Little Emerson Bay. Try heavy tungsten jigs, plastics or baits. Black Crappie - Good: Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait. Bluegill - Good: Many anglers have been successful off Triboji on the north end of the lake. Try jigging with tube jigs or a tungsten jig and live bait.

All walleye between 19 and 25 inches must be immediately released unharmed at Big Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lakes, Upper Gar Lake, Minnewashta Lake, Lower Gar Lake and Storm Lake; no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Most area lakes have 12+ inches of ice allowing for safe ice fishing. Small vehicle traffic has been prevalent in areas with thicker ice. Use caution as a handful of snowmobiles and Atvs have gone through in lakes that still have open holes and seams. Be sure you know a safe route on and off the ice. Bring safety essentials like flotation, ice picks and a friend. Area lakes have 3-6 inches of snow on the ice. The forecast calls for continued below freezing temperatures. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Ice thickness is about 12 inches. Use caution when crossing areas with flow. Check ice thickness often. Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Black Crappie - Good. Bluegill - Good: Try waxworms and spikes. Walleye – Fair: Use minnows under a slip bobber with enough weight to get your bait near the bottom.

Decorah District Streams
Don't forget to purchase your trout fee for 2022. A new lifetime trout fishing license is available for the mature anglers. Winter trout fishing is a great time to explore new streams and enjoy opportunities with fewer anglers out. Water clarity is excellent. Be prepared to blend into the background for wary fish. Brook Trout - Fair: Use midge, minnow or leach patterns for fish looking to get more bang for their effort. Brown Trout - Fair: Try spinner or crankbaits near or around structure. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout are coloring up for their spawning season which begins soon. Hatchery hold overs remain in the stream teasing anglers.

Lake Hendricks
Areas around the aerator remain open; use caution. About 15 inches ice with 4-5 inches of snow. Few anglers have been out this week as weather presented formidable conditions and fish activity slowed. Black Crappie - Slow: Try fishing in the sharp drop-offs. Finicky crappies may bite as you slowly raise the lure. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with waxworm or spike fished near structure.

Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 14-15 inches with variable snow depths. Fish activity slowed. Find fish in 12-15 feet water. Best bite is morning and evening. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Gills are finicky this week. Anglers with cameras see lots of fish looking at bait, but not biting.

Volga Lake
Few anglers have been out as conditions were suitable for a few brave souls. About 10 inches ice topped with crusted snow. Check ice thickness often. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing around cedar tree clusters. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around structure. Best bite is mid to late afternoon.

Iowa's 2021 fishing licenses expired Jan. 10. Get your 2022 license today! Weekend temperatures range from 10 to low 20's with snow possible. Ice thickness is 12+ inches on most waterbodies. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Alice Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching some bluegill. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing in the evening or early morning for best success with small presentations.

George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching some crappie; some sorting may be needed. Black Crappie – Fair: Locate structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm or try a minnow on a dead stick.

Heritage Pond
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake at this time. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try jigging flashy jigs with a blade to entice rainbow trout to take your lure or jig.

North Prairie Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked in the fall; some of these stocked trout remain in the lake at this time. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try jigging flashy jigs with a blade to entice rainbow trout to take your lure or jig.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
High catches of small bluegill. Harvest-size fish are rare, but a good location to catch some fish with the kids. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing in the evening or early morning for best success with small presentations. Use a small ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike - Fair: Try fishing tip-ups with a large shiner or chub.

Ice conditions are generally 6-10 inches on lakes and ponds in east-central Iowa. Remain cautious while ice fishing; avoid areas with water current. Call the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
Lansing water level remains stable near 8 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice thickness often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Notice: Dredging is completed at Lansing Village Creek. The west part of the parking lot remains closed. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on a tip-downs. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot off the bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Lynxville water level is near 614.6 feet. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Anglers are crossing Johnson Slough at Sny Magill. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot off the bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tailwater is 6.1 feet and is remaining fairly stable. Ice continues to build, but it is extremely variable with snow cover. Use caution and check ice often before crossing sloughs and areas with any current. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm a few feet under the ice to mid-depth. Best bite is mid-morning and again later afternoon. Bluegill - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm about mid-water column to just off the bottom. Anglers are doing a lot of sorting. Release the small ones alive; they will be keepers next year. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northern have been caught in backwaters using shiners on tip-downs. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are hanging out in weed edges on the slopes of backwater cuts. Jig a waxie or minnow a foot off the bottom.

Upper Mississippi River levels remain stable. Mid-January ice fishing can be slow; move often to find the fish. Ice depth in backwaters is averaging 10-12 inches. Ice on areas with current varies; use caution. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily limit 6/possession 12.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is steady and temperature is near freezing. Water levels are 5.8 feet at the Lock and Dam and 8.5 feet at the railroad bridge. Water clarity is good. Boat ramps are nearly all frozen in. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are commonly being caught in nearly all the marina areas and deeper backwater lakes. Lots of sorting needed; sometime 1 in 10 are keepers. Sauger - No Report: The ramps are iced in. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect to see more yellow perch as winter progresses. We have had excellent reproduction of yellow perch in the past few years.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at the Bellevue Lock is receding at near 6.2 feet. Water temperature is near freezing in the main channel. Water clarity is good. The Bellevue Boat ramp has been open at times this winter, but is expected to be frozen in during this cold snap. The viewing of bald eagles at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is fantastic as they are feeding on dead shad. Black Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappie were reported from lower Sabula Lake, but they are not abundant. Bluegill - Good: Ice thickness has been good. Anglers are reporting spotty good catches of gills, usually on waxworms. Rainbow Trout - Good: The kids' trout pond just north of the DNR station has been stocked with rainbow trout for the winter. You can only keep two trout per child. Sauger - No Report: A little activity when the boat ramp opened up, but we did not get any reports. The Bellevue City ramp is expected to freeze back in again during this cold snap. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Lots of small perch are being seen during fish surveys. The future looks bright for decent yellow perch fishing in Pool 13. Some nice catches of yellow perch; fishing has been boom or bust as schools move around under the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is steady at 5.4 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.8 feet at Camanche and 4.6 feet at Le Claire. Water temperature is around 33 degrees in the main channel. Water clarity is good. Most ramps on Pool 14 are frozen in; boat launching is not possible. Bluegill - Good: Try the Rock Creek area; some bluegills are being reported. Lots of sorting needed. Sauger - No Report: It remains difficult to launch out of frozen ramps. Yellow Perch - No Report: Lots of small perch are in the system; the future looks bright for yellow perch fishing in Pool 14.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is 5.1 feet and is dropping. The water temperature is near 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. Sauger - No Report: Try fishing in the tailwater with a simple jig and minnow. Usually you need to fish at a depth greater than 20 feet for walleye and sauger.

Lots of ice fishing throughout the district; make sure you have a safety plan as Mississippi River ice can be unpredictable. Be aware of places with flowing water or where ice looks discolored. The main channel water is low and clear; most boat ramps are frozen in. If you have angling questions please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 5.28 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been fairly steady. The Marquette St. boat ramp is frozen in. The ramp is also snow and ice covered. Reports of around 8 inches of ice in Sunset Marina. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught through the ice in Sunset Marina on jigs and waxworms. White Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught through the ice at Sunset Marina on jigs and waxworms.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.38 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been fairly steady. The ramps at Muscatine are inaccessible due to the main channel being frozen up. This past weekend, Big Timber had 7-8 inches of ice. Ice conditions can be variable in Big Timber; check ice thickness often as you move. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Big Timber through the ice on jigs and waxworms. Use caution on the ice and check ice thickness often as you move.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 5.24 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has beenfairly steady the past few days. The Toolsboro ramp is inaccessible due to the main channel freezing up. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 2.79 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has been fairly steady the past few days. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

The tailwaters are inaccessible due to the main channel freezing up. River stages have been fairly steady the past few days. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Ice is in pretty good shape with 6-7 inches in most places. Black Crappie - Fair: While the ice is in pretty good shape, always use caution if you’re moving through some of the denser stands of trees.

Lake Belva Deer
Ice is in good condition other than a little snow/ice crust on top from the warm Tuesday weather. Bluegill - Fair: Angler numbers remain low; most are in the campground bay and out to the creek channel from there.

Lake Darling
A snow storm last weekend (6 inches) and below 0 weather is keeping angler numbers down. Black Crappie - Fair: Picking up a few crappies over the trees and culverts in 12 to 14 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: The bite remains sporadic. Most anglers are fishing out in the middle.

Lost Grove Lake
Ice is plenty thick to fish on; not recommended to drive out on. Bluegill - Fair: Most anglers start out in the flooded timber along the old creek channel out from the 230th Avenue access points. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are picking up the occasional walleye through the ice.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.

Diamond Lake
Ice is reported as 6-9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Most fish are 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few smaller fish have been caught this week.

Green Castle Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Fish are 11-12 inches. Bluegill - Slow. Northern Pike - Slow: Try minnows under tip-ups. Walleye - Slow: Use minnows under tip-ups

Hannen Lake
Most of the lake is reported as having 6-8 inches of ice. Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Slow.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice is reported as 8-9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair. Bluegill - Fair.

Lake Macbride
Most of the lake has 7-9 inches of ice. Extremely variable ice depending on location. Black Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught on minnows at sunrise/sunset. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs/waxies fished near structure. Size is marginal at best. White Bass - Fair: Minnows, spoons, and jig/waxies are catching fish if you can find a school.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is drained for a restoration project.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Most of the lake has 7-10 inches of ice, but there can be considerable variation based on location. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch 9 to 12-inch fish in 5-15 feet of water. The bite is good some days and slow others. Bluegill - Excellent: Lots of smaller fish have been caught on any structure in 15 feet of water or less.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice is reported as 7-10 inches. Bluegill - Slow.

Union Grove Lake
Ice thickness is about 10 inches. The aeration system is on; there is open water near the dam area. There is an ice fishing tournament here on Jan. 22 put on by "The Pump". Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing in the brush piles in 10-15 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around brush in 10-15 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most fish are smaller. Walleye - Slow.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Backwaters in Linn and Jones County have been producing some fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows at sunrise for best action. Bluegill - Fair: A few smaller fish were caught on waxies. Channel Catfish - Slow. Walleye - Slow.

Most lakes have "safe ice," but some lakes have variability in thickness. Check ice thickness often and use caution before venturing out. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake
Ice thickness varies. Use caution and drill lots of test holes.

Lake Miami
Use caution as ice thickness varies. Drill test holes as you venture out. Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm in areas with submerged habitat.

Lake Sugema
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Geese will create areas of open water.

Lake Wapello
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Target areas with submerged structure. Try small jigs in areas with submerged habitat.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.63 feet msl; 904 feet msl is recreation pool. Ice thickness varies; use caution and drill test holes. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels; make sure you properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody.

Red Haw Lake
Ice thickness varies; use caution. Target areas with submerged habitat. Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm in areas with submerged habitat.

Ice conditions vary across each lake. Use caution and drill test holes. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
As of Jan. 19, Big Creek Lake had 9 inches of ice at the boat ramp. There was a thin layer of slush on top of the ice in areas of undisturbed snow. Black Crappie - Fair: Target crappies in the evenings over brush piles and roadbeds in the middle part of the lake using glow jigs with waxworms or live minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills over brush in the bays on the lower half of the lake.

Don Williams Lake
As of Jan. 19, ice thickness is 9 inches. There may be a thin layer of slush on the ice in areas of undisturbed snow. The area kept open by waterfowl has frozen over. Black Crappie - Slow: Few crappie are being caught during the day. Try glow jigs and waxworms or live minnows in the evenings.

As of Jan. 19, Central Iowa ponds and lakes have ice thickness averaging 9 inches. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

Lake Anita
Ice thickness is 8 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for black crappies around deep tree piles. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching 7.5 inch bluegills in the campground arm of the lake.

Lake Manawa
Variable ice conditions. A few anglers have reported fishing around Tin Can Dyke. Black Crappie - Slow. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes were caught along Tin Can Dyke with minnows. White Crappie - Slow.

Littlefield Lake
Ice thickness is 9 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: There is a small population of large black crappies. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is good around any of the cedar tree piles in the lake. Sorting is needed for larger fish.

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake will provide good fishing this winter. Find a cedar tree pile for best success. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picks up after 5 pm. Bluegill - Good: Sorting is needed, but anglers are catching 8-inch bluegill in the cedar tree piles.

Orient Lake
Orient has a good bluegill and crappie population with a chance to catch a bonus walleye or yellow perch. Black Crappie - No Report: There is a good population of 8 to 9-inch black crappie. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report catching 8-inch bluegill.

Viking Lake
Viking Lake will provide good bluegill and black crappie fishing this winter. Geese are keeping a portion of the lake open. Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies around deep tree piles that are close to the creek channel. There is a good population of black crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill size has improved with the drawdown.

Southwest district lakes have 7 inches of ice. Use caution when venturing out, especially on lakes holding large numbers of geese. For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
Geese are keeping a large area of open water between the beach and campground. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 11-inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm or minnows fished near deep cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near deep cedar tree brush piles to catch bluegill up to 8.5-inches.

Three Mile Lake
Ice thickness is about 8 inches off the main boat ramp. Geese are keeping an area of open water on the south end of the lake. Walleye - Slow: Try minnows fished along the roadbed or in the flooded timber near creek channels to catch walleye of all sizes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Catch yellow perch up to 10-inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm fished off the roadbed.

Mount Ayr district lakes have variable ice conditions ranging from 6 to 8 inches. Use caution and drill test holes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Iowa DNR finalizes public meeting locations to recap hunting, trapping seasons, discuss possible rule changes

2022-01-20T07:31:00.001-08:00

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hosting a series of town hall-style meetings where local staff will provide updates on recently completed hunting and trapping seasons, discuss possible changes to hunting and trapping rules and regulations, and address other topics as requested.

“We want people to come out to these meetings, listen to the seasons reviews, ask questions and hear directly from our staff,” said Todd Bishop, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Wildlife Bureau. “Part of the meeting will be devoted to discussing potential rule changes and collecting feedback as we work through the rules process.”

The meetings are open to the public. Comments collected from these public meetings will be considered along with other related comments received by the Iowa DNR prior to proposing changes to hunting rules and regulations. Proposed rules will be presented to the Natural Resource Commission during a regular public meeting for consideration and additional public comment.

Meeting date, time and location

Algona, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Waters Edge Nature Center, 1010 250th Street
Creston, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Multi-Purpose Room, Southern Prairie YMCA, 1201 West Townline Street
Des Moines, Feb. 22, 6:45 p.m., Des Moines Izaak Walton League, 4343 George Flagg Parkway
Dubuque, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., EB Lyons Nature Center at Mines of Spain, 8991 Bellevue Heights Road
Jefferson, Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., The Depot, Raccoon River Valley Trailhead, 507 E Lincoln Way
Okoboji, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Maser Monarch Lodge, 22785 Nature Center Road
Sac City, Feb 22, 6:30 p.m., Sac County Conservation Center, Hagge Park, 2970
280th Street
Ventura, Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Iowa DNR Wildlife Office, 15326 Balsam Avenue
Waverly, Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Waverly Public Library, 1500 W Bremer Avenue
Burlington, Feb. 23, 5 p.m., Starr's Cave Nature Center, 11627 Starr's Cave Road
Calmar, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Northeast Iowa Dairy & Agriculture Foundation (Dairy Center), Room 115, 1527 Hwy. 150 South
Iowa City, Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Johnson County ISU Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy. 218 South
Onawa, Feb. 23, 6 p.m., Lewis and Clark State Park visitor center banquet room, 21914 Park Loop
Bloomfield, Feb. 24, 6 p.m., Wapello County Conservation Board Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, 1339 Hwy. 63
Chariton, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Pin Oak Lodge, 45996 State Hwy. 14
Council Bluffs, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Council Bluffs Fish & Game Club, 531 Comanche St. DeWitt, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., DeWitt Community Library, 917 Fifth Avenue
Toledo, Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Tama County Nature Center, 2283 Park Road

Any person attending the public meeting that has special requirements, such as those related to mobility or hearing impairments, should contact the Iowa DNR or ADA Coordinator at 515-725-8200, Relay Iowa TTY Service 800-735-7942, or Webmaster@dnr.iowa.gov, and advise of specific needs.

Wildlife Diversity Small Grant Proposals Being Accepted in South Dakota

2022-01-20T07:27:00.000-08:00

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) Wildlife Diversity Program is accepting proposals for the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants Program. This program provides funding for researchers, educators, and naturalists to carry out projects focused on native wildlife. Funding for the 2022 Small Grants Program totals $28,000 for projects that are focused on research of native wildlife species and their habitats.

Wildlife Diversity Small Grants have funded education, research, and monitoring projects focused on native wildlife and habitats since 1997. A wide range of projects has been completed to date, ranging from various educational guides and programs to plantings for pollinators and aquatic habitat improvements.

GFP recognizes that there is a tremendous pool of talent and expertise outside of the agency that can be very beneficial to the mission of the Wildlife Division. By making small grants available, we can utilize this talent and expertise. The diverse projects that have been completed in the last 25 years have resulted in numerous publications in scientific journals, popular educational products, and a tremendous amount of new information on native wildlife species and their habitats.

Proposals are due by February 18, 2022.

For more information, contact the Wildlife Diversity Program at 605.773.4345 or email Casey.Heimerl@state.sd.us.

Learn More

GFP Launches Go Outdoors South Dakota, the Combined Licensing and Park Reservation System

2022-01-03T20:32:00.002-08:00

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a new e-commerce system, Go Outdoors South Dakota.

This system combines the purchases of hunting and fishing licenses with state parks camping reservations and other purchases. The new system makes it easier and more convenient for the public to log in and view their preference points, purchase hunting and fishing licenses, make park reservations, and manage their profile information.

“We are very excited to offer a one stop shop for customers looking to pursue their next outdoor adventure. The new e-commerce system makes it easier for family and friends to get outdoors and create long lasting memories and traditions,” said Kevin Robling, GFP Department Secretary.

SD: Firearms, Mentored and Special Antelope Applications Now Being Taken

2021-07-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is accepting applications for Mentored Antelope, Firearms Antelope and Special Antelope licenses.

Mentored Antelope licenses are valid during the established 2021 Archery and Firearms Antelope seasons. Firearms may not be used during the Archery Antelope season. Applications will be accepted through the end of the firearm antelope season.

Paper applications for the firearm season must be postmarked by August 13. Online applications must be submitted by 8 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, August 18.

New for 2021 is the Special Antelope License. Like the Special Buck License, the 50 resident and 50 nonresident licenses are valid on private land only in all open firearm antelope units. All public lands are closed to these license holders, including Walk-In Areas. Applicants must include the name and phone number of a landowner who has granted permission to hunt.

Only online applications are being accepted and must be submitted by 8 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, August 13^th.

Apply for a License

Family-Outdoors

Stay Safe While Paddling Rivers and Streams: A Family Guide

1. Choose the Right Waterway

2. Wear Proper Gear

3. Pack Safety Equipment

4. Know Your Route

5. Understand the Water

6. Practice Paddling Techniques

7. Stay Together

8. Be Weather-Wise

9. Respect Nature

10. Know Your Limits

Share Your Experiences

Unleash Your Inner Explorer: Top 5 Midwestern States for Public Land Adventures

Exploring the Health Benefits of Hiking: Your Path to Wellness, No Matter Where You Live

The Health Benefits of Hiking

Physical Health

Mental Health

Hiking for All Locations

City Dwellers

Suburban Residents

Rural Areas

Personal Safety Tips for Hiking

Conclusion

Safe and Enjoyable Family Hikes in the Summer

Choosing the Right Trail

Packing Essentials for Safety and Comfort

Keeping the Hike Fun and Engaging

Ensuring Safety on the Trail

Recommended Family Hiking Spots

Wisconsin: Find Your Adventure During Free Fun Weekend June 3-4

State Park Admissions, Fishing Licenses And Trail Passes Waived

Wyoming-Free Fishing Day June 3

Get hooked on crappies this spring

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report 5/19

Kick Off Summer in Iowa State Parks and Forests!

Bears are awake and looking for food; do your part to remain ‘bear aware’ in 2023

MDC May 25 virtual program to focus on mounting turkey fans

Free Fishing weekend Wisconsin

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report for 4/1/2022

Walleye Fisheries Management in Wisconsin

DNR Seeking Public Comment OnDraft Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report

Black Bears in Wisconsin: Help with Conservation of this Amazing Animal

Reminder: Report Black Bear Den Locations For New Research Study

Wolves: The debate rages on

Iowa Weekly Fishing Report

Iowa Eagle Watching: Facts, Figures, and Statistics

2022 Bald Eagle Midwinter Survey

But where did they come from and why are they here?

Wherever they are from and for whatever reason, they have definitely brought some excitement to this cold winter and to the many Iowan's that have been privileged to watch them!

South Dakota: Spring Turkey Applications Now Being Accepted

Iowa Fishing Report January 20 - Offers Caution on Ice Conditions

Iowa DNR finalizes public meeting locations to recap hunting, trapping seasons, discuss possible rule changes

Wildlife Diversity Small Grant Proposals Being Accepted in South Dakota

GFP Launches Go Outdoors South Dakota, the Combined Licensing and Park Reservation System

SD: Firearms, Mentored and Special Antelope Applications Now Being Taken

DNR Seeking Public Comment On
Draft Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan