Ice Fishing Clinics

Learn the basics of ice fishing by attending a local fishing clinic – bring the whole family. Anglers are reminded to have a valid 2016 fishing license, if they are age 16 or older.

1/16/2016

11:00 a.m. – Family Ice Fishing Clinic: Blue Pit, 1221 S Pierce Ave, Mason City
9:00 a.m. – Kids Ice Fishing Clinic: Backwater area of Pinicon Ridge Park, Central City

1/17/2016

1:30 p.m. – Ice Fishing Basics: Sportsman's Warehouse, 921 SE Oralabor Rd., Ankeny
3:00 p.m. – Ice Fishing Meet-Up: Ankeny Lake (DMACC), 2006 S Ankeny Blvd., Ankeny

1/30/2016

9:00 a.m. – Fishing Academy 201: Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville
9:00 a.m. – Annual Lake Pahoja Youth Ice Fishing Derby: Lake Pahoja (West Shelter), 4 miles south and 2 miles west of Larchwood
1:00 p.m. – Fishing Academy 101: Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville

2/1/2016

6:00 p.m. – Fishing Academy 301: Wickiup Hill Outdoor Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Road, Toddville

2/6/2016

11:00 a.m. – Family Ice Fishing Clinic: North Ridge Pavillion Pond, 2250 Holiday Rd, Coralville

2/20/2016

9:00 a.m. – Youth Ice Fishing Clinic: Black Hawk Lake, 202 Main St., Lake View
1:00 p.m. – Ice Fishing Clinic: Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, 579 McCollister BLVD, Iowa City

Ice Safety Reminder As Iowa Lakes Freeze Over

The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds over much of Iowa and sending anglers out for the coveted early ice fishing of the season.

“Ice fishing is one of our great winter sports and is really a fun, social activity best enjoyed with a group of friends,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of fisheries for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. 

Anglers heading out are reminded to check the ice often as they make their way to their favorite fishing spot.

“Even with this cold blast, there could be pockets of thin ice or places where the geese had kept ice from forming, so it would be wise to check ice thickness as you go out,” Larscheid said.

As a general guide, at a minimum, four inches of quality ice is recommended for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs. 

“Ice thickness is not uniform on any body of water.  Things like current and springs slow ice growth.  Things that poke through the ice like rocks, trees or docks will conduct heat and make the ice around it less stable,” Larscheid said. 

Early ice offers an excellent chance for success.  If fish are finicky, plan to cut a series of holes and spend 15 minutes at each hole targeting active fish. Make sure to use small baits and light line.

Getting the equipment ready should also include ice safety tips.

“Now that we have ice, we need to go through our mental safety check list.  Go with a friend and be sure to cut some test holes for ice thickness as you go out,” Larscheid said. 

 

Safety Tips on the Ice

• There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice.
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. 
• Ice fishing is a social activity, don’t go out alone. If the worst should happen, someone would be there to call for help or to rescue.
• There could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed, so it would be wise to check ice thickness as you go out.
• Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
• The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process.
• Safety items in the bucket: Ice picks, about 50 feet of rope and a throwable floatation seat cushion for use in case of rescue.

 

Winter Trout Stocking

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release trout in seven locations this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10. 

A family friendly event is paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.

Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit.  The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.

Winter stocking events are based on favorable weather conditions. 

2016 Winter Trout Stocking Schedule

Jan. 16, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, at 2 p.m.
Jan. 16, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
Jan. 22, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 4 p.m.
Jan. 23, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at Noon
Jan. 30, Petoka, Bondurant, at Noon
Jan. 30, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at Noon
Feb. 6, Ada Hayden, Ames, at Noon