The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ fishing report for the week of Dec. 19, 2024 for southwest Iowa:
Lake Anita, Cass County, one mile south of Anita: Ice fishing has always been good at Lake Anita. The panfish population looks good heading into winter.
Littlefield Lake, Audubon County, four miles east of Exira: Littlefield showed a good panfish population in 2024. Black crappies average 9-inches with an occasional 12-inch fish. Sorting is needed for 8-inch bluegill.
Meadow Lake, Adair County, six miles northeast of Greenfield: Meadow Lake will be a good ice fishing destination this winter. The Bluegill will average 8 inches and there is a good population of 9-inch black crappies. Find a deeper cedar tree pile for best success.
Prairie Rose Lake, Shelby County, eight miles southeast of Harlan: Prairie Rose has provided excellent ice fishing since the renovation. This winter will be no exception with large bluegill and a decent crappie population.
Viking Lake, Montgomery County, four miles east of Stanton: Viking Lake will offer good crappie fishing this winter. The bluegills will average 7.5 inches.
Lakes in the southwest district are starting to ice over. Unsafe ice conditions. This is a good time to prepare ice fishing tackle for the season ahead. For information on lakes in the Southwest District, call the Cold Springs office at (712) 769-2587.
Green Valley Lake, Union County, 2-1/2 miles northwest of Creston: Lake is mostly ice covered. Large areas of open water around the beach as of Dec. 17.
Three Mile Lake, Union County, three miles northwest of Afton: Lake level is 11 feet below normal pool. Boat ramp lanes are out of the water at the main boat ramp. Lake is mostly ice covered with pockets of open water on the southern end of the lake.
Twelve Mile Lake, Union County, four miles east of Creston: Dock removed for winter. Main lake basin open on south ends .
Most Mount Ayr district lakes are mostly covered with ice with pockets of open water. Ice is not thick enough for fishing. Most docks have been removed from lakes for the winter. For more information, call Mount Ayr Fisheries office at (641) 464-3108.
