GREAT LAKES, IA (Northwestiowanow) — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says winter fishing conditions across the Iowa Great Lakes this year have been strong.

Andrew Carlson with the Iowa DNR’s Fisheries Bureau says conditions in Spirit Lake are especially productive.

 

 

Throughout the chain of lakes, ice thickness currently ranges from 12 to 18 inches — enough to support foot traffic, ATVs, and even vehicles. Carlson reminds anglers to check conditions often and travel in groups.

Ice-fishing opportunities should continue for about a month, with full ice-out typically starting from mid-March into early April.

The transition to spring also marks the return of the Walleye Broodstock Collection, one of the DNR’s largest annual projects.

 

 

The hatchery also welcomes the public to come view the fish once they are brought in.

 

Depending on weather and ice conditions, the Iowa DNR expects broodstock collection to begin around the first week of April.