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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 23, 2025
Iowa’s stretch of unseasonably warm temperatures has deteriorated the quality of ice across much of the state south of Iowa Hwy. 3, to the point where any remaining ice is considered unsafe and ice fishing is discouraged.
“Ice fishing in central and southern Iowa, is not advised,” said Colonel Craig Cutts, chief of law enforcement for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “We will return to more seasonable weather next week and that should put down a fresh layer of ice, but we have to give it some time to freeze.
“It’s better for the quality of ice to restart from open water, than to grow ice thickness over bad ice conditions.”
North of Iowa Hwy. 3, anglers are encouraged to check the ice as they go and to avoid any dark or discolored ice as these are signs of deteriorating conditions. The Iowa DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of quality ice for ice fishing. The weekly Iowa Fishing Report will have the latest information on ice conditions across the state.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will release rainbow trout in nine locations across Iowa this winter in areas that would not support them during warmer months.
Winter trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. A family-friendly event is paired with some stockings to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.
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.
Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but together, they can only keep one daily limit. Children can pay the trout fee, allowing them to keep their own daily limit.
2026 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule
- Jan. 10, Blue Pit, Mason City, at 11 a.m.
- Jan. 22, Bacon Creek Lake, Sioux City, at 1 p.m.
- Jan. 23, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, at 3 p.m.
- Jan. 23, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, at Noon
- Feb. 7, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, at Noon
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake (Ames), Lake Petocka (Bondurant), and Triumph Park West and Triumph Park East (Waukee) will also be stocked this winter. These stocking dates will not be announced until ice conditions are suitable.
Winter trout stocking events are dependent on favorable weather and ice conditions. Check the DNR Trout Fishing website at www.iowadnr.gov/troutstocking for possible changes to the schedule.
Trout will be stocked in several other locations later this spring. Dates and locations will be announced in February.
Media Contact: Mike Siepker, Regional Fisheries Supervisor, Northeast Iowa, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 563-380-3424.
Iowa state parks have dozens of openings for recreational aides, seasonal patrol officers and a carpenter for the summer 2026 season.
If you enjoy spending time outdoors in Iowa’s most scenic natural areas, consider applying for a seasonal position. Jobs duties will be unique to each park and could include: helping visitors, leading programs, patrolling a state park or ATV area for safety, and/or maintaining the park through mowing, trimming, cleaning, trail work and facility repairs.
Interested applicants should have skills in general maintenance, ability to work on a team or with minimal supervision, and have strong customer relations skills.
For more details and information on how to apply, visit iowadnr.gov/employment
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