Spring-Like Weather Brings Iowa’s Ice Fishing Season to Early End

Unseasonably warm temperatures are rapidly bringing Iowa’s 2026 ice fishing season to a close, including at lakes in the far northern part of the state that typically hold ice well into late winter.

In just the past two days, multiple incidents have highlighted the deteriorating ice conditions. A utility task vehicle (UTV) broke through the ice on East Okoboji Lake, while a pickup truck fell through to its frame on West Okoboji Lake. Earlier Wednesday, a wheel house-style ice fishing shelter also broke through on West Okoboji Lake.

The UTV has since been recovered, officials said. The pickup truck is expected to be removed soon, and crews are in the process of removing the wheel house.

“The quality of ice is deteriorating quickly in a lot of places,” said Capt. Greg Harson, Law Enforcement supervisor for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources covering northwest Iowa. “For anyone coming up here looking for ice, the conditions are not great. Ice could be good in one place, then poor in another.”

Harson noted that many experienced anglers have already ended their season.

“Most of the locals have put their gear away for the season,” he said.

Conditions across north Iowa reflect the rapid thaw. Much of the north side of Spirit Lake is now ice-free, and ice heaves near the shoreline on Clear Lake have opened up. Other lakes throughout the region are also steadily losing ice cover.

Although temperatures are expected to return to more seasonal norms by mid-February, overnight lows are not forecast to drop far enough to significantly rebuild or “reset” the ice.

State officials are urging caution for anyone who still plans to venture out. The Department of Natural Resources recommends fishing only on foot, using a spud bar to frequently check ice thickness, and carrying a throwable flotation cushion with at least 50 feet of rope.

With warming trends continuing, authorities say anglers should carefully weigh the risks before heading onto the ice, as conditions can change quickly and vary dramatically from one area to another.