Anglers in Southeast Iowa hoping to do some ice fishing are recommended to hold off for more colder days before hitting the ice. With a majority of area lakes and ponds considered to have unsafe ice conditions, no fishing reports were available for the last week. 

In Washington County, ice thickness at Lake Darling was only about two inches, with open water around the edges starting to freeze back over. Water on the top of the ice at Crawford Pond had drained through the ice, but areas of open water remained as well.

Big Hollow Lake in Des Moines County had slightly better ice than the smaller ponds in the Big Hollow Recreation Area, but ice fishing is still not recommended.  

Unsafe ice conditions were announced for Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County, with a large fault line out from the south ramp reported. 

In Scott County, Lost Grove Lake had some rotten spots around the edges, and the ice is not in the best shape. It is recommended to give it a few more days before heading out. 

For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.