Warm Temperatures Bring Early Visitors to Iowa Great Lakes After Blizzard

Anglers return to open water just days after winter storm covered region in snow

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:20am

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Just days after a blizzard swept through northwest Iowa, people headed to the Iowa Great Lakes to enjoy the unseasonably warm first day of spring. Anglers lined the shore and boats returned to the water, while crews installed docks weeks ahead of the typical schedule. The sudden taste of spring has many looking ahead to summer already.

Why it matters

The Iowa Great Lakes region is a popular tourist destination, and the early arrival of warm weather and open water could signal a strong start to the upcoming tourism season. This is especially significant after the recent blizzard that had blanketed the area in snow.

The details

Above average, warm temperatures made for a picture perfect first day of spring across northwest Iowa. Just days after a blizzard swept through the region, covering the area in snow and freezing over the lakes, warmer temperatures have quickly changed the scene. Anglers lined the shore and boats returned to the water, while crews took advantage of the early thaw, installing docks weeks ahead of the typical schedule.

  • On Sunday into Monday morning, a blizzard swept through the region, covering the area in snow and freezing over the lakes.
  • On the first day of spring (March 21, 2026), warm temperatures had melted the ice and brought early visitors to the Iowa Great Lakes.

The players

Kory Biggerstaff

A visitor to the Iowa Great Lakes who took the day off work to enjoy the warm weather and early fishing with his son.

Boden Biggerstaff

Kory Biggerstaff's 15-year-old son, who was hoping to catch a big Muskie on his birthday.

Wyatt Baldwin

A visitor planning to spend as much time outside as possible, soaking up the sunshine and casting a line, hoping to reel in a crappie.

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What they’re saying

“It is my son's 15th birthday, so we decided it was a nice weekend, I took off work and am enjoying the weather.”

— Kory Biggerstaff

“Plans to catch a big Muskie.”

— Boden Biggerstaff

“Enjoying the really good food. There are lots of good restaurants up here. The Okoboji Store is really good and having a good time.”

— Boden Biggerstaff

“It was pretty lucky because last night the lake was froze over, and this morning it was open water, so we are going to hit it hard and try to catch some bass.”

— Kory Biggerstaff

“I have like 40 more days left of school.”

— Wyatt Baldwin

What’s next

As the tourism season on the Iowa Great Lakes kicks into full gear in the coming weeks, local businesses and officials will be closely monitoring visitor numbers and economic activity to gauge the impact of the early warm weather.

The takeaway

The sudden arrival of warm temperatures and open water on the Iowa Great Lakes just days after a major winter storm highlights the region's unpredictable weather patterns and the importance of being adaptable for both visitors and local businesses. This early start to the tourism season could provide a much-needed boost after the challenges of the recent blizzard.