Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

DES MOINES IA - NW Iowa, Bacon Creek Lake

1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on January 8. Anglers need a trout stamp in addition to their regular fishing license to fish for or keep trout. Daily limit of trout is 5.

Brushy Creek Lake

Stay off the ice as conditions are extremely poor.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Ice conditions are poor over most of the lake, especially around the shoreline. The marina is completely open. Walleye - Fair: There have been many reports of anglers catching walleye in the marina at Storm Lake.

North Twin Lake

Ice conditions are poor and there is open water in the north central portion of the lake.

Swan Lake

Ice conditions are poor throughout a large portion of the lake. There is some open water around the fish house area.

Black Hawk Lake

The Town Bay and east lake basin are completely open. There is poor ice in the middle portion of the lake.

Browns Lake

Ice conditions are poor.

Snyder Bend Lake

Ice conditions are poor with some open holes.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

Ice conditions are dangerous and there is open water around the edges. No one has been out fishing. Some roads are temporarily closed due to wet and muddy conditions.

North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 Bridge near Auburn)

Conditions are good for river fishing right now and anglers are catching some nice walleye. Target areas below rock riffles and around bridges.

Ice conditions are degrading rapidly. Anglers are not advised to go out on the ice. For more information on the lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake

Bluegills are biting on wax worms, fishing near structure.

Lower Pine Lake

No activity.

Lake Smith

Fishing has been slow, a few bluegills and yellow perch are biting in the late afternoon.

Clear Lake

The ice has deteriorated enough that vehicle usage is not recommended. Yellow bass fishing is good, the best bite is from 6 p.m. until dark, but fish are being caught all day. The best spot has been on the Little Lake fishing in about 7 to 10 feet of water using minnows or cut bait. A few walleyes are being caught using the same method.

For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake fisheries office at 641-357-3517.

Lake Pahoja

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good catches of bluegills. Crappie - Good: Some crappie are being caught while fishing for bluegill.

Big Spirit Lake

Ice conditions are deteriorating quickly at accesses. On March 15, the DNR began advising anglers to not drive on the ice. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good numbers of bluegill fishing by the north grade from the road to the footbridge, as well as in Angler's Bay. Use caution at the grade as the inlet has opened up in the past few weeks. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting good numbers of crappies while fishing in Angler's Bay. Yellow Perch - Good: Not much pressure has been put on Spirit this week with failing ice conditions. Fish are being caught on the main lake basin using small ice jigs tipped with wigglers, wax worms, and artificial blood worms. Anglers are experiencing successful catches on the Marble Beach, Big Stoney, Templar Park, and Cottonwood Points. Some success has been reported in Angler's Bay.

West Okoboji Lake

Vehicle travel is no longer advised on West Okoboji. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are reporting some northern pike on tip-ups in shallow water in the bays. Bluegill - Good: Fish in the bays with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms/wigglers or plastics. Bluegills are still aggressively biting, but sorting is needed for larger fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Some anglers are reporting good catches of perch off of Triboji access, Eagle Point and Haywards Bay.

Ice conditions are still good once you get out on area lakes; however extreme caution should be used near shorelines and accesses. Lakes are no longer safe to drive on. Use caution in the next week as ice conditions are changing rapidly. Also, remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Lake Hendricks

A few anglers have been out on the ice. The best time to fish is in the evening. Please use caution when going out on the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Big bluegills have been hitting on wax worms.

Lake Meyer

Use caution when going out on the ice. Lake Meyer has had very few anglers out this week. Bluegill - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Folks are starting to float the Upper Iowa below Decorah and are having pretty good luck picking up trout and a few walleye. Water levels on the Upper Iowa have gone up about one foot this week and are on the rise. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try using a large minnow or minnow imitation jig to catch trout. Walleye - Slow:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels have gone up about 1.5 feet and continue to rise as snow and ice melts. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northern pike are being caught below the dams. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are beginning to bite. Try using worms floated around structure.

Decorah District Streams

Early-season Blue Wing Olive hatches have been occurring on northeast Iowa streams. Trout have been taken on #18 and #16 Blue Wing Quills, Griffith's Gnats and other Blue Wing Olive dry fly patterns. The streams may go into the tank this weekend with the melting snow, but last weekend most of them were in very good shape. For the spin fisher, jigs and poppers work well for this time of year. The Proposed 2011 Trout Stocking Schedule is now available on the Iowa DNR website.

Ice conditions vary. Use caution when going out on the ice. Many of our trout streams are in good condition and fishable but flows are up. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Fishing is good right now for walleye and northern pike. Northern Pike - Good: Try concentrating near open backwater areas or below dams. Jig and minnow combinations have been working real well. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching channel catfish on jig and minnow combinations. Walleye - Good: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Reports have been of some walleye and northern pike being caught on the Shell Rock River. Northern Pike - Fair: Fish near open backwater areas or below dams. Jig and minnow combinations have been working real well. Walleye - Good: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon is slowly rising and is at 6.52 feet as of March 17. Jig and minnow combinations work best this time of year for both northern pike and walleye. Northern Pike - Fair: Try concentrating near open backwater areas or below dams using chubs under a bobber or larger artificial baits as the pike spawn approaches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.

Ice fishing is not recommended due to poor ice conditions. Most interior rivers are open now and have been providing good angling opportunities for walleye and northern pike. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For further information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Tail water stage at Lansing is 8.2 feet and expected to rise rapidly to 12 feet by next week. Ice conditions are deteriorating making it unsafe to ice fish. Sauger - Good: For anglers venturing into Minnesota and Wisconsin waters the sauger bite at the Genoa dam has been good with heavy fishing pressure.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Tail water stage at Lynxville is 15.2 feet. River levels are predicted to rise rapidly to near 22 feet by next week. Ice conditions are deteriorating making it unsafe to ice fish. Sauger - Good: The tail waters still have a lot of current due to the high water going into the winter. This has made fishing for sauger challenging as they may not be staging in their normal locations. Walleye - Fair: Some smaller walleyes are being caught on jig and minnow.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Guttenberg tail water stage is 8.2 feet. River levels are expected to rise rapidly to near 13 feet by next week. Ice conditions are deteriorating making it unsafe to ice fish. Sauger - Good: Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows or three-way rigs. Walleye - Fair: A few smaller walleyes are being reported mostly being caught on three way rigs or jig and minnow.

Ice conditions are deteriorating making it unsafe for ice fishing. River levels are expected to rise rapidly over the next week. Many areas are predicted to rise 6 feet by this time next week. Those wishing to fish walleye and sauger should go soon before high river levels make it hard to find fish. With the rapid rising water boaters should be cautious for floating debris and ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river level at Dubuque is 9.4 feet and expected to rise to 12.5 feet by noon March 21. Tail water fishing is occurring with good success. A few reports of ice fishing, but with warming weather use extreme caution. Sauger - Excellent: Fishing in the tail waters are yielding fish using a jig and minnow combo and three-ways tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Excellent: Fish are being caught using jig and minnow combos as well as three ways. Some are dragging stick baits with varied success.

Mississippi River Pool 13

River level at Bellevue is 7.9 feet and expected to rise to 10.9 feet by March 21 at noon. No reports of ice fishing were available. Sauger - Excellent: Fishing in the tail waters is excellent, fish range from 8 to 18 inches. Walleye - Excellent: Fishing in the tail waters is excellent with numerous sublegal walleye being caught, but some keepers are also be caught and a number of 20-27 releasers as well.

Mississippi River Pool 14

The river level at Clinton is 7.5 feet and expected to rise to 9.6 feet by noon on March 21. Sauger - Excellent: Fish range from 8 to 18 inches. Anglers are using jigs tipped with a minnow, three ways and some stick baits and some one-eyes were being used as well. Walleye - Excellent: Fish are being caught in the tail waters using jigs and minnow, three ways and even some are dragging stick baits producing good catches.

Due to warming weather most ice fishing from pools 12-15 is not recommended. Heavy snow pack in Wisconsin and Minnesota will cause the river to rise rapidly with projections of 3 feet plus to the current water level by March 21 will make fishing more difficult.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 8.39 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin rising by the weekend. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - Fair: Anglers have been catching some saugers on jigs and minnows below Lock and Dam 15 by the casino and below the Arsenal Dam. Most of the fish being caught are on the small side. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching some walleyes below Lock and Dam 15 and up by the Arsenal Dam. Most fish have been on the small side.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 7.04 feet. River stage is forecast to rise over the weekend. We have received no tail water sauger fishing information for this pool. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 9.05 feet. River stage is forecast to begin rising by the weekend. As of March 17, 2011 the Toolesboro ramp is still open. Ramp conditions will change as the river comes up. With current river stage predictions the ramp at Toolesboro will probably be closed sometime early next week due to high water. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts fished above wing dams. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers have been caught below the dam on jigs and minnows. Some fish are also being caught on jigs and minnows around wing dams. Walleye - Slow: Some walleyes are being caught fishing jigs/minnows or jigs/plastics around wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 5.88 feet. River stage is forecast to rise over the weekend. Tail water fishing has been slow. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Pools 16-19: River levels are still above normal. River levels are forecasted to begin rising by the weekend so fishing and ramp conditions may change. Main channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

The lake has been ice free for the last few days. Very little angler activity.

Lake Belva Deer

UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS. While there is a lot of open water there is still a big slab of ice out in the middle of the lake.

Lake of the Hills

Anglers are doing a little fishing from shore now. The DNR will release 2,000 rainbow trout at 10:30 a.m., March 19 at the gate one boat ramp. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout fishing is fairly good right now but it will be excellent this Saturday when a couple thousand hungry trout are released at 10:30 am. Bluegill - Slow: There are a few bluegills being caught by anglers out enjoying the nice weather. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are picking up a few crappies around the brush piles during the warm afternoons.

Wilson Lake

The lake is ice free and there have been a few anglers out enjoying the nice weather. The DNR will release 1,000 trout at 1 p.m., March 26. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout fishing will be excellent on Saturday March 26th. When 1000 trout will be released at 1 pm.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

The DNR will be stocking 900 rainbow trout and 100 brook trout at 10:30 am. On March 26.

Lake Darling District Farm Ponds

UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS, Most of the ponds are now ice free but there is still some rotten ice on the more shaded ones.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430

Iowa Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramp is usable. No fishing reports are available.

Kent Park Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramp is open. No fishing reports are available.

Lake Macbride

As of March 17, there is only a small amount of ice in the shaded bays. All boat ramps are open. No fishing reports are available at this time.

Central Park Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Pleasant Creek Lake

As of March 17, there is a little ice shifting around but the lake is expected to be ice free by Friday. Boat ramps should be open and usable. No fishing reports are available.

Diamond Lake

The lake has very little ice in some coves but should be ice free before the weekend. The boat ramp is open. No fishing reports are available.

Otter Creek Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Union Grove Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake is at 679.3 feet and holding. Use caution when boating at this level. Areas above Jolly Rodgers (Bobbers) are extremely shallow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut shad or shad guts for best results. The upper end of the reservoir seems to be the most productive.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

As of March 10, the flow from the "tube" is 2,180 cubic feet per second. It is predicted to hold at about this output for the next week. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being caught on jigs.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)

The river is reported as beginning to become a bit murky, but still fishable. Walleye - Fair: Fish overwintering holes with jigs for best results.

Prairie Park Fishery

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)

The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work has begun around the lake. New fish habitat areas are being built along with some new jetties.

Lake Sugema

The lake now has open water with all the ice melting. Fishing has been slow.

Ottumwa Lagoon

A trout stocking event will be held on Saturday, March 19th. Trout will be stocked around 10 a.m.

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is at 902.35 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. The lake has opened up. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please take the time to look under the jaw of the walleye to check for a tag. Call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tagged walleye information or questions. Outlet Park will be closed March 16 through March 25 for an Army Corps of Engineer project.

For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406

SOUTHWEST

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Fair: Anglers below the Saylorville spillway are catching some walleye. The water temp is only in the mid to upper 30s. The warmer temps late this week and continuing into next week should help the bite. The fish have been good size. Anglers are also targeting the Boone waterworks dam and Fraser dam. Little is being caught at these locations due to rising water from Minnesota's snow melt. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow, white or chartreuse twister tail, or ring worm like soft plastics through slack water.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Walleye - Good: A decent walleye bite is happening below the Red Rock spillway. They are being caught throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows.

Most central Iowa lakes are near ice out. The best fishing now is for walleyes and catfish in the rivers below dams and spillways and along rip-rap banks. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Lake Anita

Anita is about ice free. Water in the upper arms of the lake will warm first and is the best place to target bluegills and crappies this time of year.

Lake Manawa

Manawa is ice free and crappies are biting in the canals. Crappie - Good: Crappies are hitting jigs and minnows in the canals on the west side of the lake. Many 10-inch fish are being caught.

Most ice is out on southwest Iowa lakes. Early spring is a good time to target crappies and channel catfish in shallow bays where the water warms quickly. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Most of the mid portion of the lake is open. Some small areas of ice remain but the warm temps and wind during the next few days should open the lake further.

Green Valley Lake

The water level is down about 12 feet for the sediment removal project. Most of the lake is open. the main boat ramp has enough water to launch. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting well on shad bait in the shallow areas where the wind is blowing into shore.

Three Mile Lake

The main boat ramp is usable but some ice remains on the lake. Most of the ice should be gone by the weekend.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Most of the lake is open and the main ramp is accessible. Some ice remains in the upper end. Shoreline access is possible in some areas but could be limited in other areas. Most of the ice should be gone by the weekend.

All of the small and mid-sized lakes are completely open. The big lakes have small areas of ice remaining but the boat ramps have open water. The channel catfish are starting to bite.

[Rick]

DES MOINES IA - NW Iowa. Crawford Creek Impoundment is open. Few anglers have been out fishing.

Badger Lake

Ice went out on Badger Lake on March 21.

Brushy Creek Lake

There is very little ice left on the lake.

Bacon Creek Lake

Fifteen hundred rainbow trout were stocked January 8. Anglers need a trout stamp in addition to their regular fishing license to fish for or keep trout. Daily limit of trout is 5.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Storm Lake has opened up. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching walleye in the marina. Try bouncing a minnow on a jig head along the bottom or float a live minnow just off the bottom with a slip bobber.

North Twin Lake

North Twin Lake is ice free.

Swan Lake

Swan Lake is ice free. There are some panfish being caught around the fish house.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake opened up completely March 19.

Browns Lake

Browns Lake is open. Courtesy docks are in.

Snyder Bend Lake

Snyder bend is open. Anglers have been catching channel catfish and bullheads at the north end.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

The Southwood Ponds are open. There has been little fishing activity.

North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)

Conditions are good for river fishing right now. Anglers are catching some nice walleyes out of the river. Target areas below rock riffles and around bridges.

All of the large lakes have opened up. There are still a few small ponds and gravel pits in the area that have some ice on them. The rivers are pretty good for fishing right now. For more information on the lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake

With the recent weather, ice conditions are no longer safe. There is open water at the grade but no reports of fish biting.

For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at (641) 357-3517.

Big Sioux River

Channel Catfish - Good: Fish backwaters with cut bait for best results.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

Northern Pike - Good: Some pike have been caught in the backwater areas of the river.

Ice conditions are no longer safe on area lakes for ice fishing. The past week of rain has deteriorated ice throughout all area lakes. Also, remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7. Fishing on area rivers has picked up, however, given the high water only fish backwater areas away from the current and use caution near flooded waters.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Ice fishing not recommended for this body of water.

Lake Hendricks

Ice fishing not recommended for this body of water. Bluegill - No Report:

Lake Meyer

Ice fishing not recommended for this body of water. Bluegill - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Water levels on the Upper Iowa are going up at this time. Rainbow Trout - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels are on the rise and may have temporarily leveled off barring any more rain and snow melt. Northern Pike - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Decorah District Streams

Through March 19, a few clear streams produced excellent blue wing olive hatches and trout were readily taken on #16 Adams and #16 Blue Wing Quills. As of March 20, northeast Iowa streams were high and muddy due to snowmelt runoff and weekend rains. Watch out for the big Hendrickson mayflies within the next two weeks. For the spin fisher, jigs work well for this time of year. The Proposed 2011 Trout Stocking Schedule is now available on the Iowa DNR website.

Ice fishing not recommended for lakes in our area. Rivers are up. Most of the trout streams are high and off color. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in excellent condition.

Most area lakes are now open but have not received any fishing reports. Interior rivers are not advisable with current high water conditions. Trout streams in the Manchester District remain in excellent condition. Be sure to mark your calendars for the urban trout stockings occurring in Cedar Falls April 2 and in Dubuque April 9. For further information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 10.9 and expected to rise to 13 feet by next week. The road to the New Albin ramp is under water. Boaters should still be able to access the river at Lansing. Walleye - Fair: High water is making it difficult to find fish but a few nice walleye can be caught in Minnesota Slough by those able to get out.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Tailwater stage at Lynxville is 20.4. River levels are predicted to rise to near 23 feet by next week. The road to Sny Magill is flooded. You can still access Bussey Lake but later this week it may be too difficult to launch there. Boaters will still be able to access the river at the Harpers Ferry high water ramp. Sauger - Fair: Although some nice catches of sauger have been reported over the last week, high water is making it more difficult to find fish. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes have been caught but high water is making it more difficult to find fish.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Guttenberg tailwater stage is 11.8. River levels are expected to rise to near 15 feet by next week. You can still access the river at the Guttenberg City ramp but as levels come up it may be more difficult. The DNR ramp will provide access at 15 feet but parking is limited and you may have to park trailers on side streets by the DNR office. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger are being caught in the tailwater on jigs and minnows or three-way rigs, but high water is making it difficult to find fish. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes have been reported, but high water is making it more difficult to find fish.

Ice has gone out of most backwaters. River levels are high and expected to rise another three feet to near or above flood stage by next week. High water may limit access to some boat ramps. With the rapid rising water boaters should be cautious of floating debris and ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

River stage in Dubuque is 13.7 feet and is forecast to rise to 16 feet by this weekend and 17.8 feet by next Wednesday. Flood stage is 17 feet. Water clarity is fair but deteriorating, and water temperatures are in the high 30s. Sauger - Fair: Sauger fishing has been fair in the tailwater area on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with minnows or crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has been fair in the tailwater area on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with minnows or crankbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 13

River stage in Bellevue is 12.4 feet and is forecast to rise to 17.1 feet by next Wednesday. Flood stage is 17 feet. Water clarity is fair but deteriorating, and water temperatures are in the high 30s. Sauger - Fair: Sauger fishing has been fair in the tailwater area on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with crawlers, minnows, or crankbaits. Fishing will get worse as the river rises and gets more turbid. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has been fair in the tailwater area on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with crawlers, minnows or crankbaits. Fishing will get worse as the river rises and gets more turbid.

Mississippi River Pool 14

River stage at Camanche is 14.3 feet and is forecast to rise to 18.3 feet by next Wednesday. Flood stage is 17 feet. Water clarity is fair but deteriorating, and water temperatures are in the high 30s. Snaggers in the tailwaters have been doing well catching paddlefish over the past couple of weeks. Remember, all paddlefish 33 inches and larger must be released. Sauger - Fair: Sauger fishing has been fair in the tailwater area on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with crawlers, minnows or crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has been fair in the tailwater area on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with crawlers, minnows, or crankbaits.

For fishing information in Pool 12-15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 12.13 feet and rising. With current river stage predictions, river levels at Lock and Dam 15 are forecasted to reach flood stage by Sunday. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Fishing has slowed down. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 10.91 feet and rising. With current river stage predictions, river level at Lock and Dam 16 is forecasted to reach flood stage by early next week. Flood stage for Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. The ramp at Big Timber has been closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 12.56 feet and rising. River levels are forecasted to reach flood stage during the weekend. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. The ramp at Toolesboro has been closed due to high water. Fishing has slowed due to high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 8.48 feet and rising. The river is forecasted to reach flood stage by this Friday. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. Fishing has slowed down due to high water conditions. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Pools 16-19: River levels are rising and expected to reach flood stage during the weekend. Some boat ramps have been closed due to high water conditions. Fishing has slowed throughout the pools due to high water conditions. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

The lake is ice free. Very little angler activity.

Lake of the Hills

Two thousand trout were released last Saturday with more than 225 people coming out to fish. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Spinners and corn seem to be the hot lures and many anglers are limiting out. Fly fishermen are consistently doing well also. Bluegill - Slow: There are a few bluegills being caught by anglers out enjoying the nice weather. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are picking up a few crappies around the brush piles during the warm afternoons.

Lambach Lake

This shallower lake in the West Lake Park is warming up faster than the bigger deeper lakes. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few bass. Try to fish during the warmer afternoons using jigs or plastic worms working them slowly.

Wilson Lake

The lake is ice free and there have been a few anglers out enjoying the nice weather. THE SPRING TROUT STOCKING WILL BE SATURDAY, MARCH 26. ONE THOUSAND TROUT WILL BE STOCKED AT 1 p.m. Spinners and flashy lures seem to work best during the first few hours after the release.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 26th IS THE SPRING TROUT RELEASE AT DISCOVERY PARK. Nine hundred rainbow trout and 100 brook trout will be released at 10:30 am. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Spinners and other flashy lures will work the best right after the release. Other baits and lures start working better after the fish have calmed down.

For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at (319) 694-2430

Iowa Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramp is usable. No fishing reports are available.

Kent Park Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramp is open. No fishing reports are available.

Lake Macbride

The lake is ice free and all boat ramps are open. Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are having some success. East of the causeway has been producing the best.

Pleasant Creek Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramps are open. No fishing reports are available.

Diamond Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramp is open. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow:

Otter Creek Lake

The lake is ice free and the boat ramp is open. No fishing reports are available.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake is at 679.3 feet and holding. Use caution when boating at this level. Areas above Jolly Rodgers (Bobbers) are extremely shallow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut shad or shad guts for best results. The upper end of the reservoir seems to be the most productive. Walleye - Slow: Use jig/twister or jig/minnow for best results. The area around I-380 bridge has been best.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

As of 3/24, the flow from the "tube" is 3,500 cubic feet per second (CFS). It is predicted to jump to 4,400 CFS for the weekend, then begin to decrease next week. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on jigs. Below the dams in Iowa City have been the best areas.

Prairie Park Fishery

There will be a fishing event Saturday, March 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Two thousand trout will be stocked in the lake right before the event and prizes will be awarded to the anglers that catch any of the 100 tagged fish. All rules and regulations (including licenses and trout stamps) apply to this event. Be aware that Otis Road (North of Prairie Park entrance) is expected to be closed due to high water. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fish will be stocked Saturday morning. Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or numerous other scented baits. Brook Trout - Excellent: Fish will be stocked Saturday morning. Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or numerous other scented baits.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)

The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work has begun around the lake. New fish habitat areas are being built along with some new jetties.

Lake Sugema

The lake now has open water with all the ice melting. Fishing has been slow.

Ottumwa Lagoon

A trout stocking event was held on March 19. Trout were stocked so try using spinners, worms or other trout bait.

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is at 902.89 with 904.0 being normal pool. The lake has opened up. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please take the time to look under the jaw of the walleye to check for a tag. Please call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tagged walleye information or questions.

For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406

SOUTHWEST

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Fair: Anglers below the Saylorville spillway were catching some good walleye during the warmer weather. The colder weather shouldn't completely stop the bite, but will slow it down until a warm up. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow, white or chartreuse twister tail or ring worm like soft plastics through the slack water. Chartreuse twisters have been outfishing the rest. Further upstream near Boone and Fraser the river has risen high enough to flow level over the dams.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Walleye - Good: A decent walleye bite continues below the Red Rock spillway. They are being caught throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows. Anglers fishing the Center Street dam in Des Moines are also catching some walleye throwing jigs with chartreuse or white twisters.

The best fishing right now is for walleyes and catfish in the rivers below dams and spillways and along rip-rap banks. The cold weather that moved in will cool the water temps and the walleye bite for the weekend. Fishing should become good again as soon as we see a warm up. For questions on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Lake Anita

Anita is ice free and anglers are catching crappies in the upper arms of the lake on warm sunny days. Crappie - Fair: Earlier in the week crappies were being caught in the pontoon area with small jigs under a bobber.

Lake Manawa

Manawa is ice free and crappies are biting in the canals. Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite has slowed with cooler temperatures. They are still hitting on jigs and minnows in the canals on the west side of the lake. Many 10 inch fish are being caught.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve.

Open water fishing has begun. Crappies and channel catfish can be caught in shallow bays where the water warms quickly. For more information on fishing call the S.W. District Office at (712) 769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Some windblown shoreline areas have temperatures above 45. Anglers are fishing mostly for walleye and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are coming from the windy shoreline shallows. Walleye - Slow: Some groups are finding success while fishing the mounds and rocky areas near the dam.

Green Valley Lake

The water level is down about 9 feet for the sediment removal project. The lake is open and the main boat ramp has enough water to easily launch a boat. All sport-fish species are big biting enough to interest the angler. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting well on shad bait in the shallow areas where the wind is blowing into shore. Most are from 2 to 4 pounds.

Three Mile Lake

The main boat ramp is usable but some ice remains on the lake. Most of the ice should be gone by the weekend. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few real nice sized channels are being picked up from the shallow bays at the upper end. Walleye - Fair: A few males are being caught from the rocky areas near dark. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Several wipers are being caught on crank-baits by walleye anglers trolling the rocky points.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The lake is open and the temperatures range is 40 to 50 degrees. Shoreline access is possible from any of the popular access points. Bullhead - Good: Several giant sized bullheads are being caught on crawlers at the upper end. Walleye - Fair: Several males are being caught from the rocks of the dam and the rock points and reefs.

All of the lakes are completely open. Water temperatures vary widely. Small lakes can be near 50 degrees but the bigger lakes are at or just below 40. All species of sport-fish are being caught but the success varies. Reports are coming in of very successful trips and others are not as productive.