Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

DES MOINES IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 4/14/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Brushy Creek Lake

Anglers were catching 10 to 11-inch crappies last weekend and earlier this week fishing in 15 to 25 feet of water using chartreuse or white minnows or powerbaits. Fishing may pick up after this cool weekend.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Fishing has been very slow the last few days and will probably remain that way through the weekend because of the cold fronts and unsettled weather.

North Twin Lake

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

Black Hawk Lake

Earlier in the week anglers had some luck, but the cool weather and cold fronts should shut things down through the weekend. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some good catfish were caught earlier in the week fishing shallow on a minnow below a bobber. Crappie - Slow: Some medium sized crappie were caught earlier in the week on very small lead heads with bright colored skirts tipped with a bit of crawler.

Anglers have been catching a few fish around the area, but with the cold fronts and stormy weather coming through the next few days, fishing should slow down even more. Most of the courtesy docks are in. For more information, contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office, in Lake View, at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake

Crappies from 7 to 9 inches with some up to 12 inches are being caught. Largemouth bass are moving into the west end shallows. Anglers are catching some channel catfish and 6 to 8-inch yellow bass.

Briggs Woods Lake

Anglers are catching 8 to 12-inch crappies using minnows, 14 to 15-inch largemouth bass with crawlers, and some bluegills on half crawlers.

Lake Smith

Anglers are catching 7 to 9-inch crappies from the dam.

Clear Lake

Fishing is good, although the number of catches is slightly lower than last week - likely due to a reduction in water temperature from recent cool weather. Large numbers of sublegal walleye and some over the 14-inch minimum limit are still being caught using either crawlers or jigs tipped with minnows. Yellow bass and white bass continue to bite on jigs tipped with bait in 2 to 6 feet of water.

Lake Cornelia

Cooler temps have slowed things down since last week. Reports show some yellow bass and bluegills are biting on jigs tipped with crawlers. A few walleyes are biting on minnows at dusk.

Little Wall Lake

Fishing has still been slow. Anglers are catching some largemouth bass in the evenings.

Crystal Lake

Fishing has been slow, but some largemouth bass are still biting on jigs fished near the shore.

Iowa River (above Iowa Falls)

Recent colder weather has caused fishing to slow down, although a few walleyes have been caught using jigs tipped with minnows.

For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Big Spirit Lake

Walleye and musky season is closed. Panfish are being caught off the North Grade and Templar Park. A few smallmouth bass along with white bass may be caught on rock piles in various parts of the lake. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few largemouths have moved to pre-spawn areas around the lake.

East Okoboji Lake

Walleye and musky season is closed. Bullhead - Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood and use small baits.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

White Bass - Fair: Try using baits that represent minnows such as Rapalas and twister tails.

West Okoboji Lake

Walleye and musky season is closed. Due to being the deepest lake in the chain the water is not warming up as fast as the other lakes but is still ahead of normal. Panfish and largemouth bass are being caught in the canals as well as in some of the bays. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass may be caught near docks and there outskirts a few white bass and northern pike may be picked up at the same time.

The warm spring has brought upon above average water temperatures for this time of year and the fish are responding accordingly. Most if not all courtesy docks are in. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

For best angling efforts, try fishing in the shallow warmer water or around woody structure. Two cedar tree clusters were recently put into the lake in 17 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been using small jigs tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Fair: Try using dark jigs with soft plastic skirt and a slow retrieve.

Lake Hendricks

Lower campground is now open. Water temperature is about 58 degrees. Recent windy, chilly weather has kept many anglers away. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Recent cold snap slowed bite for bass. Anglers are throwing out a variety of lures with success. Crappie - Slow: A black jig with soft plastic tail fished slowly off bank is working well. Nice sized fish are being caught.

Lake Meyer

Water temperature is 58 degrees and water clarity has greatly improved. With this cold snap, fish activity has been slow. Crappie - Slow: A few small crappies have been caught on jigs with a plastic skirt.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Sucker - Good: Walleye - Excellent: Try using bright colored lures or spinner baits. Look for fish in deeper holes and around woody debris.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Anglers have been finding fish in deeper pools and around woody debris in the river. Sucker - Good: Try bouncing a worm on a hook along the river bottom. Walleye - Excellent: Anglers have been using white or black jigs tipped with a blue speckled or camo ringworm.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Anglers are finding fish in the pockets on the white water course in Charles City and the deeper pools up and down stream of Nashua. Northern Pike - Fair: A hook tipped with dead chubs or worms are exciting northerns. Channel Catfish - Slow: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Lots of 12-inch or smaller smallies are hitting jigs tipped with a nightcrawler. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are still biting even after the spawn. Anglers are using chartreuse jigs or a jig rigged with a plastic paddle tail minnow.

Decorah District Streams

Though the Dark Hendrickson hatches are diminishing, trout are still taking #12 Dark Hendrickson patterns, both dries and nymphs. There have been reports of large caddis hatches on area streams. Good trout have also been taken on #14 Soft-Hackle wet fly patterns fished down and across. Northeast Iowa streams are in excellent condition.

Rivers and streams are in excellent condition. Warming temperatures through the weekend may bring showers. Trout stocking schedules may be downloaded at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx. Contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information or let us know what you've been catching.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Bass fishing has been excellent. Bluegill fishing has been good around brush piles. Crappie should be moving into shallows as water temperatures increase with the warm weather. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a small piece of crawler or wax worm under a slip bobber from shore. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Crankbaits and spinner baits have been working well. There is an 18-inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass on Casey Lake. Crappie - Fair: Try casting tube jigs from the shore near the dam or off of the jetties.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Fishing for walleye and channel catfish has been fair on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer counties, but has slowed over the last week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing dead cut baits, chubs and nightcrawlers on the bottom near logjams and during evening hours. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good for walleye.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Walleye fishing is being reported as fair for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler is a good combination for walleye. Fish along the current breaks for actively feeding fish.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa River should provide good angling opportunities for the upcoming weekend. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler and crankbaits are productive this time of year.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams remain in excellent condition. There have been some good hatches occurring with the recent warm weather.

Fishing on the interior rivers has slowed for most species. The Cedar and Shell Rock rivers are still producing a few walleye and channel catfish. Area lakes are beginning to produce bluegill and crappie as water temperature increases. Most public boat ramp docks are in place around the Cedar Falls/ Waterloo area. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For more information contact the Manchester district office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 Lansing is at 7.9 feet and expected to remain stable throughout the week. Cooler nights have kept water temperature in the 50s. Fishing is expected to pick up with the warmer week ahead. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike are back on the feed now that the spawn in over. Concentrate on side channel openings just off the current. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has remained stable in the shallows using a bobber and small hook tipped with a small worm or piece of crawler. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting small jigs and minnows alongside channel and backwater areas.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 13.6 feet and expected to slowly drop to 13 feet over the next week. Cooler nights have kept water temperature in the 50s. Fishing is expected to pick up with the warmer week ahead. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike are back on the feed now that the spawn in over. Concentrate on side channel openings just off the current. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has remained stable in the shallows using a bobber and small hook tipped with a small worm or piece of crawler. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting small jigs and minnows alongside channel and backwater areas.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River levels at Guttenberg are at 5.1 feet and dropping slowly throughout the next week to 4.5 feet. Cooler nights have kept water temperature in the 50s. Fishing is expected to pick up with the warmer week ahead. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike are back on the feed now that the spawn in over. Concentrate on side channel openings just off the current. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has remained stable in the shallows using a bobber and small hook tipped with a small worm or piece of crawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass fishing has picked up in backwaters casting a spinner bait or hitting on crawlers. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are biting small jigs and minnows alongside channel and backwater areas.

Water levels are extremely low for April. Water temperatures have dropped into the low to mid 50s due to recent overnight freezing temperatures and fish are less active. A warm-up over the weekend should get fish actively feeding again and fishing is expected to pick up again soon.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Tail water stage is 5.0 feet and expected to be stable to dropping in Dubuque. Water is slightly stained, but mostly clear. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are completely done spawning and have been feeding nicely with several 4 to 8-pound pike reported. Try white colored spinners and spoons. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills being reported off rock piles and current eddy areas in the tail water and in many backwaters. Simple fishing float and worm seems to be bait of choice. Largemouth Bass - Good: Mostly largemouths but a few smallmouth are being caught on rock piles and current eddies in the tail waters on jigs, small crankbaits and spinners. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch are done spawning. Still hearing folks catching perch in the Dubuque tail waters on bottom rigs with worms. Walleye - Slow: We believe walleye are all but done with spawning. Expect them to move onto the wing dams in a week or two. Usually these species do not bite well during the spawn and a week or so after they are done.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Tail water stage at Bellevue expected to hover near 5.1 feet or slowly drop. Water clarity is clear, to slightly stained. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are starting to be caught in good numbers. Fish cut-bait along windy swept shorelines for best results. The wind brings food and warmer water. White Bass - No Report: White bass were showing up in the creel last week but this week they were absent from angler reports. This species will start feeding in earnest in the upcoming months. Bluegill - Excellent: Many bluegill are being reported out of backwaters and in the tail water. Size generally in the 6 to 7-inch range. Bobber and worm seems to be the bait of choice. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many bass are being taken on jigs, spinners and small crankbaits along rocky shoal areas. Try bright colors in the stained waters. Crappie - Fair: Some report crappie fishing as great some are reporting not catching any at all. Probably a testament to the secretive nature of crappie anglers. Crappies should be showing up in backwaters around log piles. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch are abundant and being caught in many locations. Although the bite has slowed slightly, nice yellow perch can still be caught. Sauger - Slow: Walleye and sauger are very close to being done spawning and can be a challenge to catch immediately after the spawn. They should start showing up in the creel in the next few weeks.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Tail water stage at Camanche is around 9.5 feet and expected to drop slightly over the week. Water levels were recently up in the 12 foot range. Water clarity is clear, to slightly stained. Channel Catfish - Good: Try using cut bait off a sucker or carp, and cast into windswept shorelines. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills were being caught at Rock Creek and in the tail waters. We expect the bite to continue with the stable water levels but have had no reports on catching them. Windy conditions have hampered many panfish anglers. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Rocky areas such as exposed wing dams near shore are hot for bass right now. Minnow imitating lures will catch you some nice bass in the river. Crappie - Fair: Some small crappies are being caught in the brush piles along backwater lakes and slow moving sloughs. Small minnows are the bait of choice. Sauger - Slow: Both walleye and sauger are probably done with the spawning process and will start moving onto wing dams and rock piles in the coming weeks.

Mississippi River Pool 15

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

Water temperature has dropped from the low 60s and now is hovering near 53 degrees. Fishing for many species remains very good in many areas.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.44 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.25 feet and slowly falling. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.98 feet and slowly falling. Fishing is being reported as slow.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.41 feet and falling. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Most fishing reports are coming from inland lakes, rivers, and farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have been slowly falling over the past few days. Main channel water temperature is 55-60 degrees. Fishing is being reported as slow throughout the pools with the recent cooler temperatures. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

The cold snap has slowed fishing. Crappie - Fair: Anglers continue to sporadically catch crappies. I would look for them along drop-offs where moved after the weather changed. Courtesy docks are in.

Lake of the Hills

Rainbow Trout - Good: Flashy spinners as well as wax worms have been bringing in the trout. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing slowed down with the return of cold weather. Look for them around the stumps between the boat ramp and the beach. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed down some. Look for them around the deeper trees around the fishing dock. Courtesy docks are in.

Railroad Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Depending on the weather I would still look for the guys to be in the big stump field on the north side. Crappie - Fair: The crappies have been spending their time out in the flooded timber on the outer edge where it's a little deeper. Courtesy docks are in.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)

The river level has stayed pretty steady. The cold snap has really cut back on the number of anglers. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try during the mid afternoon when it's the warmest. Use cut bait or shad guts.

Big Hollow Lake

The recent cold weather has cut down on the number of anglers on the lake. Just prior to the cold snap bluegill and bass fishing was good. Bluegill - Good: Anglers had been finding the bluegills along the rock shorelines, around the islands and in 3 to 4 feet of water in flooded timber. Bobber and worms working the best. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers were catching bass down at the lower end of the lake around the islands and down along the face of the dam. Courtesy docks are in.

Courtesy docks are in at Buffalo Shores, Lake Belva Deer, all Des Moines County lakes and Marr Park Mini Lake. For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

Iowa Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush. Most fish have been smaller. Largemouth Bass - Fair:

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is in the mid to upper 50s. The courtesy docks are all in. Crappie - Fair: Look for areas of warmer water with brush. The area east of the causeway has been productive. Walleye - Fair: Trolling in 8 to 16 feet of water has been producing some fish. Most are on the small side yet.

Pleasant Creek Lake

White Bass - Fair: The dam area has been best. White jigs have been working best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crawlers and a variety of artificials along the bottom have been working. Crappie - Slow: A few bigger crappies are being caught in brush in 8-13 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing along the dam. Many fish are small but larger ones are available. White jigs or live bait rigs have been working best. Courtesy docks are in. Remember, minimum length to keep largemouth bass is 18 inches and muskellunge is 40 inches.

Diamond Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxie around brush. Crappie - Good: Use a small tube jig or jig/waxie around brush and the jetties for best results. Limits of fish have been reported. Most are about 8 inches but some 10 to 12-inch fish are being caught as well. Remember, no minnows are allowed here.

Otter Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Fish around brush with a small jig or small worm. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being picked up by boat fishermen. Yellow Bass - Good: Fish with small jigs or spinners. Try shallower water as it gets warmer.

Coralville Reservoir

The water level is 679.4 feet. At this water level, boating is almost impossible above Sandy Beach. Channel Catfish - Fair: The bite has slowed some now. Shad or cut bait have been working best.

Sand Lake

This lake is on South Gilbert Street in Iowa City. The DNR released 2,000 trout on March 31. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for and possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Small spinners and jigs work best. Brook Trout - Fair: Small spinners and jigs work best. Crappie - Fair: Small jigs or minnows have been working best around brush and areas of warmer water.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or crawlers.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from the tube is 700 cubic feet per second as of April 12, and flows will be stair stepping down as the week continues. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some catfish are being caught below the dams as well. Walleye - Slow: Use a jig/minnow for best results. Most fish have been 11-14 inches, but an occasional bigger fish is being caught.

Prairie Park Fishery

2000 trout were stocked here on Saturday, March 24. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines. Brook Trout - Fair: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines. Crappie - Fair: Small jigs or minnows fished around brush has been working best.

The courtesy docks at Union Grove Lake are in. The county conservation board run lakes likely have their courtesy docks in as well. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Wapello

Anglers have been having some luck catching largemouth bass along the shoreline around downed trees and other structure. Use plastic worms or spinner baits.

Red Haw Lake

Anglers have been having some luck for bluegill and crappies using small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bass anglers might want to try spinner baits fished along the shoreline as the water warms.

Albia (lower)

Small jigs have been producing some action for bluegills and even a few yellow bass. Fish along the shoreline and move out into deeper water as needed.

Lake Sugema

Bass anglers might want to try a spinner bait or crankbait fished along the rocky shorelines of the lake. Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure not to transport any plant fragments in your equipment.

Ottumwa Lagoon

More than 2,000 trout were stocked on March 24. Don't forget a trout stamp is required to possess or fish for trout. Plan on using flashy types of spinners or jigs rigged with small white twister tails.

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 904.82 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 56 degrees. Channel Catfish - Slow: Use shad guts or cut bait along shorelines with the wind blowing into them. Crappie - Slow: Try using jig and minnow combinations. Start shallow and fish out into deeper water to find active fish. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun).

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

SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake

The lake is still too low for the use of the boat ramps. Carrying small boats, canoes and kayaks down is possible near the main ramp and the gravel ramp west of the dam. Crappie - Fair: Shore anglers are continuing to catch crappies at depths of 2 to 5 feet near any wood habitat. More fish are being caught using live minnows under a bobber, but small panfish jigs and swim baits are also working. Most crappies being caught are between 8 and 10 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers targeting crappie were having some good days catching nice fish over 10 inches just before temperatures cooled down. A good crappie bite should return quickly with some warm, sunny days.

Big Creek Lake

Big Creek water levels have returned to near normal. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near shallower brush piles with small pieces of crawler or wax worms. Target the warmer water in some of the smaller bays and the upper end of the lake. Big Creek bluegills are nice sized from 7.5 to 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappie action is not great yet with the spawn being a couple weeks away, but some anglers are finding decent catches fishing sunken brush piles at the mouths of the bays with live minnows.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught around the docks and riprap in the marina using small jigs or live minnows. Fish up to 15 inches are coming out with most being 8 to 10 inches.

Saylorville Reservoir

Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught around the docks in the marina, as well as near the riprap at the Lakeview access and east side of the mile long bridge. The docks are private property. The best approach is to fish from shore between the shore and docks, and by boat. Fish small panfish jigs or live minnows.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: Rainbow trout were stocked on April 7. The bite has been good using inline spinners, casting spoons, panfish jigs, and live minnows.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has picked up some again at the Boone waterworks dam. Use a jig and minnow or a split shot and minnow on a hook.

After a quick start to excellent spring fishing, the bite has slowed some due to the cooler weather. Warmer temperature over the weekend and again later next week should bring excellent fishing. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Crappies have slowed but a few are being picked up along the dam and around jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught using shrimp. Fish average 2 pounds. Crappie - Slow: Crappies are close to rock and can be caught using red tube jigs or white twister tails. Sorting is necessary. Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp.

Nodaway Lake

Anglers are starting to pick up crappies and catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish in the 1 to 2-pound range are being caught on shrimp. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught on warm sunny days close to rock. Nodaway crappies average 10 inches. Nodaway Lake has one boat ramp. Water temperature is in the mid 60s.

Lake Anita

Anglers are beginning to catch crappies in the upper arms of the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits and a slow retrieve. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-inch crappies have been caught in the upper arms of the lake on warm sunny days. The bite should improve with warming water temperatures. Lake Anita has two concrete boat ramps.

Willow Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught along the campground shoreline using nightcrawlers. Fish are averaging one pound. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using plastic baits around the shoreline and jetties. Willow Lake has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water quality.

Viking Lake

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and jigs. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 12 inches are being caught on twister tails. Average size is 8 to 9 inches. Viking has three concrete boat ramps. Water temperature is in the mid 60s.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

Big Lake was stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout on March 9. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers have been catching trout on wax worms. Red and white twister tails have also been a good choice.

Lake Manawa

Crappies moved to the main lake. Catfish fishing is picking up on cut bait. Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish bite is picking up using dead minnows on the windy shoreline. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has slowed. Wax worms and minnows have been the bait of choice on the west side of the lake. Lake Manawa water temperature is in the mid 60s.

Anderson Area Pond 1

Anderson crappies have slowed with the cool temperatures. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are catching crappie around the dam casting twister tails. Fish are 8-10 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are beginning to bite in ponds large enough to support crappie populations. The corners or the dam is a good place to find crappie this time of year.

Courtesy docks are in at Twelve Mile Lake, Three Mile Lake, Fogle Lake, West Lake Osceola, Binder Lake, and most likely in at other locations. Water temperatures are in the low 60s in most lakes in southwest Iowa. The bite has slowed due to cooler temperatures. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

[Rick]

DES MOINES IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 4/27/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Brushy Creek Lake

Fishing was fairly good at Brushy Creek two weeks ago; however, there haven't been any reports for this week or last. The following information is from two weeks ago. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Good: Anglers were catching many good sized crappies in 15 to 25 feet of water using chartreuse or white Berkley power minnows. Yellow Perch - Fair: Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes were being picked while crappie fishing.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Fishing has been pretty slow at Storm Lake. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are catching a few walleye but it has not been real fast action. The point off the north side of the marina has been producing some walleye. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times.

Swan Lake

Anglers are still catching some bluegill and crappie fishing from shore along the south portion of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are around 7.5 to 8 inches. Crappie - Good: Crappie are around 9 inches.

Black Hawk Lake

Water levels are about 10 inches low. Bullhead - Fair: Bullheads are biting on nightcrawlers and leeches. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some good catfish were caught earlier in the week fishing shallow on a minnow below a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Decent sized crappie have been caught in Town Bay. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some decent sized perch have been caught while fishing from shore. Try using a small minnow or a piece of nightcrawler. Walleye - Slow: A few legal walleyes have been picked up casting spinners from shore. Angers have been catching some eight inch walleyes, too. Yellow Bass - Fair: Some yellow bass have been caught from the east shore just north of the outlet. Fish close to shore near the rocks wherever wind is blowing in.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (west)

Big bluegills are being caught with a bright colored jig with a 1/16th ounce jig head baited with a piece of nightcrawler.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Fishing has been spotty on the Little Sioux River near the Linn Grove Dam, with an occasional report of walleye and northern pike being caught.

For more information, contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View, at 712-657-2638.

Briggs Woods Lake

Anglers are catching 8 to 12-inch crappies using minnows, 14 to 15-inch largemouth bass with crawlers, and some bluegills on half crawlers.

Lake Smith

Anglers are catching 7 to 9-inch crappies in Lake Smith. Crappies are also being caught in other Kossuth County lakes using a minnow and a jig.

Clear Lake

Water temperature in the main lake is about 54 degrees. Walleyes are biting on jigs tipped with minnows fished over rock reefs, near the island, and in the little lake. White bass and yellow bass fishing is fair. Anglers are picking up a few 9 to 13-inch crappies using jigs tipped with minnows.

Lake Cornelia

Anglers have been picking up some crappies and yellow bass using jigs tipped with bait.

Little Wall Lake

Yellow bass, bluegill, and crappie fishing has been good. Anglers are having the best success using a jig tipped with bait fished from the north jetty or in the shallow areas of the lake.

Crystal Lake

Reports show some walleye, northern pike, and largemouth bass have been biting on crankbaits.

Winnebago River

Anglers have reported catching northern pike on artificial baits fished in the Winnebago River throughout Cerro Gordo County.

For more fishing information in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Big Spirit Lake

Walleye and musky season is closed. A few panfish are being caught in Templar Park and the North Grade. Panfish action has been spotty on the main lake with a few crappies coming off docks. Northern Pike - Fair: Try using spoons, and spinner baits around vegetation. White Bass - Fair: Locating an active school of white bass is the hard part once found something resembling a minnow should get good results. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Finding rock piles or other structure in 5-15 feet of water is key for catching smallmouth. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few largemouth bass have moved in to pre-spawn areas.

East Okoboji Lake

Walleye and musky season is closed. Bullhead - Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood and use small baits.

Minnewashta Lake

Yellow Bass - Good: Try using small jigs tipped with either a twister tail or piece of worm. Expect lots of small fish with a few bigger ones mixed in. A few bluegill and crappie may be mixed in.

West Okoboji Lake

Walleye and musky season is closed. The canals seem to be where the most action is with bluegills and largemouth bass gaining the most attention but many of the fish are small. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but with the clear water most fish are spooky.

Big Sioux River

Walleye - Slow: Walleye action has been slowing down on the river but a few may still be caught.

Rock River

Northern Pike - Slow: Look for pike in current breaks near pools and around cover. Try casting spinner baits, spoons, and minnow baits and don't forget the steel leader. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few cats are being caught; try fishing deeper holes and around cover.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

A mixed bag is being caught on worms including catfish, bullheads, carp, suckers, and sheephead. Some walleye may also be taken on worms but twister tails may be a better option and be prepared to catch a pike or two. Targeting deeper pools seems to bring the best results.

A reminder to bow fisherman please dispose of your fish properly and it is unlawful to sell fish. Walleye weekend is May 5 - 6 on the Iowa Great Lakes remember to be courteous to fellow lake users. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake fish hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting a variety of plastic worms. Crappie - Fair: Try using dark jigs with soft plastic skirt and a slow retrieve.

Lake Hendricks

Fish activity slowed this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are throwing a variety of lures with some success. Crappie - Slow: Small jigs with a slow retrieve from the shoreline is working well.

Lake Meyer

Water clarity is excellent. With this cold snap, fish activity has been slow. Northern Pike - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Good: The bite is spotty but at times, excellent. Fish are hitting a variety of plastics and crankbaits. Crappie - Slow: A few small crappies have been caught on jigs with a plastic skirt but are in deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Angling activity slowed this week due to recent weather. Walleye - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Angling has really slowed up this week. Walleye - Slow: A jig tipped with plastic worm or twister tail or a hook tipped with worm bounced along the river bottom is best this week.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Fish activity has really slowed this week. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Slow: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few smallmouth bass on nightcrawlers. Walleye - Slow:

Decorah District Streams

Though the Dark Hendrickson hatches are nearly over, Blue Wing Olive and caddis hatches remain extensive. #16 Adams, #16 Blue Wing Quills and #18 Thread Wraps have been productive on Blue Wing Olive hatches. #16 and #18 Henryville Caddis patterns have worked well for various caddis hatches. A variety of spinners and jigs are also working well this week.

Rivers and streams are looking good but angling pressure and fish activity has slowed. Trout fishing is excellent with large numbers of insect hatches occurring. Trout stocking schedules may be downloaded at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx. Contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information or to let us know what you've caught.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Reports have been good for yellow perch and largemouth bass. Perch fishing has been good in the cove area on the lake or off of jetties near structure. Bluegill - Fair: Fish a small piece of worm or wax worm under a slip bobber around structure for bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Plastics, spinner baits and crankbaits have all been good for largemouth bass. Yellow Perch - Good: Try fishing a minnow or small piece of worm under a slip bobber 5 feet or less near structure.

Koutny Pond

Anglers have been catching some crappie out of Koutny Pond, located on the east side of I-380, near Brandon. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber or casting colored tube jigs.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Recent rainfall has improved navigation on the Cedar River. Fishing for smallmouth bass has been really good and anglers are still picking up some walleyes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing dead cut baits, chubs and nightcrawlers on the bottom near logjams and during evening hours. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a nightcrawler is a good combination this time of year for walleye. Crankbaits have also been productive as water temperature warms.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Fishing on the Shell Rock River is improving for walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a minnow or crawler and casting crankbaits has been good for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler fished along current breaks is good.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon River received more than four inches of rain over the last week. The river remains high but is slowly falling.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a crawler and crankbaits are productive this time of year for walleye. The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition in Delaware County.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams remain in excellent condition. There have been some good hatches occurring with the recent warm weather.

Fishing on the interior rivers remains steady for most species. The Cedar and Shell Rock rivers are still producing catches of walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Lakes in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area still remain slow but should improve as the weather warms. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the district office in Manchester for more information at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Water level at Lansing is 8.2 feet and expected to drop slowly to 8.0 feet by next week. Bluegill - Fair: With low water, bluegills have been feeding on main channel borders. Rising water may move fish towards spawning areas in backwaters. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fish are stacked in rocky areas with good current so fish behind current breaks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Catching fish from woody debris along main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing good on main channel borders with worm on bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 16.2 feet and expected to fall to 16.0 feet and remain steady through next week. Bluegill - Fair: With low water bluegills have been feeding on main channel borders. Rising water may move fish towards spawning areas in backwaters. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fish are stacked in rocky areas with good current so fish behind current breaks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Catching fish from woody debris along main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing good on main channel borders with worm on bottom.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Water temperature is 56 degrees. River level at Guttenberg is 8.0 feet and expected to drop to 7.0 feet over the next week. Bluegill - Fair: With low water bluegills have been feeding on main channel borders. Rising water may move fish towards spawning areas in backwaters. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fish are stacked in rocky areas with good current so fish behind current breaks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Catching fish on woody debris along main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing good on main channel borders with worm on bottom.

Water levels are expected to slowly fall over the next week. Cool nights have kept water temperatures in the mid 50s. Fairly steady water levels and a rise in temperature over next week should trigger fish to actively key in to feeding areas off of wing dams and riprap.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water clarity is slightly stained to clear. Water levels are dropping and expected to drop a foot or so slowly throughout the week. Temperature has fluctuated from high 50s to low 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Cut bait usually taken from suckers seems to be the bait of choice for many channel catfish anglers. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing remains strong in many locations. Try fishing along rock piles or tree falls in backwater locations. Often a split shot and small piece of nightcrawler can outperform a bobber and nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some folks reporting catching decent numbers of largemouth bass off the rock piles and current eddies in the tail waters and tree falls in the side channels. Freshwater Drum - Good: Egg sinker and worm rig along sand bars has been good for drum. When eaten fresh they can make fine table fare.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water is clear to slightly stained. Water level is 8.3 feet and expected to slowly fall a foot or so throughout the week. Temperatures have ranged from the mid to upper 50s into the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing had been good but the windy, cooler weather seems to stall the catch. They soon should be back on the bite. Try using cut bait from the belly of suckers for best results. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill fishing remains in the tail waters and some of the better backwater areas such as Lainsville Slough and Michelson Landing. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish along exposed rock piles and behind fallen trees. Some bass are being caught in Spring Lake along the edges of the now early growing week lines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum (also called sheepshead or perch) have been biting well along sandy current areas. Some are being taken while walleye fishing with jigs, but an egg sinker and worm rig is the best bet for this fish.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water levels at Camanche are 11.1 feet and expected to fall slowly throughout the week. Water temperature is near 60 degrees but has been fluctuating. Windy conditions have hampered fishing this past week on Pool 14 and fishing reports were hard to find. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfishing had been good in places on Pool 14 but lately the changing conditions seemed to slow the bite. Try using cut bait for best results. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow after the spawn was completed. A few fish are being taken off wing dams but the wind has really negativity affected catch rates. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Some drum are being reported by walleye anglers on the wing dams. No real reports from bank anglers but drum remain one of the fish species that are commonly caught in tougher conditions. Try an egg sinker and worm rig for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water levels at LeClaire are 6 feet and falling. Getting fishing reports on Pool 15 has been difficult but if you fish this pool, please call the DNR station at Bellevue and help us post good information.

Colder and windy weather has kept many people from fishing this past week. However some fish are still biting even though it has not been pleasant conditions to catch them.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 8.06 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfishing has been hit or miss. Some fish are being caught on nightcrawlers, shad, and stink bait. Try fishing in Veile Chute. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught along the Davenport riverfront by the casino and at the opening of Sunset Marina around the rocks. Try casting in-line spinners, small crankbaits, or jigs and plastics. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in the backwaters on small jigs and minnows or on wax worms. Try fishing around brush piles. Areas to try are Sunset Marina, Andalusia Island Complex, and the Andalusia Harbor. With the low water some areas of the Andalusia Island Complex may be difficult to access. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught in the backwaters on swim baits, spinner baits, and crankbaits. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on small jigs and minnows or on tube jigs. Try fishing around brush piles. Areas to try are Sunset Marina, Andalusia Island Complex, and the Andalusia Harbor. With the low water some areas of the Andalusia Island Complex may be difficult to access. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 6.55 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers, shad, and dip baits. White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught in the backwaters on small jigs and minnows. Try fishing around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught in the backwaters on spinner baits, swim baits, and crankbaits. Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught in the backwaters on small jigs and minnows. Try fishing around brush piles. Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 8.14 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad, nightcrawlers, and dip baits. White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or on tube jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught in the backwaters on spinner baits, swim baits, and crankbaits. Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or on tube jigs. Try fishing around brush piles. Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 4.79 feet. Most fishing reports are coming from inland lakes, rivers, and farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfishing has been spotty. Try fishing with nightcrawlers or shad guts. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or on tube jigs. Try fishing around brush piles. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have risen over the past few days throughout the pools. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for bass to be cruising the shallows when the sun is out hunting bluegills in there feeding on aquatic insects. Crappie - Good: Hit the shallow water when the sun is shining, or look for them along drop-offs.

Lake Belva Deer

Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers continue to catch good numbers of bass. Work the edges of the curlyleaf weed beds. Especially on warm days. Crappie - Good: Warmer weather brought crappies in a little shallower, but focus on the flooded timber.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Bluegill - Good: Good numbers of 8 to 9-inch fish are being caught using small baits and light tackle. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of activity is occurring. Most of the fish are sublegal but there are some really nice bass in the lake. Work the structure near or along the shoreline early in the morning or in the afternoon. Crappie - Fair: What crappies are in this lake are up to 12 inches. In the evening anglers have been finding the crappies near the surface chasing the little bluegills.

Lake of the Hills

Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout fishing remains good, and may be improving. Use flashy spinners or wax worm and bobber. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has picked back up. Look for them around the stumps between the boat ramp and the beach or in the shallow bays at the upper end of the lake when the sun is shining. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has been good on those sunny days when little bluegills are in shallow hunting bugs. Crappie - Good: Anglers continue to catch some nice crappies off the brush piles in the lake. Minnows can be used in Lake of the Hills but not in any of the other lakes in West Lake Park.

Railroad Lake

Bluegill - Good: When the sun is shining the bluegills are in the north side stump field. Crappie - Good: The crappies continue to spend their time out in the flooded timber on the outer edge, where it's a little deeper. Look for them to stay in the timber but move a little shallower when the day is warm. Live minnows cannot be used in this lake.

Wilson Lake

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Daily limits are fairly common using Powerbait, wax worms, or small jigs and spinners.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)

The river is dropping fairly fast. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers have been out and caught some nice catfish using cut bait or night crawlers.

Big Hollow Lake

The weather has kept angler numbers down. Just before the cold snap bluegill and bass fishing was good. Bluegill - Good: Anglers had been finding the bluegills along the rock shorelines, around the islands and in 3 to 4-feet of water in flooded timber using a bobber and worms. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers were catching bass down at the lower end of the lake around the islands and down along the face of the dam. Crappie - Good: Most of the crappies are about eight inches is this new lake. They are hitting on tube jigs and spinners in about three feet of water.

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

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is in the mid to upper 50s. Crappie - Good: Male fish are tight to the bank in preparation for the spawn. Use a small jig or minnow along rip rap or wood. Females are staging out just a bit deeper. Walleye - Fair: Trolling in 8-16 feet of water has been producing some fish. Many fish are 12-14 inches but larger fish are being caught as well.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Remember, the minimum length to keep largemouth bass is 18 inches and muskellunge is 40 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crawlers and a variety of artificial lures along the bottom have been working. Crappie - Slow: A few bigger crappies are being caught in brush in 8-13 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Many fish are small but larger ones are available. Jigs or live bait rigs have been working best in 15-25 feet of water.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxie around brush. Crappie - Good: Use a small tube jig or jig/waxie around brush and the jetties for best results. Limits of fish have been reported. Most fish are about eight inches but 10 to 12-inch fish are being caught as well. Walleye - Fair: Boat fishermen are picking up some smaller walleyes.

Otter Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush with a small jig or small worm. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being picked up by boat anglers. Yellow Bass - Good: Fish with small jigs or spinners along the shoreline.

Union Grove Lake

If yellow bass are caught here, please keep it and report it to the park ranger. Bluegill - Fair: Fish shallow brush with a small jig or worm. Crappie - Good: Fish with a small jig or minnow around the shallow brush and rock.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake level is at 679.4 feet as of April 26. At this water level, boating is almost impossible above Scales Point. Channel Catfish - Fair: The bite has slowed some. Shad or cut bait have been working best.

Sand Lake

This lake is on South Gilbert Street in Iowa City. 2,000 trout were stocked on March 31. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Small spinners and jigs work best. Brook Trout - Fair: Small spinners and jigs work best. Crappie - Fair: Small jigs or minnows have been working best around brush and areas of warmer water.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or crawlers.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from the tube is 2,600 cubic feet per second as of April 26, and flows will be stair stepping down as the week continues. Channel Catfish - Fair: Flathead Catfish - Fair:

Prairie Park Fishery

2,000 trout were stocked on March 24. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines. Brook Trout - Fair: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines. Crappie - Fair: Small jigs or minnows fished around brush has been working best.

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

Lake Wapello

Anglers have been having some success catching largemouth bass along shoreline structure. These include areas with trees and rip rapped shorelines. Try using plastic worms or spinner baits.

Red Haw Lake

Anglers have been catching some bluegills and crappies from shore using small jigs fished around shoreline structure. The crappies were running between 8.5 and 11.5 inches. Anglers have also been catching largemouth bass along the shoreline. As the weather starts to warm back up, fishing activity should increase.

Lake Sugema

Anglers have started catching some crappies and bluegills in the shallows. Try using small jigs. Focus on areas that will warm quicker than the rest of the lake like northern shorelines that receive the most sunlight. Anglers have also been catching some largemouth bass using spinner baits. Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure not to transport any plant fragments in your equipment.

Ottumwa Lagoon

More than 2,000 trout were stocked on March 24. Don't forget a trout stamp is required to possess or fish for trout. Try using small spinners or other flashy lures. Prepared trout baits should also be tried.

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 905.45 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 57 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Crappies are still scattered in deeper water with the recent colder temperatures. Try using jigs over submerged structure such as cedar trees or rock piles. As the water temperature warms up, crappies should start moving towards shore to spawn. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun).

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

SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake

The lake is rising steadily, but is still too low to use the boat ramps. Carrying down small boats, canoes and kayaks is possible near the main ramp and the gravel ramp west of the dam. Crappie - Fair: Shore anglers are continuing to catch crappies at depths of 2 to 5 near any wood habitat. More fish are being caught using live minnows under a bobber, but small panfish jigs and swim baits are also working. Crappies are between 8 and 10 inches.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing activity has picked up this week. The spawn is not near peak yet, but crappies have moved shallow and anglers are picking them up tossing minnows under a bobber or casting small jigs.

Roberts Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers fishing for crappie are having some good days catching fish over 10 inches. Fish minnows under a bobber near any of the brush piles and out from the old beach area across the lake from the main boat ramp.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near shallow brush piles with small pieces of crawler or wax worms. Target the warmer water in some of the smaller bays and the upper end of the lake. Big Creek bluegills are 7.5 to 9 inches. Crappie - Slow: Crappie have not moved shallow yet to spawn. Crappies that are being caught are coming off sunken brush piles at the mouths of the bays with live minnows.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught around the docks and riprap in the marina using small jigs or live minnows. Fish up to 15 inches are coming out with most being 8 to 10 inches.

Saylorville Reservoir

Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught around the docks in the marina, as well as near the riprap at the Lakeview access and east side of the mile long bridge. The docks are private property. The best approach is to fish from shore between the shore and docks, and by boat. Fish small panfish jigs or live minnows.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: Good numbers of rainbow trout remain from the stocking earlier in the month. The cool weather this weekend will be good for the trout fishing. They are being caught on in-line spinners, small live minnows and prepared trout baits.

The crappie spawn has just started in central Iowa with the warm temperatures this week. The cold forecast this weekend will move fish deeper, but as soon as warm temperatures return next week the fishing will improve quickly. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Crappies are being picked up along the dam and around jetties. Water clarity is improving. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught using shrimp. Fish average two pounds. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are close to rock and can be caught using red tube jigs or white twister tails. Sorting is necessary. Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp.

Nodaway Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish in the 1-2 pound range are being caught on shrimp. Crappie - Slow: Crappies are being caught on warm sunny days around brush piles in 6 to 8 feet of water. Nodaway crappies average 10 inches. Try trolling small twister tails using a trolling motor. Nodaway Lake has one boat ramp. Water temperature is in the mid 60s.

Lake Anita

Crappies are being caught in the pontoon arm of the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits and a slow retrieve. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range. Crappie - Fair: 10-inch crappies have been caught in the north arm and around brush piles using small jigs. Anglers are sorting for the larger size fish. Lake Anita has 2 concrete boat ramps. The lake has good water clarity.

Willow Lake

Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfish are being caught along the campground shoreline using nightcrawlers. Fish average one pound. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using plastic baits around the shoreline and jetties. Willow Lake has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water quality.

Viking Lake

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and jigs. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches are being caught on twister tails. Average size is 8-9 inches. Viking has three concrete boat ramps. Water temperature is in the mid 60s.

Lake Manawa

Last week’s warmer temperatures moved crappies into shore. Crappie - Good: Minnows and small jigs have been the bait of choice on the west side of the lake and around docks. Lake Manawa water temperature is in the mid 60s. The lake is 30 inches low.

Water quality on many lakes is improving. Anglers are catching crappies and largemouth bass close to shore in some areas. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are biting on bluegill sides and crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught from the sides or tops of fish mounds using crawlers or small black jigs. Crappie - Fair: the crappie bite has picked up from last week. A lot of mid-sized crappies are being caught from the tree piles and fish mounds. Occasionally the rock areas three feet below the surface hold fish. Water clarity if fairly good in the lower half of the lake and the temperatures are in the low 60s.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake level is down 10 feet to allow completion of the shoreline rip rap project. The lake will be down most of the summer. Fish are being restocked through the spring.

Green Valley Lake

The fish are ready to be caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Some really nice mid-sized channel catfish can be caught from the shoreline access areas using bluegill sides or crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of big bluegill can be caught from the tree piles or the rocky areas about four feet below the surface. Crawlers or small black jigs suspended about three feet down are working well. Crappie - Fair: The crappies just off the dam and other spawning areas. Their numbers are low but the size is good. Walleye - Good: Some of the small walleyes are being caught out from the dam. The water level is within four feet of full. The main ramp is easily accessible. Clarity is good considering the recent heavy rains.

Three Mile Lake

Crappie - Good: Several nice sized crappies are being caught from just off-shore or the sides of the fish mounds. Fish are moving near-shore. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye is being caught from the deeper rock areas or sides of the fish mounds. The water clarity is very good at mid-lake and the dam and temperature is in the low 60s.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Crappies are moving towards shore. Bluegill - Good: several bluegills are being caught using small jigs in 8 to 14 feet of water. Steep-sided areas with flooded timber are the best. Crappie - Good: Several crappies can be caught from near shore by the jetties or the west side of the lake. Walleye - Fair: Several walleye are being caught from 10 to 15 feet of water near sharp drop-offs. Twister tails or trolled crawlers are working the best. Water clarity is above 10 feet. Water temperature is above 60 degrees.

West Lake (Lenox)

Water clarity is moderate but the crappies are biting. Crappie - Good: Several nice sized crappies are coming from the south shore and dam.

Walnut Creek Marsh

Bluegill - Fair: Several bluegills are hanging just off the lily bed edges. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are roaming the south shore in the deeper water along the dike. Water clarity is very good. Only moderate areas of vegetation are present.

Most lakes have good water quality and water temperatures are in the low 60s. Crappies are moving into shore. Some of the largemouth bass are moving to shore.