Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 7/26/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Nelson Park Lake

The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Yellow Smoke Park Lake

The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Some OK bluegill fishing; it's really hot and cold. Some trips are good, some are a bust. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfishing has been fairly good. It really picks up later in the day. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair: The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Moorhead Park Pond

Moorhead Pond was renovated in 2009 and restocked. The panfish are now at a size worth keeping. Fishing for bluegill, crappie, and bass has been good. Most of the bass are a sub-legal size, though. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are still catching fair numbers of bluegill with some crappie mixed in. The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Brushy Creek Lake

Anglers are catching some bluegill and crappie; fish in about 15 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching some bluegill, but many of them are small. Fish in 15 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are doing OK; fish in 15 feet of water. Most of the fish are between 7 and 9 inches. The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Bacon Creek Lake

Fishing has been pretty slow. Anglers report catching a few small bass on minnows and some small bluegills on pieces of night crawlers.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Very few anglers have been targeting Storm Lake. Water levels are low. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some catfish are being picked up on cut bait, stink bait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. 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.

North Twin Lake

Anglers have been catching small yellow bass and a few more catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: People have been catching a few more channel catfish. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass have been biting fairly well. They are small to medium sized fish.

Swan Lake

Water levels are very low. Water temperatures are in the mid to high 80s.

Black Hawk Lake

The lake is 16 inches below crest. Catfish and bullhead fishing has slowed. Avoid fishing the inlet area of the lake as water levels are extremely low there. Bullhead - Fair: Bullheads can be caught on nightcrawlers or leeches. The bullheads are mostly between 10 and 11 inches and they are abundant. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the windy shorelines close to shore and use crawdads for bait.

Great Western Park Lake

The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Fishing has been slow during this hot weather. Catfish have been the most reliable fish to pursue. For more information, contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Lower Pine Lake

Anglers are catching bluegills on wax worms and crawlers.

Upper Pine Lake

Largemouth bass are biting on buzz baits and crankbaits. Anglers are picking up a few bluegills and crappies using wax worms.

Lake Smith

Bluegill fishing is fair. Anglers are catching bluegills using worms and jigs tipped with bait fished along the weed lines and sandy shore areas. The best bite is early or late in the day due to the heat.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are still being caught with live bait fished over the rock reefs and in areas of the little lake. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught while drifting or trolling with live bait over rock reefs and also in areas of 8 to 10 feet of water in the little lake. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up yellow bass while drifting live bait and cut bait in 10 to 12 feet of water around the rock reefs and in areas north of the island. A few are being caught in the little lake using the same method. Note: The lake level is 18 inches below crest. Due to these low water conditions, boaters are reminded to use caution in near-shore areas of the lake.

Lake Cornelia

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on stink bait and live bait. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have reported catching 6 to 10-inch crappies using twisters. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are biting on live bait and twisters.

Little Wall Lake

Catfishing is good. Try using chicken liver or stink bait during early mornings and evenings.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill fishing is good. Bluegills are being picked up along the edges of weed beds in 5 to 8 feet of water. Fish these areas with a small tube jig or jigs tipped with bait. Anglers are also catching largemouth bass with spinner baits fished along weed beds. A few walleyes are being caught on jigs tipped with live bait.

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

Mill Creek (Lake)

A netting survey took place recently and good numbers of bluegills and bullheads were sampled as well as a few catfish, largemouth bass, and black crappie. The bluegills averaged 6-7.5 inches with a few reaching 9 inches. Bullheads ranged from 8-11 inches and should be easy to catch. Catfish were sampled up to 6 pounds with the majority of them in the 1 to 2-pound range measuring 17-22 inches. The water was in the low 80s and the thermocline was a 7 feet so don't fish to deep.

Big Spirit Lake

Water temperature has climbed into the mid 80s. The warm water has also contributed to a significant bluegreen algae bloom in the lake turning it green. Bullhead - Fair: Action has slowed on the grade but a few fish are being caught on the main lake around weeds. Use traditional presentations like a worm on the bottom. Northern Pike - Slow: Northern pike may become more difficult to catch but they will still be hanging out along weed edges. Casting or trolling along or near these weed edges should produce the best action. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools breaking the surface in the morning and afternoon. Once located a popper or minnow bait should get some action. A few smallmouth bass should also be expected while fishing a school of white bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some of the bigger smallmouth are being caught on weed edges but the rock piles are still producing a few. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The largemouth are still being found near weeds but some are also starting to disperse to other areas in the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Action is picking up, look for schools of perch on the mudflats in the 18 plus feet of water. Try drifting crawlers on bottom bouncers or with slip bobbers. A GPS or marker buoy could be useful once a school is located. A few perch are also being caught in or near the weeds while targeting walleye or other species. Walleye - Slow: With the warm water fishing has slowed a bit but a few fish are still being caught. Best results have been coming in early morning, at dusk, and after dark using slow presentations.

East Okoboji Lake

Bullhead - Fair: Use worms on bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait around rocks and wood during low light conditions. Walleye - Fair: Fish near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crankbaits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood. Use small baits.

West Okoboji Lake

Avoid boat traffic by fishing early in the morning. Northern Pike - Fair: Find weed beds and you have found the pike. Use spoons or most anything resembling a minnow and don't forget the steel leader. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills around weed edges in the early morning or later afternoon. A small jig on a slip bobber or a plain hook with live bait should produce fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but with the clear water most fish spook easily. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing around weed edges in the bays. Walleye - Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

Big Sioux River

Fishing has been slow but a few catfish are still being caught. Try fishing deeper pools and brush piles after dark.

A reminder to bow fishermen please dispose of your fish properly and it is unlawful to sell fish. With the summer season upon us remember to be courteous to fellow lake users. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Lake Hendricks

Water temperatures are about 88 degrees and water clarity is low due to a green algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on a small piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber from shore. Evening is the best time for some catfish action. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are doing well using soft plastic or big tube jigs.

Lake Meyer

Water temperatures are in the mid 80s and water clarity is low due to a green algae bloom. Try fishing in the middle of the lake suspended in about 6 to 7 feet of water. Bluegill - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Channel Catfish - Slow: Nightcrawlers and stink bait are working for catfish this week. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are having best success using small deep diving crankbaits in the deeper holes.

Decorah District Streams

Tricos (Tricorythodes s.) are hatching daily on northeast Iowa streams at dawn with spinner falls ending around 11 a.m. Cover rising trout with a #24 Thread Wrap or similar Trico pattern on 7X/8X tippet for both duns and spinners. Afternoon and early evening hopper/terrestrial fishing is excellent. Please call 563-927-5736 for updated catchable trout stream stocking.

Flows on area rivers are low concentrating fish in deeper holes and water temperatures are rising. Water temperature on many of our lakes are in the low to mid 80s. Catchable trout stocking on Turtle and Spring Creeks (Mitchell County) and Bohemian Creek (Winneshiek County) has temporarily been discontinued until conditions improve. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or just to let us know what you've been catching.

Big Woods Lake

Fishing has been decent for crappies on Big Woods lake but some sorting may be necessary. Crappie - Good: Tube jigs casted from the south shoreline into twenty foot of water and slowly retrieved has been effective for some crappie. Walleye - Fair: Try trolling a three-way rig with either a floating jig tipped with a crawler or diving crankbait.

Brinker Lake

Brinker Lake has been producing some catches of both crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cutbaits fished on the bottom has been working well for cats in the two to three pound range.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Smallmouth bass and channel catfish are the primary species being caught on the Cedar River. Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait or cutbaits have been the items of choice for most anglers catching cats. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Artificial baits or live bait drifted under a bobber are a sure bet for smallies this time of year.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon River remains at around 4.5 feet today and holding steady. There have been no reports but smallmouth bass and channel catfish have been doing well on other interior rivers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stinkbait or cutbaits have been the items of choice for most anglers catching cats. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Artificial baits or live bait drifted under a bobber are a sure bet for smallies.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Conditions are very low on the Maquoketa River but where you can find water one should be able to find fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Artificial baits or live bait drifted under a bobber are a sure bet for smallies this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Artificial baits or a jig tipped with a piece of crawler is a good choice for walleye.

The interior rivers have been providing catches of walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. River levels are low concentrating fish but also making for difficult navigation. Some Black Hawk County lakes are providing catches of channel catfish and crappie also. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing tail water is 8.3 feet and falling slowly. Water temperature remains in the 80s. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat wave. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water temperatures have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are on the mid-summer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective as are cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Crappie - Good: Nice size crappies are biting on minnows and jigs in the deeper habitat of backwater sloughs. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 14.7 feet and falling slowly. Water temperature remains in the 80s. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat wave. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water temperatures have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are on the mid-summer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective as are cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg tail water is 5.8 feet and falling slightly over the next week. Water temperature remains in the 80s. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat wave. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water temperatures have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some really nice sized catfish are being caught right now. Now is the time of year when stink bait becomes very effective. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Crankbaits are a good choice this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Anglers are taking advantage of low water levels catching a wide array of fish. Water levels on the Upper Mississippi are still falling slowly. Water temperature is still in the mid 80s. Avoid the midday heat and fish the early morning and evening hours when fish are more active.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river stage at the Dubuque lock and dam is 5.5 feet. Water levels are steady to slightly falling. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have hit the summer bite. Try stink bait, cut bait, crawlers or even minnows fished on the bottom. Fish are being taken in numerous spots from the mud flats to the wind dams. If fishing for channel catfish and there is no bite in 15 minutes, move to a new location. You need to find active fish and the reward is there when you find them. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass being caught on an array of lures and live bait. Fish structure in the back waters, side sloughs and the main channel border. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been getting better with the dropping water pulling fish out of all of the shallower back waters into the sloughs and deeper back water lakes. Try minnows or jigs straight lined or use a bobber. Walleye - Fair: The summer doesn't always mean quantity, but there are some large fish being caught on the wing dams. Try live bait such as crawlers or leeches trolled on the upstream side of the dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Crawlers around the wind dams and side sloughs will produce catches of drum. To keep drum fresh for eating always put drum immediately on a cooler with ice.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The river level at the Bellevue lock and dam is 5.8 feet. Water levels are steady to slightly decreasing. Water temperature is around 85 degrees. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Numerous reports of channel catfish being taken on stink bait and crawlers. Try around the wing dams and in the side sloughs. Move until you find active fish. Some of the best fishing has been early morning and good until mid morning. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing has been really good. Fish rocks, wood or vegetation. They are being caught on all types of artificial lures as well as live bait. Most bass caught are under the 14 inch size limit but action is fast. Crappie - Good: Fish are being taken mostly on live bait. Try straight lining or bobber fishing. Fish the structure to find fish. Walleye - Fair: A few nice fish are being taken. Not too many in the keeper bracket, more in the protected slot of 20 - 27 inches. These fish must be immediately released. Most fish are being caught on live bait. Try around the wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Crawler on the bottom fished around the wing dams and side sloughs. Move to find fish.

Mississippi River Pool 14

The river stage at the Clinton lock and dam is 5.4 feet. Water levels are steady to slightly falling. Water temperature is high, around 86 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish around the wing dams and also the side sloughs using stink bait, crawlers, and even cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are being caught all over. Fish around the rocks, wood and vegetation. An array of different lures is being used as well as live bait. Walleye - Fair: Some nice fish are being caught. Fish less than 15 inches and between 20 - 27 inches must be immediately released. Fish that fall in the 15-19.9-inch range may be kept with one fish over 27 inches. Try fishing the upstream sides of the wing dams. Live bait tends to work better in the summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Numerous drum are being reported out of side channel sloughs and the channel border areas. Use a sliding egg sinker and worm rig for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

The river stage at the LeClaire lock and dam is 4.8 feet and falling. The water temperature is around 87 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: A few reports of nice catches of channel cats on stink bait fished near the wing dams and near the main channel. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are good eating fish if prepared right and packed on ice immediately after they are caught. Use a sliding egg sinker in moderate current areas with a worm for bait.

The river is still dropping slightly and water temperatures are still high around 85 degrees. Fishing has been good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.24 feet and forecasted to stay steady over the next few days. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing stink bait, cut bait, or nightcrawlers above snags along the main channel or flowing sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.13 feet and forecasted to stay fairly steady over the next few days. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing stink bait and nightcrawlers above brush piles and snags along the main channel or flowing side channels.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.41 feet and forecasted to stay fairly steady over the next few days. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing with stink bait, shad, or nightcrawlers above brush piles and log jams along the main channel or flowing side channels.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.21 feet. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on Stinkbaits, shad, and nightcrawlers. Try fishing above snags along the main channel and flowing sloughs.

Pools 16-19: Tail water stages are forecasted to stay fairly steady over the next few days. Main channel water temperature has been around 86 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Surface water temperature is in the upper 80s to about 90. The bottom of the thermocline is at about 8 feet. Look for most fish to be spending the hot part of the day in about 6 to 8 foot of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Work some of the drop-offs at about 7-8 feet down. Chicken liver would be a good bait to start with. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegills are out along the deeper edge of the weed beds work in the 6 to 8 foot depths.

Lake Belva Deer

The thermocline is set up between 6 to 10 feet. Anglers are catching most of the fish early in the morning before 10 a.m. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good around the jetties and around the fish mounds at the upper end of the lake. They seem to be hunting around the rocks. Stinkbait and chicken liver is working the best.

Pollmiller Park Lake

The thermocline in this lake is running at about 8 to 11 feet. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is best on stinkbaits but don’t rule out chicken liver. Half to 3-pound fish are the norm. Bluegill - Good: Go in the cooler hours of the days (morning, evening). Anglers are still catching nice batches of 8 to 9-inch fish.

Lake of the Hills

Most of the good fishing is early and late because of the heat. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits but stinkbaits seem to be the hottest. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are out in 3 to 4 feet of water. Worm and bobber seem to be working the best. Actually a few are being caught in the middle of the day despite the heat. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Early morning and late evening bass fishing has been good. White spinnerbaits are the first to go to. As the temps get hotter use plastic around the deeper habitat in 5 to 6 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: The crappies are out deeper. Anglers are catching them along the dam.

Railroad Lake

The use of live minnows are not permitted on this lake. Crappie - Good: Crappies are in the flooded trees along the creek channel on the south side. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Look for the catfish in the same area as crappies. Stinkbaits and chicken liver are the go to baits. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills remain in the stump field on the north side as well as along the shoreline by 110th.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The river level continues to fall making navigation difficult even in a canoe. Water temps are in the mid 80s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing continues to be fairly good. Find the fish concentrated in the deeper holes around the brush piles.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

The river is getting to where there are a lot of sandbars showing up, especially around Wapello. Navigation is tough for most boats. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been pretty good in the deeper holes and on the drop-off side of the sandbars in the early morning and later at night. The dropping water level is really concentrating fish. Stinkbaits are very effective, but you can't beat a good grass frog as bait.

Big Hollow Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good look for the cats to be around the old creek channels in the upper ends on the lake and bays. They're running about 1 1/2 pounds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in 5 to 6 feet of water in the flooded timber. Small jigs or bobber and worm seem to be the way to go. Crappie - Fair: Using a jig in the flooded timber at 6 foot down is working the best.

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

Kent Park Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try early in the day for best results. Bluegill - Fair: Try early in the day for best results.

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is in the upper 80 degrees. The lake is stratified and there is almost no oxygen below 11 feet of water, so anglers should concentrate in depths of 10 feet or less. Anglers are reminded to check their boats and trailers for vegetation, as the lake contains the invasive plant brittle naiad. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or stink bait for best results. There are still fish along shallow rip-rap.

Central Park Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Try crankbaits or plastic worms early and late in the day.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait, livers, and shrimp have been catching nice catfish. White Bass - Fair: White jigs or minnows have been catching white bass. Early morning or late evening can be most productive with top water lures. There is a 18-inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass and a 40-inch minimum length limit on muskellunge. Anglers are reminded to check their boats and trailers for vegetation, as the lake contains the invasive plant called Brittle Naiad.

Diamond Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait and chicken livers have been working well here. Evenings have been best.

Otter Creek Lake

The fish cleaning station here is now up and running. The lake is about 8 inches low. Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing for catfish has been best at night. Yellow Bass - Good: Fishing for yellows has been best in the mornings.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake is at normal summer pool of 683 feet. Water temperature is in the upper 80s and oxygen levels are a bit low in the upper end of the lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: There has not been a lot of fishing pressure lately due to heat but night fishing has been fairly productive.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Look for catfish in snaggy holes and try crawlers, stink bait, or cutbait.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

River levels are very low and outflow from the "tube" is 180 cubic feet per second. Channel Catfish - Good: Dip baits and fresh cutbait has been working best. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Fresh cutbait and live bluegills have been best.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)

Channel Catfish - Good: Nice sized fish are being caught by those willing to brave the heat and find them. White Bass - Fair: Try fishing below the dams where oxygen levels are highest.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Channel Catfish - Good: Nice sized fish are being caught by those willing to brave the heat and find them.

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

Lake Wapello

Channel catfish angling has slowed but some fish are still being caught. Fish in the 15 to 22-inch range are very abundant. Worms or stink bait are producing but be aware the lake is stratified at 8 feet so fish in water less than 8 feet deep. Anglers are doing best around fishing jetties and other rocky areas.

Lake Sugema

Catfish angling is fair and anglers are reporting fish up to 5 pounds. The lake is stratified at about 7 feet so fish in water less than 7 feet deep for best results.

Rathbun Reservoir

Channel catfish have been very active. Worms and stink baits have been the most productive. Walleye fishing has been good. Most fish are being caught in 5 to 15 feet of water. Worms fished over humps and points, in the Southfork and Island View areas, as well as over points along the south shore has been most productive. Trolled crankbaits are also very effective.

Water temperature continues to increase. For more information call Mark Flammang at 641-647-2406

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake

White Bass - Good: White bass fishing has been good trolling shallow diving or lipless crankbaits on the upper half of the lake. Trolling spinner rigs with crawlers is also catching white bass in addition to bluegill and walleye. Work the windblown shoreline on breezy days. Bluegill - Good: Decent bluegill success is coming from fishing crawlers over the brush piles or drifting over the roadbeds. Bluegill can also be caught fishing the edges of the deeper weed beds at many locations along the west shoreline as you work south of the west boat ramp.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught on crawlers on the pallet piles in 8 feet of water or less. There are many good shallow pallets to fish north and west of the island. Try fishing in the early morning or late evenings to beat the heat.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Anglers drifting or slowly retrieving small pieces of crawler or small tube jigs in 4 to 7 feet of water are picking up good size bluegill.

Red Rock Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Drifting cut bait or stink baits is producing some good catches of channel catfish. White Bass - Excellent: White bass are hitting now with the heat. Troll lipless or shallow diving crankbaits to find the schools. Some good areas have been the shoreline going north from the marina point and the northeast corner of the dam. Also look for gulls feeding on shad pushed to the surface by feeding white bass.

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Excellent: Good size channel cats are being caught drifting cut baits. The old river channel north of the mile long bridge is a good starting point. White Bass - Good: The white bass are active are can be caught around the Cherry Glen and Sandpiper areas as well as the west side of the lake. Some of the best action has come by trolling small lipless crankbaits in shad colors, along with small flashy spoons and twister tails.

Reservoir fishing continues to be very good to excellent right now for white bass, wipers, and channel catfish. Try fishing early in the morning or late in the evenings when fish are most active. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Bluegills and crappies can be caught drifting and around cedar tree piles. Catfish are being caught around the jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip bait and shrimp are working to catch channel catfish around the jetties. Late afternoon and into the night has been the best time. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches can be caught drifting small jigs across the open lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while drifting.

Lake Anita

Aquatic vegetation is abundant because of the good water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught drifting small jigs 6 to 8-feet down. Tipping the jig with worms or Powerbait seems to help. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits early in the mornings and late afternoons. As the temperature rises, the fish go deeper. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range.

Viking Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver have been the bait of choice for fish averaging 2 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and crankbaits. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported.

Lake Manawa

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dead chubs and liver. Fish average 2 pounds.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver are good baits in midsummer for channel catfish. Late afternoon when temperatures cool is a good time to target catfish. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills can be caught around structure and along the edge of weed lines this time of year. Try small jigs or worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very aggressive and readily caught casting a variety of lures and plugs along weed edges and around structure. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish in the heat of summer.

Water temperatures are in the low 80s on most lakes in the southwest district. Drifting for panfish has been fair to good. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is a little less than one foot low. Bullhead - Fair: A lot of mid-sized bullheads are coming from the shallow areas during the evenings. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish are being caught in the evenings from 4 feet of water using crawlers or liver.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake level is down about 11 feet to allow for completion of a shoreline rip rap project.

Green Valley Lake

the water level is down about 3 feet. All boat ramps are usable but the main ramp is the easiest. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish can be caught from 6 feet of water on liver or stink baits. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught from the edges of the fish mounds.

Three Mile Lake

The lake level is down about one foot. Crappie - Fair: The deeper brush piles are holding some crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Some angles are having some success for wipers over the mounds.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water level is down about one foot. Bluegill - Fair: The rock sided fish mounds are producing several bluegills. Trolling leeches across the rocks works the best.

Water temperatures are near 90 degrees. Water levels at most lakes are falling but all areas are still accessible. The thermocline is getting shallower and deeper areas may not have oxygen to support fish.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel catfish are biting on cut baits and prepared baits. Anglers are catching freshwater drum on crawlers fished on the bottom between wing dikes.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel catfish biting on cut baits and prepared baits. Fishing evenings and after sunset for the best action.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

No report

Missouri River Fisheries Office - Onawa

River discharges are normal. Water temperatures are in the 80-82 range.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/2/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Nelson Park Lake

The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Yellow Smoke Park Lake

The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Some okay bluegill fishing; it's really hot and cold. Some trips are good, some are a bust. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfishing has been fairly good. It really picks up later in the day. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair: The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Moorhead Park Pond

Moorhead Pond was renovated in 2009 and restocked. Panfish are now at a size worth keeping. Fishing for bluegill, crappie, and bass has been good. Most of the bass are a sub-legal size, though. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are still catching fair numbers of bluegill with some crappie mixed in. The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Brushy Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching some bluegill, but many of them are small. Fish in 15 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Fair: Anglers are doing OK; fish in 15 feet of water. Most of the fish are between 7 and 9 inches. The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Bacon Creek Lake

Fishing has been pretty slow. Anglers report catching a few small bass on minnows and some small bluegills on pieces of night crawlers.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Very few anglers have been targeting Storm Lake. Water levels are low. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some catfish are being picked up on cut bait, stink bait, shrimp, and nightcrawlers. White Bass - Slow: A few nice white bass have been caught. 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.

North Twin Lake

Anglers have been catching small yellow bass and a few more catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: People have been catching a few more channel catfish. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass have been biting fairly well. They are small to medium sized fish.

Swan Lake

Water levels are very low. Water temperature is in the mid to high 80s.

Black Hawk Lake

The lake is 17 inches below crest. Avoid fishing the inlet area of the lake as water levels are extremely low there. Annual carp contest is August 11 and 12. Bullhead - Slow: Bullheads can be caught on nightcrawlers or leeches. The bullheads are mostly between 10 and 11 inches and they are abundant. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been catching decent numbers of channel catfish drifting across the lake and fishing from shore.

Great Western Park Lake

The invasive plant species brittle naiad is present. Make sure to inspect and clean boat trailers, boats, and lower units to avoid transferring the plant species to other bodies of water.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing has been best at night and early morning on chicken liver and other prepared baits. Bluegill - Slow: Some panfish are being picked up in the deeper water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting top water lures in the evenings.

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

Catfish are biting on stink bait and live baits. Freshwater drum and carp are being caught while fishing for catfish.

Black Hawk District Farm Ponds

Farm pond fishing has been slow. Try casting plastic worms for bass and using nightcrawlers for bluegill.

Fishing has been slow during this hot weather. Catfish have been the most reliable fish to pursue. For more information, contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Lower Pine Lake

Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie using a piece of crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth bass fishing is good. Anglers have had success using deep-diving crankbaits.

Upper Pine Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good. Anglers have had success using deep-diving crankbaits. Anglers are picking up a few bluegills and crappies using wax worms.

Lake Smith

Bluegill fishing is fair. Anglers are catching bluegills using worms and jigs tipped with bait fished along the weed lines and sandy shore areas. The best bite is early or late in the day due to the heat.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are still being caught with live bait fished over the rock reefs and in areas of the little lake. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught while drifting or trolling with live bait over rock reefs and also in areas of 8 to 10 feet of water in the little lake. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up yellow bass while drifting live bait and cut bait in 10 to 12 feet of water around the rock reefs and in areas north of the island. A few are being caught in the little lake using the same method. Note: The lake level is 18 inches below crest. Due to these low water conditions, boaters are reminded to use caution in near-shore areas of the lake.

Lake Cornelia

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on stink bait and live bait. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have reported catching 6-10 inch crappies using twisters. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are biting on live bait and twisters.

Little Wall Lake

Catfishing is good. Try using chicken liver or stink bait during early mornings and evenings.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill fishing is good. Bluegills are being picked up along the edges of weed beds in 5 to 8 feet of water. Fish these areas with a small tube jig or jigs tipped with bait. Anglers are also catching largemouth bass with spinner baits fished along weed beds. A few walleyes are being caught on jigs tipped with live bait.

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

Mill Creek (Lake)

A netting survey took place recently and good numbers of bluegills and bullheads were sampled as well as a few catfish, largemouth bass, and black crappie. The bluegills averaged 6-7.5 inches with a few reaching 9 inches. Bullheads ranged from 8-11 inches and should be easy to catch. Catfish were sampled up to 6lbs with the majority of them in the 1-2lb range measuring 17-22 inches. The water was in the low 80s and the thermocline was at 7 feet so don't fish to deep.

Big Spirit Lake

The water temperature has climbed into the mid 80s and has contributed to a significant blue green algae bloom turning the lake green. Bullhead - Fair: Action has slowed on the grade but a few fish are being caught on the main lake around weeds using a worm on the bottom. Northern Pike - Slow: Northern pike will be hanging out along weed edges. Casting or trolling along or near these weed edges should produce the best action. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of white bass breaking the surface in the morning and afternoon, once located a popper or minnow bait should get some action. A few smallmouth bass should also be expected while fishing a school of white bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some of the bigger smallmouth are being caught on weed edges but the rock piles are still producing a few. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The largemouth are still being found near weeds but some are starting to disperse to other areas in the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Action is picking up; look for schools of perch on the mudflats in the 18 plus foot range. Try drifting crawlers on bottom bouncers or with slip bobbers. A GPS or marker buoy could prove to be very useful once a school is located. A few perch are also being caught in or near the weeds while targeting walleye or other species. Walleye - Slow: Fishing has slowed but a few fish are still being caught. Best results have been coming in early morning, at dusk, and after dark using slow presentations.

East Okoboji Lake

Bullhead - Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try using cut bait around rocks and wood during low light conditions. Bluegill - Fair: Action has picked up a bit but can still be sporadic. Try fishing around weed edges with worms. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crankbaits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood and use small baits.

West Okoboji Lake

Try fishing early in the morning to avoid boat traffic. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills around weed edges and try fishing in the early morning or later afternoon. A small jig on a slip bobber or a plain hook with live bait should bring results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but with the clear water most fish are spooky. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing around weed edges in the bays. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being found along weed edges and adjacent drop offs. Try jigging with crawlers and wigglers or using slip bobbers. Walleye - Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

Five Island Lake

During a recent netting survey many catfish were sampled in the lake with an average size of 16-22 inches. Good numbers of fish over 24 inches were also found. Try using cutbait or stinkbait in the afternoon and into the night.

For more information contact Mike Hawkins at the Spirit Lake office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Water temperature is in the low 80s. The lake has a green algae bloom. Anglers have been finding fish along fallen trees and other structure in the lake. Fish are suspended in about 7 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try using a piece of nightcrawler fished on the bottom.

Lake Hendricks

Water temperature is about 84 degrees and water clarity is low due to a green algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on a small piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber from shore. Evening is the best time for some catfish action. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been hitting on hook tipped with small piece of nightcrawler. The majority of fish are small. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are doing well using soft plastic or big tube jigs and crankbaits trolling in the old creek channel.

Lake Meyer

Water temperature is in the mid 80s and clarity is poor due to a green algae bloom. Try fishing in the middle of the lake suspended in about 6 to 7 feet of water. Bluegill - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Fish activity has been slow with a few sauger, walleye and smallmouth being taken. Channel Catfish - Slow: Nightcrawlers and stinkbait are working for catfish this week. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are having best success using small deep diving crankbaits in the deeper holes.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Anglers have been doing well in the Charles City area. Most species are hitting on nightcrawlers. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are using stinkbait, crawlers and dead chubs with good success. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are biting on minnow under a bobber in the Nashua area. Walleye - Slow: Jigs tipped with a variety of plastic tails, nightcrawlers and crankbaits are tantalizing fish this week.

Decorah District Streams

Try a #24 Threadwrap or similar delicate fly for the heavy early morning Trico hatches. Hoppers, crickets and other terrestrial patterns have been effective in the afternoon. Evening caddis hatches have been very good - #14 Deer Hair Caddis patterns have taken a number of larger trout toward dusk. Call 563-927-5736 for updated catchable trout stream stocking.

Flows on area rivers remain low concentrating fish in deeper holes and water temperatures are rising. Water temperatures on many of our lakes are in the low to mid 80s. Catchable trout stocking on Turtle and Spring creeks (Mitchell County) and Bohemian Creek (Winneshiek County) has temporarily been discontinued until conditions improve. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or just to let us know what you've been catching.

Brinker Lake

Brinker Lake has been producing some catches of crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cutbaits fished on the bottom has been working well for cats in the two to three pound range.

George Wyth Lake

Early morning hours have been producing some crappies. Sampling efforts for catfish produced numerous year classes with fish up to 12 pounds. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a small minnow under a slip bobber in 6 to 8 feet of water off of the floating dock.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Smallmouth bass and channel catfish are the primary species being caught on the Cedar River. Fishing below area low head dams for catfish in the shallower riffle areas has been productive. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stinkbait or cutbaits have been the items of choice for most anglers catching cats. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Artificial baits or live bait drifted under a bobber are a sure bet for smallies.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon River remains at around 4.5 feet and holding steady. There have been no reports but smallmouth bass and channel catfish have been doing well on other interior rivers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stinkbait or cutbaits have been the items of choice for most anglers catching cats. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Artificial baits or live bait drifted under a bobber are a sure bet for smallies.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Conditions are very low on the Maquoketa River but where you can find water, one should be able to find fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Artificial baits or live bait drifted under a bobber are a sure bet for smallies. Walleye - Fair: Artificial baits or a jig tipped with a piece of crawler is a good choice for walleye.

Interior river levels are extremely low making navigation difficult. Fisheries sampling has shown good densities of channel catfish in Black Hawk County area lakes. Trout streams remain in good condition, for further information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing tail water is 7.8 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature remains in the 80s. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are on the midsummer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective along with cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Crappie - Good: Nice sized crappies are biting on minnows and jigs in the deeper habitat of backwater sloughs. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 13.7 feet and expected to stabilize over the next week. Water temperature remains in the 80s. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are on the midsummer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective along with cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg tail water is 4.75 feet and expected to stabilize at this level over the next week. Water temperature remains in the 80s. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some really nice sized catfish are being caught right now. Now is the time of year when stink bait becomes very effective. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Crankbaits are a good choice this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Water levels on the Upper Mississippi are low but stable. Stable water conditions makes for good fishing on the river. Avoid the midday heat and fish the early morning and evening hours when fish are more active. Water temperatures are in the mid 80s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river stage at the Dubuque lock and dam is 5.1 feet and steady. The bite seemed to tail off early with the high clear skies. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish have hit the summer bite. Try stink bait, cut bait, crawlers or even minnows fished on the bottom. Fish are being taken in numerous spots from the mud flats to the wing dams. With channel catfish, if 15 minutes passes and no fish? Move. You need to find active fish; the reward is there, when you find them. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills were biting in the sloughs in snags and along rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass being caught on an array of lures and live bait. Fish structure in the back waters, side sloughs and the main channel border. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been getting better with the dropping water pulling fish out of all of the shallower back waters into the sloughs and deeper back water lakes. Try minnows or jigs straight lined or use a bobber. Walleye - Fair: The summer doesn't always mean quantity, but there are some large fish being caught on the wing dams. Try live bait such as crawlers or leeches trolled on the upstream side of the dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Crawlers around the wind dams and side sloughs will produce catches of drum. To keep drum fresh for eating always put drum immediately on a cooler with ice.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The river level at the Bellevue lock and dam is 5.1 feet. Water levels are steady. Water temperature is around 85 degrees. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Numerous reports of channel catfish being taken on stink bait and crawlers. Try around the wing dams and in the side sloughs. Move until you find active fish. Some of the best fishing has been early morning and good until mid morning. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing has been really good. Fish rocks, wood or vegetation. They are being caught on all types of artificial lures as well as live bait. Most bass caught are under the 14-inch size limit but action is fast. Crappie - Good: Fish are being taken mostly on live bait. Try straight lining or bobber fishing. Fish the structure to find fish. Find some brush piles in major sloughs and keep moving around to find fish. Walleye - Fair: A few nice fish are being taken. Not too many in the keeper bracket, more in the protected slot of 20 - 27 inches. These fish must be immediately released. Most fish are being caught on live bait. Try around the wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Crawler on the bottom fished around the wing dams and side sloughs. Move to find fish.

Mississippi River Pool 14

The river stage at the Clinton lock and dam is 5.1 feet and steady. Water temperature is high, around 85 degrees. In Pool 14 to the high skies during the week really curtailed the good bite that was occurring. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish around the wing dams and also the side sloughs using stink bait, crawlers, and even cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are being caught all over. Fish around the rocks, wood and vegetation. An array of different lures is being used as well as live bait. Walleye - Fair: Some nice fish are being caught. Fish less than 15 inches and between 20 - 27 inches must be immediately released. Fish that fall in the 15-19.9 inch range may be kept with one fish over 27 inches. Try fishing the upstream sides of the wing dams. Live bait tends to work better in the summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Numerous drum are being reported out of side channel sloughs and the channel border areas. Use a sliding egg sinker and worm rig for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

The river stage at the LeClaire lock and dam is 4.7 feet and steady. Again the water temperature is high, around 85 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: A few reports of nice catches of channel cats on stink bait fished near the wing dams and near the main channel. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are good eating fish if prepared right and packed on ice immediately after they are caught. Use a sliding egg sinker in moderate current areas with a worm for bait.

The river is holding steady and is low in many locations. Water temperatures are in the mid 80s and clarity is quite good.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Belva Deer

The thermocline is set up between 6 to 10 feet. Anglers are catching most of the fish before 10 a.m. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing continues to be good around the jetties and around the fish mounds at the upper end of the lake. They seem to be hunting around the rocks. Stinkbait and chicken liver are working the best.

Pollmiller Park Lake

The thermocline is running at about 8 to 11 feet. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is best on stinkbaits but I wouldn't rule out chicken liver. One-half to 3 pound fish are the norm. Bluegill - Good: Go in the cooler hours of the day (morning, evening). Anglers are still catching nice batches of 8 to 9-inch fish.

Lake of the Hills

Most of the good fishing continues to be good early and late because of the hot weather. Live minnows can be used in this lake unlike the other lakes in West Lake Park. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits but now chicken liver has become the preferred bait. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in 3 to 4 feet of water. Worm and bobber seem to be working the best. A few are being caught in the middle of the day despite the heat. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Early morning and late evening bass fishing has been good. White spinnerbaits remain the go to lures in the morning. As the temps get hotter switch to plastics worked around the deeper habitat in 5 to 6 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Work the fish habitat 7 to 8 feet down. Move from brush pile to brush pile until you find fish.

Railroad Lake

The use of live minnows is not permitted on this lake. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Work the old creek channel on the south side of the lake using chicken liver to find some skillet sized cats. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have finally moved to the deeper water along the south side near the flooded trees and old creek channel. Crappie - Good: Crappies are in the flooded trees along the creek channel on the south side.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The river continues to slowly fall. Only a canoe could navigate now and it would likely drag bottom quite a bit. Water temperature is 81-84 degrees. If you are launching from the ramp be careful of falling off the end of the ramp as most are getting close to being out of the water. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing continues to be fairly good. Find the fish concentrated in deeper holes around brush piles. Also drifting baits through the deeper runs seems to be producing some nice fish.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

The river is getting to where there are a lot of sandbars showing up, especially around Wapello. Navigation is tough for most boats. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been pretty good in the deeper holes and on the drop-off side of the sandbars in the early morning and later at night. Dropping water levels are really concentrating fish. Stinkbaits are very effective now, but you can't beat a good grass frog.

Big Hollow Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good look for the cats to be around the old creek channels in the upper ends on the lake and bays. They're running about 1 1/2 pounds. Also look around the jetties for some nice catfish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in 5 to 6 foot of water in the flooded timber. Small jigs or bobber and worm seem to be the way to go. Crappie - Fair: Using a jig in the flooded timber at 6 foot down is working the best.

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

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is in the mid 80s. The lake is stratified and there is almost no oxygen below 11 feet of water, so anglers should concentrate in depths of 10 feet or less. Anglers are reminded to check their boats and trailers for vegetation, as the lake contains the invasive plant brittle naiad. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or stinkbait for best results. There are still fish along shallow rip-rap.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait, livers, and shrimp have been catching nice catfish. White Bass - Fair: White jigs or minnows have been catching white bass. Early morning or late evening can be most productive with top water lures. Remember, there is an 18-inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass and a 40-inch minimum length limit on muskellunge. Anglers are reminded to check their boats and trailers for vegetation, as the lake contains the invasive plant brittle naiad.

Diamond Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait and chicken livers have been working well. Evenings have been best.

Otter Creek Lake

The fish cleaning station here is up and running. The lake is about 8 inches low. Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing for catfish has been best at night. Yellow Bass - Good: Fishing for yellows has been best in the mornings.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake is at normal summer pool of 683 feet. Water temperature is in the mid 80s and oxygen is void below 20 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Fair: There has not been a lot of fishing pressure lately due to heat but night fishing has been fairly productive.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Look for catfish in snaggy holes and try crawlers, stinkbait, or cutbait.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

River levels are very low and outflow from the "tube" is 170 cubic feet per second. Channel Catfish - Good: Dip baits and fresh cutbait has been working best. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Fresh cutbait and live bluegills have been best.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)

Channel Catfish - Good: Nice sized fish are being caught by those willing to brave the heat and find them. White Bass - Fair: Try fishing below the dams where oxygen levels are highest.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Channel Catfish - Good: Nice sized fish are being caught by those willing to brave the heat and find them.

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

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake

White Bass - Good: White bass fishing has been good trolling shallow diving or lipless crankbaits on the upper half of the lake. Trolling spinner rigs with crawlers is also catching white bass in addition to bluegill and walleye. Work the windblown shoreline on breezy days. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught drifting crawlers over the roadbeds and the sunken brush piles at the entrances to many of the bays on the lower half of the lake. Keep the bait above 10 feet.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught on crawlers on the pallet piles in 8 feet of water or less. There are many good shallow pallets to fish north and west of the island. Try fishing in the early morning or late evenings to beat the heat.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Excellent: Anglers have been doing very well catching bluegills this summer. Using crawlers and bobber fishing near brush piles and tree falls, or drifting with the bait at depths of 4 to 7 feet.

Red Rock Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Drifting cut bait or stink baits is producing some good catches of channel catfish. White Bass - Excellent: White bass fishing continues to be the hottest bite. Troll lipless or shallow diving crankbaits to find the schools. Some good areas have been the shoreline going north from the marina point and the northeast corner of the dam. Also look for gulls feeding on shad pushed to the surface by feeding white bass.

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Excellent: Good size channel cats are being caught drifting cut baits. The old river channel north of the mile long bridge is a good starting point. White Bass - Good: The white bass are active and can be caught around the Cherry Glen, Oak Grove and Sandpiper areas as well as the west side of the lake on any point. Cast or troll lipless or shallow diving crankbaits in shad colors, or small, flashy spoons.

Despite the heat, fishing continues to be very good right now, especially for white bass, wipers, and channel catfish on the reservoirs. Try fishing early in the morning or late in the evenings when fish are most active. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Bluegills and crappies can be caught drifting and around cedar tree piles. Catfish are being caught around the jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip bait and shrimp are working to catch channel catfish around the jetties. Late afternoon and into the night has been the best time. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches can be caught drifting small jigs across the open lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while drifting.

Lake Anita

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught drifting small jigs 6 to 8 feet down. Tipping the jig with worms or Powerbait seems to help. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits early in the mornings and late afternoons. As the temperatures rise, the fish go deeper. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range. Aquatic vegetation is abundant because of the good water clarity.

Viking Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver have been the bait of choice for fish averaging 2 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and crankbaits. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported.

Lake Manawa

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dead chubs and liver. Fish average 2 pounds.

East Nishnabotna

With river levels very low, fish are in the deeper holes around structure. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish deeper holes around structure using crayfish or nightcrawlers.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

There are numerous farm ponds that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver are good baits in midsummer for channel catfish. Late afternoon when temperatures cool is a good time to target catfish. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills can be caught around structure and along the edge of weed lines this time of year. Try small jigs or worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very aggressive and readily caught casting a variety of lures and plugs along weed edges and around structure. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish in the heat of summer.

Water temperatures are in the low 80s on most lakes in the southwest district. Catfishing has been good on interior rivers with the low flows. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is a little less than one foot low. Bullhead - Fair: A lot of mid-sized bullheads are coming from the shallow areas during the evenings. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught from 4 feet of water using prepared baits or liver. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are biting from the edges of the brush piles on minnows.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake level is down about 11 feet to allow for completion of a shoreline rip rap project.

Green Valley Lake

The water level is about 3 feet low. All boat ramps are usable but the main ramp is the easiest. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish can be caught from 6 feet of water on liver or stink baits. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught from the edges of the fish mounds.

Three Mile Lake

The lake level is down about one foot. Crappie - Fair: The deeper brush piles are holding some crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Anglers are bouncing leeches up and down the sides of the mounds and catching a few wipers.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water level is down about one foot. Bluegill - Fair: Some of the fish mounds with rock sides are producing a few big bluegills. Trolling leeches or crawlers over the big rock has been working the best.

Water temperatures are near 90. Water levels at most lakes are falling but all areas are still accessible.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fish are being caught on stinkbait or cutbait near wing dykes and brush piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: A few fish are being caught on large live bait. A few blue catfish are also being caught with cutbait near the Big Sioux River.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fish are being caught using crawdads or stink bait. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use bullheads or crawdads near brush piles. A few blue catfish have been reported while fishing for flathead catfish. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting on worms or crawdads on current edges.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are being caught on cutbait or stinkbait. Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers are using goldfish, bullheads or crawdads. A few blue cats are also being caught while fishing. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Lots of drum are also being caught while using crawdads along current edges.

Missouri River Fisheries Office - Onawa River discharges are normal. Water temperatures are 80-85 degrees on the river and in backwater areas.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/10/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Clear Lake

The water level is 21 inches below crest. Use caution when launching and boating near shore. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stink bait, cut bait, and crawlers are working in the evenings and mornings near reefs and vegetation beds. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching yellow bass on crawlers, cut bait, and minnows. Drifting and vertical jigging in 6-10 feet of water off the State Dock area has been good. The fish are schooled so move around until you find active fish.

Little Wall Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are drifting fish guts and cut bait.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs and crawlers in the dredged area for the best bluegill action. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Spinner baits and top water baits worked along the aquatic plant beds are catching bass.

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

Big Spirit Lake

Bullhead - Fair: Action has slowed on the grade but a few fish are being caught on the main lake around weeds. Traditional presentations, such as a worm on the bottom, should be used. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of white bass breaking the surface in the morning and afternoon, once located a popper or minnow bait should get some action. A few smallmouth bass should also be expected while fishing a school of white bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some of the bigger smallmouth are being caught on weed edges but the rock piles are still producing a few. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are still being found near weeds but are starting to disperse to other areas in the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Action is picking up look for schools of perch on the mudflats in the 18 foot plus range. Try drifting crawlers on bottom bouncers or with slip bobbers. A GPS or marker buoy could prove to be very useful once a school is located. A few perch are also being caught in or near the weeds while targeting walleye or other species. Walleye - Slow: With the warm water, fishing has slowed a bit but a few are still being caught. Best results have been coming in early morning, at dusk, and after dark using slow presentations.

East Okoboji Lake

Bullhead - Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try using cut bait around rocks and wood during low light conditions. Bluegill - Fair: Action has picked up a bit but can still be sporadic. Try fishing around weed edges with worms. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crank baits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught using small baits near rocks and wood.

West Okoboji Lake

Fish early in the morning to avoid boat traffic. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills around weed edges and try fishing in the early morning or later afternoon. A small jig on a slip bobber or a plain hook with live bait should bring results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing for smallmouth around deep rock piles with crayfish and minnow imitations. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are being caught in 12-18 feet of water within the weed beds. Try using a pilkie or crappie tube with wigglers. Walleye - Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

Five Island Lake

During a recent netting survey many catfish were sampled in the lake with an average size of 16-22 inches. Good numbers of fish over 24 inches were also found. Try using cutbait or stinkbait in the afternoon and into the night.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

With low water levels look for deep holes near snags and bends in the river. Try using worms on a bottom rig for multiple species action.

For more information contact Mike Hawkins at the Spirit Lake office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Water temperature is in the low 80s. The lake has a green algae bloom. Anglers have been finding fish along fallen trees and other structure in the lake. Fish are suspended in about 7 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Slow: Use a piece of nightcrawler on the bottom.

Lake Hendricks

Water temperature is about 84 degrees this week and water clarity is low due to a green algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on a small piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber from shore. Evening is the best time for some catfish action. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been hitting on hook tipped with small piece of nightcrawler. The majority of fish are small. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are doing well using soft plastic or big tube jigs and crankbaits trolling in the old creek channel.

Lake Meyer

Water temperature is in the mid 80s and clarity is low due to a green algae bloom. Try fishing in the middle of the lake, suspended in about 6 to 7 feet of water. Bluegill - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Fish activity has been slow with a few sauger, walleye and smallmouth being taken. Channel Catfish - Slow: Nightcrawlers and stinkbait are working for catfish this week. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are having best success using small deep diving crankbaits in the deeper holes.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Anglers have been doing well in the Charles City area. Most species are hitting on nightcrawlers. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are using stinkbait, crawlers and dead chubs with good success. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are biting on minnow under a bobber in the Nashua area. Walleye - Slow: Jigs tipped with a variety of plastic tails, nightcrawlers and crankbaits are tantalizing fish this week.

Decorah District Streams

Try a #24 Threadwrap or similar delicate fly for the heavy early morning Trico hatches. Hoppers, crickets and other terrestrial patterns have been effective afternoon patterns. Evening caddis hatches have been very good - #14 Deer Hair Caddis patterns have taken a number of larger trout toward dusk. Call 563-927-5736 for updated catchable trout stream stocking.

Flows on area rivers remain low concentrating fish in deeper holes and water temperatures are rising. Water temperatures on many of our lakes are in the low to mid 80s. Catchable trout stocking on Turtle and Spring creeks (Mitchell County) and Bohemian Creek (Winneshiek County) has temporarily been discontinued until conditions improve. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or just to let us know what you've been catching.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing tail water is 7.6 feet and expected to remain stable at his level over the next week. Water temperature is 78 degrees. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are on the midsummer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective as are cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Crappie - Good: Nice sized crappies are biting on minnows and jigs in the deeper habitat of backwater sloughs. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice sized and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 12.4 feet and expected to stabilize at this level over the next week. Water temperature is 78 degrees. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are on the midsummer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective as are cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice sized and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg tail water is 4.07 feet and expected to stabilize at this level over the next week. Water temperature is 78 degrees. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Some really nice sized catfish are being caught right now. Now is the time of year when stink bait becomes very effective. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Good: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Crankbaits are a good choice this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Water levels on the Upper Mississippi are low but stable. Stable water conditions makes for good fishing on the river. Avoid the midday heat and fish the early morning and evening hours when fish are actively feeding in the shallows. Water temperature has fallen slightly to 78 degrees.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river stage at the Dubuque lock and dam is 5.1 feet and steady. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish have hit the summer bite. Try stink bait, cut bait, crawlers or even minnows fished on the bottom. Fish are being taken in numerous spots from the mud flats to the wind dams. With channel catfish, if 15 minutes passes and no fish: move. You need to find active fish; the reward is there when you find them. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills were biting in the sloughs in snags and along rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass being caught on an array of lures and live bait. Fish structure in the back waters, side sloughs and the main channel border. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been getting better with the dropping water pulling fish out of all of the shallower back waters into the sloughs and deeper back water lakes. Try minnows or jigs straight lined or use a bobber. Walleye - Fair: The summer doesn't always mean quantity, but there are some large fish being caught on the wing dams. Try live bait such as crawlers or leeches trolled on the upstream side of the dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Crawlers around the wind dams and side sloughs will produce catches of drum. To keep drum fresh for eating always put drum immediately on a cooler with ice.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The river level at the Bellevue lock and dam is 5.1 feet. Water levels are steady. Water temperature is around 85 degrees and clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Numerous reports of channel catfish being taken on stink bait and crawlers. Try around the wing dams and in the side sloughs. Move until you find active fish. Some of the best fishing has been early morning and good until midmorning. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has been really good. Fish rocks, wood or vegetation. They are being caught on all types of artificial lures as well as live bait. Most bass caught are under the 14-inch size limit but action is fast! Crappie - Fair: Fish are being taken mostly on live bait. Try straight lining or bobber fishing. Fish the structure to find fish. Find some brush piles in major sloughs and keep moving around to find fish. Walleye - Fair: A few nice fish are being taken. Not too many in the keeper bracket, more in the protected slot of 20 - 27 inches. These fish must be immediately released. Most fish are being caught on live bait. Try around the wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Crawler on the bottom fished around the wing dams and side sloughs. Move to find fish.

Mississippi River Pool 14

The river stage at the Clinton lock and dam is 5.1 feet and steady. Water temperature is very high, around 85 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Fish around the wing dams and also the side sloughs using stink bait, crawlers, and even cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are being caught all over. Fish around the rocks, wood and vegetation. An array of different lures and live bait are being used. Walleye - Fair: Some nice fish are being caught. Fish less than 15 inches and between 20 - 27 inches must be immediately released. Fish that fall in the 15-19.9 inch range may be kept with one fish over 27 inches. Try fishing the upstream sides of the wing dams. Live bait tends to work better in the summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Numerous drum are being reported out of side channel sloughs and the channel border areas. Use a sliding egg sinker and worm rig for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

The river stage at the LeClaire lock and dam is 4.7 feet and steady. The water temperature is high, around 85 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: A few reports of nice catches of channel cats on stink bait fished near the wing dams and near the main channel. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are good eating fish if prepared right and packed on ice immediately after they are caught. Use a sliding egg sinker in moderate current areas with a worm for bait!

The river is holding steady and is low in many locations. Water temperature is in the mid 80s and clarity is quite good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.78 feet and has been falling over the past couple days. Use caution when boating due to the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been catching channel catfish on stinkbait, leeches, and shrimp fished along the bottom. Try fishing along rocky shoreline, above wing dams, or above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough and in Sunset Marina. Try casting jigs and twisters, in-line spinners, or small crankbaits. Some fish are also being picked up trolling three-way rigs with floating stickbaits. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the low water conditions in the backwaters. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow with the low water conditions in the backwaters. Walleye - Slow: Some walleyes are being caught fishing the wing dams. Look for fish towards the ends of the wing dams where there is more current. Try trolling or casting crankbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.10 feet. Anglers should use caution when boating with the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, cutbait, and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Try fishing above the wing dams or above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Crappie - Fair: There have been a few reports of crappies being caught in Big Timber. Try fishing with a minnow under a slip bobber or jigs and small plastics around brush piles along the shore and the submerged brush piles in the deeper dredge cuts.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.02 feet. Anglers should use caution when boating with the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, cutbait, and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Try fishing above the wing dams or above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. White Bass - Fair: White Bass are being caught up by the dam on jigs and twister tails. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow due to the low water conditions in the backwaters. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow due to the low water conditions in the backwaters. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow on the wing dams but a few fish are being caught. Try casting or trolling crankbaits or half nightcrawler on three-way rigs. With the low water conditions look for fish towards the ends of the wing dam where there is more current.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.07 feet. Anglers should use caution when boating due to the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, shad, and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Try fishing above the wing dams or above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the low water conditions. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow with the low water conditions.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have fallen some over the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 83 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Wapello

Catfish angling has been good over the last week with the cooler temperatures. Anglers reported limits of catfish from the fishing jetties. Night crawlers have been one of the more productive baits. Bluegill angling picked up and anglers reported success fishing small jigs tipped with worm.

Red Haw Lake

Channel catfishing is good. Many large fish of 25 inches and greater have been caught in the last week. Night crawlers appear to be the bait of choice. Bluegill and redear sunfish angling has picked up also and anglers are catching fish in 6 feet of water from shore, off of jetties. Largemouth bass angling has been good. Crankbaits have been producing some large bass recently.

Rathbun Reservoir

Catfish angling has been outstanding. Anglers are catching large numbers of catfish over humps and points. Night crawlers have been one of the best producing baits. Walleye angling has slowed somewhat but some fish are still being captured over humps and points. Live bait is still producing but trolled crankbaits may be more productive.

Fishing is picking up with the cooler temperatures. If you have questions call 641-647-2406.

SOUTHWEST

Greenfield Lake

Catfish are being caught around the jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip bait and shrimp are working to catch channel catfish around the jetties. Late afternoon and into the night has been the best time. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches can be caught drifting small jigs across the open lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while drifting.

Lake Anita

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught drifting small jigs 6-8 feet down. Tipping the jig with worms or Powerbait seems to help. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits early in the mornings and late afternoons. As the temperature rises, fish go deeper. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range.

Viking Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver have been the bait of choice for fish averaging 2 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and crankbaits. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported.

Lake Manawa

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dead chubs and liver. Fish average 2 pounds.

East Nishnabotna

With river levels very low fish are in the deeper holes around structure. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish deeper holes around structure using crayfish or nightcrawlers.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

There are numerous farm ponds that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver are good baits in midsummer for channel catfish. Late afternoon when temperature cools is a good time to target catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught around structure and along the edge of weed lines this time of year. Try small jigs or worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very aggressive and readily caught casting a variety of lures and plugs along weed edges and around structure. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish in the heat of summer.

Water temperatures cooled slightly since last report. Catfishing is still good on interior rivers. For more information call the southwest district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Flathead catfishing is good using nightcrawlers, chubs or crawdads. A few walleyes being caught on jigs.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Flathead catfishing is good using nightcrawlers or chubs.

Missouri River Fisheries Office - Onawa

River discharge remains normal with water temperature hovering at 80 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/16/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Upper Pine Lake

Fishing activity has been relatively low, but anglers have reported catching channel catfish with chicken liver in the mornings and evenings in the lake and Pine Creek between the lakes.

Lake Catherine

Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs or crawlers along the rocks and along the aquatic vegetation lines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Spinner baits worked along the aquatic plant beds seems to be working the best.

Clear Lake

The water level is 21 inches below crest. Use caution when launching and boating near shore. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stink bait, cut bait, and crawlers are working in the evenings and mornings near reefs and vegetation beds. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappies while drifting and vertical jigging minnows and crawlers in 6-10 feet of water in the little lake, around the reefs, and between the state dock area and the island. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching yellow bass on crawlers, cut bait, and minnows. Drifting and vertically jigging in 6-10 feet of water off the state dock area has been good. The fish are schooled so move around until you find active fish.

Little Wall Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are drifting fish guts and cut bait.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs and crawlers in the dredged area and along aquatic plant beds for the best bluegill action. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Spinner baits and top water baits worked along the aquatic plant beds are catching bass.

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

Big Spirit Lake

Bullhead - Fair: Action has slowed on the grade but a few are being caught on the main lake around weeds. Use a worm on the bottom. White Bass - Good: Look for schools breaking the surface in the morning and afternoon, once located, a popper or minnow bait should get some action. A few smallmouth bass should also be expected while fishing a school of white bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some of the bigger smallmouth are being caught on weed edges but the rock piles are still producing a few. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The largemouth are still being found near weeds but some are also starting to disperse to other areas in the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Action is picking up on the mudflats in the 18 plus foot range. Try drifting crawlers on bottom bouncers or with slip bobbers. A GPS or marker buoy could be very useful once a school is located. A few perch are also being caught in or near the weeds while targeting walleye or other species. Walleye - Slow: With the warm water, fishing has slowed a bit but a few are still being caught. Best results have been coming in early morning, at dusk, and after dark using slow presentations.

East Okoboji Lake

Bullhead - Fair: Use worms on bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait around rocks and wood during low light conditions. Bluegill - Fair: Action has picked up a bit but can still be sporadic. Fish around weed edges with worms. Walleye - Fair: Fish near bottom with crawlers and leeches or trolling crankbaits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught. Look for rocks and wood and use small baits.

West Okoboji Lake

Fish early in the morning to avoid boat traffic. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills around weed edges and try fishing in the early morning or later afternoon. Use a small jig on a slip bobber or a plain hook with live bait. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish around deep rock piles with crayfish and minnow imitations. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are being caught in 12-18 feet of water within the weed beds. Use a pilkie or crappie tube with wigglers. Walleye - Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leeches.

Five Island Lake

During a recent netting survey many catfish were sampled with an average size of 16-22 inches. Good numbers of fish over 24 inches were also found. Try using cutbait or stinkbait in the afternoon and into the night.

Lost Island Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with worm.

For more information contact Mike Hawkins at the Spirit Lake office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Anglers have been finding fish along fallen trees and other structure. Remember, fish are suspended in the water column so fish shallow or try trolling. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try using a piece of nightcrawler fished on the bottom in shallow water. The lake is experiencing a green algae bloom.

Lake Hendricks

Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on a small piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber from shore. Evening provides the best action. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been hitting on hook tipped with small piece of nightcrawler. The majority of fish are small. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are doing well using soft plastic or big tube jigs and crankbaits trolling in the old creek channel.

Lake Meyer

Water temperature has cooled to the mid 70s and water clarity is low due to a green algae bloom. Fish in the middle of the lake suspended in about 6 to 7 feet of water. Bluegill - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Fish activity has picked up some this week with cooler temperatures. A few sauger, walleye and smallmouth are being taken. Also a few trout have been picked up around the tributaries. Channel Catfish - Slow: Nightcrawlers and stinkbait are working for catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up smallmouth on walleye jigs and lures that look like shiner minnows. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are having best success using small shad raps or white or black jigs tipped with white plastic twistertail in the deeper holes.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are using dead chubs and chicken liver with good success. Nightcrawlers are also working. Walleye - Slow: Jigs tipped with a variety of plastic tails or minnows are tantalizing fish this week.

Decorah District Streams

Tricos are still hatching at dawn, but the hatch volume is diminishing. Try a #24 Threadwrap or similar small pattern for Tricos. There have been good #18 Blue Wing Olive hatches in the afternoons. Trout have also been taken on #14 Caddisflies as well as Hoppers, Crickets and other terrestrials. Small wet fly patterns have been productive. Call 563-927-5736 for updated catchable trout stream stocking.

Flows on area rivers remain low concentrating fish in deeper holes. Water temperatures on rivers are cooling and fish activity has picked up. Catchable trout stocking on Turtle and Spring Creeks (Mitchell County) and Bohemian Creek (Winneshiek County) has temporarily been discontinued until conditions improve. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or just to let us know what you've been catching.

Brinker Lake

Anglers have been reporting good catches of crappie. Concentrate in water depths between 8 to 12 feet. Crappie - Good: Tube jigs have been working well in 8 to 12 feet of water.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Anglers have been doing well on walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike with the cooler temperatures. Northern Pike - Fair: Mepps spinners and spoons have been good for northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Floating Rapalas and other shallow diving crankbaits has been productive for the smallies. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a crawler has been very good for walleye.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers have been doing well on walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike with the cooler temperatures. Northern Pike - Fair: Mepps spinners and spoons have been good for northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Floating Rapalas and other shallow diving crankbaits has been productive for the smallies. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a crawler has been very good for walleye.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike fishing should improve with the recent cool temperatures. Northern Pike - Fair: Casting Mepps spinners and spoons are good for northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Floating Rapalas and other shallow diving crankbaits are productive for smallies this time of year. Walleye - Fair: A jig tipped with a crawler can be very productive.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There have been decent reports of walleye and northern pike being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Northern Pike - Fair: Mepps spinners and spoons have been good. Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits and a jig tipped with a crawler have been good on the Maquoketa.

Interior river levels remain low in northeast Iowa making navigation very difficult. Fishing interior rivers has been good for walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike where anglers can gain access. Brinker Lake in George Wyth Park has been producing good numbers of crappie. Trout streams remain in good condition, for further information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing tail water is 7.7 feet and expected to remain stable at his level over the next week. Water temperature is 74 degrees. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike fishing is picking up with the slightly cooler water temperatures. Try spoons and crankbaits along current breaks. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are on the midsummer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective as are cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth are actively feeding on baitfish along the riprap in main channel borders and side channels with good current. Flashy in-line spinners are an excellent choice. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Crappie - Good: Nice sized crappies are biting on minnows and jigs in the deeper habitat of backwater sloughs. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 12.7 feet and stabilized at this level over the next week. Water temperature is 74 degrees. Fish are concentrating in areas of deeper cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water temperatures have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are on the midsummer feed. Stinkbaits are most effective as are cutbaits, liver and crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth are actively feeding on baitfish along the riprap in main channel borders and side channels with good current. Flashy in-line spinners are an excellent choice. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Crappie - Good: Nice size crappies are biting on minnows and jigs in the deeper habitat of backwater sloughs. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Trolling with crawlers and leeches works best. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice sized and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at the Guttenberg tail water is 4.5 feet and is expected remain fairly stable over the next week. Water temperature is 74 degrees. Fish are concentrating in areas of cooler water and some current to escape the summer heat. Northern Pike - Good: Warm water temperatures have northern pike escaping to cold water springs and creek inlets. Fish spoons or crankbaits in the river mouths. Channel Catfish - Good: Some really nice sized catfish are being caught right now. Now is when stink bait becomes very effective. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some nice flatheads have been caught on live chub or small bluegill baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth are actively feeding on baitfish along the riprap in main channel borders and side channels with good current. Flashy in-line spinners are an excellent choice. Largemouth Bass - Good: Take advantage of the abundant lotus weed beds just off current areas where the big bass are taking refuge. Some bass are being picked up along the wing dams. Crappie - Good: Nice sized crappies are biting on minnows and jigs in the deeper habitat of backwater sloughs. Walleye - Good: With the lower and stable water conditions, walleye are concentrating in the deep water along wing dams and closing dams. Crankbaits are a good choice this time of summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum (sheephead) are nice size and actively biting on worms drifted along the sand flats and on top of wing dams.

Water levels on the Upper Mississippi remain low. The stable water conditions and slightly cooler temperatures have created some ideal fishing conditions. Anglers can expect a variety in their creels this week. Fish are congregating in deeper holes and wing dams throughout the day. Cast along the shorelines in the early morning and evening. Water temperatures have fallen to the mid 70s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river stage at the Dubuque lock and dam is very low at 4.7 feet and holding steady. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are still on the summer bite. Try stink bait, cut bait, crawlers or even minnows fished on the bottom. Fish are being taken in numerous spots from the mud flats to the wind dams. With channel catfish, 15 minutes and no fish move. You need to find active fish; the reward is there, when you find them. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills were biting in the sloughs in snags and along rock piles. Try using a split shot and worm thrown on exposed wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass being caught on an array of lures and live bait. Fish structure in the back waters, side sloughs and the main channel border. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been good at times. People are pulling fish out of all of the shallow back waters into the sloughs and deeper back water lakes. Try minnows or jigs straight lined or use a bobber. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes were reported this week. Try live bait such as crawlers or leeches trolled on the upstream side of the dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Crawlers around the wind dams and side sloughs will produce catches of drum. To keep drum fresh for eating always put drum immediately on a cooler with ice.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The river level at the Bellevue lock and dam is 4.1 feet. Water levels are steady. Water temperature is around 79 degrees and clarity is good. Be aware of exposed wing dams when boating on the river. Channel Catfish - Good: Some channel catfish being taken on stink bait and crawlers. Try around the wing dams and in the side sloughs. Move until you find active fish. Some of the best fishing has been early morning and good until midmorning. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing had been really good but seemed to tail off some this past week. Fish rocks, wood or vegetation. They are being caught on all types of artificial lures as well as live bait. Most bass caught are under the 14-inch size limit. Crappie - Fair: Fish are being taken mostly on live bait. Try straight lining or bobber fishing. Fish the structure to find fish. Find some brush piles in major sloughs and keep moving around to find fish. Walleye - Slow: A few nice fish are being taken. Not too many in the keeper bracket, more in the protected 20 to 27-inch slot. These fish must be immediately released. Most fish are being caught on live bait. Try around the upstream sides of wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Crawler on the bottom fished around the wing dams and side sloughs. Move to find fish.

Mississippi River Pool 14

The river stage at the Clinton lock and dam is 4.1 feet and steady. Water temperature is around 80 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish around the wing dams and the side sloughs using stink bait, crawlers, and even cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are being caught all over. Fish around the rocks, wood and vegetation. Different lures are being used as well as live bait. Walleye - Slow: A few nice fish are being caught, but we do expect better fishing yet this fall. Remember, fish less than 15 inches and between 20 and 27 inches must be released immediately. Fish that fall in the 15-19.9 inch range may be kept with one fish over 27 inches. Try fishing the upstream sides of the wing dams. Live bait tends to work better in the summer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Numerous drum are being reported out of side channel sloughs and the channel border areas. Use a sliding egg sinker and worm rig for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

The river stage at the LeClaire lock and dam is 4.2 feet and steady. Water temperature is in upper 70s to 80 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: A few reports of nice catches of channel cats on stink bait fished near the wing dams and near the main channel. Been a good year in Pool 15 for catfishermen. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are good eating fish if prepared right and packed on ice immediately after they are caught. Use a sliding egg sinker in moderate current areas with a worm for bait.

The river is holding steady and is low in many locations. Water temperature has fallen and is in the upper 70s. Water levels on the Mississippi are very low; take caution when boating as wing dams are very close to the water surface and can easily be struck by the lower unit. In addition, be aware backing trailers too far into the water may result in going off the end of the boat ramps. Only back the trailer in the minimum needed to launch.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.67 feet and has been steady over the past couple days. Use caution when boating due to the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been catching channel catfish on stinkbait, crawlers, and shrimp fished along the bottom. Try fishing along rocky shoreline, above wing dams, or above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. White Bass - Fair: White bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Look for minnows breaking the surface and cast jigs/twister tails, in-line spinners, or small crankbaits into the school. Some fish are also being picked up trolling three-way rigs with floating stick baits. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the low water conditions in the backwaters. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow with the low water conditions in the backwaters. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing on the wing dams has been slow. Look for fish towards the ends of the wing dams where there is more current. Try trolling or casting crankbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.02 feet and has been steady over the past few days. Anglers should use caution when boating with the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, cutbait, and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Try fishing above the wing dams or above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Crappie - Fair: There have been a few reports of crappies being caught in Big Timber. Try a minnow under a slip bobber or jigs and small plastics around brush piles along the shore and the submerged brush piles in the deeper dredge cuts.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 2.66 feet and has been steady over the past few days. Anglers should use caution when boating with the low water conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, cutbait, and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Try fishing above the wing dams or above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow due to the low water conditions in the backwaters. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow due to the low water conditions in the backwaters. Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 0.93 feet and has been fairly steady over the past few days. Anglers should use caution when boating due to the low water conditions. Most panfishing reports are coming from area farm ponds and lakes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, shad, and nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Try fishing above the wing dams or above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the low water conditions. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow with the low water conditions.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have been steady over the past few days. Main channel water temperature has fallen to 77-78 degrees. Anglers should use caution when boating on the river due to the low water conditions. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good along the face of the dam, but don’t pass up the creek channel at the upper end of the lake.

Lake Belva Deer

Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing has been very good through the hot weather. Chicken liver is the bait to use. One very good spot is the rock mounds at the upper end of the lake.

Lake of the Hills

Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Lots of catfish are being caught on stinkbait and chicken liver. Chicken liver seems to be the current favorite. Early and late are the times to be there. Bluegill - Good: Fishing a worm and bobber set at 3-4 feet down seems to be working the best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: The hot weather didn't seem to be bothering these fish. Use white spinnerbaits in the morning and plastics the rest of the day. Find active fish and you'll really get into them. Crappie - Good: Crappies are on the brush piles. The ones just off the fishing pier seem to be angler favorites.

Railroad Lake

The old creek channel is the place to fish right now for about all species. REMINDER - live minnows as bait are not allowed in Railroad Lake. Bluegill - Good: Some of the bluegills have moved back to the stump fields on the north side but a lot of them remain in the old creek channel on the south side. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are around the rock. Working spinnerbaits in the morning and plastics along the deeper edge of the rocks is working the best. Crappie - Good: Crappies are still in the brush piles and tree along the old creek channel.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The recent rain didn't really make the river come up much, maybe a few inches and that pulse has already moved through. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remains fairly good. Obviously most fishing from shore.

Big Hollow Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good on stinkbait or chicken liver. Look for them around the big brush piles and around the culvert are in the lake.

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

Lake Wapello

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been using nightcrawlers off the fishing jetties to catch their limit. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler along shoreline structure.

Red Haw Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Nightcrawlers have been the most productive. Try areas along the dam and off the rock jetties. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs in less than 6 feet of water. Try areas near shoreline structure and off the rock jetties. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been successful using crankbaits fished along the dam and the rock jetties. Try using crankbaits that mimic crawdads.

Rathbun Reservoir

Lake level is at 904.48 feet with 904.00 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Nightcrawlers have been working well. Try areas over the rock humps and underwater points. Walleye - Slow: Anglers have been having success trolling live bait over humps and underwater points. As the summer continues, try using crankbaits trolled over the same areas. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting them 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 the sun).

For other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa please call 641-647-2406

Albia City Reservoir

Anglers have recently captured some outstanding limits of large catfish from both the upper and lower reservoir. In particular, the Upper Albia Reservoir has turned out some very nice fish in the 30-inch range. Night crawlers and chicken livers have been the most productive baits.

Fishing is picking up with the cooler temperatures. If you have questions call 641-647-2406

SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake

Crappie - Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches are being caught fishing minnows under a bobber near wood structure at depths of 3 to 6 feet. Evenings have been best.

Big Creek Lake

White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught trolling shallow diving crankbaits or spinner rigs with live bait. Target the windblown shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegill are being caught drifting or bobber fishing pieces of crawler over brush piles at the entrances to many of the coves and over the roadbed in the Williams Drive bay.

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Good size white bass from 12 to 14 inches are being caught trolling or casting spoons and lipless or shallow diving crankbaits. Areas to begin searching include the marina point, sand island, and the northeast corner of the dam. Look for schools of shad breaking the surface.

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Good size and numbers of catfish can be caught drift fishing cut creek chubs above the mile long bridge. White Bass - Excellent: White bass fishing continues to be very active. The Sandpiper and Oak Grove areas are good places to start. Troll or cast spoons and shallow diving crankbaits. Look for schools of shad breaking the surface.

Fishing on the reservoirs in central Iowa continues to be very good. River conditions are very low, but fish are concentrated in the deeper pools for anglers willing to access them. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Catfish are being caught around the jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip bait and shrimp are working to catch channel catfish around the jetties. Late afternoon and into the night has been the best time. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches can be caught drifting small jigs across the open lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while drifting.

Lake Anita

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught drifting small jigs 6-8 feet down. Tipping the jig with worms or Powerbait seems to help. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits early in the mornings and late afternoons. As the temperatures rise the fish go deeper. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches are being caught drifting the main lake in the evening.

Viking Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver have been the bait of choice for fish averaging 2 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and crankbaits. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported.

Lake Manawa

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dead chubs and liver. Fish average 2 pounds.

East Nishnabotna

With river levels very low fish are confined in the deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish deeper holes around structure using crayfish or nightcrawlers.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

There are numerous farm ponds that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver are good baits in midsummer for channel catfish. Late afternoon when temperatures cool is a good time to target catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught around structure and along the edge of weed lines this time of year. Try small jigs or worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very aggressive and readily caught casting a variety of lures and plugs along weed edges and around structure. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish in the heat of summer.

Water temperatures have cooled into the high 70s. Catfishing is good on interior rivers. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Little River Watershed Lake

The water level is down about 12 feet to allow completion of shoreline repairs. It is expected to remain down for at least three more months. The fish have been restocked but are small and growing.

Green Valley Lake

The water level is still down about 4 feet. The main ramp is easily usable and the bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish are all big and easy to catch.

Summitt Lake

There has not received any runoff to fill the lake. The spillway replacement is almost completed and the lake is ready to fill when rains return.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is about 2 feet down and very clear. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are coming from the tops of the deep tree piles.

Most lakes are a little low but all ramps are easily usable.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stinkbait, worms, or crawdads on tips of wing dykes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use jigs on the tips of wing dykes and outside bend of river close to shoreline. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught by catfish anglers. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use worms or crawdads on tips of wing dykes.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stinkbait, crawdads or grass hoppers along current seams of wing dykes. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use crawdads or live bait like goldfish and bullheads in scour holes of wing dykes or near brush piles. Sauger - Slow: A few fish have been caught in connected backwater areas with jigs. Walleye - Slow: A few fish have been caught in backwater areas with jigs.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or crawdads. Flathead Catfish - Excellent: Fish are being caught using goldfish or night crawlers. Walleye - Fair: A few fish have been caught using live bait near wing dykes.

Missouri River Fisheries Office - River discharge at Onawa is slightly above normal. Water temperatures are in the 78-84 degree range on the river and in backwater areas.