Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 9/21/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

For Current Iowa Fishing reports - Click Here

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing for catfish has been good with anglers to the best using stinkbait and fishing from a boat at night. Bluegill and crappie fishing has been fair and a few largemouth bass are being caught.

Moorehead Park Pond

Bluegills are biting well at Moorehead. The fish aren't huge, but they make for fun fishing.

Brushy Creek Lake

Fishing has been fairly slow with some bluegill and bass being caught on small minnows.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Water levels are very low at Storm Lake. Boaters must use extreme caution when boating at high speeds. The dredge machine is still in operation. Boaters must stay clear of the dredge barge, booster pump barge, and pipeline that runs from the dredge to the east shore. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few channel cats are being picked up. White Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some white bass from the east shore. The bites come in waves as the schools move through. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught. The ones that have been caught were mostly slot fish or just under the slot.

Browns Lake

Catfish and bullheads area being caught on shrimp and stinkbait.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

Largemouth bass are biting on purple and white plastic worms. The east pond has had the best fishing. Water clarity is poor and water levels are low. Panfishing is slow.

North Raccoon River (Auburn to Perry)

Anglers have been doing well wading the river and catching catfish out of the deeper holes.

Water temperatures continue to cool at lakes in the Black Hawk District. Fishing is about the same as last week.

Clear Lake

The water level is 27 inches below crest. Use caution when launching and boating near shore. 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. Walleye - Fair: Walleye over the 14-inch minimum legal length limit are starting to be picked up. Vertical jigging crawlers and minnows in 6-10 feet of water over the reefs and in the little lake seems to be working best. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers continue to catch yellow bass on crawlers, cut bait, and minnows. Drifting and vertical jigging in 5-10 feet of water off the state dock area, the rock reefs, and in the little lake has been good. The fish are schooled so move around until you find active fish.

Lake Cornelia

Channel Catfish - Fair: Fishing with cut bait near shore has been effective for channel catfish. Anglers have also reported picking up channel catfish while fishing crankbaits in deeper water. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers have been picking up yellow bass using crawlers and minnows fished from shore and also drifted in the deeper water.

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 - Good: Try throwing spinner baits and buzz baits along the aquatic plant lines for largemouth bass action. Anglers are also having success using soft plastic baits fished in the same areas.

Bluebill Lake

Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish small jigs and crawlers along the aquatic plant beds and near rocks for the best yellow perch action.

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

Big Spirit Lake

Fishing has been slow with the best action coming early in the morning and late in the evening. White Bass - Good: Use plastics like twister tails and shad on a lead head; top water lures may also be good at dawn and dusk. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Rock piles continue to shine for smallmouth but don't overlook nearby weed lines. Yellow Perch - Slow: Once an active school of perch is located, fishing can be good but locating numbers seems to be difficult. Look in or near the weeds, on the mudflats or on transition areas in between. Try wigglers on a jigging spoon and don't be surprised to pick up some bluegills or walleyes. Walleye - Slow: With the warm conditions this past week fishing was slow but a few fish can be caught. Troll crankbaits and spinners near bottom or fishing around the weed lines. Live bait rigs have not been as effective as they were earlier this year but a few fish may be picked up on Lindy rigs.

East Okoboji Lake

No Report

West Okoboji Lake

Northern Pike - Fair: Try fishing with buck tails or spoons around weed lines or holes in the weed beds. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills around weeds and on rock piles. Try using red worms and wigglers either on a jigging spoon or under a slip bobber. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish on the drop offs and don't be afraid to move around to locate a school of bigger fish as there are many small ones. Fishing 8-15 feet of water using jigging spoons with wigglers has been bringing some results. Yellow Bass - Good: Try using a jigging spoon tipped with wigglers in 15-25 feet of water just off the weed edge and down the drop a bit.

Lost Island Lake

Yellow bass and bluegill fishing has been decent with good sized yellow bass leading the way.

Water temperatures have fallen into the 60s.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Anglers should find plenty of fish in shallower water. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are having some success trolling for crappies over brush piles using a jig or crankbait.

Lake Hendricks

Lake Hendricks is about 2 feet low and is experiencing a diatom bloom which is making the water look brown and turbid, which has slowed the bite down. Bluegill - Slow: Nightcrawlers under a bobber is the bait of choice for bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth are being caught using crankbaits and top water lures. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using minnows from shore with success. Crappies can be found hanging around the jetties.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water levels are low but floatable. A few more portages may be necessary. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Anglers should target the deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching lots of small fish using spinnerbaits. Try a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or minnow.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

The majority of species caught have been taking a jig tipped with a twistertails. Use a jig tipped with nightcrawler if twistertails aren't working. Concentrate in the deeper holes. Anglers are reporting throwing a lot of small walleye and sauger back. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Sauger - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Turkey River (below Clermont)

The algae bloom is gone and the water is clear. Fish can be found in the deeper holes. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Walleye - Excellent:

Volga River

The Volga River is low but very wadeable with excellent cobble streambed. Fish can be found in deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Channel Catfish - Good: Cats have been taken above Nashua on chicken liver, dead chubs and nightcrawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are reporting catching quite a few small fish using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers and minnows. Walleye - Fair: Around Nashua, anglers are picking up some nice walleyes using a jig tipped with a minnow or purple/white, white or chartreuse twistertails.

Decorah District Streams

Northeast Iowa streams are in somewhat better shape after recent rains. Terrestrial patterns including hoppers, crickets and ants have brought very good trout to the surface. Afternoon #20 baetis hatches have been occurring almost daily. Try a #20 Threadwrap or other small Blue Wing pattern for trout rising to the afternoon hatch and the evening spinner fall. Call 563-927-5736 for updated catchable trout stream stocking.

Fall-like weather has set in. Make time for some outstanding outdoor activities. Leaves are beginning to turn and rivers are clearing. Rivers and lakes remain low. Fish activity should pick up with cooler temperatures. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or just to let us know what you've been catching.

Big Woods Lake

Some crappie are being caught but are holding extremely tight to cover. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing the south shore near sunken habitat fishing in 10-12 feet of water. Fish have been holding extremely tight to sunken habitat.

Brinker Lake

Some anglers are catching crappie in 12 - 14 feet of water off of breaks and near woody habitat. Crappie - Fair: Try vertical jigging tube jigs tipped with a minnow or drifting a minnow under a slip bobber near 12-14 feet of water.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been catching some crappie. Crappie - Fair: Try jigging tube jigs or floating a minnow under a slip bobber. Try fishing off of the floating dock or in 10-12 feet of water.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River in Bremer and Black Hawk County has been good for walleye and smallmouth bass with an occasional northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting artificial spoons or bucktail spinnerbaits for northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Plastics and crankbaits are a sure bet this time of year. Reports of some really nice smallmouth being caught. Walleye - Good: With cooler temperatures, minnows have been best on plastics or casting crankbaits has been good.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

The Shell Rock River in Butler County has been good for walleye and smallmouth bass with an occasional northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast artificial spoons or bucktail spinnerbaits. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Plastics and crankbaits are a sure bet this time of year. Reports of some really nice smallmouth being caught. Walleye - Good: With cooler temperatures, minnows have been best on plastics, or cast crankbaits.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

River levels remain very low. Fishing is best done by kayak or by wading. Look for holes with any kind of depth for walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Plastics and crankbaits are a sure bet this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Crawlers tipped on plastic has been the best, but minnows have also been working well.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

With decreasing water temperature, walleye and smallmouth bass fishing should improve. The river is extremely low. Fishing is best by kayak or by wading.

Reports on the Cedar and Shell Rock rivers in Black Hawk, Bremer and Butler counties have been good for walleye and smallmouth bass. Some walleye are also being caught on the Wapsi and Maquoketa rivers. Navigation is becoming extremely difficult on the interior rivers. Black Hawk County lakes are starting to provide some crappie fishing. Trout streams remain in good condition. For more information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing tail water is 7.6 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still on the feed. Find the deepest water and fish the bottom with stinkbait cutbaits, liver or crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: 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 - Excellent: Look for areas where wood meets the rock just off current areas where bass are actively feeding. Crappie - Good: Reports of many crappies biting on minnows and jigged out of the snags along side channels. Walleye - Good: Walleye are concentrated on rock structure along main channel wing dams and large slough closing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 11.8 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still on the feed. Find the deepest water and fish the bottom with stinkbait, cutbait, liver or crawlers. 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: Look for areas where wood meets the rock just off current areas where bass are actively feeding. Crappie - Good: Reports of many crappies biting on minnows and jigged out of the snags along side channels. Walleye - Good: Walleye are concentrated on rock structure along main channel wing dams and large slough closing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg tail water is 3.5 feet and falling slightly over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still on the feed. Find the deepest water and fish the bottom with stinkbait cutbaits, liver or crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: 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 - Excellent: Look for areas where wood meets the rock just off current areas where bass are actively feeding. Crappie - Good: Reports of many crappies biting on minnows and jigged out of the snags along side channels. Walleye - Good: Walleye are concentrated on rock structure along main channel wing dams and large slough closing dams.

Water levels remain extremely low on the Mississippi River. The chilly fall-like nights have water temperatures in the low 60s this week. Boaters should continue to use caution launching in low water conditions to avoid backing off the ends of ramps. Shoreline fishing has been productive for early morning and evening bass action pool-wide.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river stage at the Dubuque lock and dam is very low at 4.1 feet and holding. Fishing seemed to cool off a bit this week but plenty of good fishing still to be had. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish are still biting well. 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, fish for 15 minutes and if no fish, then move. You need to find active fish but the reward is there when you find them. White Bass - Fair: Some schools of white bass have been spotted feeding on minnows. Use a white jig, small spinner or floating white crankbait for the best action. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are biting in the few remaining sloughs with deep water. In addition, use a split shot and worm thrown on exposed rocks of the wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being caught on a wide array of lures and live bait. Fish structure in the back waters, side sloughs and the main channel border islands. Crappie - Good: Crappies are still being reported consistently this week. People are 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: Walleye bit has been slow. Try trolling crawlers or leeches 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 very low at 3.1 feet. Water levels are slightly dropping. Water temperature is around 66 degrees and water clarity is good. Be aware of exposed wing dams when boating on the river. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Many channel catfish are being taken on stink bait and crawlers. Try around the wing dams and in the side sloughs. Move until you find active fish. Nice catfish up to 8 pounds have been reported. Bluegill - Good: Fishing for bluegills has been very consistent. Try a simple split shot and nightcrawler around log piles in deeper sloughs. Here too bendable hooks are often a good idea to keep your tackle. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing has been excellent but size is often in the sub-legal range. Bass on the Mississippi must be 14 inches to keep. Try fishing around low water exposed rocks, wood or vegetation. They are being caught on all types of artificial lures as well as live bait. Crappie - Good: Fish are being taken mostly on live bait. Around structure try straight lining or bobber fishing. In deeper sloughs try a crappie type rig with the weight on the bottom. A bendable hook is a must in places full of snags. Walleye - Fair: Fishing for walleyes remains slow with only a few nice fish are being taken by elite anglers. The fish reported however are often in the protected slot of 20-27 inches and must be returned to the water. Many of these anglers are targeting the upstream sides of wing dams often pitching jigs on the dams or using three way rigs with a minnow or leach for bait. 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 3.8 feet and steady. Water temperature is around 66 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Fish around the wing dams and also the side sloughs using stink bait, crawlers and cut bait. White Bass - Fair: Some nice white bass are showing up in the creel right. Try a spinner or a white crankbait for best luck on feeding schools. Bluegill - Good: Gills are being taken at the mouth of the major backwater areas such as Cattail Slough and Beaver Island. Also try the upper sides of exposed rock wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are being caught all over. Fish around the rocks, wood and vegetation. An array of lures are being used as well as live bait. Many sub-legal fish are being reported but action is fast. 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 20-27 inches must be immediately released. Fish between 15-19.9 inches may be kept with one fish over 27 inches. Fish 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 Le Claire lock and dam is 4.1 feet and steady. Water temperature is around 66 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish fishing has been excellent on stink bait fished near the wing dams and near the main channel. Been a good year in Pool 15 for catfishing. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are good table fare is prepared right and packed on ice immediately after they are caught. To catch drum use a sliding egg sinker in moderate current areas with a worm.

Water levels are low on the river in Pools 12 through 15. Take care not to back off the ends of boat ramps in low water. Also take care when on the river to avoid wing dams which are close to the surface. Water temperatures are around 66 degrees and clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.54 feet and has been fairly steady. River stages are still low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dip baits and nightcrawlers. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Try fishing above the wing dams in the main channel. White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow due to the low water conditions. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow due to the low water conditions. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing is being reported as slow.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.05 feet. River levels are still low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught on dip baits, shad, and nightcrawlers. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are starting to be caught in Big Timber (The Breaks). Try fishing around brush piles along the shore or in the deeper dredge cuts with a piece of worm under a bobber. With the low water conditions boating may be difficult in this area. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Big Timber (The Breaks). Look for crappies around brush piles along the shore and in the deeper dredge cuts. Try using slip bobbers and minnows or vertical jigging with small minnows or plastics. With the low water conditions boating may be difficult in this backwater area.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 2.26 feet. River stage is still low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dip baits, nightcrawlers, and shad. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Also try fishing above the wing dams in the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 0.39 feet. River stages are still low so use caution when boating. Most panfishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad, shad guts, and cutbait. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Also try above the wing dams in the main channel. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Look for crappies around brush piles and submerged snags in the backwaters and flowing side channels. Try using small jigs with minnows or plastics. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. River stages are still low. Main channel water temperature has been around 68 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

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good along the face of the dam in the creek channel at the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: With the sudden drop in temperature, look for bluegills to move shallow to feed. Work the edge of the waterwillow beds with a small jig tipped with a piece of worm. Crappie - Good: Pick up some crappies along the face of the dam. Jig and minnows working the best.

Lake Belva Deer

Crappie fishing continues to be hot. They seem to be remaining at about 8 feet deep. Cooler nights should equal cooler water temps soon which would move them shallower. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing has been very good through the hot weather. Chicken liver is the bait to use. One very good spot to look for them is the rock mounds at the upper end of the lake. Crappie - Good: Look for crappies in the trees and use small jigs to coax them out. Also along the face of the dam in about 8 feet of water. If they're not there with the colder weather look in the same areas but in much closer to shore. A new spot to try is the west side of the beach.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good with some fish up 10 pounds being caught. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been picking up. Worm and bobber fished around the brush piles or along the flooded stumps in the upper bays are the best.

Lake of the Hills

Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use live minnow for bait.

The cooler weather is going help fishing by bringing crappies and bluegills into shallow water. 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 best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing remains hot in shallow along the rocky areas and around logs and stumps using white spinnerbaits in the morning and plastics the rest of the day. Find the active fish and you'll really get into them. Crappie - Good: Crappies are on the brush piles. The ones just off the fishing pier seems to be angler favorites. Also look for them in the rocks along the dam.

Railroad Lake

The old creek channel is probably the first place to look for fish, and then move to brush piles along the south side in the shallower water. REMINDER - live minnows as bait are not allowed in Railroad Lake. Bluegill - Good: Look for most of the bluegills to have moved back over to the north side and along 110th. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: In this lake the 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: The crappies are still over in the brush piles and tree along the old creek channel. Look for them to move shallow with the colder temps.

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

Lake Wapello

Catfishing has been good off the end of the jetties using nightcrawlers. Some largemouth bass have been caught using spinnerbaits and plastic worms.

Red Haw Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Use nightcrawlers around the rock jetties and near the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs in less than 6 feet of water. Focus around areas with submerged structure such as the stake beds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been having some luck using rubber worms fished around the rock jetties and along the face of the dam. Top water lures should also be tried in the early mornings and at sunset.

Lake Sugema

Fishing has been slow. Try using nightcrawlers for channel catfish. Spinnerbaits and rubber worms would be good baits for largemouth bass. Try areas along the dam or other rip rapped shorelines.

Rathbun Reservoir

Lake level is at 903.86 feet with 904.00 feet being normal pool. The surface water temperature is 68 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Nightcrawlers have been the bait of choice. Anglers have been trolling or drifting submerged points and underwater rock piles. Also try areas with the wind blowing into the shore. Walleye - Slow: Anglers have been having some success trolling nightcrawlers around underwater rock piles or using crankbaits trolled in 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

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

Bluegill - Good: Good sized bluegills are being caught fishing over sunken brush piles using small pieces of live bait.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Good size bluegill are being caught fishing small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or wax worm in 15 feet of water or less. Concentrate out from the points at mid lake and over any sunken pallet piles.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Good fall crappie fishing can be found on Red Rock fishing near the docks in the marina. Crappie are also congregated in bays in the Whitebreast arm at depths of 4 to 8 feet as well as the south overlook boat ramp bay. Drift minnows and panfish jigs or troll small crankbaits.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout can be found cruising around the lake shoreline. Look for trout schooling close to shore and fish in front of the school. Live minnows have worked best along with small twister tail jigs and small inline spinners.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers casting stink bait rigs into any deeper pools with wood habitat are doing very well on channel catfish. Anglers have to be willing to do some walking with the very low water conditions. Walleye - Fair: Very low water conditions have concentrated fish in the areas of deeper water. Anglers fishing below the Fraser and Boone Waterworks dam have been picking up a mixed bag of walleye, white crappie, white bass and channel catfish.

Bluegill and crappie fishing has started to pick up at many central Iowa lakes. River fishing is good right now for walleye and catfish, focus on deep holes. Kayaks and canoes can provide anglers better access to the river. 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. The bluegill bite has picked up. Channel Catfish - Good: 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 tipped with nightcrawler across the open lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while drifting.

Cold Springs Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good with liver. Fish average 3 pounds.

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. Can also be caught around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass 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. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are having success jigging around cedar tree piles in the evenings using minnows.

Viking Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: 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 using Sonny's dip bait. Fish average 2 pounds. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes can be caught trolling crankbaits.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. 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.

Atlantic Quarry Pond

Fishing conditions are good. Dry conditions have drawn the water levels down concentrating fish. Crappie - Good: 8 to 11-inch white crappies are being caught on small jigs or minnows. Can be caught drifting or casting near structure.

Panfishing has improved with cooler water temperatures. Fall is a good time of year to fish for Largemouth Bass. Area lakes contain good populations. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Little or no angling activity has been reported

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Little or no angling activity has been reported

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Little or no angling activity has been reported

Discharge at Onawa is above normal and water temperature has dropped to 65 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 9/28/12 are gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. They are compiled by lake and species then given a rating as to how good the fishing is on each lake by species. Enjoy.

For Current Iowa Fishing reports - Click Here

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Clear Lake

Surface water temperatures are around 60 degrees. The water level is 28 inches below crest. Use caution when launching and boating near shore. Walleye - Slow: Some walleye over the 14-inch minimum legal length limit are being caught. Vertical jigging crawlers and minnows in 4-10 feet of water over the reefs and in the little lake seems to be working best. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers continue to catch yellow bass on crawlers, cut bait, and minnows. Drifting and vertical jigging in 4-10 feet of water off the state dock area, the rock reefs, and in the little lake continues to work well. The fish are schooled so move around to find active fish. Shore anglers are catching yellow bass in 3-5 feet of water using whole or cut minnows, and crawlers. Shore anglers fishing from the island and off of the island point have had the most action.

Lake Cornelia

Channel Catfish - Fair: Fishing with cut bait near shore has been effective for channel catfish. Anglers are also picking up channel catfish while fishing crankbaits in the deeper water. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers have been picking up yellow bass using crawlers and minnows fished from shore and drifted in deeper water.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs and crawlers in the dredged area and along aquatic plant beds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinner baits and buzz baits along the aquatic plant lines. Anglers continue to have success using soft plastic baits fished in the same areas.

Bluebill Lake

Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish small jigs and crawlers along the aquatic plant beds and near rocks.

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

Big Spirit Lake

Fishing has been slow with the best action coming early in the morning and late in the evening. White Bass - Good: Action can be fast. Use twister tails or plastic shad on a lead head, top water may also be good at dawn and dusk. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Rock piles continue to shine but don't overlook nearby weed lines. Yellow Perch - Slow: Look for active perch in or near the weeds, on the mudflats or on transition areas in between. Use wigglers on a jigging spoon and don't be surprised to pick up a bluegill or walleye. Walleye - Slow: Troll crankbaits and spinners near bottom or fishing around the weed lines. Live bait rigs have not been as effective but a few fish may be picked up on Lindy rigs.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Good: Use wigglers or worms on either a jigging spoon or a slip bobber and look for rock piles and drop offs. Trolling small crankbaits can also prove effective.

West Okoboji Lake

Northern Pike - Fair: Try fishing with buck tails or spoons around weed lines or holes in the weed beds. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills around weeds and on rock piles. Use red worms or wigglers either on a jigging spoon or under a slip bobber. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try fishing on the drop offs and don't be afraid to move around to locate a school of bigger fish as there are many small ones. Fishing 8-15 feet of water using jigging spoons with wigglers has been bringing some results. Yellow Bass - Good: Use a jigging spoon tipped with wigglers in 15-25 feet of water just off the weed edge and down the drop a bit.

Lost Island Lake

Yellow bass and bluegill fishing has been decent with good sized yellow bass leading the way.

Water temperatures have fallen into the 60s.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

The lake should be clearing as temperatures drop. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers should find plenty of fish in shallower water. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are having some success trolling for crappies over brush piles using a jig or crankbait.

Lake Hendricks

Lake Hendricks is about 2 feet low. Water is clearing but the bite remains slow. Bluegill - Slow: Use night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth are hitting soft plastics. Crappie - Slow: Use minnows from shore around the jetties.

Lake Meyer

Water temperatures are in the low 60s. The bite has picked up a bit this week but still slow. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are picking crappies up in about 10 feet of water on jigs.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water levels on the Upper Iowa remain low but it is floatable. A few more portages may be necessary. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Anglers should target the deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching lots of small fish while using spinnerbaits. Also try using a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or minnow. Walleye - Fair: A few nice sized walleye are being seen by anglers. A jig tipped with long piece of worm, minnow or plastic will work this week.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

The majority of species caught have taken a jig tipped with a twistertail. Try a jig tipped with minnow or a crawdad crankbait if twistertails aren't working. Concentrate in the deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Sauger - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Yellow River

The Yellow River is producing some nice smallmouth bass fishing. The river from Ion to the mouth is floatable. Smallmouth Bass - Good:

Turkey River (below Clermont)

The algae bloom is gone and the water is clear. Fish can be found in the deeper holes. Water temperature is in the high 50s to low 60s. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good:

Volga River

The river is low but very wadeable with excellent cobble streambed. Fish can be found in deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

The water is off color but clearing with cooler temperatures. Anglers have been reporting nice catches of rock bass and even a few perch while fishing for walleye. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northerns have been hitting suckers fished under a bobber. Channel Catfish - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are reporting catching quite a few small fish using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers. Walleye - Good: Anglers are picking up some nice walleyes using a jig tipped with a minnow. If minnows aren't working try worms or twistertails. Look for fish in deeper holes.

Decorah District Streams

Small Blue Wing Olive and Baetis hatches have been excellent on northeast Iowa streams. Hatches generally begin early in the afternoon and end late in the afternoon with spinner falls until dark. Sizes vary from #18 to #24. Try a delicate Blue Wing pattern of appropriate size for rising trout. A #16 Adams works for the occasional Mahogany Dun hatch (Paraleptophlebia debilis). Next week begins the unannounced season for all catchable trout streams.

Rivers and lakes remain low. The algae blooms are tapering off and many rivers and lakes are clearing. Fish activity should pick up with cooler temperatures. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or just to let us know what you've been catching.

Big Woods Lake

Some crappie are being caught, but are holding extremely tight to cover. Crappie - Fair: Try the south shore near sunken habitat fishing in 10-12 feet of water. Fish have been holding extremely tight to sunken habitat.

Brinker Lake

Some anglers are catching crappie in 12-14 feet of water off of breaks and near woody habitat. Crappie - Fair: Try vertical jigging tube jigs tipped with a minnow or drifting a minnow under a slip bobber near 12-14 feet of water.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been catching some crappie. Crappie - Fair: Try jigging tube jigs or floating a minnow under a slip bobber off of the floating dock or in 10-12 feet of water.

South Prairie Lake

Anglers are catching some crappie that are averaging 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Try floating a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or straight lining a crappie jig in 6 to 8 feet of water.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River in Bremer and Black Hawk County has been good for both walleye and smallmouth bass with an occasional northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting artificial spoons or bucktail spinnerbaits for northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Plastics and crankbaits are a sure bet this time of year. Reports are coming in about some really nice sized smallmouth being caught. Walleye - Good: With cooler temperatures, minnows have been best on plastics. Casting crankbaits has been good, too.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

The river in Butler County has been good for walleye and smallmouth bass with an occasional northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting artificial spoons or bucktail spinnerbaits. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Plastics and crankbaits are a sure bet this time of year. Reports of some really nice smallmouth being caught. Walleye - Good: With cooler temperatures, minnows have been best on plastics. Casting crankbaits has been good, too.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

River levels on the Wapsi remain very low. Fishing is best done by kayak or by wading. Look for holes with any kind of depth for walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Plastics and crankbaits are a sure bet this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Crawlers tipped on plastic has been the best but minnows have been working well also.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

With decreasing water temperatures, walleye and smallmouth bass fishing should improve. The river is extremely low right now. Fishing is best done from a kayak or by wading.

Reports on the Cedar and Shell Rock rivers in Black Hawk, Bremer and Butler counties have been good for walleye and smallmouth bass. Some walleye are also being caught on the Wapsi and Maquoketa rivers. Navigation is extremely difficult on the interior rivers. Area Black Hawk County lakes are starting to provide some crappie fishing. Trout streams remain in good condition. For more information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing tail water raised slightly to 7.9 feet and is expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in upper 50s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still on the feed. Find the deepest water and fish the bottom with stinkbait, cutbaits, liver or crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: 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 - Excellent: Look for areas where wood meets the rock just off current where bass are actively feeding. Crappie - Good: Reports of many crappies biting on minnows and jigged out of the snags along side channels. Sauger - Good: Sauger fishing is picking up jigging in the tail waters of the locks and dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye are concentrated on rock structure along main channel wing dams and large slough closing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum fishing action has been consistently good with some nice size to them.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 11.9 feet and is expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 50s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still on the feed. Find the deepest water and fish the bottom with stinkbait cutbaits, liver or crawlers. 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: Look for areas where wood meets the rock just off current where bass are actively feeding. Crappie - Good: Reports of many crappies biting on minnows and jigged out of the snags along side channels. Sauger - Good: Sauger fishing is picking up jigging in the tail waters of the locks and dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye are concentrated on rock structure along main channel wing dams and large slough closing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum fishing action has been consistently good with some nice size to them.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg tail water is has risen slightly to 4.1 feet and is expected to be stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 50s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still on the feed. Find the deepest water and fish the bottom with stinkbait cutbaits, liver or crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: Look for the larger bluegills along fallen trees in running sloughs and near wing dams. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: 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 - Excellent: Look for areas where wood meets the rock just off current areas where bass are actively feeding. Crappie - Good: Reports of many crappies biting on minnows and jigged out of the snags along side channels. Sauger - Good: Sauger fishing is picking up jigging in the tail waters of the locks and dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye are concentrated on rock structure along main channel wing dams and large slough closing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum fishing action has been consistently good with some nice size to them.

Water levels remain extremely low on the Mississippi River and remaining stable. Water temperatures have dropped to the upper 50s this week. Boaters should continue to use caution launching in low water conditions to avoid backing off the ends of ramps. A variety fish are biting along the rocky shorelines and ends of wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The river stage at the Dubuque lock and dam is very low at 4.4 feet and holding. Generally some good fishing was reported. Channel Catfish - Excellent: It has been a great year for channel catfish. 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 fish for 15 minutes and no fish: move. You need to find active fish, the reward is there when you find them. White Bass - Fair: Schools of white bass are feeding on minnows and some white bass are beginning to be caught. Use a white jig, small spinner or floating white crankbait for the best action. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are biting in the few remaining sloughs with deep water or try a split shot and worm thrown on exposed rocks of the wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being caught on an array of lures and live bait. Fish structure in the back waters, side sloughs and the main channel border islands. Crappie - Good: Crappies are again reported consistently this week. People are 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: Walleyes are starting to show up on the wing dams. With the low water, try the outside edge of the dam near the main channel. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Crawlers around the wind dams and side sloughs will catch 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 very low at 3.5 feet. Water temperature is around 60 degrees and clarity is good. Be aware of exposed wing dams when boating on the river. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Many channel catfish are being taken on stink bait and crawlers. Try around wing dams and in the side sloughs. Move until you find active fish. Nice catfish up to 8 pounds have been reported. Bluegill - Good: Fishing for bluegills has been very consistent. Try a simple split shot and nightcrawler around log piles in deeper sloughs. Here too bendable hooks are often a good idea to keep your tackle. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing has been excellent but size is often in the sub-legal range. Bass on the Mississippi must be 14 inches to keep. Fish around low water exposed rocks, wood or vegetation. They are being caught on all types of artificial lures and live bait. Crappie - Good: Fish are being taken mostly on live bait. Around structure, try straight lining or bobber fishing. In deeper sloughs try using a crappie type rig with the weight on the bottom. A bendable hook is a must in places full of snags. Walleye - Fair: Fishing for walleyes has picked up slightly. The fish reported however are often in the protected slot of 20-27 inches and must be returned to the water. Many anglers are targeting the upstream sides of wing dams often pitching jigs on the dams or using three-way rigs with a minnow or leach for bait. 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 4.2 feet and steady. Water temperature are around 60 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Fish around the wing dams and also the side sloughs using stink bait, crawlers, and even cut bait. White Bass - Fair: Some nice white bass are showing up in the creel right now. Try a spinner or a white crankbait for best luck on feeding schools. Bluegill - Good: Gills are being taken at the mouth of the major backwater areas such as Cattail Slough and Beaver Island. Also try the upper sides of exposed rock wing dams. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are being caught all over. Fish around the rocks, wood or vegetation. An array of different lures are being used as well as live bait. Many sub-legal fish are being reported but action is fast. Walleye - Slow: A few nice fish are being caught but reports are few. Remember, 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 Le Claire lock and dam is 4.0 feet and steady. Water temperature is around 60 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish fishing has been excellent on stink bait fished near the wing dams and near the main channel. Been a good year in Pool 15 for catfishing. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are good table fare if prepared right. To catch drum, use a sliding egg sinker in moderate current with a worm for bait.

Water levels are low on the river in Pools 12 through 15. Take care not to back off the ends of boat ramps in low water. Also take care when on the river to avoid wing dams which are close to the surface. Water temperature is around 60 degrees and clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.36 feet and has been fairly steady. River stages are still low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dip baits and nightcrawlers. Fish above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels, or above the wing dams in the main channel. White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow due to the low water conditions. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows up by the Arsenal Dam and Power Dam. Cast the jigs into the faster current and bring it back into the slack water. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing is being reported as slow.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 2.94 feet. River levels are still low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught on dip baits, shad, and nightcrawlers. Fish above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are starting to be caught in Big Timber (The Breaks). Fish around brush piles along the shore or in the deeper dredge cuts with a piece of worm under a bobber. Boating may be difficult in this area with the low water conditions. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Big Timber (The Breaks). Look for crappies around brush piles along the shore and in the deeper dredge cuts. Use slip bobbers and minnows or vertical jigging with small minnows or plastics. With the low water conditions boating may be difficult in this backwater area.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 2.34 feet. River stage is still low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dip baits, nightcrawlers, and shad. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Also try fishing above the wing dams in the main channel. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are being caught up by Lock and Dam 17 casting jigs and white twister tails.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 0.47 feet. River stages are still low so use caution when boating. Most panfishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad, shad guts, and cutbait. Fish above snag piles along the main channel and flowing side channels. Also try fishing above the wing dams in the main channel. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been slow. Crappie - No Report: Most crappie fishing reports are coming from area lakes and ponds. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. River stages are still low. Main channel water temperature has been around 65 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

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good along the face of the dam, and in the creek channel at the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Water temperature is in the upper 60s. Bluegills are starting to work along the edge of the water willow beds. A worm and bobber along the edge or a small jig worked along the edge will produce some nice bluegills.

Lake Belva Deer

Crappie fishing continues to be hot. They seem to be remaining out at about 8 feet deep. Cooler water temperature soon should move them shallower. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing has been very good through the hot weather. Chicken liver is the bait to use. One very good spot to look for them is the rock mounds at the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has picked up with the cooler nights. The jetties by the north boat ramp seem to be pretty good. Crappie - Good: Look for the crappies in the trees and use small jigs to coax them out. Another area for crappies is along the face of the dam in 8 feet of water. If they're not there, look in the same areas but closer to shore. A new spot to try is the west side of the beach.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good with some fish up to 10 pounds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been picking up. Worm and bobber fished around the brush piles or along the flooded stumps in the upper bays are best.

Lake of the Hills

The water temp is hovering around 66 degrees. Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use live minnow for bait. The fall trout release is scheduled for October 20 at 10:30 a.m. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Lots of catfish are being caught on stinkbait and chicken liver, with chicken liver the current favorite fishing early and late. Bluegill - Good: Fish a worm and bobber set 3-4 feet down. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing remains hot in shallow along the rocky areas and around the logs and stumps, using 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 and anglers are favoring the ones just off the fishing pier. Also look for them to be in the rocks along the dam.

Railroad Lake

The old creek channel is probably the first place to look for fish, then move to the brush piles along the south side in the shallower water. REMINDER - live minnows as bait are not allowed in Railroad Lake. Bluegill - Good: Most of the bluegills have moved to the north side and along 110th. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are around the rock. Work spinnerbaits in the morning and plastics along the deeper edge of the rocks. Crappie - Good: Crappies are still in the brush piles and trees along the old creek channel. Look for them to move shallow with the colder temperature.

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

Lake Macbride

The lake is about 12 inches low and water temperature is in the low 60s. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught over brush. Walleye - Slow: Try trolling crankbaits for a few fish.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Remember, the minimum length to keep largemouth bass is 18 inches and muskellunge is 40 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try stinkbait or liver off the jetties or dam. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools feeding on shad, especially at sunrise and sunset. Try white/silver jigs, spinners, spoons, crankbaits, or top waters. Bluegill - Good: Try small jigs tipped with wax worms in about 10 feet of water. Most fish have been 6-8 inches.

Diamond Lake

No minnows are allowed here. The lake is about 3 feet low. Channel Catfish - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Otter Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Yellow Bass - Fair:

Union Grove Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait has been working well. Crappie - Good: Try minnows or slow retrieving a soft plastic jig.

Coralville Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Try jigs or minnows around brush. Some steep rock banks have been producing as well.

Maquoketa (Hopkinton to Canton)

The Monticello area has been popular. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try crawlers in deeper holes. Walleye - Fair: Jigs, crawlers or crankbaits have been producing some fish.

Hale Ponds

Bluegill - Good: 7-9-inch bluegills are being caught on small worms or jigs from some of the ponds in the Hale Wildlife Area.

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

Lake Wapello

Some largemouth bass have been caught using spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Fish areas with submerged structure. Channel catfish have been biting on nightcrawlers. Try off the end of the jetties.

Red Haw Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Use nightcrawlers around the rock jetties and near the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Try areas with submerged structure such as the stake beds and along the fishing jetties. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been having some luck using rubber worms around the rock jetties and along the face of the dam. Try spinnerbaits in the same areas.

Lake Sugema

Fishing has been a little slow. Try plastic lizards or crawdad imitations for largemouth bass. Target areas along the dam and other shorelines with rock.

Rathbun Reservoir

Lake level is at 903.68 feet with 904.00 feet being normal pool. The surface water temperature is 68 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers should try trolling or drifting over rocky points. Nightcrawlers have been working the best. Walleye - Slow: Anglers should try throwing crankbaits along rocky shorelines in less than 10 feet of water or trolling nightcrawlers around underwater rock piles or using crankbaits trolled in 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 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

Bluegill - Good: Good size bluegills are being caught fishing over sunken brush piles using small pieces of live bait.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Good size bluegill are being caught fishing small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or wax worm in 15 feet of water or less. Concentrate out from the points at mid lake and over any sunken pallet piles.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Good fall crappie fishing can be found on Red Rock fishing near the docks in the marina. Crappie are also congregated in bays in the Whitebreast arm at depths of 4 to 8 feet as well as the south overlook boat ramp bay. Drift minnows and panfish jigs or troll small crankbaits.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers casting stink bait rigs into any deeper pools with wood habitat are doing very well on channel catfish now. Anglers have to be willing to do some walking with the very low water conditions. Walleye - Fair: Very low water conditions have concentrated fish in the areas of deeper water. Anglers fishing below the Fraser and Boone Waterworks dam have been picking up a mixed bag of walleye, white crappie, white bass and channel catfish.

Bluegill and crappie fishing is productive at many central Iowa lakes. River fishing is good for walleye and catfish, focus on deep holes. Kayaks and canoes can provide anglers better access to the river. 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. The bluegill bite has picked up. Channel Catfish - Good: 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 tipped with nightcrawler across the open lake. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while drifting.

Nodaway Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches can be caught with small jigs tipped with crawler around the brush piles. Crappie - Good: Minnows under a bobber around tree piles has been good for crappies averaging 9 inches.

Cold Springs Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good with liver. Fish average 3 pounds.

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. Can also be caught around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass early in the mornings and late afternoons. As the temperature rises, the fish go deeper. Many of the fish caught are 14 to 19 inches. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are having success jigging around cedar tree piles in the evenings using minnows.

Viking Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: 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 using Sonny's dip bait. Fish average 2 pounds. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes can be caught trolling crankbaits.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dip baits and liver are good baits and with the cooler weather, anytime is a good time to target catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught around structure and along the edge of weeds. 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.

Atlantic Quarry Pond

Fishing conditions are good. Dry conditions have drawn the water levels down concentrating fish. Crappie - Good: 8-11-inch white crappies are being caught on small jigs or minnows. Can be caught drifting or casting near structure.

Panfishing has improved with cooler water temperatures. Fall is a good time of year to fish for Largemouth Bass. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Some nice fish have been reported using chubs or shad. Sauger - Fair: A few fish have been reported while fishing for walleye. Walleye - Fair: A few fish have been reported using twister tails or jig and minnow at current seams or backwater areas.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Use minnows or chubs on bottom at current seams behind wing dykes. Sauger - Fair: A few fish have been reported while using minnows on the bottom near current seams.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Slow: A few channel cats have been caught by flathead anglers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Mixed reports but using chubs near current and brush piles seems to be catching some fish.

Discharge at Onawa is above normal and water temperature has dropped to 64 degrees