Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/1/13 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. There are always current Iowa Fishing Reports in this forum. Enjoy.

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NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Nelson Park Lake

Channel catfish are being caught from the dam and near the lake bottom below the catfish cages.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try drifting for catfish using night crawler harnesses. White Bass - Fair: White bass can be caught pulling plugs, crankbaits, or casting white twisters. The dredge machine on Storm Lake is in operation. Stay clear of the dredge, booster pump, and pipeline that runs from the dredge to the east shore.

North Twin Lake

Water levels are about 3 to 4 inches below crest. Water clarity is poor. Fishing for most species is slow, except for catfish. Anglers have been doing well for channel catfish. Try night crawlers, stink bait, cut bait, etc.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately three inches below crest. Water clarity is good. Black Hawk Lake's fishery was renovated last fall. Although we have been restocking the lake with sport fish, there are not a lot of harvestable size fish in the lake yet.

Browns Lake

Fishing is slow.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing is slow.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Channel catfish have been hitting hard on chicken livers. Use a slip sinker and toss into a snag or along a high bank. The river has come down and is in good shape.

For more information on lakes and rivers in the Black Hawk District contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake

Sucker - Good: There are lots of white suckers and a worm and sinker on the bottom should entice them to bite. Channel Catfish - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Fair: Try for crappies around the jetties with minnows.

Upper Pine Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish are being caught on liver. Bluegill - Good: Small grub-style baits are working. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught near structure.

Lake Smith

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cutbait, worms, or stinkbait. Fish are probably biting best the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few largemouths are being caught.

Lake Catherine

Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on minnows or chicken liver. Try early morning or right at dark. They are decent size with some running 7-9 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on spinners.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are biting near the grade, on some rock reefs, near the island and perhaps by the city seawall. Your best bet is to fish after dark with small live bait, cutbait, or stinkbait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill numbers are low, but some fish may be caught below docks or on the edge of bulrush. Crappie - Slow: Reports of crappies hitting near the state reef, near the dollar dock and a few by the Ventura grade. Walleye - Slow: Most of the action is in deeper water on the various rock reefs using a small lead head with a quarter piece of nightcrawler. A few walleyes have been taken trolling. Some anglers are drifting around the island and picking some up. Shore fishing can still be ok on the windward shorelines. Muskellunge - No Report: Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are getting lots of yellows from boats near the state artificial reef, which is out from the state dock area, and from Fisherman's Reef.

Lake Cornelia

Channel Catfish - Good: Cats should be biting on cutbait or stinkbait. Fish the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Or try during the day on a windward side of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are keeper sized. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are near the rocks by the harbor and other rocky shorelines. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are around eight inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are 7-7.25 inches

Little Wall Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel cats have been caught in the evenings. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Slow:

Crystal Lake

Anglers are saying the algae is not as bad as it was a few weeks ago. Try fishing the deeper dredged water for most species or near some of the sources of inflow on the lake. Northern Pike - Fair: The pike are attracted to some of the sources of cooler water coming into the lake. Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Good: Anglers are picking bluegills up in 7-8 feet of water but some are deep, too. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have reported catching lots of largemouth. Fish on the outside edges with a bobber and live bait or try a weedless spoon. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are around 16-20 inches. Fish deep during the day, and a little shallower during the evening.

Bluebill Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers still catching some catfish off the jetty. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills still biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: Remember the 15-inch minimum length limit on bass.

Interstate Park Lake

There was a partial fish kill this winter on this lake but anglers have been reporting catching a variety of fish this past week. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Crappies are a nice size and should be biting off the boat ramp point or off the east rock side.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Water levels have gone down. No reports, but fishing should be good for a variety of species.

Shell Rock River (above Greene)

Water levels have gone down. No reports, but fishing should be good for pike, walleye, and catfish. Northern Pike - No Report: Look for areas with cooler water flowing in, if you can find them.

Winnebago River

Water levels have gone down. No reports, but fishing should be good for a variety of species.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

The East Fork is fishable. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are having nice catches with frogs. Walleye - No Report:

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

Big Spirit Lake

Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Look around rock piles and weed lines for smallmouth with a combination being even better. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Fish have been found in a few different areas but there doesn't seem to be a clear cut pattern. Pitching docks, cranking weed lines, and top-water early and late have all caught a few fish. Walleye - Slow: A few fish have been caught trolling the basin but only a few fish have been coming in.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in and around weeds, with open pockets and weed edges being the most productive. Live bait rigged on a slip bobber rig suspended just above the weeds has been good as well as jigging pilkies and small jigs. A few perch and yellow bass are also being picked up with this presentation. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: The smallies have been relating more so to deeper weed edges and drop-offs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Look for weed pockets or weed edges for largemouth.

Lost Island Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish action has been fairly steady with 3-5 pound fish. Try stinkbait, cutbait, or worms fished on the bottom around dusk or after dark.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

The water is low and the fish are concentrated in deeper holes. Try a white twister tail for walleye and a worm on bottom should catch just about anything.

For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Water temperature is the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cooler water has slowed catfish activity. Try a hook and worm and let it set near the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Try the shallow flats with a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Good: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Water temperature is 75 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are biting on night crawlers or dead chubs fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are biting on hook tipped with a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using a jig and soft plastics. Top water lures are working well in the evening. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been catching crappies over deeper water structures using small jigs tipped with a minnow.

Lake Meyer

Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Try fishing for catfish along the rocky shorelines. Use a worm on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills along the weed beds using yellow or green jigs and soft plastics. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching bass from shore by tossing a hook tipped with a big chunk of nightcrawler and reeled in. Crappie - Slow: Anglers continue to pick up a few suspended in deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Fish activity continues to pick up as water level stabilizes. Sucker - Fair: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm with some success. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are having luck using dark colored jigs or a hook tipped with a worm or twister tails.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Sucker - Fair: Suckers are taking worms fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers using worms are doing the best. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm and drifting it in current.

Yellow River

Fishing out of a canoe or kayak is allowed without landowner permission. Wading or fishing from the bank requires landowner permission.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water level has stabilized and clarity has improved. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using a jig tipped a worm with success. Also try a crawdad or a crawdad lure. Walleye - Fair:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels continue to stabilize with improved clarity. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish have been taking chicken livers and dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Smallies 14 inches plus are common. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Good: Walleye activity has picked up. Anglers are using nightcrawlers and jigs tipped with dark colored twister tails.

Decorah District Streams

Better northeast Iowa streams have receded and cleared since the June floods, but additional rains may still hamper stream clarity. Invertebrate populations were definitely affected by the flooding and mayfly/caddisfly hatches might be sparse for awhile. Hoppers, crickets, ants and beetles will be effective terrestrial patterns for the balance of the season, as well as sub-surface nymphs, wet flies and streamers. Good fish are being caught.

Area rivers are looking good for a change. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. Another excellent weather forecast is in store for the weekend. It doesn't get any better than this for an Iowa summer. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Anglers have been catching bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and northern pike. Vegetation has really come on making angling a bit more difficult. Northern Pike - Fair: Weedless spoons work really well near vegetation beds. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing a piece of nightcrawler under a bobber or smaller jigs retrieved over spawning beds works well. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Lots of 7 to 10-inch bass are being caught. Cast spinner baits or weedless baits around vegetation beds. Crappie - Fair: Casting small jigs next to weed beds has been productive.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill fishing has been good. Clarity still remains good but vegetation is beginning to encompass the shoreline. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been smacking cutbaits, stinkbaits, shrimp and leopard frogs fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Small piece of worm under bobber fished off of jetties or around structure in 3-6 feet of water has been excellent for bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been doing fair on largemouth bass. Try fishing near structure using crankbaits or spinnerbaits.

Plainfield

Anglers have been catching nice size bluegill and crappie but fishing can be hit or miss. Bluegill - Good: Try locating structure in 4-8 feet of water using smaller jigs or piece of crawler under a slip bobber. Crappie - Good: Try locating structure in 4-8 feet of water using smaller jigs or a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River is providing some great angling for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and a few northern pike. Use caution when navigating due to the lower water levels, particularly in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Fair: Larger spinner baits or spoons have been catching some northern pike. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Stink bait and night crawlers fished on the bottom has been really hot. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Look for rock shorelines or rip-rap along banks casting artificial or live baits. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with half of a crawler is deadly. Crankbaits have been good as well.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

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

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon River level is at 4.87 feet and dropping. Anglers report catching smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait and night crawlers fished on the bottom has been really hot. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Look for rock shorelines or rip-rap along banks casting artificial or live baits. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with half a crawler is deadly. Crankbaits have been good as well.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There have been reports of smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish being caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait and night crawlers fished on the bottom has been really hot. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Look for rock shorelines or rip-rap along banks casting artificial or live baits. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with half a crawler is deadly. Crankbaits have been good as well.

Manchester District Streams

Area Manchester District trout streams are currently in excellent condition.

Interior rivers in northeast Iowa continue to recede and have been providing some excellent angling. The weather forecast looks beautiful for the upcoming weekend. Manchester District trout streams are all in excellent condition, for further information call district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 8.6 feet and is expected to hold steady near this level over the next week. Army Road near New Albin is open but could be rough because of flood damage. Heytman's Landing at the lower end of pool 9 is difficult to use due to siltation. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill - Good: Lower water levels and better water quality have got bluegills biting again. Look for fish along shoreline structure in backwaters and slow running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bite is picking up along current breaks on rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active in backwaters and near shorelines next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams is improving. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 14.1 feet and is expected to remain stable near this level over the next week. All ramps on pool 10 are open. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill - Good: Lower water levels and better water quality have got bluegills biting again. Look for fish along shoreline structure in backwaters and slow running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bite is picking up along current breaks on rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active in backwaters and near shorelines next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams is improving. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop-offs and sand flats.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River stage at Guttenberg is 5.7 feet currently and is expected to fall slightly over the next week to 5 feet. All Pool 10 ramps are open but parking at the Turkey River landing is limited due to flood mud. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill - Good: Lower water levels and better water quality have got bluegills biting again. Look for fish along shoreline structure in backwaters and slow running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bite is picking up along current breaks on rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass active in backwaters and near shorelines next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams is improving. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop-offs and sand flats.

River levels on the Upper Mississippi have fallen quickly back to normal summer levels and are expected to remain stable over the next week. Stable river levels on the Mississippi can create great fishing and now is a great time to get back on the river. All boat ramps are open. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 4.9 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is 7.9 feet. Water levels are dropping and water clarity is good. Water temperature is around 72 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: People fishing for drum report catching a lot of smaller catfish. You can also try stink bait fished above brush piles. If you use this method, make sure to move often if you do not get bites. Bluegill - Good: Many fish are being caught along rock piles and snags. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallies are being caught along current areas near rock. Spinners and crankbaits are best but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers on worms. Largemouth Bass - Good: Numerous 12-inch largemouths are being reported caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Crappie - Fair: Small crappies have moved into brush pile areas. A bobber and worms or small minnows seems to be catching some 10 to 11-inch crappie. Yellow Perch - Fair: A real nice yellow perch have been reported from the tail water and by folks fishing on wing dams. Some of these perch are up to 13 inches but finding concentrations is difficult. Walleye - Fair: Conditions are favorable for fishing on wing dams. Learn how to fish above the dams using a three-way rig and a worm. Also crankbaits have been effective fished on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are being caught on simple egg sinkers and worm rigs. Drum can be a great eating fish but you must keep them on ice after caught and remove all red meat from fillets.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water levels at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is at 4.8 feet. Water is clear and water temperature is around 72 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are reported to be biting on stink bait near log piles. Anchor above the rock piles and let the smell of the stink bait ooze into the brush pile drawing out the catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Several flatheads were reported by folks bluegill fishing. Larger flatheads can be caught using live fish as bait. Fish near brush piles and deeper water locations with eddy currents. Bluegill - Excellent: Many nice bluegills are being caught in the tail waters and several other locations right now. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallmouth are being caught along rock piles throughout the pool. Smallmouth concentrate along areas that are rocky and have current. Use jigs or spinners for best results. Anglers are also reporting catching rock bass while smallmouth fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Sub-legal bass are providing good action on spinner baits in Pool 13. Try fishing around rocky points or rip rap areas for best luck. The size of the largemouth bass has been small but good for kids fishing. Crappie - Fair: Several small crappies were reported in Pool 13 this week. A crappie rig seemed to work best tipped with small minnows. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Hordes of drum are being caught in Pool 13. A simple rig with an egg sinker and worm rig yields the best results. Drum can be great eating fish but you must be prepared to keep them on ice and remove all red meat from fillets.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water levels at Fulton are at 4.9 feet and dropping. Water clarity is quite good. The cold fronts have lowered water temperatures to 72 degrees. Finally water conditions have improved and the bite is on once again in Pool 14. Places like Rock Creek are open for business so take advantage and get out fishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Mixed reports on channel catfish this week. If you are going after catfish anchor and fish above the brush piles and let the stink bait ooze into the hole. Bluegill - Excellent: It has been several months of high water levels and bluegills seemed to have grown well. Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Small largemouth bass are being caught seemingly everywhere on Pool 14. The size is mainly under the legal size limit of 14 inches but folks are having a ball catching 12 inch fish. Walleye - Fair: Wing dam fishing is available to anglers now that the water receded. Folks are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results. Freshwater Drum - Good: Several drum were reported by folks using a worm rig on the bottom. Drum can be excellent eating but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.6 and dropping. Finally some angling was reported on Pool 15 this week. Channel Catfish - Good: Several folks reported fishing for channel catfish mostly using worms but some tried cut bait. Either way they also caught a few drum as well. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallies were also reported. Try crankbaits for bigger smallmouth. Imitation crayfish cranks can be quite effective. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers reported catching many sub-legal largemouth bass this week. Folks are working rock piles with jigs and spinners.

The water levels in the district have dropped substantially and the river is quite low now. Presently the issue for boaters is logs and debris that have been rearranged from the months of flooding on the river. Cold fronts have lowered water temperature to 72 degrees. Water is fairly clear in most locations.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 4.89 feet. The docks are now in at the Fairport Recreational Area. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers, stinkbait, and cut shad. Try anchoring above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Some channel cats are still being caught floating leeches under a bobber along riprap shorelines. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are being caught in Sunset Marina casting jigs and twister tails. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught fishing wax worms or nightcrawlers under a bobber in Sunset Marina. Try around the docks. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina fishing small minnows under a bobber. Try around the docks. Some crappies are also being caught in the Andalusia Island complex. Try fishing brush piles in the backwaters and side channels with jigs and minnows. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs and minnows in Sylvan Slough or trolling crankbaits. Some walleyes are also being caught trolling the main river by Sunset Marina or around the wing dams along Credit Island. Some walleyes are also being caught casting crankbaits on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 4.14 feet. Big Timber (The Breaks) is now open. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and shad guts. Fish above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught in Big Timber fishing worms under a bobber. Try fishing around brush piles and logs.

Mississippi River Pool 18

River stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 5.16 feet. The Toolesboro road and boat ramp are now open. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing for channel catfish by anchoring above snag piles and wing dams in the main channel or side channels. Try nightcrawlers, stinkbait, or cut shad for bait.

Mississippi River Pool 19

River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 2.51 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on cut shad, shad guts, and nightcrawlers. Some channel catfish are also being caught on stinkbait. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing brush piles and snags in the side channels with jigs and minnows. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are starting to be caught on the wing dams trolling crankbaits or three-way rigs with a half a nightcrawler.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Fishing has picked up on Pools 16-19 with the lower water conditions. Main channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions about fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Odessa

The boat ramps at Schafer's and Sand Run are now open. Water levels are still about a foot above the normal fall levels. DNR staff are working to get the silt and sand off the road so they can reopen it. Channel Catfish - Good: Look to the button bush thickets to find the catfish. Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappies can be found around the tree falls and the beaver lodges.

Lake Geode

Cooler weather should bring out some anglers this weekend. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegills have moved deeper for the summer. Look for them to be just off the ledges to the deep water.

Lake Belva Deer

Water temperature is 74 degrees. Thermocline is at 10 to 12 feet. Don't bother fishing any deeper, because there is no oxygen, or fish below that depth. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching bluegills down about 6 to 8 feet around the trees and up around the 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 the use of live minnows as bait is allowed. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Chicken liver or stinkbait, go chicken liver. Bluegill - Good: Look for them suspended down 3-4 feet around the habitat. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are now hitting on plastic worms. White spinner baits have also been hot lately. Crappie - Fair: Work the brush piles along the dam using minnows.

Railroad Lake

The use of live minnows is not permitted on Railroad Lake. Channel Catfish - Good: The catfish have been biting on stinkbait and chicken liver along the old creek channel on the south side. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting along 110th and along the north shore in the stump field. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use white spinner baits to locate the bass along the rocks and the submerged wood. Crappie - Good: Anglers working the flooded timber and old creek channel on the south side have been catching some crappies.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The river level seems fairly constant. Water temperature remains in the low 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been pretty good lately. Try under any mulberry tree hanging over the water or try grass frogs as bait.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Water levels continue to drop slowly. Channel Catfish - Good: The three baits to use are frogs, chubs and crawdads. Work the brush piles and the drop-offs at the edges of the sandbars.

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

Iowa Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Chicken livers and stinkbait are working well. Bluegill - Good: Some fish are around the weed edges and some are out in deeper water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try around the weed edges and lay downs. Crappie - Fair: Most fish are suspended in open water. The invasive species, brittle naiad, is present. Check your boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.

Lake Macbride

Channel Catfish - Fair: Some are being caught around shallow rock while others have pulled out to deeper water. Crawlers and stinkbait are working best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish around shallow structure or deeper drop-offs. Walleye - Slow: Most fish are being caught trolling flats with crankbaits or spinner rigs. Water temperature is in the low to mid 80s. The 10 hp motor restriction and 5 MPH speed limit is in effect. The invasive species, brittle naiad, is present. Check your boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Livers and stinkbait have been working best. White Bass - Good: Fish shallow, wind-blown shorelines with small crankbaits or jigs, or chase schools of fish in open water with top-water baits, crankbaits, or other small, flashy baits. Walleye - Fair: Some better fish are being caught by jigging leeches. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: These fish are only two years old but some are approaching 18 inches. Look for them mixed in with the white bass. Water clarity is excellent and temperature is around 80 degrees. Remember, largemouth bass must be 18 inches to keep and musky must be 40 inches to keep. The invasive species, brittle naiad, is present. Check your boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.

Diamond Lake

The lake is still murky. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait and chicken livers have been working well, especially early and late in the day. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are being caught around deeper brush. Crappie - Fair: Fish are being caught around deeper brush or just suspended in open water by drift fishing jigs.

Otter Creek Lake

The lake water is fairly green from an algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Good: Evenings have been best. Bluegill - Good: Try around deeper brush. Yellow Bass - Good: Mornings have been best on small spinners.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake is at normal summer pool level. Channel Catfish - Good: Drifting and trolling cut bait has been producing fish. Crappie - Fair: Try casting jigs to steeper banks or deeper brush.

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

Lake Wapello

Try using spinnerbaits or crankbaits for largemouth bass. Target areas with rocky shorelines or the edges of aquatic vegetation areas. Use stinkbait for channel catfish. Try off the rock jetties or fishing pier.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Try casting around the shoreline and submerged structure or around the fishing jetties. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms and crankbaits in areas with submerged structure. Also try areas around the rock jetties and the shorelines that are rip-rapped. Try top-waters in the early mornings.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs under a slip-bobber tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Add a split shot about 12 inches above the hook. Try different depths until finding aggressive fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try plastic worms and spinnerbaits around the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties.

Rathbun Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try using stinkbait or cut bait. Target areas with rocky shorelines such as around the bridge at Bridgeview or along the dam. White Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching white bass using medium size jigs and chrome colored crankbaits. Look for schools of shad and concentrate around those areas. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has improved as the lake gets closer to normal pool. Try crankbaits around the submerged points and rock reefs or nightcrawlers in the same areas. Look for changes in depth as fish should be using the ledges. The current lake level is 910.06 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 78 degrees. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in the sun).

If you have other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.

SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake

Crappie - Fair: Nice crappie can be caught near woody debris in the evenings with a slip bobber and minnows. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake.

Beaver Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill can be caught fishing small jigs tipped with crawlers 2 to 4 feet below the surface around much of the standing timber. Crappie - Fair: Drifting panfish jigs around the standing timber mid lake is producing crappie.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting jigs on the main lake are picking up some crappie. Keep your bait above 6 to 7 feet. If crappie aren't cooperating try drifting small pieces of crawler for bluegills. Bluegill are fair size in Rock Creek right now with many fish around 8 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers drifting small jigs or trolling small crankbaits are catching decent numbers of 9 to 11-inch white crappies.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is in the summer pattern of drift fishing small jigs with crawler, especially over the old road beds. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Better bluegill catches are now coming from drift fishing or fishing near pallet and brush piles in 6 to 10 feet of water. Fish with small jigs or pieces of crawler under a bobber.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught drifting or casting crawlers under a bobber along the vegetation edges. Crappie - Good: Crappie are suspended along the northwest shoreline just outside the vegetation line. Cast or drift small panfish jigs or white twisters out from the vegetation. Crappies are also being caught around the fishing shelter.

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught in decent numbers trolling crankbaits or spoons around windswept points. Look for shad schools breaking the surface and be ready to move often to stay with the activity. Good colors to start with are shad imitating colors, such as solid chrome.

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Drift fishing cut creek chubs or dead shad above the mile long bridge will produce some fun catfishing with good chances at fish over 5 pounds. White Bass - Fair: Saylorville white bass fishing has so far been slow to fair. There are large schools of young of the year gizzard shad that the white bass are targeting. Try staying as close to these schools breaking the surface as possible. Also target the usual spots from Sandpiper Beach to the marina point and out from the Oak Grove area. Troll lipless crankbaits or spoons.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Excellent: River levels are excellent for fishing and channel catfish are biting consistently on stink baits.

Crappie and bluegill are in summer patterns and can be caught best drift fishing or still fishing over habitat in 6-15 feet of water. White bass fishing on the reservoirs continues to be fair to good. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Try drifting for bluegills and crappie suspended mid-lake or around cedar tree piles. Greenfield also has a good channel catfish population with many 2 to 3-pound fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish have been caught around the jetties using shrimp. Fish in shallow water above the thermocline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught drifting small jigs tipped with scented bait or a piece of worm. Largemouth Bass - Good: Plastic baits are catching bass around structure and close to shore. Crappie - Fair: Vertical jigging with minnows around cedar tree piles has been good for 8 to 10-inch crappies. Early morning has been the best time.

Meadow Lake

Largemouth bass fishing has slowed this week. Bluegill - Slow: Drift small jigs to catch 8 to 9-inch bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting plastic baits to shore and around cedar tree piles.

Nodaway Lake

Crappies are being caught around submerged trees and drifting. Catfish have slowed this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been good using shad sides and liver. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill in the 7 to 8-inch size range are being caught in 4 to 6 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Drift with tube jigs to catch 10-inch crappie.

Orient Lake

Fishing has slowed this week with the blue-green algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Slow: Two pound catfish are being caught on cutbait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills can be caught drifting along the dam. Tipping jigs with crawler seems to help.

Littlefield Lake

A few bluegills are being picked up drifting. Littlefield has a good channel catfish population. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish can be caught in the corners of the dam and on the north shore using liver. Fish average two pounds. Bluegill - Slow: Drift with small black jigs tipped with night crawler or power bait to catch 7 to 8 fish.

Lake Anita

Largemouth bass fishing has slowed a bit this week. Crappies and bluegills are being caught vertically jigging over the road beds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught vertically jigging small jigs tipped with worms or power bait. Fish are around road beds and other submerged structure. Fish are 8 to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are reported to be caught close to shore and around aquatic vegetation casting spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting with jigs in both arms of the lake. Vertically jigging along submerged road beds with minnows has also been good. Mornings and late evening hours are best.

Willow Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good. A few channel catfish are also caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cutbait and liver were reported to catch catfish close to shore around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing has been good in the upper end of the lake using a variety of spinners and plugs.

Viking Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good. Crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught around underwater reefs and rock fields using cutbait. Many fish are 2 to 4 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting the shoreline with spinnerbaits and slow trolling crankbaits. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are running 7 to 10 inches and are being caught drifting tube jigs and vertical jigging tree piles.

DeSoto Bend

The middle boat ramp is the only place to launch a boat at Desoto Bend. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good. Anglers are drifting shallow flats w/ blood bait and catching channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish liver or blood bait on the shallow flats. Most anglers are drifting these baits along the bottom. Fish average two pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes are being caught casting plastic baits to shore.

Lake Manawa

Catfishing has slowed this week. Channel Catfish - Slow: The south and west side of the lake has been good for catfish this week using liver. Fish up to five pounds are being caught.

East Nishnabotna

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Flows are right for wading and catching catfish.

Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Crawdads are a good bet for summer catfishing on the river. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Try fishing a small piece of worm and a lead head jig through the holes.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are in their summer pattern and can be caught along weed edges and suspended in the water column. Largemouth bass are aggressive and easily caught this time of year. Remember to always get permission before fishing private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish can be caught in 4 to 6 feet of water with dip bait or liver. Bluegill - Fair: Cast small jigs close to weed edges or drift open water to catch bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Casting small spinners and jigs around structure and along vegetation has been good for bass. Crappie - Fair: Fish minnows and small jigs around structure to catch crappies.

Largemouth bass are being caught in and around the aquatic vegetation. Suspended bluegill and crappie are being caught vertically jigging in 6 to 12 feet of water. Interior river flows are right for summer channel catfish fishing. For more information on lakes in the southwest district, call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The water levels are normal and the clarity is good. Bullhead - Good: Several bullheads are being caught on crawlers on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are biting on liver or cut bait.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake is full and the fish have been restocked. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some mid-sized channel catfish are being caught from bays during the evenings.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow completion of sediment trapping structures.

Green Valley Lake

The water level is normal. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are being caught using liver or cut bait from the shallows and sides of the fish mounds.

Three Mile Lake

The water levels are normal. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish are being caught from the bays during the evenings.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water levels are normal. Bullhead - Fair: A few big bullheads can be caught using crawlers or small liver chunks. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish can be caught on liver.

Water levels are normal. Some lakes are showing signs of algae development. Water temperature has dropped to the mid 70s.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Excellent: Fishing continues to be good for channel catfish. Anglers are having success on various baits such as worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Fishing has been good around the mouth of the Floyd River for channel catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads continue to bite on various live baits. Anglers have had the best success on chubs, goldfish, and sunfish near deep water habitat, wing dikes, revetments, and incoming rivers and streams.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing has been good for channel catfish on various baits. Anglers continue to have success on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are biting on live baits. Try using live baits such as chubs and sunfish around deep holes near wing dykes, logs, and incoming rivers and streams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are catching drum on worms.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to have success catching channel catfish on various baits such as dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Try in the deeper slack water areas below wing dikes and drift piles. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead fishing continues to be good in and near deeper slack water holes, near logs, incoming rivers and streams, and rocky habitat. Flatheads bite best on live baits such as chubs, bullheads, and sunfish. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are catching drum on worms.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Neb., is 21.45 feet/ 31,500 CFS. The Missouri River is up .45 feet from last week. Water temperature is 73 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/8/13 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. There are always current Iowa Fishing Reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Iowa Fishing reports - Click Here

To visit the Iowa Outdoor Fishing-Hunting Community Forum Click Here.

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Nelson Park Lake

Channel catfish are being caught from the dam and near the lake bottom below the catfish cages.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers drift fishing with night crawlers have been doing. White Bass - Fair: White bass can be caught pulling plugs, crankbaits, or casting white twisters. Walleye - Slow: Some anglers are catching walleye while trolling shad raps. The successful anglers have been putting in a lot of time in order to catch fish. The dredge machine on Storm Lake is in operation. Stay clear of the dredge, booster pump, and the pipeline that runs from the dredge to the east shore.

North Twin Lake

Water levels are about 3 to 4 inches below crest. Water clarity is poor. Fishing for most species is slow, except catfish. Anglers have been doing well for channel catfish. Try using night crawlers, stink bait, cut bait, etc.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately three inches below crest. Water clarity is good. Black Hawk Lake's fishery was renovated last fall. Although we have been restocking the lake with sport fish, there are not a lot of harvestable size fish in the lake yet.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Channel catfish have been hitting hard on chicken livers. Use a slip sinker and toss into a snag or along a high bank. The river has come down and is in good shape. Fishing around the Linn Grove Dam for catfish has been good too.

For more information on lakes and rivers in the Black Hawk District contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake

Sucker - Good: There are lots of white suckers in Beed's. A worm and sinker on the bottom should entice them to bite. Channel Catfish - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Fair: Try for crappies around the jetties with minnows.

Upper Pine Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish are being caught on liver. Bluegill - Good: Small grub-style baits are also working. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught near structure.

Lake Smith

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try with some cutbait, worms, or stinkbait. Fish are probably biting best the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few largemouth bass are being caught.

Lake Catherine

Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on minnows or chicken liver. Try early morning or right at dark. They are decent size with some running 7-9 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on spinners.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are biting near the grade, on some of the rock reefs, near the island, and perhaps by the city seawall. The best bet is to fish after dark with small live bait, cutbait, or stinkbait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill numbers are low, but some fish may be caught below docks or on the edge of bulrush. Crappie - Slow: Reports of crappies hitting near the state reef, near the dollar dock and a few by the Ventura grade. Walleye - Slow: Most of the action is in deeper water on the various rock reefs using a small lead head with a quarter piece of nightcrawler. A few walleyes have been taken trolling. Some anglers are drifting around the island and picking some up. Shore fishing can still be ok on the windward shorelines. Some walleyes can be picked up in or near the edge of the bulrush also. Muskellunge - No Report: Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are getting lots of yellows from boats near the state artificial reef, which is out from the state dock area, and from Fisherman's Reef.

Lake Cornelia

Channel Catfish - Good: Cats should be biting on cutbait or stinkbait. Fish from the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Or try during the day on a windward side of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are keeper size. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are near the rocks by the harbor and other rocky shorelines. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are around eight inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are small 7-7.25 inches

Little Wall Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel cats have been caught in the evenings. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Slow:

Crystal Lake

Anglers are saying the algae is not as bad as a few weeks ago. Try the deeper dredged water for most species or near some of the sources of inflow on the lake. Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Good: Anglers are picking bluegills up in 7-8 feet of water but some deep too. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have reported catching lots of largemouth. Fish on the outside edges with a bobber and live bait or try a weedless spoon. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are around 16-20 inches. Fish deep during the day and a little shallower during the evening.

Bluebill Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers still catching catfish off the jetty. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills still biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: Remember the 15-inch minimum length on bass.

Interstate Park Lake

There was a partial fish kill last winter but anglers have been reporting catching a variety of fish this past week. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Crappies are a nice size and should be biting off the boat ramp point or off the east rock side.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Water levels have gone down. No reports, but fishing should be good for a variety of species.

Shell Rock River (above Greene)

Water levels have gone down. No reports, but fishing should be good for pike, walleye and catfish. Northern Pike - No Report: Look for areas with cooler water flowing in, if you can find them.

Winnebago River

Water levels have gone down. No reports, but fishing should be good for a variety of species.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

The East Fork is fishable. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are having nice catches with frogs. Walleye - No Report:

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

Big Spirit Lake

Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Look around rock piles and weed lines for smallmouth with a combination being even better. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Fish have been found in a few different areas but there doesn't seem to be a clear cut pattern. Pitching docks, cranking weed lines, and top water early and late have all caught a few fish. Walleye - Slow: A few fish have been caught trolling the basin but only a few fish have been coming in. Shore fishermen have also been catching a few slots around sunset.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in and around weeds, with open pockets and weed edges being the most productive. Live bait rigged on a slip bobber rig suspended just above the weeds has been good as well as jigging pilkies and small jigs. A few perch and yellow bass are also being picked up with this presentation. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: The smallies have been relating more so to deeper weed edges and drop-offs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Look for weed pockets or weed edges for largemouth.

Lost Island Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish action has been fairly steady with 3-5 pound fish. Try stinkbait, cutbait, or worms fished on the bottom around dusk or after dark.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

The water is low and the fish are concentrated in the deeper holes. Try a white twister tail for walleye and a worm on bottom should catch just about anything.

For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Cooler water has slowed catfish activity. Try a hook and worm set near the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Try the shallow flats with a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Good: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Lots of people have been enjoying the lake but reports of catching fish have been sketchy. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try night crawlers or stink baits fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Bluegill - No Report: Try using a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using a jig and soft plastics. Top water lures are working well in the evening. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been catching crappies over deeper water structures using small jigs tipped with a minnow.

Lake Meyer

Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Try fishing for catfish along the rocky shorelines. Use a worm or stink bait fished on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills along the weed beds using yellow or green jigs and soft plastics. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching bass from shore by tossing a hooked tipped with a big chunk of nightcrawler and reeled in. Crappie - Slow: Anglers continue to pick up a few suspended in deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Fish seem to be more active in the morning with action picking up again in the late afternoon. Sucker - Fair: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail with some success. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are having luck using dark colored jigs or a hook tipped with a worm or twister tails.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Sucker - Fair: Suckers are taking worms fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers using a jig tipped with worms are doing the best. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm and drifting it in the current.

Yellow River

Fishing out of a canoe or kayak is allowed without landowner permission. Wading or fishing from the bank requires landowner permission.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using a jig tipped a worm with success. Also try a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Fair: Try along cut banks or deeper holes around woody debris.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are beginning to take stink baits but will take chicken livers and dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Smallies 14 inches plus are common. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Walleye activity has slowed some. Anglers are using nightcrawlers and jigs tipped with a twister tail.

Decorah District Streams

Northeast Iowa streams are looking good but additional rains are still hampering stream clarity. Invertebrate populations were definitely affected by the flooding and mayfly/caddisfly hatches might be sparse for awhile. Hoppers, crickets, ants and beetles will be effective terrestrial patterns for the balance of the season, as well as sub-surface nymphs, wet flies and streamers. Good fish are being caught.

Area rivers continue to look good and another weekend with beautiful weather is in store for us. For more on water levels, please visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Anglers have been catching bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie and northern pike. Vegetation has really come on making angling a bit more difficult. Northern Pike - Fair: Weedless spoons near vegetation beds work really well. Bluegill - Fair: A piece of nightcrawler under a bobber or smaller jigs retrieved over spawning beds works well. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Lots of 7 to 10-inch bass are being caught. Cast spinner baits or weedless baits around vegetation beds. Crappie - Fair: Casting small jigs next to weed beds has been productive.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Channel catfish, largemouth bass and bluegill fishing has been good. Clarity still remains good but vegetation is beginning to encompass the shoreline. Channel Catfish - Good: Cutbaits, stinkbaits, shrimp and leopard frogs fished on the bottom have been smacking the channel catfish. Bluegill - Good: Small piece of worm under bobber fished off of jetties or around structure in 3-6 feet of water has been excellent. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try crankbaits or spinnerbaits near structure.

Plainfield

Anglers have been catching nice size bluegill and crappie but fishing can be hit or miss. Bluegill - Good: Locate structure in the 4-8 feet of water using smaller jigs or piece of crawler under a slip bobber. Crappie - Good: Locate structure in the 4-8 feet of water using smaller jigs or a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Manchester District Streams

Area Manchester District trout streams are currently in excellent condition.

George Wyth Lake

George Wyth is providing some decent fishing for bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass near the Cedar Falls/Waterloo metro area. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River has been providing excellent catfishing as well as some action for smallmouth bass and walleye. Catfish can be caught on a variety of presentations including prepared stink baits, cutbaits, and nightcrawlers. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Fair:

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

The Shell Rock has been providing excellent fishing during recent weeks for channel catfish and walleye. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Walleye - Good:

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon has been slow compared to some of the other area rivers over recent weeks, but fishing action has started to pick up recently. Northern Pike - Fair: Channel Catfish - Good: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa is in excellent condition and is providing good opportunities for channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye. Channel Catfish - Good: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good:

Rivers and streams in northeast Iowa are currently providing excellent fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye. A light jig tipped with a nightcrawler provides a good tackle option right now because it will catch all three of these primary river game species. Fishing reports from lakes in the area are not as good during these dog days of summer, so consider focusing on the flowing waters at this time. Trout streams are in great condition. For more info call 563-927-3276

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 8.4 feet and is expected to hold steady near this level over the next week. Army Road near New Albin is open but could be rough because of flood damage. Heytman's Landing at the lower end of pool 9 is difficult to use due to siltation. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill - Excellent: Lower water levels and better water quality have got bluegills biting again. Look for fish along shoreline structure in backwaters and slow running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bite is picking up along current breaks on rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active in backwaters and near shorelines next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams is improving. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop-offs and sand flats.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 14.2 feet and is expected to remain stable near this level over the next week. All ramps on pool 10 are open. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill - Excellent: Lower water levels and better water quality have got bluegills biting again. Look for fish along shoreline structure in backwaters and slow running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bite is picking up along current breaks on rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active in backwaters and near shorelines next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams is improving. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River stage at Guttenberg is 5.6 feet and is expected to fall slightly over the next week to 5 feet. All Pool 11 ramps are open but parking at the Turkey River landing is limited due to flood mud. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill - Excellent: Lower water levels and better water quality have got bluegills biting again. Look for fish along shoreline structure in backwaters and slow running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bite is picking up along current breaks on rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass active in backwaters and near shorelines next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams is improving. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats.

River levels on the Upper Mississippi have fallen quickly back to normal summer levels and are expected to remain stable over the next week. Stable river levels on the Mississippi can create great fishing and now is a great time to get back on the river. All boat ramps are open. Water temperature is in the mid 70s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 5.2 feet and the water level at the RR Bridge is at 7.9 feet. Water levels are rising slightly and clarity is good. Water temperature is around 75 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: People fishing for drum report catching a lot of smaller catfish. You can also try stink bait above brush piles. If you use this method, make sure to move often if you do not get bites. Flathead Catfish - Good: Many crappie and bluegill anglers are also reporting catching flathead especially when fishing along rock piles. The flatheads are generally in the smaller range of the species but can be quite good to eat. Bluegill - Excellent: Many fish are being caught along rock piles and snags throughout the pool. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallies are being caught along current areas near rock. Spinners and crankbaits are best but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers on worms. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Numerous 12-inch largemouths are being reported caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Crappie - Fair: Small crappies have moved into brush pile areas. A bobber and worms or small minnows seems to be catching some 10 to 11-inch crappie. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch have been reported from the tail water and by folks fishing on wing dams. Some of these perch are up to 13 inches but finding concentrations is difficult. Walleye - Fair: Conditions are favorable for fishing on wing dams right now. Learn how to fish above the dams using a three-way rig and a worm. Also crankbaits have been effective fished on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are being caught on simple egg sinkers and worm rigs. Drum can be a great eating fish but you must keep them on ice after being caught and remove all red meat from fillets.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water levels at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is at 5.6 feet and rising slightly. Water is clear and water temperature is around 75 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are reported to be biting on stink bait near log piles. Anchor above the rock piles and let the smell of the stink bait ooze into the brush pile drawing out the catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Several flatheads were reported by folks bluegill fishing. Larger flatheads can be caught using live fish as bait. Fish near brush piles and deeper water locations with eddy currents. Bluegill - Excellent: Many nice bluegills are being caught throughout the pool right now. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallmouth are being caught along rock piles throughout the pool. Smallmouth concentrate along areas that are rocky and have current. Use jigs or spinners for best results. Anglers are also reporting catching rock bass while smallmouth fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Sub-legal bass are providing good action on spinner baits in Pool 13. Try fishing around rocky points or rip rap areas for best luck. The size of the largemouth bass has been small but good for kids fishing. Crappie - Good: Several small crappies were reported in Pool 13 this week on rigs tipped with small minnows. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes were reported using three way rigs above the wing dams. Small chunks of worms or floating crankbaits yield the best results. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: A simple rig with an egg sinker and worm rig yields the best results. Drum can be great eating fish but you must be prepared to keep them on ice and remove all red meat from fillets.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water levels at Fulton are at 5.4 feet and rising. Water clarity is quite good but a green algae hatch has made water cloudy in some locations. The water temperatures is at 75 degrees. Conditions are good at most all boat ramps so get out and enjoy the end of summer. Channel Catfish - Good: If you are going after catfish anchor and fish above the brush piles and let the stink bait ooze into the hole. Bluegill - Excellent: It has been several months of high water levels and bluegills seemed to have grown well. Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Small largemouth bass are being caught seemingly everywhere on Pool 14. The size is mainly under the legal size limit of 14 inches but folks are having a ball catching 12-inch fish. Walleye - Good: Wing dam fishing is available to anglers now that the water receded. Folks are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results. Some anglers are using plainer boards along channel edges. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Several drum were reported by folks using a worm rig on the bottom. Drum can be excellent eating but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.6 feet and steady. Some quality angling was again reported on Pool 15 this week. Channel Catfish - Good: Several folks were reported fishing for channel catfish mostly using worms but some also trying cut bait. Either way they also caught a few drum as well. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallies were also reported by anglers mainly fishing for bass. Try using crankbaits for bigger smallmouth bass. Imitation crayfish cranks can be quite effective. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers reported catching many sub-legal largemouth bass this week. Folks are working rock piles with jigs and spinners. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are being caught all along the channel boarder by anglers using worms for bait. Boat ramps such as Eagles Landing can be a great spot to catch drum.

The water levels in the district have dropped substantially and the river is quite low. A slight bump occurred this week but the river is projected to remain low. Presently the issue for boaters is logs and debris that have been rearranged from the months of flooding on the river. Water temperature is at 75 degrees and water clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 4.89 feet. The docks are now in at the Fairport Recreational Area. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers, stinkbait, and cut shad. Try anchoring above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Some channel cats are still being caught floating leeches under a bobber along riprap shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught fishing wax worms or nightcrawlers under a bobber in Sunset Marina. Try around the docks. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina fishing small minnows under a bobber. Try fishing around the docks. Some crappies are also being caught in the Andalusia Island complex. Try fishing brush piles in the backwaters and side channels with jigs and minnows. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing with jigs and minnows in Sylvan Slough or trolling crankbaits. Some walleyes are also being caught trolling the main river by Sunset Marina or around the wing dams along Credit Island. Some walleyes are also being caught casting crankbaits on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 4.31 feet. Big Timber (The Breaks) is now open. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stinkbait, nightcrawlers, and shad guts. Try above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. White Bass - Good: Some white bass are being caught below the spillway at Lock and Dam 16. Try casting small white jigs and twister tails in the areas where there is flow coming through the spillway. Fishing has been best right before dark. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught in Big Timber fishing worms under a bobber. Try fishing around brush piles and logs. Bluegills are also being caught below the spillway at Lock and Dam 16 fishing pieces of nightcrawler on the bottom. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams. Try trolling crankbaits or three-way rigs tipped with half a nightcrawler on the upstream side of the wing dams. Casting crankbaits over the top of the wing dams can produce some fish as well.

Mississippi River Pool 18

River stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 5.15 feet. The Toolesboro Road and boat ramp are now open. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing for channel catfish by anchoring above snag piles and wing dams in the main channel or side channels. Try using nightcrawlers, stinkbait, or cut shad for bait.

Mississippi River Pool 19

River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 2.55 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on cut shad, shad guts and nightcrawlers. Some channel catfish are also being caught on stinkbait. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Crappie - No Report: Try fishing brush piles and snags in the side channels with jigs and minnows. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams trolling crankbaits or three-way rigs with a half a nightcrawler. Casting crankbaits over the top of the wing dams can produce some fish as well.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Fishing has picked up on Pools 16-19 with the lower water conditions. Use caution when boating due to the lower water conditions. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions about fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Odessa

All the ramps as well as the Toolesboro Road are open. There is a lot of water moving through Odessa right now both from the inlet and outlet. Wildlife has the water level dropping fairly fast yet trying to dry out some of the areas that were flooded for most of the spring and summer. Channel Catfish - Good: Look to the button bush thickets to find the catfish. Anglers have been catching them on chicken liver and cut bait. Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappies can be found around the tree falls and the beaver lodges.

Lake of the Hills

Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows as bait is allowed. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing remains hot. The popular baits remain chicken liver and stinkbait. Bluegill - Fair: Continue to look for them around the shallow habitat. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are now hitting on plastic worms. White spinner baits have also been hot lately. Crappie - Fair: Work the brush piles along the dam using minnows.

Railroad Lake

The use of live minnows is not permitted on Railroad Lake. Channel Catfish - Good: The catfish have been biting on Stinkbait and chicken liver along the old creek channel on the south side of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting along 110th and along the north shore in the stump field. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use white spinner baits to locate the bass along the rocks and the submerged wood. Crappie - Good: Anglers working the flooded timber and old creek channel on the south side have been catching some crappies.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The river level seems to be fairly constant. Water temperature remains in the low 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish continue to bite. Work the brush piles.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Water levels seem to have leveled off. Nice weather to be out on the river. Channel Catfish - Good: The go to baits continue to be frogs, chubs and crawdads. Work the brush piles and the drop-offs at the edges of the sandbars.

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

Iowa Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Chicken livers and stinkbait are working well. Bluegill - Good: Some fish are around the weed edges and some are out in deeper water. Crappie - Good: Most fish are suspended in open water. The invasive species, brittle naiad, is present. Check the boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.

Lake Macbride

Channel Catfish - Slow: Some are being caught around shallow rock while others have pulled out to deeper water. Crawlers and stinkbait are working best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish around shallow rock and wood. Crappie - Fair: Look for main lake lay downs to hold crappies. Walleye - Slow: Most fish are being caught trolling flats with crankbaits or spinner rigs. Water temperature is in the low to mid 80s. The 10 hp motor restriction and 5 MPH speed limit is in effect. The invasive species, brittle naiad, is present. Check the boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Livers, crawlers and stinkbait have been working best. White Bass - Good: Fish shallow, wind-blown shorelines with small crankbaits or jigs, or chase schools of fish in open water with top water baits, crankbaits, or other small, flashy baits. Walleye - Fair: Some better fish are being caught by jigging leeches on humps and roadbeds. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: These fish are only two years old but some are approaching 18 inches. Look for them mixed in with the white bass. Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is around 80 degrees. Remember, largemouth bass must be 18 inches to keep and musky must be 40 inches to keep. The invasive species, brittle naiad, is present. Check the boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving the lake.

Diamond Lake

The lake is still murky. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbait and chicken livers have been working well, especially early and late in the day. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are being caught around deeper brush. Crappie - Fair: Fish are being caught around deeper brush or just suspended in open water by drift fishing jigs.

Otter Creek Lake

The lake water is fairly green from an algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Good: Evenings have been best. Bluegill - Good: Try around deeper brush. Yellow Bass - Good: Mornings have been best on small spinners.

Union Grove Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Chicken livers and stinkbait are working best. Bluegill - Good: Wax worms are working best, but crawlers are producing as well. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish along rock banks and the dam face for best results. Crappie - Slow:

Coralville Reservoir

The lake is at normal summer pool level. Channel Catfish - Fair: Drifting and trolling cut bait has been producing fish. Crappie - Fair: Try casting jigs to steeper banks or deeper brush.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Channel Catfish - Good:

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)

Channel Catfish - Good:

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Smallmouth Bass - Fair:

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

Lake Wapello

Largemouth bass have been hitting on crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Target areas with rip-rapped shorelines and aquatic vegetation such as lily pads. Rubber worms or top water lures can also be fished among the lily pads. Use chicken liver for channel catfish and try area around the rock jetties.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Try near the shoreline and submerged structure, around the fishing jetties or along the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms around the submerged structure. Also try areas around the rock jetties and along the face of the dam. Try top waters in the early mornings in the same areas.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs and a slip-bobber tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Add a split shot about 12 inches above the hook. Look for open areas among the aquatic vegetation and drop the nightcrawler in those areas. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try plastic worms and spinnerbaits along the edges of the aquatic vegetation. Also try the same baits near the shorelines and around the fishing jetties.

Rathbun Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken liver around areas with rocky shorelines such as around the bridge at Bridgeview or along the dam. White Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching white bass using chrome colored crankbaits. Look for areas where the shad are concentrated. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has improved as the lake gets closer to normal pool. Try crankbaits that mimic gizzard shad around the submerged points and rock reefs. Look for changes in depth as fish should be using the ledges. The current lake level is 908.06 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 77 degrees. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in the sun).

If you have other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.

SOUTHWEST

Beaver Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill can be caught fishing small jigs tipped with crawlers 2 to 4 feet below the surface around much of the standing timber. Crappie - Fair: Drifting panfish jigs around the standing timber mid lake is producing crappie.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting jigs on the main lake are picking up some crappie. Keep your bait above 6 to 7 feet. If crappie aren't cooperating try drifting small pieces of crawler for bluegills. Bluegill are fair size with many fish around 8 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers drifting small jigs or trolling small crankbaits are catching decent numbers of 9 to 11-inch white crappies.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is in the summer pattern of drift fishing small jigs with crawler, especially over the old road beds. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Better bluegill catches are now coming from drift fishing or fishing near pallet and brush piles in 6 to 10 feet of water. Fish with small jigs or pieces of crawler under a bobber.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught drifting or casting crawlers under a bobber along the vegetation edges. Crappie - Good: Crappie are suspended along the northwest shoreline just outside the vegetation line. Cast or drift small panfish jigs or white twisters out from the vegetation. Crappies are also being caught around the fishing shelter.

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Excellent: White bass are being caught in good numbers trolling crankbaits or spoons around windswept points. Look for shad schools breaking the surface and be ready to move often to stay with the activity. Good colors to start with are shad imitating colors, such as solid chrome.

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Drift fishing cut creek chubs or dead shad above the mile long bridge will produce some fun catfishing with good chances at fish over five pounds. White Bass - Fair: Saylorville white bass have been hit or miss with most anglers. The action will be great on one day and dead at the same spot the following day. Anglers have to follow the large schools of young of the year gizzard shad that the white bass are targeting. Try staying as close to these schools breaking the surface as possible. Troll or cast lipless crankbaits or spoons.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Excellent: River levels are getting a little more challenging for boats, but channel catfishing has been good using stink baits.

Crappie and bluegill are in summer patterns and can be caught best drift fishing or still fishing over habitat in 6-15 feet of water. White bass fishing on the reservoirs continues to be fair to good. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Try drifting for bluegills and crappie suspended mid-lake or around cedar tree piles. Greenfield also has a good channel catfish population with many fish in that 2 to 3 pound range. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish have been caught around the jetties using shrimp. Fish in shallow water above the thermocline. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught drifting small jigs tipped with scented bait or a piece of worm. Largemouth Bass - Good: Plastic baits are catching bass around structure and close to shore. Crappie - Fair: Vertical jigging with minnows around cedar tree piles has been good for 8 to 10-inch crappies. Early morning has been the best time.

Meadow Lake

Fish the cedar tree piles at Meadow. Bluegill - Fair: Vertical jig cedar tree or drift small jigs to catch 8 to 9-inch bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting plastic baits to shore and around cedar tree piles.

Nodaway Lake

Crappies are being caught around submerged trees and drifting. Catfish have slowed this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been good using shad sides and liver. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill in the 7 to 8-inch size range are being caught in 4 to 6 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Drift with tube jigs to catch 10-inch crappie.

Orient Lake

Fishing has slowed this week with the blue-green algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Slow: Two pound catfish are being caught on cutbait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills can be caught drifting along the dam. Tipping jigs with crawler seems to help.

Littlefield Lake

A few bluegills and crappie are being picked up drifting. Littlefield has a good channel catfish population. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish can be caught in the corners of the dam and on the north shore using liver. Fish average two pounds. Bluegill - Slow: Drift with small black jigs tipped with night crawler or power bait to catch 7 to 8 fish. Crappie - Fair: Late afternoon has been a good time to catch 10-inch crappie drifting white twister tails.

Lake Anita

Largemouth bass fishing was fair this week. Crappies and bluegills are being caught vertically jigging over the road beds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught vertically jigging small jigs tipped with worms or power bait. Fish are around road beds and other submerged structure. Fish are 8 to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are reported to be caught close to shore and around aquatic vegetation casting spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting with jigs in both arms of the lake. Vertically jigging along submerged road beds with minnows has also been good. Mornings and late evening hours are best.

Willow Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good. A few channel catfish were also caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cutbait and liver were reported to catch catfish close to shore around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing has been good in the upper end using spinners and plugs.

Viking Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good. Crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught around underwater reefs and rock fields using cutbait. Many fish are 2 to 4 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting the shoreline with spinnerbaits and slow trolling crankbaits. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Fair: Crappies range in size from 7 to 10 inches and are being caught drifting tube jigs and vertical jigging tree piles.

DeSoto Bend

The middle boat ramp is the only place to launch a boat at Desoto Bend. Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good. Anglers are drifting shallow flats w/ blood bait and catching channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish liver or blood bait on the shallow flats. Most anglers are drifting these baits along the bottom. Fish will average two pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes are being caught casting plastic baits to shore.

Lake Manawa

Crappie fishing has picked up around the docks. Catfishing is also good. Channel Catfish - Good: The south and west side of the lake has been good for catfish this week using liver. Fish up to 5 pounds are being caught. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught around the docks with minnows.

East Nishnabotna

Flows are low enough to access the fishing in the river by wading. Try drifting crawdads around structure and the outside river bends. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught with crawdads and liver in the deeper holes.

Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Crawdads are a good bet for summer catfishing on the river. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Try fishing a small piece of worm and a lead head jig through the holes.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are in their summer pattern and can be caught along weed edges and suspended in the water column. Largemouth bass are aggressive and easily caught this time of year. Remember to always get permission before fishing private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish can be caught in 4 to 6 feet of water with dip bait or liver. Bluegill - Fair: Cast small jigs close to weed edges or drift open water to catch bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Casting small spinners and jigs around structure and along vegetation has been good for bass. Crappie - Fair: Fish minnows and small jigs around structure to catch crappies.

Suspended Bluegill and crappie fishing has slowed a bit but can still be caught vertical jigging in 6 to 12 feet of water. Channel catfishing has been good in the interior rivers. For more information on lakes in the southwest district call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are having success on various baits such as: worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads continue to bite on various live bait and cut bait. Anglers have had the best success on chubs, goldfish, and sunfish near deep water habitat, wing dikes, revetments, and incoming rivers and streams. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been reported.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Anglers continue to have success on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are biting on live bait and cut bait. Try live baits, such as chubs and sunfish, around deep holes near wing dykes, logs, and incoming rivers and streams. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been reported. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are catching drum on worms.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to have success catching channel catfish on various baits such as dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Try in the deeper slack water areas below wing dikes and drift piles. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead fishing continues to be good in and near deeper slack water holes, near logs, incoming rivers and streams, and rocky habitat. Flatheads bite best on live baits such as chubs, bullheads, and sunfish. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are catching drum on worms.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Neb., is 19.31feet/24,100CFS. The Missouri River is down 2.14 feet from last week. Water temperature is 75 degrees.