Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/15/13 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 - 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 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.

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.

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.

Lower Pine Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Some very nice channel catfish from Lower Pine Lake on liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair:

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 - Good: 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 in the evening and early morning.

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. Best fishing is 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. 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 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

Most anglers are fishing the deeper dredged water to catch fish. 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 some catfish off the jetty. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills still biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: Remember the 15-inch minimum length limit.

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. Channel Catfish - Good:

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. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish should be biting well. Try whatever you have available: worms, cutbait, stinkbait, live bait. Some of the best action can be had by throwing a slip sinker rig right in front of a snag/logjam and waiting for a bite. Smallmouth Bass - Good:

Winnebago River

Anglers are catching pike, smallmouth bass, and catfish on artificial lures on the Winnebago from Mason City to Rockford. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are catching their limits on artificial lures. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish should be biting well. Try whatever you have available: worms, cutbait, stinkbait, live bait. Some of the best action can be had by throwing a slip sinker rig right in front of a snag/logjam and waiting for a bite. Smallmouth Bass - Good:

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 anglers have 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.

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

Channel Catfish - Fair: Cooler water has slowed catfish activity. Try a hook and worm set near the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Try in the shallow flats. Use 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 using a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Water is cloudy due to rain over the weekend. Lake levels are up about one foot. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try night crawlers or stink baits under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Bluegill - No Report: Try a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using spinnerbaits. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappies in the old river channel or deeper water using small jigs tipped with a minnow.

Lake Meyer

There is a greenish tint to the water but little submersed vegetation at this time. Fish seem to be biting better in the evening and closer to dark. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Try near submersed trees. Use a worm or cut bait fished on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills using a piece of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching bass from shore by casting and retrieving a hook tipped with a big chunk of nightcrawler, or by using brightly colored jigs. 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 - Slow: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail with some success. Crankbaits have also been working. 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 small hair jigs and crankbaits are doing the best. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a jig tipped with a dark colored 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)

Dirty water from rain in the upper watershed has made its way throughout the system. Clarity should start to improve. Anglers are finding fish in the shallower water. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a jig tipped a worm with success. Also try a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Good: Try along cut banks or around woody debris.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

River levels have come up a bit and clarity has decreased with the three inch rain last weekend. Water is clearing slowly. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are beginning to take stink baits but will take chicken livers and dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Smallies, 14 inches plus, are common. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles. Walleye - Slow: 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 more on water levels, 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.

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 prepared stink baits, cutbaits, and nightcrawlers. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good: Anglers have been catching some larger walleye fishing crankbaits.

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 the other area rivers over recent weeks, but fishing action has started to pick up. 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 providing excellent fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye. A light jig tipped with a nightcrawler is a good option now because it will catch all three 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. 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 feet and is expected to hold steady at 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 are 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 13.4 feet and falling slightly over the next week. Boaters should use caution launching in the lower water to avoid backing off the end of ramps. Bluegill fishing has been good at the roadside fishing access areas near Harpers Ferry, and the fishing piers at Marquette and Bussey Lake. 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 5.3 feet currently 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

The Upper Mississippi is back to normal summer levels and is 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 on the river. All boat ramps are open. Water temperature is in the upper 70s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 5.0 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is at 7.6 feet. Water levels are steady 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, but make sure to move often if you do not get bites within the first 15 minutes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Many crappie and bluegill anglers are reporting catching flatheads, especially when fishing along rock piles. The flatheads are generally in the smaller size range of the species but can be quite good to eat. Bluegill - Excellent: 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, mostly on minnow imitation lures but some by bluegill anglers using worms. Crappie - Good: Small crappies have moved into brush piles. 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 5.0 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 bluegill anglers. 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. 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 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 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 5.0 feet and steady. Water clarity is quite good but a green algae hatch has made water cloudy in some locations. The water temperatures is 72 degrees. Conditions are good at most all boat ramps so get out and enjoy the great fishing. Channel Catfish - Good: If you are going after catfish anchor and fish above brush piles and let the stink bait ooze into the hole. Bluegill - Excellent: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Lots of rock bass also being caught when bluegill fishing. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially by Clinton. 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 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 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 are low. The river dropped about one foot from last week. 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 72 degrees and water clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 4.76 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Fair: 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 3.54 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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 3.94 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. White Bass - Good: Some white bass are being caught by the dam and on the wing dams. Try casting crankbaits or in-line spinners. Typically the bite is best early in the morning or right before dark.

Mississippi River Pool 19

River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.75 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: Fish brush piles and snags in the side channels with jigs and minnows. Most crappie fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds. Walleye - Slow: 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: River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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. Burris ditch is very shallow right now. Channel Catfish - Good: Look to the button bush thickets to find 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 Belva Deer

Bluegill - Fair: Work off the edges of the underwater mounds in the lake. The fish are down about 10 feet. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are finding crappies in the same places as the bluegills.

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 - Good: They're down about 3 to 4 feet. You'll have to move around to find them so I would recommend drift/ trolling for them. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are now hitting on plastic worms. White spinner baits continue to work very well. Crappie - Fair: Work the brush piles along the dam using minnows. The depth of the fish varies from day to day.

Railroad Lake

The use of live minnows is not permitted on Railroad Lake. Channel Catfish - Good: 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 - Fair: 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 has been dropping slowly; some of the riffles are too shallow to boat through now even with the smaller Jon boats. Water temp remains in the low 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish continue to bite. Work the brush piles and below the rock riffles.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Water levels are dropping slowly some of the bigger sand bars are really sticking out. 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 - 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 rock and wood. Crappie - Fair: Look for main lake lay downs to hold crappies. Walleye - Slow: Fish are being caught by trolling flats or rock reefs. Water temperature is about 80 degrees and the water has quite a bit of color to it. 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Drifting and trolling cut bait has been producing fish. Crappie - Fair: Try casting jigs to steeper banks or submerged brush piles with jigs.

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

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

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use a chunk of nightcrawler on a bare hook and put a bobber about 8-12 inches above the bait. Try near the shoreline, around the fishing jetties or along the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms around the stake beds. Try spinnerbaits in 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 top-water baits in the mornings and evening. Use plastic worms and spinnerbaits along the edges of the aquatic vegetation.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 908.35 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 77 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken liver and prepared stink bait around areas with rocky shorelines. Also try areas such as coves and bays that have some water running into them. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing remains slow but has improved as the lake gets closer to normal pool. The best baits to use have been crankbaits that mimic gizzard shad around the submerged points and rock reefs. Look for areas where there is a change in depth from deeper to shallower water. 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 in Rock Creek 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.

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 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 Red Rock Reservoir continues to be 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: Vertically jigging with minnows around cedar tree piles has been good for 8 to 10-inch crappies. Early morning has been the best.

Meadow Lake

Fish the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Fair: Vertically jig cedar trees 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 round brush piles 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 remains 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 of the lake using spinners and plugs. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Redear sunfish are being caught using night crawlers under a bobber. Redears can reach sizes of 10 plus inches.

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 are 2 to 4 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: 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 vertically 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 using liver. Fish up to five 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 - Fair: 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.

Bluegill and crappie fishing has been spotty in southwest Iowa. Channel catfishing has been good in the interior rivers. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587

Lake Icaria

The water clarity is fairly good and temperatures are in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills can be caught from the fish mounds. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are hanging around the fish mounds and the edges of the tree piles.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water level is near full and the lake is easily accessible. Channel Catfish - Fair: A lot of mid-sized channel catfish are being caught from shoreline areas. Small liver chunks and stink baits are working the best.

Green Valley Lake

The water levels are normal. Some algae is present but not excessive. The water temperature is in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught from the edges of the rooted vegetation and fish mounds. Crappie - Fair: The crappies are on the fish mounds and the stake beds.

Summitt Lake

The lake has refilled and the fishery has been restocked.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is near normal. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are biting on liver and stink baits. Yellow Bass - Fair: A lot of small yellow bass are being caught on small crawlers or jigs. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Anglers are catching a few wipers on small liver chunks on the bottom or suspended just off the bottom.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water quality is fair and temps are in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Good: Some nice bluegills are being caught from the edges of the rooted vegetation. Small jigs and small crawlers seem to be working the best. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies can be caught from the edges of the vegetation and the fish mounds. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes have been caught from the steep shoreline areas and deeper rocky areas.

Water levels are near normal. Some green algae is appearing but usually not severe.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing continues to be good for channel catfish. Anglers are having success on various baits such as: worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads continue to bite on 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 - 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 bait and cut bait. Try using 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.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to have success catching channel catfish dip baits, worms and cutbait. Try 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.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 19.6 feet/25,000 CFS. The Missouri River has risen slightly from last week. Water temperature is 73 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/22/13 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.

Brushy Creek Lake

Water clarity has improved. Bluegill fishing is decent in 15 to 20 feet of water. Walleye and crappie fishing have slowed down.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers drift fishing with night crawlers have been doing good. White Bass - Fair: White bass can be caught pulling plugs, crankbaits, or casting white twisters. Walleye - Slow: Pulling plugs or shad raps continue to be the best producers. 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 using night crawlers, stink bait, cut bait, etc.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately 3 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

Anglers are catching catfish using shrimp at night.

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 jetty's with minnows.

Lower Pine Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Some very nice channel catfish from Lower Pine Lake on liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair:

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 - Good: 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 largemouths are being caught in the evening and early morning.

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 - Good: Catfish are biting near the grade, on some of the 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: Anglers are catching a few walleyes trolling or drifting along the north shore, from the state dock area to the east. Muskellunge - Good: Anglers have had action near the state reef, near the bulrush by the Baptist camp, and near the Ventura jetties. Good reports of catches this past week. Sounds like some of them are being caught around the docks. 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 size. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are near the rocks by the harbor and other rocky shorelines. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are around 8 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are 7-7.25 inches

Crystal Lake

Most anglers are fishing the deeper dredged water to catch fish. 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 some catfish off the jetty. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills still biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: Please 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. Channel Catfish - Good:

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. Channel catfish should be biting well. Try whatever you have available: worms, cutbait, stinkbait, live bait. Some of the best action can be had by throwing a slip sinker rig right in front of a snag/logjam and waiting for a bite.

Winnebago River

Anglers are catching pike, smallmouth bass, and catfish on artificial lures on the Winnebago from Mason City to Rockford. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are catching their limits on artificial lures. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish should be biting well. Try whatever you have available: worms, cutbait, stinkbait, live bait. Some of the best action can be had by throwing a slip sinker rig right in front of a snag/logjam and waiting for a bite. Smallmouth Bass - Good:

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: Fish seem to be scattered try weeds, rocks, and out in the basin some days are better than others. Shore anglers 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

A few have been venturing out in search of walleyes and are finding a few trolling spinners. A few white bass are also being found on the outside of the docks.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

The water is low and 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

There is a green algae bloom on the lake making the water a bit turbid. 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 - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

The lake is looking good this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try night crawlers or stink baits fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Try a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been catching crappies in the old river channel or deeper water in the lake or off the jetties using small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

A green algae bloom is occurring. Fish seem to be biting better in the evening and closer to dark. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Fish near submersed trees with a worm or cut bait on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills mixed with a nice one every so often using a piece of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: From shore, toss a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler. 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 - Slow: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Use jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail. Crankbaits have also been working. Walleye - Good: Use 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 - Excellent: Use jigs tipped with a twister tail or worm. Worms seem to be more successful this week. Walleye - Good: Use a hair jig 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)

Anglers are finding fish around downfalls and other structure in the water. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped a worm or try a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Good: Try along cut banks or around woody debris.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Concentrate efforts around downfalls and deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth bass are hitting light colored jigs. Walleye - Excellent: Anglers have been successful using light colored jigs.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Channel Catfish - Fair: 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 - Slow: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles. Walleye - Slow: Walleye activity has slowed some this week. 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 are in excellent condition right now. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 7.9 feet and is expected to hold steady over the next week. Heytman's landing at the lower end of pool 9 remains 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 good along current breaks on rocky shorelines and wing dams particularly towards evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active on rock and snags along main channel shorelines and next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams has been good. Try a three-way with a floating jig head and half a crawler. 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 12.7 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Boaters should use caution launching in the lower water to avoid backing off the end of ramps. 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 good along current breaks on rocky shorelines and wing dams particularly towards evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active on rock and snags along main channel shorelines and next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams has been good. Try using a three-way with a floating jig head and half a crawler. 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 4.3 feet and is expected to remain stable over the next week. 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 good along current breaks on rocky shorelines and wing dams particularly towards evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active on rock and snags along main channel shorelines and next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams has been good. Try using a three-way with a floating jig head and half a crawler. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats.

Water levels on the Upper Mississippi remain low and stable and are expected stay that way over the next week. Good fishing on the river continues particularly on wing dams and structure n running sloughs. Water temperature has climbed into the lower 80s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 4.6 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is 7.3 feet. Water levels are steady and water clarity is good. Water temperature is around 74 degrees. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. 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 within the first 15 minutes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Many crappie and bluegill anglers report catching flathead especially when fishing along rock piles. The flatheads are generally smaller for the species, but can be quite good to eat. Bluegill - Excellent: 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 - Good: 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 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 4.3 feet. Water is clear and water temperature is around 74 degrees. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. 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 catfish out. 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 4.4 feet and steady. Water clarity is quite good. The water temperatures is 75 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. 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: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Lots of rock bass also being reported caught when bluegill fishing on Pool 14. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially up by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Small largemouth bass are being caught seemingly everywhere on Pool 14. The size is mainly under the legal 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 4.3 feet and steady. Channel Catfish - Good: Several folks reported fishing for channel catfish mostly using worms but some also trying cut bait. Either way they also caught a few drum as well. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught off of docks and in the marina mouths. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallies were also reported by anglers mainly fishing for bass. Try crankbaits for bigger smallmouth bass. Imitation crayfish cranks can be quite effective. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching many sub-legal largemouth bass this week 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 are low. Water temperature is at 74 degrees and clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 4.08 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 3.24 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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 3.47 feet. The Toolesboro road and boat ramp are now open. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try for channel catfish by anchoring above snag piles and wing dams in the main channel or side channels and use nightcrawlers, stinkbait or cut shad for bait. White Bass - Good: Some white bass are being caught up by the dam and on the wing dams. Try casting crankbaits or in-line spinners. Typically the bite is best early in the morning or right before dark.

Mississippi River Pool 19

River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.42 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 brush piles and snags in the side channels with jigs and minnows. Most crappie fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds. Walleye - Slow: 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: River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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

Both the outlet and inlets are open for flow through from and to the river. Water levels are down to summer levels. 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 - Fair: Good numbers of crappies can be found around the tree falls and the beaver lodges.

Lake Belva Deer

Bluegill - Fair: Work off the edges of the underwater mounds in the lake. The fish are down about 10 feet. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are finding crappies in the same places as the bluegills.

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 - Good: Catfishing has cooled off some. The popular baits remain chicken liver and stinkbait. Bluegill - Good: They're down about 3 to 4 feet. You'll have to move around to find them; try drifting/ trolling. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting on plastic worms. White spinner baits continue to work very well. While the bite has been more sporadic lately, some nice sized bass have been caught. Crappie - Fair: Work the brush piles along the dam using minnows. The depth of the fish varies from day to day.

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 - Fair: Bluegill fishing has slowed down some, still focus your efforts along 110th and along the North shore in the stump field. Crappie - Fair: 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 continues to drop; few boats are getting very far on the river. Water temperature is starting to go back up with the hot weather. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish continue to bite. Work the brush piles and below the rock riffles.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Water levels are dropping slowly some of the bigger sand bars are really sticking out now. 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.

Lake Wapello

Largemouth bass anglers should try rubber worms fished among the lily pads. They should also target areas with rip-rapped shorelines and use crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Use chicken liver or stinkbait for channel catfish.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Try areas near the shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Use a chunk of nightcrawler on a small jig and cast into these areas. Add a bobber if needed. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms around the stake beds and along the submerged structure along the shoreline. Try spinnerbaits in areas around the rock jetties.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Fair: Look for open areas among the aquatic vegetation and use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler in those areas. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try top water baits in the mornings and evening. Fish among the aquatic vegetation using plastic worms and jigs. Try spinnerbaits along the edges of the aquatic vegetation and along rocky shorelines.

Rathbun Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Fair: Start in coves and bays that have some water running into them. Try chicken liver and cutbait. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has been improving as the lake gets closer to normal pool. Look for areas where there is a change in depth like rock reefs and submerged points. Try trolling crankbaits in these areas. The current lake level is 908.02 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. Water temperature is 74 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 please 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 the 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.

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 - Excellent: Drift fishing cut creek chubs or dead shad on the upper portion of the lake will produce some fun catfishing with good chances at fish over 5 pounds. White Bass - Good: Saylorville white bass fishing has picked up from what it was in July. Anglers have been able to get on more aggressive schools of feeding fish, especially along the west shore. 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 small lipless crankbaits or spoons that closely resemble small shad.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

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

The best August fishing in central Iowa is the white bass and catfishing on Red Rock and Saylorville reservoirs. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Lake Icaria

The water clarity is fairly good and temperatures are in the low 70s. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills can be caught from the sides of the fish mounds. Crappie - Fair: The crappies are hanging around the fish mounds and the edges of the tree piles. Small white jigs work well. Walleye - Fair: Trolling small white jigs in the open areas or casting them on the edges of the fish mounds is producing a few mid-sized walleyes.

Little River Watershed Lake

The water level is near full and the lake is easily accessible. Channel Catfish - Fair: A lot of mid-sized channel catfish are being caught from shoreline areas. Small liver chunks and stink baits are working the best.

Green Valley Lake

The water levels are normal. Some algae is present but not excessive in the wind blown areas. The water temps are in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught from the edges of the rooted vegetation or the sides of the fish mounds. Crappie - Fair: The crappies are on the fish mounds and the stake beds.

Summitt Lake

The lake has refilled and the fishery has been restocked. Boat access is easy.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is near normal. A little algae is present. Channel Catfish - Fair: The channel catfish are biting on liver and stink bait. Crappie - Slow: Some of the flooded trees are holding schools of crappies. Jigging small white jigs seems to be the best method. Yellow Bass - Fair: A lot of small yellow bass are being caught on small crawlers or jigs. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: A few anglers are catching wipers on small liver chunks on the bottom or suspended just off the bottom.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water quality is fair and temps are in the mid 70s. Some areas have some green algae but the windy areas remain satisfactory. Bluegill - Good: Some nice bluegills are being caught from the edges of the rooted vegetation. Small jigs and small crawlers seem to be working the best. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies can be caught from the edges of the vegetation and the fish mounds.

Some green algae is appearing. The windy areas remain good.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing continues to be good for channel catfish. 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.

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 bait and cut bait. Try live baits such as chubs and sunfish around deep holes near wing dykes, logs, and incoming rivers and streams.

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.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Neb., is 20.5 feet/28,000 CFS. The Missouri River has risen slightly from last week. Water temperature is 77 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 8/29/13 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

Brushy Creek Lake

Water clarity has improved at Brushy Creek. Bluegill fishing is decent in 15 to 20 feet of water. Walleye and crappie fishing have slowed down.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Fishing remains the same as last week at Storm. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers drift fishing with night crawlers have been doing well. White Bass - Fair: White bass can be caught pulling plugs, crankbaits, or casting white twisters. Walleye - Slow: Pulling plugs or shad raps continue to be the best producers. 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

Anglers are catching catfish using shrimp at night.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Look for deep holes in the river and anglers should find catfish and they are biting good. Use night crawlers, stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver, or shrimp.

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

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: Fish seem to be scattered try weeds, rocks, and out in the basin some days are better than others. Shore fishermen have also been catching a few slots.

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

A few anglers are finding a few walleyes trolling spinners. A few white bass are also being found on the outside of the docks.

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

There is a green algae bloom on the lake reducing visibility. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish activity should increase with warmer temperatures. Try a worm or stinkbait near the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Fish should be hanging around brush piles. 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 using a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

The lake is looking good this week. Water temperature is around 80 degrees. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try using night crawlers or stink baits fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been difficult to catch but nice ones will take bait. Try using a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics casting from shore. Crappie - Excellent: Anglers have been catching crappies in a variety of locations using small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

Water clarity is about 1 to 1.5 feet. Fish seem to be biting better in the evening and closer to dark. Few people have been out in the heat. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Fish near submersed trees with a worm or cut bait on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Try a piece of worm under a bobber around brush piles, off the jetty and dock. Anglers have been catching a few keepers every now and then. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass from shore by tossing a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler. 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 - Slow: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail with some success. Crankbaits have also been working. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having luck using dark colored jigs or a hook tipped with a worm or twister tails. Spinner baits have also been working.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Folks paddling the Upper Iowa River have been pleased with the river after flooding earlier this spring. Even though it changed in places, many holes were cleaned out and exposed gravel and cobble bottom have been producing nice fish. Sucker - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a twistertail or worm. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success with hair jigs, jigs tipped with long piece of worm, white spinner baits and smaller crankbaits.

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)

Anglers are finding fish around downfalls and other structure in the water. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a jig tipped a worm with success. Also try a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Good: Try along cut banks or around woody debris.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Concentrate efforts around downfalls and deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth bass are hitting light colored jigs or jigs tipped with nightcrawlers. Walleye - Excellent: Anglers have been successful using light colored jigs.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels and clarity is in prime condition for fishing. Few anglers are braving the hot weather but there are plenty of fish to be had. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are taking stink baits and dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Smallies 14 inches plus are common. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles. Walleye - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a long nightcrawler or a twistertail.

Decorah District Streams

Sub-surface nymphs, wet flies and small streamers continue to be the most effective fly fishing patterns after the June floods. Terrestrials such as hoppers, crickets and ants have been good afternoon choices. There have recently been modest morning trico (#24) and evening Blue Wing Olive (#18-#20) hatches that have responded well to small dries on light tippet.

Area rivers are in good condition. Water levels are stable, at typical summer levels and clarity is excellent. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. Sounds like temperatures are going to be hot through Sunday with a cool front coming in later Sunday into Monday. Have a great holiday weekend. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

George Wyth Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Slow:

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition and fish are actively feeding on prepared baits, spinners, jigs, and flies. Consider fishing late evenings for dry fly action and grasshopper patterns provide a good option for aggressive fish throughout the day during this time of year. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar is still providing a good mixed-bag this week, but catch rates have slowed with the recent heat wave. Consider early morning or late evening for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and walleye. A jig and nightcrawler is providing the best overall action. Sucker - Fair: Channel Catfish - Good: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Channel Catfish - Good: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Sucker - Fair: Channel Catfish - Good: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Hot weather and low flows have slowed fishing on area lakes and rivers. Fishing is still fair to good and it is likely that the bite will heat-up as the weather cools. Nightcrawlers are still the best overall bait at this time of year and it will remain that way until water temperatures drop. Consider a trip to a trout stream in northeast Iowa - trout streams are a great place to escape the summer heat and provide consistent fishing through late summer and fall. For more information, contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 7.9 feet and is expected to hold steady over the next week. Heytman's landing at the lower end of pool 9 remains 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 good along current breaks on rocky shorelines and wing dams particularly towards evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active on rock and snags along main channel shorelines and next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams has been good. Try a three-way with a floating jig head and half a crawler. 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 12.7 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Boaters should use caution launching in the lower water to avoid backing off the end of ramps. 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 good along current breaks on rocky shorelines and wing dams particularly towards evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active on rock and snags along main channel shorelines and next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams has been good. Try using a three-way with a floating jig head and half a crawler. 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 4.3 feet currently and is expected to remain stable at that level over the next week. 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 good along current breaks on rocky shorelines and wing dams particularly towards evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass active on rock and snags along main channel shorelines and next to wing dams. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing on wing dams has been good. Try using a three-way with a floating jig head and half a crawler. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats

Water levels on the Upper Mississippi remain low and stable and are expected stay that way over the next week. Good fishing on the river continues particularly on wing dams and structure in running sloughs. Water temperature is 77 degrees.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 4.7 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is at 7.4 feet. Water levels are steady and water clarity is good. Water temperature is around 82 degrees. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. 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 within the first 15 minutes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Many crappie and bluegill anglers are also reporting catching flathead especially when fishing along rock piles. Flatheads are in the smaller range of the species but can be quite good to eat. Bluegill - Excellent: 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 caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Crappie - Good: 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 are up to 13 inches but finding concentrations is difficult. Walleye - Good: 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. Crankbaits on wing dams has also been effective. 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 4.1 feet. Water is clear and water temperature has warmed to 82 degrees. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. 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. Fish 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 4.2 feet and steady. Water clarity is quite good. The water temperatures is at 82 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. 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: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Lots of rock bass also being reported caught when bluegill fishing on Pool 14. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially up by Clinton. 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. Crappie - Fair: Cattail slough around the brush piles is producing some nice crappies. 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 4.4 feet and steady. Water temperature is near 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught using worms but some also trying cut bait. Either way they also caught a few drum as well. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught off of docks and in the marina mouths. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallies were also reported by anglers mainly fishing for bass. Try crankbaits for bigger smallmouth bass. Imitation crayfish cranks can be quite effective. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers reported catching many sub-legal largemouth bass. 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 are low. Water temperature has again warmed to 82 degrees and water clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 3.96 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Fishing is being reported as slow due to the recent hot weather. Channel Catfish - No Report: Look for channel catfish in snag piles along the main channel and side channels fishing with stink bait or cut shad on the bottom. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in brush piles and snags along flowing side channels and along the main channel. Try vertical jigging with minnows or plastic tubes. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Try using three-way rigs tipped with a half a night crawler or casting crankbaits over the wing dam. With the low water conditions look for walleyes on the outer portions of the wing dams where there is more current.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 3.15 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try for channel catfish by anchoring above brush piles and snags along the main channel and flowing side channels with stinkbait or cut shad fished on the bottom. Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in brush piles and snags along the main channel and flowing side channels. Try vertical jigging with minnows or plastic tubes. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes 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. With the low water conditions look for walleyes towards the ends on the wing dams where there is more current.

Mississippi River Pool 18

River stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 3.31 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. 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. White Bass - No Report: Look for white bass by the dam and on the wing dams and cast crankbaits or in-line spinners. Typically the bite is best early in the morning or right before dark. Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in brush piles and snags along the main channel and flowing side channels. Try vertical jigging in the brush with minnows or plastic tubes.

Mississippi River Pool 19

River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.34 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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 fishing brush piles and snags along flowing side channels. Try vertical jigging with minnows or plastic tubes. Walleye - Slow: 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: River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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

Not very many anglers out on Odessa, it's just too hot. Both the outlet and inlets are open for flow through from and to the river. Water levels are down to summer levels. Channel Catfish - Fair: Work around the tree falls in the Sand Run area and similar areas to find the catfish. Crappie - Fair: Good numbers of crappies can be found around the tree falls and the beaver lodges.

Lake Belva Deer

Low angler numbers because of the heat. Bluegill - Fair: Work off the edges of the underwater mounds in the lake. The fish are down about 10 feet. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are finding crappies in the same places as the bluegills.

Pollmiller Park Lake

The hot weather is keeping most of the anglers away. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers using wax worms to catch bluegills are also catching some really nice catfish; a couple of them have been more than 20 inches long. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers that are coming out either early or late are catching some nice bluegills down about five feet using wax worms.

Lake of the Hills

The hot weather has reduced the number of anglers out on the water during the day. 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 - Fair: Unlike the air temps, catfishing has cooled off some. Popular baits remain chicken liver and stinkbait. Bluegill - Good: They're down about 3 to 4 feet. Move around to find fish, so drifting/ trolling is recommended. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are now hitting on plastic worms. Go deep after the early morning shallow water bite is over. Crappie - Fair: Work the brush piles along the dam using minnows.

The depth of the fish varies from day to day.

Railroad Lake

Hot weather is keeping angler numbers down. 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 - Fair: Bluegill fishing has slowed down some; still focus your efforts along 110th and along the north shore in the stump field. Crappie - Fair: Anglers working the flooded timber and old creek channel on the South side have been catching some crappies.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

Most anglers are now shore bound although as hot as it is a little wet wading sounds good. Be careful. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish continue to bite. Work the brush piles and below the rock riffles.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

Water levels are dropping slowly some of the bigger sand bars are really sticking out now. Channel Catfish - Good: The go to baits remain frogs, chubs and crawdads. Work the brush piles and the drop-offs at the edges of the sandbars. Obviously predawn and post sunset are the best times to fish.

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

Diamond Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair:

Otter Creek Lake

Remember, largemouth bass must be at least 15 inches to keep. Channel Catfish - Good: Evenings have been best. Try stinkbait, livers, or frogs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Bass - Good: Try fishing shorelines in the mornings with small spinners.

Coralville Reservoir

The Reservoir is at normal summer pool. Channel Catfish - Fair: Drifting or slow trolling cut bait is still producing a few fish. Crappie - Fair: Fish brush piles or steeper rock banks with a jig.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Flathead Catfish - Good:

Cedar Lake

Crappie - Fair:

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

Lake Wapello

Largemouth bass anglers should try rubber worms fished among the lily pads and spinnerbaits fished around the rock jetties and the dam. Use stinkbait for channel catfish off the fishing pier.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use a chunk of nightcrawler on a small jig around the fishing jetties. Try a slip bobber above and chunk of nightcrawler in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms around the stake beds. Try spinnerbaits around the submerged structures.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Slow: Anglers have been having some success in 8-10 feet of water using small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try top water baits in the mornings and evening. Try spinnerbaits along drop-offs and rocky shorelines.

Rathbun Reservoir

Crappie - Slow: Look for brush piles in 10-15 feet of water and use minnows around these areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has improved as the lake gets closer to normal pool. Anglers have been trolling with crankbaits around rock reefs and submerged points. Some anglers have been using jigs and minnows and casting around areas with submerged structure. The current lake level is 906.69 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 please 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.

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.

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 - Excellent: Drift fishing cut creek chubs or dead shad on the upper portion of the lake will produce some fun catfishing with good chances at fish over 5 pounds. White Bass - Good: Saylorville white bass fishing has picked up from what it was in July. Anglers have been able to get on more aggressive schools of feeding fish, especially along the west shore. 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 small lipless crankbaits or spoons that closely resemble small shad.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

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

The best August fishing in central Iowa is the white bass and catfishing on Red Rock and Saylorville Reservoirs. 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: Try fishing shrimp or chicken liver around the jetties to catch fish in the two pound range. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught drifting small jigs. Fish are 7 to 8 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught in the cedar tree piles using plastics. Many fish are in the 12 to 15-inch range.

Littlefield Lake

A few bluegills and crappie are being picked up drifting. Littlefield has a good channel catfish population. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish in the two pound range are being caught with liver in the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler to catch bluegill. Early morning has been the best time of the day. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught drifting a white twister tail. Fish are 10 inches.

Lake Anita

Largemouth bass fishing has been good. Crappies and bluegills are being caught drifting in 14 to 18 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler of Powerbait to catch 8 to 9-inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught throwing crankbaits and plastics along vegetation edges and along road beds. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught drifting jigs or vertical jigging in 8 to 10 feet of water. Blue seems to be the preferred color.

Willow Lake

Largemouth bass fishing remains good at Willow. A few channel catfish were also caught. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught around structure with plastic worms Texas rigged. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Red ears are being caught with night crawlers under a bobber. Fish are 9 to 12 inches.

Viking Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good at Viking. The crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish with cut bait around rock fields and underwater reefs. Fish are 2 to 4 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are being caught slow trolling crankbaits. Plastic baits are also working around cedar tree piles. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught using minnows under a bobber in the tree piles. Fish are 7 to 10 inches.

Lake Manawa

Crappies are being caught around the docks. Catfishing is also good. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on the south and west side of the lake using liver. Crappie - Good: Float a minnow under a bobber around docks to catch 9 to 10-inch crappie.

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 - Fair: Catfish can be caught in 4 to 6 feet of water using prepared baits, liver or cut bait. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can be caught suspending worms or small jigs in 4 to 8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught with a variety of baits and lures this time of the year. Cast along vegetation edges and around structure to catch bass. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber around structure.

Bluegill and crappie fishing has picked up in south Iowa. Water temperature has warmed up to 80 degrees. For more information on lakes in the call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The water clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: The deeper sides of the fish mounds are producing some bluegills by casting small jigs or suspending crawlers. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are hanging around the tree piles and the sides of the deeper fish mounds.

Little River Watershed Lake

The water level is near full and the lake is easily accessible. Water clarity is very good. Channel Catfish - Fair: A lot of mid-sized channel catfish are being caught from shoreline areas. Small liver chunks and stink baits are working the best.

Green Valley Lake

The water levels are near normal. Some algae is present in the wind blown areas. The water temps are in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught from the deeper sides of the fish mounds or deeper tree piles.

Summitt Lake

The lake has refilled and the fishery has been restocked. Boat access is easy.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is near normal. Some algae is present. Channel Catfish - Fair: The channel catfish are biting on liver and stink bait. Crappie - Slow: Jigging small white jigs in the flooded trees is producing some crappies. Yellow Bass - Fair: A lot of small yellow bass are being caught on small crawlers or jigs.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water quality is fair and temps are in the mid 70s. Some areas have green algae but the windy areas remain satisfactory. Bluegill - Good: Some nice bluegills are being caught from 6 to 8 feet of water around the edges of the rooted vegetation or flooded trees. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies can be caught from the sides of the fish mounds.

Water has warmed to the mid to upper 70s.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing continues to be good for channel catfish. Anglers are having success on various baits such as: worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads continue to bite on 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.

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 bait and cut bait. Try using live baits such as chubs and sunfish around deep holes near wing dykes, logs, and incoming rivers and streams.

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.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Neb. is at 21.8 feet/33,000 CFS. The Missouri River has risen 1.3 feet from last week. Water temperature is 80 degrees.