Des Moines River

[Guest]

Recently I say a post about the fishing below Saylorville not what it was like 10 to 15 years ago. We used to go over there constantly between 1986 and 1994 and did very well on walleyes. Not always a lot of big ones but enough to keep you busy and interested. Now that the kids are grown I was thinking about heading over their but was concerned on what I might find. Any thoughts?

[goodyy7]

You will find lots of people....lots....and few fish biting. Lots of carp, lots of shad, and a few eyes or white bass thrown in once in a while if you are lucky. She is just not worth it for me anymore.

goody

[Guest]

Any idea of what happened?
Is it the water levels? or has the DNR cut back on their walleye stockings for other rivers. I am writing from Omaha and was wondering if there are any rivers between here and Des Moines where you can put a boat on and have some decent walleye fishing?
Is the fishing any better down below Red Rock?

[goodyy7]

I believe it is a lot better below Red Rock from the reports I hear, but dont fish it myself so dont have first hand knowledge. I dont know for sure what the reasons for the tougher fishing is below Saylorville, but I have my theories. I think it gets too much pressure and too many fish taken out first of all. I just dont know if hardly any of the people that fish it know what catch and release even means. I also think the the abundance of shad gives the fish that are there ample food supply as it is. I dont know about stocking...havent checked stocking records recently, but that could have something to do with it as well.

As far as other rivers between here and there, I cant help you much. I am really not a river man and never get my boat on the river (just so scared to lose my prop...I am a chicken!). I am sure someone out there can help you though.

goody

[jr712]

I have fished Saylorville on and off since it was impounded. They only good fishing pattern I have seen for walleye's has been during high water years. There were several during the years you mentioned..... '86, 87, 90, 94. We had numerous, 30 - 40 decent fish per boat days during those years. Like you said, nothing big but numbers of 2lb. fish. My best fishing in those years was in the north end, were the higher water had covered young willows and other vegetation that had grown during pervious low water years. Best fishing in the murky water was usually during the middle of the day, in brush only 2-5 ft. deep. pitching bare jigs with half a crawler...even in July and August. Other than provide cover that concentrates fish, I think the high water "blows" some fish out of the Des Moines River well above the lake. The higher water volume also likely spreads out the shad population making them harder to find. I agree with goody, during normal water levels the high shad population really hinders fishing.... same is true on Red Rock I think. Only rivers between you and des moines with eyes are the raccoon and middle coon.... and neither one is boatable in my opinion (canoe, yes).

You might consider Black Hawk at Lake View the last 3 weeks of May for a pretty good bite. Storm Lake from mid May to mid June.

In 3-4 years Icaria should be back in the walleye game after the current renovation and just over an hour from Omaha> It was great fishing in the early - mid 80's. With the incredible fishing pressure today it won't be anything like those days but should still be good.

Unfortunately, living in Omaha is not good if your a walleye fisher. You are within 2.5 hours of Lewis and Clark Res. at Yankton.... by far the best fishery within that time frame from Omaha.... really overlooked by many becuase of the even better lakes and reservoirs in central and eastern S. Dakota.

But if we get a heavy spring rain season and Saylorville raises 20 ft or so...... we could have another one of those good years. There is a ton of vegatation up on that north end.

[Guest]

thanks for all of your thoughts. I thought it had something to do with the water flows.I had thought that maybe with the snow pack northern Iowa had this year that maybe the flows through the dam would be higher. Is the lake that low? Maybe with some good spring rains the lake will come back. I have heard about some good things about Lewis and Clark and may give that a try.

[jr712]

It's not the that the level is that low it is just that the level has not been high... much above normal pool for a lengthy period in several years. If you hear repeated news reports over several weeks or a couple months of flooding in northern Iowa the pool will be getting up to the levels that produces better fishing, in my opinion.

Yes, check out Lewis & Clark. It gets some heavy recreational traffic during summer but if you have fished Saylorville you are accustomed to that. Good Luck. - Jeff

[catfish1]

h2ofwlr; I fish catfish mostly but do some eye fishing once in a while. I'm told on another site that fishing sailorville is best done at night after the rec traffic is off. They were talking most about catfish but eyes can be got at night as will. Maybe some one can try it that is closer and let you all know. I live in minnesota and I mite go there for a catfish gathering in june. I have not made up my mind yet. I will check with some guys that are close to there and see if I can get any eye info for you. Later

Catfish1

[catfish1]

This is what I have learned about the eyes at Sailorville, The population on eyes there are not that great and most are caught by trolling. But the wipers at really great there and many of them are being caught. I know my brother camps there all summer (retired)around the dam and he and another guy caught around a 1000 wipers in a week and put on a big fish fry for the hole camp ground. That is way and for the catfish I'm gong to spend a week down there in June. Later

Catfish1