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.

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.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 9/6/13 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 is decent at Brushy Creek. Anglers are focusing on panfish around submerged trees. Try fishing in 10 to 20 feet of water.

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 the pipeline that runs from the dredge to the east shore.

Swan Lake

Fishing has been slow. Water clarity has been reduced due to algae blooms.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately six inches below crest. Water clarity has been reduced in some areas due to algae blooms. 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. Fishing for other species has been slow.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing has been slow.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Fishing for catfish continues to be good. Look for deep holes and anglers should find catfish and they are biting. 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.

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 - Good: 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 still hitting quite well. Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Use worms, cutbait or stinkbait in the evening or morning. Crappie - Fair: Reports of anglers catching crappies by Dodge's Point. 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: Muskie fishing remains good. People are hooking them by docks, mostly. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are still catching good numbers of yellows out from the state dock area in the middle of the main lake. On strong south wind days, shore anglers can pick up good numbers by the boat harborage and reed edges.

Crystal Lake

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are picking bluegills up in 7-8 feet of water but some deeper, 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 - Slow: Walleyes are around 16-20 inches. Fish deep during the day, then a little shallower in the evening.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the logjams and deeper holes and move often. Use cutbait or stinkbait. Flathead Catfish - Good: A few reports of anglers catching flatheads on dough balls. If you can get a boat or kayak on the river and find some of the deeper holes to spend the night with some live bait, you should have good success.

Winnebago River

Anglers are catching pike, smallmouth bass, and catfish on artificial lures 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: Smallmouth are also hitting well on a variety of artificial baits.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

Water is low and anglers are using kayaks. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are being caught on crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are 3-8 pounds, and can be caught on worms, cutbait, live bait or stinkbait. Some anglers have had good luck using a purple descent crankbait. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth (most are 10-14 inches though some may push the 20-inch mark) hitting gold and black crankbaits.

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: Fishing continues to be slow but a few more fish are starting to come in. Trolling live bait rigs as well as crankbaits early and late in the day seems to be the best. Shore anglers are catching a few.

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: Smallies have been relating more to deeper weed edges and drop offs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Look for weed pockets or weed edges.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

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

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

There is a green algae bloom reducing visibility. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish activity should increase with warmer temperatures. Try a worm or stinkbait set 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 - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or stink baits under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Fish have been active at night. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been difficult to catch but nice ones will take bait. Try a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use crankbaits and soft plastics casting from shore. Crappie - Excellent: Use small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

The lake is looking good but few people have been out. Fish seem to be biting better in the evening and closer to dark. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Use a worm or cut bait fished on the bottom under a bobber near submersed trees. Bluegill - Slow: Try using 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: Toss a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler from shore. 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: Use a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail with some success. Crankbaits have also been working. Walleye - Good: Try 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: Use jigs tipped with long piece of worm or dark twistertails 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 using a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Good: Fish along cut banks or around woody debris.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Fish 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 are in prime condition for fishing this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Catching smallies 14 inches and larger is common. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a long nightcrawler or a twistertail with a little sparkle.

Decorah District Streams

Dry fly action has picked up recently with morning trico hatches (#24), evening Baetis hatches (#18-#24) and excellent daytime terrestrial fishing (#12 Crickets & Hoppers). Nymph, wet fly and small streamer fishing continues to be productive as well. Many northeast Iowa streams are presently running clearly.

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. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Largemouth bass fishing has been good. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, plastics and top-water baits are all excellent choices.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

River levels are excellent for finding fish in deeper pools. Walleye - Fair: Nightcrawler tipped on a light jig is good for walleye.

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. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar provided a good mixed-bag this week, but catch rates have slowed with the recent heat wave. Consider focusing on 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 are an angler’s best option from recent creel reports. Channel Catfish - Good: Stinkbaits or nightcrawlers are a good choice. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Reports are that anglers are catching a few walleye on the Shell Rock. Sucker - Fair: Channel Catfish - Fair: 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.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 7.8 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 - Excellent: Water levels are stable and good for reading wing dams. Trolling with crankbaits or three-way rigs is productive. 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 12.5 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 - Excellent: Water levels are stable and good for reading wing dams. Trolling with crankbaits or three-way rigs is productive. 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 4.2 feet currently 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 - Excellent: Water levels are stable and good for reading wing dams. Trolling with crankbaits or three way rigs is productive. 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 temperatures 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 7.4 feet. Water levels are steady and clarity is good. Water temperature is around 80 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. Try stink bait fished above brush piles, but move often if you do not get bites within the first 15 minutes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Many crappie and bluegill anglers are reporting catching flathead especially when fishing along rock piles. Flatheads are generally in the smaller range of the species but can be quite good to eat. Bluegill - Good: 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 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 crappies. A nice year class of 8-inch fish are also present. 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 - 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. Also crankbaits have been effective fished on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: 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 4.4 feet. Water is clear and water temperature has cooled slightly to 80 degrees. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are 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 and draw the catfish out. Bluegill - Good: Many nice bluegills are being caught throughout the pool again this week on worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Smallmouth Bass - Good: 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. Largemouth bass have been small, but good for kids. 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 is at 4.7 feet and steady. Water clarity is quite good. The water temperatures is 81 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Good: When stink bait fishing for catfish, anchor above brush piles and let the stink bait ooze into the log pile. Bluegill - Good: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been have been caught on worms and bobbers. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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 - Good: Brush piles in Catfish Slough are producing some nice crappies. Walleye - Good: Throw 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 table fare but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.5 feet and steady. Water temperature is near 81 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 reported by anglers mainly fishing for largemouths. Try crankbaits for bigger smallmouth bass. Imitation crayfish cranks can be quite effective. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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 on worms. Boat ramps such as Eagles Landing can be a great spot to catch drum.

The water levels in the district have are low. Beware of logs and submerged rocks throughout the district. Water temperature is 80 degrees and clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 4.33 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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 three-way rigs tipped with a half a 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 3.63 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing 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. Fishing above the wing dams can be good as well. 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. Troll crankbaits or three-way rigs tipped with half a crawler 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 3.37 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish for channel catfish by anchoring above snag piles and wing dams in the main channel or side channels. Use nightcrawlers, stinkbait, or cut shad for bait. White Bass - No Report: Look for white bass by the dam and on the wing dams. 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 1.28 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. Fishing the above the wing dams can be good as well. 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. Main channel water temperature has been around 80 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions about fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Macbride

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

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: Try cut bait around wood in deeper holes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around wood in deeper holes.

Cedar Lake

Crappie - Fair:

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

Lake Wapello

Anglers have been catching bluegills but the majority have been on the small size so some sorting will be needed for larger ones. Largemouth bass anglers should try rubber worms or jigs among the lily pads and spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the rock jetties and the dam. Channel catfish have been biting on stinkbait.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use a chunk of nightcrawler on a small jig around the fishing jetties. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try rubber worms around the stake beds and submerged structures. Try spinnerbaits around the rock jetties and along the dam.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Slow: Anglers have been having some success in 8-10 feet of water using small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits along drop-offs and rip-rapped shorelines. Top water lures can be good in the early mornings.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 906.14 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. Water temperature is 80 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Look for brush piles in 10-12 feet of water and use minnows around these areas. Smaller crankbaits that run 10 feet deep can also produce some crappies. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been trolling around rock reefs and submerged points with crankbaits. Try using jigs and minnows and casting around areas with submerged structure. 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: Bluegills 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 eight 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 five pounds. White Bass - Good: Saylorville white bass fishing continues to be good. Anglers are able to get on 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

Drift for bluegills and crappies suspended mid-lake or around cedar tree piles. Greenfield has a good channel catfish population with many 2 to 3 pound fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing shrimp or chicken liver around the jetties to catch 2 pound fish. 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. Bass are 12 to 15 inches.

Littlefield Lake

A few bluegills and crappies are being picked up drifting. Littlefield has a good channel catfish population. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish in the 2 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. A few channel catfish are being caught along the campground. Channel Catfish - Slow: There were reports of catfish being caught along the campground with liver. 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. 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 been steady. Water temperature is around 80 degrees. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success on various baits such as: worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: 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 - Fair: Fishing has been fair for channel catfish on various baits. Anglers continue to have success on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Flathead Catfish - Fair: 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 - Fair: Anglers continue to have success catching channel catfish on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Try deeper slack water areas below wing dikes and drift piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: 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 22.60 feet/36,100 CFS. The Missouri River has risen 0.8 feet from last week. Water temperature is 79 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 9/12/13 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing has been slow.

Moorehead Park Pond

Fishing has been slow.

Brushy Creek Lake

Water clarity is decent. Anglers are focusing on panfish around the submerged trees. Try fishing in 10 to 20 feet of water. There are lots of bluegills around 9 inches.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Fishing remains the same as last week. Channel Catfish - Good: Drift fishing with night crawlers have been working. 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

Fishing for yellow bass and crappie is starting to pick up. Anglers are focusing their efforts around docks.

Swan Lake

Fishing has been slow. Water clarity has been reduced due to algae blooms.

Black Hawk Lake

The lake is about six inches below crest. Water clarity has been reduced in some areas due to algae blooms. 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 Sonny's stink bait and dead shad. Fishing for other species has been slow.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing has been slow.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Good sized catfish are taking chicken livers and chicken guts. Use a slip sinker and hook and look for the current breaks along high banks preferably or the standard snags. Anglers should really focus on the current breaks.

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

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 - Good: 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 are biting on spinners.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still hitting quite well. Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Try the edges of the reeds and fish in the morning or evening with worms, cutbait or stinkbait. Bluegill - Fair: Target the jetties by Ventura. Dangle a worm right on the edge of the rocks off the tips of the jetty in the evening hours. Crappie - Fair: Reports of anglers catching crappies by Dodge's Point. 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: Muskies are still hitting. People are hooking them mostly by docks. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are still catching good numbers of yellows out from the state dock area in the middle of the main lake. On strong south wind days, shore anglers can pick up good numbers by the boat harborage and reed edges.

Crystal Lake

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 - Slow: Walleyes are around 16-20 inches. Fish deep during the day, then a little shallower during the evening.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the logjams and deeper holes and move often. Fish with cutbait or stinkbait. Flathead Catfish - Good: A few reports of anglers catching flatheads on dough balls. If you can get a boat or kayak on the river and find some of the deeper holes to spend the night with some live bait, you should have good success.

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: Smallmouth are also hitting well on a variety of artificial baits.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

Water is low and anglers are using kayaks. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are also being caught on crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are good size (3-8 pounds) and can be caught on a variety of bait (worms, cutbait, live bait, stinkbait). Some anglers have had good luck using a purpledescent crankbait. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth (most are 10-14 inches though some may push the 20-inch mark) hitting gold and black crankbaits.

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 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: Fishing continues to be slow but a few more fish are starting to come in. Trolling live bait rigs as well as crankbaits early and late in the day seems to be the best. Shore anglers are also catching a few.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers over rock piles.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: 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.

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 reducing visibility. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish activity should increase with warmer temperatures. Use 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 - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

The lake continues to look good. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or stink baits under a bobber along rockier shoreline. Fish have been active at night. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been difficult to catch but nice ones will take bait. Use 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

The lake is looking good but few people have been out. 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 - Slow: Try a piece of worm under a bobber around the brush piles off the jetty and dock. Anglers have been catching a few keepers every now and then. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Toss a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler from shore. 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 - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail or crankbaits. 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 using a variety of tackle including drifting jigs tipped with long piece of worm or dark twistertails 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)

Fish around downfalls and other structure. 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 are in prime condition for fishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are hitting on worms and chicken livers. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Smallies 14 inches and larger 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 with a little sparkle.

Decorah District Streams

Dry fly action has picked up recently with morning trico hatches (#24), evening Baetis hatches (#18-#24) and excellent daytime terrestrial fishing (#12 Crickets and Hoppers). Nymph, wet fly and small streamer fishing continues to be productive as well. Many northeast Iowa streams are presently running clearly.

Fish are becoming more active on area rivers. 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. Get ready to grab your fishing pole as cooler temperatures are headed our way over the weekend. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Plainfield Lake

Anglers have been catching nice sized bluegills. Vegetation is fairly dense in some areas but concentrate along the edges of the cover. Bluegill - Fair: Fish a light jig or piece of crawler under a slip bobber near the vegetation.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

River levels are excellent for finding fish in deeper pools. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Nightcrawler tipped on a light jig is good.

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 of game fish but navigation has become difficult. Consider focusing on early morning or late evening for channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye. Both a jig and nightcrawler or crankbaits have been providing the best overall action. Channel Catfish - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Fishing has been good from recent creel reports. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stinkbaits or nightcrawlers are a good choice. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass but navigation has become difficult with low water levels. Channel Catfish - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

The recent run of hot weather has slowed fishing on area lakes. Interior river fishing has been good but navigation remains difficult due to low water levels. Nightcrawlers are the best overall bait this time of year but artificial baits are also a good selection as water temperatures begin to drop. Trout streams are in excellent shape as fall approaches. For more information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing is 7.8 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 - Excellent: Water levels are stable and good for reading wing dams. Trolling with crankbaits or three-way rigs is productive. 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 12.4 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Construction at Nobels Landing near Harpers Ferry is planned for early next month and the ramp may be closed. Boaters will need to plan ahead to use alternate locations. 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 - Excellent: Water levels are stable and good for reading wing dams. Trolling with crankbaits or three-way rigs is productive. 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 4.0 feet currently 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 - Excellent: Water levels are stable and good for reading wing dams. Trolling with crankbaits or three-way rigs is productive. 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 late summer fishing on the Mississippi has been excellent. A variety of species can be caught on the wing dams and structure in running sloughs. Water is extremely low and boaters should use caution when launching to avoid backing off the end of ramps. Water temperature is in the upper 70s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque has dropped slightly and is now at 4.3 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is 7.0 feet. Water clarity is good. Water temperature is around 80 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. Bluegill - Good: Fish are being caught along rock piles and snags throughout the pool. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Fish close to rock piles and brush 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. Most of these bass are small but fight quite well. Remember the size limit is 14 inches. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Numerous 12-inch largemouths are being reported caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Crappie - Fair: Small crappies have moved into brush pile areas. A bobber and worms or small minnows seems to be catching some 10 to 11-inch crappie. A nice year class of 8-inch type fish are also present. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing seems to be hit and miss. 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 effectively fished on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: 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 level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam has dropped and is now at 3.8 feet. Water is clear and temperature is near 80 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. Bluegill - Good: Many nice bluegills are being caught throughout the pool again this week. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Fish very close to structure (logs and rocks) for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallmouth are being caught along rock piles throughout the pool. Smallmouth concentrate along areas that are rocky and have current. Use jigs or spinners for best results. Anglers are also reporting catching rock bass while smallmouth fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Sub-legal bass are providing good action on spinner baits in Pool 13. Try fishing around rocky points or rip rap areas for best luck. The size of the largemouth bass has been small but good for kids fishing. Crappie - Fair: Small crappie were again 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 level at Fulton is at 4.2 feet and steady. Water clarity is quite good and the temperature is 81 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Good: When stink bait fishing for catfish, anchor above the brush piles and let the stink bait ooze into the log pile. Bluegill - Good: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers for the best success. Fish very close to rocks and logs for the best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool, especially up by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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: Anglers 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 table fare but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.5 feet and steady. Water temperature is near 81 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 - Fair: 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. Beware of logs and submerged rocks throughout the district. Water temperature is 80 degrees and water clarity is good.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 3.78 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Fishing is being reported as slow. 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 3.05 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. 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. Fishing above wing dams can be good as well. 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 2.80 feet. River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Channel Catfish - Fair: 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 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 in the brush with minnows or plastic tubes.

Mississippi River Pool 19

River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.00 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. Fishing above the wing dams can be good as well. Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in brush piles and snags along flowing side channels. Try vertical jigging with minnows or plastic tubes. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams trolling crankbaits or three-way rigs with a half a nightcrawler. Casting crankbaits over the top of the wing dams can produce some fish as well.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River conditions are low so use caution when boating. Main channel water temperature has been around 80 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions about fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Belva Deer

Hot weather has kept most anglers away. Fishing has been pretty slow. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers coming early have been still picking up a few bluegills out in 8 to 10 feet of water. With the forecasted cooler weather you might be able to catch them in a little shallower.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The Skunk very low right now, but looks to have leveled off according to the river gauges. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find the deep holes and you'll find the fish.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

The Iowa continues to slowly drop. Channel Catfish - Fair: Look to the brush piles in deeper water and the big cut banks to find the catfish. Frogs and stink baits are good baits to try.

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

Lake Macbride

Channel Catfish - Fair:

Diamond Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair:

Coralville Reservoir

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: Try cut bait around wood in deeper holes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around wood in deeper holes.

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

Lake Wapello

Anglers have been catching bluegills on small jigs but the majority have been on the small size so some sorting will be needed. Largemouth bass anglers should try rubber worms or jigs among the lily pads. Channel catfish have been biting on stinkbait and cutbait.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig along the jetties and along the shoreline. Add a chunk of nightcrawler if the fish get finicky. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits around the rock jetties and along the face of the dam. Try rubber worms in the submerged structure and along the shoreline.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs around structure in 8-10 feet of water. If the fishing remains slow, try adding a chunk of nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits along drop-offs and rip-rapped shorelines. As the water cools move into shallower water with the same presentations.

Rathbun Reservoir

Crappie - Slow: Look for brush piles in 10-12 feet of water and use minnows around these areas. Try areas around docks using a jig and a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching some walleyes by trolling around underwater rock piles and points using crankbaits. Look for areas with deeper water next to shallower water. The current lake level is 906.03 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 79 degrees. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in the sun).

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

SOUTHWEST

Beaver Lake

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

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 continues to be good. Anglers are able to get on 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.

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 2 to 3 pound fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try shrimp or chicken liver around the jetties. 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 2 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 8 to 10 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. A few channel catfish are being caught along the campground. Channel Catfish - Slow: There were reports of catfish being caught along the campground with liver. 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. 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 have slowed but a few 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 - Slow: 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 continues to be good in southwest Iowa. Water temperature is around 80 degrees. For more information on lakes in the district call the office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success on worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flatheads continue to bite 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 - Fair: Fishing has been fair for channel catfish on various baits. Anglers continue to have success on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are biting on live bait and cut bait. Try 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 - Fair: 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 - Fair: 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 22.45 feet/35,285 CFS, dropping.15 feet from last week. Water temperature is 80 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 9/20/13 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing has been slow at Crawford Creek.

Moorehead Park Pond

Fishing has been slow at Moorehead.

Brushy Creek Lake

Water clarity is decent. Anglers are focusing on panfish around the submerged trees. Try fishing in 10 to 20 feet of water. There are a lot of bluegills around 9 inches.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

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. Fishing remains the same as last week.

North Twin Lake

Fishing for yellow bass and crappie is starting to pick up. Anglers are fishing around docks.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately 8 inches below crest. Black Hawk Lake's fishery was renovated last fall. Although the lake has been restocked with sport fish, there are not a lot of fish of harvestable size in the lake.

Browns Lake

Anglers are catching catfish using sonny's stink bait and dead shad at night. Fishing for other species has been slow.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing has been slow.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Good sized catfish are being caught in the deeper pools. Use a slip sinker and hook and look for current breaks along high banks preferably or the standard snags. Anglers should really focus on the current breaks. A few walleye can be caught using night crawlers. The river is in good condition for wading right now.

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

The walleye bite is good on white twisters. Fish around rocky habitat and in deeper water in the morning and evening.

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

Upper Pine Lake

A few bluegills are being caught.

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 - Slow: 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 still hitting quite well. Fish can be caught just about anywhere on the lake. Try the edges of the reeds. Use worms, cutbait or stinkbait in the morning or evening. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers looking to catch a few bluegills can target the jetties by Ventura. Dangle a worm right on the edge of the rocks off the tips of the jetty in the evening. 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: Muskies are still hitting good. People are hooking them by docks, mostly. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are still catching good numbers of yellows near the state reef area or any of the rock reefs. On days with a strong south wind, shore anglers can pick up good numbers by the boat harborage and reed edges.

Crystal Lake

No Reports from anglers lately.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the logjams and deeper holes and move often. Use cutbait or stinkbait. Flathead Catfish - Good: A few reports of anglers catching flatheads on dough balls. If you can get a boat or kayak on the river and find some of the deeper holes to spend the night with some live bait, you should have good success.

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 is 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: Smallmouth are also hitting well on a variety of artificial baits.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

Water is low and anglers are using kayaks. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are being caught on crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are good size (3-8 pounds) and can be caught on a variety of bait (worms, cutbait, live bait, stinkbait). Some anglers have had good luck using a purpledescent crankbait. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth, most are 10-14 inches though some may push the 20 inches mark, are hitting gold and black crankbaits. Walleye - Slow: A few anglers are picking walleyes up on jigs.

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: Fishing continues to be slow but a few more fish are starting to come in. Trolling live bait rigs as well as crankbaits early and late in the day seems to be the best. Shore anglers are also catching a few.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers over rock piles.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: 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.

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 reducing visibility. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish activity should increase with warmer temperatures. Use a hook and worm or stinkbait set 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 - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish are suspended over deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

The lake continues to look good. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use night crawlers or stink bait under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Fish have been active at night. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been difficult to catch but nice ones will take bait. Try a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use crankbaits and soft plastics casting from shore. Crappie - Excellent: Use small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

The lake is looking good but few people have been out. Fish seem to be biting better in the evening and closer to dark. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Try fishing for catfish near submersed trees. Use a worm or cut bait on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Try a piece of worm fished under a bobber around the 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 - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail or crankbaits. Walleye - Good: Use 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 using a variety of tackle including drifting jigs tipped with long piece of worm or white twistertails and smaller white shad 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)

Fish 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 make for prime conditions for fishing this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are hitting on worms and chicken livers. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a twistertail. Catching smallies 14 inches and larger is 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 with a little sparkle.

Decorah District Streams

Dry fly fishing has picked up considerably since Labor Day weekend and northeast Iowa streams are fishing well. Though morning trico hatches are nearly over, Blue Wing Olive and Mahogany Dun (Paraleptophlebia debilis) hatches have been excellent in the afternoons and evenings. Hopper and especially cricket patterns have also been very effective terrestrial choices for afternoons.

Activity has been increasing on area rivers. 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. Get ready to grab your fishing pole as cooler temperatures are headed our way over the weekend. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been catching crappie out of George Wyth Lake. Crappies are 7-8 inches, with a few larger ones; concentrate near the recently placed habitat. Crappie - Fair: Try vertical jigging or floating a crappie minnow under a slip bobber near structure.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

River levels are excellent for finding fish in deeper pools. Northern Pike - Fair: Floating a live chub under a bobber has been effective. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Nightcrawler tipped on a light jig is good.

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 of game fish but navigation has become difficult. Consider focusing on early morning or late evening for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, northern pike and walleye. Both a jig and nightcrawler or crankbaits have been providing the best overall action. Sucker - Good: Fish a nightcrawler on the bottom near the end of riffles. Northern Pike - Good: Floating a live chub under a bobber has been effective. Channel Catfish - Good: Nightcrawlers or stinkbait fished on the bottom has been good. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa River has been producing some catches of walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Fair: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Shell Rock but navigation has become difficult with low water levels. Channel Catfish - Fair: Nightcrawlers or stinkbait fished on the bottom has been good. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Panfish angling has picked up on area Black Hawk County lakes. Interior river fishing has been good but navigation remains difficult due to low water levels. Nightcrawlers are the best overall bait this time of year but artificial baits are also a good selection as water temperatures begin to drop. Trout streams are in excellent shape as fall approaches. For more information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is hovering near 4.3 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is 7.0 feet. Water temperature is still in the 70s and water is clear. Some vegetation is flowing causing some angst with anglers snagging floating ‘weeds.’ Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Fair: Only a few catfish were reported this week. Some anglers say the best fishing is along brush piles other still like the rock piles. Stink bait is still working ok but the bite has slowed. Bluegill - Good: Fish are being caught along rock piles and snags throughout the pool. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Fish close to rock piles and brush for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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. Most of these bass are small but fight quite well. Remember the 14-inch size limit. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still on the wing dams but fishing has been temperamental. Stay above the wing dams and casting bright colored crankbaits to the dams. The lure must intermittently touch rock for best success. Freshwater Drum - Good: 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 level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam has dropped and is now around 3.8 feet. Water is clear and temperature is in the 70s. The bite has slowed this week. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfish are reported to be biting on stink bait near log piles but the bite is slow. Anchor above the rock piles and let the smell of the stink bait ooze into the brush pile drawing out the catfish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are still being caught throughout the pool again this week. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs, and are fishing close to logs, rocks or other structure. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallmouth are being caught along rock piles throughout the pool. Smallmouths 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 - Good: 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. 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 - Good: 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 level at Fulton is around 4.2 and steady. Water clarity is quite good. The water temperature is in the 70s. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Fair: When stink bait fishing for catfish, anchor above the brush piles and let the stink bait ooze into the log pile. Bluegill - Good: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers and fishing close to rocks and logs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially up by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Good: Small largemouth bass are being caught seemingly everywhere on Pool 14. The size is mainly under the legal size limit of 14 inches but folks are having a ball catching 12-inch fish. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results. Some anglers are using plainer boards along channel edges. Freshwater Drum - Good: Several drum were reported by folks using a worm rig on the bottom. Drum can be excellent table fare but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.5 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 70s. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught off of docks and in the marina mouths. Freshwater Drum - Good: 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 Pools 12 to 15 are low. Beware of logs and submerged rocks throughout the district. Water clarity is good. Fishing seemed to have cooled off somewhat along with the air temperature but we are expecting some great fall fishing.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Odessa

Wildlife is slowly raising the water to its fall level. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching some nice catfish at the inlet tubes as the catfish feed on small fish and other foods coming in with the river water. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing is picking up as the water temps drop and the water level rises. Work the tree falls and brush in the Sand Run area.

Lake Belva Deer

While the weather has cooled off, the fishing has yet to pick up. Water temperature has dropped 15 degrees earlier this week and continued unsettled weather has kept fishing from improving. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers coming early have been picking up a few bluegills in 8 to 10 feet of water.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The Skunk is very low, but looks to have leveled off according to the river gauges. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find the deep holes and you'll find the fish.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

The Iowa continues to slowly drop. Channel Catfish - Fair: Look to the brush piles in deeper water and the big cut banks to find the catfish. Frogs and stink baits are good baits to try.

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

Lake Macbride

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

Diamond Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair:

Coralville Reservoir

The current lake level is 684.4 feet. Water temperature is in the low 70s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Drifting or slow trolling cut bait is still producing a few fish. Crappie - Fair: Fish steeper rock banks with a jig.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait around wood in deeper holes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around wood in deeper holes.

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

Lake Wapello

Channel catfish have been biting on stinkbait. Anglers have been catching some bluegills but sorting is required for larger fish. Use small jigs around the aquatic vegetation and rock jetties. Use crankbaits along the face of the dam for largemouth bass or try rubber worms around the lily pads.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler along the jetties. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try rubber worms in the submerged structure and along the shoreline. Try crankbaits around the rock jetties and the face of the dam.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs with a chunk of nightcrawler or wax worm around structure in 8-10 feet of water. Move shallower as the water temperature drops. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try using spinnerbaits along rip-rapped shorelines. As the water cools move into shallower water with the same presentations.

Rathbun Reservoir

Crappie - Slow: Try to find brush piles in 8-10 feet of water and use jigs around these areas. Try areas around docks using a jig and a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching some walleyes by trolling or drifting minnows or nightcrawlers around submerged points and underwater rock piles. Use crankbaits in these same areas. The current lake level is 905.79 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 72 degrees. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in the sun).

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

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is still 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 over 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: There have been some decent catches of nice sized black crappie over the past week. Anglers are catching the fish suspended over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less using live minnows or panfish tube jigs.

Lake Ahquabi

Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing is picking up fishing the sunken habitat around the fish house and out from the northwest shoreline using minnows under a bobber or jigging a small panfish tube jig. A map of structure locations can be located within the Iowa DNR website under Fishing -> Where to Fish

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Excellent: White bass are being caught in good numbers trolling crankbaits on the windblown shoreline and points. Look for shad schools breaking the surface close to shore. Good colors to start with are shad imitating colors, such as solid chrome. Fish are feeding close enough to shore that wading and casting spoons and inline spinners is also an option. Crappie - Good: A late summer/early fall crappie bite has started. Anglers fishing minnows under a bobber near rock structure close to shore on the main lake are doing fairly well.

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 continues to be good on the warm days. Look for the shad schools to find fish. Troll or cast small lipless crankbaits or spoons that closely resemble small shad. Wading and casting is also an option in the Oak Grove and Sandpiper areas.

Panfishing for crappie back on structure has started to pick up in central Iowa. Reservoir fishing for white bass and channel catfish 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: 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 12 to 15 inches.

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 continues to be good. Bluegills are being caught drifting in 8 to 10 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler of Powerbait to catch 8 to 9-inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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 are being caught around structure. A few channel catfish are being caught along the campground. Channel Catfish - Slow: There were reports of catfish being caught along the campground with liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught around structure with plastic worms Texas rigged.

Viking Lake

Largemouth bass fishing is good. 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 have slowed but a few 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 - Slow: Float a minnow under a bobber around docks to catch 9 to 10-inch crappie.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are beginning to associate around structure. Largemouth bass has been good in farm ponds. 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 - Fair: Bluegills can be caught suspending worms or small jigs in 4 to 8 feet of water around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught with a variety of baits and lures. Cast along vegetation edges and around structure to catch bass. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber around structure.

Bluegill and crappie can still be caught drifting and around brush piles. Water temperatures have dropped to the low 70s. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The lake is about 18 inches low but access is easy. Water temperature is near 70 degrees and clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish are being caught using bluegill sides. The quiet bays during the evenings seem to be the best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some good sized largemouth bass are being caught from the flooded tree piles and rocks just off the south bank. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies can be caught from outside edges of the flooded cedar tree piles.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake is nearly full and water clarity is very good. Fish are small to mid-sized and growing. Channel catfish and bluegills are the most popular. Channel Catfish - Fair: The early morning and twilight periods are producing some mid-sized channel catfish off of liver. Bluegill - Fair: The shoreline anglers are finding a few mid-sized bluegills hanging around the cedar tree piles.

Lake of Three Fires

The lake is about one foot low. Water clarity is good and the temperature is about 70 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: An occasional channel catfish is being caught from the campground points using chicken liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are hanging around the tree piles.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland.

Green Valley Lake

The lake is nearly full and water clarity is above normal. Water temperature is near 70 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegills are hanging around the structure in about 5 to 7 feet of water. Small jigs bounced slowly just off the bottom are working well. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few anglers are finding some mid-sized largemouth bass around the tree piles and outsides of the fish mounds.

Summitt Lake

The lake has refilled and has been restocked.

Three Mile Lake

The lake is about two feet low but access is easy. Water temperature is near 70 degrees and clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: A few fall crappies are starting to bite from around the flooded trees and piles.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water clarity is good and the temperatures are near 70. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are coming off of the rock fields or from the flooded trees and piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are hanging in 5 to 7 feet of water near flooded trees and from the dam. Crappie - Fair: The flooded tree piles are producing some crappies. Casting small jigs or minnows seems to be the best.

Water temperatures are falling to the low 70s. Water clarity is good. Angling is getting a little better.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success on worms, cutbait, dip baits, minnows, and crawfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: 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: Water temperatures have cooled and anglers are reporting a few walleye and sauger.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Fishing has been fair for channel catfish on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Flathead Catfish - Fair: 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. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallmouths are being caught around rocky structure and around current breaks. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are catching a few walleye and sauger on artificial and live baits near current breaks and wing dykes.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers continue to have success catching channel catfish on dip baits, worms, and cutbait in the deeper slack water areas below wing dikes and drift piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: 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 22.00 feet/34,900 CFS. The Missouri River has dropped .45 feet from last week. The water temperature is 71 degrees.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 10/3/13 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing has been slow.

Moorehead Park Pond

Fishing has been slow.

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

Fishing for yellow bass and crappie is starting to pick up. Anglers are focusing their efforts around the docks. Recent sampling has shown large numbers of nice walleye hanging out around the end of the docks. Try casting a large twister or hair jig baited with a minnow and casting to each dock that is still in.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately 10 inches below crest. 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 Sonny's stink bait and dead shad at night. Fishing for other species has been slow.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing has been slow.

Arrowhead Lake

Catfish have been biting well on leeches under a bobber. Some largemouth bass can be caught with the same technique.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Walleye fishing is starting to pick up a little. Anglers should throw white or chartreuse twisters or other similar baits. Rocky pools, deeper outside bends and below riffles are good places to target fish.

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

Anglers have been catching good numbers of nice walleye. Fish in the morning and evening hours around rocky habitat and deeper water. Throw white twisters when fishing the channel. If you're fishing a deep hole you might want to try live bait, such as chubs or large shiners.

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

Walleye - Slow: Fishing has been tough but a few fish are still being caught. Minnows have been catching a few fish along with artificial baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: For a chance at a master angler fish try fishing live bait on or near the bottom. A master angler drum must measure 25 inches or more.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers over rock piles.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: bluegills should start to move shallower as the water cools. Continue to fish around weed edges and open pockets. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try using a pilkie tipped with wigglers for perch around some sort of structure: weeds, rocks, drop-offs, or a combination. Most are reporting many small fish with a few nice ones mixed in.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

The algae bloom should start to go away with cooler temperatures coming. Channel catfish were stocked into Volga Lake last Thursday. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try a hook and worm or stinkbait and set 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 - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

Channel catfish were stocked into Lake Hendricks on Monday. They are about 7 inches. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try using night crawlers or stink baits 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 under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics casting from shore. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappies in a variety of locations using small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

Channel catfish were stocked into Lake Meyer Monday and are about 7 inches. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Try fishing for catfish near submersed trees. Use a worm or cut bait fished on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Try using a piece of worm fished under a bobber around the 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)

The Upper Iowa had been having some excellent mayfly hatches in the evenings. Sucker - Slow: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail with some success. Crankbaits have also been working. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having luck using dark colored jigs tipped with a worm.

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: Smallmouth bass have been really active this week and are taking natural colored crankbaits. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a variety of tackle including drifting jigs tipped with long piece of worm or twistertails.

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 using a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Good: Try fishing along cut banks or around woody debris.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Concentrate 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)

Algae bloom on the river has been reducing visibility but with cooler weather on the way, this should clear. Northerns are starting to show up in the creel. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are hitting on dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a variety of tackle with success. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles and are using minnows with success. Walleye - Good: Anglers are using a variety of natural colored crankbaits and jigs tipped with a twistertail with a little sparkle.

Decorah District Streams

Blue Wing Olive and Baetis hatches have been excellent on most northeast Iowa streams. Hatches sometimes begin late in the morning and continue on & off through dusk. For dry fly fishing, try your favorite Blue Wing pattern - sizes can vary from #16s through #24s depending on the hatch. Blue Wing wet fly and nymph patterns in the same sizes have also been very effective.

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. All trout stocking for October is unannounced. Trout will continue to be stocked through this month. Leaves are starting to turn color. It's a nice time to get outside for some color exploration. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The river level on the Wapsipinicon River is currently at 4.54 feet. Fishing on other interior rivers has been good for game fish, the Wapsi should hold true as well. The river is low and fish should be concentrated in the deeper holes. Northern Pike - Fair: Floating a live chub under a bobber has been effective. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Fair: Nightcrawler tipped on a light jig is good.

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 fair to good angling for walleye and smallmouth bass but navigation has become difficult. Consider focusing on early morning or late evening for smallmouth bass and walleye. Both a jig and nightcrawler or crankbaits have been providing the best overall action. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Fair: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa River has provided some good angling for both walleye and smallmouth bass this past week. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Shell Rock but navigation has become difficult with low water. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Fair: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Panfish angling remains sporadic on area Black Hawk County lakes. Interior river fishing has been good for walleye and smallmouth bass but navigation remains difficult due to low water. Nightcrawlers or jig and plastics are the best overall baits. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For further information call district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is 7.9 feet and stable and water clarity is excellent with water temperatures in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Excellent: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 12.6 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Fair: A few sauger showing up in the tail waters. Bite should continue to get better as water cools. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level is 4.4 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temps are in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Fair: A few sauger showing up in the tail waters. Bite should continue to get better as water cools. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

October is always a great month to be fishing on the Upper Mississippi as fish begin preparing for winter. Water temps are in the mid 60s but should begin to drop with the projected cooler weather. Water levels are low and stable. Boaters should watch out for stumps and wing dams with very low water levels.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 4.6 feet and the water level at the RR Bridge is at 7.3 feet. Water temperature is in the upper 60s and water is clear. Some vegetation is flowing causing some angst with anglers snagging floating "weeds." Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Bluegill - Good: Fish can still be found on rock piles and snags throughout the pool. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Fish close to rock piles and brush for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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. Most of these bass are small but fight quite well. Remember the size limit is 14 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Numerous 12-inch largemouths are being reported caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still on the wing dams but fishing for them has been temperamental. Try staying above the wing dams and casting bright colored crank baits to the dams. The lure must intermittently touch rock for best success. Freshwater Drum - Good: 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 level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam fell a bit and is at 3.8 feet. It is expected to stay low and stable throughout the week. Water is clear and water temperature is in the 60s. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water areas and along weed beds. Lots of pike reported caught this year. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill still are being caught in decent numbers. It has been a great year for this panfish. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Fish close to logs and rocks for best results. 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 - Good: 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. 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 - Good: 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 level at Fulton is around 4.5 feet and steady. Water clarity is quite good. The water temperature is in the 60s. The Rock Creek on the Iowa side of the river and Cattail Slough on the Illinois side are popular angling locations. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Bluegill - Good: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers and fishing very close to rocks and logs for the best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Good: Small largemouth bass are being caught seemingly everywhere on Pool 14. The size is mainly under the legal size limit of 14 inches but folks are having a ball catching 12-inch fish. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results. Some anglers are using plainer boards along channel edges. Freshwater Drum - Good: Several drum were reported by folks using a worm rig on the bottom. Drum can be excellent table fare but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.5 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 60s. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught off of docks and in the marina mouths. Freshwater Drum - Good: 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 Pools 12 to 15 are low. Beware of logs and submerged rocks throughout the district. Water clarity is good. Fishing has slowed but we are expecting some great fall fishing.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Odessa

Lots of anglers are fishing around the inlet and catching some nice fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching some nice catfish at the inlet tubes as the catfish feed on small fish and other foods coming in with the river water. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing is picking up as the water temperature drops and the level rises. Work the tree falls and brush in the Sand Run area.

Lake Belva Deer

With the more stable weather pattern, fishing continues to be good. What will happen when the front moves in at the end of the week is anybody's guess. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting. With the weather cooling, switch back to natural baits such as minnows and night crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: Anglers are doing very well catching bluegills first thing in the morning and just before dark. Fish are in 5 to 6 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing is really picking up. Work the shallows and bays that have the sun shining into them.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing continues to improve. They are still in 5 to 6 feet of water around the brush piles but with the cooler weather forecasted for next week look for them to move in shallower. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are around the trees. Concentrate on the side of the lake and bays facing into the sun.

Lake of the Hills

The fall trout stocking is October 19, at 10:30 a.m. 2,000 trout will be released at the boat ramp. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used as bait. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in about four feet of water around the stumps and logs sunk at that depth. Also look for them around the fishing pier and its fish habitat at about those same depths. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing is good around the shallow water habitat in the late afternoon and evening hours. Concentrate your efforts in the areas of shoreline that get the afternoon sun.

Big Hollow Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing continues to be fairly good. Work the timber in about 4 feet of water either with small jigs or worm and bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing is picking up. I would work the rip rap around the islands and shoreline on the north side of the lake.

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

Kent Park Lake

A netting survey was done here this week and found many 8-9-inch crappies, 6-8-inch bluegills, and 7-9-inch redear sunfish. Target areas with brush and wind coming in.

Diamond Lake

A netting survey was done here this week and found many 8-9-inch crappies and 6-7-inch bluegills. Target areas with brush and wind coming in.

Coralville Reservoir

The current lake level is 685 feet. All the Army Corps of Engineers owned ramps are closed due to federal government shut downs. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of fish chasing shad. Most schools are not along the bank or structure oriented. Crappie - Fair: Most anglers are having success with jigs along steep rock banks or by wood/brush.

Otter Creek Lake

A fish survey was conducted here this week and a good number of 5-8-inch bluegills and 7-9-inch crappies were sampled in the shallows. Bluegill - Fair: Yellow Bass - Fair:

Union Grove Lake

A fish survey was conducted here this week and lots of 5-7-inch bluegills and 7-10-inch crappies were sampled in the shallows. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush and lay downs with a small jig.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride fisheries station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Wapello

Anglers have been catching bluegills but smaller fish are making up most of the catch so sorting is required for larger fish. Try spinnerbaits along the edges of the aquatic vegetation and along rip-rapped shorelines. Anglers are still catching some channel catfish on stinkbait.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler along the jetties. Also try a chunk of nightcrawler on a hook under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the rock jetties and the face of the dam. Use rubber worms along the habitat placed along the campground shoreline.

Lake Sugema

Bluegill - Slow: Try small jigs around the rock jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try using crankbaits along rip-rapped shorelines and along the edge of the aquatic vegetation. Use rubber worms among the lily pads or weedless top-water lures.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.55 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 69 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding some crappies in 8-10 feet of water around brush piles. Use jigs or minnows around these areas. Anglers have also been catching some crappies around docks using a jig and a minnow. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Try using crankbaits around submerged points and rock piles. Drifting or trolling crankbaits can also be productive. 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

Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught drifting jigs or fishing minnows near the timber throughout the lake.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies drifting minnows or jigs in the lower quarter of the lake. The crappie population is large with most fish in the 7 to 9-inch range and decent numbers of 10-inch fish.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being drift fishing small jigs with crawler, especially over the old road beds. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: There have been some decent catches of nice sized black crappie over the past week. Anglers are catching the fish suspended over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less using live minnows or panfish tube jigs.

Lake Ahquabi

Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught fishing the sunken habitat around the fish house and out from the northwest shoreline using minnows under a bobber or jigging a small panfish tube jig. A map of structure locations can be located within the Iowa DNR website under Fishing -> Where to Fish

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: The fall crappie bite is going at Red Rock. Anglers fishing minnows under a bobber near rock structure close to shore on the main lake are doing well.

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 five pounds. White Bass - Good: Saylorville white bass fishing continues to be good on the warm days. Look for the shad schools to find fish. Troll or cast small lipless crankbaits or spoons that closely resemble small shad. Wading and casting is also an option in the Oak Grove and Sandpiper areas.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers looking for a unique fishing opportunity this fall can make a trip to Ada Hayden for rainbow trout that have survived and grown through the past two summers. Anglers start to pick up some of these trout as water temperature reaches 70 degrees and below. A variety of baits can work, including live minnows, twister tail jigs, small crankbaits and in-line spinners. The trout fee is required to fish for and possess trout.

The fall crappie bite is good right now in many central Iowa lakes. Reservoir fishing for white bass and channel catfish 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 or cast around cedar tree piles. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try shrimp or chicken liver around the jetties to catch two pound fish. 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. Crappie - No Report: Vertical jigging or fish a minnow under a bobber around cedar tree piles to catch 8 to 10-inch crappie.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has nice crappies that can be caught drifting. A few bluegills are also being picked up. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler to catch bluegill. Early morning has been the best time of the day. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting a white twister tail. Fish are 10 inches.

Lake Anita

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good. Bluegills are being caught drifting in 8 to 10 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.

Viking Lake

Largemouth bass fishing has been good this summer. Crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Channel Catfish - Slow: 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 - Fair: A few crappies are being caught using minnows under a bobber in the tree piles. Fish are 7 to 10 inches.

Lake Manawa

Crappies have picked up on the main lake. Reports of a few walleyes are also being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on the south and west side of the lake using liver. Crappie - Fair: Float a minnow under a bobber around docks to catch 9 to 10-inch crappie. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught trolling crankbaits on the west and south side of the lake.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are beginning to associate around structure. Largemouth bass has been good in farm ponds. 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 - Fair: Bluegills can be caught suspending worms or small jigs in 4 to 8 feet of water around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught with a variety of baits and lures. Cast along vegetation edges and around structure to catch bass. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber around structure.

Water temperatures have fallen below 70 degrees. The fall crappie bite is picking up on area lakes. Bluegills are still being caught drifting. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The lake is about 18 inches low but access is easy. The water temperature is in the middle 60s. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegills are starting to bite small crawler pieces or small jigs. The deeper rock piles and deeper flooded cedar tree piles in 6 to 14 feet of water seem to be the best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some good sized largemouth bass are being caught from the deeper flooded tree piles. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies can be caught from outside edges of the flooded cedar tree piles in 6 to 9 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Mid-sized small jigs tipped with a minnow are picking up a few walleyes from the deep rock areas or the campground point.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake is near full and the water clarity is very good. The fish are small to mid-sized and growing. Channel catfish and bluegills are most popular. Channel Catfish - Fair: The early morning and twilight periods are producing some mid-sized channel catfish. Bluegill - Fair: The deeper flooded trees are holding a few mid-sized bluegills. Small jigs or crawler pieces about 6 to 14 feet down are the most productive.

Lake of Three Fires

The lake is about one foot low. Water clarity is good and the temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: An occasional channel catfish is being caught from the campground points. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are hanging around the deeper tree piles about 6 to 10 feet down.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland.

Green Valley Lake

The lake is near full and water clarity is above normal. Temperatures are in the mid 60s. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are hanging around the deeper structure in at least 10 to 15 feet of water. The cedar tree pile 150 yards north of the center of the dam is a very good spot. Small jigs tipped with crawlers or wax worms just off the bottom are working well. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few anglers are finding some mid-sized largemouth bass around the tree piles and outsides of the fish mounds. Crappie - Fair: The crappies are hanging around the deeper tree piles and rock areas. Several large fish are biting on small white jigs or minnows.

Summitt Lake

The lake has refilled and has been restocked.

Three Mile Lake

The lake is about two feet low but access is easy. Water temperature is in the mid 60s and clarity is good. Bluegill - Good: Some nice sized bluegills are being caught from near the flooded trees along the creek channel. Small black jigs tipped with crawlers or wax worms are working the best. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are coming from the deeper flooded tree piles and from along the deeper edges of the vegetation. Crappie - Fair: A few fall crappies are biting from around the flooded trees and piles in 8 to 15 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes can be caught from the deep rock areas on jigs or jigs tipped with a minnow. The roadway between the middle ramps is a good spot.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water clarity is good and the temperature is in the middle 60s. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are coming off the deeper portions of the rock fields or from the flooded trees and piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are hanging in 5 to 7 feet of water near flooded trees or the sharper drop-offs. Crappie - Fair: The deeper flooded tree piles are producing some crappies. Small jigs or minnows in 5 to 8 feet of water seems to be the best.

Water temperatures are falling to the middle 60s. Water clarity is very good. The fish are starting to bite well.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 10/11/13 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing has been slow at Crawford Creek.

Moorehead Park Pond

Fishing has been slow at Moorehead.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Recent sampling has indicated a fair amount of walleye (less than 17 inches) are in the state marina complex. 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

Fishing for yellow bass and crappie is starting to pick up. Anglers are focusing their efforts around the docks. Recent sampling has shown large numbers of nice walleye hanging out around the end of the docks. Try casting a large twister or hair jig baited with a minnow and casting to each dock that is still in.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately 10 inches below crest. 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 Sonny's stink bait and dead shad at night. Fishing for other species has been slow.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing has been slow.

Spring Lake

There have been a few reports of anglers catching some walleye and northern pike out of Spring Lake in Cherokee.

Arrowhead Lake

Catfish have been biting well on leeches under a bobber. Some largemouth bass can be caught with the same technique.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Walleye fishing is starting to pick up a little. Anglers should throw white or chartreuse twisters or other similar baits. Rocky pools, deeper outside bends and below riffles are good places to target fish.

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

Anglers have been catching good numbers of nice walleye. Fish in the morning and evening hours and focus efforts around rocky habitat and deeper water. Throw white twisters when fishing the channel. If you're fishing a deep hole you might want to try live bait, such as chubs or large shiners.

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

Upper Pine Lake

A few anglers are fishing for crappies on both lakes. Some very nice bass are being caught on Upper Pine Lake with deep diving crankbaits.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are still biting well. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting near the rocks by the Ventura grade. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught near the Harborage or from boats. Anglers might try wading near the channel to the little lake or near the Ventura Grade after dark. Some walleyes are starting to bite better by the little lake reed edges. Muskellunge - Excellent: Muskies are biting well. Reports of some anglers catching or seeing 2-3 muskies per trip. Anglers are targeting docks around the lake or the reed edges by the Baptist Camp or on the little lake. Yellow Bass - Good: Shore fisherman are having luck by the Ventura grade and near the harborage outlet. Boat fisherman are doing well in shallower water (4-5 feet) on the west end of the main lake (Farmer's Beach and Baptist camp) and in the little lake near reeds. Find the windward side. Some anglers are also doing well north of the island in 8 feet of water with cutbait.

Crystal Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Shore fisherman are catching largemouth.

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

Yellow Perch - Slow: Only a handful of perch are being caught and the few that are mostly small fish in the 4-7-inch range with keepers being rare. Walleye - Slow: Fishing has been tough but a few fish are still being caught. Minnows have been catching a few fish along with artificial.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers over rock piles.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: bluegills should start to move shallower as the water cools. Continue to fish around weed edges and open pockets. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try using a pilkie tipped with wigglers for perch around some sort of structure - weeds, rocks, drop-offs or a combination. Most are reporting many small fish with a few nice ones mixed in.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

The algae bloom should start to go away with cooler temperatures coming. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a hook and worm or stinkbait set 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 - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

Channel Catfish - No Report: Try night crawlers or stink baits under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Fish have been active at night. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been difficult to catch but nice ones will take bait. Use a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics casting from shore. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappies using small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Fishing near submersed trees with a worm or cut bait on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Use a piece of worm under a bobber around the brush piles off the jetty and dock. Anglers have been catching a few keepers every now and then. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Toss a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler. Crappie - Slow: Fish are suspended in deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

The Upper Iowa has had excellent mayfly hatches in the evenings. Sucker - Slow: Use a hook tipped with a worm and fished along the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or darker colored twistertail with some success. Crankbaits have also been working. Walleye - Good: Use dark colored jigs tipped with a worm.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Sucker - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth bass have been really active this week and are taking natural colored crankbaits. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a variety of tackle including drifting jigs tipped with long piece of worm or twistertails.

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. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped a worm. Also try a crawdad or a lure imitating crawdads. Walleye - Good: Try fishing 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)

Algae bloom on the river has been reducing visibility but with cooler weather on the way, this should clear. Northerns are starting to show up in the creel. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are hitting on dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a variety of tackle with success. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been finding crappies around brush piles and are using minnows with success. Walleye - Good: Anglers are using a variety of natural colored crankbaits and jigs tipped with a twistertail with a little sparkle.

Decorah District Streams

Blue wing olive and baetis hatches have been excellent on most northeast Iowa streams. Hatches sometimes begin late in the morning and continue on and off through dusk. For dry fly fishing, try your favorite blue wing pattern - sizes can vary from #16s through #24s depending on the hatch. Blue wing wet fly and nymph patterns in the same sizes have also been very effective.

Water levels bumped over the weekend in a few rivers due to localized heavy rains but clarity is good. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. All trout stocking for October is unannounced. Trout will continue to be stocked through this month. Leaves are starting to turn color. It's a nice time to get outside for some color exploration. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Martens Lake

There have been reports of good pike fishing on Martens Lake. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting large bucktail spinners or floating a live chub under a bobber.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The river level on the Wapsipinicon River is 5.03 feet and holding steady. Recent rainfall has brought up river levels which should make for easier navigation. There have been no reports of angler success this week.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar has been good for walleye. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish have been fair. Anglers have been making the transition to fall baits for walleye and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have switched back to dead chubs and nightcrawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Anglers are starting to make the switch to jig and minnow.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa River has provided some good angling for both walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or casting crankbaits has been good.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Shell Rock but navigation has become difficult with low water levels. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow or casting crankbaits has been good.

Panfish angling remains sporadic on area Black Hawk County lakes. Interior river fishing has been good for walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Anglers are switching to fall baits with the recent decline in water temperatures. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is slightly higher at 8.1 feet and stable. Water clarity is excellent with water temperature in the lower 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Excellent: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 13.6 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temps are in the low 60s. Walleye and sauger are beginning to move up into the tail waters of the dam. Nobels Island ramp may be closed temporarily due to construction. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Fair: A few sauger showing up in the tail waters. Bite should continue to get better as water cools. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams and many are starting to move up towards the dam. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level is 5.8 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature has dropped to the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Fair: A few sauger showing up in the tail waters. Bite should continue to get better as water cools. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

October is always a great month to be fishing on the Upper Mississippi as fish begin preparing for winter. Water temperatures are in the low 60s but should begin to drop with the projected cooler weather. Recent rains have raised river levels a foot in pools 10 and 11. Boaters should continue to watch out for stumps and wing dams as levels are still very low.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is 5.7 feet and the railroad bridge is 8.3 feet. This is about one foot higher than last week. Water temperature is 65 degrees. Duck weed is flowing out of backwater areas making some areas green and hard to fish. Northern Pike - Good: Good year classes exist in the river as spawning has been successful for several straight years. Not many reports of them biting this week but we know from surveys they are putting on a feed bag right now. Bluegill - Good: Fish can still be found on rock piles and snags throughout the pool. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Fish close to rock piles and brush for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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. Most of these bass are small but fight quite well. Remember the size limit is 14 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Numerous 12-inch largemouths are being reported caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still on the wing dams but fishing for them has been temperamental. Try staying above the wing dams and casting bright colored crankbaits to the dams. The lure must intermittently touch rock for best success. Freshwater Drum - Fair: 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 level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam rose to 5.6 feet this week. Water is stained and water temperature is at 65 degrees. Duck weed is hampering fishing in some locations. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water areas and along weed beds. Lots of pike reported caught this year and recent surveys show a very healthy population. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill still are being caught in decent numbers. It has been a great year for this panfish. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Fish very close to structure (logs and rocks) for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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 - Good: 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 largemouth bass have been small but good for kids fishing. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger are starting to be caught along the bull nose in Bellevue. Anglers are using zips or jigs for best results. 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 - Good: 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 level at Fulton is around 5.3 feet and steady. Water clarity is stained and temperature is 65 degrees. The Rock Creek on the Iowa side and Cattail Slough on the Illinois side are popular fishing spots. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Bluegill - Good: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers for the best success. Fish very close to rocks and logs for the best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially up by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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: Anglers are reporting catching some crappies in the near shore tail water areas using small minnows for bait. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results. Some anglers are using plainer boards along channel edges. Freshwater Drum - Good: Several drum were reported by folks using a worm rig on the bottom. Drum can be excellent table fare but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.9 feet and steady. Water temperature is 66 degrees. No fishing report is available for Pool 15 this week.

The water levels in Pools 12 to 15 have rose substantially for the first time in awhile due to last week’s rain. Fishing reports are mixed as can be expected when the rivers water level changes.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.28 feet. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are being caught in Sylvan slough casting jigs and twister tails. Most of the fish being caught have been smaller fish. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Try fishing around the docks.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.23 feet. As of last weekend the gates were closed at the Big Timber boat ramp. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.28 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.94 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught fishing the main channel around wing dams and snag piles. Try cut shad, shad guts, or nightcrawlers. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Fish brush piles and snags in backwater lakes and sloughs. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes has been slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages are still low so use caution when boating. Main channel water temperature has been around 67 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Kent Park Lake

A netting survey was done here last week and many 8-9-inch crappies, 6-8-inch bluegills, and 7-9-inch redear sunfish were found. Target areas with brush and wind coming in.

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is in the mid to upper 60s. Water clarity is marginal at about two feet. Fishing has been slow but should improve as water temperature drops. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few catfish are still being caught on crawlers. Crappie - Slow: Try the ends of lay-downs with jigs or minnows. Most fish are less than 10 inches. There are decent year classes of 6 and 9-inch fish. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being picked up by trolling crankbaits or live bait rigs.

Diamond Lake

A netting survey was done here last week and many 8-9-inch crappies and 6-7-inch bluegills were found. Target areas with brush and wind coming in.

Otter Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Slow: Yellow Bass - Fair:

Union Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Coralville Reservoir

The current lake level is 685.4 feet. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of fish chasing shad. Most schools are not along the bank or structure oriented. Crappie - Fair: Most anglers are having success with jigs along steep rock banks or by wood/brush.

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

Lake Wapello

Anglers have been catching bluegills but smaller fish are making up most of the catch so sorting is required for larger fish. Use small jigs with a chunk of nightcrawler. Try minnows in deeper water for crappies. Use a slip bobber to fish in about 6-8 feet of water. Finding submerged habitat will help find fish.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs around the shoreline and any submerged structure. Try adding a chunk of nightcrawler to the jig. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching some crappies using minnows in 8-10 feet of water. Use slip bobbers to get down to these fish.

Lake Sugema

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the rip-rapped shorelines. Crappie - Slow: Try using minnows in 8-12 feet of water using a slip bobber.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.56 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 65 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding some crappies around brush piles in 6-8 feet of water. Use jigs or minnows around these areas. Anglers have also been catching some crappies around docks using a jig and a minnow. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Try using crankbaits around submerged points and rock piles. Use crankbaits that mimic shad. 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

Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught drifting jigs or fishing minnows near the timber throughout the lake.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies drifting minnows or jigs in the lower quarter of the lake. The crappie population is large with most fish in the 7 to 9-inch range and decent numbers of 10-inch fish.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught drift fishing small jigs with crawler, especially over the old road beds. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: There have been some decent catches of nice sized black crappie over the past week. Anglers are catching the fish suspended over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less using live minnows or panfish tube jigs.

Lake Ahquabi

Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught fishing the sunken habitat around the fish house and out from the northwest shoreline using minnows under a bobber or jigging a small panfish tube jig. A map of structure locations can be located within the Iowa DNR website under Fishing -> Where to Fish

Red Rock Reservoir

Due to the federal government shutdown the best access option for boat anglers is the Elk Rock State Park boat ramp. White Bass - Good: Trolling shad imitating crankbaits is producing some good fall white bass fishing. In addition to catching white bass, anglers have also been catching fair numbers of wipers this fall. Crappie - Good: The fall crappie bite is going at Red Rock. Anglers fishing minnows under a bobber near rock structure close to shore on the main lake are doing well.

Saylorville Reservoir

Due to the federal government shutdown the best access option for boat anglers is the Lincoln’s Access at the Mile Long Bridge. 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 continues to be good on the warm days. Look for the shad schools to find fish. Troll or cast small lipless crankbaits or spoons that closely resemble small shad.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers looking for a unique fishing opportunity this fall can make a trip to Ada Hayden for rainbow trout that have survived and grown through the past two summers. Anglers start to pick up some of these trout as water temperature reaches 70 degrees and below. A variety of baits can work including live minnows, twister tail jigs, small crankbaits, and in-line spinners. The trout fee is required to fish for and possess trout.

The fall crappie bite is good right now in many central Iowa lakes. Reservoir fishing for white bass and channel catfish 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 or cast around cedar tree piles. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try shrimp or chicken liver around the jetties to catch two pound fish. 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. Crappie - No Report: Vertical jigging or fish a minnow under a bobber around cedar tree piles to catch 8 to 10-inch crappie.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has nice crappies that can be caught drifting. A few bluegills are also being picked up. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler to catch bluegill. Early morning has been the best time of the day. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting a white twister tail. Fish are 10 inches.

Lake Anita

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good. Bluegills are being caught drifting in 8 to 10 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.

Viking Lake

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good this fall. The crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Channel Catfish - Slow: 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 - Fair: A few crappies are being caught using minnows under a bobber in the tree piles. Fish are 7 to 10 inches.

DeSoto Bend

Desoto Bend fish and wildlife area is currently closed due to the federal government shut down. Channel Catfish - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report:

Lake Manawa

Crappies have picked up on the main lake. Reports of a few walleyes are also being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on the south and west side of the lake using liver. Crappie - Fair: Float a minnow under a bobber around docks to catch 9 to 10-inch crappie. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught trolling crankbaits on the west and south side of the lake.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are around structure. Largemouth bass has been good in farm ponds. 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 - Fair: Bluegills can be caught suspending worms or small jigs in 4 to 8 feet of water around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught with a variety of baits and lures. Cast along vegetation edges and around structure to catch bass. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber around structure.

Water temperature has fallen below 70 degrees. The fall crappie bite has been good on area lakes. Bluegills are still being caught drifting. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Slow: Fishing for channel catfish has slowed; a few fish are being caught on crawlers and stinkbait. Flathead Catfish - Slow: Anglers are having some success on chubs, goldfish, and sunfish near deep water habitat, wing dikes, revetments, and incoming rivers and streams. Walleye - Slow: Water temperature has cooled down some and anglers are reporting a few walleye and sauger being caught.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Fishing has been fair for channel catfish. Anglers are having success on dip baits, worms, and cutbait. Flathead Catfish - Slow: A few flathead catfish are biting on chubs and sunfish and cut bait around deep holes near wing dykes, logs, and incoming rivers and streams. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are catching a few walleye and sauger on artificial and live baits near current breaks and wing dykes.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Slow: Fishing has slowed for channel catfish. Anglers have had their best success on worms and dip baits. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few flathead catfish on chubs and goldfish. Try near deeper slack water holes, near logs, incoming rivers and streams, and rocky habitat. Flatheads bite best on live baits.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 10/17/13 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Fishing has been slow at Crawford Creek.

Moorehead Park Pond

Fishing has been slow at Moorehead.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

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. Recent sampling has indicated a fair amount of walleye (less than 17 inches) are in the state marina complex.

North Twin Lake

Fishing for yellow bass and crappie is starting to pick up. Anglers are focusing their efforts around the docks. Recent sampling has shown large numbers of nice walleye hanging out around the end of the docks. Try casting a large twister or hair jig baited with a minnow and casting to each dock that is still in.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately 10 inches below crest. 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

Water temperature is around 58 degrees. Catfish are being caught on stinkbait.

Snyder Bend Lake

Fishing has been slow.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Walleye fishing is starting to pick up a little. Anglers should throw white or chartreuse twisters or other similar baits. Rocky pools, deeper outside bends and below riffles are good places to target fish.

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

Anglers have been catching good numbers of nice walleye. Fish in the morning and evening hours and focus efforts around rocky habitat and deeper water. Throw white twisters when fishing the channel. If you're fishing a deep hole you might want to try live bait, such as chubs or large shiners.

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

Upper Pine Lake

A few are fishing for crappies on both lakes. Some very nice bass being caught on Upper Pine Lake with deep diving crankbait.

Lake Smith

No reports from anglers but the DNR sampled some nice thick 9-10-inch crappies in shore nets this fall. Try drifting with minnows or anchoring near the rocks.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are still biting near the rocks by the Ventura grade. You might catch a half dozen if they're biting. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught near the Harborage or from boats. Anglers might try wading near the channel to the little lake or near the Ventura Grade after dark. Some walleyes are starting to bite better by the little lake reed edges. Muskellunge - Fair: Musky fishing has slowed down with the weather but anglers have been targeting the little lake reed edges a little more. Yellow Bass - Good: Shore fisherman are having luck by the Ventura grade and near the harborage outlet. Boat anglers are doing well in shallower water (4-5 feet) on the west end of the main lake (Farmer's Beach and Baptist camp) and in the little lake near reeds. Find the windward side. Some anglers are also doing well north of the island in 8 feet of water with cutbait.

Crystal Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Shore anglers are catching largemouth.

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

Yellow Perch - Slow: Only a handful of perch are being caught and the few that are, are mostly in the 4-7-inch range. Keepers are rare. Walleye - Slow: With the water cooling down the fishing has picked up a bit but is still fairly slow. The best fishing has been in the late afternoon into the first hour after sunset.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers over rock piles.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Wader fishing should be picking up; try fishing the late evening with twister tails or a jig and minnow.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: bluegills should start to move shallower as the water cools. Continue to fish around weed edges and open pockets. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try using a pilkie tipped with wigglers for perch around some sort of structure be it weeds, rocks, drop-offs, or a combination. Most are reporting many small fish with a few nice ones mixed in.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

Try white twister tails in the deeper holes for walleye

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

Throw white twister tails into deeper holes for some walleye action.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try a worm or stinkbait set 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 - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

Channel Catfish - No Report: Try using night crawlers or stink baits fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Fish have been active at night. Bluegill - Good: Try using a hook tipped with a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics casting from shore. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been catching crappies in a variety of locations using small tube jigs or jigs tipped with twistertail.

Lake Meyer

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 using a piece of worm fished under a bobber around the 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)

Sucker - Slow: Anglers are catching suckers on a hook tipped with a worm fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: 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 tipped with a worm.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Sucker - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth bass have been really active this week and are taking natural colored crankbaits. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a variety of tackle including drifting jigs tipped with long piece of worm or twistertails.

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: Fish 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)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are hitting dead chubs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a variety of tackle with success. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are around brush piles and taking minnows. Walleye - Good: Use natural colored crankbaits and jigs tipped with a twistertail with a little sparkle.

Decorah District Streams

Blue wing olive and baetis hatches have been excellent on most northeast Iowa streams. Hatches sometimes begin late in the morning and continue on and off through dusk. For dry fly fishing, try your favorite blue wing pattern - sizes can vary from #16s through #24s depending on the hatch. Blue wing wet fly and nymph patterns in the same sizes have also been very effective.

Fall colors have really started to pop in Northeast Iowa. Take a gander as you're traveling to your favorite stream or river. Rivers are in good condition. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. All trout stocking for October is unannounced. Trout will continue to be stocked through this month. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

There have been reports of good pike fishing on the upper Wapsi River. Walleye fishing has been good on other rivers and should hold true for the Wapsi. Northern Pike - Good: Try floating a live chub under a bobber or casting big bucktail spinners. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler, casting crankbaits has also been good.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar has been really good for walleye. Anglers have been making the transition to fall baits for walleye but as of last week were still doing well on the jig and crawler combo. Crappie fishing has been really good on the river. Concentrate on the deeper holes for smallmouth as they migrate to overwintering areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have switched back to dead chubs and nightcrawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Crappie - Good: Use a jig tipped with a piece of crawler combination. Walleye - Good: Anglers are starting to make the switch to jig and minnow.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There has been little angling on the Maquoketa River this past week. Walleye fishing should be good as we approach fall like temperatures. Try a jig and crawler or minnow combination.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass. Concentrate on the deeper holes for smallmouth as they migrate to overwintering areas. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or spinner baits are good. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler, casting crankbaits has been good.

Interior river fishing has been really good for walleye with the fall like weather. Anglers are switching to fall baits with the recent decline in water temperatures but as of last week crawlers on a jig were still hot for walleye. Crappie fishing has been really good on the Cedar River. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is at 8.1 feet and stable. Water clarity is excellent with water temperatures in the lower 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Crawler or cut bait are good choices. Bluegill - Excellent: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 13.9 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Walleye and sauger are beginning to move up into the tail waters of the dam. Nobels Island ramp may be closed temporarily due to construction. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Fair: A few sauger showing up in the tail waters. Bite should continue to get better as water cools. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams and many are starting to move up towards the dam. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level is 5.4 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperatures have dropped to the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats feeding heavy before water cools. Stink bait and cut bait are good. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Crappie - Fair: Look for the crappie bite to pick up as fish concentrate on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Fair: A few sauger showing up in the tail waters. Bite should continue to get better as water cools. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

October is always a great month to be fishing on the Upper Mississippi as fish begin preparing for winter. Water temperature is in the low 60s but should begin to drop with the projected cooler weather. Boaters should continue to watch out for stumps and wing dams as levels are still low.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 5.4 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is 7.9 feet. Water temperature is 62 degrees. Duck weed is flowing out of backwater areas making some areas green and hard to fish. Northern Pike - Fair: Good year classes exist in the river as spawning has been successful for several straight years. Not many reports of them biting this week but we know from surveys they are putting on a feed bag right now. Bluegill - Good: Fish can still be found on rock piles and snags throughout the pool. Use a simple hook and worm for best results. Fish close to rock piles and brush for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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. Most of these bass are small but fight quite well. Remember the size limit is 14 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Numerous 12-inch largemouths are being reported caught nearly everywhere. Most folks are using minnow imitation lures but some are also being caught by the bluegill anglers using worms. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still on the wing dams but fishing for them has been temperamental. Try staying above the wing dams and casting bright colored crankbaits to the dams. The lure must intermittently touch rock for best success. Freshwater Drum - Fair: 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 level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam rose to 5.2 feet this week. Water is stained and water temperature is 62 degrees. Duck weed is hampering fishing in some locations. Northern Pike - Good: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water areas and along weed beds. Lots of pike reported caught this year and recent surveys show a very healthy population. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill still are being caught in decent numbers. It has been a great year for this panfish. Size ranges from 6.5 inches to 9 inches. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers or split shot rigs. Fish very close to structure (logs and rocks) for best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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 - Good: 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: A good number of mostly small crappies were reported this week caught on minnows. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger are starting to be caught along the bullnose in Bellevue. Anglers are using zips or jigs for best results. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes were reported using three-way rigs above the wing dams. Small chunks of worms or floating crankbaits yield best results. Freshwater Drum - Good: A simple 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 level at Fulton is around 5.0 feet and slightly rising. Water clarity is stained. The water temperatures is 62 degrees. The Rock Creek on the Iowa side and Cattail Slough on the Illinois side are popular angling locations. Northern Pike - Fair: Bright flashy lures are catching pike in the tail water and near cooler tributary streams. Bluegill - Good: Many 8 and even 9 inchers have been reported. Most anglers are using worms and bobbers for the best success. Fish very close to rocks and logs for the best results. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially by Clinton. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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: Anglers are reporting catching some crappies in the near shore tail water areas using small minnows for bait. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results. Some anglers are using plainer boards along channel edges. Freshwater Drum - Good: Several drum were reported by folks using a worm rig on the bottom. Drum can be excellent table fare but you need to keep them on ice for best flavor.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.7feet and slightly rising. Water temperature is 62 degrees. No fishing report is available for Pool 15 this week.

The water levels in Pools 12 to 15 are up slightly over last week. Fishing reports are mixed as can be expected when the rivers water level changes.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.42 feet. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Try fishing around the docks. Some crappies are also being caught at the mouth of Sunset Marina casting jigs towards the bank. Some crappies are also being caught in Veile Chute fishing the brush piles. Try vertical jigging with jigs and plastics/minnows or minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being caught on the tips of the wing dams casting jigs and plastics tipped with minnows. A few small saugers are being caught in Sylvan slough. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught casting jigs and plastics tipped with minnows off the tips of the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.30 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.44 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.57 feet. Most fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Try fishing brush piles and snags in backwater lakes and sloughs. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes has been slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages are still low so use caution when boating. Main channel water temperature has been around 61 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

The water is starting to cool off pretty good. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting on worms and chicken liver. Work deeper water in the bays and along the face of the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing has been spotty lately. Look for fish on the flats above steeper ledges to deep water along the north side of the lake. Worm and bobber or a small jigs tipped with a wax worm are my go to baits this time of year at Geode.

Lake Belva Deer

The water is starting to cool down pretty good. Water temperature is in the low to mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remains very good with the best bait being chicken liver. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing is really hit or miss. Sometimes it's really hot and just as fast it turns off. They seem to still be six feet down.

Lake of the Hills

The fall Trout stocking is this weekend. 2,000 trout will be released at 10:30 a.m. at the boat ramp, with 200 having tags for prizes. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows for bait is allowed. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout fishing will be very good shortly after 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills fishing has been picking up lately. They are still out a little deep about five feet down.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

Water levels are really low. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish has been fairly good. Find the deeper holes and you'll find fish. Water temperature is not low enough to send the fish towards their overwintering holes and they are on the feed right now to fatten up for the winter.

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

Hannen Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs over brush. Most fish are around 9 inches but some have been reported up to 12 inches.

Kent Park Lake

Crappie - Fair: Try minnows over and around wood structure.

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is running about 60 degrees, but will continue to drop with the cooler weather. Water clarity is marginal at about two feet. Fishing has been slow but should improve as water temperature drops. Crappie - Slow: Try the ends of laydowns with jigs or minnows. Most fish are less than 10 inches. There are decent year classes of 6 and 9-inch fish. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being picked up by trolling crankbaits or live bait rigs.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Channel Catfish - Fair: A number of baits are working. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with worms around brush. Most fish are 6-7 inches. Crappie - Good: Try small jigs around brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches but they are plentiful. Early and late in the day seem to be producing best.

Otter Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: These are being caught deeper on worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Remember Bass have to be 15 inches to keep. Yellow Bass - Fair: The yellows have been deeper. Most are being caught from boats drifting live bait.

Coralville Reservoir

The current lake level is 685.5 feet. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of fish or seagulls chasing shad. Most schools are not along the bank or structure oriented. Once you find a school, big catches are possible. Most fish are 10-12 inches with an occasional larger fish. Crappie - Good: Most anglers are having success with jigs along steep rock banks or by wood/brush. Most fish have been 10-12 inches but fish from 8-16 inches are available.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait in deeper holes around wood for 1-10 pound fish.

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

Lake Wapello

Bluegill - Slow: Anglers have been catching bluegills on small jigs but sorting is required for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Target areas with rip-rap or submerged trees along the shorelines. Use rubber worms or a jig and pig combo.

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs around the submerged structure or along the fishing jetties. Crappie - Fair: Try casting jigs around submerged structure and tip the jig with a minnow. Anglers have been catching some crappies using minnows in 8-10 feet of water using slip bobbers to get down to these fish.

Lake Sugema

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try using crawdad imitators such as a jig and pig combo along the rip-rapped areas of the shoreline or along the dam. Spinnerbaits or crankbaits can also be used in these same areas just slow down your presentation. Crappie - Slow: Try minnows in 8-10 feet of water using a slip bobber. Also try casting a jig tipped with a minnow.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.43 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 63 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding some crappies around brush piles in 6-8 feet of water. Use jigs or minnows around these areas. Crappies are starting to move into shallower water so try using a jig tipped with a minnow along the shorelines. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Fish around submerged points and rock piles with crankbaits or try using a minnow under a slip bobber. 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

Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught drifting jigs or fishing minnows near the timber throughout the lake.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies drifting minnows or jigs in the lower quarter of the lake. The crappie population is large with most fish in the 7 to 9-inch range and decent numbers of 10-inch fish.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being drift fishing small jigs with crawler, especially over the old road beds. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: There have been some decent catches of nice sized black crappie over the past week. Anglers are catching the fish suspended over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less using live minnows or panfish tube jigs.

Lake Ahquabi

Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught fishing the sunken habitat around the fish house and out from the northwest shoreline using minnows under a bobber or jigging a small panfish tube jig. A map of structure locations can be located within the Iowa DNR website under Fishing -> Where to Fish

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Trolling shad imitating crankbaits is producing some good fall white bass fishing. In addition to catching white bass, anglers have also been catching fair numbers of wipers this fall. Crappie - Good: The fall crappie bite is going at Red Rock. Anglers fishing minnows under a bobber near rock structure close to shore on the main lake are doing well.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The first trout stocking for the cool water season will be Friday, October 18 around noon. Trout will bite aggressively on spinners, panfish jigs or live baits.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers looking for a unique fishing opportunity this fall can make a trip to Ada Hayden for rainbow trout that have survived and grown through the past two summers. Anglers start to pick up some of these trout has water temps reach 70 degrees and below. A variety of baits can work. These include live minnows, twister tail jigs, small crankbaits, and in-line spinners. The trout fee is required to fish for and possess trout.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The first trout stocking for the cool water season will be Friday, October 18 around noon. Trout will bite aggressively on spinners, panfish jigs or live baits.

The fall crappie bite is good right now in many central Iowa lakes. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Crappies are concentrated around the deeper cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Slow: 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 12 to 15 inches. Crappie - No Report: Vertical jigging or fish a minnow under a bobber around cedar tree piles to catch 8 to 10-inch crappie.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has nice crappies that can be caught drifting. A few bluegills are also being picked up. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler to catch bluegill. Early morning has been the best time of the day. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting a white twister tail. Fish are 10 inches.

Lake Anita

A few bluegills and crappies are being caught drifting in 8 to 10 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 around the road beds and in tree piles. 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.

Viking Lake

Crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are being caught slow trolling crankbaits. Plastic baits are also working around cedar tree piles. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught using minnows under a bobber in the tree piles. Fish are 7 to 10 inches.

DeSoto Bend

Channel Catfish - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report:

Lake Manawa

Crappies can be caught on Tin Can dyke and along the east shore. Reports of a few walleyes are also being caught. Crappie - Fair: Float a minnow under a bobber around docks and around Tin Can dyke to catch 9 to 10-inch crappie. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught trolling crankbaits on the west and south side of the lake.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are around structure. Largemouth bass has been good in farm ponds. Remember to always get permission before fishing private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing cut bait around structure for fall catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught suspending worms or small jigs in 4 to 8 feet of water around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught with a variety of baits and lures. Cast along vegetation edges and around structure to catch bass. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber around structure.

Water temperatures have fallen below 60 degrees. The fall crappie bite has been good on area lakes. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The water temperature is 54 degrees. The water level is about two feet low but boat access is easy. Walleye - Fair: Some mid-sized walleye are hanging around the rocky areas. The mounds and the dam will be good spots.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: Some nice sized crappies have been caught from the deeper flooded trees. Small jigs 8 to 14 feet down seem to work best.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake is still empty to allow the construction of a wetland.

Green Valley Lake

The lake is down about 18 inches. Water clarity is very good. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several largemouth bass are roaming the near shore areas during late afternoons and twilight.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is down about three feet. Water clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: The deep rocky areas and flooded timber areas near the creek channel are producing some crappies on small jigs.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water clarity is good. The water level is about one foot low. The water temperature is 55 degrees. Bluegill - Good: A lot of big bluegills are being caught in 12 to 18 feet of water near the bottom. Small jigs tipped with a wax worm similar to ice fishing rigs are the most successful. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes are coming off of the deeper rock areas or sharp drop-offs during the day. Jigs or minnows seem to be the best. They are moving shallow during evening and just after dark. Casting jigs at the dam and over rip rap areas seems to be the most effective.

Water temperatures are in the mid 50s. Water clarity is very good. Panfish are moving deeper. The largemouth bass and walleye are active near shore during twilight and just after dark.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 10/25/13 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

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

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. Recent sampling has indicated a fair amount of walleye (less than 17 inches) are in the state marina complex.

Swan Lake

Panfishing has slowed down some. Anglers were catching decent sized bluegill and crappie, but catch rates have dropped with the dropping water temperature.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is approximately 10 inches below crest. 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)

Anglers are catching lots of walleye in the Little Sioux River from Cherokee to the Correctionville/Anthon area. Large white twisters are working great. Live chubs have been producing good walleye as well. Focus efforts on deeper pools, such as below rock riffles, near bridges, and around snags.

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

Upper Pine Lake

A few visitors fishing for crappies on both lakes. Some very nice bass being caught on Upper Pine Lake with deep diving crankbait.

Lake Smith

No reports from anglers but the DNR sampled some nice thick 9-10-inch crappies in shore nets this fall. Try drifting with minnows or anchoring near the rocks.

Clear Lake

Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are still biting near the rocks by the Ventura Grade. You might catch a half dozen if they're biting. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught near the Harborage (jig and minnow) or from boats. Anglers might try wading near the channel to the little lake or near the Ventura Grade after dark. Some walleyes are starting to bite better by the little lake reed edges. Muskellunge - No Report: Yellow Bass - Good: Shore fisherman are having luck by the Ventura Grade and near the harborage outlet. Boat fisherman are doing well in 4-5 feet of water on the west end of the main lake (Farmer's Beach and Baptist camp) and in the little lake near reeds. Find the windward side. Some anglers are also doing well north of the island in 8 feet of water with cutbait.

Crystal Lake

No Reports.

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

Yellow Perch - Slow: Only a handful of perch are being caught and the few that are mostly small fish in the 4-7-inch range with keepers being rare. Walleye - Slow: Fishing during the day has been spotty at best with the best bite coming around sunset and into the night. The water has cooled into the 40s and a slow presentation has been the best.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers over rock piles.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Wader fishing should be picking up try fishing the late evening with twister tails or a jig and minnow.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: bluegills should start to move shallower as the water cools. Continue to fish around weed edges and open pockets. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try using a pilkie tipped with wigglers for perch around some sort of structure be it weeds, rocks, drop-offs, or a combination. Most are reporting many small fish with a few nice ones mixed in.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

Try white twister tails in the deeper holes for walleye.

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

Throw white twister tails into deeper holes for some walleye action.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Channel Catfish - Slow: Tip a hook with a worm or dead minnow and let it set near the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Fish should be hanging around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: 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 boat dock was taken out for the winter. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Good: Tip a hook with a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been catching crappies using jigs tipped with minnow.

Lake Meyer

Channel Catfish - Slow: Try near submersed trees. Use a worm or cut bait on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Good: Try a piece of worm under a bobber around the brush piles off the jetty and dock. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching bass from shore tossing a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler. Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up crappies using a rubber skirted jig fished under a bobber.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Fish are moving into their winter holes and activity is beginning to slow down with cooler temperatures. Water clarity is excellent. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a worm or black or white twistertail. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having luck using jigs tipped with a worm or colored twistertails.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

A variety fish are showing up in the creel this week including brown trout and perch. Fish are moving into their overwintering holes. Northern Pike - Fair: Nice sized pike are being caught using spinnerbaits. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are taking natural colored crankbaits or jigs tipped with twistertail. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a jig tipped with white, black or orange twistertails or long piece of nightcrawler.

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 in the deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a jig tipped a worm or twistertail with success. Walleye - Good:

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)

Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are beginning to pick up a few pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a rubber skirted jig with success. Walleye - Good: Walleye seem to be scattered still. Anglers are using jigs tipped with twistertails, minnows and crawlers.

Decorah District Streams

Blue wing olive and baetis hatches have been excellent on most northeast Iowa streams. Hatches sometimes begin late in the morning and continue on and off through dusk. For dry fly fishing, try your favorite blue wing pattern - sizes can vary from #16s through #24s depending on the hatch. Blue wing wet fly and nymph patterns in the same sizes have also been very effective.

Take a gander at the fall colors as you're traveling to your favorite stream or river this weekend. Leaves will likely be at their peak. Rivers are in good condition and water clarity is exceptional. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. All trout stocking for October is unannounced. Trout will continue to be stocked through this month. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been catching some crappies out of George Wyth Lake fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water. 2013 habitat placement maps are now available on the DNR web page under Fishing/ Where to Fish/ Lakes/ George Wyth Lake. Crappie - Fair: Try a crappie minnow under a slip bobber in 10 to 12 feet of water near structure.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar has been really good for walleye. Anglers have now made the switch to jig and plastic tipped with a minnow. Crappie fishing has also been good on the river. Concentrate on the deeper holes for smallmouth as they migrate to overwintering areas. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Jig and twister combination is a good choice. Crappie - Fair: Crappie have been hitting on a jig tipped with a piece of crawler combination. Walleye - Good: Anglers are making the switch to jig and minnow.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

There have been good reports of walleye and northern pike being caught on the Wapsipinicon River. Northern Pike - Fair: Try floating a live chub under a bobber or casting big bucktail spinners. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler, or casting crankbaits.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition. Recent stream observations reveal there are plentiful populations of trout to be caught going in the late fall season. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There has been little angling activity on the Maquoketa River this past week. Walleye fishing should be good as we approach fall like temperatures. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler or minnow combination work well.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching good numbers of walleye on the Shell Rock River. Concentrate on the deeper holes for smallmouth as they migrate to overwintering areas. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler, or casting crankbaits.

Interior river fishing has been really good for walleye due to the fall like weather. Anglers are switching to the jig and twister tipped with a minnow combination with the recent decline in water temperatures. Crappie fishing has been good on the Cedar River. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is 8.1 feet and stable. Water clarity is excellent with water temperature in the upper 40s. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Fair: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up in Minnesota Slough. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 14.4 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 40s. Nobles Island ramp may be closed temporarily due to construction. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavily but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Fair: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level is 6.1 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature has dropped to the upper 40s. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Fair: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Cold weather has brought down water temperatures and pushed fish towards wintering areas. Fish are still actively feeding making for some good fishing. Water temperature is in the upper 40s.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is 5.8 feet and the water level at the railroad bridge is 8.3 feet. Water temperature dropped dramatically this week and is now near 49 degrees. White Bass - Fair: White bass can often be found this time of year in the tail water reaches. Sometimes they group up in 30 feet of water or so. Use a three-way rig with a flashy spinner to attract this species. Bluegill - Good: Before the cold snap bluegills were still being found throughout the pool. As temps get cooler they will move to deeper backwaters with little or no current to overwinter. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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. Most of these bass are small but fight quite well. Remember the size limit is 14 inches. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crankbait or dragging a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still being caught on the wing dams. A general upstream migration will take place soon as the walleyes will usually stay in the upper third of the pool in the winter.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam rose to 5.6 feet this week and is now stable. Water is clear and water temperature is in the upper 40s down dramatically from last week. Northern Pike - Good: 2013 was a great season for northern pike and we still have excellent populations of this species. Still try bright flashy lures even in the late fall. In addition, look for any tagged northern as we have placed tags of hundreds of pike in Pool 13. If you catch a tagged pike all you need to do is get a number off the tag (located by dorsal fin) and call it in to a DNR office. If you have the length and weight of the fish that would be great. White Bass - Good: White bass can often be found this time of year in the tail water reaches. Sometimes they group up in 30 feet of water or so. Use a three-way rig with a flashy spinner to attract this species. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills were still being caught throughout the pool this week but they will soon be in search of their winter homes. Winter bluegill hangouts are deeper backwater areas with little or no current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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. Crappie - Good: A good number of mostly small crappies were reported this week. Mostly being caught on minnows. Sauger - Good: The fall and winter tail water pattern is starting to emerge for saugers. Many sauger were reported last week mostly by anglers using three-way rigs or jig and minnow. 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.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water level at Fulton is around 5.4 feet and stable. Water temperature is in the upper 40s. Bluegill - Good: Check out areas in Cattail Slough and near Rock Creek for you best fall and winter fishing for bluegills. Strong populations are being seen in Pool 14 this year. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies are being reported on the rock rip rap areas of the pool especially along the rip rap banks near Clinton. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting catching at least some crappie from the Rock Creek area this week. Small crappie minnows are the bait of choice. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crank bait or by dragging a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is 4.6 feet and stable. Water temperature is in upper 40s. No fishing report is available for Pool 15 this week.

The water levels in Pools 12 to 15 are stable. Water temps have dropped dramatically this week and anglers will need to adjust. Water temperatures are now in the upper 40s and water clarity is excellent.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.42 feet. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are being caught in Sunset Marina on Road Runners and minnows floating under a bobber. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Try fishing around docks. Some crappies are also being caught at the mouth of Sunset Marina casting jigs towards the bank. Some crappies are also being caught in Veile Chute (Andalusia Islands) fishing the brush piles. Try vertical jigging with jigs and plastics/minnows or minnows under a bobber. Some crappies are also being caught in Sylvan Slough by the Power Dam floating minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being caught on the tips of the wing dams casting jigs and plastics tipped with minnows. A few saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught casting jigs and plastics tipped with minnows off the tips of the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.14 feet. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in Big Timber fishing around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or vertical jigging with minnows or small plastics.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.29 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills around brush piles in the backwaters and running sloughs. Try fishing with wax worms or pieces of nightcrawler floating under a bobber. Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies around brush piles and snags in the backwaters and running sloughs. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or vertical jigging with minnows or small plastics.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.01 feet. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Fish brush piles and snags in backwater lakes and sloughs. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes has been slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have been steady over the past few days. Main channel water temperature has been around 51 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Water temperature is in the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: The catfish are biting on worms and chicken liver. Work the deeper water up in the bays and along the face of the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills fishing has been spotty lately. Look for the fish to be on the flats above the steeper ledges to deep water along the North side of the lake. Worm and bobber or a small jigs tipped with a wax worm are my go to baits this time of year at Geode.

Lake Belva Deer

The water is starting to cool down pretty good. Water Temperature is in the low to mid 60s. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing seems to be on and off. They are catching them first thing in the morning out in 8 to 10 foot of water. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are still being caught. They seemed to have moved back out to deeper water.

Lake of the Hills

Water temperature is in the upper 50s now. The fall Trout stocking was last Saturday. Plenty of the 2000 trout remain in the lake. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows for bait is allowed. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout are starting to settle down. Look for them around the stumps and logs in shallow water and around the brush piles out a little deeper. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills fishing has been picking up lately. They are moving in shallow when the sun is out.

Railroad Lake

Live minnows CANNOT be used as bait in Railroad Lake. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good in Railroad using stinkbait and chicken liver. Fish the flats on the north side or the old creek channel on the south.

Wilson Lake

The fall trout stocking will be November 9 at 1 p.m. 1,000 trout will be released around the lake. 200 will be tagged for prizes. Bluegill - Fair: Work the brush piles and culvert to pick up some bluegills. The bite should pick up as the weather settles down.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

The fall trout release will be November 9 at 10 a.m. 1,000 rainbow trout will be released with 100 being tagged for prizes. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been good using worm and bobber.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

Water levels are really low right now. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish has been fairly good. Find the deeper holes and you'll find the fish. Water temperature is not low enough to send the fish towards their overwintering holes and they are on the feed right now to fatten up for the winter.

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

Hannen Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Water clarity is about 6 feet and water temperature is about 50 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs over brush. Most fish are 10-11 inches.

Kent Park Lake

Crappie - Fair: Try fishing minnows over and around wood structure.

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is running about 50 degrees, but will continue to drop with the cooler weather. Water clarity is poor as the lake has turned over. Fishing has been slow. Crappie - Slow: Try the ends of laydowns with jigs or minnows. Most fish are less than 10 inches. There are decent year classes of 6 and 9-inch fish. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being picked up by shore fishermen fishing windblown rocky banks.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with worms around brush. Most fish are 6-7 inches. Crappie - Good: Try small jigs around brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches but they are plentiful. Early and late in the day seem to be producing best.

Otter Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: These are being caught out deeper on worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Remember bass have to be 15 inches to keep. Yellow Bass - Fair: The yellows have been deeper. Most are being caught from boats drifting live bait.

Coralville Reservoir

The current lake level is 685.6 feet. Angling pressure has decreased due to the colder temps. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of fish or seagulls chasing shad. Most schools are not along the bank or structure oriented. Once you find a school, big catches are possible. Most fish are 10-12 inches with an occasional larger fish. Crappie - Fair: Most anglers are having success with jigs along steep rock banks or by wood/brush. Most fish have been 10-12 inches but fish from 8-16 inches are available.

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

Lake Wapello

Try using small jigs tipped with a wax worm or chunk of nightcrawler for bluegills. Anglers should try jig n pig combos for largemouth bass.

Red Haw Lake

Try jigs tipped with a minnow for crappies. A slip bobber and a minnow may also produce some fish. Try rubber worms or spinnerbaits for largemouth bass.

Lake Sugema

Try a slip bobber and a minnow for crappies in 8-10 feet of water. Try different depths and different spots until finding active fish. Try slowing down crankbaits or spinnerbaits for largemouth bass along the rip-rapped shorelines.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.33 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 59 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been finding some crappies around brush piles in 6-8 feet of water. Use jigs or minnows around these areas. Crappies are starting to move into shallower water so try using a jig tipped with a minnow along the shorelines. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Fish around submerged points and rock piles with crankbaits or try using a minnow under a slip bobber. 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

Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught drifting jigs or fishing minnows near the timber throughout the lake.

Big Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: There have been some decent catches of nice sized black crappie over the past week. Anglers are catching the fish suspended over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less using live minnows or panfish tube jigs.

Lake Ahquabi

Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught fishing the sunken habitat around the fish house and out from the northwest shoreline using minnows under a bobber or jigging a small panfish tube jig. A map of structure locations can be located within the Iowa DNR website under Fishing -> Where to Fish

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: The fall crappie bite is going at Red Rock. Good catches are coming from the marina bay. The marina docks are private property so the preferred access is by boat.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The first trout stocking for the cool water season took place on October 18. Many trout remain and will bite aggressively on spinners, panfish jigs or live baits.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The first trout stocking for the cool water season occurred October 18. Trout continue to be caught on spinners, panfish jigs, or live baits.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Fair: Fall is an excellent time to target walleye in all stretches of the Des Moines River through central Iowa. Concentrate on areas of slow moving water with good depth of four feet or more with a rocky or gravel bottom. Areas like this just above or below shallow riffles are ideal. Cast jigs with twisters or crankbaits with chartreuse or firetiger coloration.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Walleye - Fair: Fall is an excellent time to target walleye in all stretches of the Des Moines River through central Iowa. Concentrate on areas of slow moving water with good depth of four feet or more with a rocky or gravel bottom. Areas like this just above or below shallow riffles are ideal. Cast jigs with twisters or crankbaits with chartreuse or firetiger coloration.

The fall crappie bite is good right now in many central Iowa lakes and reservoirs. It is also a good time of year to target walleye throughout the Des Moines River. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Crappies are concentrated around the deeper cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Slow: 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. Crappie - No Report: Vertical jigging or fish a minnow under a bobber around cedar tree piles to catch 8 to 10-inch crappie.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has nice crappies that can be caught drifting. A few bluegills are also being picked up. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler to catch bluegill. Early morning has been the best time of the day. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting a white twister tail. Fish are 10 inches.

Lake Anita

A few bluegills and crappies are being caught drifting in 8 to 10 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 around the road beds and in tree piles. 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.

Viking Lake

The crappies are suspended off the dam and around the many brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: 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.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

1,000 rainbow trout were stocked into Big Lake on October 18. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow trout can be caught on a variety of jigs and soft rubber baits or minnows. Generally tackle used for crappie is good for trout.

Lake Manawa

Crappies are being caught in the canals. Reports of a few walleyes are also being caught. Crappie - Fair: Float a minnow under a bobber or use small jigs to catch 9 to 10-inch crappie in the canals. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught trolling crankbaits on the west and south side of the lake.

Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)

Anglers have reported catching walleyes and smallmouth bass below Lenon Mills dam. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching smallmouth casting crawdad colored lures and jigs. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes have been caught casting white twister tails tipped with minnows.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Bluegills and crappie are around structure. Largemouth bass has been good in farm ponds. Remember to always get permission before fishing private farm ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing cut bait around structure for fall catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught suspending worms or small jigs in 4 to 8 feet of water around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught with a variety of baits and lures. Cast along vegetation edges and around structure to catch bass. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber around structure.

Crappie fishing continues to be good on area lakes. Also, anglers have reported fair fishing for walleye and smallmouth bass on the Middle Raccoon River in Guthrie County. For more information on lakes in the district call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

The water temperature is in the upper 40s. The water level is about two feet low but boat access is easy.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake is still empty to allow the construction of a wetland.

Green Valley Lake

The lake is down about 18 inches. Water clarity is very good. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching several largemouth around the tree piles and rock mounds.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is down about three feet. Water clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: The flooded timber areas near the creek channel are producing some crappies on small jigs from about 10 to 15 feet down.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water clarity is good. The water level is about one foot low. The water temperature is in the upper 40s. Bluegill - Good: A lot of big bluegills are being caught in 15 to 20 feet of water near the bottom. Small jigs tipped with a wax worm similar to ice fishing rigs are the most successful. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes are coming off of the deeper rock areas or sharp drop-offs during the day. Jigs or minnows seem to be the best. They are moving shallower during evening and just after dark. Casting jigs at the dam, over rip rap areas, or the old road way seems to be the most effective.

Water temperatures are near 50 degrees and clarity is very good. Panfish are moving deeper.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 11/7/13 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

Bacon Creek Lake

Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout will be stocked into Bacon Creek on November 20 at 1:30 p.m.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is about 10 inches below crest. 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.

Moorland Pond

Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout will be stocked into Moorland Pond on November 16 at 1 p.m.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Reports are still coming in with anglers catching walleye in the Little Sioux. Large white twisters are working great. Live chubs have been producing good walleye as well. Focus on deeper pools, such as below rock riffles, near bridges, and around snags.

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

Walleye - Slow: With the water temperature falling, slower presentations are more productive. Wader fishermen continue to be having the best luck around sunset and into the night. Boat fishing has been difficult.

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - No Report: Look for yellow bass on the rock piles and drop-offs action should be good once a school is located.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Look for bluegills in and around the weeds try using small jigs tipped with wigglers or wax worms. Yellow Perch - Slow: Small fish seem to dominate the catch but bigger fish can be found with some effort. Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)

Try fishing twister tails and minnows in deeper holes.

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

A slow presentation may be best but walleyes can be caught on twister tails and minnows in some of the deeper holes.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish are suspended over the deep water brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows.

Lake Hendricks

The boat dock has been taken out for the winter. Panfishing has slowed as fish are moving into deeper water. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie - Fair:

Lake Meyer

Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Try a piece of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Toss a jig tipped with plastic twistertail or a big chunk of nightcrawler. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are picking up crappies using a rubber skirted jig fished under a bobber.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Fish are moving into their winter holes. Water clarity is good even with the rain we received on Tuesday. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a worm or black or white twistertail. Walleye - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a worm or wide variety of colored twistertails. Fish are more active in the evening and early morning.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Fish are moving into their overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth bass are taking natural colored crankbaits or jigs tipped with twistertail. Walleye - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a twistertail or long piece of nightcrawler. Most fish have been caught at dawn and dusk.

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 in the deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using a jig tipped a worm or twistertail with success. Walleye - Fair:

Turkey River (below Clermont)

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

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallies are hitting jigs mostly while fishing for walleye in deeper holes. Walleye - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with twistertails, minnows and crawlers. Best luck has been early morning or evening.

Decorah District Streams

Fly fishing has been excellent and good autumn blue wing olive and baetis hatches continue on northeast Iowa streams. The best dry fly fishing has been occurring between noon and 4 p.m. Predominant sizes have been #18s and #20s though flies can be larger or smaller depending on the afternoon. Your favorite blue wing patterns should work well in the correct sizes. Spinnerbaits have been successful for the spin fisher.

Rivers, streams and lakes are in good condition and water clarity is good. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. With the on-coming hunting seasons, fewer anglers have been out. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River has been excellent for walleye and smallmouth bass. Anglers have now made the switch to the jig and plastic tipped with a minnow combination. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Jig and twister combination is a good choice. Walleye - Excellent: Anglers are fishing a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow on the drop-offs and along current breaks in 4 to 5 feet of water.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

There have been few angling reports on the Wapsipinicon River this past week but walleye fishing should remain good. Walleye - Good: Jig and plastic tipped with a minnow has been good. Target the deeper holes, drop-offs and current breaks.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition. Recent stream observations reveal plenty of trout going in to the fall and winter. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There have been no reports on the Maquoketa River this past week. Walleye fishing should be good on the deeper overwintering holes.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching good numbers of walleye on the Shell Rock River. Walleye - Good: Jig and plastic tipped with a minnow has been good. Concentrate on the deeper holes, drop-offs and current breaks.

Interior river fishing has been really good for walleye and smallmouth bass. Anglers are switching to a jig and twister tipped with a minnow combination. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For more information, call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is up slightly at 8.1 feet. Water clarity is excellent with water temperatures in the low to mid 40s. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Fair: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger are actively feeding along sand flats in early morning and evening. Try vertical jigging along structure and drop-offs in the main channel. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up in Minnesota Slough. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 13.8 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 40s. Nobles Island ramp may be closed temporarily due to construction. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Excellent: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level has risen a foot to 6.4 feet and is expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature has dropped to the mid 40s. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavily but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Excellent: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Water temperatures on the Upper Mississippi are dipping into the lower 40s. Fish are transitioning into deep-water overwintering areas and actively feeding in preparation for winter.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 5.4 feet and expected to rise to 6.2 feet later this week. Water level at the railroad bridge is 8.0 feet and expected to rise to 8.5 feet. Water temperature is at 46 degrees. White Bass - Good: White bass can often be found this time of year in the tail water reaches. Sometimes they group up in 30 feet of water or so. Use a three-way rig with a flashy spinner to attract this species. Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved into the backwater areas and are being caught on woody structure. Most anglers are using small minnows as bait. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crankbait or dragging a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still being caught on the wing dams. A general upstream migration will take place soon as walleyes will usually stay in the upper third of the pool in the winter.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam has been stable but now is expected to rise a foot or so. Currently the gauge is at 5.2 feet but may rise to 6.7 feet later this week. Water is clear and water temperature is near 47 degrees. Northern Pike - Good: 2013 was a great season for northern pike and we still have excellent populations of this species. Still try bright flashy lures even in the late fall. In addition, look for any tagged northern as we have placed tags of hundreds of pike in Pool 13. If you catch a tagged pike, get a number off the tag located by dorsal fin and call it in to a DNR office. If you have the length and weight of the fish, that would be great. White Bass - Good: White bass can often be found this time of year in the tail water reaches. Sometimes they group up in 30 feet of water or so. Use a three-way rig with a flashy spinner. Crappie - Good: A good number of mostly small crappies were reported this week on minnows. Sauger - Good: The fall and winter tail water pattern is starting to emerge for saugers. Many saugers were reported last week mostly by anglers using three-way rigs or jig and minnow. 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.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water level at Fulton is around 4.7 feet and fell from last week. During this week the water levels are expected to rise due to recent rains. The water temperature is 49 degrees. White Bass - Fair: White bass have been seen schooling in the tail water reaches. Often flocking sea gulls offer a good visual clue to feeding white bass. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting catching at least some crappie from the Rock Creek area this week. Small crappie minnows are the bait of choice. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crank bait or by dragging a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are mainly throwing crankbaits on the dams for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.7 feet and expected to rise to 5.3 feet later this week. Water temperature is near 50 degrees. No fishing report is available for Pool 15 this week.

The water levels in Pools 12 to 15 have been stable but now are expected to rise with recent rains. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s and water clarity is excellent.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Belva Deer

Very little angler activity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing seems to be on and off. They are catching them first thing in the morning out in 8 to 10 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are still being caught. They seemed to have to deeper water.

Lake of the Hills

Water temperature is in the upper 50s. The fall trout stocking was October 19 and plenty remain in the lake. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows for bait is allowed. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout fishing is starting to really pick up. Anglers are finding them at about three feet down around the stumps and logs. Worm and bobber seems to be working best. In-line spinners and or wet flies and streamers are also working. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are still biting. They are spread out across the lake. Be ready to move around and fish different depths to find the fish. Worm and bobber is working the best.

Railroad Lake

REMEMBER YOU CAN NOT USE LIVE MINNOWS AS BAIT IN RAILROAD LAKE. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are still biting. Work the upper end of the lake and down the North side.

Wilson Lake

The fall trout stocking is November 9 at 1 p.m. 1000 trout will be release around the lake, including 200 tagged for prizes. Hopefully the weather forecast holds true because it looks like it will really be a nice day. Bluegill - Fair: Work the brush piles and culvert to pick up some bluegills. The bite should pick up as the weather settles down.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

The fall trout release is November 9 at 10 a.m. 1,000 rainbow trout will be released with 100 being tagged for prizes. A good weather forecast for Saturday, don't miss it. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been good using worm and bobber.

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

Hannen Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Water clarity is about six feet and water temperature is about 50 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing deeper for nicer bluegills. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs around shallow brush. Most fish are 10-11 inches.

Lake Macbride

Water temperature is running about 50 degrees. All the courtesy docks have been taken out for the year. Crappie - Fair: Some nice fish are being caught around brush in bays. Minnows under slip bobbers has been working best. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being picked up by shore anglers fishing windblown rocky banks. Evenings have been best.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with worms around brush. Most fish are 6-7 inches. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs around brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches and plentiful.

Coralville Reservoir

The current lake level is 685.9 feet and slowly rising. Angling pressure has decreased due to the colder temps. Crappie - Fair: Most anglers are having success with jigs along steep rock banks or by wood/brush. Most fish have been 10-12 inches but fish from 8-16 inches are available.

Sand Lake

Sand Lake is located on the south end of Iowa City. Trout were stocked on November 1. You must have a fishing license and trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try small jigs/spinners or worms.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Walleye - Fair: Try jigging in deeper wintering holes, especially below low head dams.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

The Anamosa area has reported good fishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try minnows or cut bait in deeper holes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try jigs or minnows below dams and deeper holes. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs or minnows below dams and deeper holes.

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

Red Haw Lake

Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler for bluegills. Use minnows for crappies, either under a slip bobber or tipped on a jig.

Lake Sugema

Try a slip bobber and a minnow for crappies. Casting small jigs tipped with a minnow could also be productive. Try different depths and different spots. For largemouth bass try rubber lizards or crawdad imitations. Concentrate on areas with rip-rapped shorelines.

East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond

Trout were stocked on October 31. Try small spinners or prepared trout baits.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.47 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 53 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Look for crappies around brush piles in 8-10 feet of water using jigs and minnows or minnows and slip bobbers. Walleye - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Try areas with submerged points and rock piles. Try using minnows fished under a slip bobber. 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

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: The fall crappie bite is going at Red Rock. Good catches are coming from the marina bay around the docks.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The first trout stocking for the cool water season took place on October 18. Many trout remain and will bite aggressively on spinners, panfish jigs, or live baits.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The first trout stocking for the cool water season occurred on October 18. Trout continue to be caught on spinners, panfish jigs, or live baits.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Fair: Fall is an excellent time to target walleye in all stretches of the Des Moines River through central Iowa. Concentrate on areas of slow moving water with a depth of four feet or more with a rocky or gravel bottom. Areas like this just above or below shallow riffles are ideal. Cast jigs with twisters and crankbaits with chartreuse or firetiger coloration. Presentations need to be slow.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Walleye - Fair: Fall is an excellent time to target walleye in all stretches of the Des Moines River through central Iowa. Concentrate on areas of slow moving water with depth of 4 feet or more with a rocky or gravel bottom. Areas like this just above or below shallow riffles are ideal. Cast jigs with twisters or crankbaits with chartreuse or firetiger coloration.

Good fall fishing opportunities continue. It is a good time of year to target walleye throughout the Des Moines River. Many lakes have a good fall crappie bite fishing small jigs over or near habitat in 10 feet of water or deeper. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Bluegill - No Report: This lake offers some good bluegill fishing. Use small ice fishing jigs in the fall with the cool water temperatures. Crappie - No Report: There is a nice year class of quality sized crappie in the lake.

Littlefield Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Crappie - No Report: Try fishing with small ice fishing type jigs this fall.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

Rainbow trout were stocked into the lake three weeks ago to provide some fall fishing. Rainbow Trout - Fair: A few trout are being caught on small jigs, wax worms, or minnows.

Lake Manawa

The water is clearing up as the algae dies back in the cooler water. This helps the fishing. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies are being caught in the canals on white twister tails or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - No Report: Try fishing the wipers along the north shore. Fall is an excellent time of year to catch wipers.

Activity at area lakes has been light due to weather and other outdoor activities taking precedence. Water temperatures have dropped into the 50s requiring a slow presentation when fishing.

Lake Icaria

The water level is down about two feet. Clarity is good. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught from just off of the dam.

Little River Watershed Lake

The fishery has grown and now has a lot of nice sized bluegills, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Badger Creek Lake

The water level is down about two feet. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: A few anglers are working the deeper areas to find some bluegills. Crappie - Slow: Some big crappies can be caught from deeper flooded trees.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Water level is down about two feet. Clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: A few anglers are finding some bluegills in deeper water near the tree piles next to the bottom.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is down about three feet. Water clarity is very good. Crappie - Slow: A few anglers are fishing the flooded timber near the creek channel. Walleye - No Report:

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water level is down about two feet. Water clarity is very good. Bluegill - Slow: A few anglers are picking up a few bluegills from near the bottom 10 to 25 feet deep. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Water temperatures are in the 40s. Water clarity is better than usual. Panfish have moved into deep areas.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 11/15/13 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.

For Current Iowa Fishing reports - Click Here

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

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Lake Smith

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

Clear Lake

White Bass - Slow: Some smaller white bass (10-12 inches) have been caught by the grade at sunset with small jig and piece of worm. Walleye - Slow: No reports this week. Yellow Bass - Slow: Shore fisherman might still have luck by the Ventura Grade and near the Harborage outlet.

Crystal Lake

No Reports

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

With the cold temperature early in the week skim ice formed along the edges and in the ends of the bays but has since melted. Walleye - Slow: With the water temperature falling, slower presentations have been better producers. Wader fishermen continue having the best luck around sunset and into the night. Boat fishing has been difficult.

East Okoboji Lake

Much of the north end of the lake froze Monday night but is likely to be open once the weather warms. Yellow Bass - No Report: Look for yellow bass on the rock piles and drop-offs action should be good once a school is located.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Look for bluegills in and around the weeds try using small jigs tipped with wigglers or wax worms. Yellow Perch - Slow: Small fish seem to dominate the catch but bigger fish can be found with some effort. Try a pilkie tipped with wigglers.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Boat docks are out for the year. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a wax worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are hitting a jig tipped with a twistertail or worm. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been fishing in the brush piles along the dam and universal access. Try a jig tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Hendricks

Ice is forming in the bays and the aerator is on. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are still spread out but anglers are catching fish from shore using jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

Few anglers have been out. Anglers have switched to wax worms with some success. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try tossing out a jig tipped with plastic twistertail from shore. Crappie - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Fish are moving into their overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a black or white twistertail. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having luck using jigs tipped with brown or white twistertails. Try fishing off the bottom.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Fish are moving into their overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth bass are taking natural colored crankbaits or jigs tipped with twistertail. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using a variety of jigs tipped with a twistertail. Most fish have been caught at dawn and dusk.

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)

The Vernon Springs impoundment near Cresco is beginning to freeze in places.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

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

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Backwaters are beginning to ice up. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few pike. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Good: Anglers are using jigs tipped with dark colored twistertails. Anglers are finding fish near the bottom of the deeper holes.

Decorah District Streams

Fly fishing has been excellent and good autumn blue wing olive and baetis hatches continue on northeast Iowa streams. The best dry fly fishing has been occurring between noon and 4 p.m. Predominant sizes have been #18s and #20s though flies can be larger or smaller depending on the afternoon. Your favorite blue wing patterns should work well in the correct sizes. Spinnerbaits have been successful for the spin fisher.

Weekend weather forecast is calling for overcast with a 50 percent chance of rain but temperatures in the 50s. Angling pressure has dropped significantly on many area lakes likely due to a change in seasons and weather. Ice is beginning to form on smaller ponds and backwater areas. Fluctuating temperatures, wind and rain can change conditions quickly. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where.

North Prairie Lake

North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout on Nov. 22.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River still remains good for walleye and smallmouth bass. Anglers are using jigs and plastic tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twister combination is good. Walleye - Good: Jigs and plastic tipped with a minnow. Concentrate on the drop-offs and along current breaks in 4 to 5 feet of water.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

There have been few angling reports this past week but walleye fishing should remain good. Walleye - Good: Jig and plastic tipped with a minnow in deeper holes, drop-offs and current breaks.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition with plenty of trout to be caught. Rainbow Trout - Good: Brown Trout - Good:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There have been no angling reports this past week.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching good numbers of walleye. Walleye - Good: Jig and plastic tipped with a minnow has been good in the deeper holes, drop-offs and current breaks.

Interior river fishing has been really good for walleye and smallmouth bass due to the fall like weather. Anglers are switching to a jig and twister tipped with a minnow combination with the recent decline in water temperatures. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is up slightly at 8.1 feet. Water clarity is excellent with water temperatures in the low to mid 40s. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Fair: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger are actively feeding along sand flats in early morning and evening. Try vertical jigging along structure and drop-offs in the main channel. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up in Minnesota Slough. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 13.8 feet and is expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 30s. Nobles Island ramp may be closed temporarily due to construction. The marina area at PDC has been a hotspot for bluegills this week. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Excellent: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level has fallen to 5 feet. Water temperature has dropped to the upper 30s. Once the water levels stabilize expect tail water fishing to improve. Bluegill - Good: Good bluegill fishing continues on snags in running sloughs, but look for more fish to begin to push into overwintering areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are feeding heavy but may be moving towards backwater overwintering areas soon. Slow down tactics to catch cold water fish. Crappie - Excellent: Crappie still hitting on structure in sloughs. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are still biting good drifting crawlers along current edges on the main channel.

Water temperatures on the Upper Mississippi are in the 30s with skim ice on some backwaters. Fish have moved into deep-water overwintering areas and actively feeding in preparation for winter.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is at 5.6 feet and water level at the railroad bridge is at 8.2 feet. Water is expected to fall slightly throughout the week. Water temperature is 41 degrees. Crappie - Good: Crappies have moved into the backwater areas and are being caught on woody structure. Most anglers are using small minnows as bait. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crankbait or dragging a minnow. Some are also using simple jig and minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still being caught on the wing dams. A general upstream migration will take place soon as the walleyes will usually stay in the upper third of the pool in the winter.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is now slowly falling after a week of rising water. Currently the gauge is at 5.9 feet. Water is clear and water temperature is near 42 degrees. Crappie - Good: Crappies have moved to woody structure located out of the main flow of the channel. Crappies are mostly being caught on minnows. Sauger - Good: The fall and winter tail water pattern is starting to emerge for saugers. Many saugers were reported last week mostly by anglers using three-way rigs or jig and minnow. Walleye - Good: Several smaller 15 and 16 inch walleyes are being reported. Most by people jigging in the tail water but a few may still be found on wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water level at Fulton is around 5.7 feet which is up a foot from last week. Water levels are expected to now fall slightly throughout the week. Water temperature is 44 degrees. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting catching at least some crappie from the Rock Creek area this week. Small crappie minnows are the bait of choice. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crankbait or by dragging a minnow. Walleye - Fair: Jigs and minnow seem to be catching several smaller walleyes in the tail water areas.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 5.0 feet and expected to fall slowly throughout the week. Water temperature is near 44 degrees. No fishing report is available for Pool 15 this week.

The water levels in Pools 12 to 15 rose last week but now are expected to slowly fall. Water temperatures are in the lower 40s and water clarity is excellent.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 5.35 feet. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina fishing small minnows or wax worms under a bobber around the docks. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught below the dam and in Sylvan Slough. Fishing has been hit or miss with mostly small fish being caught with a few nicer fish mixed in. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits. Walleye - Slow: Some walleyes are being caught below the dam and in Sylvan Slough. Fishing has been hit or miss with mostly small fish being caught. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine is 4.27 feet. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught below the dam at Muscatine. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 4.66 feet. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers below the dam has been hit or miss. Some fish are being caught but they are mostly smaller fish. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 2.38 feet. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing brush piles and snags in backwater lakes and sloughs. Use minnows under a bobber or vertical jig with small minnows or plastics. Sauger - No Report: We have not received any tail water fishing information for saugers.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Main channel water temperature has been around 40 degrees. Fishing is being reported as slow throughout the pools. There has been some tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes but fishing has been hit or miss. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Hannen Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs around shallow brush. Most fish are 10-11 inches.

Lake Macbride

All the courtesy docks have been taken out for the year. Crappie - Fair: Some nice fish are being caught around brush in bays. Minnows under slip bobbers have been working best. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being picked up by shore fishermen fishing windblown rocky banks. Evenings have been best.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Walleye - Fair: No details are available, but some walleyes have been said to have been caught here. Best bet is to try towards evening on windblown rocky areas.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs or jigs tipped with waxies around brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches but they are plentiful.

Otter Creek Lake

Anglers fishing from the jetties had some luck last week. The fish cleaning station is closed for the winter. Bluegill - Fair: Try small worms. Yellow Bass - Fair: Small worms, jigs, or spinners work best.

Sand Lake

Sand Lake is located on the south end of Iowa City. Trout were stocked on Nov. 1. You must have a fishing license and trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try small jigs/spinners or worms.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)

Decent reports have been coming from the Palo area. Crappie - Fair: Fish backwater areas with minnows or jigs. Crappies are moving to their wintering areas.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Central City has been reported as a good area. Crappie - Fair: Try backwater areas with jigs or minnows. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs or minnows below dams and deeper holes.

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

Red Haw Lake

Fishing pressure has been low. Try a slip bobber with a minnow or wax worm fished in 12-14 feet of water for crappies or bluegills.

Lake Sugema

Fishing pressure has been low. Try using a slip bobber and a minnow for crappies. Try areas with submerged habitat in about 10-14 feet of water. For largemouth bass try baits that mimic crawdads, like a jig 'n' pig combination. Concentrate on areas with rip-rapped shorelines.

East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond

Trout were stocked on Oct. 31. Try small spinners or prepared trout baits.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.34 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 45 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Try finding crappies around brush piles in 8-10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and a minnow to get down to these fish. A jig tipped with a wax worm may also produce some fish. 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

Greenfield Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Bluegill - No Report: This lake offers some good bluegill fishing. Use small ice fishing jigs with the cool water. Crappie - No Report: There is a nice year class of quality sized crappie in the lake.

Littlefield Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Crappie - No Report: Try fishing with small ice fishing type jigs.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

Rainbow trout were stocked into the lake three weeks ago. Rainbow Trout - Fair: A few trout are being caught on small jigs, wax worms, or minnows.

Lake Manawa

The water is clearing as the algae dies back in the cooler water. This helps the fishing. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies are being caught in the canals on white twister tails or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - No Report: Try fishing the wipers along the north shore. Fall is an excellent time of year to catch wipers.

Activity at area lakes has been light due to weather and other outdoor activities taking precedence. Water temperatures have dropped and we are seeing some skim ice over shallow bays and ponds. Use a slow presentation when fishing this time of year.

Lake Icaria

The water level is down about two feet. Clarity is good. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake's fishery has grown since the completion of the renovation and currently has a lot of nice sized bluegills, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Badger Creek Lake

The water level is down about two feet. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: The traditional ice fishing areas are holding some bluegills. Crappie - No Report: Some big crappies can be caught from deeper flooded trees.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Water level is down about two feet. Clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are finding a few bluegills just above the bottom near the tree pile in the middle of the lake.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is down about three feet. Water clarity is very good. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are finding a few crappies in the flooded trees near the creek channel and near other traditional ice fishing areas. Walleye - No Report:

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water level is down about two feet. The water clarity is very good. Bluegill - Slow: A few anglers are picking up a few bluegills from near the bottom 20 to 25 feet deep. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Water temperatures are in the low 40s and possibly down to the upper 30s in smaller lakes. Water clarity is better than usual. Most species are starting to move into wintering areas.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 11/22/13 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

Bacon Creek Lake

Bacon Creek was stocked with 1,500 catchable size rainbow trout on Nov. 20th. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Anglers have been catching limits of rainbow trout casting very small spinners and Kastmasters.

Moorland Pond

Moorland Pond was stocked with 1,500 catchable size rainbow trout on Nov. 16th. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Anglers have been catching limits of rainbow trout casting small spinners and Kastmasters.

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

Lake Smith

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

Clear Lake

White Bass - Slow: No reports this week. Some smaller white bass (10-12 inches) had been caught by the grade at sunset with small jig and piece of worm. Walleye - Slow: No reports this week. Yellow Bass - Slow: No reports this week. Shore fisherman might still have luck by the Ventura Grade and near the Harborage outlet.

Crystal Lake

No Reports

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

Iowa Great Lakes - Limited fishing activity at this time. Night time wader fishing for walleye is a key component of the fishing activity. Shore fishing from the north grade may produce some fish.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a wax worm under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: Anglers have been fishing in the brush piles along the dam and universal access. Try using a jig tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Hendricks

The aerator is on. A few people have been out but fish activity has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass using crankbaits and soft plastics. Crappie - Slow: Crappies are still spread out but anglers are catching fish from shore. Try using small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

Few anglers have been out. Anglers have switched to wax worms with some success. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try tossing out a jig tipped with plastic twistertail from shore. Crappie - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Fish are moving into their overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are using jigs tipped with a twistertail. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are having luck using jigs tipped with a twistertail. Try fishing off the bottom. Fish are biting really light.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Fish are moving into their overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallmouth bass are taking natural colored crankbaits or jigs tipped with twistertail. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are having success using a variety of jigs tipped with a twistertail.

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)

The Vernon Springs impoundment near Cresco is beginning to freeze in places.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

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

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Anglers are finding crappies and perch in the backwater areas, off current breaks or by brush piles in the Cedar. Minnows and worms are working. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few pike. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow: Anglers are using jigs tipped with minnows. Anglers are finding fish near the bottom of the deeper holes.

Decorah District Streams

With colder weather in the forecast, autumn blue wing olive hatches are beginning to wind down. Afternoon #20-#24 blue wings can continue sporadically throughout the winter months. Wooly bugger patterns in bright yellows or whites have been very effective in fast water. Flashy streamer patterns are good choices for early winter fishing.

Weekend weather forecast is calling for sunny but cold with temperatures only in the 20s. Angling pressure continues to be very low on area lakes. Ice is beginning to form on smaller ponds and backwater areas. Fluctuating temperatures, wind and rain can change conditions quickly. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

North Prairie Lake

North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout on Nov. 22nd.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River still remains good to excellent for walleye and smallmouth bass. Anglers have made the switch to the jig and plastic tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twister combination is a good choice. Walleye - Good: Use a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow and concentrate on the drop-offs and along current breaks in four to five feet of water.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

There have been few angling reports on the Wapsipinicon River this past week but walleye fishing should remain good. Walleye - Good: Use a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow and concentrate on the deeper holes, drop-offs and current breaks.

Manchester District Streams

Trout streams are in great condition. Recent stream observations reveal there are plenty of trout to be caught. The road to Richmond Springs located within Backbone State Park is now officially closed, so access is by walk-in only. Gates will re-open in the spring.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

There have been no angling reports on the Maquoketa River this past week.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers are catching good numbers of walleye on the Shell Rock River. Fish have been of good quality size with many running 15 to 20 inches. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and minnow combination has been good. Walleye - Good: Jig and plastic tipped with a minnow has been good fishing the deeper holes, drop-offs and current breaks.

Interior river fishing has been good to excellent for walleye. Trophy sized smallmouth bass are being caught while fishing for walleye. Anglers are using a jig and twister combination tipped with a minnow. North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout Nov. 22nd. Trout streams are in excellent shape. For more information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Pool 9 at Lansing level is up slightly at 8.1 feet. Water clarity is excellent with water temperatures in the mid 30s. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in overwintering areas and some good catches reported but anglers should fish slowly to catch fish in cold water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are in overwintering areas and the bite has slowed Crappie - Fair: A few crappie hitting in the backwaters. Sauger - Fair: Sauger are actively feeding along sand flats in early morning and evening. Try vertical jigging along structure and drop-offs in the main channel. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up in Minnesota Slough.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Pool 10 at Lynxville level is 13.8 feet and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid 30s. Main construction at Nobles Island ramp has been completed but some cleanup work may be needed. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in overwintering areas and some good catches reported but anglers should fish slowly to catch fish in cold water. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass are in overwintering areas and bite has slowed. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie being caught in overwintering areas. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Pool 11 at Guttenberg level is at 5.7 feet and expected to remain stable. Water temperature has dropped to the mid 30s. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in overwintering areas and some good catches reported but anglers should fish slowly to catch fish in cold water. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass are in overwintering areas and the bite has slowed. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies being caught in overwintering areas. Sauger - Good: Sauger biting well in the tail waters but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye bite is picking up as more fish move into the tail waters.

Water temperatures are in the 30s and most fish have moved into overwintering areas. With projected cold weather, ice fishing may be just around the corner on the Upper Mississippi.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water level at the lock and dam in Dubuque is 5.6 feet and water level at the railroad bridge is 8.2 feet. Water is expected to fall slightly throughout the week. Water temperature is at 41 degrees. Crappie - Good: Crappies have moved into the backwater areas and are being caught on woody structure. Most anglers are using small minnows as bait. Lots of 8 to 9-inch crappies are present. Should be a good year class for the next few years. Sauger - Good: Sauger are being caught in the tail water areas mostly by people dragging three-way rigs with a floating crankbait or minnow. Some are also using simple jig and minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are still being caught on the wing dams in the upper third of the pool. Some of the wing dams just downstream of the tail water are producing some walleye on three-way rigs.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is stable at 5.5 feet. That is down slightly from last week. Water is clear and water temperature is near 42 degrees. Crappie - Good: Crappies have moved to woody structure located out of the main flow of the channel. Crappies are mostly being caught on minnows. The future outlook for crappies is very good with many smaller 7 to 9-inch fish present in the system. Sauger - Good: The fall and winter tail water pattern is in full swing. Many saugers were reported last week by anglers using three-way rigs or jig and minnow. Most saugers reported are on the small side. Walleye - Good: Some slot sized walleye are being reported. Jigging in the tail water seems to be the method of choice but a few walleyes may still be found on wing dams using three-way rigs. Remember you can only keep walleyes from 15 to 20 inches and one over 27 inches at Bellevue.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water level at Fulton is around 5.4 feet, which is down slightly from last week. Water levels are expected to be fairly stable throughout the week. The water temperature is 42 degrees. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting catching at least some crappie from the Rock Creek area this week. Small crappie minnows are the bait of choice. Sauger - Good: The fall and winter tail water pattern is in full swing by Clinton. Many saugers were reported last week by anglers using three-way rigs or jig and minnow. Most saugers reported are on the small side. Walleye - Fair: Jigs and minnow seem to be catching several smaller walleyes in the tail water areas.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level at LeClaire is at 4.7 feet and expected to be fairly stable. Water temperature is near 43 degrees. No fishing report is available for Pool 15 this week.

The water level in Pools 12 to 15 is stable. Water temperatures are in the lower 40s and water clarity is excellent.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 5.28 feet. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina fishing small minnows or wax worms under a bobber around the docks. Crappie - Good: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina around docks. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught below the dam and in Sylvan Slough. Fishing has been hit or miss with mostly small fish being caught with a few nicer fish mixed in. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Walleye - Slow: Some walleyes are being caught below the dam and in Sylvan Slough. Fishing has been hit or miss with mostly small fish being caught. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine is 4.27 feet. Sauger - Good: Tail water fishing has been reported as good. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 4.38 feet. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers below the dam has been hit or miss. Some fish are being caught but they are mostly smaller fish. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 1.90 feet. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing brush piles and snags in the backwater lakes and sloughs. Use minnows under a bobber or vertical jig with small minnows or plastics. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been reported as slow.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Main channel water temperature has been around 43 degrees. Fishing is being reported as slow throughout the pools. There has been some tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes but fishing has been hit or miss. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake of the Hills

The recent weather has kept angler numbers down but not the trout. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows may be used for bait. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout fishing continues to be hot. Small hair jigs tipped with wax worm drifted under a small bobber seem to be the best.

Wilson Lake

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout are biting, look for them in 3 to 4 feet of water.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout are hitting on wax worms and jigs tipped with wax worms.

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

Red Haw Lake

Fishing pressure has been low. Try a slip bobber with a minnow or wax worm fished approximately one foot above the bottom for crappies or bluegills.

Lake Sugema

Fishing pressure has been low. Try a slip bobber and a minnow for crappies in areas with submerged habitat in about 8-10 feet of water.

East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond

Trout were stocked on Oct. 31st. Try small spinners or prepared trout baits.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.39 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 45 degrees. Crappie - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Try finding crappies around brush piles in 8-10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and a minnow to get down to these fish. A jig tipped with a wax worm may also produce some fish. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before transporting to another water body.

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

SOUTHWEST

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Fair: There has been a fair fall crappie bite near the docks in the marina jigging small tube jigs, ice fishing jigs or live minnows.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Good: Many trout from the October stocking remain and will bite on spinners, panfish jigs, or live baits.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout were stocked into Ada Hayden's north section on Nov. 21st. The trout will bite on small tube or twister jigs, in-line spinners, prepared baits, or live baits such as wax worms and small live minnows. The best activity tends to be from the fishing pier towards the boat ramp and around the east shore to the walk bridge.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: Many trout from the October stocking remain and will bite on spinners, panfish jigs, or live baits.

Open water fishing is winding down as many anglers have started looking forward to the ice season. Good open water opportunities that remain include the late fall crappie bite and the urban trout stockings. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Bluegill - No Report: This lake offers some good bluegill fishing. Use small ice fishing jigs in the fall with the cool water. Crappie - No Report: There is a nice year class of quality sized crappie in the lake.

Littlefield Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Crappie - No Report: Try fishing with small ice fishing type jigs this fall.

Lake Manawa

The water is clearing up as the algae dies back in the cooler water which helps fishing. Crappies move into canal areas on warmer sunny days. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies are being caught in the canals on white twister tails or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - No Report: Try fishing the wipers along the north shore. Fall is an excellent time of year to catch wipers.

Activity at area lakes has been light due to weather and other outdoor activities. Water temperatures have dropped and we are seeing some skim ice over shallow bays and ponds. Use a slow presentation when fishing this time of year and look for fish out deep.

Lake Icaria

The water level is down about 2 1/2 feet. Clarity is good. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake's fishery has grown since the completion of the renovation and currently has a lot of nice sized bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish.

Badger Creek Lake

The water level is down about two feet. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: The traditional ice fishing areas in deeper water are holding some bluegills. Crappie - No Report: Some big crappies can be caught from deeper flooded trees.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Water level is down about two feet. Clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: A lot of nice sized bluegills in the deeper water just off the bottom near the tree pile in the middle of the lake.

Three Mile Lake

The water level is down about three feet. Water clarity is very good. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water level is down about two feet. The water clarity is very good. Bluegill - Fair: A few anglers are picking up bluegills from near the bottom 20 to 25 feet deep. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Water temperatures are falling fast. Some skim ice forms on the small water bodies overnight but melts during the day. The larger lakes are warmer with water temperatures in the upper 30s. The fish have moved deeper.

[Kevan Paul]

Clear Lake has around 3-5 inches and the fish are biting.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Clear Lake has around 3-5 inches and the fish are biting.

Gotta love first ice.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 12/20/13 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

Lower Pine Lake

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

Upper Pine Lake

A few portables shelters have been rotating on and off the ice. We have heard of less than 4 inches thickness on both lakes. Four inches of ice is recommended for anglers traveling by foot with minimal gear.

Lake Smith

Smith Lake ice depth as of Dec. 17 was 10-12 inches. Bluegill fishing is good. Anglers are also catching a few crappies.

Lake Catherine

There were a few anglers out last week but no reports on success. Ice depth is 6 to 8 inches.

Clear Lake

Ice is 9 to 12 inches. Anglers are bringing some permanent shacks out. They were picking up some yellow bass with a few crappies. Crappie - Slow: We have not heard much for reports on crappies yet. Some are being caught along with the yellow bass. Try using minnows in 12 to 20 feet of water. Walleye - No Report: Yellow Bass - Good: Action can be great when you find them. Some anglers have had large numbers this past week. Target areas in 6-12 feet of water.

Lake Cornelia

There was a lot of fishing activity on Cornelia last weekend. Heard reports of good catches of 8-inch yellow bass. Some permanent shacks on Cornelia; ice depth is 8-9 inches. Most fishing is being done in deeper water. Minnows have been the hot bait. Yellow Bass - Excellent: Anglers were reporting fast action on 7-8 inch yellow bass. A few crappies mixed in.

Little Wall Lake

Ice was around 6 inches on Dec. 16.

Crystal Lake

Ice depth was around 9 inches on Dec. 17. Bluegill - Good: Anglers have reported catching fish in 8 feet of water on tear drop ice fly tipped with insect larvae in mid to late afternoon. About half of the bluegills were right around 8 inches. A few crappies also were caught. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye is being caught by bluegill anglers.

Blue Pit

Blue Pit was stocked with 1,500 catchable sized rainbow trout on Nov. 27. They were not hit very hard before it froze so good numbers remain. A minimum of 4 inches of ice is recommended for foot travel.

Bluebill Lake

Bluebill is around 10-11 inches. Anglers are catching some bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass, perch but the action is slow. Perch were biting on wax worms. Occasional catfish also on minnows.

Fin and Feather Lake

Finn and Feather has about 10.5 inches of ice and a few people have tried it – no reports. There was a partial winterkill last year but bluegills and bass were sampled this summer.

Reports on ice thickness of most area lakes have been from 6-12 inches this week. 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

There is currently 8-10 inches of ice on the lake. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught in Anglers Bay but action is limited to sunrise and sunset. Crappie - Slow: Similar to bluegill the crappie are coming from anglers bay early and late in the day. Yellow Perch - Slow: Only a handful of perch are being caught but the ones that are tend to be 10-11 inches a few smaller ones are also being caught. Walleye - Slow: Action has been kind of hit or miss with fish of all sizes being caught.

West Okoboji Lake

There is 6-8 inches of ice on most of the lake. Northern Pike - Slow: Tip-ups baited with chubs or small bluegills should bring a few pike. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been difficult to find but a few are being caught by sight fishing in or near the weeds.

Scharnberg Pond

Try fishing for trout if you are looking for something new. 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked in mid November and many are still in the pond to be had. Try using jigging spoons or teardrop jigs just under the ice to a few feet down. Just remember a trout stamp is needed to fish for trout. The next stocking date is Jan. 25 with another 1,500 rainbow trout.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Volga Lake has about 8 inches of ice with snow covering ice. A reminder that shotgun deer season continues through Dec. 22 and Volga Lake is a popular wildlife management area where hunting takes place. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught while fishing for crappies. Anglers are finding fish around tree piles. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching lots of 8 to 9-inch fish using small brightly colored jigs tipped with multiple wax worms.

Lake Hendricks

Ice is 8 to 9 inches thick with about 2 inches of snow on top. Use caution when going out, especially around the aerator. No motorized vehicles including ATVs are allowed on the ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few 9 inches bluegills have been caught while fishing for crappies. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are fishing in about 10 feet of water.

Lake Meyer

The lake has about 9 inches of ice with a few inches of snow covering ice. Use caution when going out. Check ice depths often. Bluegill - Slow: 7-8-inch bluegills have been caught in 15 feet of water using a jig tipped with wax worms. Fish seem to be biting better in the evening. Crappie - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Yellow River

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

Turkey River (above Clermont)

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

Turkey River (below Clermont)

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

Cedar River (above Nashua)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Decorah District Streams

Modest #18 blue wing olive hatches have still been occurring on warmer afternoons providing dry fly opportunities. Streamer and wooly bugger patterns have been very effective. Midge emerger and nymph patterns have also produced good trout. Check forecasts before venturing out.

Second shotgun deer season ends on Dec. 22, plan to wear bright orange especially on trout streams. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Angling reports have been slow but they are catching bluegill, crappie and northern pike.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Casey Lake is reporting 6 inches of good ice at minimum. Angling reports have been slow over the past week.

Big Woods Lake

Anglers are catching crappie but fish tend to run on the small side. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing glow jigs tipped with a wax worm or a crappie minnow under a bobber around structure.

George Wyth Lake

George Wyth Lake is fairly consistent with 4-6 inches of good ice. Anglers are primarily catching bluegill and a few crappies. Recently placed habitat structure maps are available on the DNR website. Bluegill - Fair: Tungsten jigs tipped with spikes has been good. Crappie - Fair: Try glow jigs tipped with a wax worm or a crappie minnow under a bobber around structure.

North Prairie Lake

North Prairie Lake was stocked with trout on Nov. 22. Take advantage of some excellent trout fishing opportunities this winter when good ice conditions allow.

Martens Lake

Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Late evening hours and after dark has been best for crappie. Concentrate in the northwest corner for best success. Bluegill - Good: Try ice fishing jigs tipped with a wax worm. Sight fishing out of a shack is a great opportunity on this lake. Crappie - Good: Glow jigs tipped with a wax worm or crappie minnow under a bobber.

Plainfield

Anglers are catching some quality size bluegill in Plainfield Lake with some occasional crappie as well. Bluegill - Fair: Try ice fishing jigs tipped with a wax worm for best success. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing glow jigs tipped with a wax worm or a crappie minnow under a bobber.

Ice conditions have vastly improved on most northeast Iowa lakes, use caution on all ice when venturing out. Angling reports for panfish have been good on some Black Hawk and Bremer County lakes. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Ice levels are 6-8 inches in many spots. Good 'first ice' fishing has slowed. Fish are still biting well but a lot of sorting of smaller fish is happening. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is good in Shore Slough and Village Creek with a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass being caught on wax worms and some tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies being caught on minnows in Shore Slough and Village creek but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch being caught fishing with wax worms

Mississippi River Pool 10

Ice levels are 6-8 inches in many spots. Good 'first ice' fishing has slowed. Fish are still biting well but a lot of sorting of smaller fish is happening. The boat ramp at Lynxville is closed with ice. Anglers are crossing Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area but anglers should still use caution. Stay to the well traveled path. Bluegill - Good: First ice fishing on Bussey Lake has slowed but anglers report good bluegill fishing but a lot of smaller fish. Greymore Lake by Prairie Du Chien has been good for bluegills this week. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers catching bass on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies being caught on minnows in Bussey Lake but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few yellow perch being caught on wax worms.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Ice levels are 6-8 inches in many spots. Good 'first ice' fishing has slowed. Fish are still biting well but a lot of sorting of smaller fish is happening. The boat ramps in Guttenberg are closed with ice. Bluegill - Good: Some good catches of bluegills reported in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake but a lot of smaller fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappies still being caught in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few yellow perch being caught on wax worms.

Cold weather continues to build ice and many areas have 6-8 inches of ice, but anglers should always use caution in any area that may have current. Boat ramps at Lynxville and Guttenberg are closed because of ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The tail water ramps are frozen in. We have not had many ice fishing reports just scattered anglers here and there. Usually O'Leary's Lake is good early. Last year many of the marinas and Ice Trap Lake offered excellent fishing. Spruce Creek marina by Bellevue was dredged to improve winter panfish habitat. Not sure as how that project will affect fishing this season as it was just completed. Bluegill - Good: Excellent bluegill numbers throughout Pool 12. Some of the largest bluegills surveyed were seen this year. Crappie - Fair: Lots of 8 to 9-inch crappies were seen in the various surveys conducted by the department. Look forward to some quality fishing for this species although they can be quite fickle during the winter bite.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The tail water ramps are frozen in and limited tail water fishing is available right now. Scattered ice anglers can be seen by Bellevue, Sabula, and Mickelson Landing and in the Spring Lake area. Ice thickness can vary widely, especially in the Sabula Lakes area. Be careful and never venture onto areas you are unsure of ice thickness, especially with this snow cover. Northern Pike - No Report: Lots of northern pike are present in Pool 13 but they are rarely angled in the winter. In high quality backwaters try tip-ups but work on being quiet when approaching your hole. Northerns are extremely spooky and readily move away from anglers walking or dragging sleds. Bluegill - Good: Lots of bluegills and crappies seen in this year’s surveys. Some fish were also seen in the Green Island wildlife area and it may produce some fish again. Yellow Perch - Fair: The first report of a few nice yellow perch showing up in the creel. Often these fish are incidentally caught when bluegill fishing. Some very nice sized yellow perch up to 14 inches can be found at times.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Tail water ramps are iced in making tail water fishing nearly impossible but ice fishing has started in places like Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill numbers are outstanding this year in Pool 14; it could be a banner year ice fishing. Rock Creek County Park by Camanche offers easy access to fishing and a great Environmental Center to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No report for Pool 15 as ice fishing options are limited.

Ice fishing is well underway in the district. Ice is often covered with snow which can insulate the ice and it does not get as thick as one would expect after the latest cold snaps. Scattered anglers can be seen on the ice at various spots in Pools 12-14. Nothing better than celebrating the holidays by ice fishing with the family but always be careful and know the depth of the ice you are walking on.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 4.93 feet. As of Dec. 19, the Marquette St. boat ramp is open. Sunset marina is being reported as having around 6 inches of ice. Use extreme caution if venturing out on the ice and check ice thickness often as you move. With the recent warm temperatures and rain in the forecast ice conditions will be variable. Bluegill - Fair: There are reports of some bluegills being caught in Sunset Marina. Try small ice jigs and wax worms. Use extreme caution if venturing out on the ice and check ice conditions often as you move. With the recent warm temperatures and rain in the forecast ice conditions may change. Sauger - No Report: As of Dec. 19, the Marquette St. boat ramp was open and there were a few boats out tail water fishing. We have not received any information on how the bite has been. Ramps conditions may change with freezing rain and snow in the forecast the next couple of days. Walleye - No Report: We have not received any information on walleye fishing for this pool.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine is 3.91 feet. The boat ramps in Muscatine are frozen. Ice conditions will be variable in the backwaters so check ice conditions often if venturing out on the ice. Big Timber has some open water along the boat ramp and other areas of unsafe ice. Big Timber does have some flow and areas with ground water that seeps in that can create some variable ice conditions. Ice fishing in Big Timber is not advisable at this time. Bluegill - No Report: We have not received any ice fishing reports at this time. Crappie - No Report: We have not received any ice fishing reports at this time. Sauger - No Report: The boat ramps in Muscatine are frozen. Walleye - No Report: The boat ramps in Muscatine are frozen.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 3.94 feet. We have not received any fishing reports or ice condition reports for this pool. With the early ice season, ice conditions will be variable so check conditions often if venturing out on the ice. Sauger - No Report: As of Dec. 18, boats were launching at the south ramp at Toolesboro and the channel was open. We have not received any reports on tail water fishing at this time. With freezing rain and snow in the forecast ramp conditions may change.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 1.78 feet. Tail water fishing for walleyes and saugers is being reported as slow. Ice fishing has been limited due to poor ice conditions.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Ice conditions are extremely variable so use caution if venturing out on the ice and check ice conditions often as you move. There has been some tail water fishing below the dams in Davenport and at New Boston. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Ice getting thicker slowly, still unsafe, about 2 inches around the edge; not going out farther to check thickness.

Lake Belva Deer

Ice is about 2.5 inches thick, no anglers out yet. Not safe, thickness is too variable.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Ice is about 4 inches thick. A few anglers have been out. Be careful around any of the trees and stump fields where the ice will be thinner.

Lake of the Hills

Ice thickness varies, use common sense and test the ice before going out on it. Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use live minnows as bait. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout fishing is sporadic, you need to find the habitat that is holding them they are not at every spot that there is habitat. Bluegill - Fair: Wax worms with ice jigs are the favorites, work the deeper brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are out with the bluegills but instead of fishing just off the bottom, work a couple feet off the bottom.

Wilson Lake

Ice still thin, unsafe conditions.

Big Hollow Lake

There is about 3 inches of poor quality ice. Nobody has been out yet. Give it a while to get some good ice before going out on it.

Cold weather has set in and ice is forming but most of our ice is still a little on the thin side. For more information call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.

Hannen Lake

Ice conditions are about 5-6 inches in most areas. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Size has been small, but occasionally a larger fish is caught. Fish around brush with a jig/waxie. Crappie - Slow: Look for suspended fish in open water. Fishing early and/or late increase your odds of success.

Iowa Lake

Most of the lake has 3-6 inches but there is a small portion that has been kept open by geese this week. Bluegill - Good: Most fish have been on the small side. Fish around brush with a jig/waxie. Crappie - Excellent: Good reports of crappie are coming in. Most fish will be about 9 inches. Look for suspended fish in open water or around sunken brush.

Kent Park Lake

Most of the lake has about 4 inches of ice. The Conservation Education Pond is producing some bluegills as well. Bluegill - Good: Fish around brush piles with a jig/waxie. Bluegills up to 9 inches are available here. Crappie - Fair: Try around the brush with jigs/waxies as well. Most fish are about 9 inches.

Lake Macbride

Much of the lake has 3-5 inches, but ice thickness ranges from 2-7 inches. The protected bays and shallower areas are obviously the best ice, while open areas with deeper water are poorest. There is a section between the beach and the highlines that froze over Dec. 11 due to geese previously keeping it open. Use caution when venturing out. Bluegill - Fair: Fish a jig/waxie around brush, stumps, or rock. Size is marginal with most fish about 5-6 inches. Crappie - Fair: Most fish have been smaller black crappies. A few nicer white crappies are being caught occasionally. Anglers are trying both rock and brush piles. The south arm and around the main ramp have been the most popular. Walleye - Slow: A few smaller walleyes are being reported.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Most of the lake has 3-5 inches but caution should be used if venturing out. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are reporting fish up to 10 inches being picked up around brush on jig/waxies. Walleye - Fair: Most fish are less than 15 inches, but an occasional keeper is being caught. Try small spoons towards evening for best results.

Diamond Lake

The lake has 3-6 inches with the exception of a small area that just froze over due to past goose activity. The dam area has the best ice currently, but caution should be used when venturing out. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Good: Look for fish around brush. Try a jig/waxie for 6-8 inches fish. Crappie - Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush or open water. Use a jig/waxie for 8-10 inches fish.

Otter Creek Lake

Ice thickness is up to 7 inches but there is still a section of open water from geese activity. Caution should be used if venturing out. Most anglers are fishing the south third of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Try around brush with a jig/waxie for fish up to 9 inches. Yellow Bass - Fair: Most fish are 7-9 inches. Try a jig/waxie or small spoon near the bottom.

Union Grove Lake

Most of the lake has 4 inches plus of ice, with the exception of the center of the lake which is open due to geese activity. The aeration unit has not been turned on yet. No fishing reports are available. The silt pond has 5 inches plus on it and there have been some anglers catching smaller bluegills here.

Coralville Reservoir

Ice thickness is up to 6 inches in places, but much less in others. Many areas are not safe. Use extreme caution if venturing out and check ice frequently. The CORPS has completed the lowering of the lake down to a level of 683.3 feet.

Sand Lake

This lake is on the south side of Iowa City on Gilbert Street. Exact ice thicknesses are not known and caution should be used if venturing out. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked in November. Remember, you need a trout stamp in addition to a fishing license to fish for and possess trout. Crappie - Fair:

Recent warmth and predicted rain may make conditions unsafe in previously fishable areas. Use caution if venturing out. For more information, contact Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Wapello

Most of the lake has frozen over but the ice is not thick enough to support anglers.

Red Haw Lake

The lake has frozen. There is about 3-4 inches of ice. The warmer weather has left a lot of water on top of the ice. Use caution if venturing out because different parts of the lake froze over at different times so the ice is not uniform in thickness.

Lake Sugema

The lake is partially covered with ice but still has quite a bit of open water. The ice that has formed is not capable of supporting anglers at this time. The Tug Forks ponds have 4-5 inches of ice. Some anglers have been out on Tug Forks West and have been catching some bluegills.

Rathbun Reservoir

The coves and bays have some ice but the ice is not thick enough to support anglers at this time. Different areas of the lake have iced up at different times so ice thickness is variable. Use caution when testing ice thickness. The current lake level is 905.07 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

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: Bluegills up to 8 inches are being caught on wax worms around the trees mid lake.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Good catches of bluegill are coming from the lower portion of the lake. The habitat out from the west shore across from the boat ramp is a good starting location. Crappie - Fair: Crappie over 10 inches can be caught fishing the trees on the upper end of the lake using wax worms or spoons tipped with minnow heads. Live minnows are not allowed on this body of water.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Suspended crappie can be caught in the main lake basin on the lower third of the lake using glow jigs with wax worms or live minnows still fished. Many crappie being caught are smaller than anglers' preference, but fish over 10 inches are coming out.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills up 9 inches have been coming off the brush piles near the coves on the west side of the lake. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite has been slow in Big Creek so far. Anglers are picking up a few 10 to 12-inch fish suspended in 30 feet of water in the main lake basin using live minnows or glow jigs with wax worms after sunset. Walleye - Fair: The walleye catch over 15 inches has been better than in past years. Anglers fishing live minnows or jigging style minnow baits tipped with minnow heads are catching walleye in the main lake basin, especially if they can locate the rock humps.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught throughout the lake over the brush and pallet piles using wax worms. Best success during the early ice season has been from anglers accessing from the southeast ramp.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout stocked in the fall remain to be targeted by ice anglers. Use jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. The very clear water can allow for sight fishing during the day.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Many of the trout stocked in November remain for ice anglers in the north portion of Ada Hayden. Fish with small live minnows or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms in 15 feet of water or less.

Central Iowa ice conditions are good. Ice thickness on most ponds and lakes is 5 to 8 inches. Use caution on all ice, especially ponds and lakes that have had geese using them. There can be small areas that froze later and only have a couple inches of ice. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

There is a good panfish population in Greenfield. The large size of bluegill in the lake is 8 to 9 inches and crappie range from 8 to 12 inches. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report:

Littlefield Lake

Anglers are beginning to venture out on Littlefield. Ice thickness varies from 4 to 7 inches. There is a good year class of quality size crappies present in the lake. Bluegill - Slow: Eight inch bluegills can be caught in 8 to 10 feet of water with wax worms. Crappie - No Report:

Lake Anita

Ice conditions have improved this week at Lake Anita with 7 to 9 inches reported. Anita provides quality ice fishing with good panfish populations. Bluegill - Fair: Nine inch plus bluegill are being caught on wax worms in the campground arm of the lake. Crappie - No Report:

Willow Lake

Willow is reported to have 5 to 7 inches of good ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality size bluegill are being caught on wax worms. Most fish are being caught in 12 to 14 feet of water.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake will provide good crappie fishing this winter. On Dec. 18, there was 5 inches of ice on Viking. Crappie - No Report: Try fishing 16 to 18 feet flats that are close to deeper water with wax worms or minnows to catch crappie that range from 8 to 10 inches.

Lake Manawa

Lake Manawa has 6 inches of ice. Anglers are catching a mixed bag of crappies, wipers, and catfish. Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfish can be caught on the bottom with wax worms. Most of the catfish are being caught north of the beach. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies around Boy Scout Island and Tin Can Dike using minnows or wax worms. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: An occasional wiper is being caught on Tin Can Dike. The fish reported were 14 to 16 inches.

Hacklebarney East

At the time of this report, Hacklebarney had 4.5 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report:

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds support about 6 inches of good ice. Remember to always get permission before fishing privately owned ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish can be a bonus catch while fishing for panfish on farm ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Fish with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms to catch bluegill. Generally the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start looking for fish. Crappie - Slow: Larger ponds that support crappie populations can be good in the late afternoon using glow in the dark jigs or minnows.

Ice conditions range from 4 to 9 inches in the southwest district. Drill holes often when venturing out on a lake as four inches is the minimum for safe ice fishing. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Most of the lake is ice covered. The sheltered areas may have ice 4 inches or more. Other areas will be marginal. Check often before venturing out. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report: An occasional crappie is coming from 10 to 16 feet of water just our from the marina. Walleye - No Report:

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake has some areas with 4 inches of ice. Nearby areas may less or recently frozen. Check thickness often. Bluegill - Fair: A couple of groups found some bluegills near the creek channel just northwest of the campground.

Badger Creek Lake

Most of the lake is frozen over. Ice thickness will vary from 3 to 6 inches. Some areas will still be too thin to support anglers. Check thickness frequently. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Some big crappies can be caught from deeper flooded trees.

Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir

The ice is about 5 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Some keeper sized bluegills are coming from 8 feet of water just off of the center of the dam.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Most of the lake is ice covered. The area around the cedar tree pile just north of the dam is ice covered. Anglers are fishing the area. Check the thickness in several spots along you go out. Bluegill - Fair: A lot of nice sized bluegills in the deeper water just off the bottom near the tree pile in the middle of the lake. Crappie - Fair: The crappies can be caught with minnows about 14 feet down near the tree pile.

Three Mile Lake

Ice covers most of the lake. Some of the coves and near-shore areas will have ice from 4 to 6 inches. Some may have frozen in the past few days. Be very careful. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught from the flooded trees near the creek channel and the cove southwest of the pump house.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Most lake has 3 to 5 inches of ice. Some nearby areas will have less or may have recently frozen. Check the thickness in several areas along your route. Bluegill - Fair: A few anglers are picking up a bluegills from near creek channel and roadway between the middle ramps about 16 to 20 to 25 feet deep. Crappie - Slow: An occasional crappie is being caught on wax worms from near the creek channel about 20 feet down.

Anglers are beginning to venture out on ponds and lakes. Most of the lakes are ice covered but conditions can vary widely. The smaller water bodies may have over 4 inches of ice. The larger lakes will likely have areas with good ice and other areas with ice too thin to support people. Be careful.

[JIvers]

Speaking of Iowa fishing reports...

With the nice weather today I decided to try a new spot or two in eastern Iowa. I grew up fishing the Mississippi in SE Minnesota, and would like to find similar ice-fishing in the Mississippi backwaters just of east of me here in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor. That has been, and still is, an on-going project.

The closest quality backwater for ice-fishing that I know of is Bussey Lake just above the dam at Guttenberg, but that is a full hundred miles from me, and tends to get crowded once the ice is good.

The most recent IDNR fishing report mentioned ice-fishing in Rock Creek County park on the Mississippi just south of Camanche, Iowa, so I decided yesterday to go check this spot out.

Let's just say I won't be planning my schedule around any more trips to Rock Creek. I found the same shallow, weed-free backwaters that I've found elsewhere down here in places like the Big Timber area south of Muscatine. Essentially, you look for some timber sticking out of the ice, drill next to it, hope you don't hit mud or wood in the process, and see if you can coax some sunfish or crappie to bite. On a good day they will, but too often they won't. Today was one of the days they wouldn't bite.

There were quite a few people out, with a lot of them, probably twenty, clustered almost elbow-to-elbow in what I was told was a small pocket of deeper water. I heard they were catching a few fish, and no one who stayed away from the crowd caught anything. I know I didn't have any luck, and judging by the way people moved around I believe no one else had any luck, either.

I should have went with my original plan for today, which was a morning trip to Pleasant Creek by Palo.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 1/23/14 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Ice thickness reported at around 12 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Lots of lookers but few are being caught. Crappie - Slow: Lots of lookers but few are being caught.

Brushy Creek Lake

Ice conditions are 15-20 inches and anglers should check depth frequently when moving around. Anglers with the most success are moving constantly looking for active fish. Bluegill - Slow: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or plastics around submerged trees and brush piles. Keep moving to locate active fish. Crappie - Slow: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or plastics around submerged trees and brush piles. Keep moving to locate active fish. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or plastics around submerged trees and brush piles. Keep moving to locate active fish. Walleye - Slow: Use jigging lures tipped with a minnow head or deadstick rod with live minnow along creek channel edge and brush piles at sunrise or sunset in 30-35 feet of water with most fish running 16-18 inches with some larger.

Bacon Creek Lake

Trout were stocked January 18th. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish are suspended and anglers are using minnows or small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Ice conditions range from 15-20 inches. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are being caught by walleye anglers. Walleye - Slow: Fish are being caught on small spoons tipped with minnow heads. Most are 7-8 inches, but a few slot size fish are also being caught. Geese have a small open hole between the islands. All walleye between 17-22 inches must be immediately released and no more than one over 22 inches may be kept per day. The daily limit is three.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

Ice thickness is about 20-24 inches. Bluegill - Slow: A few fish are being caught early and late in the day with wax worms or plastics.

Moorland Pond

Trout were stocked on January 10th. Ice thickness was reported as 12 inches or more. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Trout are being caught with small jigs tipped with plastics or live bait suspended just under the ice.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Ice conditions are highly variable and extreme caution should be used if going out. Walleye - Slow: Ice conditions are highly variable and should be checked frequently. A few smaller walleye have been caught in deeper holes with jigging lures tipped with a minnow head or a deadstick rod baited with a live minnow or chub

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

Ice conditions are highly variable and extreme caution should be used if going out on the ice. Walleye - Slow: A few fish have been caught in wintering holes using minnows/chubs on deadstick rods or tipping a jigging lure with a minnow.

Check ice depth regularly if venturing out on ice.

Lake Smith

Ice thickness is 15-18 inches. Still catching a few bluegills and crappies but the bite is slow.

Clear Lake

Ice thickness is 20-23 inches. Anglers should avoid driving through the channel that runs from the little lake to the big lake as that area can be unsafe; take the highway around instead. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills and crappies have been caught on the edge of the reeds on the north shore of the main lake. Crappie - Fair: The crappie action has been a little slower but anglers are still catching them early in the morning or around 5 p.m. mostly on minnows in 15-24 feet of water on the little lake. Look for them suspended quite a ways off bottom. Most are in the range of 8-11 inches long. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some small perch being caught; 10 inchers are not very common. Walleye - Slow: An occasional keeper walleye (14-inch minimum) being reported near the state reef, Baptist Camp, or near the aerator on the west end. Yellow Bass - Fair: Most of the yellow bass action seems to be coming from near the Baptist Camp, Farmers Beach, or state reef areas. Most yellow bass being caught are 7.5-8 inches with a few 9-9.5 inchers.

Lake Cornelia

Ice thickness is 18 inches plus. Yellow bass are still biting, use a minnow head or piece of cut bait on a small jig.

Little Wall Lake

Ice is 17 inches plus. No fishing activity seen.

Crystal Lake

Ice thickness is 20-23 inches. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been good using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are reporting better success in the shallower water 8 feet near the edge of the dredged basin. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows at dusk in the deeper water near or on the drop-off of the basin. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye may be taken in the deeper water using minnow.

Blue Pit

Rainbow trout were stocked on January 18th. Anglers should be able to catch them with a small ice fly and a wax worm or a small spoon. You should start shallow near shore.

Bluebill Lake

Ice thickness is 18-20 inches. Anglers are having some success catching perch, bluegill, and some largemouth bass on spikes and wax worms fished near sunken cedar tree clumps.

Reports on ice thickness of most area lakes have been from 16-22 inches. 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

There is 22-24 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Try fishing Anglers Bay in early morning and late afternoon. Crappie - Slow: Similar to the bluegills a few have been caught in Anglers Bay and the best bite is early and late in the day. Yellow Perch - Slow: The perch bite has been very slow with only a few fish being caught. Try fishing in transition areas such as the edge of rock piles or look toward the basin. Walleye - Slow: Most fishermen have been fishing around rock piles early and late in the day.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

There is currently 22-24 inches of ice and a few shacks are on the main lake basin.

West Okoboji Lake

Northern Pike - Slow: Tip-ups fished near weed beds have provided some action. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slower than previous years but a few are being caught. Moving around and drilling a lot of holes may provide the best action. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish have been in 40 feet plus of water and lots of small fish have been caught. Keep in mind that fish coming out of deep water have a higher mortality rate.

Five Island Lake

Currently roughly 20 inches of ice covers the lake and a few crappie and perch are biting. The opportunity of catching walleye and catfish is also present.

Elk Lake

Fishing seems to be spotty but some nice perch have been caught.

Scharnberg Pond

The next trout stocking date is January 25th with 1,500 rainbow trout.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Anglers fishing over cedar trees have been successful. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught while fishing for crappies. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching lots of 8-9-inch fish using small brightly colored jigs tipped with multiple wax worms to entice those hungry crappies.

Lake Hendricks

Fish activity is spotty. There is about 18 inches of ice covered with seven inches of packed snow. Use caution around the aerator. No motorized vehicles including ATVs are allowed on the ice. Bluegill - Slow: 7-8-inch bluegills are being caught. Drop a small jig tipped with wax worm to the bottom and lift it slowly off the bottom about one foot. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

The lake has about 20 inches of ice with about 3 to 4 inches of packed snow covering it. Water clarity is excellent with visibility 10-12 feet. If fish aren't biting, try another location. Bluegill - Slow: Fish activity is slow but 7-9-inch gills can be caught using teardrop shaped jigs tipped with wax worms. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches can be found in 12-14 feet of water but are suspended about six feet off the bottom.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Trout fishing on the Turkey River below Big Spring Hatchery is good. The river at the hatchery is open from the first set of tubes downriver.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Ice in some backwater areas is about 10 inches. Use caution when going on river ice as current will weaken it. Few people have ventured out this week.

Decorah District Streams

Typically for late January, colder winter air and water temperatures have slowed fly fishing down on northeast Iowa streams. A few fish have been hitting bright streamers and attractor wet flies. Feeding trout seem to be located in faster water seams and/or deeper pools fed by riffles. On warmer days late morning and early afternoon fishing is most productive. Brown Trout - Slow: Sny Magill is partially ice covered but fishable. Bloody Run is mostly ice-free. Mink, Otter and Glovers are completely ice covered. Grannis is not fishable but if temperatures warm up, it should open up.

Sounds like a blustery weekend is in store. Urban ponds are being stocked with trout. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

There has been high angling pressure taking but few reports of catches. This lake contains primarily largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and northern pike. Many anglers will fish tip-ups here for pike.

North Prairie Lake

North Prairie Lake has been fair for nice sized bluegill; move often for best success. Trout fishing has really slowed over the last week. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Artificial, flashy lures or tinsel jigs work well but hot bite has been on live minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive.

South Prairie Lake

Reports have good fishing for 8-inch crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Good: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

Martens Lake

Anglers have been reporting fair to good angling on bluegill and crappie, mostly during early morning hours. Concentrate on the northwest portion of the lake and to the south as the season prolongs. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

Plainfield

Plainfield Lake has been fair for bluegill and crappie of quality size. Move often to locate them. Electronics are a plus in finding suspended crappie passing through. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

Manchester District Streams

Spring Branch Creek in Delaware County had a couple of good reports over the last weekend for rainbow and brown trout. Spring Branch Creek is a special regulation stream with a 14-inch minimum length limit on all trout and artificial lure only from spring source down to County Hwy. D5X, as posted.

Angling reports for panfish have really slowed on most area Black Hawk and Bremer County lakes we approach the mid-winter fishing season approaches. Colder than normal average winter temperatures has kept many anglers off of the ice. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Ice thickness is 15 inches plus in most areas. Fishing has been good off and on. Fish are still biting well in the mid to late afternoon and anglers are sorting for larger fish. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Good: Anglers catching bluegills above the bridge road in Lansing, but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. A few more anglers walking out to Phillippi Lake above Lansing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass being caught on wax worms and some tip-ups. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite is hit or miss. Shore Slough and Village Creek still have reports of a few, but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch being caught fishing with wax worms.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Ice thickness is 15 inches plus in many spots. Fishing has been good off and on with the late afternoon bite being the best. The boat ramp at Lynxville is closed with ice. Anglers are crossing Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area but they should still use caution. Stay to the well traveled path. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Good: Greymore Lake by Prairie du Chien has been popular for bluegill fishing but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Bussey Lake is typical mid winter hit or miss fishing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers catching bass on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies being caught on wax worms and minnows in Norwegian and Sandbar Slough in the Sny Magill area but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few yellow perch being caught on wax worms.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Ice levels are 15 inches plus in many spots. Anglers reported good fishing last weekend in Zollicoffer Slough but bite can be hit or miss. Bertom Lake on the Wisconsin side continues to be popular. The boat ramps in Guttenberg are closed with ice. Bluegill - Good: Some good catches of bluegills reported in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake and Bertrom Lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappies still being caught in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice yellow perch reported in Zollicoffer and Sunfish Lake.

Typical mid winter pattern for ice fishing continues on the Upper Mississippi. Fish may bite very well one day and shut off for a while. Patience is key to catching fish when they become active. Afternoons usually seem to be better. Ice in many areas is 15 inches plus but snow cover may insulate some areas causing ice conditions to vary from place to place. Always use caution in any area that may have current. Boat ramps at Lynxville and Guttenberg are closed because of ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Numerous hardy individuals are walking into the tail waters and fishing for sauger. For panfish, Fish Trap Lake, Tippy's, Greens and Kehough continue to be hot and cold for ice fishing. Massey marina has seen light fishing pressure. Spruce Creek marina by Bellevue was dredged to improve winter panfish habitat and some fish have been biting. In the spring, fish habitat will be added to the deeper holes. Ice anglers are marking fish but the bite is slow. Bluegill - Fair: Excellent bluegill numbers throughout Pool 12. During routine DNR surveys numerous large bluegills were collected, so we know the fish are out there. Just need to find them. Crappie - Fair: Lots of 8-9-inch crappies were seen in the surveys. Look forward to some quality fishing for this species although they can be quite fickle during the winter. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch are being incidentally caught by anglers bluegill fishing. In some years the better yellow perch fishing is on the back half of the ice fishing season.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The eagle viewing at Bellevue tail water is awesome with even one report of golden eagles being spotted. Scattered ice anglers can be seen by Bellevue Sewage Lagoon, Sabula, Browns Lake, Mickelson's Landing and in the Spring Lake area. Ice thickness can vary widely, especially in the Sabula Lakes area. In most places, other than Sabula, 10-15 inches of ice is reported but be careful. Northern Pike - No Report: Lots of northern pike are present in Pool 13 but they are rarely angled in the winter. In high quality backwaters try tip-ups but be quiet when fishing this species. Northerns are extremely spooky and readily move away from anglers walking or dragging sleds. Bluegill - Fair: Crappies were abundant in fisheries surveys in 2013 and several year classes were noted. Some crappies were also seen in the Green Island wildlife area and it may produce some fish again, however, oxygen levels are starting to sag in that system. Yellow Perch - Fair: Often these fish are incidentally caught when bluegill fishing. Some yellow perch up to 14 inches can be found at times. Try a slightly larger minnow imitation lure or minnow heads to catch this species.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Anglers are fishing at Rock Creek, Swedes, Camanche Harbor and Cattail Slough. Again, take care because snow cover can limit the ice depth, but 10-15 inches of ice is reported in most places. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill numbers are outstanding this year in Pool 14, and Rock Creek County Park by Camanche offers easy access to fishing and a great Environmental Center to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate. A few good reports by Sweedes Lake and Cattail Slough. Crappie - Fair: Some reports of crappies being caught out of cattail slough. The size has not been the best but there is a very strong year class of 8-9-inch fish.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No report for Pool 15 as ice fishing options are limited on this pool.

Old Man Winter is really getting old, but getting out ice fishing can shake the winter time blues. Lots of ice and lots of opportunity on the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Pool 16

With the recent cold snap there hasn't been a lot of fishing activity the past few days. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on small jigs and wax worms fishing around the docks. Fishing has been hit or miss. Some bluegills are also being caught in the Credit Island harbor but it has been mostly smaller fish. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are also being caught in Sunset Marina on small jigs and wax worms. Fishing has been hit or miss.

Mississippi River Pool 17

We have not received any ice fishing report information for Big Timber this week. Big Timber does have some areas with flow and spots where ground water seeps in creating variable ice conditions so check ice conditions often as you move.

Mississippi River Pool 18

We have not received any ice fishing report information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19

We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Most ice fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds with fish being caught on wax worms.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: With the recent cold weather there hasn't been a lot of fishing activity the past couple days and fishing is being reported as slow. Most ice fishing reports have been coming from area lakes and ponds. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Recent weather has kept the number of anglers very low. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been pretty slow. Might be the rapid ups and downs in the weather. Work the bottom edges of the drop-offs and you should be able to find some fish.

Lake Belva Deer

The weather this week has kept the fishing pressure down. Nicer weather this weekend should bring anglers back out. When the fish are biting anglers have been catching good numbers of fish. Bluegill - Good: Work near the bottom out in 20-23 feet of water around the flooded trees and the old creek channel. Crappie - Good: Look for crappies about two feet higher than the bluegills.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Bluegill fishing has remained pretty steady, with good numbers being caught. Bluegill - Good: Work the deeper brush piles down from the boat ramp towards the dam.

Big Hollow Lake

Bluegill - Good: Look for the bluegills out along the old creek channel along the upper two-thirds of the lake. Crappie - Good: The anglers are finding the crappies now. Minnows seem to be working well.

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

Iowa Lake

The lake has up to 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie for fish up to 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie for fish up to 10 inches.

Lake Macbride

Most of the lake has 6-12 inches of ice, depending on location. Angling pressure has been down the past week. Bluegill - Good: Fish around any kind of brush or rock and chances are you will find bluegills. Unfortunately the size is marginal. Crappie - Slow: Crappie reports are tough to come by. Fish over/around brush or rock in 12-18 feet of water.

Otter Creek Lake

Ice thickness here is averaging about 12 inches. There has been as many as 35 vehicles a day here fishing. Bluegill - Good: Look for brush in 10-14 feet of water and use a jig/waxie for fish up to 9 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Look for roaming fish in 18-21 feet of water and use a jig/spoon tipped with cutbait for fish up to 11 inches.

Coralville Reservoir

Most of the lake has 8 inches plus of ice but caution should still be used. DO NOT go under the Mehaffey Bridge. Bluegill - Fair: Fish are being caught in and around brush. Crappie - Fair: Anglers that find the right brush pile on the right day are catching some nice crappies.

Kent Park Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)

Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are reporting some fish being caught in the backwaters.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Fishing has been reported as slow the past week in the backwaters.

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

Red Haw Lake

Anglers report about 12 inches of ice. Anglers have been using small jigs tipped with a wax worm to catch bluegills in depths of 19-20 feet of water. Dusk has been the most productive time to be on the lake. Fishing around brush piles should also increase your catch.

Albia (lower)

Ice thickness ranges from 5-7 inches in most areas. Fishing has slowed lately. Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm. There are buoys marking areas with brush piles under them.

Lake Sugema

Ice thickness is reported at 8-10 inches. Fishing has been slow. The majority of the anglers have been catching some bluegills on Tug Forks West.

Rathbun Reservoir

Thicknesses of 5-9 inches of ice has been reported. Fishing pressure has been light and fishing has been slow. Try to find structure and use small jigs tipped with a minnow under a bobber or try vertically jigging. The current lake level is 904.22 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

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: Bluegills up to 8 inches are being caught on wax worms around the trees mid lake.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Good catches of bluegill are coming from the lower portion of the lake. The habitat out from the west shore across from the boat ramp is a good starting location. Crappie - Fair: Crappie over 10 inches can be caught fishing the trees on the upper end of the lake using wax worms or spoons tipped with minnow heads. Live minnows are not allowed on this body of water.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills up to 9 inches have been coming off the old rock piles and other habitat in the upper half of the lake. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite has been slow to fair at times. Anglers are picking up a few 10-12-inch fish suspended in 30-40 feet of water in the main lake basin near the creek channel using live minnows or glow jigs with wax worms after dark. Walleye - Fair: The walleye catch over 15 inches has been better than in past years. Anglers fishing live minnows or jigging style minnow baits tipped with minnow heads are catching walleye in the main lake basin, especially if they can locate the rock humps.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught throughout the lake over the brush and pallet piles using wax worms. The most active bite is occurring during the last hour of daylight. Habitat piles in depths of 15 feet or greater are holding better fish.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing over the sunken tree and rock piles has been good. Mid lake out from the northwest shoreline is a good area to start targeting. Crappie - Fair: Suspended crappies are being caught in the evenings after sunset mid lake using wax worms on glow jigs.

Red Rock Reservoir

Ice thickness is 8-10 inches. ATVs are allowed on the ice as long as they are registered with the state of Iowa. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are locating some crappie accessing at Whitebreast and working up into the Competine Creek arm.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Fair: The next trout stocking will be around noon on January 25th. A family fishing event will be held with this stocking. Trout stocked in the fall remain to be targeted by ice anglers. Use jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. The very clear water can allow for sight fishing during the day.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Many of the trout stocked in November remain for ice anglers in the north portion of Ada Hayden. Fish with small live minnows or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms in 15 feet of water or less.

Central Iowa ice is averaging 11 to 15 inches thick. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

There is a good panfish population in Greenfield. The large size of bluegill in the lake is 8-9 inches and crappie range from 8-12 inches. The lake has 10 inches of ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in 12-14 feet of water using wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Crappies can be caught around cedar tree piles using minnows. Late afternoon has been the best time of day.

Littlefield Lake

Ice is 12 inches. There is a good year class of quality size crappies present. Bluegill - Slow: Eight-inch bluegills can be caught in 8-10 feet of water with wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-12-inch crappies were caught using glow in the dark jig heads with minnows.

Lake Anita

Ice is 10-14 inches. Waterfowl had a large area of open water in the north arm this week so use caution when moving around in the campground arm. Bluegill - Fair: Nine-inch plus bluegill are being caught on wax worms in the campground arm. Crappie - Slow: A few quality sized crappies are being caught in the campground arm using minnows and wax worms. Late afternoon has been the best bite.

Willow Lake

Willow is reported to have 12 inches plus of good ice. Bluegill - Fair: A few quality size bluegills are being caught on wax worms. Most fish are being caught in 12-14 feet of water.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake will provide good crappie fishing this winter. The lake has 10-12 inches of ice. Crappie - Slow: Try fishing 16-18 foot flats close to deeper water with wax worms or minnows to catch 8-10-inch crappie.

Arrowhead Pond

Anglers are catching quality size bluegills at Arrowhead. Ice is 11 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught in 10 feet of water using wax worms.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

1,000 rainbow trout were stocked on January 10th. Fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching some trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow trout can be caught using a variety of ice fishing jigs with wax worms or minnows.

Lake Manawa

Lake Manawa has 10 inches of ice although there are unsafe areas on the lake. Anglers should avoid the Tin Can area and the east shore near the Mosquito Creek outlet tube. Crappies and an occasional wiper are still being caught. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies near the beach using minnows or wax worms. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: An occasional 14-16-inch wiper is being caught while crappie fishing.

Hacklebarney East

There is 10-12 inches of ice and a good panfish population. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can be caught in the south arm with wax worms. Fish are suspended in 8 feet of water. Crappie - No Report:

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds reported 10-12 inches of good ice. Remember to always get permission before fishing privately owned ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish can be a bonus catch while fishing for panfish on farm ponds. Bluegill - Good: Fish with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms to catch bluegill. Generally the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start looking for fish. Crappie - Fair: Larger ponds that support crappie populations can be good in the late afternoon using glow in the dark jigs or minnows.

Ice conditions remain good ranging from 10-14 inches in southwest Iowa. For more information on southwest Iowa lakes call the district office in Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Binder Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10 inches or more of ice. Two open water holes have developed northeast of the boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills between 5 and 7 inches have been caught on wax worms near the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using minnows and wax worms in the main lake and along the dam.

Lake Icaria

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Small to medium sized bluegills are being caught on wax worms near bottom along the roadbed and along the channel in the east arm. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 9 inches are being caught with minnows on the roadbed and along the channel in the main lake. Walleye - No Report:

Grade Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10 inches or more of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to 9 inches have been caught using wax worms near the bottom. Early mornings and evenings have been reported to be the best time to fish.

West Lake (Osceola)

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10 inches or more of ice. Crappie - Good: Crappies up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows along the channel south of the dam.

Little River Watershed Lake

Ice conditions have become more consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - No Report:

Badger Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Crappie - Fair: Crappies ranging from 6-8 inches have been caught using wax worms and minnows along the channel in the main lake.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near the bottom on wax worms along the flooded timber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows along the flooded timber.

Lake of Three Fires

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches are being caught near the bottom on wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Few crappies over 10 inches are being caught with wax worms from the cedar tree pile north of the dam.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills 7-8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms near the cedar tree piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows and wax worms near the cedar tree piles.

Three Mile Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows along the flooded timber. Early mornings and evenings have been best. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass are being caught with wax worms near the bottom along the channel and on the roadbed. Most yellow bass are below 7 inches in length.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills over 8 inches are being caught on wax worms near the bottom along the roadbed. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows and wax worms along the channel and the roadbed. Yellow Perch - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mt. Ayr District Farm Ponds

Reports have been variable on fishing success on farm ponds. Most ponds are reported to have 10 or more inches of ice.

Fishing success has picked up on many lakes in the district. A few warm days has melted most of the snow on the ice making some areas very slick. Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most lakes having 10-15 inches of ice. For more information, call 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 2/6/14 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Bluegill - Fair: A few fish are being caught in the afternoons on wax worms. Anglers using cameras have stated a lot of fish are still not very active.

Brushy Creek Lake

Ice conditions are between 16-22 inches and anglers should frequently check depth when moving around. Anglers with the most success have been moving if not finding active fish along the creek channel and submerged trees. Bluegill - Slow: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or plastics around submerged trees and brush piles. Keep moving to locate active fish. Best fishing has been early morning and evening. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing picked up some this week. Anglers are reporting fish in 20-25 feet of water on live minnows. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch have been caught by crappie anglers using live minnows in 20-25 feet of water. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has slowed this week. Sunrise and sunset are probably still the best times to find fish along creek channel edges and road beds.

Bacon Creek Lake

Trout were stocked Jan. 18. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish are suspended and anglers are using minnows or small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Ice conditions range from 20-24 inches. There are two open holes on the lake: one is between the islands and the other is on the north side of Scout Island. Walleye - Fair: Fish are being caught on small spoons tipped with minnow heads. Most are 7-10 inches with a few fish in the 15-16.5-inch range. The area of the Chautauqua Park jetty and High bank seem to be best. All walleye between 17-22 inches must be immediately released and no more than one over 22 inches may be kept per day. The daily limit is three.

Swan Lake

Swan Lake has 23 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few fish have been caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Slow: A few fish have been caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Browns Lake

Very little angler activity has been reported.

Snyder Bend Lake

Very little angler activity has been reported

Moorland Pond

Trout were stocked on Jan. 10. Ice thickness was reported as 12 inches or more. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout are being caught with small jigs tipped with plastics or live bait suspended just under the ice.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Ice conditions are highly variable and extreme caution should be used if going out. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few fish have been caught in deep holes while walleye and sauger fishing. Sauger - Slow: A few fish have been caught fishing deep holes with minnow heads or live minnows/chubs. Walleye - Slow: A few smaller walleye have been caught in deeper holes with jigging lures tipped with a minnow head or a dead stick rod baited with a live minnow or chub.

Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)

Ice conditions are highly variable and extreme caution should be used if going out. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few fish have been caught while walleye fishing. Sauger - Slow: A few have been caught while walleye fishing. Walleye - Slow: A few fish have been caught in wintering holes using minnows/chubs on dead stick rods or tipping a jigging lure with a minnow.

Tigges Pond Willey

Bluegill - Fair: A few fish have been caught with wax worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few bass have been caught while bluegill fishing. Crappie - Fair: A few fish have been caught with wax worms.

Check ice depth regularly if venturing out on ice.

Lower Pine Lake

Activity remains steady with crappies averaging seven inches and bluegills averaging six inches plus on Lower Pine.

Lake Smith

Ice thickness is 18-20 inches. Not much fishing activity.

Clear Lake

Ice thickness is 20-23 inches. Anglers should avoid driving through the channel that runs from the little lake to the big lake as that area can be unsafe; take the highway around instead. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills and crappies have been caught on the edge of the reeds on the north shore of the main lake. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still getting some in the deeper areas of the little lake around dark. Look for them suspended quite a ways off the bottom if you're in the deeper water in the little lake. A few crappies also have been caught near Baptist Camp/Farmers Beach areas, and by the island in deeper water. Most are 8-11 inches. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some small perch being caught; 10 inchers are not very common. Walleye - Slow: An occasional keeper is being reported near the Baptist Camp, or near the aerator on the west end (14-inch minimum). Yellow Bass - Fair: Most of the action is coming from the main lake near the Baptist Camp and Farmers Beach. Yellows on the little lake seem to be around 12 feet of water. Most yellow bass being caught are around 7.5-8 inches with a few 9-9.5 inchers.

Lake Cornelia

Ice thickness is 20 plus inches. Reports indicate the bite has slowed. Use a minnow head or piece of cut bait on a small jig. Some have had luck using just the tail end on a light jig.

Little Wall Lake

No fishing activity seen.

Crystal Lake

Ice thickness is 20-23 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing has slowed over the past few weeks. Bluegill fishing has been good using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are reporting better success in the shallower water 8 feet near the edge of the dredged basin. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows at dusk in the deeper water near or on the drop-off of the basin. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye may be taken in the deeper water using minnow.

Blue Pit

Rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 18. Use a small ice fly and a wax worm or a small spoon and start fishing shallow near shore.

Bluebill Lake

Ice thickness is 18-20 inches. No reports lately; earlier anglers were having some success catching perch, bluegill, and some largemouth bass on spikes and wax worms fished near sunken cedar tree clumps.

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

There is 22-24 inches of ice. Walleye season closes Feb. 15. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers Bay has put out a few bluegills all winter. The numbers are not great but they are quality fish. Most activity is early and late in the day. Crappie - Slow: Like the bluegills crappie activity has been best early and late in Anglers Bay. Yellow Perch - Slow: Adult perch numbers are low but many perch in the five-inch range have been observed with underwater cameras. Walleye - Slow: Walleye season closes Feb. 15. Walleye fishing at this time has been very slow with only a handful of fish being caught.

East Okoboji Lake

Walleye season closes Feb. 15.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

There is currently 22-24 inches of ice.

West Okoboji Lake

There is 18-22 inches of ice. Walleye season closes Feb. 15. Northern Pike - Slow: Tip-ups fished near weed beds have provided some action. Bluegill - Slow: Most fishermen have been targeting Emerson and Millers Bay and weeds have been a key factor. The fishing has been hit or miss with some days being much better than others. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish have been in 40 plus feet of water and lots of small fish have been caught. Keep in mind that fish coming out of deep water have a higher mortality rate.

Five Island Lake

There is 20-22 inches of ice. A few crappie and catfish have been caught toward the north end.

Lost Island Lake

Oxygen levels in Lost Island Lake were tested Jan. 28 and were excellent for this time of year. The Spirit Lake Office continues to receive concerns regarding a walleye kill on Lost Island Lake last fall. Although many of the walleyes in this kill were older large fish, the number of dead fish was not a concern to the overall population. Fish kills like the one on Lost Island Lake are not uncommon in natural lakes especially during times of high water temperature. Walleye - No Report: There is very little fishing pressure at this time.

Scharnberg Pond

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Panfish tackle is all that is needed to fish for trout. The key is not to fish too deep. The most active fish cruse just under the ice or are willing to come up to take a bait.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Volga has 24 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught while fishing for crappies. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small brightly colored jigs tipped with multiple wax worms.

Lake Hendricks

There is about 18 inches of ice covered with seven inches of packed snow. Use caution around the aerator. No motorized vehicles including ATVs are allowed on the ice. Bluegill - Slow: 7-8-inch bluegills are being caught by dropping a small jig tipped with wax worm to the bottom and slowly lift it up about one foot. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

Lake Meyer has about 24 inches of ice with about 3 to 4 inches of packed snow. Water clarity is excellent with 10 to 12 feet visibility. Fish activity has really slowed. Bluegill - Slow: Fish activity is slow, but 7-9 inch bluegills can be caught using teardrop shaped jigs tipped with wax worms. Fish are suspended. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches can be found in 12-14 feet of water suspended about six feet off the bottom.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Trout fishing below Big Spring Hatchery is good. The river at the hatchery is open from the first set of tubes downriver.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

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

Decorah District Streams

Colder winter air and water temperatures have slowed down fly fishing on northeast Iowa streams. A few fish have been hitting bright streamers and attractor wet flies. Feeding trout seem to be located in faster water seams and/or deeper pools fed by riffles. On warmer days, late morning and early afternoon fishing is most productive. Brown Trout - Slow: Sny Magill is partially ice covered but fishable. Bloody Run is mostly ice-free. Mink, Otter and Glovers are completely ice covered. Grannis is not fishable but if temperatures warm, it should open up.

Fish activity has slowed dramatically on most area lakes. Few people have been on the ice. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

There has been high fishing pressure on Silver Lake near Delhi. This lake contains primarily largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and northern pike. Anglers often fish tip-ups for pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Fish either live shiners or chubs underneath tip-ups for best success.

Brinker Lake

Bluegill and crappie are being caught on the far end of Brinker (East) Lake. Look for 12-14 feet of water and use a wax worm or crappie minnow tipped on a jig. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

North Prairie Lake

Anglers are catching a few trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Artificial, flashy lures or tinsel jigs work well but hot bite has been on live minnows.

South Prairie Lake

Reports have been fair for bluegill and crappie. Move often to locate fish. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

Martens Lake

As of Feb. 6, anglers still report fair to good fishing for bluegill and crappie, mostly during early morning hours. Concentrate on the northwest portion of the lake and to the south as the season prolongs. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive. Crappie - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

Ice thickness around the region remains from 10-15 inches and fishing remains fairly slow; be sure to check other reports around the state for potential hot spots. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For more information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Ice thickness is 15 plus inches in most areas. Frigid weather has kept many off the ice. Anglers have been reporting slower fishing. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers catching bluegills above the bridge road in Lansing, but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. A few more anglers walking out to Phillippi Lake above Lansing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass being caught on wax worms and some tip-ups. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite is hit or miss. Shore Slough and Village Creek still report a few, but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch being caught fishing with wax worms.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Ice thickness is 15 plus inches in most areas. Frigid weather has kept many off the ice. Anglers have been reporting slower fishing. The boat ramp at Lynxville is closed with ice. Anglers are crossing Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area but use caution. Stay to the well traveled path. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Fair: Greymore Lake by Prairie du Chien has been popular for bluegill fishing but a lot of sorting of smaller fish. Bussey Lake is typical mid winter hit or miss fishing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers catching bass on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Slow: Some nice crappies being caught on wax worms and minnows in Norwegian and Sandbar Slough in the Sny Magill area but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few yellow perch being caught on wax worms.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Ice thickness is 15 plus inches in most areas. Frigid weather has kept many off the ice. Anglers have been reporting slower fishing. The boat ramps in Guttenberg are closed with ice. Bluegill - Good: Some good catches are reported in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake and Bertrom Lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappie still being caught in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice yellow perch reported in Zollicoffer and Sunfish Lake.

Continued frigid weather over the past week there has reduced fishing activity. Anglers are reporting slow fishing which can be typical of this time of year. Afternoons seem to be better. Ice in many areas is 15 plus inches but snow cover may insulate some areas, causing ice conditions to vary from place to place. Always use caution in any area that may have current. Boat ramps at Lynxville and Guttenberg are closed because of ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

For panfish, Fish Trap Lake, Tippy's, Greens and Kehough continue to be hot and cold. Massey marina has seen light fishing pressure. Spruce Creek marina by Bellevue was dredged to improve winter panfish habitat and some fish have been biting. In the spring, fish habitat will be added to the deeper holes. Ice anglers are marking fish but the bite is slow. Bluegill - Slow: Excellent bluegill numbers throughout Pool 12. Numerous large bluegills were collected during routine DNR surveys, so we know the fish are out there. Just need to find them. Crappie - Fair: Lots of 8-9-inch crappies were seen in the various surveys. Look forward to some quality fishing for this species although they can be quite fickle during the winter bite. Try using small minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some yellow perch are being incidentally caught while bluegill fishing. In some years the better yellow perch fishing is on the back half of the ice fishing season.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The eagle viewing at Bellevue tail water is awesome with more than 100 eagles. Scattered ice anglers were fishing by Bellevue Sewage Lagoon, Sabula, Browns Lake, Mickelson's Landing and in the Spring Lake area. In most place other then Sabula we have seen 10-16 inches of ice but be careful. Northern Pike - No Report: Lots of northern pike are present in Pool 13 but they are rarely angled in the winter. In high quality backwaters try tip-ups but be quiet; northerns are extremely spooky and readily move away from anglers walking or dragging sleds. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite has slowed greatly but a lot of fish are being marked on fishing graphs. Crappie - Slow: Crappies were abundant in fisheries surveys in 2013 and several year classes were noted. Some crappies were also seen in the Green Island wildlife area and it may produce some fish again, however, oxygen levels are starting to sag in that system. Yellow Perch - Fair: Often these fish are incidentally caught when bluegill fishing. Some yellow perch up to 14 inches can be found at times. Try a slightly larger minnow imitation lure or minnow heads.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Anglers are fishing at Rock Creek, Swedes, Camanche Harbor and Cattail Slough. Again, take care because snow cover can limit the ice depth, but we are seeing 10-15 inches of ice in most places. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill numbers are outstanding and Rock Creek County Park by Camanche offers easy access to fishing and a great Environmental Center to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate. A few good reports by Swedes Lake and Cattail Slough. Crappie - Fair: Some reports of crappies being caught out of cattail slough. The size has not been the best but we do have a very strong year class of 8-9-inch fish. Try small minnows for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No report for Pool 15 as ice fishing options are limited on this pool.

Another tough week for winter ice fishing in eastern Iowa but getting out ice fishing can shake the winter blues. Lots of ice and lots of opportunity on the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Fishing is being reported as slow. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been hit or miss in Sunset Marina but some nice bluegills are being caught. Try small ice fishing jigs and wax worms. Crappie - Slow:

Mississippi River Pool 17

We have not received any ice fishing report information for Big Timber this week. Big Timber does have some areas with flow and spots where ground water seeps in creating variable ice conditions so check ice conditions often as you move.

Mississippi River Pool 18

We have not received any ice fishing report information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19

We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Most ice fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds with fish being caught on wax worms.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Fishing is being reported as slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Hannen Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around brush. Most fish are on the small side with an occasional nice one. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have been hard to come by. The ones being caught are usually at sunset.

Iowa Lake

Iowa Lake has about 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie for fish up to 9 inches. Crappie - Slow: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie for fish up to 10 inches.

Kent Park Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Macbride

Most of Macbride has 12 plus inches of ice. Fishing pressure has been low the past week. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around any kind of brush or rock and chances are you will find bluegills. Unfortunately, the size is marginal at best. Crappie - Slow: Crappie reports are tough to come by. Fish over/around brush or rock in 12-18 feet of water.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Much Pleasant Creek has 18 inches of ice. Sunset has been best. Bluegill - Slow: Along the dam has been best. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few decent perch are being caught.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush for 6-8 inches bluegills. Crappie - Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush. Most are running 8-10 inches.

Otter Creek Lake

Ice thickness here is averaging about 12 inches. There has been very little fishing activity this past week and no reports are available.

Coralville Reservoir

Most of the lake has 10-15 inches of ice but caution should still be used. DO NOT go under the Mehaffey Bridge. Bluegill - Fair: Average sized fish are being caught in and around brush. Crappie - Fair: Anglers that find the right brush pile on the right day are catching some nice crappies.

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

Red Haw Lake

Anglers report about 12 inches of ice. Try areas in 19-20 feet of water using small jigs tipped with a wax worm for bluegills. Fish about 1-2 feet off the bottom. Fishing around brush piles will also increase your catch.

Albia (lower)

Ice thickness is up to 10 inches in some areas. Fishing has been slow. Look for the areas marked with buoys as they were placed over brush piles. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Sugema

Ice thickness is reported at 8-10 inches. Fishing has been slow. Most anglers have been on Tug Forks West catching some bluegills. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm about 1-2 feet above the bottom. Concentrate on areas with submerged structure.

Rathbun Reservoir

Thicknesses of 8-12 inches of ice have been reported. Fishing pressure has been light and fishing has been slow. Try to find underwater structure and use small jigs tipped with a minnow under a bobber. Also try vertically jigging. The current lake level is 904.16 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

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

SOUTHWEST

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Good catches of bluegill are coming from the lower portion of the lake. The habitat out from the west shore across from the boat ramp is a good starting point. Crappie - Fair: Crappie over 10 inches can be caught fishing the trees on the upper end of the lake using wax worms or spoons tipped with minnow heads. Live minnows are not allowed on this body of water.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches have been coming off the old rock piles and other habitat in the upper half of the lake. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite has been slow to fair at times. Anglers are picking up a few 10-12-inch fish suspended in 30-40 feet of water in the main lake basin near the creek channel using live minnows or glow jigs with wax worms after dark. Walleye - Fair: The walleye catch over 15 inches has been better than in past years. Anglers fishing live minnows or jigging style minnow baits tipped with minnow heads are catching walleye in the main lake basin, especially if they can locate the rock humps.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught throughout the lake over the brush and pallet piles using wax worms. The most active bite is occurring during the last hour of daylight. Habitat piles in depths of 15 feet or greater are holding better fish.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing over the sunken tree and rock piles has been good. Mid-lake out from the northwest shoreline is a good area to start. Crappie - Fair: Suspended crappies are being caught after sunset mid-lake using wax worms on glow jigs.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Fair: Anglers are locating some crappie accessing at Whitebreast and working up into the Competine Creek arm.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Jan. 25. Trout remain to be caught using jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. The very clear water can allow for sight fishing during the day.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: The next trout stocking will be Feb. 8, at noon. A family fishing event will be held with this event. Trout stocked in November remain for ice anglers in the north portion of Ada Hayden. Fish with small live minnows or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms in 15 feet of water or less.

Central Iowa ice is averaging around 18 inches thick. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

There is a good panfish population in Greenfield. There are bluegills up to 8-9 inches and crappie from 8-12 inches. The lake has 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in 12-14 feet of water using wax worms. Fish are 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught around cedar tree piles using minnows. Late afternoon has been the best time.

Nodaway Lake

Bluegill fishing has picked up this week. The lake has 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are beginning to pick up eight-inch bluegills with wax worms. The deeper brush piles are a good starting point. Crappie - No Report:

Littlefield Lake

Ice is 12 inches thick. There is a good year class of quality size crappies. Bluegill - Slow: Eight-inch bluegills can be caught in 8-10 feet of water with wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-12-inch crappies were caught using glow in the dark jig heads with minnows.

Lake Anita

Ice is 10-14 inches thick. Waterfowl have a large area of open water in the north arm of the lake so use caution when moving around. Bluegill - Slow: Nine-inch plus bluegill are being caught on wax worms in the campground arm. Crappie - Slow: A few quality size crappie are being caught in the campground arm using minnows and wax worms. Late afternoon has been the best bite.

Willow Lake

Willow reported 14 inches plus of ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality sized bluegill are being caught on wax worms. Most are being caught in 12-14 feet of water. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Quality size redears are being caught with wax worms over cedar tree piles.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake will provide good crappie fishing this winter. The lake has 10-12 inches of ice. Waterfowl have a large portion of the lake open in the concession arm. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush piles in 14-16 feet of water. It is a late afternoon to after dark bite. Use wax worms or minnows to catch 9-11-inch crappies.

Arrowhead Pond

Anglers are catching quality size bluegills. Ice is 12 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught in 10 feet of water using wax worms.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

1,000 rainbow trout were stocked into Big Lake on Jan. 10. Fishing has slowed this week but anglers are still catching some trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow trout can be caught using a variety of ice fishing jigs with wax worms or minnows.

Lake Manawa

Lake Manawa has 10 inches of ice although anglers should avoid the Tin Can area and the east shore near the Mosquito Creek outlet tube. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies near the beach using minnows or wax worms. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: An occasional 14-16-inch wiper is being caught while crappie fishing.

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney has 10-12 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught in the south arm with wax worms. Fish are suspended in eight feet of water. Crappie - No Report:

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds are reported to have 10-12 inches of ice. Remember to get permission before fishing privately owned ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish can be a bonus catch while fishing for panfish on farm ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Fish with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms to catch bluegill. Generally the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start. Crappie - Fair: Larger ponds that support crappies can be good in the late afternoon using glow in the dark jigs with minnows or wax worms.

Ice conditions range from 10-15 inches in the southwest district. After this week’s snow storm caution is needed when venturing out on lakes with waterfowl activity. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having more than 13 inches of ice. Most fishing activity is on the roadbed and along the channel off the beach point. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to nine inches are being caught with minnows. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes over 20 inches are being caught with minnows near the bottom along the roadbed.

Grade Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 12 inches or more of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches have been caught using wax worms near the bottom. Early mornings and evenings have been the best time.

West Lake (Osceola)

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 12 or more inches of ice. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows along the channel south of the dam.

Badger Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 13 or more inches of ice. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms and minnows along the channel in the main lake.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 10-15 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near the bottom on wax worms along the flooded timber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows along the flooded timber.

Lake of Three Fires

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 12 or more inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught near the bottom on wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Few crappies over 10 inches are being caught with wax worms and minnows from the cedar tree pile north of the dam and along the channel.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 13 inches or more of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills 7-8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms near the bottom away from the cedar tree piles. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows and wax worms near the cedar tree piles.

Three Mile Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 13 or more inches of ice. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows along the flooded timber. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught using minnows along the roadbed. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass are being caught with wax worms near the bottom along the channel and on the roadbed.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 13 or more inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: A few big bluegills are being caught on wax worms near the bottom. People that are willing to keep moving have had the best luck. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows and wax worms along the channel and the roadbed. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are being caught on minnows along the roadbed.

Fishing success has been variable on many lakes in the district. Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most lakes having over 13 inches of ice. For more information, call 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 2/13/14 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

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Bluegill - Fair: A few fish are being caught in the afternoons on wax worms. Anglers using cameras have stated a lot of fish are still not very active.

Brushy Creek Lake

Action has been inconsistent all winter but fishing has picked up in the last few days. Bluegill - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or plastics around submerged trees and brush piles. Keep moving to locate active fish. Best fishing has been early morning and evenings. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing picked up some this week. Anglers are reporting fish in 20-25 feet of water on live minnows. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch have been caught by crappie anglers using live minnows in 20-25 feet of water. Walleye - Slow: A few more reports of walleye have come in this week with fish between 16-20 inches. Sunrise and sunset were the best times to pick up a bonus walleye while panfishing.

Bacon Creek Lake

Trout were stocked Jan. 18. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish are suspended and anglers are using minnows or small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Ice conditions range from 20-24 inches. There are two open holes on the lake: one is between the islands and the other is on the north side of Scout Island. With the anticipated winds care should be taken if near one of the holes as wave action can greatly increase the open water area. Walleye - Fair: Fish are being caught on small spoons tipped with minnow heads. Most fish are running 7-10 inches with a few fish in the 15-16.5-inch range. The area of the Chautauqua Park jetty and High Bank seem to be best. All walleye between 17-22 inches must be immediately released and no more than one over 22 inches may be kept per day. The daily limit is three.

Swan Lake

23 inches of ice reported this week. Bluegill - Slow: A few fish have been caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Slow: A few fish have been caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Moorland Pond

Trout were stocked on Jan. 10. Ice thickness was reported as 12 inches or more. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout are being caught with small jigs tipped with plastics or live bait suspended just under the ice.

Check ice depth regularly if venturing out on ice.

Lower Pine Lake

Activity remains steady with seven-inch average crappie and six inches plus average bluegills being caught on Lower Pine.

Lake Smith

Ice thickness is 18-20 inches. Not much fishing activity.

Clear Lake

Ice thickness is 20-23 inches. Anglers should avoid driving through the channel that runs from the little lake to the big lake, as that area can be unsafe; take the highway around instead. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills and crappies have been caught on the edge of the reeds on the north shore of the main lake. Fish on the very edge, but in the reeds. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still getting some in the deeper areas of the little lake around dark. Look for them to be suspended quite a ways off bottom if you're in the deeper water in the little lake. A few crappies also have been caught near Baptist Camp/Farmers Beach areas. Also some have been caught by the island in deeper water (14-16 feet) Most are in the range of 8-11 inches long. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some small perch being caught. 10 inchers not very common. Walleye - Slow: Reports of a few being caught near the island and near the aerator on the west end at dark. (14-inch minimum) Yellow Bass - Fair: Most of the yellow bass action seems to be coming from anglers on the main lake near the Baptist Camp and Farmers Beach. Yellows on the little lake seem to be around 12 feet of water. Most yellow bass being caught are around 7.5-8 inches with a few 9-9.5 inch.

Lake Cornelia

Ice thickness is 20 inches plus. Some reports have indicated the bite has slowed. Use a minnow head or piece of cut bait on a small jig. Some anglers have had luck using just the tail end on a light jig.

Little Wall Lake

Ice thickness is 22 inches. No fishing activity seen.

Crystal Lake

Ice thickness is 20-23 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing seems to be fairly consistent. Bluegill fishing has been good using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are reporting better success in the shallower water 8 feet near the edge of the dredged basin. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows at dusk in the deeper water near or on the drop-off of the basin. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye may be taken in the deeper water using minnow.

Blue Pit

Additional rainbow trout were stocked on Feb. 7. Anglers should be able to catch them with a small ice fly and a wax worm or a small spoon. You should start shallow near shore.

Bluebill Lake

Ice thickness is 22 inches. No reports lately; earlier anglers were having some success catching perch, bluegill, and some largemouth bass on spikes and wax worms fished near sunken cedar tree clumps.

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

Walleye season closes Feb. 14. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers bay has put out a few bluegills all winter the numbers are not great but they are quality fish. Most activity is early and late in the day. Crappie - Slow: Like the bluegills crappie activity has been best early and late in the day in Anglers Bay. Yellow Perch - Slow: Adult perch numbers are low but many small perch in the five-inch range have been observed with underwater cameras. Walleye - Slow: Walleye season closes Feb. 14. Walleye fishing at this time has been very slow with only a handful of fish being caught.

East Okoboji Lake

Walleye season closes Feb. 14.

West Okoboji Lake

Walleye season closes Feb. 14. Bluegill - Slow: Most fishermen have been targeting Emerson and Millers Bay and weeds have been a key factor. The fishing has been hit and miss with some days being much better than others. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish have been in 40 feet plus of water and lots of small fish have been caught. Keep in mind that fish coming out of deep water have a higher mortality rate.

Five Island Lake

A few crappie and catfish have been caught toward the north end of the lake.

Lost Island Lake

Walleye - No Report: There is very little fishing pressure at this time.

Scharnberg Pond

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Panfish tackle is all that is needed to fish for trout the key is not to fish to deep. The most active fish cruse just under the ice or are willing to come up to take a bait.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

The lake has 24 inches of ice. Fish are suspended so fish 6 to 8 feet off the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught while fishing for crappies. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small brightly colored jigs tipped with multiple wax worms to entice those hungry crappies.

Lake Hendricks

There is about 18 inches of ice covered with seven inches of packed snow. Use caution around the aerator. No motorized vehicles including ATVs are allowed on the ice. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills 7-8 inch are being caught. Try dropping a small jig tipped with wax worm to the bottom and slowly lift the jig off the bottom about one foot. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

The lake has about 24 inches of ice with about 3 to 4 inches of packed snow covering the ice. Water clarity is excellent with visibility 10 to 12 feet. A few brave anglers were out but fish activity has really slowed. Bluegill - Slow: Fish activity is slow but 7-9-inch gills can be caught using teardrop shaped jigs tipped with wax worms. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches can be found in 12-14 feet of water but are suspended about 6 feet off the bottom.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Trout fishing on the Turkey River below Big Spring Hatchery is good. The river at the hatchery is open from the first set of tubes downriver.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

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

Decorah District Streams

Colder winter air and water temperatures have slowed fly fishing down on northeast Iowa streams. A few fish have been hitting bright streamers and attractor wet flies. Feeding trout seem to be located in faster water seams and/or deeper pools fed by riffles. On warmer days, late morning and early afternoon fishing is most productive. Brown Trout - Slow: Sny Magill is partially ice covered but fishable. Bloody Run is mostly ice-free. Mink, Otter and Glovers are completely ice covered. Grannis is not fishable but if temperatures warm up, it should open up.

Weekend temperatures are predicted to be in the low 20s. Fish activity continues to be slow on most area lakes. Few people have been on the ice. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Please go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

North Prairie Lake

Anglers are catching a few trout out of North Prairie Lake. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Artificial, flashy lures or tinsel jigs work well but hot bite has been on live minnows.

South Prairie Lake

Reports have been fair for both bluegill and crappie on South Prairie Lake. Move quite often to locate fish within the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive for bluegill. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good for crappie.

Martens Lake

As of Feb. 6, anglers are still reporting fair to good angling on both bluegill and crappie, mostly during early morning hours. Concentrate efforts on the northwest portion of the lake and to the south as the season prolongs. Bluegill - Fair: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive for bluegill. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good for crappie.

Ice fishing remains fairly slow across the district, be sure to check other reports around the state for potential hot spots. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Ice thickness is 15 inches in most areas. Anglers have been reporting slower fishing but warmer weather may trigger a bite. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegill biting in Village Creek and by the Marina in Lansing with a lot of smaller fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass being caught on wax worms and some tip-ups. Crappie - Slow: crappie bite is hit or miss. Shore Slough and Village creek still have reports of a few, but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late winter warm ups sometimes trigger good perch fishing.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Ice thickness is 15 inches in most areas. Anglers have been reporting slower fishing but warmer weather may trigger a bite. Anglers are crossing Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area but anglers should still use caution. Stay to the well traveled path. Norwegian lake has low oxygen levels pushing active fish closer to Wyalusing slough. The boat ramp at Lynxville is closed with ice. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Fair: Activity has been slow on Bussey Lake but some bluegills being caught in lower ice lake near Wyalusing slough. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers catching bass on wax worms and some on tip-ups Crappie - Slow: A few crappies being caught in lower Ice Lake near Wyalusing slough and Sandbar slough in the Sny Magill area but may be some time between bites. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late winter warm ups sometimes trigger good perch fishing. Greymore Lake near Prairie Du Chien can be good for perch this time of year.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Ice thickness is 15 inches in most areas. Anglers have been reporting slower fishing but warmer weather may trigger a bite. The boat ramps in Guttenberg are closed with ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills bite has slowed in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake but warmer weather may improve fishing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappie still being caught in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late winter warm ups sometimes trigger good perch fishing. Sunfish Lake can be good for nice sized perch.

Continued frigid weather over the past week has kept angler numbers down once again over the past week, but the projected warm up should bring more anglers out. Late winter warm ups can sometimes trigger a bite. Afternoons usually seem to be better. Ice in many areas is 15+ inches but snow cover may insulate some areas, causing ice conditions to vary from place to place. Always use caution in any area that may have current. Boat ramps at Lynxville and Guttenberg are closed because of ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Fishing has mainly been reported as slow, but a good bite was reported at times this week. Try Fish Trap Lake, Tippy's, Greens and Kehough continue to have been hot and cold for ice fishing. Massey marina has seen light fishing pressure. Spruce Creek marina by Bellevue was dredged out to improve winter panfish habitat and some fish have been biting. In the spring, fish habitat will be added to the deeper holes. Ice anglers are marking fish but the bite is slow. Bluegill - Slow: Excellent bluegill numbers throughout Pool 12. During routine DNR surveys numerous large bluegills were collected, so we know the fish are out there. A mixed report on bluegills in Pool 12 this week. Most anglers reported fishing was very slow but a some fish did bite during the weather shift. Crappie - Fair: Lots of 8 to 9-inch crappies were seen in the various surveys conducted by the department. Look forward to some quality fishing for this species although they can be quite fickle during the winter bite. Try small minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some yellow perch are being caught incidentally by bluegill anglers. In some years good yellow perch fishing can be had on the back half of the ice fishing season.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Weather has played a big role in the numbers of anglers on Pool 13. Many people are chipping ice out of their water lines instead of the ice fishing hole. Scattered ice anglers have been fishing by Bellevue Sewage Lagoon, Sabula, Browns Lake, Mickelson's Landing and in the Spring Lake area. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite has slowed up greatly but a lot of fish are being marked on fishing graphs. Crappie - Slow: Crappies were abundant in fisheries surveys in 2013 and several year classes were noted. Some crappies were also seen in the Green Island wildlife area and it may produce some fish again, however, oxygen levels are starting to sag in that system. Yellow Perch - Slow: Often these fish are incidentally caught when bluegill fishing. Some very nice sized yellow perch up to 14 inches can be found at times. You can try a slightly larger minnow imitation lure or some folks like to use minnow heads to catch this species.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Anglers are fishing at Rock Creek, Swedes, Camanche Harbor and Cattail Slough. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill numbers are outstanding this year in Pool 14, Rock Creek County Park by Camanche offers easy access to fishing and a great Environmental Center to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate. Crappie - Fair: Some reports of crappies being caught out of cattail slough. The size has not been the best but we do have a very strong year class of 8 to 9 inch fish. Try using small minnows for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No report for Pool 15 as ice fishing options are limited on this pool.

Another tough week for winter ice fishing in eastern Iowa but getting out ice fishing can shake the winter time blues. Lots of ice and lots of opportunity on the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Fishing is being reported as slow. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been hit or miss in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with small ice fishing jigs and wax worms. Crappie - Slow:

Mississippi River Pool 17

We have not received any ice fishing report information for Big Timber this week. Big Timber does have some areas with flow and spots where ground water seeps in creating variable ice conditions so check ice conditions often as you move.

Mississippi River Pool 18

We have not received any ice fishing report information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19

We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Most ice anglers have been targeting local lakes and farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Fishing is being reported as slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Belva Deer

Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has remained slow when the weather has been good enough to even get out.

Pollmiller Park Lake

There is 10 to 12 inches of snow accumulated on the ice after last week's snow. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing is slow. Look for them to be around the brush piles in the area out from the boat ramp and down towards the dam.

Lake of the Hills

Remember Lake of the Hills in the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows for bait is legal. Bluegill - Fair: Wax worms are the popular baits on ice jigs. Crappie - Fair: crappies are also being caught off the brush piles in deeper water.

Lambach Lake

The use of live minnows as bait is not allowed on this lake. Crappie - Slow: Good sized crappies are still being caught but the bit remains slow.

Railroad Lake

The use of live minnows as bait is not allowed on this lake. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills being caught are running on the small side but good numbers are being caught.

Wilson Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Locating the schooling trout can be difficult but once found do produce nice and bright active trout.

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

Kent Park Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Macbride

Most of the lake has 12 inches plus of ice. Angling pressure has been low the past week. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around any kind of brush or rock and chances are you will find bluegills. Unfortunately the size is marginal at best. Crappie - Slow: Crappie reports are tough to come by. Fish over/around brush or rock in 12-18 feet.

Central Park Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Pleasant Creek Lake

Much of the lake has 18 inches of ice. Sunset has been best. Bluegill - Fair: Look for fish around brush piles and use a jig/waxie. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught right before/after dark. Fish are moving up to as little as 8 feet of water to feed at night.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few bonus catfish are being caught by panfish anglers. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush for 6-8-inch bluegills. Crappie - Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush. Most are running 8-10 inches. Walleye - Slow: A few bonus walleyes are being picked up occasionally.

Otter Creek Lake

Ice is close to 24 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Fish around brush in 10-15 feet of water with a jig and waxie. Average fish is 7-8 inches. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Bass - Good: Fish 18-20 feet of water with a jig or spoon tipped with a waxie or cutbait. Average fish is about 10 inches.

Coralville Reservoir

Most of the lake has good ice (12-18 inches) but caution should still be used. No voids under the ice have been found/reported. DO NOT go under the Mehaffey Bridge. Bluegill - Fair: Mediocre fish are being caught in and around brush. Crappie - Fair: Anglers that find the right brush pile on the right day are catching some nice crappies.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Fishing in the backwaters at Central City is reported as poor.

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

Red Haw Lake

Anglers report about 12 inches of ice. Try areas in 20 feet of water using small jigs tipped with a wax worm for bluegills. Fish about 1-2 feet off the lake bottom. Fishing around brush piles will also increase your catch.

Albia (lower)

Ice thickness range up to 10 inches in some areas. Fishing has been slow and the fishing pressure has been light. Look for the areas marked with buoys as they were placed over brush piles. Try using small jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Sugema

Ice thickness is reported at 8-10 inches. Fishing has been slow on Lake Sugema with some anglers catching a few bluegills. Most anglers are fishing at Tug Forks West and have been catching some bluegills. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm about 1-2 feet above the lake bottom. Concentrate on areas with submerged structure.

Rathbun Reservoir

Thicknesses of 8-12 inches of ice have been reported. Fishing has been slow and fishing pressure has been light. Try to find underwater structure and use small jigs tipped with a minnow. The current lake level is 904.10 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

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

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills up to nine inches have been coming off the old rock piles and other habitat in the upper half of the lake. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite has been slow to fair at times. Anglers are picking up a few 10 to 12 inch fish suspended in 30 to 40 feet of water in the main lake basin near the creek channel using live minnows or glow jigs with wax worms after dark. Walleye - Fair: The walleye catch over 15 inches has been better than in past years. Anglers fishing live minnows or jigging style minnow baits tipped with minnow heads are catching walleye in the main lake basin, especially if they can locate the rock humps.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: The best catches of bluegills have been coming off the lower third of the lake over habitat out from the points and around the island. The most active bite is occurring during the last hour of daylight. Habitat piles in depths of 15 feet or greater are holding better fish.

Hooper Area Pond

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching fair numbers of bluegills with occasional crappies fishing the lower half of the lake.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing over the sunken tree and rock piles has been good. Mid-lake out from the northwest shoreline is a good area to start. Crappie - Good: Suspended crappies are being caught in the evenings after sunset mid lake in depths of 15 feet or greater using wax worms on glow jigs and live minnows.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Jan. 25. Trout remain to be caught using jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. The very clear water can allow for sight fishing during the day.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Feb. 8. Trout from the recent and November stocking remain for ice anglers in the north portion of Ada Hayden. Fish with small live minnows or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms in 15 feet of water or less. The east and south shorelines of the north portion are most productive.

Central Iowa ice is averaging 19-22 inches thick. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

There is a good panfish population in Greenfield. The large size of bluegill is 8-9 inches and crappie is 8-12 inches. The lake has 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in 12-14 feet of water using wax worms. Fish are 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught around cedar tree piles using minnows. Late afternoon has been the best time.

Nodaway Lake

Anglers are reporting fair catches of bluegill at Nodaway. The lake has 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are beginning to pick up eight-inch bluegills with wax worms. The deeper brush piles are a good starting point. Crappie - No Report:

Littlefield Lake

Ice thickness is 14 inches. There is a good year class of quality sized crappies present in Littlefield. Bluegill - Fair: Eight-inch bluegills can be caught in 8-10 feet of water with wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-12-inch crappies were caught using glow in the dark jig heads with minnows.

Lake Anita

Ice is 10-14 inches. Waterfowl have a large area of open water in the campground arm so use caution when moving around in that area. Bluegill - Slow: Nine-inch plus bluegill are being caught on wax worms in the campground arm. Crappie - Slow: A few quality sized crappie are being caught in the campground arm on minnows and wax worms. Late afternoon has been the best bite.

Willow Lake

14 plus inches of ice is reported. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality size bluegill are being caught on wax worms. Most fish are being caught in 12-14 feet of water. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Quality size redears are being caught with wax worms over cedar tree piles.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake will provide good crappie fishing this winter. The lake has 10-12 inches of ice. Waterfowl have a large portion of the lake open in the concession arm. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush piles in 14-16 feet of water. It is a late afternoon to after dark bite. Use wax worms or minnows to catch crappies ranging from 9-11 inches.

Arrowhead Pond

Anglers are catching quality size bluegills at Arrowhead. Ice is 12 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine-inches are being caught in 10 feet of water using wax worms.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

Fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching some trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Rainbow trout can be caught using a variety of ice fishing jigs with wax worms or minnows.

Lake Manawa

Lake Manawa has 10 inches of ice although there are unsafe areas on the lake. Anglers should avoid the Tin Can area and the east shore near the Mosquito Creek outlet tube. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies near the beach using minnows or wax worms. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: An occasional wiper is being caught while crappie fishing. The fish reported were 14-16 inches.

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney 10-12 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught in 10 feet of water around brush with wax worms. Crappie - No Report:

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds are reported to have 10-12 inches of ice. Anglers have reported good bluegill fishing in ponds this week. Remember to get permission before fishing privately owned ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish can be a bonus catch while fishing for panfish on farm ponds. Bluegill - Good: Fish with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms to catch bluegill. Generally the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start looking for fish. Crappie - Fair: Larger ponds that support crappie populations can be good in the late afternoon using glow in the dark jigs with minnows or wax worms.

Ice conditions range from 10-15 inches in southwest Iowa. For more information on southwest Iowa lakes call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Most fishing activity is on the roadbed and along the channel off the beach point. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish up to four pounds have been caught using wax worms along the roadbed. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to nine inches are being caught with minnows. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes over 20 inches are being caught with minnows near the bottom along the roadbed.

Grade Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches have been caught using wax worms near the bottom. Early mornings and evenings have been the best time.

West Lake (Osceola)

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 13 inches or more. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows along the channel south of the dam.

Little River Watershed Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills up to eight inches have been caught with wax worms along the cedar tree piles and off the main point north of the dam.

Badger Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms along the roadbed. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms and minnows along the channel or roadbed in the main lake in the evenings.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near the bottom on wax worms along the flooded timber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows along the flooded timber.

Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 13 inches or more. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches have been caught with wax worms on the cedar tree pile just south of the dam. Crappie - Good: Crappie up to nine inches have been caught using wax worms on the cedar tree pile just south of the dam.

Lake of Three Fires

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught near the bottom on wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Few crappies over 10 inches are being caught with wax worms and minnows from the cedar tree pile north of the dam and along the channel.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Green Valley Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills 7-8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms near the bottom away from the cedar tree piles. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows and wax worms near the cedar tree piles.

Three Mile Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows along the flooded timber. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are being caught using minnows along the roadbed. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass are being caught with wax worms near the bottom along the channel and on the roadbed.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Slow: A few big bluegills are being caught on wax worms near the bottom. People that are willing to keep moving have had the best luck. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows and wax worms along the channel and the roadbed. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are being caught on minnows along the roadbed.

Fishing success has been variable on many lakes in the district. Ice conditions have remained consistent with most lakes having more than 14 inches of ice. For more information, call 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 2/23/14 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

Lower Pine Lake

Activity remains steady with seven-inch average crappie and six-inch plus average bluegills being caught.

Lake Smith

Ice thickness is 25-26 inches. In general, fishing is slow. A few crappies have been caught. Best bite is late afternoon and evening hours.

Clear Lake

Ice thickness is 28-29 inches. Anglers should avoid driving through the channel that runs from the little lake to the big lake as that area can be unsafe; take the highway around instead. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills and crappies have been caught on the edge of the reeds on the north shore of the main lake. Fish on the very edge but in the reeds. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still getting some in the deeper areas of the little lake around dark. Look for them to be suspended a ways off bottom if you're in the deeper water in the little lake. A few crappies also have been caught near Baptist Camp/Farmers Beach areas. Some have also been caught by the island in 14-16 feet of water. Most are 8-11 inches. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some small perch being caught; 10 inchers not very common. Walleye - Slow: A few being caught near the island and near the aerator on the west end at dark (14-inch minimum). Yellow Bass - Fair: Most of the yellow bass action seems to be coming from anglers on the main lake near the Baptist Camp and Farmers Beach. Yellows on the little lake seem to be around 12 feet of water. Most yellow bass being caught are around 7.5-8 inches with a few 9-9.5-inch.

Lake Cornelia

Ice thickness is 20 plus inches. Some reports have indicated the bite has slowed. Use a minnow head or piece of cut bait on a small jig. Some anglers have had luck using just the tail end on a light jig.

Little Wall Lake

Ice thickness is 22 inches. No fishing activity seen.

Crystal Lake

Ice thickness is 30 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing seems to be fairly consistent. Bluegill fishing has been good using small jigs tipped with wax worms. Anglers are reporting better success in the shallower water 8 feet near the edge of the dredged basin. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been fair using minnows at dusk in the deeper water near or on the drop-off of the basin. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye may be taken in the deeper water using minnow.

Blue Pit

Additional rainbow trout were stocked Feb 7. Anglers should be able to catch them with a small ice fly and a wax worm or a small spoon. You should start shallow near shore.

Bluebill Lake

Ice thickness is 22 inches. No reports lately; earlier anglers were having some success catching perch, bluegill, and some largemouth bass on spikes and wax worms fished near sunken cedar tree clumps.

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

There is 28-30 inches of ice and walleye season is closed. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers Bay has put out a few bluegills all winter the numbers are not great but they are quality fish. Most activity is early and late in the day. Crappie - Slow: Like the bluegills crappie activity has been best early and late in the day in Anglers Bay.

East Okoboji Lake

Walleye season is closed

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

There is very little fishing pressure at this time.

West Okoboji Lake

There is 26-30 inches of ice and walleye season is closed. Bluegill - Slow: Most fishermen have been targeting Emerson and Millers Bay and weeds have been a key factor. The fishing has been hit or miss with some days being much better than others. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish have been in 40 plus feet of water and lots of small fish have been caught. Keep in mind that fish coming out of deep water have a higher mortality rate.

Lost Island Lake

Walleye - No Report: There is very little fishing pressure at this time.

Scharnberg Pond

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Panfish tackle is all that is needed to fish for trout the key is not to fish to deep. The most active fish cruse just under the ice or are willing to come up to take a bait.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

The lake has 24 inches of ice. Fish are suspended so fish 6 to 8 feet off the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught while fishing for crappies. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small brightly colored jigs tipped with multiple wax worms to entice those hungry crappies.

Lake Hendricks

There is about 28 inches of ice covered with 10 inches of packed, slushy snow. Use caution around the aerator. No motorized vehicles including ATVs are allowed on the ice. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills 7-8 inches are being caught. Try dropping a small jig tipped with wax worm to the bottom and slowly lift the jig off the bottom about one foot. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Lake Meyer

The lake has about 24 inches of ice with about 3 to 4 inches of slushy snow covering the ice. Water clarity is excellent with visibility 10 to 12 feet. A few brave anglers were out but fish activity has really slowed. Bluegill - Slow: Fish activity is slow but 7-9 inch gills can be caught using teardrop shaped jigs tipped with wax worms. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches can be found in 12-14 feet of water but are suspended about six feet off the bottom.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Trout fishing on the Turkey River below Big Spring Hatchery is good. The river at the hatchery is open from the 1st set of tubes downriver.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

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

Decorah District Streams

Though weather and road conditions have been challenging, better northeast Iowa streams have open clear water and trout have been taken on streamers, wet flies and nymphs. Surprisingly, winter midge hatches have been heavy and trout can sometimes be taken on dry flies when rising. Small Threadwraps (#18-#24) are effective early in the afternoon. Brown Trout - Slow: Sny Magill is partially ice covered but fishable. Bloody Run is mostly ice-free. Mink, Otter and Glovers are completely ice covered. Grannis is not fishable but if temperatures warm up, it should open up.

Weekend temperatures are predicted to be in the mid to low teens. Fish activity continues to be slow on most area lakes. Few people have been on the ice. Urban ponds are now being stocked with trout. Go to http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx to find out when and where. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Brinker Lake

Anglers have been catching some crappie near the island fishing in 12-14 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good for crappie.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been catching some crappie but it has been spotty. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good.

Martens Lake

Martens Lake has been hit or miss depending on the day. Bluegills have been the most productive. Concentrate efforts on the northwest portion of the lake and to the south as the season prolongs. Bluegill - Good: Jig tipped with a wax worm has been most productive for bluegill. Crappie - Fair: jig tipped with a wax worm or minnow is good for crappie.

Plainfield

Anglers are catching quality size bluegill near the north side of the lake in 12-14 feet of water, move often to locate active fish. Some occasional nice crappies have been taken. Bluegill - Good: Small black colored jigs tipped with a waxy seem to be most productive.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

As interior rivers begin to open up, take the opportunity to hit the deeper holes for overwintering walleyes. Walleye will feed very aggressively until spring spawn. Jigs tipped with a minnow and fished slowly off of the bottom has been a deadly combination. Walleye - No Report: A jig tipped with a minnow is a deadly combination.

Manchester District Streams

It is getting to be the time of year for spring thaw. Trout fishing opportunities can be really good when there is a slight rise in water levels and a little turbidity to the water, especially for brown trout. Spring Branch Creek in Delaware County offers a good population of brown trout and fish of quality size. Remember, there is a 14-inch minimum size limit on all trout and artificial lure only regulation on this stream. Brown Trout - Fair: Black midge imitations have been triggering active fish on Spring Branch Creek this past week.

Ice fishing remains fairly slow across the district, be sure to check other reports around the state for potential hot spots. Ice thickness still remains around 16-18 inches on most area lakes. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

Ice thickness is 12-15 inches in most areas. Anglers reported a little better fishing over the past week. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegill biting in Village Creek and by the Marina in Lansing with a lot of smaller fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass being caught on wax worms and some tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nicer sized crappies reported in the Lansing area. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late winter warm ups sometimes trigger good perch fishing.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Ice thickness is 12-15 inches in most areas. Anglers reported a little better fishing over the past week. Anglers are crossing Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area but anglers should still use caution. Stay to the well traveled path. Norwegian Lake has low oxygen levels pushing active fish closer to Wyalusing Slough. The boat ramp at Lynxville is closed with ice. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report pike are beginning to hit well on tip-ups. Bluegill - Fair: A few more bluegills are being caught on Bussey Lake and in lower ice lake near Wyalusing Slough. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers catching bass on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nicer sized crappies being caught in lower Ice Lake near Wyalusing Slough and Sandbar Slough in the Sny Magill. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late winter warm ups sometimes trigger good perch fishing. Greymore Lake near Prairie du Chien can be good for perch this time of year.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Ice thickness is 12-15 inches in most areas. Anglers reported a little better fishing over the past week. The boat ramps in Guttenberg are closed with ice. Bluegill - Fair: A few more bluegills being caught in Zollicoffers and Sunfish Lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on wax worms and some on tip-ups. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappie still being caught in Zollicoffers and the marina above Mud Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Late winter warm ups sometimes trigger good perch fishing. Sunfish Lake can be good for nice sized perch.

Warmer temperatures have made fishing a bit more comfortable and anglers are reporting a little better bite over the past week. Ice in many areas is 12-15 inches but snow cover may insulate some areas, causing ice conditions to vary from place to place. Always use caution in any area that may have current or near edges where snow melt may have weakened ice. Boat ramps at Lynxville and Guttenberg are closed because of ice.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Fishing has mainly been reported as slow. As the weather warms, try Fish Trap Lake, Tippy's, Greens and Kehough. Massey marina has seen light fishing pressure. Spruce Creek marina by Bellevue was dredged to improve winter panfish habitat and some fish have been biting. In the spring, fish habitat will be added to the deeper holes. Ice anglers are marking fish but the bite is slow. Bluegill - Slow: Excellent bluegill numbers throughout Pool 12. During routine DNR surveys numerous large bluegills were collected, so we know the fish are out there. The few anglers that did fish this week reported the bite as slow but a some fish did bite during the numerous weather shift. Crappie - Slow: Lots of 8-9 inch crappies were seen in department surveys. Look forward to some quality fishing for this species although they can be quite fickle during the winter. Try small minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some yellow perch are being incidentally caught while bluegill fishing. In some years good yellow perch fishing can be had on the back half of the ice fishing season.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Very few anglers were reported anywhere in Pool 13 this week. Some were fishing in Town Lake by Sabula and in the opening to Spring Lake by Savanna. Oxygen levels in the snow covered lakes are really concerning. Snow covered ice does not allow algae and aquatic plants to produce oxygen. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite has slowed up greatly but a lot of fish are being marked on fishing graphs. Crappie - Slow: Crappies were abundant in fisheries surveys in 2013 and several year classes were noted. Yellow Perch - Fair: Often these fish are incidentally caught when bluegill fishing. Some yellow perch are up to 14 inches can be found at times. You can try a slightly larger minnow imitation lure or some folks like to use minnow heads to catch this species. A few reports of anglers catching some yellow perch so the normal late season bite might be starting.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Anglers were fishing at Rock Creek, Swedes, Camanche Harbor and Cattail Slough, but lately activity level has been sparse. Snow depth is hindering a lot of people from walking to their favorite holes. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill numbers are outstanding this year in Pool 14, Rock Creek County Park by Camanche offers easy access to fishing and a great Environmental Center to warm up with coffee or hot chocolate. Crappie - Slow: Earlier there were some reports of crappies being caught out of cattail slough. The size has not been the best but we do have a very strong year class of 8-9 inch fish. Try small minnows for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No report for Pool 15 as ice fishing options are limited on this pool.

This winter has been a tough on ice fishing and for the fish. Certainly plenty of ice and still could be a good bite ahead. Some lakes may be low in dissolved oxygen and an angler should move if they are not readily marking fish.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

Warm weather and rain make for several inches of water and slush on the ice.

Lake Belva Deer

A couple days of 50 plus degree weather and rain all night Wednesday into Thursday has put several inches of water and slush on the lake. Next week's cold weather should fix that.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Several inches of water on top of the ice.

Lake of the Hills

Expect some water on top of the ice until we return to colder temps next week. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows for bait is legal. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout are starting to be caught again. Mostly being caught on wax worms and jigs. Bluegill - Good: Wax worms are the popular baits on ice jigs. The bite is picking up. Find the brush piles out the deeper water to find the fish. Crappie - Good: Crappies are also being caught off brush piles in deeper water and the bite is picking up.

Lambach Lake

The use of live minnows as bait is not allowed on this lake. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are starting to bite. Some good numbers are being caught. Crappie - Good: Good sized crappies are being caught again with regularity.

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

Kent Park Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Macbride

Most of the lake has 12-18 inches of ice. The area east of the causeway on the south arm has poor oxygen levels and is probably not worth fishing. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around any kind of brush or rock and chances are you will find bluegills. Unfortunately the size is marginal at best. Crappie - Slow: Crappie reports are tough to come by. Fish over/around brush or rock in 12-18 feet of water. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being caught in the evening over rock piles.

Central Park Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Pleasant Creek Lake

Much of the lake has 18 inches of ice. Sunset has been best. Bluegill - Fair: Look for fish around brush piles and use a jig/waxie. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught right before/after dark. Fish are moving up to as little as 8 feet of water to feed at night.

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few bonus catfish are being caught by panfish anglers. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush for 6-8-inch bluegills. Crappie - Fair: Look for suspended fish around brush. Most are running 8-10 inches. Walleye - Slow: A few bonus walleyes are being picked up occasionally.

Otter Creek Lake

Ice is close to 24 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush in 10-15 feet of water with a jig and waxie. Average fish is 7-8 inches. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish 18-20 feet of water with a jig or spoon tipped with a waxie or cutbait. Average fish is about 10 inches.

Coralville Reservoir

Most of the lake has 12-18 inches of ice but caution should still be used. No voids under the ice have been found/reported. DO NOT go under the Mehaffey Bridge. The Corps has delayed the scheduled drawdown due to ice cover and lack of inflow. Bluegill - Fair: Average sized fish are being caught in and around brush. Crappie - Fair: Anglers that find the right brush pile on the right day are catching some nice crappies.

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

Red Haw Lake

Anglers report about 12 inches of ice. Try areas with 20 feet of water using small jigs tipped with a wax worm for bluegills. Fish about 1-2 feet off the bottom. Fishing around brush piles will also increase your catch.

Albia (lower)

Ice thickness range up to 10 inches in some areas. Fishing has been slow and the fishing pressure has been light. Look for the areas marked with buoys as they were placed over brush piles. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Sugema

Ice thickness is 8-10 inches. Fishing has been slow with some anglers catching a few bluegills. Most anglers have been catching bluegills at Tug Forks West. Try small jigs tipped with a wax worm about 1-2 feet above the bottom. Concentrate on areas with submerged structure.

Rathbun Reservoir

Thicknesses of 8-12 inches of ice have been reported. Fishing has been slow and fishing pressure has been light. Try to find underwater structure and use small jigs tipped with a minnow. The current lake level is 904.14 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

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

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills up to nine inches have been coming off the old rock piles and other habitat in the upper half of the lake. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite has been slow to fair at times. Anglers are picking up a few 10-12 inch fish suspended in 30-40 feet of water in the main lake basin near the creek channel using live minnows or glow jigs with wax worms after dark. Walleye - Fair: The walleye catch over 15 inches has been better than in past years. Anglers fishing live minnows or jigging style minnow baits tipped with minnow heads are catching walleye in the main lake basin, especially if they can locate the rock humps.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: The best catches of bluegills have been coming off the lower third of the lake over habitat out from the points and around the island. The most active bite is occurring during the last hour of daylight. Habitat piles in depths of 15 feet or greater are holding better fish.

Hooper Area Pond

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching fair numbers of bluegills with occasional crappies in the lower half of the lake.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing over the sunken tree and rock piles has been good. Mid lake out from the northwest shoreline is a good area to start. Crappie - Good: Suspended crappies are being caught in the evenings after sunset mid lake in depths of 15 feet or greater using wax worms on glow jigs and live minnows.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Jan. 25. Trout remain to be caught using jigging spoons tipped with wax worms. The very clear water can allow for sight fishing during the day.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout were stocked Feb. 8. Trout from the recent and November stocking remain for ice anglers in the north portion of Ada Hayden. Fish with small live minnows or jigging spoons tipped with wax worms in 15 feet of water or less. The east and south shorelines of the north portion are most productive.

Central Iowa ice is averaging around 19-22 inches with a layer of slush and water on the surface after recent warm weather and rains. For questions on fishing central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

There is a good panfish population in Greenfield. The large size of bluegill in the lake is 8-9 inches and crappie range from 8-12 inches. The lake has 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in 12-14 feet of water using wax worms. Fish are 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught around cedar tree piles using minnows. Late afternoon has been best.

Nodaway Lake

Anglers are reporting fair catches of bluegill. The lake has 12 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are beginning to pick up eight-inch bluegills with wax worms. The deeper brush piles are a good starting point. Crappie - No Report:

Littlefield Lake

Ice is 14 inches on the lake. There is a good year class of quality size crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Eight-inch bluegills can be caught in 8-10 feet of water with wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-12 inch crappies were caught using glow in the dark jig heads with minnows.

Lake Anita

Ice is 10-14 inches. Waterfowl have a large area of open water in the campground arm of the lake. Use caution when moving around in that area. Bluegill - Slow: Nine-inch plus bluegill are being caught on wax worms in the campground arm. Crappie - Slow: A few quality size crappie are being caught in the campground arm using minnows and wax worms. Late afternoon has been best.

Willow Lake

Willow reports 14 plus inches of ice. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality size bluegill are being caught on wax worms in 12 to 14 feet of water. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Quality size redears are being caught with wax worms over cedar tree piles.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake will provide good crappie fishing. The lake has 10-12 inches of ice. Waterfowl have a large portion of the lake open in the concession arm. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush piles in 14-16 feet of water. It is a late afternoon to after dark bite. Use wax worms or minnows to catch crappies ranging from 9-11 inches.

Arrowhead Pond

Anglers are catching quality size bluegills. Ice is 12 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught in 10 feet of water using wax worms.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)

Fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching some trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Rainbow trout can be caught using a variety of ice fishing jigs with wax worms or minnows.

Lake Manawa

Lake Manawa has 10 inches of ice although there are unsafe areas on the lake. Anglers should avoid the Tin Can area and the east shore near the Mosquito Creek outlet tube. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies near the beach using minnows or wax worms. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: An occasional wiper is being caught while crappie fishing. The fish reported were 14-16 inches.

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney 10-12 inches of ice. The lake supports a good panfish population. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught in 10 feet of water around brush with wax worms. Crappie - No Report:

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds report 10-12 inches of ice. Anglers have reported good bluegill fishing in ponds this week. Remember to get permission before fishing privately owned ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish can be a bonus catch while fishing for panfish on farm ponds. Bluegill - Good: Fish with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms to catch bluegill. Generally the deepest part of the pond is the best place to start looking for fish. Crappie - Fair: Larger ponds that support crappie populations can be good in the late afternoon using glow in the dark jigs with minnows or wax worms.

Ice conditions range from 10-12 inches in the southwest district. Warm weather and rain has potential to erode ice. Use caution and drill holes often when venturing out. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having more than 14 inches. Most fishing activity is on the roadbed and along the channel off the beach point. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish up to four pounds have been caught using wax worms along the roadbed. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to nine inches are being caught with minnows. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are being caught with minnows near the bottom along the roadbed.

Grade Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches have been caught using wax worms near the bottom. Evenings have been best.

West Lake (Osceola)

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows along the channel south of the dam.

Little River Watershed Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills up to eight inches have been caught with wax worms along the cedar tree piles and off the main point north of the dam.

Badger Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms along the roadbed. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to eight inches have been caught using wax worms and minnows along the channel or roadbed in the main lake in the evenings.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are being caught near the bottom on wax worms along the flooded timber. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows along the flooded timber in the evenings.

Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 13 or more inches. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches have been caught with wax worms on the cedar tree pile just south of the dam. Crappie - Slow: Crappie up to nine inches have been caught using wax worms on the cedar tree pile just south of the dam.

Lake of Three Fires

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches of ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught near the bottom on wax worms from the cedar tree pile north of the dam. Crappie - Slow: Few crappies over 10 inches are being caught with wax worms and minnows from the cedar tree pile north of the dam and along the channel.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow the construction of a wetland near the upper end.

Wilson Park Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 12 inches or more of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught on wax worms near the cedar tree pile west of the dam. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 9.5 inches are being caught on wax worms and minnows near the cedar tree pile west of the dam.

Windmill Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 12 inches or more of ice. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8.5 inches have been caught on wax worms and minnows south of the dam and near the cedar tree pile in the middle of the lake.

Green Valley Lake

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 14 inches or more. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills 7-8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms near the bottom. Anglers that are willing to move are finding bluegills. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows and wax worms near the cedar tree piles.

Three Mile Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught using minnows along the flooded timber. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are being caught using minnows along the roadbed. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass are being caught with wax worms near the bottom along the channel and on the roadbed.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Ice conditions have remained fairly consistent with most of the lake having 14 or more inches. Bluegill - Fair: Big bluegills are being caught on wax worms and minnows near the bottom. People that are using minnows and are willing to keep moving have had the best luck. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on minnows and wax worms along the channel and the roadbed. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are being caught on minnows along the roadbed.

West Lake (Lenox)

Ice conditions have remained consistent with most of the lake having 12 inches or more. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to eight inches are being caught with wax worms along the dam. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught along the dam.

Fishing success has been variable on many lakes in the district. Ice conditions have remained consistent with most lakes having over 14 inches. Warmer temperatures and rain could impact the ice conditions. For more information, call 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

DES MOINES, IA - The weekly Iowa fishing reports from 2/23/14 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

Brushy is ice free. Expect bluegill and crappie fishing to pick up with warming water temperatures.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Ice is off of Storm Lake. Fish for crappie in shallows where water temperatures are greater. Anglers are having luck fishing small minnows in the marina on the west end of the lake. After ice out is a good time to target channel catfish using cut bait.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake is free of ice. Surface water temperature is about 44 degrees. After ice out is a good time to target channel catfish using cut bait. Expect to pick up bluegill and some crappies in the shallows as water temperatures continue to increase.

Arrowhead Lake

Arrowhead Lake is free of ice.

Ice is off most of our area lakes. Surface water temperatures range from 40-45 degrees. For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake

Expanding open water from city beach south along shore and a large section of open water from Dodge's Point to Venetian Village to north shore pump house. Ice is unsafe and unfishable. Crappie - No Report. Walleye - No Report.

Lake Cornelia

Cornelia is ice-free.

Crystal Lake

Crystal is partly ice-free with open water expanding from the boat ramp and aerator.

Winnebago River

Winnebago River is ice-free. Water levels have not raised much and should provide some action near the Fertile dam for pike, smallmouth, and bullheads. Try a 1/8 ounce jig tipped with a worm or minnow.

Area lakes north of Highway 18 have 14+ inches of ice, but it is getting honeycombed. This weekend will likely be the last weekend for ice fishing. Anglers should use extreme caution.

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

West Okoboji Lake

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

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)

Walleye - Slow: Few walleyes are being caught by local anglers around the Highway 18 bridge.

West Fork Des Moines (Emmetsburg to Humboldt)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are becoming active in the outside bends in deeper pools. Fish are being caught using stink bait. Walleye - Slow: A couple walleyes have been seen by those fishing for catfish. Some fishermen are having success using yellow twister tails.

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Ice fishing is not recommended. Warmer weather is melting ice along the edges. Crappie - No Report. Bluegill - No Report.

Lake Hendricks

Ice fishing is not recommended. The lake is about half open water. Anglers have been fishing from the shoreline, but fish activity has been slow. Bluegill - No Report. Crappie - No Report.

Lake Meyer

Ice fishing is not recommended. The lake still has ice, but it is very thin. Bluegill - No Report. Crappie - No Report. Largemouth Bass - No Report.

Airport Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body. Bluegill - No Report.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

The Upper Iowa has about 1.5 feet of visibility. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are starting to bite. Crankbaits and spinners are working well from shore.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

The Upper Iowa River below Decorah is seeing some spotty fish activity. Walleye - Fair: Anglers using a jig tipped with a long piece of worm are having luck finding walleyes.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water levels are up about 2 feet and water is very turbid. There is still ice on the mill pond, but ice fishing is not recommended. Walleye - No Report.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels have stabilized and clarity is excellent. Anglers need to sneak up on fish with the clear water. Walleye - No Report. Smallmouth Bass - No Report.

Decorah District Streams

Take care when accessing parking areas as frost is coming out of ground and there may be soft spots. Insect hatches are beginning to take off with warmer temperatures. Streams are in excellent condition. Anglers have been taking trout on light spruce flies, small #20 caddis fly nymphs, and streamers. Spin fishers using worms fished through riffles are taking nice catches. Brook Trout - Good: The scientific name for brook trout is "Salvenlinus fontinalis." "Salvenlinus" is an old name for char or type of trout and "fontinalis" means living in springs or fountains. Brown Trout - Good: This time of year lends itself to great brown trout fishing. Off colored water and top water insect hatches in the afternoon can spur a feeding frenzy. Rainbow Trout - Good: Traditionally now is a good time to find rainbow heading upstream to spawn. If you do land a spawning fish, please practice CPR (Catch, Photograph, and Release).

Temperatures this weekend are expected to be in the mid 40's to low 30's with some form of precipitation on Sunday. Ice fishing is not recommended on any lakes. Area rivers are in great condition. This year’s catchable trout stocking schedule is now available on-line at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx. For local information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level at Lansing has remained fairly stable around 8.0. The boat ramp at Village Creek is open. Water temperature is in the upper 30's. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being picked up in Minnesota. Slough trolling slowly with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice yellow perch are being caught in the boat ramp area at Village creek. Water is still cold, so continue slow fishing techniques.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville has fallen half a foot to 16.0 over the past few days. The Lynxville boat ramp is open and the tail waters have been popular for fishing. Water temperature is in the upper 30's. Walleye - Fair: Some nice sized walleyes are being caught in the tail waters vertical jigging with minnows. Sauger - Fair: Sauger bite has been slow but should pick up over the next week.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg has fallen over a foot and a half the past few days to 7.5. The boat ramps at Guttenberg are open and tail water fishing has been popular. Ice has not quite gone out of backwaters and panfishing is slow. Water temperature is in the upper 30's. Sauger - Fair: Sauger bite in the tail waters is slow but should pick up over the next week. Walleye - Fair: A few nice sized walleyes are being caught in the tail waters vertical jigging with minnows.

Most of the ice has gone out of the main channel and sloughs, but slush ice remains in backwaters. Ice fishing has ended for the year, but tail water fishing is just beginning to pick up. Boat ramps at Lynxville and Guttenberg are open as well as most main channel ramps. River levels are on a slight fall and water temperatures are in the upper 30's.

Mississippi River Pool 12

The water level is 7.4 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.7 feet at the Dubuque RR Bridge. Water is expected to be stable to falling all week. Boat ramps are mostly all open, but may still be subject to some ice flows. Sauger - Fair: Sauger and walleye tail water fishing is well underway with anglers reporting fair success using three way rigs with minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 13

The water level at Bellevue is at 8.5 feet and falling. Most ramps on the Pool are open, but some may be subject to periodic ice flows. Paddlefish season is open. Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water. Anglers must know if they are fishing on the Iowa or Illinois side of the river. Sauger - Fair: Anglers are reporting some sauger mostly on three way rigs or a jig and minnow.

Mississippi River Pool 14

The water level is 8.4 feet at Fulton, 11.8 feet at Camanche, and 6.6 feet above the dam at LeClaire. Levels are generally falling in all locations. Paddlefish season is underway. Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water. Anglers must know if they are fishing on the Iowa or Illinois side of the river. Sauger - Fair: Sauger are being reported by anglers using a jig and minnow or three way rigs.

Mississippi River Pool 15

The water level at Rock Island is at 8.5 feet and falling. No fishing was reported to us this week.

Backwaters still have ice in them and anglers are still ice fishing in some places, although ice is very tenuous. Boat ramps are mostly all open; ice flows have hampered anglers at times this week. Paddlefish season is open. Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 8.59 feet and falling. The Marquette St. ramp is open. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough, but fishing has been hit or miss. Sauger - Fair: A few saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough, but fishing has been hit or miss.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 7.76 feet and falling. The ramps at Muscatine are open and there is a dock in the water at the upper ramps. Big Timber (The Breaks) has open water. Sauger - No Report: We have not received any reports this week for tail water fishing for saugers by the dam. There were no boat trailers in the parking lot on the morning of March 19th. Fishing is most likely going to be tough with the higher water levels.

Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 9.84 feet and falling. The gates at the Lock and Dam are being reported as out of the water and there is a lot of current. The main channel is open and the Toolsboro ramp is accessible. The road into Toolsboro is muddy. There has been little fishing activity with the higher water levels. Paddlefish - No Report: We have not received any paddlefishing reports, but with the higher water and the gates up at the lock and dam, paddlefishing is usually tough. Sauger - No Report: We have not received any tail water fishing reports for sauger, but with the higher water levels and the gates at the lock and dam being up, fishing is usually tough.

Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 6.51 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Tail water stages have risen a couple of feet in the past couple days, but are beginning to fall again. Tail waters are accessible by boat at Davenport, Muscatine, and at New Boston. We have not received any reports on tail water conditions below Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Main channel water temperature is 34-37 degrees. Ice is breaking up in the backwaters. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Grundy County Lake

The lake is ice free.

Hannen Lake

As of Wednesday, March 18, the lake was partially open, but expected to be all open by the weekend.

Rodgers Park Lake

As of Wednesday, March 18, the lake was partially open, but expected to be all open by the weekend.

Iowa Lake

The lake is ice free.

Kent Park Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this waterbody.

Lake Macbride

As of Thursday, March 19, about half of the lake is ice free. Only the 2 ramps on the North Arm are usable. Almost the entire north arm is open. About half of the south arm is open. None of the mid lake around the park is open. Hopefully the lake will be close to ice free this weekend.

Central Park Lake

As of Wednesday, March 18, the lake was partially open.

Pleasant Creek Lake

As of Wednesday, March 18, the lake was still 90 percent ice covered.

Diamond Lake

The lake is ice free, but no one has been fishing yet.

Otter Creek Lake

The lake is ice free, but there has been no fishing activity.

Union Grove Lake

As of Tuesday, March 17, only the south end of the lake was open and no ramps were usable.

Coralville Reservoir

As of Thursday, March 19, most of the lake was open. Only some protected bays still have ice. There is still not a clear ramp, as some ice is either laying on the ramps or still holding on the water just in front of the ramp. The water level is down to normal spring pool of 679.3 and is muddy. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some shore anglers are catching a few catfish on shad in the upper ends of the lake.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from Coralville Reservoir on March 19 is 2200 cubic feet per second. Flows are predicted to gradually decrease and match inflow to the lake above.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Anglers are fishing below the dams and picking up a few walleyes. The backwater area at Pinicon Ridge is beginning to open up.

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

Lake Wapello

The ice has gone out. Try sunny shallow areas as they are the first to warm up and hold active fish.

Lake Miami

Lake Miami is undergoing a lake renovation project. The lake is 6-8 feet below normal and the boat ramps are difficult to use. New jetties and cedar tree piles have been installed.

East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond

A trout stocking event is planned for March 28th at 11:00 AM.

Rathbun Reservoir

Current lake level is 904.30. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; properly drain, clean, 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). The lake is free of ice. Target shallow areas that catch a lot of sunshine; they will warm up first and hold active fish.

Red Haw Lake

Ice thickness has deteriorated due to the warm weather. Use caution.

Lake Sugema

Ice thickness has deteriorated with the warm weather. Use caution. Fishing activity has been slow.

Take your trash with you so your favorite fishing spot is clean and litter free. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions regarding angling in south central Iowa. Use caution in south central Iowa as the lakes and ponds have varying thicknesses of ice.

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake

The Beach, East and West boat ramps are ice free. The main body of water is completely open. There is one large piece of ice by the dam, but expect it to be gone by the weekend. Boat ramp docks are not in yet.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Slow: The Des Moines River north of Saylorville is ice free. Flows are currently good for spring walleye fishing. Anglers fishing around Boone and Fraser are having limited success, but the walleye bite should pick up the next couple of weeks. Fish jigs tipped with minnows or twister tails very slow.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Open water fishing from the Highway 65 bypass to Scott Avenue Dam has been good. Walleye - Good: Walleye are being caught from Scott Avenue dam to the Highway 65 bypass. Anglers should practice slow retrieval of jigs and minnows.

Central Iowa ponds and lakes are mostly ice free. More fishing reports will resume as anglers begin open water fishing. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

Fish surveys indicate a large crappie population in Greenfield. Fish average 9 inches. Bluegill - No Report. Crappie - No Report. Largemouth Bass - No Report.

Nodaway Lake

Anglers can expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie this spring. Bluegill - No Report. Crappie - No Report.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has a good panfish population. Bluegill - No Report. Black Crappie - No Report.

Lake Anita

Crappies have moved into the pontoon arm of the lake. Cast small two feet under a bobber to catch panfish. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the pontoon arm of the lake casting small jigs. Warm sunny days are best. Bluegill - No Report. Largemouth Bass - No Report.

Lake Manawa

Crappies are being caught in the canals. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching crappie in the canals casting minnows or jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish.

Farm Creek Lake

Farm Creek will provide good fishing this spring for all species. Bluegill - No Report. Black Crappie - No Report. Largemouth Bass - No Report.

Open water fishing has begun on area lakes. Anglers are targeting panfish in shallow bays that warm sooner than deeper parts of a lake. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught on cut bait fished along shallow mud flats.

Mount Ayr district lakes are ice free. Water temperature in most district lakes is approximately 45 degrees. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call: 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

Nelson Park Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have had some luck using traditional catfish baits (e.g., dip baits, cut bait, chicken liver). Bluegill - Fair: Some keeper bluegills are being picked up near the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching largemouth bass off spinners and crawlers; some are above the 15 inch minimum length limit.

 

Brushy Creek Lake

Walleye - Fair: Successful anglers are fishing with leeches in about 15-20 feet of water. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught on wax worms and leeches in about 10-15 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being picked up in 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are being picked up.

 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Boaters should use caution around the dredge barge, booster pump barge, and pipeline. Walleye regulations for Storm Lake are three fish per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released and only one over 22 inches may be kept. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up walleye trolling crankbaits and fishing leeches in the dredge cuts. Those fishing in 10-12 feet of water are having the best luck. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits, cut bait, and chicken liver fishing from boat and from shore. White Bass - Fair: White bass are being caught on crankbaits while fishing for walleyes.

 

Black Hawk Lake

Lake level is 11 inches above crest. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegill along weed lines and out deeper near rock piles. Use crawlers or leeches. Walleye - Fair: 14-17 inch walleye have been picked up using leeches fished near rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass using spinners, crawlers, or minnows and jigs. Most fish are below the 15 inch minimum length limit. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish have been picked up with leeches. Fish the rock piles located offshore of Shotgun Hill and the rock pile located mid-lake straight north of Cottonwood Point.

 

Browns Lake

Largemouth Bass – Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have caught a few bluegill with crawlers fished under a bobber.

 

Snyder Bend Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have picked up some channel catfish using crawlers and stink bait. Shortnose gar - Good: Anglers are picking up gar fishing from shore.

 

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Some catfish are being picked up using dip baits and crawlers.

 

Peters Park

Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have had luck picking up largemouth bass over 15 inches.

 

For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake

Crappie - Good: Anglers have had success this week drift fishing or slow trolling with a light tube jig. Crappies (7-9 inch) are suspended in about 6-8 feet of water.

 

Briggs Woods Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are being caught on deep diving crankbaits.

 

Upper Pine Lake

Crappie - Good: Fish with small crank baits at/or around 8-10 feet of water.

 

Lake Smith

Bluegill – Good. Largemouth Bass – Good.

 

Clear Lake

Walleye - Fair: Anglers trolling are catching a few keepers. Shore fisherman have caught a few under docks or wading near the edges of reeds. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers fishing the main lake reefs, particularly the state artificial reef, are doing well. Larger sized ones are being caught (8-8.5 inches). Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching a few largemouths with plastic worms near the edges of vegetation in the little lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish have been caught at dark or early morning on the little lake. Target the edges of the rushes/cattails with cut bait or stink bait.

 

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Smallmouth Bass - Good: The Iowa River at Steamboat Rock is producing a few very nice smallmouth bass.

 

Shell Rock River (above Greene)

Smallmouth Bass - Good: River levels are good, smallmouth should be biting well.

 

Winnebago River

Smallmouth Bass - Good: River levels are good, smallmouth should be biting well.

 

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

 

Lake Pahoja

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are schooled up off the jetties. . Bluegills are very large with many 7-8 inch fish. Fish a worm and bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are beginning to bed in the shallows along the south banks in shallower water. Throwing spinner baits or soft plastics for the aggressive males will produce bites.

 

Big Spirit Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass can be found near weed choked areas at this time as they are protecting their fry. Fish are being caught in trickles using top water frogs. Anglers are also catching bass on boat hoists along the north banks in the deeper water. Try crankbaits or swimbaits to pull these bass out from under the hoists. Walleye - Good: Local anglers are catching walleye around 5:00 till dark at the North Grade. Fish above and below the slot are being caught and creeled. Successful anglers are using jigging raps, bobber and leech, or just jigging a leech. Walleyes are also being caught along the weed line in Anglers bay in 16-17feet of water. This weed line runs east to west and larger walleyes are swimming along this edge. Fish jigs tipped with a leech. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers being creeled are catching good numbers of 10+ inch perch. Most fish are coming from 20 feet of water along the north end of Big Spirit Lake. Fish are also coming off Templar point and also the south end of Spirit. Fish are being caught using lindy rigs, bottom bouncers, and small jigs. Black Bullhead - Fair: The bullhead bite at the north grade is slowing. Creeled anglers are taking home single. These fish are 12-14 inches. The most successful anglers are leaving the worm on the bottom and fishing around submerged vegetation. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers using weedless frogs or surface lures back in the north grade in the dense weeds are catching smaller northerns.

 

Center Lake

Bluegill - Fair: 6-8 inch bluegill are being caught in low numbers along the north bank of Center Lake. Fish were being harvested using small lipstick jigs tipped with night crawler. Crappie - Good: Smaller crappies are being caught on the north and east side of Center Lake. Anglers are using jigs tipped with wax worms.

 

East Okoboji Lake

Yellow Bass - Good: Large numbers of yellow bass are being caught near East Okoboji beach near the boat docks. Fish vary from small to a few larger 8-9 inch fish. Throw soft plastic shad for them. Anglers fishing under the highway 9 bridge are catching fair numbers of yellows using small plastic minnows. Yellow Perch - Fair: Numbers of smaller yellow perch are being caught while anglers are fishing for yellow bass. Pulling similar baits near the bottom will force more perch into your bucket. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish near the inlet to upper gar along the rocks to find a fast paced bass bite. Anglers are seeing bass bedding up in the upper gar then swimming into East Okoboji. Walleye - Fair: Parks Marina and Lone Tree Point are reporting a hot bite for walleye. Anglers are drifting minnows along the bottom before dark. Larger walleye are being caught in 10-12 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching low numbers of 8 inch bluegills while fishing docks throughout East Okoboji. Anglers are fishing small jigs under docks tipped with wax worms.

 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)

Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching limits of walleye on Silver Lake in Lake Park. Many anglers are catching limits using leeches, crankbaits while trolling, or slip bobbers with minnows. Anglers are catching these fish throughout the water body. Yellow Perch - Fair: While setting hoop nets 10+ inch yellow perch were seen in the west end of Silver Lake. Higher numbers of 8-9 inch perch have been seen in nets in the north bay. Channel Catfish - Fair: While setting hoop nets over a dozen 5-6 pound channel catfish were caught. These fish were found along the west shore of the south bay.

 

West Okoboji Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth can be found under boat hoists, near weed lines, and on the drop offs. Fish these spots with football jigs, crankbaits, or Texas rigs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouths have moved off beds and are headed towards the rocky drop offs. Fish the rock points that shoot out into the main basin of West Lake, Pillsbury, Fort Dodge, and Gull Point. Try fishing with jerk baits, football jigs, or swimbaits. Walleye - Fair: A number of interviewed anglers fishing off Manhattan point after dark are reporting an increase in quality non-slot walleyes. Anglers are trolling deep diving crankbaits and as they come up the point they are picking up these walleyes. Yellow Bass - Good: In Smiths bay just north of the amusement park anglers are reporting a high catch rate of large yellow bass. Anglers using orange twister tails, or plain hook with worm and split shot are catching yellows on every cast. Yellow Perch - Fair: A perch bite is going on in Millers and Emerson bays with most fish being 9-11 inches. These fish are being caught in 12-18 feet of water.

 

Five Island Lake

Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing just north of town bay are catching 14-17 inch walleye. Anglers using bottom bouncers are stumbling upon numbers of walleyes as they approach the shallows.

 

Lost Island Lake

Yellow Bass - Good: Large yellow bass can be caught at the outlet of little lake. They are being seen and caught under the overhang of the outlet structure. A large number of smaller fish can be caught near the bridge where Lost Island dumps into little lake. Black Bullhead - Excellent: A very large number of bullhead are being seen while crews are electrofishing on Lost Island. These large numbers of bullhead are being seen at the mouth of little lake just west of the bridge.

 

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Panfish activity is slowing for the season but catfish activity is on the rise. Volga Lake is one of the best catfish lakes around.  Bluegill - Slow: Anglers using a small piece of worm will find fish near brush piles along the dam and other rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Fish over brush piles or rock reefs. Crappie - Slow: Drift along open water using a small tube jig. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or worms fished off the bottom near submersed logs or along a rocky shore.

 

Lake Hendricks

Lake Hendricks has a lot of great shoreline access. Fishing for catfish is great on a hot summer day. Bait your hook with a piece of worm or stink bait and wait for the pole to bend. Stay hydrated while you wait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills can be found spread out along the weed beds. Use a hook tipped with a small piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish have been active about mid-day around the jetties and rock reefs. Stink baits and night crawlers are working for finicky catfish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass can be found along the weed edges and around the rock reefs. A jig tipped with a twister or worm will get some attention.

 

Lake Meyer

As of 7/23, water levels continue to be about 9 feet below normal. The boat ramp is unusable and will remain so until water levels are allowed to return to normal. Mud flats and past habitat locations are becoming exposed. Water levels will remain low throughout the construction period. Construction should be completed by November 1, 2015 when water levels will be allowed to return to normal. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers willing to brave the rocks to get to water can find bluegills. Successful anglers are using a hook tipped with a small piece of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - No Report. Channel Catfish - Fair: Very little angling is being attempted due to low water levels but fish can still be caught.

 

New Hampton Pond (Garnant)

Garnant Pond has an abundance of small sunfish and carp. It is scheduled for renovation the middle of August. The pond will be drained and a fish toxicant will be applied to all wet areas to make sure no fish are left. The pond will then be restocked with bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. This combination assures an excellent fishery for all to enjoy.

 

Split Rock Lake

Split Rock Lake experienced a complete fish kill in 2014. It was stocked with 7000 one inch bluegill in the fall of 2014 and 700 two inch channel catfish and 490 two inch largemouth bass this spring. Bluegill - No Report.

 

Ringneck Haven

Ringneck Haven had a partial winterkill in 2014 and is now overpopulated with green sunfish. The Iowa DNR is currently in the process of rebuilding the fishery. This spring it was stocked with 200 fingerling northern pike, 400 two inch channel catfish, 280 two inch largemouth bass, 5,000 one inch yellow perch, and 100 eight to ten inch largemouth. Anglers are asked to release any bass, pike, perch, and catfish if caught until the sunfish population is under control. Green sunfish – Fair.

 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water levels have stabilized and visibility has greatly improved. Flows are up after recent rainfall so be mindful of new strainers, such as log jams, tree falls, and other obstructions. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are hitting jigs tipped with twister tails. Crankbaits imitating crawdads should turn a smallie head.

 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Be mindful of new snags, log jams, and other strainers when paddling in water with increased flows. Visibility is excellent. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Successful anglers are using a jig tipped with a dark twister tail with a flash of color or crankbait. Cast around log jams and other woody structure. Channel Catfish - Good: A jig tipped with a crawler or stink bait has been successful. Walleye - Fair: Successful anglers are using a jig with dark twister tails or leaches. Try running your jig just out from an undercut bank.

 

Turkey River (below Clermont)

New snags, log jams, submersed logs, and other debris may be observed. Use care when paddling around obstructions. Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. Water clarity is excellent. Smallmouth Bass - Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail fished along seams and eddies will bring success.

 

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels have stabilized with improved clarity. Don't let hot summer days keep you from fishing. Find a spot to dip your toes in the water and wet your line.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers using chubs, cut bait, and chicken liver fished on the bottom are finding success even in turbid water. Smallmouth Bass - Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail or night crawler fished in eddies below the dams and off current areas will produce fish.

 

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams are in excellent condition. Anglers should avoid touching the wild parsnip (yellow lacey flower) found along many of our streams. It reacts with sunlight and can cause the skin to blister. Spin fishers using common garden hackle fished under a bobber will catch trout. Look for more frequent Tricorythodes and Ephoron (mayfly species) hatches through July. Ants, beetles and grasshoppers will become more prevalent as summer progresses. Brown Trout - Good: Off color or slightly turbid water is a great time to catch brown trout. Use a flashy spinner to antagonize finicky browns. Rainbow Trout - Good: A good quality trout stream typically has trout, sculpins, and white suckers along with outstanding insect diversity. Brook Trout - Good: Seven coldwater streams in northeast Iowa have consistent brook trout natural reproduction.

 

Thunderstorms are possible over the weekend as temperatures reach the upper 80's. River water levels in our area continue to stabilize. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in Casey Lake located within Hickory Hills County Park. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits, spinner baits and plastics have been good for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: Fish brush piles near the jetties and just off shore of the dam in 3-4 feet of water. Use a small piece of worm under a slip bobber or a light 1/64 oz. jig. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink baits, cut baits and chicken livers have been good fished on the bottom during all periods of the day.

 

George Wyth Lake

Anglers are reporting catches of bluegill and crappie with some selectivity required as some are small. Bluegill - Fair: Fish structure or near weed beds using a small piece of worm under a slip bobber or a light 1/64 oz. jig. Crappie - Fair: Drift a crappie minnow under a slip bobber near the edges of the weed beds.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River continues to fall and water clarity improves daily. There have been good reports of anglers taking walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and channel catfish from the river in both Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom are producing the best results. Walleye - Good: Jig and crawler is a deadly combo this time of year for walleye. Concentrate on lower ends of riffle areas and drop offs near the lower ends of sandbars. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Spinner and crank baits are excellent mid-summer choices for smallmouth bass. Jig and plastic twister tipped with a crawler is also an excellent choice. Northern Pike - Fair: Large bucktail spinner baits or live chubs under a bobber has been productive for pike.

 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

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

 

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Anglers are catching smallmouth bass, northern pike and channel catfish on the Wapsipinicon River. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Spinner and crankbaits are excellent mid-summer choices for smallmouth bass. Jig and plastic twister tipped with a crawler is also an excellent choice. Northern Pike - Fair: Large bucktail spinner baits or live chubs under a bobber has been productive for pike. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom are producing the best results.

 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Fishing has been good on the Maquoketa River for walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve upstream a jig tipped with a half a night crawler slowly bouncing it off of the bottom of the river. Crankbaits work well this time of year. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and crawler or crankbaits casted near rocky shorelines or tail ends of riffles can be deadly for smallmouth bass. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom are producing the best results.

 

All interior river levels continue to fall with improved water clarity and angling. With stable water levels, it’s a good time to try fishing for catfish, walleye, and smallmouth. Black Hawk County lakes have slowed on panfish angling as we approach the mid-summer heat. Trout streams in N.E. Iowa remain in excellent condition and trout fishing has been good. For further information, contact the N.E. Iowa District Office at 563-927-3276.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River level is 9.1 feet at Lansing and expected to fall to 8.5 over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70's. Walleye - Fair: Fish with a crawler on a three-way rig or crankbait trolled on the wigwams. Bluegill - Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for bass near woody structure in side channels and along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting well fishing a worm on the bottom along the main channel border. Northern Pike - Fair: Look for northern pike in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie - Fair: Fish a minnow under a bobber or a small tube jig in fallen trees or snags on side channels. Flathead Catfish - No Report.

 

Mississippi River Pool 10

River level is 16.1 feet at Lynxville and expected to fall to 15 over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70's. Walleye - Fair: With stable water levels look for walleyes to start feeding on the top sides of wing dams. Bluegill - Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for bass near woody structure in side channels and along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting well fishing a worm on the bottom along the main channel border. Northern Pike - Fair: Look for northern pike in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie - Fair: Fish a minnow under a bobber or a small tube jig in fallen trees or snags on side channels. Flathead Catfish - No Report.

 

Mississippi River Pool 11

River level is 7.4 feet at Guttenberg and expected to fall to 6 feet over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70's. Walleye - Fair: Fish with a crawler on a three-way rig or crankbait trolled on the wing dams. Bluegill - Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for bass near woody structure in side channels and along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting well fishing a worm on the bottom along the main channel border. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of jumping minnows and try pitching small silver spinners. Northern Pike - Fair: Look for northern pike in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie - Fair: Fish a minnow under a bobber or a small tube jig in fallen trees or snags on side channels.

 

Upper Mississippi River levels continue to fall slowly and are approaching normal summer levels. Look for fish seeking deeper holes as water temperatures rise. Water temperature is in the upper 70's.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12

The water level is near 7.0 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.5 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge. The river will be stable to falling all week.  The water temperature in the main channel is 81 degrees. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth fishing is generally good; Frog imitations in the weeds have been somewhat effective. Walleye - Good: A little hit and miss but anglers that target this pool often are successful off the wing dams and rock lines. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish can be found in the back ends of marinas and backwaters snags but water level is slightly high for good angling along the main sloughs. Channel Catfish - Excellent: The spawn of catfish is over so you might want to try fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot lines and pole anglers using worms. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Lots of sub-legal smallmouth bass are being caught along the rock lines using spinners or floating worms. Northern Pike - Good: Lots of reports of pike, especially by anglers fishing for bass.  The last few seasons the pike spawns have been fantastic and the fishery for pike is responding. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: A simple egg sinker rig fished in 6 to 10 feet of moving water is all that is needed to catch drum. Bait with crayfish or worms.

 

Mississippi River Pool 13

The water level is around 7.9 feet at Bellevue and will slowly recede this week. The main channel temperature is at 81 degrees. The tributary streams like the Maquoketa River have cleared considerably.  Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for clearer water especially in weed beds to catch bass.  The largemouths reported to us have been quite sizable. High water has made places like Spring Lake, Savanna Bay and Browns Lake boat accessible. Some nice fish are also being caught in the tailwaters. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallies are biting along the rock shorelines by anglers using small spinners or crankbaits. Walleye - Good: Wing dams are accessible for walleye anglers using three ways but probably a bit too high for most people’s tastes.  Levels are inching toward perfect conditions. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are making their way out to the channel border hiding in sloughs with brush piles or rock shorelines. Channel Catfish - Excellent: The spawn of catfish is over so you might want to fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some eating sized flatheads are being caught in the tailwaters using worm rigs.  Some larger specimens are being taken on trot lines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: A simple egg sinker rig fished in 6 to 10 feet of moving water is all that is needed to catch drum. Bait with crayfish or worms. Northern Pike - Good: Strong northern pike populations are evident throughout Pool 13 as many pike were caught this week.  Most came off of flashy spinners and crankbaits but some were caught off worms by bluegill anglers.

 

Mississippi River Pool 14

The water level is 7.2 feet at Fulton, 10.8 feet at Camanche, and 5.6 feet above the dam at LeClaire. All are nearly the same as last week. The water temperature in the main channel is unseasonably cool at 81 degrees. Largemouth Bass - Good: Good populations of bass exist in Pool 14. Some bass may have moved into the bigger backwater areas and clearer waters.  Successful anglers are using frog imitations in the weed lines. Channel Catfish - Excellent: The spawn of catfish is nearly over so you might want to fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels.  Move often if not catching channel catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in the backwater areas on worm rigs.  Muddy water has taken its toll on the bluegill bite but is clearing nicely.  Expect good fishing for bluegills to resume. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use spinners or jigs and fish close to any exposed rocky areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some nice flathead catfish are being caught by people mostly fishing other species such as bass. Flatheads are live fish eating catfish and will readily hit on flashy lures. Northern Pike - Good: Pike were caught this week in good numbers in Pool 14.  Most people who catch pike are bass fishing throwing white spinners or crankbaits. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum can be caught easily in areas of modest current and depths of 6 to 10 feet of water.  Often boat ramp areas have good access to freshwater drum fishing. Simple egg sinker and worm rigs work best.

 

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level is 7.8 feet at Rock Island. The water temperature is around 82 degrees.  Eagles Landing and Leach park are two nice areas to put in and enjoy fishing on Pool 15.  Channel Catfish - Excellent: Launch at Eagles Landing in Bettendorf and fish near smaller tributary mouths above and below the park. Use worms or stink bait but move often if you are not successful.  Catfish will bite within the first 15 minutes or so.  If you do not catch any in that amount of time, move on. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads were caught mixed in with the channel catfish using worms or live bait. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are a consistent biter this time of year.  A simple rig with worms and an egg sinker will prove best.

 

The River is stable to falling throughout the district.  Fishing for many species is generally good. 

 

SOUTHEAST

Lake Geode

The lake is clearing but it’s still a little turbid. Water temperature is in the low 80's. Best fishing is at first light and last light. Bluegill - Fair: Look for the bluegills to be on the outer edges of the weed beds and along the ledges going to deep water.

 

Lake Belva Deer

Bluegill - Good: With warm weather look for the bluegills to be out in 10 to 12 feet of water. You might find them in a little shallower just as the sun gets up but then they will head deep.

 

Lake Darling

Water temperature is around 84 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills and most other fish are about 7 to 8 feet down around the willow bats and other flooded habitat.

 

Lost Grove Lake

The lake filled up to going over the spillway last week. Lost Grove Lake has an 18 inch minimum size limit for bass. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has picked up a little but is still slow. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Look for bass near the causeway where the upper end of the lake comes through the culvert.

 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The river is down to the level it normally is at during spring. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are doing well using cut bait and stink baits. There are a lot of grass frogs hopping around; catch a few of them for bait.

 

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

 

Lake Macbride

There is a 10 horsepower maximum in effect for boats on the lake. Walleye - Fair: Trolling crankbaits has been producing some fish. Channel Catfish – Fair.

 

Pleasant Creek Lake

Channel Catfish – Slow. White Bass – Slow. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow.

 

Diamond Lake

Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Good. Channel Catfish – Good. Crappie - Fair: Fish deeper brush or drift the basin for suspended fish.

 

Otter Creek Lake

Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish spinners along shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Fish worms or jigs around brush piles near the jetties.

 

Union Grove Lake

The lake has been drained for the renovation project.

 

Coralville Reservoir

As of July 23, the lake level is 689 feet (normal summer pool is 683.4 feet). It is falling about a foot a day and is predicted to reach normal pool on the 29th.

 

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)

Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having luck on 5-15 pound fish caught on bullheads.

 

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits were reported as working. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits have also been working for smallmouth. Northern Pike – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

 

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

 

Lake Wapello

Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water lures can be productive this time of year when fished in the mornings and evenings. Look for areas where the cedar trees are sticking out the water for the best action. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill along the shorelines. Tip small jigs with a chunk of night crawler. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try liver or night crawlers fished in about 8 feet of water.

 

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try areas along the shoreline with structure. Fishing jetties and along the dam are also good areas. Use rubber worms or crankbaits in these areas. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching catfish using night crawlers and cut bait.

 

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)

Hawthorn Lake has a slot length limit for largemouth bass and all 12 to 16 inch bass must be immediately released. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Concentrate on areas with rock. Use spinner baits or crankbaits along these areas. Rubber worms should also be good this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or chunks of night crawler fished under a bobber. Some sorting may be required for larger fish. Black Bullhead - Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 9-11 inch bullheads. Try night crawlers fished on the bottom in about 6 feet of water.

 

Lake Keomah

Lake Keomah State Park is undergoing a road construction project so access to the park is limited. The boat ramps are still accessible by using the entrance to the north and east of the park.

 

Lake Miami

Lake Miami is now full. New jetties and cedar tree piles were installed during a lake renovation project. Anglers have reported catching largemouth bass and a few bluegills. Channel catfish have been stocked.

 

Lake Sugema

Lake Sugema has a 12-18 inch protected slot length limit for largemouth bass. Anglers are encouraged to harvest largemouth bass less than 12 inches in length to improve overall largemouth bass growth. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Top water lures should be tried in the early mornings and the evenings. Crankbaits can also be productive this time of year when fished along the jetties and along rocky shorelines. Walleye - Slow: Fish jig and minnow combos along the face of the dam. Try different depths until you find active fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along the shoreline and underwater structure in 2-6 feet of water. Also try a chunk of night crawler fished about 12 inches below a bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching catfish using crawdads and liver.

 

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 917.91 feet. The water temperature is 80 degrees. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, 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).  Crappie - Fair: Anglers are having some luck fishing around docks using minnows. Sorting may be required for larger fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try areas where water is flowing into the lake. Use cut bait or chicken liver. Walleye - Slow: Drifting or trolling live bait along submerged points and rock piles can be good this time of year. Crankbaits should also be tried in the same areas. Use a crankbait that mimics a gizzard shad.

 

Take your trash with you so your favorite fishing spot is clean and litter free. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions regarding angling in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught drifting panfish jigs or minnows mid-lake on the lower portion of the lake.

 

Big Creek Lake

Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught in good numbers with more fish over 15 inches. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake in less than 20 feet of water trolling crankbaits or spinner rigs with crawlers or minnows. Shore anglers can pick up walleye as well fishing minnows under slip bobbers off the jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Fish the outside edges of vegetation beds in shallow water with small hooks, crawler pieces and a bobber.

 

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Good size bluegills are being caught fishing crawlers or small panfish jigs 2 to 6 feet deep on the lower portions of the lake where the vegetation is less dense.

 

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Good: White bass action is good right now. Find areas where gizzard shad are concentrated and busting on the surface. Cast or troll spoons and shad imitating crankbaits. Shallow diving chrome or firetiger colored baits work well.

 

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Good summer channel catfishing can be found drifting cut bait above the mile long bridge. White Bass - Good: White bass are in their summer pattern and being caught trolling spoons and crankbaits. Good areas to start searching are out from Sandpiper beach and the Oak Grove Recreation Area.

 

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Good catches of channel catfish are coming out of the Des Moines River above Saylorville using stink baits.

Bluegill and crappie are being caught drift fishing in many lakes while hot weather has white bass fishing picking up in Red Rock and Saylorville. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Greenfield Lake

Fish surveys indicate a large crappie population in Greenfield. Panfish can be caught drifting. Greenfield also has good largemouth bass and catfish numbers. Crappie - Fair: Crappies averaging 9 inches can be caught drifting twister tails. Bluegill - Fair: Drift with black jigs tipped with a night crawler or power bait. Fish will average 8 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught around the jetties and close to rock with shrimp. Fish will average 2 pounds.

 

Nodaway Lake

Anglers can expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie. Crappie - Fair: Drift with white twister tails and cast to sunken trees to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Drift or slow troll small jigs tipped with a crawler. Fish are 6 feet deep. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught with cut bait in the upper end of the lake. Fish will average 18 to 20 inches.

 

Orient Lake

Catfishing is good at Orient. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are having success using shrimp or crawdads. Average size catfish is 18 to 20 inches.

 

Lake Anita

Anglers are catching panfish drifting mid lake. Largemouth bass fishing is good along vegetation edges. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass anglers are catching good numbers of bass casting the edges of vegetation and vertical jigging the roadbeds for larger fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift around the roadbeds and cast along vegetation edges to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs tipped with a crawler or power bait. Fish are in 6 to 8 feet of water.

 

Viking Lake

Viking has a good largemouth bass population. A few crappies can be caught drifting. Channel catfishing has been good this week. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting small spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve or plastics around the shoreline and jetties. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish can be caught in the campground arm of the lake and south of the beach using cut bait. Fish average 2 pounds. Crappie - Fair: Drift open water areas of the lake with small jigs or twister tails. Fish will average 9 inches.

 

Prairie Rose Lake

The fishery at Prairie Rose is doing well. Bluegill growth has been very good with fish over nine inches being caught this spring and summer. The crappie fishing is still a couple of years away as they were just stocked last fall. Largemouth bass are growing quickly with many 8 to 10 inch fish in the lake at this time. The initial stocking of catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching quality size bluegill off the ends of the jetties with night crawler and bobber. Boat anglers are drifting or slow trolling black jigs in open water areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many 8 to 10 inch bass are being caught in the lake at this time. Channel Catfish - No Report: Channel catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range at this time.

 

Lake Manawa

The catfish bite is good in the canals and on the main lake in the evenings. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good this week. The night bite has been best using Sonny’s dip bait or cut bait.

 

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney has good water clarity with a nice ring of aquatic vegetation. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can be caught drifting or slow trolling the lake with black jigs tipped with a crawler. Fish average 8 inches. Black Crappie - No Report: Try fishing early morning or late afternoon for crappies averaging 10 inches.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Panfish are in deeper water during the summer. Bass fishing has been good this week early morning and in the afternoon. Catfish are close to structure. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. . Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast along vegetation and around structure to catch bass in their summer pattern. Bluegill - Good: Anglers have reported catching bluegills with small jigs and crawler 4 feet under a bobber with a very slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Crappie will be in 4 to 6 feet of water around structure. Cast jigs or minnows under a bobber to catch crappie in the summer. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish will associate themselves around sunken logs and along vegetation edges. Fish with cut bait around these habitat types for good summer catfishing.

 

Water temperatures remain around 80 degrees in the southwest district. Bluegills and crappie can be caught drifting open water. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587

 

Lake Icaria

Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught with minnows and jigs fished near the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught with worms and small jigs fished near the fish mounds. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish up to 20 inches have been caught with worms and liver fished near the fish mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass up to 19 inches have been caught on crankbaits fished near cedar tree piles and rock structure.

 

West Lake (Osceola)

The marina is closed for improvements.

 

Little River Watershed Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish up to 22 inches have been caught with worms and cut bait fished along the jetties. Walleye - Fair: Walleye up to 19 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits along the weed lines. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught with worms fished near the cedar tree piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass up to 17 inches have been caught with crankbaits fished along weed lines and near rock reefs.

 

Lake of Three Fires

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass up to 18 inches have been caught with crankbaits and jigs fished along the dam and near cedar tree piles in the mornings.

 

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

Sands Timber Lake has been drained for the construction of a wetland structure in the west arm.

 

Green Valley Lake

Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught with worms fished along weed lines and near cedar tree piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass up to 18 inches have been caught with crankbaits and jigs fished near cedar tree piles and along rock structure.

 

Summit Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught with worms fished along the weed lines. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch up to 10 inches have been caught with worms and jigs fished along the weed lines.

 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch up to 11 inches have been caught on worms and jigs fished in 14 feet of water near the channel. Walleye - Fair: Walleye up to 19 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits along the weed lines. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 12 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits along the weed lines.

 

Walnut Creek Marsh

Walnut Creek Marsh has been drained for in-lake improvements.

 

Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is in the mid-80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call 641-464-3108.

 

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching channel catfish with worms, cut bait, and dip baits. Anglers have had success in the mouths of incoming rivers, creeks, around brush piles, and below wing dikes. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfishing is good on trotlines/rod and reel using chubs, bullheads, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish - Fair: A few blue cats have been caught in this stretch. Fresh cut bait works well.

 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are having the best success on stinkbait; for larger fish try cut bait. Fish below wing dikes and in slower portions of the Missouri. Catfish are also being caught in the mouth of tributary streams and rivers. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish continue to be caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs and live baits. Blue Catfish - Good: blue catfish are being caught on fresh cut bait.

 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to have success on dead shad, worms, cut bait, and stink bait/dip bait. Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers are having success on trotlines/rod and reel catching flatheads with chubs, bullheads, goldfish, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching blue catfish on trotlines and rod and reel using cut bait and live baits.

 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 21.10 ft. /30,700 cfs./78 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is down 0.58 feet from last week. Fishing is good overall on the Missouri.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Ice is 12 inches thick. Black Crappie - Fair: Use minnows or waxworms on a jig in areas with structure anywhere from 10-15 feet deep. Bluegill - Fair: Catch keeper size bluegills with a teardrop jig tipped with a waxworm fished near structure. 

Bacon Creek Lake
Rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 27th.  

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system is on in Town Bay. Expect areas of thin ice and open water in Town Bay. Ice thickness is around 15 inches off of Ice House boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Use a teardrop jig and waxworm fished off the bottom near Ice House Point and Gunshot Hill, the rock pile off of Gunshot Hill, and the rock pile off Cottonwood Point. Anglers have had luck fishing waxworms in 8 feet of water in the dredge cuts in the east basin. Some sorting is needed. Walleye - Fair: Use a spoon and minnow fished on the rock piles off Cottonwood Point and in the east basin. Low light hours and after sunset are best. 

Black Hawk Pits
Ice is around 10-12 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with waxworms fished near the bottom. 

Brushy Creek Lake
Use caution, conditions are variable - drill test holes often and expect less ice near inflows, in the main channel, and near trees. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being picked up with jigging spoons and a minnow head. Low numbers, but most are bigger fish with some over 25 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Decent numbers of bluegill catches reported with waxworms on a teardrop jig. Some sorting is needed. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a minnow on a jig fished near structure in 10-15 feet of water. 

Moorland Pond
Rainbow trout were stocked on Jan. 20th. Use small tube jigs tipped with bait or live minnows under a bobber. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Most ice is around 16-19 inches, but there are variable conditions near shore - some areas of shoreline had open water within the last couple weeks so use caution. Walleye - Fair: Use rattle spoons and jigging spoons with a minnow head in 8 feet of water on the edges of the old dredged area in the west end. Most of the action is at the west end of the lake off Casino Beach, Frank Starr, and College Island. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some perch have been picked up while targeting walleye. Black Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being picked up while fishing for walleye. 

Most lakes in western Iowa are maintaining 10-18 inches of ice. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Blue Pit
Trout are still being caught. Fish near the pier with small jigs tipped with live bait. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 17-20 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Ice heaves have made access on the lake difficult in spots.Yellow Bass - Good: The bite has picked up. Use light tackle and be mobile to stay on fish. The best bite is still at dawn and the last hour of light. Walleye – Fair: Try jigging spoons and minnow heads near the island. The best bite is still at dawn and the last hour of light. Yellow Perch - Fair. 

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 17-20 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with spikes or a minnow head near the edge of the dredge cut. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with spikes near the edge of the dredge cut. 

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 17-21 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Walleye - Slow. 

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 17-19 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators.  

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass action is picking up; fish traditional sites and move often to find active fish. 

Five Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Ice anglers have had good pole bending activity with numbers of fish harvested. Yellow Bass - Good: Action has picked up, good numbers of fish have been harvested; fish the dredge cuts for the best action. Black Crappie - Good: Incidental catches by yellow bass anglers reflect bonus numbers in the creel. 

Ingham Lake
Use caution; thin ice conditions around the aeration system. Walleye - Fair: Walleye action has slowed; persistence will be rewarded with a good catch. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught; fish the Stoney Point area for the best action. Walleye - Fair: Numbers of fish are reported from Lost Island Lake; change tactics with the changing weather conditions. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch and black crappie are being caught by anglers fishing for yellow bass. 

Minnewashta Lake
Bluegill - Good: Report of bluegill being caught; sorting is needed. Anglers are also catching crappie and yellow bass mixed in the bite. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Use caution; thin ice conditions around the aeration system. 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Walleye - Fair: Ice anglers report catching walleye; best bite is during late day. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fishing action has been very variable; ice anglers are catching nice size perch. 

Spirit Lake
Limited access to the lake. 

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Persistent and patient anglers will be rewarded with good numbers of yellow perch 12 inches and larger in the creel. Northern Pike - Good: Action has picked up; anglers are harvesting northern pike from the lake. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills continue to be fussy; persistence and patience will be rewarded with good numbers of fish caught. Reports of improving water clarity. Northern Pike - Good: Good numbers of fish up to 36 inches are being caught. Tip-up action will improve in the next few weeks. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Ice conditions may change fast with warmer temperatures. Backwaters have about 20 inches of ice. Use caution when going on ice. Check ice depths often. The bite is variable. Bluegill - Slow: Find fish in slack water out of current. Stumps, brush piles, and deep holes hold fish. Use small jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms. Black Crappie - Fair: Find fish in 8-10 feet water. Use minnows, waxworms, and multi-colored spikes on a teardrop shaped bladed lure. 

Decorah District Streams
Current water clarity is marginal. Weekend clarity will depend on precipitation type and amount. Streams with better watersheds will clear quicker. Slack water in deeper holes may freeze, but should melt in the afternoon With a slower bite, use bigger flashier flies and lures. Parking lots on wildlife management areas are not plowed. Use care when parking along the road. Brook Trout - Fair: Midges hatch all season. Try wholly buggers or a flashy fly for a hungry brookie. Brown Trout - Good: Afternoon melt water should turn on a brownie. Insects will hatch on sunny afternoons. Use small midge patterns. With off color water, try a flashy spinner or fly. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Drift a feathered spinner, crankbait or a hook tipped with worm along an undercut bank. 

Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is at least 24 inches with snow. Water is stained yellow. Few anglers are out. Anglers finding habitat will find fish. Open water around the aerator. The bite has slowed. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Move around to find fish. Use a small jig tipped with a minnow head. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes around structure. 

Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 24 inches ice with variable amounts of snow. Water is turbid. Afternoon bite is best. When the bite slows, move to a different spot. Few anglers have been out.  Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms. Black Crappie - Slow: Key in to brush and dangle a small jig about a foot or two above the stems.

Volga Lake
Ice thickness is 20+ inches topped with melted snow. Water is stained. Afternoon bite is best. Black Crappie - Slow: Drop your lure about 3 feet above structure and watch them swim up to the bait. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around structure in 14-16 feet water about a foot off the bottom. 

Expect a wintry mix of precipitation this weekend. Temperatures warm slightly through the weekend with mid 30s by Sunday. Most stream clarity is marginal at best with current runoff activity. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

We have not received any reports this week. Ice edges are getting soft and the bite has been slow; anglers are not getting out. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has bumped up to 8.2 feet. Backwater ice is variable with around 2 feet; use caution accessing the ice as shorelines and sloughs may become unsafe with warmer weather. Ice cleats may be needed as snow disappears. Walleye - No Report: Access to tail-water areas is difficult with large areas of ice flows. Black Crappie - Slow: Occasional crappie being caught in just 2-4 feet of water just under the ice. Yellow Perch - Good: Late ice can be a good time for perch fishing with some of the larger fish being caught this time of year. Sauger - No Report: Use jig and minnows fished off the bottom in the tailwater areas and deeper side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill. Use small teardrop jigs tipped with waxies in 4-5 feet of water with no current. Northern Pike - Fair: Use tip-ups baited with shiners along the edges of deeper cuts with vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both rod and reel and tip-up anglers are catching several 15-18 inch bass using red spike waxies through the ice. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen to 15.8 feet and may rise slightly over the next week. The tail-water at Lynxville is still iced in. Backwater ice is variable with around 2 feet of ice; use caution accessing the ice as shorelines and sloughs may become unsafe with warmer weather. Ice cleats may be needed as snow disappears. Late ice can be good fishing on Bussey Lake. Avoid the boat ramp area as ice is not stable. Park along the south side of causeway road and walk down. Walleye - No Report: Access to tail-water areas is difficult with large areas of ice flows. Yellow Perch - Good: Late ice can be a good time for perch fishing with some of the larger fish being caught this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill.  Use small teardrop jigs tipped with waxies in 4-5 feet of water with no current. Northern Pike - Slow: Use tip-ups baited with shiners along the edges of deeper cuts with vegetation. Black Crappie - Slow: Occasional crappie being caught in just 2-4 feet of water just under the ice. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both rod and reel and tip-up anglers are catching several 15-18 inch bass using red spike waxies through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen over a foot to 8.1 feet and may rise slightly over the next week. Backwater ice is variable with around 2 feet of ice; use caution accessing the ice as shorelines and sloughs may become unsafe with warmer weather. Boat ramps at Guttenberg are still locked in ice, but may recede in the coming weeks. Black Crappie - Slow: Occasional crappie being caught in just 2-4 feet of water just under the ice. Yellow Perch - Good: Late ice can be a good time for perch fishing with some of the larger fish being caught this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Ice anglers are catching bluegill. Use small teardrop jigs tipped with waxies in 4-5 feet of water with no current. Northern Pike - Fair: Use tip-ups baited with shiners along the edges of deeper cuts with vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both rod and reel and tip-up anglers are catching several 15-18 inch bass using red spike waxies through the ice. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are rising with rains and the breakup of local tributaries. Most ramps are still iced in and areas below the dams covered in ice flows. Warmer weather and runoff have fish more active. Backwater ice is variable with around 2 feet of ice. With thawing snow, shorelines and areas with current may become weak or unsafe; use caution. 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are stabilizing at 8.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and the RR bridge is 11.4 feet. This is up several feet from last week. Ice fishing is treacherous with open water now formed along the edges of most backwater areas.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are stabilizing at 12.4 feet at Bellevue. This is up several feet from last week. Ice fishing is treacherous with open water now formed along the edges of most backwater areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are still rising and are 9.4 feet at Fulton, 12.4 feet at Camanche and 6.7 feet at LeClaire. This is up nearly five feet from last week. Ice fishing is treacherous with open water now formed along the edges of most backwater areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are still rising and are 12 feet at Rock Island. This is up five feet from last week. Fishing has been non-existent after the big rain event.  

The River changed dramatically this week due to the heavy rainfall on frozen ground. The River rose from 3 to 5 feet throughout the district. Ice conditions changed considerably and tailwaters are somewhat open for boat launching, but the water clarity is poor. Ice fishing will be tough with open water near shorelines. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.68 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 5 feet since Monday. Current forecasts have the tailwater stage reaching 11.7 feet. Unsafe ice conditions with the recent rain, warm weather, and rising river levels.  

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.6 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 5 feet since Monday. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 10.9 feet by the weekend. River stage at Muscatine is 11.7 feet and forecasted to reach 12.7 feet. The ramp and parking lot at Big Timber is closed due to flooding. There are unsafe ice conditions due to recent rains, warm weather, and rising river levels. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.18 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 6 feet since Monday. The current forecast has the tailwater stage reaching 14.7 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Unsafe ice conditions due to recent rains, warm weather, and rising river levels. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.90 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is rising. Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 has risen close to 5 feet since Monday. River stage at Burlington is 12.95 feet and forecasted to reach 14.9 feet. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. Unsafe ice conditions due to recent rains, warm weather, and rising river levels.

River stages have been on the rise this past week with the recent rains and warm weather. Water clarity is poor. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow. There are unsafe ice conditions with the recent rains, warm weather, and rising river conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice conditions.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions.

Lake Darling
Unsafe ice conditions. 60 degrees and rain on Monday. 43 degrees and rain on Monday night into Tuesday has ruined what ice was left. Last couple of days of colder weather has refrozen open water, hiding the bad spots. 

Lake Geode
Drained for renovation work scheduled for later this year. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is drained for the renovation project that is going on now. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is holding at winter pool of 683.4 feet. Ice conditions are deteriorating with the runoff and increase in flow. Water clarity is poor. 

Diamond Lake
There is open water around the lake and ice conditions are not safe. 

Grundy County Lake
There is still 12 inches of ice, but the edges may be getting soft by the weekend. 

Hannen Lake
There is 10 feet of open water around the edges. Ice fishing is not recommended. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
There is open water around the lake;  ice conditions are not safe. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for the renovation project that will take place next winter. 

Lake Macbride
The lake edges are either open or soft. You need a plank to access most areas. The remaining ice away from the shore is 6-8 inches in most areas, but use caution. There have been a few anglers around the main ramp, under the highlines, across from the beach, and on the south arm. A plank may be needed to get on. Some people have been walking off the boat rental docks; use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use a jig/waxie around any brush or deeper rock. Size is marginal at best as these fish top out at 7.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: It is day to day on good catches. Some days have been good and others are slow. Fish over deeper wood or stumps or look for suspended fish over the deeper basin with a jig/waxie. 

Otter Creek Lake
The edges are soft and open in some areas. The remaining ice is reported as about 8-10 inches. There was an angler out yet on the 21st; use caution. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 8.5 feet low from the restoration project. The lake came up some with the runoff, so shorelines are bad and accessing the ice may be extremely difficult. The remaining ice may be fishable; use caution. 

Rodgers Park Lake
There is 6 feet of open water around the edges of the upper end. The lower end is a little better. Ice fishing is not recommended. 

Sand Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.

Union Grove Lake
The edges are soft and open in places. The aeration hole is very large. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Ice conditions on the river and backwaters are not safe. 

Most of the smaller lakes are unsafe to ice fish. Some of the larger lakes have decent ice, but the edges are soft or open; use extreme caution. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
Unsafe ice conditions. Getting on the ice is not recommended. 

Lake Sugema
Unsafe ice conditions. Getting on the ice is not recommended. Lake Sugema is about 25% open water and Tug Forks West is open. 

Lake Wapello
Unsafe ice conditions. Getting on the ice is not recommended. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.19 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The ramps at the Rathbun marina are closed for the season and all the campgrounds are closed. Unsafe ice conditions. The main lake has areas of open water. Getting on the ice is not recommended. 

Red Haw Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. Getting on the ice is not recommended. 

Unsafe ice conditions across the district. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Use spoons or small panfish jigs tipped with waxworms or live minnows. Trout tend to swim the perimeter, so set up close to shore in 3 to 10 feet of water. 

Big Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers fishing mid-lake, generally out from the beach area and marina area in 25 to 35 feet of water are finding a fair crappie bite. 

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching fair numbers of walleyes below the Saylorville spillway slowly fishing jigs tipped with twister tails and/or minnows. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching crappies suspended 10-15 feet down in 20-30 feet of water in the late afternoon and evenings. Midday they are also being found shallower near sunken habitat in 10-15 feet of water. Two size ranges are being caught. Expect to fish through many 5-7 inch fish for the 9-10 inch fish. 

Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch 7-8 inch bluegills over brush piles and suspended in deeper water. Move around to stay on active fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Most anglers are finding the crappie fishing to be slow, but when fish are caught the size is good. Crappie catches have been mostly limited to dawn and dusk. 

Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout were stocked Feb. 10th. Fish the perimeter of the lake with small panfish jigs and jigging spoons tipped with waxworms. 

Ice thicknesses in Central Iowa are staying in the 8 to 14 inch range with some edge deterioration from rain runoff. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
 

 

Lake Anita
Ice has started to deteriorate on the main lake. Use extreme caution. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing is best in the afternoon. Catch fish up to 9.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Best bite is late afternoon and after dark. Fish will average 9 inches. 

Littlefield Lake
Anglers report 6 to 8 inches of ice and fair fishing. Use extreme caution this week as ice will start to get soft and be unsafe. Bluegill - Good: Fishing is good around the cedar tree piles for bluegills up to 9 inches. Morning and late afternoon bite is best. Be prepared to sort for larger fish. Black Crappie - Slow: A few 10 to 12 inch black crappies are being caught around the tree piles. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose still has fishable ice, but it will start to deteriorate this week. Bluegill - Fair: The best bluegill fishing has moved to the morning bite. Fish will average 8.5 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: Black crappie become active just before dark. Fish are 9.5 inches. 

Lakes and ponds in the southern part of the district are unsafe to fish. Use extreme caution; ice will start to deteriorate this week. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Town Bay is open. Any remaining ice on the lake is unsafe for travel. More reports will be available as open water fishing begins. 

Brushy Creek Lake
Any remaining ice is unsafe for travel. More reports will be available as we receive them. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice is pulling away from many access points along shore. There are large areas of open water. Travel on any remaining ice is not recommended. Immediately after ice out is a good time to target channel catfish along shore using cut bait. 

Remaining ice in western Iowa is unsuitable for ice fishing. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 15-17 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Vehicle traffic is not recommended. Yellow Bass - Good: The bite has picked up. Use light tackle and be mobile to stay on fish. The best bite is still at early morning and late afternoon. Walleye – Fair: Try jigging spoons and minnow heads. The best bite is still at early morning and the last hour of light. Yellow Perch - Fair. 

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 14-17 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Vehicle traffic is not recommended. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with spikes or a minnow head near the edge of the dredge cut. Bluegill - Good: Try a small jig tipped with spikes near the edge of the dredge cut. 

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 15-18 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Vehicle traffic is not recommended. Walleye - Slow. Yellow Perch - Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 15-18 inches. Avoid areas near the aerators. Vehicle traffic is not recommended. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass action continues; best early morning with jigs tipped with wigglers. Fish traditional sites and move often to find active fish. 

Five Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Ice anglers have had good pole bending activity with numbers of fish harvested. Yellow Bass - Good: Action has picked up, good numbers of fish have been harvested; fish the dredge cuts for the best action. Black Crappie - Good: Incidental catches by yellow bass anglers reflect bonus numbers in the creel. 

Ingham Lake
Use caution; thin ice conditions around the aeration system. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught; fish the Stoney Point area for the best action. Walleye - Fair: Numbers of fish are reported from Lost Island Lake; change tactics with the changing weather conditions. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch and black crappie are being caught by anglers fishing for yellow bass. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Use caution; thin ice conditions around the aeration system. 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Walleye - Fair: Ice anglers report catching walleye; best bite is during late day. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fishing action has been very variable; ice anglers are catching nice size perch. 

Spirit Lake
Limited access to the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of yellow perch action on the south east end of the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Report of crappie and bluegill from the Templar Park area. 

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Persistent and patient anglers will be rewarded with good numbers of yellow perch 12 inches and larger in the creel. Northern Pike - Good: Action has picked up; anglers are harvesting northern pike from the lake. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills continue to be fussy; persistence and patience will be rewarded with good numbers of fish caught. Reports of improving water clarity. Northern Pike - Good: Good numbers of fish up to 36 inches are being caught. Tip-up action will improve in the next few weeks. Yellow Perch - Fair: Report of yellow perch being caught from the deep water areas and some fish reported from the north end. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Ice conditions in the impoundments are unsafe, especially with fluctuating water levels. Water clarity is improving. Walleye - Slow: Use a worm hooked in a worm harness fished below the dams. 

Decorah District Streams
Many streams remain slightly off color. Slack water in deeper holes may freeze, but should melt by afternoon With a slower bite, use bigger flashier flies and lures. Parking lots on wildlife management areas are not plowed. Use care when parking along the road. Brook Trout - Fair: Midges hatch all season. Try wholly buggers or a flashy fly for a hungry brookie. Brown Trout - Brown Trout are aggressive with melt water or run-off inputs. Increasing numbers of insects are hatching on sunny afternoons. Use small midge or caddis patterns. With off color water, try a flashy spinner or fly. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Drift a feathered spinner, crankbait or a hook tipped with worm along an undercut bank. 

Lake Hendricks
Ice thickness is at least 12 inches. Few anglers are out. Open water around the aerator. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Slow: Move around to find fish. Use a small jig tipped with a minnow head. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes around structure. 

Lake Meyer
Ice thickness is about 12 inches.Water clarity is improving. Early morning bite is best. When the bite slows, move to a different spot. Few anglers have been out.  Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms. Black Crappie - Slow: Key in to brush and dangle a small jig about a foot or two above the stems.

Volga Lake
Ice thickness is 12+ inches. Early and late bite is best. Culverts were placed on the ice for habitat; avoid this area as ice may not be safe. Black Crappie - Slow: Drop your lure about 3 feet above structure and watch them swim up to the bait. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with spikes or waxworms. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around structure in 14-16 feet water about a foot off the bottom. 

Temperatures warm to the upper 30s through the weekend. Possibility of rain/snow Saturday night into Sunday. River and stream clarity is improving.For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of a few walleye being caught on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer Counties.  Walleye – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Manchester District Streams
Trout Streams are in good condition. Continue to use winter tactics including streamers, jigs, and crankbaits.  Brown Trout - Good: Browns can be easier to catch on days where the water color is stained. Rainbow Trout – Slow. Brook Trout – Slow.  

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been no reports on the Maquoketa River, but levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been no reports on the Shell Rock River, but levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been no reports on the Shell Rock River, but levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Ice fishing is not recommended anywhere as conditions are not safe. Eastern Iowa rivers are beginning to open; open water fishing opportunities are available on the Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa. Flows are above seasonal averages on rivers, but are not excessively high for spring. Area trout streams are in good condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is fairly stable at 7.9 feet.Main channel ice has broken up and the ice flows have moved through. Ice conditions are variable with very few areas having safe access. Walleye - Fair: Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures rise. Use crankbaits fished on a 3-way rig or jigs with minnows. Black Crappie - No Report: Occasional crappie being caught in just 2-4 feet of water just under the ice. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Late ice can be a good time for perch fishing with some of the larger fish being caught this time of year. Sauger - Fair: Use jig and minnows fished off the bottom in the tailwater areas. Bluegill - Good: Some last ice bluegills are still being caught in backwaters with no current. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike will start to feed actively before the spawn. Look for the bite to pick up with warming temperatures.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has fallen a foot to 14.3 feet. . Main channel ice has broken up and the ice flows have moved through. Ice conditions are variable in the backwaters with very few areas having safe access. Walleye - Fair: Expect the bite to pick up as warmer water temperatures rise. Use crankbaits fished on a 3-way rig or jigs with minnows. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Late ice can be a good time for perch fishing with some of the larger fish being caught this time of year. Sauger - Fair: Some fish are in the tail-waters. Expect the bite to pick up with warmer water temperatures this week. Bluegill - Fair: Some last ice bluegills are still being caught in backwaters with no current. Black Crappie - No Report: Occasional crappie being caught in just 2-4 feet of water just under the ice. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike will start to feed actively before the spawn. Look for the bite to pick up with warming temperatures. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail-waters have fallen several feet to 6.08 feet this week. Main channel ice has broken up and the ice flows have moved through. Backwater ice conditions are variable with very few areas having safe access. Walleye - Fair: Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures rise. Use crankbaits fished on a 3-way rig or jigs with minnows. Black Crappie - No Report: Occasional crappie being caught in just 2-4 feet of water just under the ice. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Late ice can be a good time for perch fishing with some of the larger fish being caught this time of year. Sauger - Slow: Some fish are in the tail-waters. Expect the bite to pick up with warmer water temperatures this week. Bluegill - Fair: Some last ice bluegills are still being caught in backwaters with no current. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike will start to feed actively before the spawn. Look for the bite to pick up with warming temperatures. 

Upper Mississippi River levels have fallen slightly this week with main channel areas mostly free of ice flows with water temperatures still in the low 30's. Water clarity is still poor from the spring melt-off. Ice fishing is not recommended due to unsafe ice. 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are stabilizing at 5.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and the RR bridge is 8.3 feet. This is down a few feet from last week. Some ice flows still reported. Places like O'Leary's backwater still have some ice in them, but it is melted along the shore. Yellow Perch - No Report: Look for the perch bite to pick up as the ice melts. Northern Pike - No Report: Expecting the northern pike creel to increase over the next couple of months. Walleye - Fair: Some scattered reports of walleyes being taken in the tailwaters and more along wing dams. Fishing is fair to poor, but could improve with better weather conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are stabilizing at 6.5 feet at Bellevue. This down over a foot from last week. Both Bellevue City ramp and the DNR ramp are open, but some minor ice flows are still seen.  Paddlefish season is now underway. Please review the Paddlefishing regulations. Paddlefish - Fair: Some were caught, especially on the opener, but fish are reported up off the bottom. Sauger - Fair: Hit or miss. Some reported good catches when weather was nice while others struggled. Walleye – Fair.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are falling and are 6.2 feet at Fulton, 10.3 feet at Camanche and 5.1 feet at LeClaire. This down over a foot from last week. Paddlefish season season is underway;  Ramps are mostly open and free of ice, but you will find periodic ice chunks. Paddlefish - No Report: Season is underway; please review the Paddlefishing regulations. Sauger - Fair: Anglers report sauger fishing as scattered, but it could get decent if water levels stabilize. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are falling and are 7.8 feet at Rock Island. This is down two feet from last week and will be much more "fishable" this week. Sauger - Fair: Fish are scattered, but some are being reported on jigs and minnow. 

The River levels have dropped throughout the district. Tailwaters are open for boat launching, but some ice flows are still occurring. Ice fishing appears to be over in the district, but some ice remains in backwaters especially in Pool 12. Most backwaters are now open water in Pool 13 through 15. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 7.81 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Marquette St boat ramp is open. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Reports of a few saugers being caught in Sylvan Slough. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.78 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. We have not received any reports on tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers. Sauger - No Report: Try fishing below the dam with jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.99 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. We have not received any tailwater fishing information for walleye and saugers this week. Sauger - No Report: Look for saugers below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 6.12 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleyes and saugers. 

River stages have been falling the past few days. Water clarity is poor. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Some skim ice in the mornings. Lake is open otherwise. 

Lake Belva Deer
The lake is ice free. Not much angler activity. 

Lake Darling
The lake has been ice free for the last week. On the cold mornings, there is a little ice around the edges in the bays. The boat docks are not in; be careful on the boat ramps, there is some ice on them from the waves coming in. Just a few anglers out, mostly to get the boats off the trailers. 

Lake Geode
Drained for renovation work scheduled for later this year. With the warmer weather, the bottom of the lake will thaw out and get soft again; use caution when walking around on the bottom of the lake. 

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The river has been ice free since early last week. River level is running about 1/2 bank full. Have seen a couple of boats out on the river, but no reports on the fishing. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is drained for the renovation project that is going on now. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is ice free. The lake level is now being drawn down. It is predicted to reach spring pool of 679.4' on March 16. There is about 3,000 CFS flowing out of the lake this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish have been caught on cut shad in shallow windblown areas. Some fish are also being caught around the 380/965 bridges. 

Diamond Lake
The lake is ice free and a boat dock is in. No fishing activity has been reported yet.  

Green Castle Lake
Most of the ice was gone this week. 

Hannen Lake
Most of the ice was going out this week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The lake is ice free and the boat dock is in. There have been a few anglers out, but no fishing reports are available. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for the renovation project that will take place next winter. 

Lake Macbride
The lake is ice free. No docks are in yet. There have been boat and shore anglers out, but no reports are available. 

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is ice free. There is no boat dock in at this time. No fishing activity has been reported yet. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 8 feet low from the restoration project, but the lake is ice free. 

Rodgers Park Lake
Most of the ice was going out this week. 

Sand Lake
Most of the ice was gone this week. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
The river and backwaters are open at Pinicon Ridge. The water is dropping, but it is still turbid. No fishing reports are available. 

Lakes in the Macbride District are unsafe for ice fishing. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
The lake is ice free. 

Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema and Tug Forks are completely free of ice. 

Lake Wapello
The lake is free of ice. Use cut bait on the windblown shorelines to catch channel catfish this time of year. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout are scheduled to be stocked on Saturday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.46 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The campgrounds are closed. The lake is ice free. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use shad sides or cut bait on the windblown shorelines. 

Red Haw Lake
The lake is ice free. 

The lakes across the district all have open water. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Cast small in-line spinners, spoons, twister tail or tube jigs and live minnows or waxworms under a bobber in the open water areas. 

Big Creek Lake
As of Wednesday, March 8, Big Creek was open water north of the Williams Drive boat ramp. 

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: As flows reduce, it’s a good time to start fishing below the Saylorville and downtown dams. Jigs tipped with twister tails and/or minnows work best. 

Lakes in Central Iowa are mostly ice free or the remaining ice is unsuitable for ice fishing.For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Town Bay is open. The east basin is ice free. Bluegill - Fair: Use waxworms and crawlers fished under a bobber from the floating dock and along Ice House Point shoreline. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie from the floating dock in Town Bay and along Ice House Point shoreline using minnows and crawlers suspended below a bobber. 

Brushy Creek Lake
Any remaining ice is unsafe for travel. More reports will be available as we receive them. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Any remaining ice is unsafe for travel. Immediately after ice out is a good time to target channel catfish along shore using cut bait. 

A few western Iowa lakes are still partially ice covered. However, open water fishing is occurring on most lakes. More reports will be available as more anglers get out on open water. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 10-13 inches. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair. 

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 12-16 inches. Ice at the accesses has deteriorated; vehicle traffic is not recommended. Yellow Bass - Good: Try near the Baptist camp in the main lake and by the channel in the little lake. Use light tackle and be mobile to stay on fish. The best bite is still at early morning and late afternoon. Walleye – Fair: Try jigging spoons and minnow heads. The best bite is still at early morning and the last hour of light. Black Crappie – Fair.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 12-16 inches. Vehicle traffic is not recommended. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with spikes near the edge of the dredge cut. Bluegill - Slow: Try a small jig tipped with spikes near the edge of the dredge cut. 

Lake Cornelia
Ice fishing not recommended. 

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 12-16 inches. Vehicle traffic is not recommended. Walleye - Slow. Yellow Perch - Slow.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. 

Winnebago River
Northern Pike are starting to bite. Try fishing the slack water below a dam or where a creek dumps in to the river. Use live chubs or crank baits. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass action continues; best with jigs tipped with wigglers. Fish traditional sites and move often to find active fish. Catch bonus yellow perch and bluegill while fishing for yellow bass.

Five Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Action has picked up, good numbers of fish have been harvested; fish the dredge cuts for the best action. Black Crappie - Good: Incidental catches by yellow bass anglers reflect bonus numbers in the creel. 

Ingham Lake
Use caution; thin ice conditions around the aeration system. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Fair: Good numbers of angler acceptable size fish are being harvested with some catfish mixed in the catch. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught, but sorting is needed; fish the Stoney Point area for the best action. Walleye - Fair: Numbers of fish are reported from Lost Island Lake; change tactics with the changing weather conditions. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch and black crappie are being caught by anglers fishing for yellow bass. 

Spirit Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of yellow perch action on the south east end of the lake. Best action is early morning and evening with a jig tipped with a minnow head. Black Crappie - Fair: Report of crappie and bluegill from the Templar Park area. 

Trumbull Lake
Foot traffic only recommended. Yellow Perch - Good: Persistent and patient anglers will be rewarded with good numbers of yellow perch 12 inches and larger in the creel. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills continue to be fussy; persistence and patience will be rewarded with good numbers of fish caught. Best activity early is morning and evening. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up action will improve in the next few weeks with large fish common in the catch. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Open water fishing is around the corner. Large chunks of free-floating ice are causing hazardous boating conditions. Walleye - Fair: Use a worm hooked in a worm harness fished below the dams. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are catching catfish using a big hook loaded with nightcrawlers. 

Decorah District Streams
Catchable trout stocking starts April 2 – check out this year’s trout stream stocking calendar. Plan a trip to your favorite trout stream. Snow melt continues. Better water clarity in the morning turning off color by afternoon. Gravel roads and parking areas are rough and mushy as the frost comes out.  Brook Trout - Good: Early morning is a good time to catch a brookie. Use a streamer to mimic minnows or subsurface flies like scuds or pheasant tail nymphs. Brown Trout - Good: Melt water and run-off inputs drive Brown Trout into a feeding frenzy. Use small midge, caddis, or flashy streamer patterns. Rainbow Trout - Good: Catch a post-spawn Rainbow Trout below a riffle. Float a feathered spinner or crankbait past a hungry mouth and hang on. 

Lake Hendricks
Ice fishing not recommended. 

Lake Meyer
Ice fishing not recommended. Anglers have not been out. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Upper Iowa is mostly ice-free. Anglers are finding fish below the dams and in deeper holes. Walleye - Fair: Use jigs with twister tails and crankbaits. White Sucker - Fair: Anglers report suckers are starting to hit. 

Volga Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. Open water around edges. 

Rain Friday night, turning to snow Saturday; snow accumulation is likely. Temperatures in the low 40s for highs, but dipping below freezing at night. Rivers and streams are fishable. Ice covers most lakes,  but not safe to walk on.For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of a few walleye being caught on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer Counties. Anglers have also been successful on northern pike in Black Hawk County. Walleye – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. Northern Pike - Fair: Float a live chub or shiner under a bobber in slack water areas off of the main current break. 

Manchester District Streams
Trout Streams are in excellent condition. Use streamers, jigs, and crankbaits. With spring like temperatures, there have been good afternoon hatches. Brown Trout - Good: Browns can be easier to catch on days where the water color is stained. Rainbow Trout – Slow. Brook Trout – Slow.  

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been a few reports of anglers catching walleye on the Maquoketa River; river levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been a few reports of anglers catching walleye on the Shell Rock River; river levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been reports of anglers catching walleye on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Eastern Iowa rivers are open; open water angling opportunities are available on the Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa. Area trout streams are in excellent condition. Anglers are beginning to catch walleye as the spring walleye spawn approaches. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 8.3 feet and is expected to rise slowly over the next week.Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Walleye - Good: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and should be actively feeding. Troll three way rigs with crank baits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better; many 10+ inch fish are being reported. Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up as fish are in pre spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 15.3 feet and is expected to rise slowly over the next week.
Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Tailwaters are concentrating a lot of active fish right now. Walleye- Good: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and the bite is picking up in the tailwaters. Troll three way rigs with crank baits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better along the shorelines in the tailwaters; many 10+ inch fish are being reported. Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up in the tailwaters as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 6.7  feet is expected to rise slowly over the next week. Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Tailwaters are concentrating a lot of active fish right now.  Walleye - Fair: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and the bite is picking up in the tailwaters. Troll three way rigs with crank baits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better along the shorelines in the tailwaters; many 10+ inch fish are being reported.  Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up in the tailwaters as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are slowly starting to rise as the spring thaw continues. Most backwater areas are now free of ice with water temperatures slowly climbing into the lower 40's. Spring fishing is starting to get better as water temperatures warm up.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are near stable at 6.5 feet at the Dubuque Lock and the RR bridge is 8.9 feet. This is up a bit from last week.  A slight rise in water levels may occur this upcoming week, but it will be fairly stable. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few scattered reports; no big catches yet, but some might be on these elusive fish. Northern Pike - Fair: More and more reports of northern pike being picked up occasionally by tailwater anglers. Some of the melted backwaters also may see some pike angling. Walleye - Fair: Some scattered reports of walleyes being taken in the tailwaters and more along wing dams. Fishing is fair to poor, but could improve with better weather conditions. Some nice slot fish are being reported. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 6.5 feet and are stable. This is up a bit from last week. Both Bellevue City ramp and the DNR ramp are open, but but no courtesy dock yet at the DNR ramp. Paddlefish season is now underway. Please review the Paddlefishing regulations. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few scattered catches of sizable perch mostly from the tailwaters.  Paddlefish - Fair: Some paddlefish were caught early; fishing has slowed a bit, but pods of Paddlefish could return to the tailwater. Sauger - Fair: Hit or miss. Some good reports of few, but nice sauger. Other reports of people really struggling.  Walleye – Fair: Fairly slow fishing, but some nice slot fish are being picked up. Northern Pike - Fair: Tailwater anglers report catching a few northern pike. They will be preparing to spawn soon. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are falling and are 5.9 feet at Fulton, 10.2 feet at Camanche and 4.8 feet at LeClaire. This is up a bit from last week.  Paddlefish season season is underway;  please review the Paddlefishing regulations. Ramps are open and ready for use. Paddlefish - Fair: Good fishing seen early in the season; it has slowed greatly, but some fish are still present. Sauger - Fair: Anglers report sauger fishing as scattered, but it could get decent if water levels stabilize. The bite has been spotty all spring. Most anglers are using minnow rigs. Walleye - Fair: Not many being caught, but reports of some very nice sized fish. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are falling and are 6.8 feet at Rock Island. This is up from last week; conditions should remain favorable for angling this week. Sauger - Fair: Fish are scattered, but some are being reported on jigs and minnow. 

River levels are holding near steady throughout the district. Tailwaters are all open for boat launching. Most backwaters are now open water, especially in Pool 13 through 15, but some ice still reported in Pool 12. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

SOUTHEAST

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The spring trout release will be at 10 a.m. this Friday, March 23. 1000 trout will be released.  

Lake Belva Deer
Not much angler activity. It was pretty quiet last weekend with the rain and fog. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass are being caught in deeper water out among the flooded trees. 

Lake Darling
Haven't had enough nice days to get anglers out yet; five inches of wet heavy snow last Saturday didn't help. Water temperature is in the mid 30's. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few small bass are being caught. 

Lake Geode
Drained for the renovation project. With the warmer weather, the bottom of the lake will thaw out and get soft again; use caution when walking around on the bottom of the lake. 

Lake of the Hills
The spring trout release is this Friday, March 23 at 10:30 a.m. 2000 trout will be released. 

Wilson Lake
The spring trout release will be this Friday, March 23rd at noon. 1000 trout will be released.  

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

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Benton County has had the best reports so far. Walleye - Good: Jigs and crankbaits work well. Northern Pike - Fair: Some nice fish are being picked up. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4 feet. At this level, boating above the Lake Macbride Park ramp is not advised. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish have been caught on cut shad or shad guts under the 965/380 bridges and in shallow windblown pockets. 

Diamond Lake
The boat dock is always in. No fishing activity has been reported yet. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish jigs over brush piles. Most fish are 8-9 inches. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The water temperature is hovering around 40 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Lake Macbride
The lake is ice free. Boat docks are in. Fish cleaning stations are not available yet. A few anglers have been out, but no reports are available. 

Otter Creek Lake
The boat dock and T-dock at the north end are in. No fishing reports are available. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 8 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is open and the boat dock is in. Use caution when launching and boating at this water level. A few anglers have been out, but no reports are available. 

Terry Trueblood Lake
2000 trout will be stocked here this Saturday, March 24th. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Bowfin – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on jigs below the dams. 

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

Lake Miami
The lake is ice free. 

Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema and Tug Forks are completely free of ice. 

Lake Wapello
The lake is free of ice. Use cut bait on the windblown shorelines to catch channel catfish this time of year. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout are scheduled to be stocked this Saturday, March 24th at 11 a.m. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.44 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The campgrounds are closed. The lake is ice free. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use shad sides or cut bait on the windblown shorelines. 

Red Haw Lake
The lake is ice free. 

The lakes across the district all have open water. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast small in-line spinners, spoons, twister tail or tube jigs and live minnows or waxworms under a bobber. Find trout in the north and south sections of the lake; move around to find the schools. 

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: It is a good time to fish below the Saylorville and downtown dams. Jigs tipped with twister tails and/or minnows work best. The best walleye fishing will be through April if flows do not get too high. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing with dead shad has been good in the river from Saylorville through downtown Des Moines. 

Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Fair: A good catfishing opportunity is occurring as the catfish feed on winter killed gizzard shad.Fish dead shad under a bobber or on the bottom from the shoreline the wind is blowing into. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek Lake will offer good early spring crappie fishing in the upper end as water temperatures warm.

Lake Anita
As water temperatures warm, crappies will move into the pontoon area of the lake.

Lake Manawa
Warm sunny days offer good crappie fishing in the canals. Lake Manawa is also a good destination for early spring catfishing. White Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in the canals. Warm sunny days are best. Channel Catfish - No Report: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides or cut bait. Channel catfish in Manawa are all sizes. 

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie.

Viking Lake
Find early spring crappies in the campground arm and behind the pontoon area. 

There has been little fishing activity this week in the southwest district. Fishing reports will resume once open water angling begins. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 19 inches using tube jigs fished along the silt dams. 

Summit Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with tube jigs fished along the HWY 25 causeway. 

Lakes in the Mount Ayr district are 100% ice free. Water temperature in most district lakes is about 42 degrees F. Limited fishing activity observed this week. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.