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.