Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
The lake is ice free. Bluegill - Fair: Use waxworms and crawlers fished under a bobber from the floating dock and along Ice House Point shoreline. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie from the floating dock in Town Bay and along Ice House Point shoreline using minnows and crawlers suspended below a bobber. 

Brushy Creek Lake
The lake is ice free. More reports will be available as we receive them. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Immediately after ice out is a good time to target channel catfish along shore using cut bait. Walleye - Fair:  Use twisters, minnows or leeches from shore.  Expect walleye shore angling action to pick within the next week with increasing water temperatures. 

Look for shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures slowly warm. More reports will be available as more anglers get out on open water. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended.  

Shell Rock River (above Greene)
Water levels are rising slowly. Walleye and northern pike are starting to bite.   

Winnebago River
Northern pike and walleyes are starting to bite. Try fishing the slack water below a dam or where a creek dumps in to the river. Use live chubs or crank baits. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill action is reported off the south ramp (Hwy 71) in 8 feet of water.  Sorting is needed. Best action is early evening hours. Yellow baas, perch and crappie are also mixed in the catch. 

Spirit Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of yellow perch action on the south end of the lake. Best action is early morning and evening with a jig tipped with a minnow head. Black Crappie - Fair: Report of crappie and bluegill from the Templar Park area. 

West Okoboji Lake
Limited fishing activity; the majority of the anglers are focusing on the north end of the lake. Foot traffic only on the Iowa Great Lakes.  Access areas are soft with "rubber or water proof boots" needed to get through the slush.

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Open water fishing is around the corner. Large chunks of free-floating ice are causing hazardous boating conditions. Walleye - Good: Use a worm hooked in a worm harness or a jig tipped with twister tail fished below the dams. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are catching catfish using a big hook loaded with nightcrawlers. 

Decorah District Streams
Catchable trout stocking starts April 2 – check out this year’s trout stream stocking calendar. Plan a trip to your favorite trout stream. Most of snow is gone. Gravel roads and parking areas are rough and mushy as the frost comes out.  Brook Trout - Good: Early morning is a good time to catch a brookie. Use a streamer to mimic minnows or subsurface flies like scuds or pheasant tail nymphs. Brown Trout - Good: Melt water and run-off inputs drive Brown Trout into a feeding frenzy. Use small midge, caddis, or flashy streamer patterns. Rainbow Trout - Good: Catch a post-spawn Rainbow Trout below a riffle. Float a feathered spinner or crankbait past a hungry mouth and hang on. 

Lake Hendricks
Ice fishing not recommended. 

Lake Meyer
Ice fishing not recommended. Anglers have not been out. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Upper Iowa is mostly ice-free. Anglers are finding fish below the dams and in deeper holes. Walleye - Good: Use jigs with twister tails and crankbaits. White Sucker - Fair: Anglers report suckers are starting to hit. 

Volga Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. Open water around edges. 

Rain Friday night, turning to snow Saturday. Temperatures in the upper 30s for highs, but dipping below freezing at night. Rivers and streams are fishable. Ice covers most lakes, but it is not safe to walk on. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of a few walleye being caught on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer Counties. Anglers have also been successful on northern pike in Black Hawk County. Walleye – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. Northern Pike - Fair: Float a live chub or shiner under a bobber in slack water areas off of the main current break. 

Manchester District Streams
Trout Streams are in excellent condition. Use streamers, jigs, and crankbaits. With spring like temperatures, there have been good afternoon hatches. Brown Trout - Good: Browns can be easier to catch on days where the water color is stained. Rainbow Trout – Slow. Brook Trout – Slow.  

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been a few reports of anglers catching walleye on the Maquoketa River; river levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been a few reports of anglers catching walleye on the Shell Rock River; river levels remain good for walleye angling opportunities. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been reports of anglers catching walleye on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow; concentrate on areas of deeper open water. 

Eastern Iowa rivers are open; open water angling opportunities are available on the Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa. Area trout streams are in excellent condition. Anglers are beginning to catch walleye as the spring walleye spawn approaches. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 8.21 feet and is expected to rise slowly over the next week.Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Walleye - Good: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and should be actively feeding. Troll three way rigs with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better; many 10+ inch fish are being reported. Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen about a foot at 16.2 feet and is expected to rise slowly and level off over the next week. Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Tailwaters are concentrating a lot of active fish right now. Walleye- Good: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and the bite is picking up in the tailwaters. Troll three way rigs with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better along the shorelines in the tailwaters; many 10+ inch fish are being reported. Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up in the tailwaters as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen about a foot at 7.7 feet is expected to rise slowly over the next week. Many overwintering fish are still in backwaters, but starting to move out as temperatures warm. Tailwaters are concentrating a lot of active fish right now.  Walleye - Fair: Walleye are a couple of weeks away from spawning and the bite is picking up in the tailwaters. Troll three way rigs with crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch bite is getting better along the shorelines in the tailwaters; many 10+ inch fish are being reported.  Sauger - Good: Sauger bite is picking up in the tailwaters as fish are in pre-spawn feeding mode. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike should be spawning soon, but some nice pike have been caught on live bait. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are slowly starting to rise as the spring thaw continues. Most backwater areas are now free of ice with water temperatures slowly climbing into the lower 40's. Spring fishing is starting to get better as water temperatures warm up.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are rising and are 7.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and the RR bridge is 9.7 feet. The water will continue to rise this upcoming week. The channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. Yellow Perch - Good: Several reports scattered around the pool, but mostly from the tailwater. Northern Pike - Fair: More reports of northern pike being picked up by tailwater anglers. Some of the melted backwaters also may see some pike angling. Walleye - Good: Some scattered reports of walleyes being taken in the tailwaters and more along wing dams. Some nice slot fish are being are being seen every week. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 7.9 feet and are rising. Both Bellevue City ramp and the DNR ramp are open, but no courtesy dock available yet at the DNR ramp. Paddlefish season is now underway. Please review the Paddlefishing regulations. The channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch of all sizes are being caught in the tailwaters.  Paddlefish - Slow: Some paddlefish were caught early; now only an occasional fish is reported. Sauger - Good: Hit or miss. Some good reports of nice sauger. Most are being taken on minnow rigs. Walleye – Good: Nice slot fish still being reported.  Minnow and jig or pulling crank baits are the most popular strategies. Northern Pike - Fair: Tailwater anglers report catching a few northern pike. They will be preparing to spawn soon. They are a little late in spawning this year and as of yet have not spent their eggs. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are 7.8 feet at Fulton, 10.8 feet at Camanche and 5.7 feet at LeClaire. This is up a bit from last week.  The water temperature is around 42 degrees.
Paddlefish season season is underway;  please review the Paddlefishing regulations. Ramps are open and ready for use. Paddlefish - Slow: Good fishing seen early in the season; it has slowed greatly. Sauger - Fair: Lots of good reports mixed with some anglers having troubles catching sauger. Most anglers are using minnow rigs. Walleye - Fair: Not many being caught, but reports of some very nice sized fish. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are falling and are 8.8 feet at Rock Island. This is up from last week; conditions should remain favorable for angling this week. 

River levels are rising slowly throughout the district. Water levels are still very conducive to angling! Some ice is still reported in Pool 12 in a few backwaters. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.05 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising. Tailwater fishing is being reported as slow. Sauger - Slow: A few saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits. Black Crappie - Slow: Fishing has been slow in Sunset Marina for crappies. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.87 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers is being reported as slow. Sauger - Slow: Try fishing with jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs and stick baits. White Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in Big Timber. Try fishing with minnows or plastics around brush piles. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.45 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.17 feet at Lock and Dam 19 above Burlington and is rising. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.  

River stages have been on the rise the past few days with the recent rains and snow melt. Main channel water temperature is around 42 degrees. Tailwater fishing has been reported as being slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Not a lot of angler activity on the lake.  Water temperature has gotten up to the low 40's during some of the warmer days. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass are starting to be picked up in the shallower water close to the deeper water. The bass are staying just at the edge of the deeper water most of the time. 

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The trout stocked last Friday were a little slow to bite, but started to bite after about 1/2 hour.  Still plenty of them left to be caught. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: This small pond with easy access makes it easy to move around and find the trout.  Concentrate your efforts on the corners of the pond. Brook Trout – Excellent.  

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is hovering around 40 degrees. The weather seems to be keeping all but the die-hard anglers off the water.  Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass are being caught in deeper water out among the flooded trees. 

Lake Darling
Very little angler activity. The docks at the boat ramps are in. Water temperature is up to 40 degrees in the afternoons, upper 30's most of the rest of the time. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few small bass are being caught. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are starting to catch a few crappies. 

Lake Geode
Drained for the renovation project. With the warmer weather, the bottom of the lake will thaw out and get soft again; use caution when walking around on the bottom of the lake. 

Lake of the Hills
When the weather gets nice, get out to Lake of the Hills and catch some really nice trout. Brook Trout - Excellent: The brook trout were the first to bite after they got off the stocking truck and should still be biting.  Work out to about 4 foot of water; key in on the stumps and logs out at that depth. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The rainbows were a little slower than the brook trout to start hitting, but about 1/2 hour in they picked up.  Nice size fish averaging a little over 1/2 pound each. 

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is in the upper 30's. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Work the flooded trees in shallow water during the sunny warmer days and out deeper around the trees during the rest of the time. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies are still hanging out around the flooded timber in deeper water. 

Wilson Lake
A good number of anglers were out last Friday for the Spring Trout Release; there are still plenty of trout left to catch.  Both Brook and Rainbows were stocked. Brook Trout - Excellent: The trout are still going to be in pretty shallow.  Look for them around the brush piles, stumps, and culvert piles that you can see from shore. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Work the shallower habitat and you should be able to find the rainbows. 

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

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Benton County has had the best reports so far. Walleye - Good: Jigs and crankbaits work well. Northern Pike - Fair: Some nice fish are being picked up. 

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained and undergoing a lake renovation project. It will be completed this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4 feet. At this level, boating above the Lake Macbride Park ramp is not advised. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish have been caught on cut shad or shad guts under the 965/380 bridges and in the channel of the main lake. 

Diamond Lake
The boat dock is always in. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish jigs over brush piles. Most fish are 8-9 inches. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The water temperature is hovering around 40 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project. It is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2019. 

Lake Macbride
The lake temperature is around 40 degrees. The boat docks are in, but the fish cleaning stations are not available yet.  Walleye – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow.

Otter Creek Lake
The boat dock and T-dock at the north end are in. No fishing reports are available. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 8 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is open and the boat dock is in. Use caution when launching and boating at this water level. Water temperatures this week were in the low 40's. Walleye - Slow: Some fish are being caught in deep water. Fish taken from 20+ feet often do not survive as their air bladders expand out of their mouth. Muskellunge - Slow: A couple fish were reported this past week. 

Prairie Park Fishery
1500 trout will be stocked here this Saturday, March 31st at 10 a.m. Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.  

Terry Trueblood Lake
2000 trout will be stocked here on Friday, March 30th at 11 a.m. Last weekend's stocking was cancelled due to weather. Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.  

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on jigs below the dams. 

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

Lake Sugema
Try using cut bait for channel catfish. 

Lake Wapello
Use cut bait on the windblown shorelines to catch channel catfish this time of year. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout are scheduled to be stocked this Friday, March 30th at Noon.  There will be a family trout fishing event this Saturday, March 31st from 8:00 a.m. until noon. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.66 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The campgrounds are closed. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use shad sides or cut bait on the windblown shorelines. 

Red Haw Lake
Try cut bait for channel catfish.  Target shorelines with the wind blowing in. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast small in-line spinners, spoons, twister tail or tube jigs and live minnows or waxworms under a bobber. Find trout in the north and south sections of the lake; move around to find the schools. 

Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: The spring trout stocking will be Saturday April 7th at 11:00 a.m.  Use inline spinners, small casting spoons, 1/8 ounce or smaller jigs with twister tails, and waxworms or minnows under a bobber. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Some anglers are starting to catch walleyes off points and rip rap shorelines in the mid and lower lake.  They are being caught on jig and twister tails, jig and minnow, or slow trolling minnow rigs. 

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: It is a good time to fish below the Saylorville and downtown dams. Jigs tipped with twister tails and/or minnows work best. The best walleye fishing will be through April if flows do not get too high. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing with dead shad has been good in the river from Saylorville through downtown Des Moines. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek Lake will offer good early spring crappie fishing in the upper end as water temperatures warm.

Lake Anita
As water temperatures warm, crappies will move into the pontoon area of the lake.

Lake Manawa
Warm sunny days offer good crappie fishing in the canals. Lake Manawa is also a good destination for early spring catfishing. White Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in the canals. Warm sunny days are best. Channel Catfish - No Report: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides or cut bait. Channel catfish in Manawa are all sizes. 

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing this spring. The lake has quality sized bluegills and  crappies are acceptable size. Target the brush piles.   

Viking Lake
Find early spring crappies in the campground arm and behind the pontoon area. A few bass are being caught in the deeper brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles. 

There has been little fishing activity this week in the southwest district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 19 inches using crankbaits fished along the silt dams and rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the roadbed. 

Lakes in the Mount Ayr district are 100% ice free. Water temperature in most district lakes is about 43 degrees F. Limited fishing activity observed this week. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 41 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use waxworms and crawlers in Town Bay. Most action has been in Town Bay and along Ice House Point, the floating dock, and from the inlet bridge. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch have been picked up from the floating dock in Town Bay and from the inlet bridge. Black Crappie - Fair: Use crawlers and minnows fished from shore and from the floating dock. Walleye - Slow: Expect walleye shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures gradually warm. Fish a minnow or leech under a bobber or throw a twister along the Ice House Point shoreline, North Shore, and East Shore near the outlet. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperature is around 40 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Throw twisters or fish minnows under a bobber from the state marina. Expect good walleye action along the east and north shores as water temperatures continue to climb.White Bass - Fair: Anglers are having luck fishing from shore on the east side and from the marina. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie from the marina using minnows and a twister. 

Some western Iowa lakes are providing good shore fishing action. Water temperatures are in the low 40's. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Beeds Lake is ice free. 

Clear Lake
Clear Lake is about 75 percent ice free. The boat ramp at city beach is accessible. 

Lake Cornelia
Lake Cornelia is ice free. The docks at the boat ramp are in. 

Lower Pine Lake
The docks at the boat ramp are in. 

Shell Rock River (above Greene)
River levels are up. Try fishing the slack water areas below a dam with live bait. 

Upper Pine Lake
The docks at the boat ramp are in. 

Winnebago River
River levels are rising with the melting snow. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Ice out brings excellent channel catfish fishing as catfish go on a feeding frenzy. There is open water at the spillway and bridges; Lower Gar Lake has extensive open water. Fish these areas for some early "pole bending” action. 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Walleye - Fair: Numbers of fish are reported caught. 

Lakes remain ice covered. Very limited fishing activity on the Iowa Great Lakes. Forecasted warmer temperatures will help melt the ice. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water clarity is poor. Water levels are stable, but will rise with snow melt. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information.  

Decorah District Streams
Catchable trout are stocked in all streams as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Plan a trip to your favorite trout stream. Check out this year’s trout stream stocking calendar. Trout country received 6-12 inches of snow. Most snow covered roads should melt quickly when the sun comes out. Fun in snow covered woods continues for hearty trout anglers. Brook Trout - Good: Use a streamer to mimic minnows or subsurface flies like scuds or pheasant tail nymphs. Brown Trout - Good: Melt water and run-off inputs drive Brown Trout into a feeding frenzy. Use small midge, caddis, or flashy streamer patterns. Rainbow Trout - Good: Float a feathered spinner or crankbait past a freshly stocked fish. A piece of worm under a bobber also works in the deeper holes.

Lake Hendricks
Few anglers have been out. 

Lake Meyer
Anglers have not been out. Water is off color with recent snow event and melt water. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is poor. Water levels are up, but currently stable. Conditions could change fast depending on snow melt. Water temperatures were low 40. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are relatively stable, but clarity is poor. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. 

Volga Lake
Few anglers have been out. Docks are in. 

Temperatures reaching upper 50s for highs, dipping into 30's at night. Cooler nights will help slow the snow melt. Our area received 6-12 inches of snow on Wednesday. Turbid conditions on area rivers and streams. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
River levels remain high and muddy. Backwater areas may produce some catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait. 

Heritage Pond
Heritage Pond was stocked last Saturday, April 14th with both rainbow and brook trout. Trout fishing should be good; the weather forecast looks to be more of average seasonal temperatures next week. Brook Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Rainbow Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and even an occasional trout on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. The river remains up a bit, but clarity is not bad. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait fished on the bottom. 

North Prairie Lake
North Prairie Lake was stocked last Saturday, April 14th with both rainbow and brook trout. Trout fishing should be good; the weather forecast looks to be more of average seasonal temperatures next week.  Brook Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Rainbow Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River has been high and muddy, but is starting to drop in water levels. No fishing reports for this week. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports on the Wapsipinicon River as the river continues to rise and remains muddy. It may the perfect time to try for some catfish on the backwater areas of the river. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait fished on the bottom. 

Few fishing report this past week as winter will not let go of its grasp. Interior river levels have been on the rise and conditions are muddy with the snow melt. Trout stream stockings continue and streams remain in good condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen nearly a foot with a steady rise predicted this week. Water temperature is 36 degrees. Look for backwaters and areas of lesser current away from the main channel that concentrate fish. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are still in spawning areas along the rocky shorelines and near the tailwaters of the dam. Expect the bite to pick up again once temperatures rise. Sauger - Slow: Sauger are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Northern Pike - Slow: Pike spawn is ending; anglers report catching some nice pike with live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has come up several feet to 18.8 feet with a slow steady rise expected.. Water temperature is 36 degrees. Look for backwaters and areas of lesser current away from the main channel that concentrate fish. Walleye- Slow: Walleye are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are still in spawning areas along the rocky shorelines and near the tailwaters of the dam. Expect the bite to pick up again once temperatures rise. Sauger - Slow: Sauger are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Northern Pike -  Slow: Pike spawn is ending; anglers report catching some nice pike with live bait.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen two feet at 10.3 feet with a slow steady rise this week. The gates are all up at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 36 degrees. Look for backwaters and areas of lesser current away from the main channel that concentrate fish. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are still in spawning areas along the rocky shorelines and near the tailwaters of the dam. Expect the bite to pick up again once temperatures rise. Sauger - Slow: Sauger are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Northern Pike - Slow: Pike spawn is ending; anglers report catching some nice pike with live bait.

The Upper Mississippi River is on the rise with heavy snowfalls and melting. Water clarity is diminishing as levels rise. The bite has slowed with water temperature staying unseasonably cold near 36 degrees. Expect a fast warm-up and increase in fish activity as temperatures rise.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are rising at 9.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and the RR bridge is 11.5 feet. Levels are up from last week and will continue to rise all week. The channel water temperature is still only around 39 degrees. Yellow Perch - No Report: Some scattered reports of ring perch catches earlier, but not many people out fishing for them. Northern Pike - No Report: The pike spawn is late this year due to the weather; they might be still spawning some. Once done, pike can go on a good bite. Try flashy spinners. Walleye - Slow: Fishing has been good at times for walleye and sauger this spring, but poor weather is limiting activity and slowing the spawning season. Some walleyes may still be spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 10.3 feet and rising. Both Bellevue City ramp and the DNR ramp are open, but no courtesy dock is available yet at the DNR ramp. Paddlefish season is over for the year. The channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is closed for the year. Sauger - Slow: Hit or miss. Some reports of sauger being caught. Most are being taken on minnow rigs. Walleye – Slow: Nice slot fish are still being reported, but fishing is slow. Minnow with a jig or pulling crank baits are the most popular strategies. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are 9.7 feet at Fulton, 12.6 feet at Camanche and 7.3 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 41 degrees. Paddlefish season is now closed for the year. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is closed for the year. Sauger - Slow: Just not many people out walleye or sauger fishing in the cold weather. Both species are still spawning due to the extended cold water season. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 9.8 feet at Rock Island. Water levels are up from last week and will be on a steady rise this upcoming week. Conditions are still favorable for angling. 

The River levels will be rising this upcoming week. Water conditions are conducive to angling, but the weather has not been. Paddlefish season is closed for the year.  If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 9.85 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been rising the past few days. There has been some walleye and sauger fishing in Sylvan Slough. Sauger - Slow:Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 8.29 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been rising the past few days. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Try fishing fishing in the tailwaters with jigs and minnows or pulling three-way rigs and stick baits. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes in the tailwaters or down by GPC. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 9.98 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. The gates are out of the water at the dam. River stage is forecasted to reach 11.9 feet over the weekend. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 6.39 feet at Lock and Dam 19 above Burlington and is rising. River stage is forecasted to reach 8.2 feet over the weekend. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

River stages have been on the rise the past few days. Main channel water temperature dropped to 41 degrees; water clarity has been fair. We have not received much for fishing reports this week. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is holding around 44 degrees. Just need some warm days to get it going up to normal. Very little angler activity because of the weather. 

Lake Belva Deer
Cold, windy weather with a little snow is keeping most anglers away. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few are getting picked up in the deeper water. Try on the upper end of the lake around the mounds. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature is holding in the low 40's. Water clarity is pretty good, except when the wind stirs the lake bottom up. Black Crappie - Slow: A few anglers have been catching some crappies out in deeper water over the habitat. 

Lost Grove Lake
A few anglers have been out. Cold, windy weather doesn't make for the best fishing weather. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most angler trips are pretty short, but they are picking up some bass out around the deeper habitat. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4 feet. Boating above Lake Macbride Park is not recommended at this water level. Channel Catfish - Slow. White Crappie – Slow. 

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Fishing had been slow, but it should pick up as the weather warms. Try small jigs fished around the rock jetties or brush piles. Most fish are 8-9 inches. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project. It is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2019. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are in the mid 40's. All boat docks are in. All motor sizes may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Slow: Try fishing jigs or minnows over deeper brush. There are lots of 10-12 inch crappies. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being caught. A shallow water bite should improve as things warm up. Cast jigs or stick baits to windblown banks. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 7-8 inches low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. 

Prairie Park Fishery
500 additional trout will be stocked here this Saturday, April 21 at 10:30. There will be a family fishing event held in conjunction with the stocking. 1500 trout had previously been stocked here on March 31. Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Try small jigs, spinners, live bait or artificial scented baits. Brook Trout – Fair.  

Sand Lake
2000 trout will be stocked here this Saturday, April 21 at 11:00. There will be a family fishing event held in conjunction with the stocking. Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Try small jigs, spinners, live bait or artificial scented baits. Brook Trout - Excellent: Try small jigs, spinners, live bait or artificial scented baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Some fish are being caught on warmer days. 

Terry Trueblood Lake
You must have a fishing license and trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Brook Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.  

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

Lake Sugema
Try using cut bait for channel catfish. The water temperature is in the low 40's. 

Lake Wapello
Use cut bait on the windblown shorelines to catch channel catfish this time of year. Catch largemouth bass around brush piles. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on March 30th. Try small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners or casting spoons. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.66 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The water temperature is in the low 40's. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use shad sides or cut bait on the windblown shorelines. 

Red Haw Lake
Try cut bait near shorelines with the wind blowing in for channel catfish. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout were stocked on April 7th. Use inline spinners, small casting spoons, 1/8 ounce or smaller jigs with twister tails, and waxworms or minnows under a bobber. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Some anglers are starting to catch walleyes off points and rip rap shorelines in the mid and lower lake. They are being caught on jig and twister tails, jig and minnow, or slow trolling minnow rigs. 

More Central Iowa reports will resume when warmer weather brings anglers back out. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek Lake will offer good early spring crappie fishing in the upper end as water temperatures warm.

Lake Anita
Crappies were caught this week at Lake Anita. As water temperatures warm, crappies will move into the pontoon area of the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast a jig two feet under a bobber in the pontoon area of the lake. Limits of crappie are being taken on warm sunny days. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality size bluegills are being caught. 

Lake Manawa
Warm sunny days offer good crappie fishing in the canals. Lake Manawa is also a good destination for early spring catfishing. White Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in the canals. Warm sunny days are best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides or cut bait. Channel catfish in Manawa are all sizes. 

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing this spring. The lake has quality sized bluegills and  crappies are acceptable size. Target the brush piles.   

Viking Lake
Find early spring crappies in the campground arm and behind the pontoon area. A few bass are being caught in the deeper brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles. 

Anglers can catch crappie on the right day. Reports of limits taken on warm sunny days. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 19 inches using crankbaits fished along the silt dams and rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the dam. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. 

Lakes in the Mount Ayr district are 100% ice free. Water temperature in most district lakes is about 45 degrees. Limited fishing activity observed this week. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid 50's. Expect fishing to pick back up as water continues to warm. Bluegill - Fair: Use waxworms and crawlers in the marina. Action has slowed a bit, but a few have been picked up in Town Bay, along Ice House Point and from the inlet bridge. Black Crappie - Slow: Use crawlers and minnows fished from shore and the floating dock. Walleye - Slow: Expect walleye shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures gradually warm. Fish a minnow or leech under a bobber or throw a twister along the Ice House Point shoreline, North Shore, and East Shore near the outlet. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperature is in the mid 50's. Walleye - Fair: Throw twisters or fish minnows under a bobber from the state marina. Decent walleye action along the north shore near Chautauqua Park. White Bass - Fair: Anglers are having luck fishing from shore on the east side and from the marina. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie from the marina using minnows and a twister. 

Action should pick up as water temperatures continue to warm up. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Beeds Lake is ice free. 

Clear Lake
Clear Lake is about 95 percent ice free. Water temperature is 46 degrees. The docks are in at the city beach ramp and the Island boat ramp. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting in the cannels and fishing off the jetties. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are starting to bite near the outlet. Best time to fish is after sunset. Be aware - DNR staff have nets set in this area. 

Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake is about 95 percent ice free. 

Lake Cornelia
Lake Cornelia is ice free. The docks at the boat ramp are in. 

Lower Pine Lake
The docks at the boat ramp are in. 

Upper Pine Lake
The docks at the boat ramp are in. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Ice out brings excellent channel catfish fishing as catfish go on a feeding frenzy. The north end of the lake and bridges has extensive open water. Fish these areas for some early "pole bending” action. 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Silver Lake is open. Report of boat traffic last weekend. Walleye - Fair: Numbers of fish are reported caught. 

Ice is receding from the Iowa Great Lakes. Open water exists at the bridges and the north end of East Okoboji, Minnewashta, Upper and Lower Gar Lakes. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water clarity is improving slowly. Water levels up but stable. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - No Report: Walleye bite slowed down a lot with rise and low visibility. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs fished on bottom. 

Decorah District Streams
Area trout streams are in good condition. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Plan a trip to your favorite trout stream. Check out this year’s trout stream stocking calendar. Brook Trout - Good: Use a streamer to mimic minnows or subsurface flies like scuds or pheasant tail nymphs. Brown Trout - Good: Insect hatches are on the rise, especially in the afternoons. Use small midge, caddis, or flashy streamer patterns. Rainbow Trout - Good: Float a feathered spinner or crankbait past a freshly stocked fish. A piece of worm under a bobber also works in the deeper holes.

Lake Hendricks
Ice went off earlier this week. Water levels are up and the water is off color. Black Crappie - No Report: The bite should improve as water temperature warms. 

Lake Meyer
Anglers are out, but the bite is slow. The boat dock is out. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is poor, but improving. Water is bank full, but is currently stable. Water temperatures are rising. White Sucker - Slow: Bite should improve with warmer temperatures. Use worms fished on the bottom. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are relatively stable, but clarity is poor. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. 

Volga Lake
Anglers are enjoying the sun and dunking worms. Docks are in. Black Crappie - Slow: Shallow, warmer areas are more productive. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use a shallow jerk bait with slow retrieve. 

Spring is finally here - just in time for the weekend. Temperatures are reaching low 60s for highs, staying above freezing at night. Turbid and high water levels on area rivers and streams. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
River levels remain high and muddy. Anglers are very well catching channel catfish.  Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use cut bait. 

Heritage Pond
Heritage Pond was stocked April 14th with both rainbow and brook trout. Trout fishing should be good; the weather forecast looks to be more of average seasonal temperatures next week. Brook Trout - Fair: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and even an occasional trout on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. The river remains up a bit, but clarity is not bad. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait fished on the bottom. 

North Prairie Lake
Reports of anglers catching trout. Trout fishing should be good; the weather forecast looks to be more of average seasonal temperatures next week.  Brook Trout - Fair: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast artificial crankbaits. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River has been high and muddy, but is starting to drop in water levels. No fishing reports for this week. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports on the Wapsipinicon River as the river continues to rise and remains muddy. It may the perfect time to try for some catfish on the backwater areas of the river. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait fished on the bottom. 

Few fishing report this past week as interior rivers are high and muddy from recent precipitation.  Trout stream stockings continue and streams remain in good condition. There have been few reports of crappie being caught on area lakes. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is still rising at 10.4 feet and is expected to reach 13.4 feet this week.  Water temperature is near 50 degrees. Look for backwaters and areas of lesser current away from the main channel that concentrate fish. Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite should pick up after spawning. Look for alternate areas to fish as the tailwaters have a lot of current.  Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are still in spawning areas along the rocky shorelines and near the tailwaters of the dam. Expect the bite to pick up again once temperatures rise. Sauger - Slow: Sauger are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Northern Pike - Slow: Pike spawn is ending; anglers report catching some nice pike with live bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has come up several feet to 20.1 feet with a steady rise to 23.6 feet expected. Water temperature is 51 degrees. Look for backwaters and areas of lesser current away from the main channel that concentrate fish. Walleye- Fair: Walleye bite should pick up after spawning. Look for alternate areas to fish as the tailwaters have a lot of current. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are still in spawning areas along the rocky shorelines and near the tailwaters of the dam. Expect the bite to pick up again once temperatures rise. Sauger - Fair: Sauger are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Northern Pike -  Fair: Pike spawn is ending; anglers report catching some nice pike with live bait.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 11.1 feet with a steady rise to 14.6 feet predicted. The gates are all up at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 51 degrees. Look for backwaters and areas of lesser current away from the main channel that concentrate fish. Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite should pick up after spawning. Look for alternate areas to fish as the tailwaters have a lot of current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are still in spawning areas along the rocky shorelines and near the tailwaters of the dam. Expect the bite to pick up again once temperatures rise. Sauger - Fair: Sauger are in spawning mode, but the recent cool down in water temperatures will prolong the spawn. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike spawn is ending; anglers report catching some nice pike with live bait.

The Upper Mississippi River is on the rise with snow-melt from up north. Water clarity is diminishing as levels rise. The bite has improved this week with water temperatures jumping into the 50's. Expect a fast warm-up and increase in fish activity as temperatures rise.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are rising and presently at 9.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 11.5 feet at the RR Bridge. Levels are up from last week, and will continue to rise all week. The channel water temperature is around 46 degrees. Yellow Perch - No Report: Some scattered reports of ring perch catches earlier, but not many people out fishing for them. Northern Pike - No Report: The pike spawn is late this year due to the weather; they might be still spawning some. Once done, pike can go on a good bite. Try flashy spinners. Walleye - Fair: Fishing picked up a bit this week. Most anglers are using crankbaits. Some walleyes may still be spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 10.8 feet and are rising. Both Bellevue City ramp and the DNR ramp are open, but no courtesy dock is available yet at the DNR ramp. Paddlefish season is over for the year. The channel water temperature is around 48 degrees. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is closed for the year. Sauger - Slow: Hit or miss. Some reports of sauger being caught. Most are being taken on minnow rigs. Walleye – Fair: Nice slot fish are occasionally reported, but fishing is slow. Pulling crank baits is the most consistent method. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Expect the bite for bass and panfish to really start to pick up this week. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are 9.7 feet at Fulton, 12.6 feet at Camanche and 7.3 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 50 degrees. Paddlefish season is now closed. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is closed for the year. Walleye - Slow: Walleye had an extended spawn on the Mississippi River this year. Some are being taken on crankbaits mostly in the tailwater area. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Expect the largemouth bass fishing to really pick up this week. Fish the newly flooded areas in the backwaters as the water rises this week. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 9.8 feet at Rock Island. Water levels are up from last week and will be on a steady rise this upcoming week. Conditions are still favorable for angling. 

Expect a significant water rise this week throughout the district. Water temperatures have reached 50 degrees in some places. Paddlefish season is closed for the year.  If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.71 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been rising the past few days. There has been some walleye and sauger fishing in Sylvan Slough. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough with jigs and plastics. Try fishing around the outflows by the power dam and Arsenal Dam. White Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or minnows under a bobber in Sunset Marina. Bluegill - Fair: Use waxworms under a bobber in Sunset Marina. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.46 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been rising the past few days. River stage is forecasted to reach 12.3 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes in the tailwaters or down by GPC. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits. White Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters. Use jigs and plastics or minnows under a bobber in Big Timber or Cleveland Slough. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.27 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. The gates are out of the water at the dam. River stage is forecasted to reach 13.6 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. White Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters. Try jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber around brush piles. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.47 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is rising. River stage is forecasted to reach 9 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

River stages have been on the rise the past few days. Main channel water temperature has risen to 52-53 degrees. We have not received much for fishing reports this week. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is up to 50 degrees the last couple of days. Just need some warm days to get it going up to normal. Very little angler activity because of the weather. 

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Still plenty of trout left from this Spring’s stocking. Pick a nice warm days and go catch a limit. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water warming up a little, but the fishing remains slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few are getting picked up in the deeper water. Try on the upper end of the lake around the mounds. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature is up to 54 degrees after several days of 70 degree weather. Water clarity is good 6+ feet. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to move to shallow water to feed. The spawn is still several weeks out. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch bass in shallower water. Still have to work them pretty slow. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching some nice stringers of catfish, mostly using nightcrawlers. 

Lost Grove Lake
A few anglers have been out. Cold, windy weather doesn't make for the best fishing weather. Largemouth Bass - Slow: With the warmer weather, the bass are starting to move in shallower to feed. Work the rip rap and jetties on the North side of the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to move shallow to feed; concentrate efforts on the North side bays and along the rip rap where the water is warmest. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4 feet. Boating above Lake Macbride Park is not recommended at this water level. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try cut bait in the channel; above Mehaffey bridge is best. White Crappie – Slow. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the rock jetties or brush piles. Most fish are 8-9 inches. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50's. All boat docks are in. All motor sizes may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Some fish have moved to shallow structure while others remain over deeper trees. There are lots of 10-12 inch crappies in the system. Walleye - Slow: Smaller males are still in the shallows for the spawn, while most females are deeper, waiting to spawn or recovering from spawning. Fishing should improve once the spawn is done. 

Otter Creek Lake
Not much fishing activity here yet. The fish cleaning station should be open for the weekend. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 7-8 inches low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Water tempertures this week were in the low 50's. Walleye – Slow. Muskellunge – Slow.

Prairie Park Fishery
Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try small jigs, spinners, live bait or artificial scented baits. Brook Trout – Fair.  

Sand Lake
Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Rainbow Trout - Good: Worms work best. Brook Trout - Good. Black Crappie - Fair. 

Terry Trueblood Lake
You must have a fishing license and trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Brook Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.  

Union Grove Lake
The lake was refilled in the spring of 2016 and restocked at that time. Most fish are smaller, but some adult fish were also added. All docks are in. A few people have been fishing here, but no catches reported. 

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

Lake Sugema
The water temperature is in the mid to upper 40's. Walleye - Slow: Use jig and minnow combinations in areas with rip-rapped shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait along the windblown shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try spinnerbaits around the cedar tree piles. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on March 30th. Try small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners or casting spoons. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.66 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The water temperature is in the upper 40's. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use shad sides or cut bait on the windblown shorelines. 

Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Slow: Use cut bait along the windblown shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use spinnerbaits or rubber worms in the shorelines, they will warm first in the spring. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught off points and rip rap shorelines in the mid and lower lake. Use jig and twister tails, jig and minnow, or slow trolling minnow rigs. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly troll or drift small twister tails mid-lake or just out from the east shoreline. Expect to fish through some 5-7 inch fish for the 9-10 inchers. 

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie - Fair: Cast twister tails or minnows under a bobber around the rock jetties, fish house and trail bridge. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds can offer good spring fishing. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are still in a winter pattern and can be caught around deep structure. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are getting active before the spawning period. Look for them just off shore and around shallow structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: As the water temperature warms, bass become very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish feed heavily in the spring on dead fish. Use cut bait or shad sides in the windy shorelines. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek Lake will offer good early spring crappie fishing in the upper end as water temperatures warm.

Lake Anita
Crappie fishing should get good this week in the pontoon arm of the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast a jig two feet under a bobber in the pontoon area of the lake. Limits of crappie are being taken on warm sunny days. Bluegill - Slow: A few quality size bluegills are being caught. 

Lake Manawa
Warm sunny days offer good crappie fishing in the canals. Lake Manawa is also a good destination for early spring catfishing. White Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught in the canals. Warm sunny days are best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides or cut bait. Channel catfish in Manawa are all sizes. 

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing this spring. The lake has quality sized bluegills and crappies are acceptable size. Target the brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught around the jetties and in tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Find early spring crappies in the campground arm and behind the pontoon area. A few bass are being caught in the deeper brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught behind the pontoon boats fishing a minnow under a bobber. White Crappie - Slow: An angler reports catching a few large white crappies in deep brush piles and around underwater reefs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles. 

Fishing should pick up with temperatures forecasted to warm over the weekend and next week. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow or trolling along the dam. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Lakes in the Mount Ayr district are 100% ice free. Water temperature in most district lakes is is in the upper 40's to low 50's. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Clark Lake (Mike Zack W.A.)
Northern Pike and Largemouth are biting on crankbaits and soft plastic baits. 

Clear Lake
Water temperature is 62 degrees. The docks are in at all the boat ramps. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting. Use a small jig or a minnow in the rush beds and areas with vegetation. Walleye - Good: Try a slip bobber and leeches fished in the rocky reefs. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellows bass are moving into the shallow rocky areas to spawn. Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler or cut bait in the early morning. Channel Catfish - Fair: With recent rains, any spot where water is entering the lake is worth trying for catfish. Fish a dead chub or crawlers on the bottom. The best bite is late evening. 

Crystal Lake
Water temperature is 62 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use nightcrawlers fished from shore. Walleye – Slow. Black Bullhead - Fair: Try nightcrawlers fished from shore. Bluegill – Slow. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use traditional baits in the evening. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers report a panfish bite of bluegill and crappie from docks; sorting is needed. Walleye - Good: Report of anglers catching fish from the south end; best bite during the evening hours. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye are being caught close to shore. Try fishing from a dock or wader fishing after dark. Black Crappie - Good: Reports of crappie and yellow perch being caught. Fish shallow water areas such as the canal. Yellow Bass - Fair: Report of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Walleye - Fair: Report of large fish being caught during the late evening hours. Cast a white twister for the best action. Black Bullhead - Good: Good action reported of angler acceptable sized fish. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some activity reported. 

Spirit Lake
Marble Beach campground, including the boat ramp, is closed for the season for renovation. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow in shallow rock structures. Action is best during sunny, calm days. Black Crappie - Good: Good numbers of fish are being harvested from the Templar Park lagoon; Buffalo Run has been "hit or miss." Walleye - Good: Best action is during the night off the docks. Fish leeches under a bobber or cast a twister tail. Black Bullhead - Good: A good bite is reported at the north grade; fish traditional baits on the bottom

West Okoboji Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Some fish are being caught from the Triboji lagoon. Bluegill - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught from Lazy Lagoon (Triboji). Sorting is needed; persistence will result in good numbers creeled. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
As of May 9, water levels are receding. Baring more rain, water levels should stabilize, but clarity remains poor. Water temperatures range from mid 50's to low 60's. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs fished on bottom. 

Decorah District Streams
It's turkey hunting season. Respect hunters and their sport. Avoid wearing red, blue and white colors. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Area trout stream flows remain high with continued rain. Streams with better watersheds will clear faster.  Brook Trout - Fair: A variety of insects are hatching, especially on warm sunny afternoons. Match the hatch, but try not to spook a feeding fish.  Brown Trout - Fair: Blue wing olive, midge, and stonefly hatches are occurring; some exceptional lately. Use blue wing olive, hendrickson, gnat, or beadhead nymph patterns and watch the water boil.  Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank.

Lake Hendricks
Water levels are up and water is off-color. Water temperatures in shallow areas are in the low 60's. Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a jerkbait or spinner retrieved slowly in shallow areas. Channel Catfish - Fair:  Use a worm or smashed minnow along a windblown shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Anglers are out as the bite and weather improves. The boat dock is in. Bluegill - Excellent: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water. Black Crappie - Excellent: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Jigs tipped with a variety of plastics or a jerk bait catch bass; fish shallow bays for best luck. Northern Pike - Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished along the shallow weedy bays. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity remains poor. Water temperatures are in the mid 50's. Water levels are stabilizing after rain. Paddling activities are not recommended. Walleye - No Report: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. White Sucker - Slow: Sucker bite should improve with warmer temperatures. Use worms fished on bottom. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
As of May, water levels are receding and should continue baring additional rain this weekend. Clarity remains poor. Paddling is not recommended.  Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for  for more information. White Sucker - Slow: Worms fished off the bottom work for a hungry sucker. 

Volga Lake
Anglers are enjoying the sun and dunking worms. Water temperatures are in the low 60's. Docks are in. Black Crappie - Fair: Shallow, warmer areas are more productive. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jerkbait in shallow water with a slow retrieve. Channel Catfish - Good: Find catfish shallow in evening. Use worm or smashed minnow fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Find gills along shallow rocky areas. Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm. 

As of May 9, the Decorah Management area continues to receive rain. Rivers and streams are high and muddy; most have crested. Be prepared for rainy weather this weekend. Temperatures will reach the upper 60s for highs and mid 40's for lows.For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Reports of anglers catching largemouth bass and bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater spinner baits or sinking plastic baits. Bluegill - Fair: Use a piece of worm under a slip bobber at various depths. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
No reports this week as the Cedar River remains high and muddy. 

George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching nice largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try topwater spinner baits or sinking plastic baits. 

Harold Getty Lake
Reports of anglers catching crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a crappie minnow under a slip bobber at various depths or cast and retrieve colored tube jigs. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and even an occasional trout on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait fished on the bottom. 

North Prairie Lake
Reports of anglers catching trout. Trout fishing should be good; the weather forecast looks to be more of average seasonal temperatures next week.  Brook Trout - Fair: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner baits like a panther martin jig or similar jigs and spinners. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast artificial crankbaits. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No fishing reports for this week. 

South Prairie Lake
Anglers are starting to catch bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a piece of worm under a slip bobber near vegetation. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast colored tube jigs or fish a minnow under a slip bobber three to six feet down near vegetation. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports on the Wapsipinicon River as the river continues to stay high and muddy. 

Few fishing report this past week with the variable weather. Anglers are starting to catch largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie on area lakes. Trout stream stockings continue and streams remain in good condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing remains around  14 feet this week and will slowly recede to around 11 feet next week. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot will be closed for construction starting July 5th. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Slow: Walleye bite has slowed; high water makes for difficult fishing. Yellow Perch - Fair. Sauger - Slow. Northern Pike - Fair. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 24.7 feet at Lynxville with a slow fall expected next week. Gates remain raised at the Lock and Dam. Boat ramps are still flooded.  Water temperature is 62 degrees. Walleye- Slow: Walleye bite has slowed; high water makes for difficult fishing. Yellow Perch - Fair. Northern Pike -  Fair. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg will crest around 16 feet and slowly recede.The gates remain up at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 59 degrees. Walleye - No Report: Walleye bite has slowed; high water makes for difficult fishing. Yellow Perch - Fair. Northern Pike - Fair. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. 

The Upper Mississippi River will crest this week then slowly recede. Boat ramps are under water and difficult to access. Many shore anglers are having success along flooded shorelines this week. Water temperature has jumped to 60's. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 17.4 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 19.3 feet at the RR Bridge. This is at moderate flooding stages. Levels have peaked and are predicted to slowly fall. The channel water temperature is around 60 degrees. White Bass - No Report: Some white bass were being caught on spinners before the flooding conditions. Common Carp - No Report: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. You can find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. Channel Catfish - No Report: Catfish like flooded water. Fish worms in shallow water near shore along freshly flooded banks.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 17.4 feet; the water is cresting. Bellevue is presently in the flood action stage. The Bellevue City ramp is available for use, but the DNR ramp is under water. The channel water temperature is around 61 degrees. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of anglers will pursue bass in the big flooded expanses of some of Pool 13’s largest backwater complexes such as Spring Lake. Common Carp - No Report: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. You can find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are cresting at 17.5 feet at Fulton, 19 feet at Camanche and 12.3 feet at LeClaire. These levels are at moderate flooding action stages.The water temperature is around 63 degrees. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Fish the newly flooded areas in the backwaters as the water rises this week. Common Carp - No Report: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. You can find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. Channel Catfish - No Report: Fish worms near the shore as catfish feed along newly flooded shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 17.4 feet at Rock Island. Water levels are up from last week and will still be rising this week. Pool 15 is experiencing moderate flood stages. The water temperature is near 63 degrees. 

River levels vary from minor to moderate flood stages throughout the district. Water temperatures are approaching 63 degrees in some places. Many boat ramps are unusable. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 17.22 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising. Flood stage is 15 feet. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 17.5 feet by Thursday. The docks are not in at the Fairport Recreational Area due to the high water and the ramps are underwater. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry Landing and Shady Creek are closed due to high water. We have not received much for fishing reports due to the high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 16.58 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater stage is forcasted to reach 17.3 feet by Friday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16.  The Kilpeck Landing and Big Timber Landing are closed due to high water. We have not received much for fishing reports due to the high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 17.60 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Flood stage is 15 feet. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 18.7 feet by Saturday. The gates are out of the water at the dam. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will have water over the parking lot. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 12.60 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is rising. River stage is forecasted to reach 14 feet by Saturday. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

River stages are above flood stage. Tailwater stages are forecasted to rise the next few days. Main channel water temperature is around 66 degrees. Water clarity is poor. Some boat ramps are closed due to the high water. We have not received much for fishing reports this week. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is in the upper 60's. Water clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are still hanging out in deeper water; work the shallows in the afternoons with the sun shining. Bluegill - Slow: The warmer weather should bring the bluegills into shallow water. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are moving in shallow. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is closing in on 70 degrees this week. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The warmer weather should get the bass to more shallow water. Try fishing the shorelines with the wind blowing into them. Black Crappie - Fair: Work the shallow water on the north side. The warmer water temperatures should bring crappies in to feed. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature was up to 70 degrees on Tuesday, after several days of upper 70's degree weather. Water clarity remains good, except turbid above the in-lake silt dams. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies were out in 6-8 feet of water last weekend, but moved back in shallow by Tuesday. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing in the shallows had picked up; work them pretty slowly. Males are starting to stay in shallow to nest. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching some nice stringers of catfish, mostly with nightcrawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills at a fair pace in the shallows around the riprap. 

Lost Grove Lake
More boats are out on the lake with high river levels on the Mississippi River. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing continues to improve; work the rocky shorelines where the wind is blowing into. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are starting to move shallow to feed; concentrate efforts on the North side bays and along the rip rap where the water is warmest. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
As of May 9, the lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4 feet. Starting May 10, the lake will begin to rise and will reach 684.6 feet by the end of the weekend. It is then predicted to settle down to summer pool of 683.3 feet by mid next week. Water temperatures have been close to 70 degrees. The water is very dirty. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait in the channel; above Mehaffey bridge is best. White Crappie – Fair: Check shallow brush piles and rock banks for spawning fish.  

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Excellent: Try small jigs fished around the rock jetties or brush piles. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Pink and black tube jigs have been the hot colors. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are in the mid 60's. All boat docks are in and the fish cleaning station at the primitive campground ramp is open. All motor sizes may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Good: Males are on the bank and some females are too, while the others are staging just off the bank. Cast jigs or minnows to protected banks where crappies can spawn. Most fish are 10-12 inches. Walleye - Fair: Cast toward shallow, windblown rocks or troll live bait rigs. Early/late in the day or cloud cover has been best for shallow walleyes. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast shallow running crankbaits or flip jigs to shallow cover. Males are shallow and females are staging for the spawn. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig or worm around shallow cover. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
The water is reported as being fairly clear. Yellow Bass - Good: Cast small jigs, spinners or live bait to shallow shores. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 7-8 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Walleye – Good: Evenings are best in the shallows. Muskellunge – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Some fish are being picked up along shallow rock. 

Sand Lake
Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exception: Anglers under 16 years old may possess or fish for trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together their combined limit is 5. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Worms work best. Brook Trout - Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish around shallow rocks, brush or the pallet structures off the fishing piers. Most fish are around 9 inches. Yellow Bass - Fair: Cast small jigs, spinners or live bait to the shallows. Most fish are about 9 inches. 

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

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Use jig and minnow combinations in areas with rip-rapped shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in the shorelines. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait along the windblown shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try spinnerbaits and rubber worms around the cedar tree piles. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 903.82 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The water temperature is in the low 60's. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use shad sides or cut bait on the windblown shorelines. White Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching some crappies around the docks at the marina and at the resort. Crappies should continue to move towards shore as the water warms. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Anglers have been trolling crankbaits along rocky shorelines. Wipers can also be caught using jig and minnow combos along the shoreline. 

Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Slow: Use cut bait along the windblown shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use spinnerbaits or rubber worms in the shorelines, they will warm first in the spring. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are starting to be caught near shore on the rock jetties and on the rocks on the face of the dam. Crappie fishing should really pick up by the second week of May. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in the shallow bays on the upper half of the lake between the fishing jetties. They should be easy to target in these areas through May. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleyes are being caught off mid and lower lake points and the east and west boat ramp bays. Use jig and twister tails, jig and minnow, or slow trolling minnow rigs. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the coves near wood with minnows under a bobber or 1/16oz jigs with white or chartreuse twister tails and tubes. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly troll or drift small twister tails or minnows up lake from the main boat ramp. Some crappie are starting to move towards near-shore wood on the upper half of the lake. Next week should be better shallow water fishing.  Expect to fish through some 5-7 inch fish for the 9-10 inchers. 

Fort Des Moines Pond
Bluegill - Good: Nice size bluegill are being caught casting small panfish plastics or bobber fishing crawlers. 

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are moving shallow. Cast twister tails or minnows under a bobber around the rock jetties and rip rap shorelines with tree falls. 

Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie - Good: Start targeting crappie in the shallows at Red Rock. Any cove off the main lake or Whitebreast arm with rocky shorelines or wood habitat is worth trying. Try also the rip-rap shorelines near the bridge on the Teter Creek arm and Marina Cove. 

Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are moving shallow; catch them on the rocks along the face of the dam and around the jetties next to the SE boat ramp. 

Crappie fishing in Central Iowa is picking up and should be excellent through most of May. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds can offer good spring fishing. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are still in a winter pattern and can be caught around deep structure. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning and easy to catch. Find colonies of nesting fish by casting jigs close to shore. Largemouth Bass - Good: As the water temperature warms, bass become very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish feed heavily in the spring on dead fish. Use cut bait or shad sides in the windy shorelines. 

Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good spring fishing. Crappie should be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie - No Report: Crappie should be close to shore spawning. Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills should begin to spawn soon. Cast the shoreline with small jigs and move often to find fish. 

Lake Anita
Crappie fishing is good right now. Bluegills are also being picked up close to shore.  Black Crappie - Good: Cast around rocky shorelines and the jetties to find spawning crappie. Fish will average 9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie anglers are catching a few quality size bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Crappies are close to shore and can be caught with small jigs. Lake Manawa is also a good destination for early spring catfishing. White Crappie - Good: White crappies are close to shore. Move often if you are not catching fish. Concentrate on rocky shorelines like the west shore and canals. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides or cut bait. Channel catfish in Manawa are all sizes. 

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie. Black Crappie - No Report: Look for pre-spawn crappie along the dam and around underwater reefs. 

Mormon Trail Lake
Anglers report good crappie fishing around the jetties. Black Crappie - Good: Cast small jigs around the jetties and dam to find spawning crappie. Fish will average 9 inches. 

Orient Lake
Anglers report good crappie fishing in the new brush piles and along the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Reports of good crappie fishing around the brush piles and along rocky shorelines. Sorting is needed for the larger fish. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing this spring. The lake has quality sized bluegills and crappies are acceptable size. Target the brush piles. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught around the underwater reefs. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught around the jetties and in tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Anglers are catching spawning crappies around underwater reefs and rocky shorelines. A few bass are being caught in the deeper brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught behind the pontoon boats fishing a minnow under a bobber. White Crappie - Good: Boat anglers are finding white crappies around underwater reefs. Channel Catfish - No Report: Catfish should be actively feeding in the upper ends of the lake where water warms sooner. Use cutbait or shad sides. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles. 

Water temperatures are reaching 70 degrees in the S.W. district. Crappies are close to shore spawning.For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Lake Icaria
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 10 inches with jigs or minnows fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Lake of Three Fires
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow or leech
fished along mainlake points or the roadbed. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 14 inches with minnows fished along rocky shoreline areas. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches using jigs or nightcrawlers fished along cedar tree brush piles or the fishing jetties. 

Summit Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 11 inches with jigs or minnows fished along rocky shoreline areas. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 9 inches using jigs or nightcrawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas or cedar tree brush piles. 

Three Mile Lake
Lake is about 2 feet low. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes up to 17 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along main lake points or along the roadbed. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappies up to 10 inches using jigs or minnows fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the in the mid 60's. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Slow: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Fair: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - No Report: Spring can be a great time to catch some big blue catfish. Use fresh cutbait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Fair: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - No Report: Spring can be a great time to catch some big blue catfish. Use fresh cutbait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Slow: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on with fresh cutbait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 25.79 feet /50,700 cfs./61 degrees Fahrenheit . The Missouri River is up 5 degrees from last week and dropped .46 feet from last week. Fishing has been slow with few anglers out with the higher water conditions on the Missouri River along the Iowa border. The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from Gavin's Point Dam due to snow melt from up North, which has contributed to higher than normal water conditions.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill - Fair: As water continues to warm, look for bluegill nest colonies along the west and east shorelines; the highest concentration are likely in the southern end of the lake. Use a small tube jig tipped with a piece of crawler.

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Water clarity is 5-6 feet. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegill just about anywhere along the shoreline. The fish average 7-8 inches. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber off the floating fishing pier, the west stone pier, and the inlet bridge. Look for bluegills to start moving closer to shore, sitting on nests; you can easily target the males. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up walleye from shore and by boat. Town Bay, the shoreline along Ice House Point, and near the inlet bridge are producing fish. Use leeches fished under a bobber and twisters on the downwind shoreline where walleye are feeding. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are still picking up fish from Ice House Point, the floating dock, the stone piers, and the inlet bridge. Catch fish up to 11 inches with crawlers and leeches fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using the traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water clarity is 3-4 feet. Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Much of the walleye action has shifted to the boat anglers. Boat anglers are doing well trolling shad raps or ripple shads or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up suspended crappie out mid-lake in the dredge cuts while fishing for walleye. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Swan Lake
Water temperature is around 70 degrees. Water clarity is 3 feet. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties. Most of the fish are 6-7 inches. Look for fish to move closer to shore and the males sitting on nests.

Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegill spawning in the arm north of the swim beach and in the coves along the south shore. Yellow Smoke is known for its big bluegill consistently reaching 9 inches or more. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are around 70 degrees. Bluegill are starting to move close to shore in many lakes and ponds. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 67 degrees. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting. Use a small jig or a minnow in the rush beds and areas with vegetation. Walleye - Good: Try a slip bobber and leeches fished in the rocky reefs. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellows bass are on the rocky areas to spawn. Use a small jig in the early morning. Channel Catfish - Fair: With recent rains, any spot where water is entering the lake is worth trying for catfish. Fish a dead chub or crawlers on the bottom. The best bite is late evening. 

Crystal Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use nightcrawlers fished from shore. Walleye – Slow. Black Bullhead - Fair: Try nightcrawlers fished from shore. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill – Fair.

Rice Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in the edge of the vegetation. 

Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

Center Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Cast mini jigs in shallow water wood habitat. 

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use traditional baits in the evening. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers report a panfish bite of bluegill and crappie from docks; sorting is needed. Walleye - Good: Report of anglers catching fish from the south end; best bite during the evening hours. 

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use traditional baits during evening hours. Walleye - Fair: Action is picking up with numbers of angler acceptable size and larger being caught. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye are being caught close to shore. Try fishing from a dock or wader fishing after dark. Black Crappie - Good: Reports of crappie and yellow perch being caught. Yellow Bass - Fair: Report of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. 

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Walleye - Fair: Report of large fish being caught during the late evening hours. Cast a white twister for the best action. Black Bullhead - Good: Good action reported of angler acceptable sized fish. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some activity reported. 

Spirit Lake
Marble Beach campground, including the boat ramp, is closed for the season for renovation. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow in shallow rock structures. Action is best during sunny, calm days. Black Crappie - Good: Fish the bulrush on the lake for spawning crappie. Cast a mini-jig and swim the bait slowly back to the boat to find active fish. Walleye - Good: Best action is during the night off the docks. Fish leeches under a bobber or cast a twister tail. Black Bullhead - Good: The bite has slowed at the north grade; persistence will be rewarded with good numbers of fish caught. Fish traditional baits on the bottom.

Trumbull Lake
Northern Pike - Fair: Use casting spoons below the spillway. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Wooden docks in deeper water and new aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels continue to fall and clarity is improving. Baring more rain, water levels should stabilize. Water temperatures are in the mid 60's. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Bite improves toward evening. Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs fished on bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. Bluegill – Fair. 

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition, but flows remain elevated. Family friendly locations abound. A light spinning rod/reel combo is a perfect set up for beginning trout anglers. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Area trout stream clarity is greatly improved. Flows remain elevated. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of insects are hatching. Match the hatch, but try not to spook a feeding fish.  Brown Trout - Good: Blue wing olive, midge, and stonefly hatches are occurring; some exceptional lately. Use blue wing olive, hendrickson, gnat, or beadhead nymph patterns and watch the water boil.  Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Excellent shoreline access; aquatic vegetation is relatively low. Black Crappie - Good: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish along edges of vegetation for a cruising bass. Channel Catfish - Fair:  Use a worm or smashed minnow along a windblown shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Perfect time to enjoy being on the water with family. Lake Meyer is fishing well. Bluegill - Excellent: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water. Black Crappie - Excellent: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Jigs tipped with a variety of plastics or a jerk bait catch bass; fish shallow bays for best luck. Northern Pike - Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished along the shallow weedy bays. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much improved. Water temperatures are in the low 60's. Water levels are falling. Flows remain up. Use care when paddling as strainers and snags may have moved. Walleye - Good: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. White Sucker - Excellent: Use worms fished on bottom. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling baring additional rainfall this weekend. Clarity is excellent. Use care when paddling. Flows remain elevated. Submersed hazards increase with falling water levels. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Good: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails near undercut banks and log jams. Best fishing is toward dusk. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use spinners around tributaries. Light colored jigs and crankbaits work best. Fish 10-12 inches common. White Sucker - Good: Worms fished off the bottom work for a hungry sucker. 

Volga Lake
Many water related activities available in the Volga River Recreation area. Explore the park. Water temperatures are in the mid 60's. Black Crappie - Good: Shallow, rocky, warmer areas are more productive. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jerkbait in shallow water with a slow retrieve. Channel Catfish - Good: Find catfish shallow in evening. Use worm or smashed minnow fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Find gills along shallow rocky areas. Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm. 

Area rivers and streams continue to improve. Summer is coming early to northeast Iowa; temperatures in the upper 80s for highs to mid 60's for lows and very humid. Rain potential present daily. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Reports of anglers catching largemouth bass and bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try topwater spinner baits or sinking plastic baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Use a piece of worm under a bobber. Cast out and retrieve slowly over bluegill spawning beds.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There have been a few reports of anglers catching catfish on the Cedar River, but the river remains high yet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try dead cutbaits or stinkbait fished on the bottom. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait, nightcrawler or stinkbait fished on the bottom. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No fishing reports for this week. 

South Prairie Lake
Anglers are starting to catch bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a piece of worm under a slip bobber near vegetation. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast colored tube jigs or fish a minnow under a slip bobber 3 to 6 feet down near vegetation. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports on the Wapsipinicon River as the river continues to stay high and muddy. 

Fishing reports have been good on most interior rivers and area lakes for most all gamefish. Trout stream stockings continue and streams remain in good condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.4 feet at Lansing. Water temperature is near 66 degrees. New Albin ramp road is expected to reopen this week. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot will be closed for construction starting July 5th. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch - Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has fallen to 19.3 feet with a steady fall to 17 feet expected next week. Gates remain raised at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 66 degrees. Walleye- Slow: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch - Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike -  Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has receded several feet this week at 10.9 feet with predictions to reach 9 feet late next week. The gates remain up at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 61 degrees at the dam. Walleye - No Report: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch - Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. Try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie - Good: Fish small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. 

The Upper Mississippi River levels are on a steady decline this week. Warmer water temperatures in the upper 60's have many species of fish active. Use caution at ramps to avoid remaining mud and flood debris.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 11.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 13.5 feet at the RR Bridge. The flooding is over and the river is dropping fast. The channel water temperature is around 64 degrees. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are biting on spinners. Common Carp - Fair: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. Find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Both channel cat and flatheads like flooded water. Fish worms in shallow water near shore along freshly flooded banks. Bluegill - Fair: Reports of some bluegills being caught on worms in near shore flooded areas. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing for smallies along rock current lines is getting to be real productive. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 12.7 feet and are dropping fast. Bellevue is presently out of flood action stage. The Bellevue City ramp is available for use, but the DNR ramp is being cleaned but may have debris on it. The channel water temperature is around 65 degrees. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are after large bass in the big flooded expanses of some of Pool 13’s largest backwater complexes such as Spring Lake and Browns Lake. Some bass are being caught out of Middle Sabula Lake and Green Island. Common Carp - Excellent: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas are perfect. Find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days in Green Island and Middle Sabula Lakes. Please take fish with you; don’t leave them on the bank. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers will start to target channel cats along rock lines soon as they begin to spawn. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are cresting 12.6 feet at Fulton, 15 feet at Camanche and 8.9 feet at LeClaire. Levels are dropping fast. The water temperature is around 67 degrees. Some ramps may still have debris on them. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Flooding made access to bass fishing difficult last week, but fishing for bass should really pick up the next few weeks. Common Carp - No Report: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. Find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. Channel Catfish - No Report: Fish worms near the shore as catfish feed along newly flooded shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are moving out of flood action stage at 13 feet at Rock Island. Water levels are dropping fast. The water temperature is near 67 degrees. Some boat ramps will still have debris on them from the recent flood.  

River levels are dropping fast and most places are out of flood stages. Water temperatures are in the mid 60's. Many boat ramps are unusable or will have flood debris on them. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 12.40 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The docks are not in at the Fairport Recreational Area due to the high water. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry Landing and Shady Creek are closed due to high water. We have not received much for fishing reports due to the high water. Bluegill - Fair: Use worms under a bobber along the shore in Sunset Marina. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows under a bobber in Sunset Marina.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 12.02 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Tailwater stage is forcasted to fall to 15 feet by the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16.  The Kilpeck Landing and Big Timber Landing are closed due to high water. We have not received much for fishing reports due to the high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 13.82 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the dam. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will have water over the parking lot. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 10.06 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. 

River stages have fallen below flood stage or are at flood stage. Tailwater stages have been falling the past few days. River levels are still high. Main channel water temperature is around 69 degrees. Some boat ramps are closed due to the high water. We have not received much for fishing reports this week. Most fishing reports are coming from inland waters due to the recent high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature are up to the mid 70's. Water clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: Males are on the nests. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are coming in to spawn. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies finished up a quick spawn and are headed back out deep.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is dropping at a pretty good rate. Still not many anglers out.  

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is in the low 70's. Water is very clear; you can see down to 12 feet. Curlyleaf pondweed is getting pretty thick. Largemouth Bass - Good: Still some spawning males guarding the nests. Also look for them to be over the mounds in deeper water at the upper end of the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Work the trees back in the bays in 8-10 feet of water. Bluegill - Good: The spawn continues, look for the males to be in shallow; work the holes in the curlyleaf beds. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature remains at 70 degrees. We lost some of our water clarity as the runoff rainwater finally worked its way through all the ponds; still pretty good. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved out to 6 to 10 feet deep water. Look for them over the rock piles at those depths. Largemouth Bass - Good: Males are on the nest with some even being done with that stage of the spawn. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching some nice stringers of catfish, mostly with nightcrawlers. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Find a good bedding area and you can catch 8 inch bluegills. Anglers continue to catch some nice ones in 5 to 6 feet of water. 

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is around 70 degrees; water is very clear (14 feet).  Largemouth Bass - Good: Males are still on the nests. Females are out deep recovering from the spawn. Black Crappie - Fair: Look for them in 6 to 8 feet of water. They seem to be moving from spot to spot. Keep moving if you want to catch crappies. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are in shallow spawning; find a nice quiet bay and you should do well. 

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River is dropping pretty fast. A few boats are getting out and catching catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Concentrate efforts around the mouths of the feeder creeks. The log jams are good especially later in the morning. 

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

 

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Good. Flathead Catfish – Good. Shovelnose Sturgeon – Good. 

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
As of May 24, the lake is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait in the channel. Some fish are starting to move to the shallow rocks. White Crappie – Fair: Check brush piles and rock banks for post spawn fish.  

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Good: Try small jigs fished around the rock jetties or brush piles. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Pink and black tube jigs have been the hot colors. Bluegill - Excellent: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 7 inches. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The weeds are thick around the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a frog over the weeds or fish the outside weed line. Bluegill - Fair: Fish right along the shoreline or in pockets of the weeds for spawning fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the weed line or offshore for suspended crappies. Most fish are around 8 inches. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are around 70 degrees. All boat docks are in and the fish cleaning station at the primitive campground ramp is open.Starting May 25th, only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie - Fair: Most fish have moved off the bank. Some are on brush and others are suspended out from spawning areas. Walleye - Fair: Cast toward shallow, windblown rocks or troll or jig live bait rigs. Early/late in the day or cloud cover has been best for shallow walleyes. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast shallow running crankbaits or flip jigs to shallow cover. Males are shallow and females are staging for the spawn. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig or worm around shallow cover. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Cast small jigs, spinners or live bait to shallow shores. Most fish are around 8 inches. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Most fish are 5-7 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Bright colored jigs work best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 7 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Walleye – Fair: Evenings are best in the shallows. Black Crappie - Slow: Some fish are being picked up along shallow rock.

Union Grove Lake
The lake was restocked two years ago following a lake renovation project. Most fish are smaller, but some adult fish were also stocked. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs or worms in the shallows. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Smallmouth Bass – Good.

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

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs near shoreline. Try a chunk of nightcrawler if fish get picky. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around the fishing jetties and the fishing pier. 

Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Use jig and minnow combinations in areas with rip-rapped shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. Use rubber worms in the same areas as the day warms up. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and around the aquatic vegetation. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use liver or nightcrawlers around areas with rip rap. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits and rubber worms around the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.27 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The water temperature is in the upper 60's. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait or large chubs around areas with rip rap. The rocks around the bridge at the Bridgeview area are a good spot this time of year. White Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some crappies around the docks at the marina and at the resort. Anglers have had luck in shallow water as well as in 4-10 feet of water. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Anglers are trolling crankbaits along rocky shorelines. Try also using jig and minnow combos along the shoreline. Walleye - Good: Use nightcrawler rigs or crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits or rubber worms in shoreline areas along rip-rapped shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and around the aquatic vegetation. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift jigs or still fish minnows near the trees mid-lake. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in the shallow bays on the upper half of the lake between the fishing jetties. They should be easy to target in these areas through May. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleyes are being caught throughout the lake in 10 to 15 feet of water. Mid lake out from the beach, marina and East boat ramp have been popular.
Use jig and twistertails, jig and minnow, slow trolling minnow or leech rigs and trolling crankbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved away from shore and are being caught over brushpiles in 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows under a slip bobber or drifting jigs with white or chartreuse twistertails or minnows.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught slowly troll or drift small twister tails or minnows throughout the lake. Expect to fish through some 5-7 inch fish for the 9-10 inchers. 

Fort Des Moines Pond
Bluegill - Good: Nice size bluegill are being caught casting small panfish plastics or bobber fishing crawlers. 

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill have moved close to shore. Cast small jigs or little pieces of crawler in areas near shore that have slightly murky water compared to the otherwise very clear water right now. 

Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie - Good: Use live minnows next to any flooded vegetation or willows. Try also the rip-rap shorelines near the bridge on the Teter Creek arm and Marina Cove. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved off spawning areas. Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower portion of the lake between the beach and dam. 

The crappie spawn is mostly finished in Central Iowa. Bluegill fishing is excellent right now. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Anglers report excellent fishing in ponds right now. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and are close to shore in most ponds. Black Crappie - Fair: You can still catch spawning crappie. Find colonies of nesting fish by casting jigs close to shore. Largemouth Bass - Good: As the water temperature warms, bass become very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Redear are on their beds spawning. Catch fish up to 10 inches with nightcrawlers under a bobber. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Bluegill should be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are spawning and close to shore. Cast the shoreline with small jigs and move often to find fish. 

Lake Anita
Bluegills are being picked up close to shore. Anglers can still find late spawning crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast around rocky shorelines and the jetties to find late spawning crappie. Fish will average 9 inches. Move to deeper tree piles to find post spawn fish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are moving in to spawn. Fish underwater reefs and sandy substrates to find fish up to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
White crappies can still be caught close to shore with small jigs. Lake Manawa is also a good destination for channel catfish. White Crappie - Fair: White crappies are close to shore. Move often if you are not catching fish. Concentrate on rocky shorelines like the west shore and canals. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides or cut bait. Channel catfish in Manawa are all sizes. 

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Look for post spawn crappie around underwater reefs and tree piles. Fish will average 10 inches. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill have moved on the underwater reefs to spawn. Cast small jigs for fish averaging 8 inches.

Mormon Trail Lake
Anglers report good crappie fishing around the jetties. Black Crappie - Good: Cast small jigs around the jetties and dam to find spawning crappie. Fish will average 9 inches. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Target the spawning beds, underwater reefs and jetties to find spawning fish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and can be caught on top of underwater reefs and on the spawning substrate placed in the lake. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Spawning crappies can still be caught around the jetties and rocky shorelines. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Concentrate on deeper brush piles to find crappie. Anglers are still catching spawning crappies around underwater reefs and rocky shorelines. A few bass are being caught in the deeper brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are beginning to be caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. White Crappie - Fair: Boat anglers are finding white crappies along the dam and deeper tree piles. Fish will average 12 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Crappie spawn is winding down and bluegills have moved close to shore.For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles or along the silt dams. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fishing jetties or fishing piers. 

Lake Icaria
Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 10 inches with jigs or minnows fished along rocky shoreline areas or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Good: Walleye of all sizes have been caught using jigs or minnows fished along the roadbed or trolling along mainlake points. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using nightcrawlers fished along main lake points. 

Lake of Three Fires
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas or cedar tree brush piles. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow or leech
fished along mainlake points or the roadbed. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 14 inches with minnows fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches using jigs tipped with a waxworm or leaf worms fished along cedar tree brush piles or the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with nightcrawlers fished along main lake points. 

Summit Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs or nightcrawlers fished along shallow sandy areas. 

Three Mile Lake
Walleye - Good: Catch walleyes up to 17 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the dam.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappies up to 10 inches using jigs or minnows fished in the flooded timber. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm fished along the fishing jetties or flooded timpber. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes up to 20 inches using jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the roadbed. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the lower 70's. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Slow: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Fair: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - No Report: Spring can be a great time to catch some big blue catfish. Use fresh cutbait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Fair: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - No Report: Spring can be a great time to catch some big blue catfish. Use fresh cutbait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Slow: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on with fresh cutbait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 25.67 ft. /50,300 cfs./64 degrees. Missouri River water temperatures are up 3 degrees and water levels are down 1.12 feet from last week. Fishing continues to be slow with few anglers out with the higher water conditions we are currently having on the Missouri River along the Iowa border. The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from Gavin's Point Dam due to snow melt from up North, which has contributed to higher water conditions.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill - Fair: As water continues to warm, look for bluegill nest colonies along the west and east shorelines; the highest concentration are likely in the southern end of the lake. Use a small tube jig tipped with a piece of crawler.

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. Water clarity is 5-6 feet. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill spawn is later than normal, but look for fish to start moving in close to shore again. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber off the floating fishing pier, the west stone pier, and the inlet bridge. Look for bluegills sitting on nests; you can easily target the males. Walleye - Fair:Try in Town Bay, the shoreline along Ice House Point, and near the inlet bridge. Use leeches fished under a bobber and twisters on the downwind shoreline where walleye are feeding. Black Crappie - Slow: A few have been picked up from Ice House Point, the floating dock, the stone piers and the inlet bridge. Catch fish up to 11 inches with crawlers and leeches fished under a bobber. Look for post-spawn crappie out deeper. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for Musky. Walleye - Good: Use minnows, leaches and twisters in 5-15 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water.  Some males are being caught near shore, so look for the fishing close to shore to improve over the next week. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish along the vegetation to find the perch. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures.  There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Muskellunge - Fair: There is a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky on Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are still pre-spawn.  Look for bluegill fishing to improve near shore as water continues to warm. 

Crawford Creek Impoundment
Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill near shore using a small jig tipped with bait fished under a bobber.  Look for males guarding nests near shore.  Fish are 6-8 inches. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water clarity is 3-4 feet. Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Much of the walleye action has shifted to the boat anglers. Boat anglers are doing well trolling shad raps or ripple shads or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up suspended crappie out mid-lake in the dredge cuts while fishing for walleye. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Swan Lake
Water temperature is around 80 degrees. Water clarity is 3 feet. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties. Most of the fish are 6-7 inches. Look for fish to move closer to shore and the males sitting on nests.

Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegill spawning in the arm north of the swim beach and in the coves along the south shore. Yellow Smoke is known for its big bluegill consistently reaching 9 inches or more. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the upper 70's. Bluegill are starting to move close to shore in many lakes and ponds. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 74 degrees. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are biting. Use a small jig or a minnow in the rush beds and areas with vegetation. Walleye - Good: Try a slip bobber and leeches fished in the rocky reefs. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellows bass have moved off the shallow rocky areas and are out in deeper water.  Use a small jig with a minnow or cut bait in the early morning. Channel Catfish - Fair: With recent rains, any spot where water is entering the lake is worth trying for catfish. Fish a dead chub or crawlers on the bottom. The best bite is late evening. Muskellunge - Fair.  

Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are biting. Use a small minnow and a bobber in 3 to 6 feet of water. 

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill – Fair.

Rice Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in the edge of the vegetation. 

Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

Center Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Cast mini jigs in shallow water wood habitat. 

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use traditional baits in the evening. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers report a panfish bite of bluegill and crappie in shallow water; best bite during early evening hours.  Walleye - Good: Report of anglers catching fish from the south end; best bite during the evening hours. 

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use traditional baits during evening hours. Walleye - Fair: Action is picking up with lots of angler acceptable size and larger being caught.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Report of a walleye bite at Lost Island Lake. Yellow Bass - Good: Report of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Troll crank baits when there is a good walleye chop on the lake. 

Spirit Lake
Marble Beach campground, including the boat ramp, is closed for the season for renovation. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow in shallow rock structures. Action is best during sunny, calm days. Black Crappie - Good: Fish the bulrush on the lake for spawning crappie. Cast a mini-jig and swim the bait slowly back to the boat to find active fish. Walleye - Good: Best action is during the night off the docks. Fish leeches under a bobber or cast a twister tail. Cast crankbaits or a jig and minnows in emerging weed beds.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Wooden docks in deeper water and new aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels continue to fall and clarity is improving. Baring more rain, water levels should stabilize. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Bite improves toward evening. Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs fished on bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. Bluegill – Fair. 

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition, but flows remain high. Family friendly locations abound. A light spinning rod/reel combo is a perfect set up for beginning trout anglers. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Area trout stream clarity is greatly improved. Flows remain elevated. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of insects are hatching. Match the hatch, but try not to spook a feeding fish.  Brown Trout - Good: Blue wing olive, midge, and stonefly hatches are occurring; some exceptional lately. Use blue wing olive, hendrickson, gnat, or beadhead nymph patterns and watch the water boil.  Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Excellent shoreline access; aquatic vegetation is relatively low. Black Crappie - Good: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish along edges of vegetation for a cruising bass. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a worm under a bobber in the later evening. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Perfect time to enjoy being on the water with family. Lake Meyer is fishing well with water temperatures in the mid to upper 70's. Bluegill - Excellent: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water. Black Crappie - Excellent: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use buzz or spinner baits. Northern Pike - Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished along the shallow weedy bays. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much improved. Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Water levels are falling. Flows remain up. Use care when paddling as strainers and snags may have moved. Walleye - Good: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. White Sucker - Excellent: Use worms fished on bottom. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling baring additional rainfall this weekend. Clarity is excellent. Use care when paddling. Flows remain high. Submersed hazards increase with falling water levels. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Good: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails near undercut banks and log jams. Best fishing is toward dusk. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use spinners around tributaries. Light colored jigs and crankbaits work best. Fish 10-12 inches common. White Sucker - Good: Worms fished off the bottom work for a hungry sucker. 

Volga Lake
Many water related activities available in the Volga River Recreation area. Explore the park. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70's. Black Crappie - Good: Shallow, rocky, warmer areas are more productive. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use top water lures in shallow water. Channel Catfish - Good: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm or smashed minnow fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Common Carp - Good: Anglers are doing well in shallow bays at night. 

Area rivers and streams continue to improve. Temperatures somewhat cooler in the upper 70s for highs and humid. Rain potential present daily. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Reports of anglers catching largemouth bass and bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater spinner baits or sinking plastic baits. Bluegill - Good: Use a piece of worm under a bobber. Cast out and retrieve slowly over bluegill spawning beds.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of anglers having success catching walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and some northern pike on the Cedar River. Channel Catfish - Good: Try dead cutbaits stinkbait or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Walleye - Good: Fish the usual jig tipped with half a nightcrawler. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast artificial lures in rocky shorelines. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast larger spinner baits in backwater areas or submerged wood. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait, nightcrawler or stinkbait fished on the bottom. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been few reports from the Shell Rock this past week, but anglers should expect success with walleye and smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Fish the usual jig tipped with half a nightcrawler. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast artificial lures in rocky shorelines. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports this past week as the river has stayed high this past spring and early summer. Expect fair to good action on walleye and smallmouth bass.

Fishing reports have been good on most interior rivers and area lakes for most all gamefish. Trout stream stockings continue and streams remain in good condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.6 feet at Lansing and is expected to remain stable. Water temperature is near 78 degrees. New Albin ramp road is open this week. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot will be closed for construction starting July 5th. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch - Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill have moved into the shallows for spawning. Use light tackle tipped with a garden worm. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is stabilizing around 17.3 feet. Gates are in at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 77 degrees at the Lock 9. Walleye- Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch - Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike -  Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill have moved into the shallows for spawning. Use light tackle tipped with a garden worm. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has stabilized near 8.8 feet. The gates are in at the Lock and Dam. Water temperature is 73 degrees at the dam. Walleye - Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch - Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. Try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie - Good: Fish small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill have moved into the shallows for spawning. Use light tackle tipped with a garden worm. 

The Upper Mississippi River levels are stable this week. Water temperatures have soared into the upper 70's in the main channel and 80's in backwaters. Flood debris is still present, but water clarity is improving. With record heat, look for fish in deeper cooler water with some current.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 8.64 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 10.87 feet at the RR Bridge. The flooding is over and the river is dropping fast. The channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are biting on spinners. Common Carp - Fair: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. Find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Both channel cat and flatheads like flooded water. Fish worms in shallow water near shore along freshly flooded banks. Bluegill - Good: Reports of some bluegills being caught on worms near shore and by structure in the back waters. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing for smallies along rock current lines is getting to be real productive. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 9.91 feet and are dropping fast. Bellevue is presently out of flood action stage. The Bellevue City ramp and DNR ramp are available for use. The channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are after large bass in the big flooded expanses of some of Pool 13’s largest backwater complexes such as Spring Lake and Browns Lake. Some bass are being caught out of Middle Sabula Lake and Green Island. Common Carp - Fair: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas are perfect. Find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days in Green Island and Middle Sabula Lakes. Please take fish with you; don’t leave them on the bank. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers will start to target channel cats along rock lines soon as they begin to spawn. Bluegill - Slow: some Bluegills are being reported; try around debris in the back waters. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are cresting 9.77 feet at Fulton, 12.73 feet at Camanche and 7.08 feet at LeClaire. Levels are dropping fast. The water temperature is around 76 degrees. Some ramps may still have debris on them. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Flooding made access to bass fishing difficult last week, but fishing for bass should really pick up the next few weeks. Common Carp - No Report: Conditions for bowfishing carp in shallow flooded areas look good. Find carp and other rough fish thrashing about on hot sunny days. Channel Catfish - No Report: Fish worms near the shore as catfish feed along newly flooded shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are moving out of flood action stage at 10.23 feet at Rock Island. Water levels are dropping fast. The water temperature is near 76 degrees. Some boat ramps will still have debris on them from the recent flood. Channel Catfish - Slow: Reports of a few channel cats caught on worms drifting near shore lines. 

River levels are dropping fast and most places are out of flood stages. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Many boat ramps are unusable. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature are in the 80's. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The spawn has wrapped up; adults have moved out to deeper water to cool off. Work the flooded trees with soft plastics. Bluegill - Fair: Warm temperatures lead to a quick spawn.  Most have moved back out into deeper water.  Work the 6 to 8 foot deep water. 

Deep Lakes
All that sand also warms up fast during the day. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some males were still in fairly shallow late last week.  The bigger females were out deep. Bluegill - Fair: Found some 10 inch bluegills last Thursday.  Most of them are out in deeper water, but you can sight fish them. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River continues to drop at a good rate.  A few more anglers are getting out on the river. Channel Catfish - Fair: Work the logjams and the high cut banks as the catfish are getting ready to spawn 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is in the low 80's. Curlyleaf is still pretty thick, but it should die back soon with these warm water temperatures. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most of the bigger bass have moved to their deeper water haunts to recover from the heat and the spawn. Black Crappie - Slow: Go deep and move around the flooded timber to find crappies. Bluegill - Good: Most of the bluegills are done spawning, but you should still be able to find a few pockets of spawning fish. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are enjoying the hot weather and have moved into the rocks to spawn. The face of the dam is a good place to start. 

Lake Darling
Hot weather over the holiday weekend raised the water temperature into the low 80's. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved out to 8 to 12 feet deep water. Look for them over the rock piles and cedar trees at those depths. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Adults have moved off into deeper water to cool off and recover from the spawn. Clouds of 1 1/2 little bass in the shallows. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are in the rocks down at the dam and along the deeper shorelines spawning. Bluegill - Good: Most bluegills are done with this round of spawning.  Still pockets of spawning fish in some of the more shaded areas of the shallows. 

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is around 70 degrees; water is very clear (14 feet).  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most of the spawn is over; look for bass to be deeper out taking it easy. Bluegill - Fair: Most bluegills are done spawning.  Look for them around the brush and trees in 6 to 8 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Fair: Start along the face of the dam in the riprap for males guarding the nests. 

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River water level are holding steady. Plenty of water for most boats. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up with the stable water levels. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Starting to see some diddy poles out.  

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

 

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Good. Flathead Catfish – Good. Shovelnose Sturgeon – Good. 

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find fish along the shallow rocks looking to spawn. White Crappie – Fair: Check brush piles and rock banks for post spawn fish.  

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Good: Try small jigs fished around the rock jetties or brush piles. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Pink and black tube jigs have been the hot colors. Bluegill - Excellent: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 7 inches. 

Green Castle Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Spinnerbaits work well. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some have been caught on jig/twister, but crawlers work too. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The weeds are thick around the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a frog over the weeds or fish the outside weed line. Bluegill - Fair: Fish right along the shoreline or in pockets of the weeds for spawning fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the weed line or offshore for suspended crappies. Most fish are around 8 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. All boat docks are in and the fish cleaning station at the primitive campground ramp is open. Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie - Slow: Most fish have moved off the bank. Some are on brush and others are suspended out from spawning areas. Walleye - Fair: Cast toward shallow, windblown rocks or troll or jig live bait rigs. Early/late in the day or cloud cover has been best for shallow walleyes. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some males are still shallow guarding fry and some fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig or worm around shallow cover. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Cast small jigs, spinners or live bait to shallow shores. Most fish are around 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Most fish are 5-7 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: Bright colored jigs work best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 7 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Walleye – Fair: Some small fish are being caught on crawlers. White Bass – Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair. 

Union Grove Lake
The lake was restocked two years ago after a lake renovation project. Most fish are smaller, but some adult fish were also stocked. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs or worms in the shallows. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Smallmouth Bass – Good.

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

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or nightcrawlers in areas with large rocks. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs near shoreline. Try a chunk of nightcrawler if fish get picky. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around the fishing jetties and the fishing pier. As the water warms, crappies will move to a little deeper water. 

Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Use jig and minnow combinations in areas with rip-rapped shorelines. Nightcrawlers can also be productive. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. Use rubber worms in the same areas as the day warms up. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and around the aquatic vegetation. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use liver or nightcrawlers around areas with rip rap. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits and rubber worms around the cedar tree piles. Fish deeper structure as the temperatures warm. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.27 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The water temperature is in the upper 70's. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait or large chubs around areas with rip rap. The rocks around the bridge at the Bridgeview area are a good spot this time of year. White Crappie - Good: Anglers are some crappies around the docks at the marina and at the resort. Anglers have had luck in shallow water as well as in 4-10 feet of water. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Anglers are trolling crankbaits along rocky shorelines. Try also using jig and minnow combos along the shoreline. Walleye - Good: Use nightcrawler rigs or crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits or rubber worms in shoreline areas along rip-rapped shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and around the aquatic vegetation. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift jigs or still fish minnows near the trees mid-lake. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in the shallow bays on the upper half of the lake between the fishing jetties. They should be easy to target in these areas through May. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleyes are being caught throughout the lake in 10 to 15 feet of water. Areas out from the beach, marina, East boat ramp, Ensign Shelter and the west shoreline south of the 100th Street Boat Ramp have been popular. Use jig and twistertails, jig and minnow, slow trolling minnow or leech rigs and trolling crankbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved away from shore and are being caught over brushpiles in 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows under a slip bobber or drifting jigs with white or chartreuse twistertails or minnows.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: Flows are still high, but it is making it easy for boat anglers to navigate.  Use cut bait and dip baits off the main current and in backed up small tributaries. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught slowly troll or drift small twister tails or minnows throughout the lake. Expect to fish through some 5-7 inch fish for the 9-10 inchers. 

Fort Des Moines Pond
Bluegill - Good: Nice size bluegill are being caught casting small panfish plastics or bobber fishing crawlers. 

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill have moved close to shore. Cast small jigs or little pieces of crawler in areas near shore that have slightly murky water compared to the otherwise very clear water right now. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: As the crappie spawn bite is coming to an end, the hot weather is causing the white bass bite to pick up.  Troll shad imitating spoons and shallow diving crank baits. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved off spawning areas. Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower portion of the lake between the beach and dam. 

The crappie spawn is mostly finished in Central Iowa. Bluegill fishing and catfishing is excellent right now. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Anglers report excellent fishing in ponds right now. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and are close to shore in most ponds. Black Crappie - Fair: Find post spawn crappies suspended and around structure.  Largemouth Bass - Good: As the water temperature warms, bass become very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill - Fair: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Bluegill should be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are spawning and close to shore. Cast the shoreline with small jigs and move often to find fish. 

Lake Anita
A few bluegills can still be picked up close to shore. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers report that most bluegills have moved off their spawning beds and can be caught around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dip bait on the south shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Look for post spawn crappie around underwater reefs and tree piles. Fish will average 10 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill can still be caught on the underwater reefs. Cast small jigs for fish averaging 8 inches. 

Mormon Trail Lake
Bluegills were being caught on spawning beds earlier in the week. Bluegill - Fair: Look for spawning bluegills close to shore. Move often to find fish. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Target the spawning beds, underwater reefs and jetties to find spawning fish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and can be caught on top of underwater reefs and on the spawning substrate placed in the lake. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for post spawn crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. White Crappie - Fair: Boat anglers are finding white crappies along the dam and deeper tree piles. Fish will average 12 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Anglers report catching spawning bluegills last weekend. Look for post spawn crappies in deeper brush piles. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles or stake beds. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fishing jetties or fishing piers. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches using jigs or minnows fished along the fishing jetties or fishing piers. 

Lake Icaria
Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 10 inches with jigs or minnows fished along deep cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Walleye of all sizes have been caught using jigs or minnows fished along the roadbed or trolling along mainlake points. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using nightcrawlers fished along main lake points. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fish mounds. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Good: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow or leech
fished along the weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches using jigs tipped with a waxworm or leaf worms fished along cedar tree brush piles or the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with nightcrawlers fished along weed lines. 

Three Mile Lake
Walleye - Good: Catch walleyes up to 17 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the dam. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches using finesse plastics fished along weed lines. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fishing jetties, rock reefs or flooded timber. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 20 inches using jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the roadbed. Yellow Perch - Good: Catch yellow perch up to 12 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the roadbed or along the bottom in the main basin. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the upper 70's to low 80's.. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Slow: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Fair: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - No Report: Spring can be a great time to catch some big blue catfish. Use fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Fair: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - No Report: Spring can be a great time to catch some big blue catfish. Use fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers are catching catfish on worms and cut bait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger - Slow: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Anglers are catching shovelnose sturgeon on live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish with fresh cut bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 25.69 ft. /51,100 cfs./73 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are up 9 degrees and water levels are up .02 feet from last week. Fishing continues to be slow with few anglers out with the higher water conditions on the Missouri River along the Iowa border. The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from Gavin's Point Dam due to snow melt from up North, which has contributed to higher  water conditions.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Water levels are 15 inches over the crest of the spillway. Water clarity is around 2 feet. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 3-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Fair: Use leeches fished under a bobber in the shoreline along Ice House Point. Boat anglers have had some luck on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin.  Black Crappie - Slow: A few have been picked up from Ice House Point, the floating dock, the stone piers and the inlet bridge. Catch fish up to 11 inches with crawlers and leeches fished under a bobber. Look for post-spawn crappie out deeper. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake. Muskellunge - Fair: There is a 40 inch minimum length limit on musky at Black Hawk Lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay. Look for fish along rocky shorelines this time of year. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish along the vegetation to find perch. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Muskellunge - Fair: There is a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky on Brushy Creek Lake. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are doing well trolling crank baits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Swan Lake 
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties. Most fish are 6-7 inches. 

Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig fished under a bobber with a minnow or piece of crawler around structure in 5-10 feet of water. Yellow Smoke is known for its big bluegill consistently reaching 9 inches or more. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the low 70's. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Drift fish or troll with tube jig or a small minnow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 4 feet of water. 

Clear Lake
Clear Lake is 7 inches above crest. Surface water temperature is 74 degrees. Walleye - Good: Try a slip bobber and leeches or crawlers fished near the edge of vegetation in 3 to 6 feet of water. Yellow Bass - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler at the edge of vegetation. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting baits fished on the rock reefs and off the jetties. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a spinner or topwater bait in the open spots in the vegetation. Muskellunge - Fair. 

Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting spinners and plastic baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill - Good: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are on the rise with poor visibility. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Watercraft activities are not recommended.
 Walleye - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs or chicken liver fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. 

Decorah District Streams
Yellow wild parsnip is blooming. Wear long sleeved clothing when walking through it to prevent skin contact. Flows are up and most streams are muddy after rains on 6/26.
Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Brook Trout - Fair: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Fair: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green with vegetation around the boat dock. Limited visibility.  Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation. Bluegill - Good: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 1 feet visibility. Water is stained a brown color. Fish activity is variable. Bluegill - Fair: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use buzz or spinner baits in shallow bays and along weed edges. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity poor. Water levels are rising. Watercraft activities are not recommended. Walleye - No Report: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are rising with poor visibility. Watercraft activities are not recommended. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - No Report: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails near undercut banks and log jams. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Use spinners around tributaries. Light colored jigs and crankbaits work best. 

Volga Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or cut bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Common Carp - Good: Fish the shallow bays at night using bright lights and bows. 

As of 6/26, rain over saturated ground is causing area water bodies to rise and turn muddy. Clearing by the weekend, but high humidity could pop-up more showers. Temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s for highs over weekend. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow. 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Vegetation has become abundant around lake edges, so adjust strategies to fish over or through plants. Largemouth Bass – Size has been good. Bluegill – Good. Channel Catfish - Good: 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is running at 16,900 CFS as of June 28 in Waterloo or about 4 times above median flow. These flows are creating difficult conditions for smallmouth bass and walleye, but channel catfish action has been good at times. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Walleye – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair.

George Wyth Lake
George Wyth Park is subject to closure during Cedar River flood events. The ramp and lake access are open as of June 28. Bluegill - Fair: Small fish with good catch rates. Black Crappie - Fair: Small fish. Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams go up fast and fall more quickly than rivers following rain events. Watch weather reports as you plan your trout fishing trips. Brown trout fishing can be excellent in slightly high and turbid water conditions. Trout stocking has continued mostly as planned during the week of June 25 - 29. Brown Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River at Manchester is flowing at about 475 CFS as of June 28 or about twice median flow for this time of year. These high water conditions are creating difficult conditions for fishin, but the Maquoketa is starting to clear and is fishable at current levels. With limited rainfall during the next few days, it is expected that the Maquoketa River could provide good fishing during the upcoming weekend and 4th of July holiday. Watch the rainfall and river levels. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Walleye – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow. 

Plainfield
Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

South Prairie Lake
Vegetation has become abundant; adjust strategies accordingly, including topwater baits and "weedless" baits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie - Slow.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River at Independence has a flow of about 3800 CFS as of June 28; this water discharge rate is about 5 times above median levels for this time of year. Fishing has been limited. Northern Pike – Slow. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair.

Weather continues to impact fishing success and opportunities in east-central Iowa with heavy rainfall causing high water conditions on all area rivers. Summer fishing opportunities including channel catfish and largemouth bass are available where conditions are fit. Trout streams are providing excellent fishing in between storm events. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is up 4 feet from last week at 14.7 feet. Levels are predicted to gradually fall to 12 feet by late next week. Water temperature is near 76° degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to high water. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot construction is expected to start July 30 and the ramp will be closed through October. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleye are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in the current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill will move out of the heavy floodwaters current. Look for them in the lilly pads in protected backwater lakes. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville jumped 5 feet from last week to 624.2 feet. The River is cresting and a slow fall is predicted. Water temperature is 76 degrees at the Lock 9. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in the current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill will move out of the heavy floodwaters current. Look for them in the lilly pads in protected backwater lakes. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is cresting at around 15 feet this week. A slow fall is expected over the next week. Water temperature is 71 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in the current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill will move out of the heavy floodwaters current. Look for them in the lilly pads in protected backwater lakes. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River is cresting this week with gradual fall predicted. Most ramps are currently under water. Water temperature is in the mid 70's.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will rise to minor and moderate flood stages by this weekend. Presently levels are 16.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 18.2 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is turbid. The channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: In flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are being reported out of nearly every section of Pool 12. Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flatheads are in the midst of their spawning period and often the bite temporarily slows for a bit. Anglers are mostly using green sunfish for bait. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Pool 13 will experience minor flooding as water will crest by this weekend. Water level presently is 18.2 feet. Many smaller boat ramps are flooded. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. The water is turbid. The channel water temperature is around 75 degrees.Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use live chubs, green sunfish or bullheads in deep holes or above large brush piles. The flathead spawning period is underway. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels will crest by this weekend; expect minor to moderate flooding. Presently levels are near 16.5 feet near Fulton, 18.2 feet at Camanche and 11.4 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 76 degrees. Water clarity is poor. Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels should crest by Monday. Expect smaller boat ramps to be flooded. Presently the water is 17 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is near 76 degrees. Channel Catfish - No Report: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Use an egg sinker and worm rig and fish near shore in flooded conditions. Drum will use freshly washed in food in newly flooded habitats. 

Expect water to crest this weekend at various flood stages throughout the district. Many boat ramps will be out of operation. Water clarity is generally turbid. Lots of debris is floating in the channel. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 15.20 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is forecast to reach 16.9 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. River level at Fairport is 15.04 feet and flood stage is 14 feet. Water level is at the top of the Marquette Stree boat ramp and is starting to get into the parking lot. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek are closed. The lower ramp and portion of the parking lot is underwater at the Fairport Recreational Area. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 14.68 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to reach 16.7 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage at Muscatine is 16.2 feet and flood stage is 16 feet. Kilpeck Landing is closed due to high water. Big Timber is closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 16.01 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is forecast to reach 18.3 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage at Keithsburg is 14.99 feet and flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro Landing is closed due to high water. The Ferry Landing is closed. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will have water over the parking lot. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 11.59 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is forecast to reach 13.4 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 16.36 feet and flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. 

River stages are on the rise due to recent heavy rains. River stages are at or above flood stage. Current forecasts have river levels rising through the weekend. Some boat ramps are underwater due to the high water conditions. Main channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. We have not received much for fishing reports due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try down along the face of the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Work the 6 to 7 feet of water in the flooded timber. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
River levels dropped a few inches earlier in the week, but are headed back up. Less than a foot below flood stage at Wapello. 

Lake Belva Deer
All the rains last week clouded the water; water clarity is about 3 feet. For most lakes that's not bad, but for Belva Deer that's muddy. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the shallow flooded timber in the early morning and late evenings. During the day, hit the deeper mounds at the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Work the flooded trees in deeper water, especially over in the area near the beach. Channel Catfish - Fair: The face of the dam is a good place to start. Try also around the mounds at the upper end of the lake. 

Lake Darling
The water temperature is in the mid 80's this week. Water clarity is not bad (about 30 inches); last week's multiple downpours made it a bit muddy. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Early morning. Work the brush piles in shallow water in early morning before the bass move out in to deeper water for the day. Bluegill - Fair: You can still find pockets of bluegills in shallow water, especially around the flooded trees. Channel Catfish - Good: Work the rip rap around the island and down at the dam to find some nice catfish. 

Lost Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up crappies later in the day around the fishing piers, especially those on the north side of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Try the deeper water around the north side of the lake. 

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Water levels is just under bank full. Boating is not advised. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. The water is very dirty. Channel Catfish - Fair: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The weeds are thick around the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a frog over the weeds or fish the outside weed line. Bluegill - Good. Black Crappie - Good: Fish the weed line or offshore for suspended crappies. Most fish are around 8 inches. Some bigger fish are being caught out deeper. Channel Catfish - Good. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are in the 70's. The fish cleaning station at the primitive campground and main ramp are both open. Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or jig live bait. Most fish are in 7-14 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Look for schools roaming deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Mornings are best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. Yellow Bass - Good: Cast jigs, spinners or live bait. Most fish are about 8-9 inches. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. White Bass – Good: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Fair: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Slow. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Target log jams and rocked areas; channel catfish are spawning. Watch for water levels to change with the recent rains.

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or night crawlers in areas with large rocks. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing deep structure with a jig and minnow. Some fish should still be shallow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers in areas along the fishing jetties.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. Target deeper structure with rubber worms or jig n pig combos. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and aquatic vegetation. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or night crawlers along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits and crankbaits around the cedar tree piles. Fish deeper structure with rubber worms or crawdad imitations as temperatures warm. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.45 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait or large chubs around areas with rip rap. The rocks around the bridge at the Bridgeview area are a good spot this time of year. White Crappie - Good: Use minnows around deeper structure. Some fish can still be caught shallow around the docks. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also using jig and minnow combos along the shoreline. Walleye - Good: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points.

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and aquatic vegetation. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes throughout the lake in 10 to 15 feet of water. Troll spinner rigs with crawlers in the areas out from the beach, marina, West Boat Ramp, Ensign Shelter and the west shoreline south of the 100th Street Boat Ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll and cast crankbaits in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: As the crappie spawn bite is coming to an end, the hot weather is causing the white bass bite to pick up. Troll shad imitating spoons and shallow diving crankbaits. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Fair: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower portion of the lake between the beach and dam. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught shallow and drifting with night crawlers. The larger fish are 7.5 to 8 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers fished on the bottom or near the bottom (6 feet deep or less) under a bobber. 

Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Good: White bass and hybrid striped bass are being caught below the Big Creek spillway. This should continue as long as higher flows keep coming out of Big Creek. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Most ponds are recovering from the heavy rain fall from a week ago. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in their summer pattern in ponds. Concentrate on suspended fish and along weed lines during the summer months.  Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill - Fair: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Bluegill should still be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Concentrate fishing the channel during the summer months. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in the open water portion of the lake and close to the channel. 

Lake Anita
Anglers report catching bluegills drifting. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles or troll twister tails to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Good: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler. Fish will average 8.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the south and west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Look for black crappie around underwater reefs and tree piles. Fish will average 10 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill around tree piles in the lake. Cast small jigs for fish averaging 8 inches. 

Orient Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Catch 18-20 inch channel catfish with cut bait or shrimp below the sediment structure where water is running into the lake. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Target the spawning beds, underwater reefs and jetties to find spawning fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are done spawning and have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas.  Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Find crappies and largemouth bass on deeper brush piles. Channel catfish have moved in around jetties and rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Panfish have moved into their summer pattern. Target open water and deep structure. Catfish are close to rocky shorelines. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7.5 inches with jigs or night crawlers fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished along the fish mounds. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow or leech
fished along the weed lines, especially in the morning or evenings. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished in 10-15 feet of water along cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers fished along main lake points or the silt dam. 

Three Mile Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 17 inches with minnows fished along the roadbed or along the dam in the early morning or late in the evening. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 12 inches using finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with night crawlers fished along the fishing jetties. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using using minnows fished along the roadbed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Catch yellow perch up to 11 inches with worms fished near mainlake points

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the upper 70's to low 80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlineswith fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 31.67 ft. /90,400 cfs./71 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatues are down one degree from last week and water levels are up 5.80 feet from last week. Anglers haven't been out with the high water levels. Water levels are up due to recent rains on the Missouri River along the Iowa border. Many parking lots and boat ramps are flooded. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with tube jig or a small minnow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 4 feet of water. 

Clear Lake
Clear Lake is 7.5 inches above crest. Surface water temperature is 76 degrees. Walleye - Good: Try a slip bobber and leeches or crawlers fished near the edge of vegetation in 3 to 6 feet of water. Yellow Bass - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler at the edge of vegetation. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting baits fished on the rock reefs and off the jetties. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a spinner or topwater bait in the open spots in the vegetation. Muskellunge - Fair. 

Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting spinners and plastic baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill - Good: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught; cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs in the evening. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report an improving panfish bite of bluegill and crappie. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the weed lines. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: leye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Fair: Walleye action has slowed on the lake; persistence will be rewarded with nice fish caught. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Good walleye action continues; troll live bait. Yellow Perch - Good: Report of yellow perch action "picking up" on the lake. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Wooden docks in deeper water and new aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are falling with improved visibility. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Watercraft activities are not recommended.
 Walleye - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs or chicken liver fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. 

Decorah District Streams
Yellow wild parsnip is blooming. Wear long sleeved clothing when walking through it to prevent skin contact. Flows remain high, but most can be fished. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Fair: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Fair: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green with vegetation around the boat dock. Limited visibility.  Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation. Bluegill - Good: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Water is stained a brown color. Fish activity is variable. Bluegill - Good: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use buzz or spinner baits in shallow bays and along weed edges. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is poor. Water levels are rising. Use extreme caution when floating on muddy water. Trees may be down along the river corridor due to high winds and heavy rain. Walleye - No Report: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are stabilizing with poor water clarity. Use extreme caution when on rain swollen waters; trees and other debris may be blocking the main channel.  Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - No Report: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails near undercut banks and log jams. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Use spinners around tributaries. Light colored jigs and crankbaits work best. 

Volga Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or cut bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Common Carp - Good: Use bright lights and bows in the shallow bays at night . 

Scattered showers over saturated ground continues to cause area water bodies to rise and turn muddy. Clearing and cooler by the weekend. Temperatures in the 80s. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
We have not received information about fishing on this water body this week. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Vegetation has become abundant around lake edges, so adjust strategies to fish over or through plants. Largemouth Bass – Size has been good. Bluegill – Good. Channel Catfish - Good: Use frogs, shrimp or stink baits in deep water.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is running at 14,100 CFS as of July 5 in Waterloo or about 4 times above median flow. These flows are creating difficult conditions for smallmouth bass and walleye, but channel catfish action has been good at times. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Walleye – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair.

George Wyth Lake
George Wyth Park has excellent water clarity. Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Manchester District Streams
Most trout streams in Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties are in good condition. Trout stocking has continued mostly as planned during the week of July 2 -6. Brown Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River at Manchester is flowing at about 308 CFS as of July 5 or about 1.5 times greater than median flow for this time of year. The Maquoketa River is providing the best conditions and opportunity for river fishing in east-central Iowa given less recent rainfall in the watershed. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Plainfield
Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

South Prairie Lake
Vegetation has become abundant; adjust strategies accordingly, including topwater baits and weedless baits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits. Bluegill – Fair. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River at Independence has a flow of about 3390 CFS as of July 5; this water discharge rate is about 7 times above median levels for this time of year. Fishing has been limited. Northern Pike – Slow. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow.

Weather continues to impact fishing success and opportunities in east-central Iowa with heavy rainfall causing high water conditions on all area rivers. Summer fishing opportunities, including channel catfish and largemouth bass, are available where conditions are fit. Trout streams are providing excellent fishing in between storms. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 13.4 feet with a slow fall this week. Levels are predicted to gradually fall to 12 feet by late next week. Water temperature is near 78° degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to water over the road. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot construction is expected to start July 30 and the ramp will be closed through October. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleye are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in the current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees; use a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies.  Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 622.7 feet at Lynxville and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 79 degrees at the Lock 9. Sny Magill ramp is still closed due to high water. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in the current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 13.7 feet at Guttenberg and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 73 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Guttenberg ramp and Turkey River landing is still under water. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River is on a gradual fall this week. Most ramps are currently under water. Be aware of floating flood debris. Water temperature is in the mid to upper 70's. Look for fish to be in the clearer water in backwater sloughs and lakes away from the main channel. Try fishing surface lures as the Mayfly hatch is going now. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are receding and are 13.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 15.6 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water to drop a couple feet this upcoming week. Water clarity is fairly turbid. The channel water temperature is around 80 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: In flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass were being caught while they were feeding along the edge of flooding water. If water returns to lower levels, expect the bass bite to pick up. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Pool 13 is out of flood stages for now. Water level is 14.4 feet and is receding. Expect a two foot drop in levels this upcoming week. Most smaller boat ramps are still flooded or will have debris on them. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. The water is turbid. The channel water temperature is around 81 degrees.Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both largemouth and smallmouth were caught this week, even with the high water levels. Most are feeding along the flooding edge. Use a bright colored spinner in the turbid water. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are receding throughout Pool 14; expect it to continue to recede up to 2 feet by next week. Presently levels are near 14.7 feet near Fulton, 16.6 feet at Camanche and 10.1 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Water clarity is poor. Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are receding, but some minor flooding is still occurring. Expect most smaller boat ramps to be flooded or have debris on them. Presently the water is 15.4 feet at Rock Island.  Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is near 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - No Report: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Use an egg sinker and worm rig and fish near shore in flooded conditions. Drum will use freshly washed in food in newly flooded habitats. 

Water has crested and now is receding. Still flood stages in some places. Many boat ramps will be out of operation. Water clarity is getting better, but may be turbid. Lots of debris floating in channel. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 15.40 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and has fallen close to a foot since Monday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. River stage at Fairport is 16.51 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Fairport is 14 feet. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek are closed due to high water. The ramps and portions of the parking lot are underwater at the Fairport Recreational Area. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 15.36 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 16.91 feet and is falling. Flood stage is 16 feet. Kilpeck Landing is closed due to high water. Big Timber is closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 16.76 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Keithsburg is 15.73 feet and is falling. Flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro Landing is closed due to high water. The Ferry Landing is closed. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will have water over the parking lot. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 12.83 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is starting to fall. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 17.53  feet and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level at Fort Madison is 529.32 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. 

River stages are still above flood stage, but they are starting to fall. Main channel water temperature is 82 degrees. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions and limited access. Many of the boat ramps are still underwater. Most fishing reports are coming from inland lakes and farm ponds. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The River is down in this section; still getting a lot of water from the Cedar and is just below being bank full. 

Lake Belva Deer
Hot weather has cut down the number of anglers out on the lake down. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the shallow flooded timber in the early morning and late evenings. During the day, hit the deeper mounds at the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Work the flooded trees in deeper water, especially over in the area near the beach. Channel Catfish - Fair: The face of the dam is a good place to start. Try also around the mounds at the upper end of the lake. 

Lake Darling
The weather hasn't cooled the water down. Water clarity is still fairly decent (about 3 feet). Largemouth Bass - Fair: Work the brush piles in shallow water in early morning before the bass move out in to deeper water for the day. Bluegill - Fair: Most bluegill have moved out to 5 to 8 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Work the rip rap around the island and down at the dam to find some nice catfish. 

Lost Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has slowed with the hot weather; move to deeper water where the crappies are trying to escape the heat. Bluegill - Fair: Early morning and late evening are best. 

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The water level dropped just a bit; it’s holding at about two foot from bank full level. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. The water is very dirty. Channel Catfish - Fair: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass - Fair. Bluegill - Good. Black Crappie - Good. Channel Catfish - Good. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. The fish cleaning station at the primitive campground and main ramp are both open. Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or jig live bait. Most fish are in 7-14 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Look for schools roaming over deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Mornings are best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. Yellow Bass - Good: Cast jigs, spinners or live bait. Most fish are about 8-9 inches. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. White Bass – Good: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Fair: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Slow. 

Rodgers Park Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Target log jams and rocked shorelines. Watch for water levels to change with the recent rains.

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or night crawlers in areas with large rocks. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing deep structure with a jig and minnow. Some fish should still be shallow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers in areas along the fishing jetties.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. Target deeper structure with rubber worms or jig-n-pig combos. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or night crawlers along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits and crankbaits around the cedar tree piles. Fish deeper structure with rubber worms or crawdad imitations as the day heats up. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.25 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or large chubs around areas with rip rap. The rocks around the bridge at the Bridgeview area are a good spot this time of year. White Crappie - Fair: Use minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas . Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed down from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points.

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes throughout the lake in 10 to 15 feet of water. Troll spinner rigs with crawlers in the areas out from the beach, marina, West Boat Ramp, Ensign Shelter and the west shoreline south of the 100th Street Boat Ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll and cast crankbaits in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: As the crappie spawn bite is coming to an end, the hot weather is causing the white bass bite to pick up. Troll shad imitating spoons and shallow diving crankbaits. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Fair: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower portion of the lake between the beach and dam. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught shallow and drifting with night crawlers. The larger fish are 7.5 to 8 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers fished on the bottom or near the bottom (6 feet deep or less) under a bobber. 

Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Good: White bass and hybrid striped bass are being caught at the pump station in the marina cove casting twister tails or shad imitating crank baits. All boat ramps are closed, so it is only accessible from shore. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Most ponds are recovering from the heavy rain fall from a week ago. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in their summer pattern in ponds. Concentrate on suspended fish and along weed lines during the summer months.  Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill - Fair: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Bluegill should still be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Concentrate fishing the channel during the summer months. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in the open water portion of the lake and close to the channel. 

Lake Anita
Anglers report catching bluegills drifting. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles or troll twister tails to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Good: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler. Fish will average 8.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the south and west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Look for black crappie around underwater reefs and tree piles. Fish will average 10 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill around tree piles in the lake. Cast small jigs for fish averaging 8 inches. 

Orient Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Catch 18-20 inch channel catfish with cut bait or shrimp below the sediment structure where water is running into the lake. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Target the spawning beds, underwater reefs and jetties to find spawning fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are done spawning and have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas.  Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Find crappies and largemouth bass on deeper brush piles. Channel catfish have moved in around jetties and rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Panfish have moved into their summer pattern. Target open water and deep structure. Catfish are close to rocky shorelines. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished in 10-15 feet of water along cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Three Mile Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 12 inches using finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with night crawlers fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using using minnows fished in 10-15 feet of water. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with tube jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the low 80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlineswith fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 27.95 ft. /60,500 cfs./78 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are up seven degrees from last week and water levels are down 3.72 feet. Anglers haven't been out much on the Missouri River with the high water levels. Water levels are up due to recent rains on the Missouri River along the Iowa border. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. Water levels are 7 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 3-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Fair: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Pt, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay. Look for fish along rocky shorelines this time of year. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water near submerged structure. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are picking up fish trolling crankbaits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Swan Lake 
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties in 3-6 feet of water. Most fish are 6-7 inches. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are around 80 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with tube jig or a small minnow. 

Clear Lake
Clear Lake is 3.5 inches above crest. Surface water temperature is 76 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Troll spinners near the edge of vegetation in 3 to 6 feet of water. Yellow Bass - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a small piece of crawler at the edge of vegetation. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or cut bait after dark. 

Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting spinners and plastic baits. Black Crappie - Good: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill –Good: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
The boat dock at Hattie Elston (North ramp) has been pulled. Yellow Bass - Good: The bite has picked up; good numbers of fish are being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs in the evening. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report an improving panfish bite of bluegill and crappie. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the weed lines. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Fair: Walleye action has slowed on the lake; persistence will be rewarded with nice fish caught. 

Spirit Lake
The south boat ramp (Orleans) is closed. Walleye - Good: The good walleye bite continues; troll live bait in the morning. Yellow Perch - Good: Report of yellow perch action "picking up" on the lake; sorting is needed. 

West Okoboji Lake
The Triboji boat ramp is closed due to flooding. Bluegill - Good: Wooden docks in deeper water and new aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stabilizing, but flows remain high. Visibility has improved. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Look for fish near deep water drop offs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Target snags for catfish using stink baits or chicken liver fished on bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie - Fai: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. 

Decorah District Streams
Yellow wild parsnip is blooming. Wear long sleeved clothing when walking through it to prevent skin contact. Flows remain high, but most can be fished. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Fair: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green; limited visibility.  Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Green algae bloom is starting. Water clarity is good. Fish activity and fishing has slowed. Bluegill - Fair: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use buzz or spinner baits in shallow bays and along weed edges. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much improved. Water levels are stabilizing, but flows remain high. Be aware of river conditions ahead of you; snags and log jams may have moved or trees may be blocking the river corridor.  Walleye - Slow: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use jigs imitating crawdads or other small fish near rocky ledges. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are stabilizing with much improved clarity. Trees and other debris may be blocking the main channel. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Fair: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails over deep water drop offs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use spinners around tributaries. Light colored jigs and crankbaits work best. 

Volga Lake
Algae blooms are starting as water temperatures warm. Black Crappie - Slow: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or cut bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Common Carp - Good: Use bright lights and bows in the shallow bays at night . 

Hot, humid weather, typical this time of year, will bring scattered thunderstorms through the weekend. Temperatures in the 80's. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Vegetation has become abundant around lake edges, so adjust strategies to fish over or through plants. Largemouth Bass – Size has been good. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish - Good: Use frogs, shrimp or stink baits in deep water.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is running at 6500 CFS as of July 12 in Waterloo or about 2 times above median flow. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.

George Wyth Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams in Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties are in good condition. Trout stocking was completed as scheduled during the week of July 9-13. Brown Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River at Manchester is flowing at about 200 CFS as of July 12; this is near average for median flows on this date. The Maquoketa River is providing the best conditions and opportunity for river fishing in east-central Iowa given less recent rainfall in the watershed. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Plainfield
Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

South Prairie Lake
Vegetation has become abundant; adjust strategies accordingly, including topwater baits and weedless baits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River at Independence has a flow of about 975 CFS as of July 12; this water discharge rate is about 3 times above median levels for this time of year. Fishing has been slow, but opportunities should improve with limited rainfall in the watershed. Northern Pike – Slow. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow.

Water flows in east-central Iowa rivers have improved greatly since last week, but are still high in the Cedar, Shell Rock, and Wapsipinicon. Lakes are generally providing some fair bass fishing. Trout streams are providing excellent fishing opportunity. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 12.3 feet and is predicted to fall a foot this week. Water temperature is near 79° degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to water over the road. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot construction is expected to start July 30 and the ramp will be closed through October. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleye are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning. Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees; use a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies.  Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 621.3 feet at Lynxville and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 80 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp still has water over the road. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning. Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 12.1 feet at Guttenberg and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 75 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Guttenberg south ramp is now open. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning.Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River continues on a gradual fall this week. Level is expected to fall about a foot by late week. Many ramps have reopened. Be aware of floating flood debris. Water temperature is in the upper 70's to 80's. Clarity is still poor. Look for fish to be in the clearer water in backwater sloughs and lakes. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are receding and are 12.1 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 14.1 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water to drop a foot or so this upcoming week. Water clarity is fairly turbid. The channel water temperature is around 81 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: In flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass were being caught while they were feeding along the edge of flooding water. If water returns to lower levels, expect the bass bite to pick up. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 12.9 feet at Bellevue and is receding. Expect a one foot drop in levels this upcoming week. Most smaller boat ramps have debris on them, but are usable. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. The water is turbid, but is clearing up. The channel water temperature is around 81 degrees.Channel Catfish - Excellent: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both largemouth and smallmouth are being caught. Most are feeding along the flooding edge. Use a bright colored spinner in the turbid water. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are receding throughout Pool 14; expect it to continue to continue to recede. Presently levels are near 12.5 feet near Fulton, 14.7 feet at Camanche and 8.6 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Water clarity is poor, but is improving. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are receding and are out of flooding stages in Pool 15. Expect most smaller boat ramps to have debris on them. Presently the water is 12.5 feet at Rock Island.  Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is near 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in flooded conditions. Drum will use freshly washed in food in newly flooded habitats. 

Water levels are high, but are receding; we are out of flood stages throughout the district. Boat ramps are getting back in working order. Water clarity is improving, but may be turbid. Some debris is floating in the channel. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 12.58 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. Flood stage at Fairport is 14 feet. The docks are being reported as in at the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport. As of July 5th, the ramps at Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek were still closed. The Fairport Recreation Area has a dock in at the upper ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught in Sunset Marina on stink bait. Try above brush piles and snags in the back channels. Walleye - Fair: Reports of some walleyes being caught trolling between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 12.12 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 13.73 feet and is falling. Flood stage is 16 feet. As of July 5th, the Kilpeck Landing was still closed due to high water. Big Timber is closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 13.73 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Keithsburg is 13.27 feet and is falling. Flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro Landing is still closed due to high water, but may reopen by the weekend if the river continues to fall. The Ferry Landing is closed. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will have water over the parking lot. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 10.13 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level is 15.17 feet at Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level at Fort Madison is 527.93 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. 

River stages are still high and some boat ramps are still closed due to the high water. River stages have been falling. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. Main channel water temperature is around 82 degrees. Most fishing reports are coming from inland lakes and farm ponds. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Not a lot of angler activity because of the weather. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappies in 6-7 feet in the flooded trees. Bluegill - Slow: Look for shadier bays on the south side with flooded trees and 6-8 feet of water. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is finally starting to drop; boating still not recommended. 

Lake Belva Deer
Hot weather has cut down the number of anglers out on the lake down. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing has slowed some, but you can still find them working the surface early in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Work the flooded trees in deeper water, especially over in the area near the beach. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fishing or slow trolling the area in front of the beach and towards the North boat ramp out in 10 to 15 feet of water is producing some nice crappies. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature are in the low to mid 80's. Water clarity isn't bad at two feet with some green color to the water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Work the brush piles in shallow water in early morning before the bass move out in to deeper water for the day. Bluegill - Fair: Most bluegill have moved out to 5 to 8 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are wrapping up the spawning activities, but you should still be able to find them in the rocks. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fishing for crappies out in the middle of the lake is producing some fish.

Lost Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has slowed with the hot weather; move to deeper water where the crappies are trying to escape the heat. Bluegill - Fair: Early morning and late evening are best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some decent bass on topwater baits early in the morning. 

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The water level on the Skunk is still just a little below bank full. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at 683.5 feet; normal summer pool is 683.3 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass - Fair. Bluegill - Good. Black Crappie - Good. Channel Catfish - Good. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Kent Park Lake watershed ponds
The ponds behind the education center have been best. Largemouth Bass - Good: 12-15 inch fish are hitting about anything. These fish must be 15 inches to keep. 

Lake Macbride
Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Walleye - Slow: Troll crankbaits or jig live bait. Most fish are in 7-13 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Look for schools roaming over deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. White Bass – Fair: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Slow: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use chicken liver or shrimp. Walleye - Slow.  

Rodgers Park Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
River levels are finally receding. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms in the backwaters. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigs or minnows around brush in the backwaters. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Target log jams and rocked shorelines. Watch for water levels to change with the recent rains.

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or night crawlers in areas with large rocks. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing deep structure with a jig and minnow. Some fish should still be shallow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers in areas along the fishing jetties. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target deeper structure with rubber worms or jig-n-pig combos. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or night crawlers along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish deeper structure with rubber worms or crawdad imitations as the day heats up. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.11 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or large chubs around areas with rip rap. The rocks around the bridge at the Bridgeview area are a good spot this time of year. White Crappie - Fair: Use minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas . Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed down from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points.

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Slow: The walleye bite has become tough since the shad spawn created abundant small forage. Target the upper end of the lake in shallow water, preferably by any vegetation. Cast or troll shallow diving shad imitating crank baits or troll whirligig rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3-10 feet deep. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Hooper Area Pond
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting and trolling jigs mid-lake are picking up some nice 10-12 inch crappies. Keep your baits in the top 6 feet of water. 

Lake Ahquabi
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits in  4 to 8 feet of water in the evenings. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Rising waters are spreading fish out, but the hot weather will have white bass and hybrid striped bass active. Look for shad schools breaking the surface of the water and troll shad imitating spoons and shallow diving crank baits. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Fair: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower portion of the lake between the beach and dam. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers fished on the bottom or near the bottom (6 feet deep or less) under a bobber. 

Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Good: White bass and hybrid striped bass are being caught at the pump station in the marina cove casting twister tails or shad imitating crank baits. All boat ramps are closed, so it is only accessible from shore. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Most ponds are recovering from the heavy rain fall from a week ago. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in their summer pattern in ponds. Concentrate on suspended fish and along weed lines during the summer months.  Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill - Fair: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Bluegill should still be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Concentrate fishing the channel during the summer. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in the open water portion of the lake and close to the channel. 

Lake Anita
Anglers report catching bluegills drifting. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles or troll twister tails to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Good: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler. Fish will average 8.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the south and west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Orient Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Catch 18-20 inch channel catfish with cut bait or shrimp below the sediment structure where water is running into the lake and along the dam. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Target the spawning beds, underwater reefs and jetties to find spawning fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are done spawning and have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas.  Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Find crappies and largemouth bass on deeper brush piles. Channel catfish have moved in around jetties and rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Panfish have moved into their summer pattern. Target open water and deep structure. Catfishing has been good around the district.  For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Three Mile Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 12 inches using finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Good: Catch walleye up to 18 inches using crankbaits fished along the roadbed or main lake points. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows fished in 10-15 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with tube jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the low 80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.89 ft. /68,800 cfs./81 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are up three degrees from last week and water levels are up 0.94 feet from last week. Anglers haven't been out much on the Missouri River with the high water levels. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. Water levels are 5 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 5-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Fair: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Pt, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay. Look for fish along rocky shorelines this time of year. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water near submerged structure. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are picking up fish trolling crankbaits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Swan Lake 
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties in 3-6 feet of water. Most fish are 6-7 inches. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are around 80 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. 

Clear Lake
Clear Lake is 3 inches above crest. Surface water temperature is 81 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Troll spinners near the edge of vegetation in 3 to 6 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or cut bait after dark. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing the edge of the vegetation with a jig and minnow. 

Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting spinners and plastic baits. Black Crappie - Good: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill –Good: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. 

Upper Pine Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater baits. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report a good panfish bite of bluegill and crappie continues. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the weed lines. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Channel Catfish - Good: Numbers of fish were caught over the weekend, contact the local bait shop for more information.  

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Troll live bait or crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Report of yellow perch action "picking up" on the lake with good numbers of angler acceptable size fish being caught. Northern Pike - Good: Look for areas with flow for the best action.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stabilizing, but flows remain high. Visibility has improved. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Look for fish near deep water drop offs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Target snags for catfish using stink baits or chicken liver fished on bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie - Fai: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. 

Decorah District Streams
Yellow wild parsnip is blooming. Wear long sleeved clothing when walking through it to prevent skin contact. Flows remain high, but most can be fished. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green; limited visibility.  Best bite is in the evening and early morning. Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Green algae bloom continues. Water clarity is good. Water temperatures are in the mid 80's. Bluegill - Fair: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits  along weed edges. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much improved. Water levels are stabilizing, but flows remain high. Be aware of river conditions ahead of you; snags and log jams may have moved or trees may be blocking the river corridor.  Walleye - Fair: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use feathered spinnerbaits or crankbaits near rocky ledges. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are stabilizing with much improved clarity. Trees and other debris may be blocking the main channel. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Fair: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails over deep water drop offs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and crankbaits near rock ledges and undercut banks. 

Volga Lake
Algae bloom continues with warm water temperatures. Fish activity is better toward evening. Black Crappie - Good: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Use a light colored jig with twistertail. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or cut bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Common Carp - Fair: Use bright lights and bows in the shallow bays at night . 

Rain Thursday and Friday; breezy. Temperatures will be in the 80's. Rivers and streams with better watersheds will clear faster .For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Vegetation has become abundant around lake edges, so adjust strategies to fish over or through plants. Catfish anglers are fishing deep water with frogs, shrimp or stink baits. 
 Largemouth Bass – Fair: Size has been good. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits. Best bite is early morning and late evening. Catfish size has been excellent. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is running at 5100 CFS as of July 19 in Waterloo or about 2 times above median flow. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Good: Use stinkbaits or fresh baits.

George Wyth Lake
Bluegill - Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams in Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties are in good condition. Trout stocking was completed as scheduled during the week of July 16-20. Try caddis in the late evening and hoppers during midday. Stocked fish are biting on a variety of presentations. Brown Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River at Manchester is flowing at about 136 CFS as of July 19; this is near average for median flows on this date. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair. 

Maquoketa River (below Monticello)
White Sucker – Fair. Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits or live bait. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Plainfield
Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

South Prairie Lake
Vegetation has become abundant; adjust strategies accordingly, including topwater baits and weedless baits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River at Independence has a flow of about 675 CFS as of July 19; this water discharge rate is about 2 times above median levels for this time of year. Fishing has been improving with better water conditions . Northern Pike – Slow. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.

Water flows in east-central Iowa rivers have improved greatly since last week, but are still high in the Cedar, Shell Rock, and Wapsipinicon. Lakes are generally providing some fair bass fishing. Trout streams are providing excellent fishing opportunity. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 11.7 feet with a very gradual fall. Water temperature is near 81 degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to water over the road. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot construction is expected to start July 30 and the ramp will be closed through October. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleye are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning. Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees; use a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 620.5 feet at Lynxville and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 81 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp still has water over the road. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding in the vegetation along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning. Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 11.4 feet at Guttenberg and is slowly receding. Water temperature is 75 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Guttenberg south ramp is now open. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water. Some walleyes are being picked up bottom bouncing crawlers on side channel and bottom structure. Yellow Perch - No Report: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger - Slow: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use a large shiner or sunfish in deeper holes. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats should be spawning.Use a crawler fished on the bottom in current eddies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing for bluegills in the flooded trees using a surface lure or poppers to imitate the mayflies. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River levels remain high with only a slight downward trend. Many ramps have reopened. Be aware of floating flood debris. Water temperature is in the upper 70's to 80's. Fish have been elusive in the high water, but clarity has improved this week. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are near 11 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and near 13 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity is improving. The water temperature is around 81 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: In flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along the edge of flooding water. White Bass - Good: Looks for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evening hours. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill have finally returned to angler creels. Try bobber and worms in clearer backwater areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 12.5 feet at Bellevue and is receding. Expect a small drop in levels this upcoming week. Smaller boat ramps still have water and debris on them. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. The water is turbid, but is clearing up. The channel water temperature is around 81 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both largemouth and smallmouth are being caught. Most are feeding along the flooding edge. Use a bright colored spinner in the turbid water. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are receding throughout Pool 14; expect it to continue to continue to recede. Presently levels are near 12 feet near Fulton, 14.2 feet at Camanche and 8.4 feet at LeClaire. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Water clarity is poor, but is improving. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are receding in Pool 15. Most smaller boat ramps have debris on them, but most are useable. Presently the water is 12 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is poor, but is improving. The water temperature is near 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Especially in flooding conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in flooded conditions. Drum will use freshly washed in food in newly flooded habitats. 

Water levels are high, but are receding slowly; we are out of flood stages throughout the district. Boat ramps are getting back in working order, but some are still under water. Water clarity is fair. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.38 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The docks are being reported as in at the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport. The Fairport Recreation Area has a dock in at the upper ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught in Sunset Marina on stinkbait. Try also above brush piles and snags in the back channels. Walleye - Fair: Reports of some walleyes being caught trolling between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. Try fishing on the wingdams along Credit Island with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.48 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Big Timber is closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above snag piles along the side channels and main channel with stinkbait or shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams; use crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits by GPC can work, too. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with pieces of worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.87 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. The gates are still out of the water at the dam. Flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel for catfish; use stinkbait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 8.22 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level is 13.34 feet at Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level at Fort Madison is 527.02 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel; use stinkbait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. 

River stages are still high, but have been falling. Fishing is being reported as slow. Main channel water temperature is around 82 degrees. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool. Channel Catfish - Fair: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass - Fair. Bluegill - Good. Black Crappie - Good. Channel Catfish - Good. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Water temperatures are in the 80's. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or jig live bait. Most fish are in 8-13 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Look for schools roaming over deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Check your boat and trailer for the invasive plant, Brittle Naiad; it is abundant here. White Bass – Fair: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Slow: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use chicken liver or shrimp. Walleye - Slow.  

Rodgers Park Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
River levels are finally receding. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms in the backwaters. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigs or minnows around brush in the backwaters. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Target log jams and rocked shorelines. Watch for water levels to change with the recent rains.

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the rocky shorelines and the weed line. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stinkbait in areas with 4-6 feet of water. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing deep structure with a jig and minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stinkbait or chicken liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target deeper structure with rubber worms or jig-n-pig combos. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or stinkbait along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stinkbait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish deeper structure with rubber worms or crawdad imitations. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.02 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stinkbait or chicken liver in areas with water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Use minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas . Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points.Leeches can also be productive this time of year. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Slow: The walleye bite has become tough since the shad spawn created abundant small forage. Target the upper end of the lake in shallow water, preferably by any vegetation. Cast or troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or troll spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3-10 feet deep. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Hooper Area Pond
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting and trolling jigs mid-lake are picking up some nice 10-12 inch crappies. Keep your baits in the top 6 feet of water. 

Lake Ahquabi
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits in 4 to 8 feet of water in the evenings. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: High water levels are spreading fish out, but it is still the best time of year to target aggressive white bass and hybrid striped bass. Look for shad schools breaking the surface of the water and troll shad imitating spoons and shallow diving crankbaits. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity in most ponds have recovered from heavy rains in July. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in their summer pattern in ponds. Concentrate on suspended fish and along weed lines during the summer months.  Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Concentrate fishing the channel during the summer. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in the open water portion of the lake and close to the channel. 

Lake Anita
Anglers report catching bluegills drifting. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles or troll twister tails to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler. Fish will average 8.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the south and west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Orient Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch 18-20 inch channel catfish with cut bait or shrimp below the sediment structure where water is running into the lake and along the dam. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are done spawning and have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Find crappies and largemouth bass on deeper brush piles. Channel catfish have moved in around jetties and rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Channel Catfish - Good: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Panfish have moved into their summer pattern. Target open water and deep structure. Catfishing has been good around the district.  For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using worms fished along the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or jigs fished along rocky areas. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Good: Catch walleye up to 18 inches using crankbaits or live bait fished along the roadbed or main lake points. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with jigs or minnows fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows or leeches fished in 8-10 feet of water. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or worms fished along cedar tree brush piles or in the flooded timber. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the low to mid 80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 29.06 ft. /68,500 cfs./80 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperaturess are down one degree from last week and water levels are up 0.17 feet. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. Water levels are 4 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 5-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Fair: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Pt, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay. Look for fish along rocky shorelines this time of year. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water near submerged structure. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are picking up fish trolling crankbaits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Swan Lake 
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties in 3-6 feet of water. Most fish are 6-7 inches. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are around 80 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 72 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Jig a minnow or leech above submerged vegetation in 6 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or cut bait fished on the bottom after sunset. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing the edge of the vegetation with a jig and minnow. 

Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting topwater baits. Black Crappie - Good: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Upper Pine Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater baits. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
The dock at East Okoboji Beach boat ramp is out. Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report a good panfish bite of bluegill and crappie continues. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the weed lines. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Channel Catfish - Good: Numbers of fish were caught over the weekend, contact the local bait shop for more information.  

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Troll live bait or crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Report of yellow perch action "picking up" on the lake with good numbers of angler acceptable size fish being caught. Northern Pike - Good: Look for areas with flow for the best action. Bluegill - Good: Reports of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch being caught in the Illinois Pondweed in 8 - 10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and jigs to fish fast and find active fish. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stabilizing and low. Flows remain high. Visibility has improved. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a crawler or minnow in slack water pockets. Use a jig tipped with twister tail in deep water drop offs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Target snags for catfish using stink baits, chicken liver or crawdads fished on bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Use crawdad crankbaits along rocky shorelines.

Decorah District Streams
Yellow wild parsnip is blooming. Wear long sleeved clothing when walking through it to prevent skin contact. Catchable trout are stocked weekly. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green; limited visibility.  Best bite is toward evening and early morning. Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Green algae bloom continues. Water clarity is good. Water temperatures are in the low 80's. Fish activity is improving with cooler temperatures. Bluegill - Good: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinnerbait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater baits  along weed edges. 

Turkey River (below Clermont)
Anglers are finding fish from Clermont to Elkader. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use spinner or crawfish crankbait in drop offs or undercut banks. Walleye - Good: Try spinners or jig tipped with worm or twister tail in slack water and eddies. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much improved. Water levels are stabilizing, but flows remain high. Be aware of river conditions ahead of you; strainers may have moved or trees may be blocking the river corridor.  Walleye - Good: Use jigs tipped with natural colored twister tails or a flashy spinner. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use feathered spinnerbaits or crankbaits near rocky ledges. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
River is in good condition. Use caution when floating on an unfamiliar section of river; trees and other debris may be blocking the main channel. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Good: Cast bright colored jigs tipped with twister tails or larger spinner baits into deep water drop offs or eddies. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Use spinnerbaits and crankbaits near rock ledges and undercut banks. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish actively taking baits at night bank fishing. 

Volga Lake
Algae bloom continues. Fish activity improving with cooler temperatures. Black Crappie - Good: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Use a light colored jig with twister tail. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or stink bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Anglers are catching lots of small gills with a few keepers. 

Weather couldn't be better for the end of July. Temperatures are in the 70's. Rivers and streams are in good condition. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
We have not received information about fishing on this water body this week.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Vegetation remains abundant around edges, but it is starting to die back a bit.  Catfish anglers are fishing deep water with frogs, shrimp or stink baits. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Size has been good. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits. Best bite is early morning and late evening. Catfish size has been excellent. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is running at 5280 CFS as of July 26 in Waterloo or about 2 times above median flow. The river is reported as clearing and providing decent fishing despite flows that are still high for this time of year. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Use jig and night crawler combinations or crankbaits. Not too many big fish, but catch has been good for smaller fish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use stink baits or fresh baits.

George Wyth Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Good catch rates, but fish are mostly small. Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

Lake Delhi
Lake Delhi is providing good fishing for panfish and bass. This is a popular boating lake, so fishing conditions are often best on weekdays and mornings. Bluegill - Good: Lots of smaller fish with some keepers, too. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish near structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of small fish. Smallmouth Bass – Fair.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams in Delaware, Dubuque, and Jackson Counties are in good condition. Trout stocking was completed as scheduled during the week of July 23-27. Stocked fish are biting on a variety of presentations. Brown Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River at Manchester is flowing at about 126 CFS as of July 26; this is near average for median flows on this date. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair. 

Maquoketa River (below Monticello)
The lower Maquoketa was high and "dirty" early in the week, but conditions are improving. White Sucker – Fair. Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits or live bait. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Plainfield
Clear water and plants around the lake perimeter are creating some challenging conditions. Adjust tactics including lighter gear for panfish or weedless options for bass. Bluegill – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

South Prairie Lake
Vegetation has become abundant; adjust strategies accordingly, including topwater baits and weedless baits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River at Independence has a flow of about 500 CFS as of July 26; this water discharge rate is about 1.5 times above median levels for this time of year. Fishing has been improving with better water conditions . Northern Pike – Good. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.

River conditions are improving in eastern Iowa. The Shell Rock and Cedar remain high, but are providing decent fishing. The Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon have river flows near median levels for this time of year and are in excellent condition for fishing. Lakes are providing fair bass fishing. Trout streams are providing excellent fishing opportunity. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has fallen about a foot to 10.9 feet and is predicted to reach 9.5 feet midweek. Water temperature is near 78 degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to water over the road. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot construction is expected to start July 30 and the ramp will be closed through October. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are feeding in the shallow water out of the current.  Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: Northern are feeding in the trees in the backwaters on crawler rigs with a leader. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent:  Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has dropped a foot to 19.6 feet and is expected to reach 18 feet midweek.  Water temperature is 79 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp has water over the road. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water current. Some walleyes are feeding in the shallow water out of the current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: Northern are feeding in the trees in the backwaters on crawler rigs with a leader. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has fallen to 10.7 feet and is slowly receding to 9 feet late next week. Water temperature is 71 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Guttenberg south ramp is open. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water current. Some walleyes are up feeding in the shallow water out of the current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: Northern are feeding in the trees in the backwaters on crawler rigs with a leader. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are on a steady fall this week with good water clarity. Still lots of current in main channel areas, but fishing has picked up in side channels and backwater lakes. Water temperatures are in mid to upper 70's.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are near 10.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 12.9 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along the edge of flooding water. White Bass - Good: Look for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evenings. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegill have finally returned to angler creels. Try angling along the vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water.  

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is 12.0 feet. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction.  Channel Catfish - Excellent: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Both largemouth and smallmouth are being caught. Most are feeding along the high water edge. Use a bright colored spinner in the turbid water. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to return to the creel. Try fishing along vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 11.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 13.9 feet at Camanche and 7.9 feet at LeClaire. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 11.3 feet at Rock Island. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stinkbait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in high water conditions. 

Water levels continue to drop throughout the district this week. Some boat ramps may have water and debris on them yet. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.30 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The docks are being reported as in at the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport. The Fairport Recreation Area has a dock in at the upper and lower ramps. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some channel catfish are being caught in Sunset Marina on stinkbait. Try also above brush piles and snags in the back channels. Walleye - No Report: Troll crankbaits between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. Try fishing on the wingdams along Credit Island with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.31 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. River stage at Muscatine is 11.92 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. The ramp at Big Timber is open. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above snag piles along the side channels and main channel with stinkbait or shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams; use crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits by GPC can work, too. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with pieces of worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.72 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. The gates are still out of the water at the dam. The ramp at Toolsboro is open. Flood stage is 15 feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel; use stinkbait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.88 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level is 13.03 feet at Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level at Fort Madison is 526.89 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel; use stinkbait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. 

River stages rose slightly this past weekend, but are starting to fall. Main channel water temperature is around 78 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Fishing is being reported as slow. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is in the low to mid 80's. Expect an increase in fishing pressure with the forecasted cooler weather. Bluegill - Fair: Work the bluegills in about 6 feet of water in the flooded timber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Early evening is best as bass move out of deeper water to feed on little bluegills and green sunfish. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The drop in the water level has slowed. Channel Catfish - Fair: Look for them to be around the brush piles in deeper water and around the edges of the sandbars as the water recedes. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature in low 80's. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills in the flooded timber between 10 and 12 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still finding crappies while slow trolling in the open water area between the beach and the dam; early morning before 10 am is best. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature is between 82 and 83 degrees. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up bass around the deeper habitat. In the early and late parts of the day, look for them to be in shallow but not far from the deep water ledges. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills out around the rock piles and brush in 6-8 feet of water.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is between 80 and 81 degrees. Planktonic algae bloom is turning the water green. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappies later in the evening as these fish come to shore to feed later in the day. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass in the flooded brush on the north side of the lake in the early morning hours. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The water level in this area have stopped dropping. It should drop again as the South Skunk continues to drop where the North has stabilized. Channel Catfish - Fair: Still a lot of water in the Skunk; try around the edges of the brush piles and trees where there is a current break. 

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

 

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently refilling as a renovation project has finished up this spring. It has been restocked with juvenile bass, bluegill and catfish. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool. Channel Catfish - Fair: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass - Fair. Bluegill - Fair. Black Crappie - Fair. Channel Catfish - Fair. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or  live bait rigs. Most fish are in 8-13 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Look for schools roaming over deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Check your boat and trailer for the invasive plant, Brittle Naiad; it is abundant here. Night fishing has been reported as being the most productive lately. White Bass – Fair: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Slow: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use chicken liver or shrimp. Walleye - Slow.  

Rodgers Park Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Target slack water areas around log jams and rocked shorelines. 

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the rocky shorelines and the weed line. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stinkbait in areas with 4-6 feet of water. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing deep structure with a jig and minnow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target deeper structure with rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits.. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnow combos in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or stinkbait along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish around deeper structure with rubber worms or crawdad imitations. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.83 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver in areas with water running into the lake. White Crappie - Slow: Use minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits or night crawler rigs along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. Leeches can also be productive this time of year. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Slow: The walleye bite has become tough since the shad spawn created abundant small forage. Target the upper end of the lake in shallow water, preferably by any vegetation. Cast or troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or troll spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3-10 feet deep. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Hooper Area Pond
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting and trolling jigs mid-lake are picking up some nice 10-12 inch crappies. Keep your baits in the top 6 feet of water. 

Lake Ahquabi
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits in 4 to 8 feet of water in the evenings. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: High water is making white bass fishing very slow on the lake, but anglers fishing below the dam are catching a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity in most ponds have recovered from heavy rains in July. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in their summer pattern in ponds. Concentrate on suspended fish and along weed lines during the summer months.  Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Black Crappie - No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Concentrate fishing the deeper water along the channel during the summer. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in the open water portion of the lake and close to the channel; use small jigs tipped with crawler. 

Lake Anita
Anglers report catching bluegills drifting. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles or troll twister tails to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler. Fish will average 8.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes. 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the south and west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Orient Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch 18-20 inch channel catfish with cut bait or shrimp below the sediment structure where water is running into the lake and along the dam. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are done spawning and have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Find crappies and largemouth bass on deeper brush piles. Channel catfish have moved in around jetties and rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Channel Catfish - Good: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Fishing should improve with cooler more stable weather. Panfish have moved into their summer pattern. Target open water and deep structure. Catfishing has been good around the district.  For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using worms fished along the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or jigs fished along rocky areas. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using crankbaits or
finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 18 inches using crankbaits or live bait fished along the fish mounds and main lake points. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows or leeches fished in 8-10 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or worms fished along cedar tree brush piles or in the flooded timber. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the low to mid 80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.58 ft. /65,400 cfs./79 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are down one degree from last week and water levels are down 0.48 feet from last week. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River.

[Rick]

IOWA FISHING REPORTS

 

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. Water levels are 3 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 5-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Slow: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline, and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay. Look for fish along rocky shorelines this time of year. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water near submerged structure. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are picking up fish trolling crankbaits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are around 80 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 70 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Jig a minnow or leech above submerged vegetation in 6 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait or crawlers fished after sunset. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing the edge of the vegetation with a jig and minnow. Yellow Bass - Good: Try a small jig tipped with a piece of cut bait along the edge of vegetation in 6 to 8 feet of water. Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. 

Crystal Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting topwater baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Lake Cornelia
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver after sunset. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
The dock at East Okoboji Beach boat ramp is out. Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report a good panfish bite of bluegill and crappie continues. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the weed lines. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Channel Catfish - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of pan sized fish, 14 - 17 inches in the lake. Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish about 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Troll live bait or crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Report of yellow perch action "picking up" with good numbers of angler acceptable size fish being caught. Northern Pike - Good: Look for areas with flow for the best action. Bluegill - Good: Reports of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch being caught in the Illinois Pondweed in 8 - 10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and jigs to fish fast and find active fish. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stabilizing and low. Flows remain high. Visibility has improved. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a crawler or minnow in slack water pockets. Use a jig tipped with twister tail in deep water drop offs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Target snags for catfish using stink baits, chicken liver or crawdads fished on bottom. Use stink bait once the water warms. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use crawdad crankbaits or jigs with twister tails along rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Slow Use minnows or red worms in shallow snags and slack water. 

Decorah District Streams
Wear long sleeved clothing when walking through large patches of wild parsnip to prevent skin contact. Catchable trout are stocked weekly. Due to marginal stream temperatures, some streams are not stocked during August. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green; limited visibility.  Best bite is mid-day. Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation or near submersed rock features. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is excellent. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Fish activity is improving with cooler temperatures. Bluegill - Good: Use a hook tipped with a red worm or cricket along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Fair: The bite is improving; try a hook tipped with a minnow  or small spinnerbait suspended over submersed structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater baits  along weed edges. 

Turkey River (below Clermont)
The Turkey River has been hit and miss this week. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's with higher flows. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use jig tipped with a twister tail in drop offs or undercut banks. Walleye - Fair: Try spinners or jig tipped with worm or twister tail in slack water and eddies. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much good. Water levels are stabilizing, but flows remain high. Be aware of river conditions ahead of you; strainers may have moved or trees may be blocking the river corridor.  Walleye - Fair: Use jigs tipped with natural colored twister tails or a flashy spinner. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use feathered spinnerbaits or crankbaits near rocky ledges. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Clarity is good. Use caution when floating on an unfamiliar section of river; trees and other debris may be blocking the main channel. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Good: Cast bright colored jigs tipped with twister tails or crawlers into deep water drop offs or eddies. Try a mid-day bite. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use jigs tipped with worms or twister tails near rock ledges, undercut banks and current breaks. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are actively taking baits at night bank fishing. 

Volga Lake
Algae bloom continues. Fish activity is improving with cooler temperatures. Black Crappie - Good: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Use a light colored jig with twister tail. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or stink bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Anglers are catching lots of small gills with a few keepers. 

Temperatures and humidity are rising with a chance of thunderstorms on Sunday. Rivers and streams are in good condition. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
We have not received information about fishing on this water body this week. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing various depths near structure with a slip bobber and minnow or jigging colored tube jigs. 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Vegetation remains abundant around edges, but it is starting to die back a bit. Catfish anglers are fishing deep water with frogs, shrimp or stink baits. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Best bite is mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits. Best bite is early morning and late evening. Catfish size has been excellent. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River continues to improve daily for angling. Walleye anglers are back out and the channel catfish bite has been hot yet. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast artificial baits along rocky shorelines for some good action. Walleye – Fair: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Channel Catfish – Good: Use stink baits in the top or upstream end of log jams.

Lake Delhi
Lake Delhi is providing good fishing for panfish and bass. This is a popular boating lake, so fishing conditions are often best on weekdays and mornings. Bluegill - Good: Lots of smaller fish with some keepers, too. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish near structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of small fish. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River remains in excellent condition. Walleye - Fair: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast artificial baits along rocky shorelines. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the top or upstream end of log jams with stink bait. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Reports of some quality size bass being caught. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial lures with the dense vegetation. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Reports have been good for walleye and some northern pike. Walleye - Fair: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Northern Pike - Fair: Float a live chub or shiner under a bobber or cast larger artificial spoons or lures. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon river is the lowest it's been all summer. Anglers report catches of walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the top or upstream end of log jams with stink bait. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast artificial baits along rocky shorelines. Walleye - Fair: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. 

The interior rivers remain in good condition, the Cedar and Shell Rock continue to drop. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.3 feet at Lansing with a gradual fall predicted. Water temperature is near 78 degrees. New Albin ramp road reopened. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water current. Some walleyes are up feeding in the shallow water out of the current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: Northern are feeding in the trees in the backwaters on crawler rigs with a leader. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent:  Bluegills are biting on a small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has fallen to 17.3 feet with a gradual fall expected. Water temperature is 78 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp has reopened. Walleye- Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water current. Some walleyes are feeding in the shallow water out of the current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: Northern are feeding in the trees in the backwaters on crawler rigs with a leader. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has fallen to 8.5 feet and will slowly recede next week. Water temperature is 70 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been tough with high water current. Some walleyes are up feeding in the shallow water out of the current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: Northern are feeding in the trees in the backwaters on crawler rigs with a leader. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the vegetation in backwater lakes and areas protected from the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River levels continue on a steady fall this week with good water clarity. Boaters should use caution with the lower water with wing dams and sandbars now just below the water surface. As water levels settle back to summertime lows, look for fish along side channels as the temperatures warm up.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 8.4 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10.8 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along flooded weed lines and in weedy backwater using lures like scum frogs.  White Bass - Good: Look for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evenings. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegill have finally returned to angler creels. Try angling along the vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water.  

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at the Bellevue Lock and Dam is 9.8 feet. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction.  Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Most are feeding along the high water edge. Use a bright colored spinner that imitate minnows. Try also scum frogs in the weedy backwaters. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to return to the creel. Try fishing along vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 9.2 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 12.3 feet at Camanche and 6.8 feet at LeClaire. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. White Bass - Fair: Some schools of white bass have been seen in the tailwater area. Use bright jigs or flashy lures. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 9.3 feet at Rock Island. Expect water to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in high water conditions. 

Water levels continue to drop throughout the district this week. The river is getting down to much more fishable levels. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 9.01 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling. The docks are being reported as in at the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport. The Fairport Recreation Area has a dock in at the upper and lower ramps. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some channel catfish are being caught in Sunset Marina on stink bait. Try also above brush piles and snags in the back channels. Walleye - No Report: Troll crankbaits between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. Try fishing on the wing dams along Credit Island with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 7.66 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. The ramp at Big Timber is open. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above snag piles along the side channels and main channel with stink bait or shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams; use crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits by GPC can work, too. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with pieces of worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 9.43 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. The gates are still out of the water at the dam. The ramp at Toolsboro is open.Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel; use stink bait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. White Bass - Slow: Look for white bass at the outlet tube of Lake Odessa. Cast jig and twister tails or inline spinners. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.95 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel; use stink bait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

River stages have been falling this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 78 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Fishing is being reported as slow.If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is getting low enough that the bigger sandbars are starting to show. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has picked up a little. Work the outer edges of the brush piles early in the morning and late evening. Stink baits are made for this time of year. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature in low 80's to upper 70's;  90 + degree temperatures next week should make that go back up. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills in the flooded timber between 10 and 12 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still finding crappies while slow trolling in the open water area between the beach and the dam; early morning before 10 am is best. 

Lake Darling
Water temperatures dropped a little since last week, but that trend doesn't look to continue with the weather forecast. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up bass around the deeper habitat. In the early and late parts of the day, look for them to be in shallow but not far from the deep water ledges. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills out around the rock piles and brush in 6-8 feet of water.

Lost Grove Lake
Lots of boats and kayaks out on the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappies later in the evening as these fish come to shore to feed later in the day. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass in the flooded brush on the north side of the lake in the early morning hours. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river level dropped more since last week, but most jon boats should still be ok. Channel Catfish - Fair: Starting to get low enough that you should be able to concentrate more on the deeper holes. 

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

 

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently refilling as a renovation project has finished up this spring. It has been restocked with juvenile bass, bluegill and catfish. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool. Channel Catfish - Fair: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass - Fair. Bluegill - Fair. Black Crappie - Fair. Channel Catfish - Fair. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Lake temperature is about 80 degrees. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Some have been caught around the causeway area. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or live bait rigs. Most fish are 8-12 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Look for schools roaming over deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Check your boat and trailer for the invasive plant, Brittle Naiad; it is abundant here. Night fishing has been reported as being the most productive lately. White Bass – Fair: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Slow: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use chicken liver or shrimp. Walleye - Slow.  

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Target slack water areas around log jams and rocked shorelines. 

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the rocky shorelines and the weed line. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait in areas with 4-6 feet of water. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig and minnow around deep structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target deeper structure with rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits.. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnow combos in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or stink bait along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure.  Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.74 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver in areas with water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Use minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits or night crawler rigs along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. Leeches can also be productive this time of year. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crank baits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best during the summer months; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfishing is very good in the Des Moines River around Boone using stink baits. The accesses north of Highway 30 are usable. Accesses south of Highway 30 are waiting for water to fully recede and mud and debris to be cleaned off. 

Hooper Area Pond
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting and trolling jigs mid-lake are picking up some nice 10-12 inch crappies. Keep your baits in the top 6 feet of water. 

Lake Ahquabi
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits in 4 to 8 feet of water in the evenings. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: High water is making white bass fishing very slow on the lake, but anglers fishing below the dam are catching a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using worms fished along the fishing jetties or shallow bays. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 19 inches using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers or stink bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using crankbaits or
finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers or stink bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye up to 22 inches using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. 

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 18 inches using crankbaits or live bait fished along the fish mounds and main lake points. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches with finesse plastics fished along weed lines or cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 9 inches using minnows fished along rocky areas. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along shallow points. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow bays. Walleye - Good: Catch walleyes of all sizes using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows fished along cedar tree brush piles. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the low 80's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers report catching a blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. . Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.23 ft. /65,000 cfs./76 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are down 3 degrees from last week and water levels are down 0.35 feet from last week. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River. Fishing has been good to fair. 

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. Water levels are 3 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 5-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Slow: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline, and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay, and anywhere along rocky shorelines. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water near submerged structure. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are picking up fish trolling crankbaits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the upper 70's. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 76 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Jig a minnow or leech above submerged vegetation in 6 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait or crawlers fished after sunset. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing the edge of the vegetation with a jig and minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig tipped with cut bait in 6 to 8 feet of water until you find the fish. Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. 

Crystal Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting topwater baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

Lake Cornelia
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver after sunset. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
The dock at East Okoboji Beach boat ramp is out. Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: Anglers report a good panfish bite of bluegill and crappie continues. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the weed lines. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Channel Catfish - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of pan sized fish, 14 - 17 inches in the lake. Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish about 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Troll live bait or crankbaits. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch are being caught shallow; start on the outside line of the weed beds for the best action. Bluegill - Good: Reports of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch being caught in the Illinois Pondweed in 8 - 10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and jigs to fish fast and find active fish. 

Trumbull Lake
Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits in the basin. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are on a slight rise, but remain low after recent rain events.  Flows remain high. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a crawler or minnow in slack water pockets. Use a jig tipped with twister tail in deep water drop offs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Target snags for catfish using chicken liver or crawdads fished on bottom. Use stink bait once the water warms. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use crawdad crankbaits or jigs with twister tails along rocky shorelines. Black Crappie - Slow Use minnows or red worms in shallow snags and slack water. 

Decorah District Streams
Some streams in Fayette and Clayton Counties are off color due to spotty heavy rainfall events mid-week; stream conditions should quickly improve. Due to marginal stream temperatures, some streams are not stocked during August. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson, caddis, and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson, gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Try using terrestrial patterns for crickets and ants. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.

Lake Hendricks
Water is stained green; limited visibility.  Best bite is mid-day. Black Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Anglers are finding large numbers of small fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits and soft plastics along edges of vegetation or near submersed rock features. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline. 

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is excellent. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. Fish activity is improving with cooler temperatures. Bluegill - Good: Use a hook tipped with a red worm or cricket along vegetated edges. Black Crappie - Fair: The bite is improving; try a hook tipped with a minnow  or small spinnerbait suspended over submersed structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater baits  along weed edges. 

Turkey River (below Clermont)
The Turkey River has been hit and miss this week. Water temperatures are in the mid 70's with higher flows. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use jig tipped with a twister tail in drop offs or undercut banks. Walleye - Fair: Try spinners or jig tipped with worm or twister tail in slack water and eddies. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much good. Water levels are relatively stable, but flows remain high. Be aware of river conditions ahead of you; strainers may have moved or trees may be blocking the river corridor.  Walleye - Fair: Use jigs tipped with natural colored twister tails or a flashy spinner. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use feathered spinnerbaits or crankbaits near rocky ledges. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are on a slight rise. Clarity is good. Use caution when floating on an unfamiliar section of river; trees and other debris may be blocking the main channel. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye - Good: Cast bright colored jigs tipped with twister tails or crawlers into deep water drop offs or eddies. Try a mid-day bite. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a crankbait imitating a crawdad  near rock ledges, undercut banks and current breaks. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are actively taking baits at night bank fishing. 

Volga Lake
Algae bloom continues. Fish activity is improving with cooler temperatures. Black Crappie - Good: Find fish near submersed structure or in open water. Use a light colored jig with twister tail. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures around structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm, chicken liver, or stink bait fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Anglers are catching lots of small gills with a few keepers. 

More seasonal temperatures are forecast for the weekend with humid conditions. Most area rivers and streams are in good condition. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
Reports of anglers catching crappie. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing various depths near structure with a slip bobber and minnow or jigging colored tube jigs. 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Vegetation remains abundant around edges, but it is starting to die back. Catfish, bluegill, crappie and bass are biting well. Largemouth Bass – Good: Best bite is mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits. Best bite is early morning and late evening. Catfish size has been excellent. Black Crappie - Good: Jig tube jigs or fish a minnow under a bobber near structure in the lake towards the dam area. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River continues to improve. Good reports of walleye and smallmouth bass and fair reports on northern pike and crappie in Butler County. The Cedar in Black Hawk County received more rain, but reports are good on channel catfish.  Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast artificial baits along rocky shorelines. Walleye – Fair: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Channel Catfish – Good: Use stink baits in the top or upstream end of log jams.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River received a lot of rain and is falling and beginning to clear. There are no reports this past week. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Reports of some quality size bass being caught. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial lures with the dense vegetation. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Reports have been good for walleye, smallmouth bass and some northern pike. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Northern Pike - Fair: Float a live chub or shiner under a bobber or cast larger artificial spoons or lures. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits along and near rock shorelines. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River received heavy rainfall and remains high and muddy in Buchanan County. Reports of anglers doing well on northern pike on the Upper Wapsipinicon in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Good: Cast large bucktail spinners. 

All interior rivers received some rain, but some more than others. The Cedar and Shell Rock in Butler County remain in good condition and anglers are doing well. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers remain a bit high and mudd. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.7 feet at Lansing and is expected to fall slowly over the next week to 8.2 feet. Water temperature is near 78 degrees. New Albin ramp road is open. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Water levels are at a good level to find walleyes on wing dams. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: : With lower water levels, bass will be pulling out to wing dams and structure along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent:  Bluegills are biting on a small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 15.6 feet at Lynxville and is expected to fall slowly to 15 feet. Water temperature is 78 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp is open. Walleye- Fair: Water levels are at a good level to find walleyes on wing dams. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike -Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: With lower water levels, bass will be pulling out to wing dams and structure along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 7.2 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to drop over a foot to 6 feet by next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70's at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Fair: Water levels are at a good level to find walleyes on wing dams. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: This time of year, pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: With lower water levels, bass will be pulling out to wing dams and structure along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing has been difficult with floating flood debris and weeds. Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are biting on small piece of worm fished about mid depth in 8 feet of water in the flooded trees. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. 

Upper Mississippi River levels continue on a steady fall this week with good water clarity. Boaters should use caution with the lower water with wing dams and sandbars now just below the water surface. As water levels settle back to summer lows, look for fish along side channels as the temperatures warm up. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70's.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.4 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water levels to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along flooded weed lines and in weedy backwater using lures like scum frogs.  White Bass - Good: Look for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evenings. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegill have finally returned to angler creels. Try angling along the vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Current areas along rocks are starting to again produce some nice eating sized flathead catfish. Walleye - Good: Use crankbaits on the wing dams. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 8.3 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Expect water levers to recede this upcoming week. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction.  Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Most are feeding along the high water edge. Use a bright colored spinner that imitates minnows. Try also scum frogs in the weedy backwaters. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to return to the creel. Try fishing along vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try along rock lines or current eddies near the tailwater. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Water clarity was setback last week which slowed the smallmouth bite; focus on rock lines and piles with strong current. Spinners, jigs and crankbaits work best. White Crappie - Good: Some nice crappies were reported coming out of brush piles in clearer water in major backwater areas. Fishing small minnows was often a key to success. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 8.2 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 11.4 feet at Camanche and 6.4 feet at LeClaire. Expect water levels to drop this upcoming week. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 78 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. White Bass - Good: Some schools of white bass have been seen in the tailwater area. Use bright jigs or flashy lures. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Water clarity was setback last week which slowed up the smallmouth bite; focus on rock lines and rock piles with strong current. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are hitting crankbaits and jigs along rocky areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 8.9 feet at Rock Island. Expect water levels to drop this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 79 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: In high water conditions, most fish hang around near bank using food washing into the system. Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in high water conditions. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are starting to be caught as the water levels recede enough so anglers can get to large brush piles and rock lines. 

Despite a mid-week rise in water levels due to heavy rains in eastern Iowa, the Mississippi River water level is again receding. Water levels are still below last week’s height. Avoid tributary streams to the Mississippi River as they are still running turbid with some floating debris. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has risen to 8.68 feet, but is starting to fall. The docks are being reported as in at the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport. The Fairport Recreation Area has a dock in at the upper and lower ramps. Fishing is being reported as slow. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait in Sunset Marina. Try also above brush piles and snags in the back channels and main channel in the Andalusia Island complex. Walleye - No Report: Troll crankbaits between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. Try fishing on the wing dams along Credit Island with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. White Bass - Good: Try jigs and twister tails or topwater baits in Sunset Marina. Bluegill - Fair: Use pieces of worm under a bobber in Sunset Marina. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 7.27 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising, but it is forecast to start falling by the weekend. The ramp at Big Timber is open. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above snag piles along the side channels and main channel with stink bait or shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams; use crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits by GPC can work, too. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with pieces of worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.67 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is and rising, but is forecast to start falling by the weekend. The ramp at Toolsboro is open.Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel; use stink bait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. White Bass - Slow: Look for white bass at the outlet tube of Lake Odessa. Cast jig and twister tails or inline spinners. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.02 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is rising. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel; use stink bait or shad. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with worms under a bobber. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Tailwater stages have risen close to a foot with the recent heavy rains, but is forecast to start falling by the weekend. Main channel water temperature is around 79 degrees. Water clarity is fair. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching nice bass around the edges of the flooded timber in the early morning and late evenings. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Both the Iowa and Cedar Rivers are headed back up by the end of the week. Expect a water level increase of near two feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has picked up a little. Work the outer edges of the brush piles early in the morning and late evening. Stink baits are made for this time of year. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature held steady at 80 degrees over the last week. Water clarity is fair at 26 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappie in front of the beach and down to the North Ramp in 15 feet of water slow trolling or drifting with the wind. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Work the flooded timber early in the morning with some weedless soft plastics. 

Lake Darling
Water temperatures dropped to 79 degrees.The water has a green cast to it with a water clarity of 19 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up bass around the deeper habitat. In the early and late parts of the day, look for them to be in shallow but not far from the deep water ledges. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills out around the rock piles and brush in 6-8 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappies while drifting over the habitat in 8 to 10 feet of water. 

Lost Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has moved deep with anglers catching them while slow trolling in 20 to 25 feet of water.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass in the flooded brush on the north side of the lake in the early morning hours. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The South Skunk by Oskaloosa went up by near two feet on Wednesday. Look for that water to be down our way in a couple of days. The North Skunk is holding steady. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers continue to catch some nice catfish in the brush piles, the increase in water level may change that for a little while. 

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

 

Central Park Lake
The lake is currently refilling as a renovation project has finished up this spring. It has been restocked with juvenile bass, bluegill and catfish. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool. The water is dirty and warm, making fishing tough.
Channel Catfish - Slow: Best action is drifting or trolling cut bait in the channel. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish. 

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie - Slow: Try small jigs fished around the brush piles or drift the basin. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 6-7 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has picked up over the past week. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Lake temperature is about 80 degrees. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Some have been caught around the causeway area. Walleye - Slow: Troll crankbaits or live bait rigs. Most fish are 8-12 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Some fish are still shallow while other fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Look for schools roaming over deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Early and late in the day are best. Bluegill - Fair: Some are shallow in pockets while others have moved to deeper rock. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 5 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Check your boat and trailer for the invasive plant, Brittle Naiad; it is abundant here. Night fishing has been reported as being the most productive lately. White Bass – Fair: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water.  Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: These are mixed in with the white bass. Mornings and evenings are best. Bluegill – Slow: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use chicken liver or shrimp. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers in slack water areas around log jams and rocked shorelines. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig and minnow around deep structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with live bait along the rip-rapped shorelines, the jetties and around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnow combos in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or chicken liver along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure.  Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jig and minnows in deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.58 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver. White Crappie - Fair: Use minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits or night crawler rigs along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. Leeches can also be productive this time of year. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties or along the dam. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best during the summer months; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfishing is very good in the Des Moines River around Boone using stink baits. The accesses north of Highway 30 are usable. Accesses south of Highway 30 are waiting for water to fully recede and mud and debris to be cleaned off. 

Hooper Area Pond
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers drifting and trolling jigs mid-lake are picking up some nice 10-12 inch crappies. Keep your baits in the top 6 feet of water. 

Lake Ahquabi
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits in 4 to 8 feet of water in the evenings. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: White bass fishing has been slow, but anglers fishing below the dam are catching a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass.  

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity in most ponds have recovered from heavy rains in July. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish in the summer. Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits along weed edges and around structure. Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. 

Lake Anita
Anita fishing has picked up with cooler temperatures. Black Crappie - Fair: ertical jig deeper tree piles or troll twister tails to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler for bluegills up to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Catfishing has been good. A few crappies are being caught in the deep brush piles.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Fishing should improve with cooler more stable weather. Panfish are in their summer pattern; target open water and deep structure. Catfishing has been good around the district.  For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using worms fished along the fishing jetties or shallow bays. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye up to 19 inches using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers or cut bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished along the fish mounds or the fishing jetties. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using crankbaits or
finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers or cut bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye up to 22 inches using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. 

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 18 inches using crankbaits or live bait fished along the fish mounds and main lake points. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches with finesse plastics fished along weed lines or cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches using minnows fished along along cedar tree brush piles or the fishing jetties. . 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with jigs or minnows fished along weedl ines or the flooded timber. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the upper 70's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.43 ft. /65,000 cfs./79 degrees. Missouri River water temperatures are up 3 degrees from last week and water levels are up 0.20 feet from last week. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River. Fishing has been good to fair. 

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. Water levels are 3 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Slow: Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 5-6 feet of water. Target deeper fish this time of year on the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point, and the East Basin. Walleye - Slow: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline, and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay, and anywhere along rocky shorelines. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a small piece of crawler or minnow on a jig in 10-20 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills in 15-20 feet of water. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers are picking up fish trolling crankbaits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish stink bait, leeches, and crawlers on the bottom. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the upper 70's. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 77 degrees. Walleye - Good: Jig a minnow or leech above submerged vegetation in 6 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait or crawlers fished after sunset. Black Crappie - Good: Try a jig and minnow near the deeper submerged vegetation. Yellow Bass - Excellent: Drift or troll a small jig tipped with cut bait in 6 to 8 feet of water until you find the fish. 

Crystal Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting topwater baits. Black Crappie - Good: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: The bite has fluctuated with the changing weather, but persistence will be rewarded with good numbers caught. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Walleye action has improved; reports of the best action in areas with flow. Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching large channel catfish after dark.  Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish about 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed, but persistence will be rewarded with good catches of fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch are being caught shallow; start on the outside line of the weed beds. Bluegill - Good: Reports of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch being caught in the Illinois Pondweed in 8 - 10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and jigs to fish fast and find active fish. 

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers fishing from a boat or kayak report some perch action from the lake.

Tuttle Lake
Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits in the basin.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Big Woods Lake
Reports of anglers catching crappie. Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing various depths near structure with a slip bobber and minnow or jigging colored tube jigs. 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Vegetation remains abundant around edges, but it is starting to die back. Catfish, bluegill, crappie and bass are biting well. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Best bite is mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Good: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting on a variety of baits. Best bite is early morning and late evening. Catfish size has been excellent. Black Crappie - Fair: Jig tube jigs or fish a minnow under a bobber near structure in the lake towards the dam area. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River continues to improve. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast artificial baits along rocky shorelines. Walleye – Good: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Use stink baits in the top or upstream end of log jams. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Fish the larger snags with live bait. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition. Smallmouth bass and walleye fishing should be good throughout Delaware and Jones counties. 

Martens Lake
Expect to fish through and around vegetation. Adjust tactics as needed, including heavy baits or topwater options. Reports of some quality size bass being caught. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial lures with the dense vegetation. Try also topwater frog imitation baits. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Reports have been good for walleye, smallmouth bass and some northern pike. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a half crawler and twister tail is a deadly combination this time of year. Northern Pike - Fair: Float a live chub or shiner under a bobber or cast larger artificial spoons or lures. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits along and near rock shorelines. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River continues to fall in Buchanan County; conditions have vastly improved. Reports of anglers doing well on northern pike on the Upper Wapsipinicon in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Good: Cast large bucktail spinners. 

All interior rivers received some rain, but some more than others. The Cedar and Shell Rock in Butler counties remain in good condition and anglers are doing well. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers remain a bit high and mudd. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.3 feet at Lansing and is expected to remain steady. Water temperature is near 81 degrees. New Albin ramp road is open. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Good: Water levels are at a good level to find walleyes on wing dams. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: : With lower water levels, bass will be pulling out to wing dams and structure along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Good: Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 14.7 feet at Lynxville and is expected to fall slowly to 14 feet. Water temperature is 82 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Sny Magill ramp is open. Walleye- Fair: Water levels are at a good level to find walleyes on wing dams. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike -Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp - Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass - Good: With lower water levels, bass will be pulling out to wing dams and structure along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in the main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Good: Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 6.2 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to fall slowly and stabilize near 5 feet. Water temperature is 76 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Fair: Water levels are at a good level to find walleyes on wing dams. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - Excellent: This time of year, pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: With lower water levels, bass will be pulling out to wing dams and structure along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Find smallmouth along shorelines in slight current off rocky points. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Good: Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are leveling off this week with good water clarity, but lots of vegetation present. Boaters should use caution with the lower water with wing dams and sandbars now at or just below the water surface. As water levels settle back to summer lows, look for fish along side channels as the temperatures warm up. Water temperatures are in the upper 70's to low 80's.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 6.1 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.6 feet at the RR bridge. Expect water levels to drop slowly this upcoming week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 81 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Largemouth bass are being caught along flooded weed lines and in weedy backwater using lures like scum frogs.  White Bass - Good: Look for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evenings. Bluegill - Good: Try along the vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Current areas along rocks are starting to again produce some nice eating sized flathead catfish. Walleye - Good: Use crankbaits on the wing dams. White Crappie - Good: Try small minnows in newly exposed brush piles along major side channels or deeper backwater areas. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use spinners or crankbaits along rocky areas with strong current. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 6.5 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Expect water levels to recede this upcoming week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction.  Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Most are feeding along the edge of weed lines. Use a bright colored spinner that imitates minnows. Try also frog imitation lures in the weedy backwaters. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have returned  to the creel. Try fishing along vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait in high current areas or above large brush piles.  Smallmouth Bass - Good: Focus on rock lines and piles with strong current. Spinners, jigs and crankbaits work best. White Crappie - Good: Some nice crappies were reported coming out of deeper backwater areas along newly exposed brush piles. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 6.1 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.2 feet at Camanche and 5 feet at LeClaire. Expect water levels to drop this upcoming week. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore or along brush piles. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Find fish near the shoreline in flooded conditions. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. White Bass - Good: Some schools of white bass have been seen in the tailwater area. Use bright jigs or flashy lures. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Focus on rock lines and rock piles with strong current. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some flatheads are hitting crankbaits and jigs along rocky areas. Anglers are using live baits on trot lines with some success. Bluegill - Good: Lower ends of Rock Creek and Catfish Slough have produced some nice bluegills; mainly using worms and bobbers. White Crappie - No Report: Try newly exposed brush piles with small minnows and jigs. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 6.3 feet at Rock Island. Expect water levels to drop this upcoming week. Water clarity continues to improve. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in moderate current areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use live bait above large dead falls. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try spinners, jigs and crankbaits in rock lines and piles with strong current. 

Water levels are receding throughout the district. Levels are below what anglers have seen in a few years. Be careful boating; many underwater hazards are now exposed. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has fallen to 6.32 feet. River stage is forecast to continue to fall. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait in Sunset Marina. Try also above brush piles and snags in the back channels and main channel in the Andalusia Island complex. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits between the mouth of the Rock River and Sunset Marina. Try fishing on the wing dams along Credit Island with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. White Bass - Good: Try jigs and twister tails or topwater baits in Sunset Marina. Bluegill - Fair: Use pieces of worm under a bobber in Sunset Marina. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 5.1 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. The ramp at Big Timber is open. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try fishing above snag piles along the side channels and main channel with stink bait or shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams; use crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits by GPC can work, too. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with pieces of worms under a bobber. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 6.01 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. The ramp at Toolsboro is open.Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or shad above brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles; use worms under a bobber. White Bass - Fair: Look for white bass at the outlet tube of Lake Odessa. Cast jig and twister tails or inline spinners. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 3.12 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use stink bait or shad above brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles; use worms under a bobber. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

River stages have been falling this past week. Water clarity is fair. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
River gauges upstream had a little bump go through on Wednesday; expect that to move through in the next couple of days, it won't last long. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has picked up a little more. Still plenty of water that you don’t have to concentrate all your efforts on the deeper holes. Work some of the runs with frogs as bait. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is around 80 degrees. Water clarity is still affected by a phytoplankton bloom. Black Crappie - Slow: Most boats out t last weekend were drifting through that stretch on the north side between the beach and the dam. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Work the tops of the mounds at the upper end of the lake. 

Lake Darling
Water temperatures is in the upper 70's. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are picking up bass around the deeper habitat. In the early and late parts of the day, look for them to be in shallow but not far from the deep water ledges. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills out around the rock piles and brush in 6-8 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappies while drifting over the habitat in 8 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have caught some nice catfish in the last few days. Stink baits, cut baits and chicken liver work best in hot weather.

Lost Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has moved deep with anglers catching them while slow trolling in 20 to 25 feet of water.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching bass in the flooded brush on the north side of the lake in the early morning hours. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The South Skunk by Oskaloosa went up by near two feet on Wednesday. Look for that water to be down our way in a couple of days. The North Skunk is holding steady. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try at the bottoms of the bigger riffles before the water level drops much more and the fish are pushed back into the deeper holes. Use night crawlers or a frog pitched into the eddie just below the faster water. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers around log jams and slack water areas. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig and minnow around deep structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with live bait along the rip-rapped shorelines, the jetties and around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Use tube jigs or jigs tipped with a minnow in deeper water structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs or chicken liver along the dam or around the fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Don’t fish too deep as the lake will stratify; target 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure. Try also topwater lures around the cedar tree piles in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow around deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.45 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Best bite is early in the day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll crankbaits or night crawler rigs along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas. Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite has slowed from earlier in the year. Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. Leeches can also be productive this time of year. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best during the summer; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfishing is very good in the Des Moines River using stink baits. Water levels are still fair for small boats, but are dropping quickly. The Highway 30 ramp may be close to dry by the end of the weekend. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Anglers are reporting better white bass fishing than what has been happening so far this summer. Look for feeding activity on the surface and troll these areas with shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spoons. Fishing below the dam has also been fair to good for a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: A summer white bass bite has finally picked up. Look for schools of small gizzard shad breaking the surface and cast or troll shad imitating crankbaits or spoons in these areas. With the lake still being a little higher than normal, try the edges of flooded willows and vegetation. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity is good in most ponds. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish in the summer. Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits along weed edges and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has a good fish population with quality sized panfish. Water quality is good. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the creek channel for black crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Drift or slow troll along the creek channel for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - No Report: There is a good population of 13 to 15 inch bass in the lake. 

Lake Anita
Anglers report good panfishing this week. Water temperatures are back down to 80 degrees. Bass fishing has been good. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawler for bluegills up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: The early morning crappie bite is good. Slow troll small jigs tipped with power bait to catch 9 to 11 inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Use shrimp and bubble gum bait on the west shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. The lake has a significant algae bloom. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have moved into a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Catfishing has been good. A few crappies are being caught in the deep brush piles.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait or liver close to rocky shorelines for catfish up to 10 pounds. Late afternoon bite is best. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Panfish are in their summer pattern; target open water and deep structure. Catfishing has been good around the district.  For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using worms fished along the fishing jetties or shallow bays. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or jigs fished along cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye up to 19 inches using minnows fished in 10 feet of water. 

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers or cut bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished along the fish mounds or fishing jetties. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using crankbaits or
finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers or cut bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye up to 22 inches using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. 

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties or cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 18 inches using crankbaits or live bait fished along the fish mounds and main lake points. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches with finesse plastics fished along weed lines or cedar tree brush piles. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with jigs or minnows fished along weedl ines or the flooded timber. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the upper 70's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.37 ft. /63,400 cfs./80 degrees. Missouri River water temperatures are up 1 degree from last week and water levels are down 0.06 feet. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters

[Rick]

IOWA FISHING REPORTS

 

NORTHWEST

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 69 degrees. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits in 6 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: With recent rains and more predicted for next week, cut bait or crawlers in areas where water is entering the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift a jig and minnow over deeper submerged vegetation. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig tipped with cut bait or a minnow in 6 to 10 feet of water until you find the fish. Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. 

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs in the dredge cut. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Bluegill - Good: The bite has fluctuated with the changing weather, but persistence will be rewarded with good numbers caught. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch up to 10 inches mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching large channel catfish after dark.  Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish approaching 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Ocheyedan Pit #1
Channel Catfish - Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 17 -23 inch channel catfish. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed, but persistence will be rewarded with good catches of fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch continue to be caught; start shallow on the outside line of the weed beds. Bluegill - Good: Reports of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch being caught in the Illinois Pondweed in 8 - 10 feet of water. Use a slip bobber and jigs to fish fast and find active fish. 

West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)
Channel Catfish - Good: Reports of fish being caught from the river. Use traditional baits for the best "pole bending" action. Walleye - Good: Report of walleye action picking up on the river. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels crested after Tuesday’s rain. Flows remain high. Clarity is poor. Use caution when boating as large woody debris and other materials may be on the move.  Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or minnow in deeper water or a spinnerbait in slack water pockets. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Fish midday on overcast days or dawn and dusk. A variety of baits are working. Channel Catfish - Good: Fresh food inputs from recent rain should turn the catfish bite on; use chicken liver or dead chubs. 

Decorah District Streams
Streams with better watersheds will clear quicker, especially after Tuesday’s rain. Without more rain, streams should clear enough to fish by the weekend. Due to marginal stream temperatures, some streams are not stocked during August. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Fair: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Use care not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout - Excellent: Hendrickson caddis and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits work well.

French Creek
The bridge on Mays Prairie Road (CR X6A) is being replaced. Work is scheduled through mid-November. Access the parking lot from the south. Brown Trout - Good: The best time to fish French Creek is after rain events so fish will be less spooky. This stream rarely turns off color. 

Lake Hendricks
Planktonic green algae bloom continues on the lake. Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Cooler weather should help clear the bloom. Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly reel a minnow on a hook over structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try near submersed rocky habitat or depth contours in the early morning.  Channel Catfish - Good: Use a large nightcrawler fished off the bottom near woody structure. Bluegill - Fair: Activity should pick up with cooler temperatures. Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm off rocky shoreline or near submersed logs. 

Lake Meyer
Water temperatures are in the mid 70's. With Tuesday’s rain, lake clarity is poor. Bluegill - Slow: Use a hook tipped with a small piece of worm or cricket under a bobber near weed edges. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or cut baits fished just off the bottom in the evening. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use topwater baits along weed edges on overcast days and late evenings. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jig and minnow near submersed structure. 

Osborne Pond
Osborne Pond is currently being renovated. The dam was breached in July and a water retention basin installed. Material will be removed over the winter and new habitat installed in the spring. After repairs to the dam are made, it will be allowed to fill. The pond will then be restocked with bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. 

Turkey River (above Clermont)
The Turkey River continues to rise. Flows remain high. Visit the USGS Current Condition website for more information. Use care when boating, especially with unpredictable currents. Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Visibility is poor. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Use crawfish imitators or spinners in slack water areas off riffles. Walleye - Slow: Try minnows or lures imitating minnows in deep water drop offs. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are variable with poor clarity. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Paddling activities are not recommended. Walleye - Slow: Catch varies. Try natural colored jigs and twister tails or a spinnerbait. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Use crankbaits near rocky ledges undercut banks and current breaks. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water clarity is poor. Water levels are dropping. Current velocities are very swift. Paddling activities are not recommended. Visit the USGS Current Conditions website for more information. Walleye - Slow: Cast a jig and twister tail into deep water drop offs and eddies. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Cast a crankbait or spinner near a rock ledge or into a current break. 

Volga Lake
The algae bloom continues, but should clear with cooling temperatures. Black Crappie - Slow: Slowly retrieve a lure over structure at dawn and dusk. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater lures over structure or run a jig tipped with a twister tail along a rocky shoreline. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use stink bait worms or cut baits fished off the bottom in the evening near woody structure. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a small piece of worm along rocky shorelines.

Prepare for a stormy holiday weekend in Northeast Iowa. Temperatures ranging from upper 70's for highs to upper 50's for lows. Area rivers and streams are up and muddy after recent rain events. Trout streams are currently off color and should clear without more heavy downpours. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Big Woods Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try finding structure; use a crappie minnow under a slip bobber at various depths. 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Vegetation remains abundant around edges, but it is starting to die back. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River received a fair amount of rain this past week; there have been no angling reports. Channel catfish may be the best opportunity on the river right now. Channel Catfish – Good Use stink baits in the top or upstream end of log jams. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition. Smallmouth bass and walleye fishing should be good throughout Delaware and Jones counties. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River received a fair amount of rain this past week; there have been no angling reports. Channel catfish may be the best opportunity on the river right now. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink baits in the top or upstream end of log jams.

South Prairie Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try finding structure; use a crappie minnow under a slip bobber at various depths. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River received a little rain in Buchanan County, but conditions remain good for angling opportunities.  Northern Pike - Good: Cast large bucktail spinners. 

The Cedar and Shell Rock in Butler County received a fair amount of rain this past week. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers remain in decent shape for angling opportunities. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, but the extended forecast is calling for potential heavy rains. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen to 9.8 feet and is expected to rise another foot next week. Water temperature is near 73 degrees. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Fair: Water levels are rising; you will need to move around to find walleyes.  Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - No Report: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - No Report: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Slow: The bass bite has slowed with the poor water clarity this week. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: The bite has slowed with the poor water clarity this week. White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Slow: Expect the crappie bite to pick up after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville rose 3 feet this week to 16.4 feet. It is expected to remain around this level pending any more precipitation. Water temperature is 75 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Walleye- Fair: Water levels are rising; you need to move around to find walleyes.  Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - No Report: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike -No Report: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Slow: The bass bite has slowed with the poor water clarity this week.  Smallmouth Bass - Slow: The bass bite has slowed with the poor water clarity this week.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in the main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Find the bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Slow: Expect the crappie bite to pick up after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen several feet to 7.4 feet and is expected to reach 9.5 feet next week. Water temperature is 68 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Fair: Water levels are rising; you need to move around to find walleyes. Use a 3-way rig with a floating jig and a worm. Yellow Perch - No Report: Perch bite has been spotty, but some nicer ones are being caught with live minnow rigs. Northern Pike - No Report: This time of year, pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Slow: The bass bite has slowed with the poor water clarity this week. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: The bass bite has slowed with the poor water clarity this week.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Slow: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Slow: Expect the crappie bite to pick up after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are rising with recent heavy rainfalls. Water clarity is poor with much floating vegetation and debris. Water temperatures are in the low 70's.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will rise to around 9.1 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 11.2 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 76 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Largemouth bass are being caught along flooded weed lines and in weedy backwater using lures like scum frogs.  White Bass - Good: Look for schools of white bass feeding on the surface in the morning and evenings. Bluegill - Excellent: Try along the vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Current areas along rocks are starting to again produce some nice eating sized flathead catfish. Walleye - Slow: Use crankbaits on the wing dams. White Crappie - Good: Try small minnows in brush piles along major side channels or deeper backwater areas. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use spinners or crankbaits along rocky areas with strong current. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level will drop to around 10 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is fair, but avoid all the tributary streams as they are muddy. The water temperature is around 77 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Most are feeding along the edge of weed lines. Use a bright colored spinner that imitates minnows. Try also frog imitation lures in the weedy backwaters. White Bass - Good: Look for feeding schools of white bass in the morning and evenings. Small spinners and white jigs work best. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing along vegetation lines in 4 to 6 feet of water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait in high current areas or above large brush piles. White Crappie - Good: Some nice crappies were reported coming out of deeper backwater areas along newly exposed brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes were taken off wing dams with crankbaits, but the bite has been somewhat slow. Lots of drifting aquatic vegetation was reported, making angling difficult. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are predicted to rise to 9.5 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 12.2 feet at Camanche and 7 feet at the LeClaire. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 77 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore or along brush piles. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bright colored spinners fished along flooded shorelines are picking up some bass. White Bass - Good: White bass are using the tailwater area. Many small fish can be caught; use bright jigs or flashy lures.  Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Focus on rock lines and rock piles with strong current. Flathead Catfish - Good: Some flatheads are hitting crankbaits and jigs along rocky areas. Anglers are using live baits on trot lines with some success. Bluegill - Good: Lower ends of Rock Creek and Catfish Slough have produced some nice bluegills; mainly using worms and bobbers. White Crappie - Good: Try newly exposed brush piles with small minnows and jigs. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 9.5 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 77 degrees. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in moderate current areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use live bait above large dead falls. Some may also be caught in the tailwater in large eddies. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Try spinners jigs and crankbaits in rock lines and piles with strong current. Dirty water will slow this bite. 

Conditions will significantly change during the week as water will rise nearly three feet due to extreme rains upstream. Logs and debris will be common, so be careful boating. Avoid tributary streams as they are running muddy. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 7.49 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising. River stage is forecast to reach 9.5 feet by Monday. Channel Catfish - Fair: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags in the side channels and main channels. Try fishing above the brush piles with stink bait or shad. Fishing main channel wing dams also works. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. White Bass - No Report: Cast jigs with twister tails in Sylvan Slough or Sunset Marina.  

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.46 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Current predictions have the river reaching 9.3 feet next week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along the main channel and side channels. Fishing around main channel wing dams works, too. Use dip baits or cut shad. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wingdams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. White Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters. Vertical jig with minnows or float minnows under a bobber around brush piles. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.02 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is rising. Current predictions have the river reaching 11.2 feet next week. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or shad around brush piles and snags along side channels and the main channel. Try also around the wing dams. White Crappie - No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters. Try fishing around brush piles with minnows. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 4.83 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is rising. Current predictions have the river reaching 7.1 feet next week. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use dip baits or shad around brush piles and snags along the side channels and main channel. 

River stages have been on the rise with the recent heavy rains. Main channel water temperature is around 76 degrees. Water clarity is fair to poor. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are picking up a few bluegills at around six feet. The fish seem to be pretty scattered, so move around or drift troll to find them. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some decent bass early in the morning in the flooded timber on soft plastics. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa at Wapello has been slowly rising for the last couple of days and according to NOAA's forecast is going to continue to rise for a few more days to a couple more feet. Channel Catfish - No Report: With the rising water, it’s a good time to try the mouths of some of the feeder creeks. Use caution when navigating a rising river. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is in the upper 70's. Black Crappie - Fair: Try slow trolling or drift fishing by the beach and towards the dam. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Work the tops of the mounds at the upper end of the lake. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch the catfish. Try along the rip-rap around the lower end of the lake and on top of the mounds at the upper end. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature was 76 degrees on Aug. 30. Water level is up because of the heavy rains, but still has a green cast to it. Bluegill - Fair: Drift for crappies; don’t be surprised if you pick up a few nice bluegills, too. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift over the rock piles in 8 to 12 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish. It’s a good time to fish the weirs in the in-lake silt dams as the water from the recent and forecasted rains come into the lake.

Lost Grove Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Deep trolling (20 to 25 feet) continues to produce some crappies. With the water starting to cool down, hopefully it won’t be too long before they start moving shallow again. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some pretty nice bass in the flooded timber.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The water level in the Skunk jumped up a couple of feet with the rain earlier this week, but is headed back down until we get more rain forecast for the end of this week. Channel Catfish - Slow: Haven’t seen much angler activity on the Skunk River this week, but up and down river levels make it hard to figure out what the fish are doing day to day. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is refilling and fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 684 feet and is predicted to hold at this level for the near future. 
Channel Catfish - Fair: Drift cut bait in the channel.  Black Crappie – Slow: Try bright jigs and/or minnows along steep rock banks. 

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed until Sept. 4. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush in 10-15 feet of water.  Walleye - Fair: Troll crawlers or crankbaits in 7-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Bluegill - Fair. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
There is quite a bit of vegetation in the boat ramp canal and some in sections of other shorelines. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait, especially towards evening. Many 3-5 pound fish are reported. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use small jigs spinners or live bait. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 4' low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are two docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait or stink bait in the evenings.  

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. 

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

 

Des Moines River (Ottumwa to Farmington)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers around log jams and slack water areas. 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler along the rip-rapped shorelines, the jetties and around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow in deeper water structure. Try also a slip bobber over a minnow. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Don’t fish too deep as the lake will stratify; target 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure. Try also topwater lures around the cedar tree piles in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties. White Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow around deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.48 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits or night crawler rigs along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Try also vertical jigging in the same areas. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best during the summer; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll and cast crankbaits, spoons or in-line spinners in the main lake. Look for schools of fish busting shad on the surface. 

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfishing is very good in the Des Moines River using stink baits. Water levels are good again for boats. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Anglers are reporting better white bass fishing than what has been happening so far this summer. Look for feeding activity on the surface and troll these areas with shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spoons. Fishing below the dam has also been fair to good for a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: A summer white bass bite has finally picked up. Look for schools of small gizzard shad breaking the surface and cast or troll shad imitating crankbaits or spoons in these areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Decent catches of channel catfish are coming from the pool below the Big Creek spillway using cut bait or dead shad. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity may have been affected by heavy rains earlier this week.  Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report slow fishing in ponds after heavy rains this week. Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish in the summer. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits along weed edges and around structure. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappies suspended and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has a good fish population with quality sized panfish. Water quality is good. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the creek channel for black crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Drift or slow troll along the creek channel for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - No Report: There is a good population of 13 to 15 inch bass in the lake. 

Lake Anita
Fishing has slowed a bit this week. Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Slow: Drift or slow troll small jigs tipped with crawler for bluegills up to 9 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: The early morning crappie bite is best. Slow troll small jigs tipped with power bait to catch 9 to 11 inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish have slowed a bit, but anglers report catching fish around Boy Scout Island. Fish will average 2 to 5 pounds. White Crappie - No Report: There is a good population of white crappies in Manawa. 

Orient Lake
Water clarity at Orient has improved. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs and worms. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are actively feeding below the rock sediment dam. Cast liver crawlers or cut bait next to the current. Black Bullhead - Good: Quality sized bullheads can be caught with night crawlers below the rock sediment structure. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. The water clarity has improved to 2 feet this week. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are in a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are 8 to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
A few catfish are still being caught at Viking. A few crappies are being caught in the deep brush piles.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait or liver around brush piles for catfish up to 10 pounds. Early morning bite is best.  Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Water temperatures have cooled this week into the upper 70's. Anglers are still finding panfish in open water and around deep structure. Catfishing has been good around the district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with crankbaits and larger plastic lures. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with night crawlers and small plastic lures closer to shore throughout the lake. Black Crappie -Good: Find crappies up to 9 inches near vegetation and areas with sunken structures.

Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using night crawlers or cut bait fished along rocky shoreline areas and cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished along the fish mounds or fishing jetties. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using crankbaits or
finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles or rock reefs. Bluegill - Slow: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished along cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with night crawlers or cut bait fished along rocky shoreline areas. 

Three Mile Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches with crankbaits and plastics in or near the cedar tree piles or rock structures. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 9 inches using minnows and small jigs fished near the jetties. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 8 inches with night crawlers fished near shore. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 19 inches with crankbaits near the fish mounds. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow bays. Walleye - Good: Catch walleyes of all sizes using crankbaits and spinners fished in 10 feet of water. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with jigs or minnows fished along weedl ines or the flooded timber. 

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the lower 80's to upper 70's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.32 ft. /63,700 cfs./75 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are up one degree from last week and water levels are down 0.43 feet. Water levels are up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River. Fishing has been good to fair.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Water levels are 6 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 3-6 feet of water in Town Bay from the stone piers along Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Walleye - Slow: Try leeches or crawler harnesses around Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay, and along shore near the outlet. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use crawlers fished 3-4 feet below a bobber on the lake side of the inlet bridge and from the stone piers in Town Bay.

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills in 15-20 feet of water. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or drift crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in 6-10 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are around 70 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
The park road will be closed Sept. 19th - 21st due to road construction; there will be no access to the boat ramp. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. Shore anglers should fish a small piece of crawler or cut bait off the bottom. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 70 degrees. Walleye - Slow: Troll crankbaits in 6 to 10 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish on the bottom with cut bait or crawlers after sunset. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift a jig and minnow over deeper submerged vegetation. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig tipped with cut bait or a minnow over the reefs until you find fish.  Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. 

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs or a minnow in the dredge cut or on the edge of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits. 

Lake Smith
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig or minnow in deeper near the outlet. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Don’t overlook the evening bite from docks as these fish will move shallow at dusk. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. 

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught trolling. Don’t overlook public areas to fish using traditional "cat" baits which will provide excellent action. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Report of angles catching fish from the river. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch up to 10 inches mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish approaching 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Ocheyedan Pit #1
Channel Catfish - Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 17 -23 inch channel catfish. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Fair: The fall walleye bite has begun with action improving. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch continue to be caught in the outside line of the weed beds. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels stabilized with improved clarity. Use caution when boating. Flows or current are still high. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye - Fair: A variety of baits are working; try a jig tipped with a minnow floated through an eddy. Channel Catfish - Good: The catfish bite is on; use chicken liver, stink bait or dead chubs. 

Decorah District Streams
Small game hunting seasons are open in Iowa. Many trout streams flow through areas with hunting. Wear bright colors. All catchable streams are stocked. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Try small spinnerbaits and jigs tipped with twister tails work. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson caddis and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits work well.

French Creek
The bridge on Mays Prairie Road (CR X6A) is being replaced. Work is scheduled through mid-November. Access the parking lot from the south. Brown Trout - Good: The best time to fish French Creek is after rain events so fish will be less spooky. This stream rarely turns off color. 

Lake Hendricks
Water temperatures are in the mid 60's. Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly reel a minnow on a hook over structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try near submersed rocky habitat or depth contours in the early morning.  Channel Catfish - Good: Use a large night crawler fished off the bottom near woody structure. Bluegill - Fair: Activity should pick up with cooler temperatures. Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm off rocky shoreline or near submersed logs. 

Lake Meyer
Lake clarity is slightly stained. Few people have been fishing. Bluegill - Fair: Use a hook tipped with a small piece of worm or cricket under a bobber near weed edges. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or cut baits fished just off the bottom in the evening. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits along weed edges on overcast days and late evenings. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig and minnow near submersed structure. 

Osborne Pond
Osborne Pond is currently being renovated. The dam was breached in July and a water retention basin installed. Material will be removed over the winter and new habitat installed in the spring. After repairs to the dam are made, it will be allowed to fill. The pond will then be restocked with bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. 

Turkey River (above Clermont)
The Turkey River continues to fall and is off color.  Flows remain high. Use caution when boating. Visit the USGS Current Condition website for more information. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows or lures imitating minnows in deep water drop offs

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water level is falling at Decorah with improved clarity. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Paddling activities are not recommended. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water clarity is poor. Water levels are stabilizing. Current velocities are very swift. Paddling activities are not recommended. Visit the USGS Current Conditions website for more information. 

Volga Lake
Lake conditions are improving. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a small piece of worm along rocky shorelines.Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly retrieve a lure over structure at dawn and dusk. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater lures over structure or run a jig tipped with a twister tail along a rocky shoreline. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use stink bait worms or cut baits fished off the bottom in the evening near woody structure. 

Beautiful weather for the weekend. Temperatures ranging from mid-80's for highs to mid-60'. Area rivers and streams stabilized and are off color. Trout streams are in good condition.  For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater artificial baits. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Channel Catfish - Good: Use crawlers, cut baits, dead minnows and stink baits. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try artificial lures near rocky shoreline areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish a jig tipped with plastic and crawler near the current breaks and bar drop-offs. 

Manchester District Streams
Delaware, Jackson, Dubuque and southern Clayton County streams are in excellent condition and are being stocked. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River received a fair amount of rainfall this past week, but is falling quickly and clearing up well. 

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River received a fair amount of rain this past week; there have been no angling reports. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink baits in the top or upstream end of log jams.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River received a fair amount of rainfall this past week; there have been no angling reports. Northern Pike - Good: Cast large bucktail spinners. 

There are not many reports on the interior rivers this past week as most areas remain high and turbid. The upper Cedar and Maquoketa Rivers are the best angling opportunities right now. Most Black Hawk County area lakes have been overwhelmed with flood waters and remain high and turbid. Trout streams have fallen and are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 10.4 feet and is expected to begin a fall to 8.8 feet next week. Water temperature is near 70 degrees. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs fished along rock structure. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Perch bite has picked up. Many fish 13 inch fish are being caught with live minnow floated under a bobber. Northern Pike - Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 20 feet and is expected to fall to 17 feet next week. Water temperature is 71 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Walleye- Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs fished along rock structure. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with live minnow floated under a bobber.  Northern Pike -Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs.  Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in the main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Find the bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 12 feet and is expected to fall to 8.1 feet by next week. Water temperature is 64 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs fished along rock structure. Yellow Perch - Excellent: The perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with a live minnow floated under a bobber.  Northern Pike - Good: This time of year, pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds.
Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent:: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River levels will fall over the next week. Water clarity is improving as well as the fishing. Water temperatures are near 70 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will hold around 12.1 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 14.2 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 70 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions. Freshwater Drum - Good: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Bluegill - Fair: Try finding clear water in the upper reaches of backwater areas; use worms and bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish the upper ends of backwater areas in cleaner water. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level will hold around 13.5 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is poor; avoid all the tributary streams as they are muddy. The water temperature is around 70 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Good: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Some nice bass were reported in the upper ends of backwater areas deep in the vegetated areas. Most anglers are using frog imitation lures. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are predicted to hold around 13.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 15.8 feet at Camanche and 9.8 feet at the LeClaire. Small boat ramps will be flooded or have debris on them. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 70 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore or along brush piles. Channel cats feed heavily in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are near 15.4 feet at Rock Island. This is "moderate" flood stages, so most boat ramps are flooded. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 70 degrees. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Fish near shore in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Use an egg sinker and worm rig fished near shore in moderate current areas. 

Expect the water to hold at this high level for most of the week and then start dropping by this weekend. Most small boat ramps are flooded or will have debris on them. Avoid tributary streams as they are running muddy. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 15.01 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level is 15.98 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek are closed due to high water. The docks have been pulled out at the Fairport Recreational area due to high water. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 15.51 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 17.28 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. The Kilpeck Landing is closed. Big Timber is also closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 17.96  feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River level at Keithsburg is 16.87 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Keithsburg is 14 feet. Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. Ferry Landing is closed. Water will be over the Hawkeye dolbee parking lot. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 13.97 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level at Burlington is 18.58 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 530.06 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water.  

River stages are still above flood stage throughout the pools, but have been falling the past few days. Some boat ramps are closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 70 degrees. Water clarity is poor due to high water conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Had about five inches of rain last week. The lake is in pretty good condition. Not a lot of angler activity this week. Black Crappie - No Report: Start looking for crappies in 6 feet of water. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills should be moving in to more shallow water soon. Start at 6 feet and work your way in from there. 

Deep Lakes
Grab a pole and go exploring at Deep Lakes; there are lots of ponds to try. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most of the ponds have good numbers of bass in them; most are smaller, but there are some big ones. Go subtle in your choice of lures with the ultra-clear water. Bluegill - Good: Find the right pond and you can catch some nice bluegills. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is dropping pretty fast, but is forecast to stay above bank full levels until the middle of next week. 

Lake Belva Deer
The lake was pretty turbid last week after all the rain; it is clearing up this week. Water temperature is in mid to upper 70's. Black Crappie - Fair: Last week was pretty slow; t crappie should start biting again with the water getting back to normal and cooling off. Channel Catfish - Fair: Should still be able to pick up a few catfish up by the inlet from the marsh. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water up along the rocks and gravel bottom areas. 

Lake Darling
The water level is back down to near normal. Water temperature is in the mid 70's.  Bluegill - Good: Decent numbers of hand-sized bluegills are being caught in 5 or less feet of water. Water still hasn’t cleared up after last week’s heavy rains. So a little flash to any lure is a good idea. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish. It’s a good time to fish the weirs in the in-lake silt dams as the water from the recent and forecast rains come into the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hovering over the rock piles in about 5-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and spoons work best. 

Lost Grove Lake
Nice weather and the Mississippi River still being high has brought out the boats. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies out deep, but if the nights stay fairly cool, move in to shallower water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Run your favorite crankbait on the north side of the lake, out along the mounds on the flats and in shallow. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk River crested on Wednesday (Sept. 12th) at Brighton and seems to be on its way back down. Still well above flood stage. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is close to full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 704 feet as of Sept. 13. It is predicted to crest on Sept. 16 at a level of 705 feet (normal pool is 683.4 feet). All ramps are under water and the Mehaffey ramp is closed due to construction. 

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

Kent Park Lake
The lake is drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush in 10-15 feet of water.  Walleye - Fair: Troll crawlers or crankbaits in 7-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
There is quite a bit of vegetation in the boat ramp canal and some in sections of other shorelines. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait, especially towards evening. Many 3-5 pound fish are reported. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use small jig spinners or live bait. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 1 feet low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are 2 docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait or stink bait in the evenings.  

All rivers in the district are above flood stage this week.For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler along the rip-rapped shorelines, the jetties and around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. There is now a construction project on the north ramp. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow in deeper water structure. Try also a slip bobber over a minnow. Crappies should start to move shallower as the water temperature cools off. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Don’t fish too deep as the lake does stratify; target 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure. Try also topwater lures around the cedar tree piles in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation. White Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow around deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 906.52 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Crappies will start to move shallow as the water cools. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best during the summer; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappies are being caught trolling twister tail or tube jigs in the upper half of the lake mostly from the boat ramp to 100 yards up from the beach. Many are young fish just under 8 inches, with some bigger ones mixed in. 

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small white, pink and chartreuse twister tails or tube jigs. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Fishing below the dam has been the best action for a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. Cast white twister tails fluke or paddle tail swim baits. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity should improve in ponds this week. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report slow fishing in ponds after heavy rains this week. Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish in the summer. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits along weed edges and around structure. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappies suspended and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has a good fish population with quality sized panfish. Heavy rain this week may affect water clarity. Black Crappie - No Report: Fish the creek channel for black crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - No Report: Drift or slow troll along the creek channel for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - No Report: There is a good population of 13 to 15 inch bass in the lake. 

Lake Anita
Fishing has picked up now that the weather has stabilized. Water temperature is 70 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills close to the creek channel. Slow troll small jigs tipped with crawler for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: The early morning crappie bite is best. Slow troll small crank baits
or small jigs tipped with power bait to catch 9 to 11 inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfish have slowed a bit, but anglers report catching fish around Boy Scout Island. Fish will average 2 to 5 pounds. White Crappie - No Report: There is a good population of white crappies in Manawa. 

Orient Lake 
Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills at Orient have good body condition. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are actively feeding below the rock sediment dam. Cast liver crawlers or cut bait next to the current. Black Bullhead - Fair: Quality sized bullheads can be caught with night crawlers below the rock sediment structure. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. The water clarity has improved to 2 feet this week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills are in a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are 8 to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. 

Viking Lake
Channel Catfish - Slow: Cast cut bait or liver around brush piles for catfish up to 10 pounds. Early morning bite is best.  Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies are being caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Water temperatures are around 70 degrees in the S.W. district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches with crankbaits fished near rocky areas. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished in shallow bays and along fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 9 inches using spinners fished near the spillway and cedar tree brush piles.

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught using topwater baits fished in early morning or late evening. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with prepared baits fished near main lake points in the evenings. 

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 8 inches with worms fished in shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 18 inches with crankbaits or minnows fished along the fish mounds or the dam. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles or rocky areas. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished in shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows or crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water.  Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Water temperature in most district lakes is in thelmid 70's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.30 ft. /63,900 cfs./71 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are down 3 degrees from last week and water levels are down 0.77 feet. Water levels continue to be up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River. Fishing has been good to fair. 

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Water levels are 6 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 3-6 feet of water in Town Bay from the stone piers along Ice House Point and near the inlet bridge. Walleye - Slow: Try crawler rigs or crankbaits around Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay, and along shore near the outlet. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use crawlers fished 3-4 feet below a bobber on the lake side of the inlet bridge and from the stone piers in Town Bay.

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Drift or troll slowly crawler rigs, minnows or leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try tube jigs tipped with crawlers in 10-15 feet of water. 

North Twin Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Water clarity is around 1.5 feet. White Crappie - Slow: No Report - A recent survey showed most crappie are 6-10 inches with a few up to 14 inches. Walleye - Slow: Walleye up to 27 inches have been seen in recent netting surveys. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Use crawler rigs and troll crankbaits along the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in 6-10 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Troll crankbaits or fish crawlers along the dredge cuts. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the low 70's. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
The park road will be closed Sept. 19th - 21st due to road construction; there will be no access to the boat ramp. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. Shore anglers should fish a small piece of crawler or cut bait off the bottom. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 70 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait in the areas where water is entering the lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift a jig and minnow over deeper submerged vegetation. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig tipped with cut bait or a minnow over the reefs until you find fish.  Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. 

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs or a minnow in the dredge cut or on the edge of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits. 

Lake Smith
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig or minnow in deeper near the outlet. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Don’t overlook the evening bite from docks as these fish will move shallow at dusk. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report northern pike action on the lake. 

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught trolling. Don’t overlook public areas to fish using traditional "cat" baits which will provide excellent action. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Report of angles catching fish from the river. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch up to 10 inches mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish approaching 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Ocheyedan Pit #1
Channel Catfish - Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 17 -23 inch channel catfish. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Expect the fall walleye bite to start soon. Troll crankbaits during the day; wader fishing is your best chance to catch trophy size fish. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: The fall walleye bite has started with action improving. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch continue to be caught in the outside line of the weed beds. Bonus bluegill will be mixed in the catch. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is rising and extremely muddy. Boating is not recommended. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye -Slow. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver, stink bait or dead chubs. Catfish will be in a slow pocket or area out of the current. 

Decorah District Streams
Small game hunting seasons are open in Iowa. Many trout streams flow through areas with hunting. Wear bright colors. Due to recent rain, streams will be stocked depending on stream conditions the day of stocking. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily information. Brook Trout - Fair: A variety of aquatic and terrestrial insects, like ants and beetles, are more numerous. Try small spinnerbaits and jigs tipped with twister tails. Brown Trout - Good: Hendrickson caddis and cranefly hatches are occurring. Crickets are common along streams now. Use hendrickson gnat or beadhead nymph patterns. Pale yellow, black, brown, and grey colors work best. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits work well.

French Creek
The bridge on Mays Prairie Road (CR X6A) is being replaced. Work is scheduled through mid-November. Access the parking lot from the south. Brown Trout - Good: The best time to fish French Creek is after rain events so fish will be less spooky. This stream rarely turns off color. 

Lake Hendricks
Water temperatures are in the upper 60's. Clarity remains poor. Black Crappie - Slow: Drift a minnow in deeper water. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try near submersed rocky habitat or depth contours in the early morning.  Channel Catfish - Good: Use a large night crawler fished off the bottom near woody structure. Bluegill - Slow: Activity should pick up with cooler temperatures. Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm off rocky shoreline or near submersed logs. 

Lake Meyer
Lake clarity is about 5 feet, but will likely be much less after this current rainy period. Water temperatures are in the upper 60's. Few people have been out fishing. Bluegill - Fair: Use a hook tipped with a small piece of worm or cricket under a bobber in deeper water. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or cut baits fished just off the bottom in the evening. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater baits along weed edges on overcast days and late evenings. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig and minnow near submersed structure. 

Osborne Pond
Osborne Pond is currently being renovated. The dam was breached in July and a water retention basin installed. Material will be removed over the winter and new habitat installed in the spring. After repairs to the dam are made, it will be allowed to fill. The pond will then be restocked with bluegill, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. 

Turkey River (above Clermont)
The Turkey River is rising again and muddy. Flows remain high. Boating is not recommended.  Visit the USGS Current Condition website for more information. Boat docks at Vernon Springs are out for the season. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Try spinner and crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows or lures imitating minnows in deep water drop offs.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are rising with poor water clarity. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Boating is not recommended. The dock is out at Lime Springs for the season.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
The Upper Iowa is rising and clarity is poor. Paddling activities are not recommended. Visit the USGS Current Conditions website for more information. 

Volga Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Find gills along rocky shoreline or suspended deeper. Use a small jig tipped with a small piece of worm. Black Crappie - Slow: Slowly retrieve a lure over structure in deeper water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures over structure or run a jig tipped with a twister tail along a rocky shoreline. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait worms or cut baits fished off the bottom in the evening near woody structure. 

Recent rainfall events have turned a majority of area rivers and streams off color and running high. Temperatures are cooling greatly for the weekend. Trout streams are off color and high. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Bluegill – Good: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater and plastic artificial baits. Black Crappie - Good: Try small pink and white tube jigs or a crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber by the jetties and dam areas in about 4 feet of water. 

The recent wet weather may provide a great opportunity to gather up bow hunting gear for the upcoming weekend! Heavy rains and flooding is occurring on all cold and warm water streams and rivers.Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.6 feet at Lansing and is expected to stay stable. Water temperature is near 73 degrees. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs tipped with crawlers in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with live minnow floated under a bobber. Northern Pike - Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 16.4 feet at Lynxville and will stabilize near 15.5 feet next week. Water temperature is 74 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Walleye- Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs tipped with crawlers in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with live minnow floated under a bobber.  Northern Pike -Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs.  Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in the main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has dropped several feet to 8.9 feet and is expected to reach 7.5 feet by next week. Water temperature is 68 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs tipped with crawlers in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Excellent: The perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with a live minnow floated under a bobber.  Northern Pike - Good: This time of year, pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds.
Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River level is falling back into normal fall range. Look for fish to be more active as they start fall feeding activity. Water temperatures are near 70 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will fluctuate this week, starting at 8.2 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and at 10.7 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 72 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions. Freshwater Drum - Good: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out relatively near shore in moderate current areas. Bluegill - Good: Try finding clear water in the upper reaches of backwater areas; use worms and bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish the upper ends of backwater areas in cleaner water. Black Crappie - Fair: Use small minnows in the clear upper reaches of backwater areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level will fluctuate this week, starting out at 9.2 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is fair. Avoid large tributary streams as they are muddy. The water temperature is around 73 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Good: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try frog imitation lures and spinner baits in the upper ends of backwater areas and deep in the vegetated areas. Bluegill - Good: Find the clear water in the upper reaches of large backwater complexes; use a simple bobber and worm. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small minnow and bobber in the upper reaches of backwaters in clear water. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are predicted to fluctuate this week, starting at around 9 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 12 feet at Camanche and 6.7 feet at the LeClaire. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 73 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore or along brush piles. Channel cats feed heavily in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye were caught off the bank with jigs and minnows. Bluegill - Good: Use a bobber and worm in the upper reaches of Rock Creek or Cattail Slough. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are near 10.2 feet at Rock Island and will rise to 12.3 feet. This level will again approach "action" flood stage, so some boat ramps will be flooded. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 74 degrees. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Fish near shore in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Use an egg sinker and worm rigs fished near shore in moderate current areas. 

The water levels will fluctuate this week. Most ramps are usable again, but some will have water on them. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.36 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities, but is forecast to reach 12.5 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. As of Sept. 19th, the Clark's Ferry boat ramp was still closed due to high water, but the ramp at Shady creek is open. The docks have been pulled out at the Fairport Recreational area due to high water. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.31 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to rise over the weekend. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 12.14 feet, but forecast to reach 13.2 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. The Kilpeck Landing is closed. Big Timber is also closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.57 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and has been falling the past week, but is forecast to rise over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River level at Keithsburg is 12.52 feet and is forecast to reach 13.1 feet by the middle of next. Flood stage at Keithsburg is 14 feet. The Toolsboro access is inaccessible due to the Odessa road being flooded. Ferry Landing is closed. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.43 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is forecast to start rising over the weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level at Burlington is 14.63 feet and is forecast to start rising over the weekend. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water.  

River stages have been falling the past few days. With recent heavy rains, the river is forecast to start rising over the weekend. Some boat ramps are closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 73 degrees. Water clarity is poor due to high water conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
The unstable weather isn't helping the fishing or the number of anglers out on the lake.  Black Crappie - No Report: Start looking for crappies in 6 feet of water. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills should be moving in to more shallow water soon. Start at 6 feet and work your way in from there. 

Deep Lakes
Grab a pole and go exploring at Deep Lakes; there are lots of ponds to try. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most of the ponds have good numbers of bass in them; most are smaller, but there are some big ones. Go subtle in your choice of lures with the ultra-clear water. Bluegill - Good: Find the right pond and you can catch some nice bluegills. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River still has a lot of flow right now, but is currently back down in its bank with only some low area flooding; it looks to be headed back up. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water warmed up over the last days to around 78 degrees again. The cooler weather forecast should reverse that trend. Black Crappie - Fair: Last week was pretty slow;  crappie should start biting again with the water getting back to normal and cooling off. Channel Catfish - Fair: Should still be able to pick up a few catfish up by the inlet from the marsh. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water up along the rocks and gravel bottom areas. 

Lake Darling
The water temperature is back up to about 79 degrees. Water clarity is improving despite more heavy rains earlier this week. Fishing, while still pretty good, is a little more hit and miss due to the weather.  Bluegill - Good: Decent numbers of hand-sized bluegills are being caught in 5 or less feet of water. Water still hasn’t cleared up after last week’s heavy rains. So a little flash to any lure is a good idea. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish. It’s a good time to fish the weirs in the in-lake silt dams as the water from the recent and forecast rains come into the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hovering over the rock piles in about 5-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and spoons work best. 

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature was 78 degrees on Wednesday; the storm may have cooled it off more since then. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies out deep, but if the nights stay fairly cool, they should start to move in to shallower water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Run your favorite crankbait on the north side of the lake, out along the mounds on the flats and in shallow. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk River is back down to about 1/2 bank full. The parking areas and lanes to them are still muddy. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is close to full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 705 feet (normal pool is 683.4 feet) and slowly falling as of 9/20. All public ramps are under water and the Mehaffey ramp is closed due to construction. 

Diamond Lake
The water is muddy. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish in 12-15 feet of water and look for fish suspended a few feet off the bottom. 

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Catfish were biting at Hills and River Junction before the flows bumped up to 10,000 CFS. Flows will continue to be this high until the Coralville Reservoir is back down to normal, which could be weeks. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush; some fish are reported as moving shallower. Walleye - Fair: Troll crawlers or crankbaits in 7-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 1.5 feet low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are 2 docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  

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

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shore and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits, crankbaits or rubber worms around the fishing jetties and along the dam. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler along the fishing jetties or around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. There is now a construction project on the north ramp. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies are suspended. Try drifting minnows around the flooded timber at different depths to find active fish. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait. Don’t fish too deep as the lake does stratify; target 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure. Try also topwater lures around the cedar tree piles in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation. Black Crappie - Slow: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in 6-10 feet of water. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 906.10 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Crappies will start to move shallow as the water cools. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Try also vertically jigging spoon baits around rock piles. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Troll twister tails or tube jigs in the top 3 to 8 feet of water throughout the lake for 9.5 to 10.5 inch crappies

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best during the summer; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll live bait rigs and shad imitating crankbaits or soft plastics mid-lake where the two upper arms of the lake meet. The hybrids are still young, so the upper end on size is around 18 inches

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappies are being caught trolling twister tail or tube jigs in the upper half of the lake mostly from the boat ramp to 100 yards up from the beach. Many are young fish just under 8 inches, with some bigger ones mixed in. 

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small white, pink and chartreuse twister tails or tube jigs. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Fishing below the dam has been the best action for a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. Cast white twister tails fluke or paddle tail swim baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are catching some of Red Rocks large crappies. Fall is good time to drift or troll panfish jigs in the arms and coves off the main lake. 

Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie - Good: Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower half of the lake in the mornings to just after noon. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity should improve in ponds this week. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report slow fishing in ponds after heavy rains this week. Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Fish shallow early and late and go deeper during the middle of the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits along weed edges and around structure. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappies suspended and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has a good fish population with quality sized panfish. Black Crappie - No Report: Fish the creek channel for black crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - No Report: Drift or slow troll along the creek channel for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - No Report: There is a good population of 13 to 15 inch bass in the lake. 

Lake Anita
Fishing has picked up now that the weather has stabilized. Water temperature has heated back up to 80 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills close to the creek channel. Slow troll small jigs tipped with crawler for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: The early morning crappie bite is best. Slow troll small crank baits or small jigs tipped with power bait to catch 9 to 11 inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfish have slowed a bit, but anglers report catching fish around Boy Scout Island. Fish will average 2 to 5 pounds. White Crappie - No Report: There is a good population of white crappies in Manawa. 

Orient Lake 
Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills at Orient have good body condition. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are actively feeding below the rock sediment dam. Cast liver, crawlers or cut bait next to the current. Black Bullhead - Fair: Catch quality sized bullheads with night crawlers below the rock sediment structure. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. The water clarity has improved to 2 feet this week. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are in a summer pattern. Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are 8 to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. Black Crappie - Slow: Try vertical jigging or minnows under a slip bobber in the brush piles to catch 10 plus inch black crappies. Be prepared to lose tackle. 

Viking Lake
The pontoon area will be closed starting Sept. 28th for repairs to the seawall. Channel Catfish - Good: Cast liver in the pontoon area of the lake. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Use tube jigs early in the morning and late afternoon. The fish are averaging 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Water temperatures have jumped back up near 80 degrees in the S.W. district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches with finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished in shallow bays and along fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 9 inches using minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught using topwater baits fished in early morning or late evening or finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with prepared baits or chicken liver fished near main lake points in the evenings. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 22 inches using minnows fished along the roadbed or main lake points.

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 8 inches with worms fished in shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 18 inches with crankbaits or minnows fished along the fish mounds or the dam. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with crankbaits or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles or rocky areas. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished in shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows or crankbaits fished in 10 feet of water.  Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the mid to upper 70's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 28.26 ft. /63,600 cfs./74 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are up 3 degrees from last week and water levels are down 0.04 feet. Water levels continue to be up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed and release of water from reservoirs. Anglers and boaters are advised to use caution going on the Missouri River. Fishing has been good to fair. 

[Rick]

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 60's. Water levels are 7 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 3-6 feet of water in Town Bay from the stone piers along the north shoreline of Town Bay, along Ice House Point and near the inlet bridge. Walleye - Slow: Try crawler rigs or crankbaits around Ice House Point, the dredge cut near Denison Beach, and around the rock piles near Gunshot Hill, Cottonwood Point and the East Basin. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake.  Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, cut bait, or crawler fished on the bottom along Ice House Point and in Town Bay, and along shore near the outlet. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use crawlers fished in 2-4 feet below a bobber on the lake side and marsh side
of the inlet bridge.

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Drift or troll slowly crawler rigs, minnows or leaches in 15-20 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try tube jigs tipped with crawlers in 10-15 feet of water. 

North Twin Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid 60's. White Crappie - Slow: No Report - A recent survey showed most crappie are 6-10 inches with a few up to 14 inches. Walleye - Slow: Walleye up to 27 inches have been seen in recent netting surveys. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Use crawler rigs and troll crankbaits along the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in 6-10 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Troll crankbaits or fish crawlers along the dredge cuts. Black Crappie - Fair: A recent survey showed crappie up to 10 inches can be found near shore; use a crawler or minnow fished on a small jig below a bobber. 

Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the upper 60's. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. Shore anglers should fish a small piece of crawler or cut bait off the bottom. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 60 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait in the areas where water is entering the lake. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig tipped with cut bait or a minnow over the reefs until you find fish.  Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. 

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs or a minnow in the dredge cut or on the edge of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits. 

Lake Smith
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll a small jig or minnow in deeper near the outlet. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Don’t overlook the evening bite from docks as these fish will move shallow at dusk. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers report northern pike action on the lake; Best area where there is flow into the lake. 

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught trolling. Don’t overlook public areas to fish using traditional "cat" baits which will provide excellent action. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake. 

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Report of angles catching fish from the river. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch up to 10 inches mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish approaching 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of angler acceptable size fish up to 10 inches in the lake. 

Ocheyedan Pit #1
Channel Catfish - Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 17 -23 inch channel catfish. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Expect the fall walleye bite to start soon. Troll crankbaits during the day; wader fishing is your best chance to catch trophy size fish. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: The fall walleye bite has started with action improving. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable size yellow perch continue to be caught in the outside line of the weed beds. Bonus bluegill will be mixed in the catch. Northern Pike - Good: Angler reports of northern pike action on the lake; best area where there is flow into the lake. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Woods Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching some bluegill. Use a piece of night crawler under a slip bobber at various depths to find bluegill. Try fishing along and near any known structure. 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Casey Lake is in good condition with clear water. Bluegill – Good: Try fishing various depths with a piece of crawler under a bobber near the edge of weeds or structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use topwater and plastic artificial baits. Black Crappie - Good: Try small pink and white tube jigs or a crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber by the jetties and dam areas in about 4 feet of water. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of anglers catching a few walleye on the Cedar River in Black Hawk County. Walleye - Fair: Use jig and plastics tipped with half a crawler or crankbaits below woody structure or off of current break areas and below riffles. 

River angling reports are few as interior rivers remain higher than normal with the recent flooding. Extended forecast calls for showers over the next week. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen to 10 feet and is expected to stay there through next week before tapering off. Water temperature is near 65 degrees. The Lansing Village Creek ramp is closed through October.  For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye - Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs tipped with crawlers in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with a live minnow floated under a bobber. Northern Pike - Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is up several feet at 18.5 feet and is expected to remain there next week. Water temperature is 66 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Walleye- Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs tipped with crawlers in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with a live minnow floated under a bobber.  Northern Pike -Good: This time of year pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs.  Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in the main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 10.2 feet and is expected to remain there this week before tapering off. Water temperature is 63 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye - Good: Fishing wing dam areas will get easier with a drop in river levels. Use crankbaits or 3-way rigs tipped with crawlers in 8-12 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Excellent: The perch bite has picked up. Many 13 inch fish are being caught with a live minnow floated under a bobber.  Northern Pike - Good: This time of year, pike are attracted to cooler water coming in from springs and tributaries. Cast spoons along the edge of weed beds. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the main and side channel borders. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in faster current.  White Bass - Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Bluegill - Excellent: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are actively biting in areas of current. Drop a heavily weighted worm rig into the current for some big fish action. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River levels have popped up after last week's rain. Water clarity is better in backwaters and side sloughs. Look for fish to be more active as they start fall feeding activity. Water temperatures are falling into the mid 60's this week.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will recede this week, starting at 10.6 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 12.6 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 67 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions. Freshwater Drum - Good: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out near shore in moderate current areas. Bluegill - Slow: Try finding clear water in the upper reaches of backwater areas; use worms and bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish the upper ends of backwater areas in cleaner water. Black Crappie - Slow: Use small minnows in the clear upper reaches of backwater areas. Bowfin - Good: Bowfin are feeding in the leftover lotus patches. Spinners are working well, but some may also be taken on night crawlers. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level should recede this week, starting out at 11.5 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is poor. Avoid large tributary streams as they are muddy. The water temperature is around 67 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Move often if you are not finding catfish. Freshwater Drum - Good: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. Fish near the shorelines if possible. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try frog imitation lures and spinner baits in the upper ends of backwater areas and deep in the vegetated areas. Bluegill - Slow: Find the clear water in the upper reaches of large backwater complexes; use a simple bobber and worm. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small minnow and bobber in the upper reaches of backwaters in clear water. Bowfin - Good: Try a spinner in the dying lotus patches or a night crawler for this hard fighting fish. White Bass - No Report: Good numbers of nice sized white bass are in the system, but recent water clarity issues have hampered fishing for them. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels will recede this week, starting at 11.1 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 13.7  feet at Camanche and 8 feet at the LeClaire. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 67 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore or along brush piles. Channel cats feed heavily in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Walleye - No Report:  A few walleye were caught off the bank with jigs and minnows. Bluegill - Slow: Use a bobber and worm in the upper reaches of Rock Creek or Cattail Slough. The water needs to clear up for fishing will improve. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are near 12.5 feet. This level is slightly below "action" flood stage, so some boat ramps will be flooded. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 67 degrees. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Fish near shore in flooded waters. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Use an egg sinker and worm rigs fished near shore in moderate current areas. 

The water levels will fluctuate this week, but should recede. Most ramps are usable again, but some will have water on them. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976. 

 

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
The fishing will pick up when the weather settles down.  Black Crappie - Fair: Picking up a few crappies out from shore around the flooded timber in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Starting to pick up some decent bluegills around the rip-rap around the jetties and islands and the old road bed. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa above Columbus Junction is dropping fast. It’s still high below where the Cedar comes in just above Columbus Junction. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature Monday was 75 degrees, but it has cooled some since then. Water is fairly clear again. Black Crappie - Fair: Not a lot of fishing pressure so far this week. Anglers out earlier this week were trolling for crappies down the middle down by the dam with some luck. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water up along the rocks and gravel bottom areas. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature was 68 degrees Thursday morning. Bluegill - Good: Decent numbers of hand-sized bluegills are being caught in 5 or less feet of water. Water still hasn’t cleared up after last week’s heavy rains. So a little flash to any lure is a good idea. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish.The current coming out of the feeder streams has slowed down, but you could still find decent numbers of catfish in them. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hovering over the rock piles in about 5-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and spoons work best. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies were still out in deeper water around the rock piles earlier this week. Cooler water temperatures should bring them in shallower soon.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature has dropped into the upper 60's. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies out deep, but if the nights stay fairly cool, they should start to move in to shallower water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Run your favorite crankbait on the north side of the lake, out along the mounds on the flats and in shallow. Bluegill - Good: Use worm and bobber in the flooded timber not far from shore. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk River holding at about 1/2 bank full. Not to many anglers out on the Skunk recently. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 704 feet (normal pool is 683.4 feet) and slowly rising again as of Sept. 27. All public ramps are under water and the Mehaffey ramp is closed due to construction. 

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish in 12-15 feet of water and look for fish suspended a few feet off the bottom. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush or over rock in 15-20
feet of water. There are a lot of 12 inch fish right now. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits in 8-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits on the rocks. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is full and has cleared up some. Yellow Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still about 2 feet low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are 2 docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  

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

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shore and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or rubber worms around the fishing jetties and along the dam. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try rubber worms or crankbaits around the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler along the fishing jetties or around the cedar tree piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jig and minnow combinations around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. The north ramp is now closed due to a construction project.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits or rubber worms and crawdad imitations along the rip-rapped shorelines and the jetties. Black Crappie - Slow: Drift minnows and jigs at different depths. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers in 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around cedar tree piles and rip-rapped shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll jigs tipped with a minnow in 6-10 feet of water. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.72 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Crappies will start to move shallow as the water cools. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Try also vertically jigging spoon baits around rock piles. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines using rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines; tip the jig with a minnow if the fish get finicky. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait along the shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Troll twister tails or tube jigs in the top 3 to 8 feet of water throughout the lake for 9.5 to 10.5 inch crappies

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating crankbaits or spinner rigs with night crawlers with little weight to fish 3 to 10 feet deep. The northern half of the lake is best; start from the beach up to the marina boat ramp. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll live bait rigs and shad imitating crankbaits or soft plastics mid-lake where the two upper arms of the lake meet. The hybrids are still young, so the upper end on size is around 18 inches. Black Crappie - Good: A decent fall crappie bite has started. Drift or troll jigs on the upper end or cast jigs around the rock jetties. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappies are being caught trolling twister tail or tube jigs in the upper half of the lake mostly from the boat ramp to 100 yards up from the beach. Many are young fish just under 8 inches, with some bigger ones mixed in. 

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small white, pink and chartreuse twister tails or tube jigs. 

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Fishing below the dam has been the best action for a mix of white bass and hybrid striped bass. Cast white twister tails fluke or paddle tail swim baits. Black Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are catching some of Red Rocks large crappies. Fall is good time to drift or troll panfish jigs in the arms and coves off the main lake. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water clarity has improved in ponds this week. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers report better bluegill fishing this week. Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are active on the fall and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits along weed edges and around structure. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappies suspended and around structure. 

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has a good fish population with quality sized panfish. Black Crappie - No Report: Fish the creek channel for black crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill - No Report: Drift or slow troll along the creek channel for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - No Report: There is a good population of 13 to 15 inch bass in the lake. 

Lake Anita
Fishing has picked up now that the weather has stabilized. Water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills close to the creek channel. Slow troll small jigs tipped with crawler for bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: The early morning crappie bite is best. Slow troll small crank baits or small jigs tipped with power bait to catch 9 to 11 inch fish. Anglers using minnows report catching limits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good fall crappie fishing destination. Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfish have slowed a bit, but anglers report catching fish around Boy Scout Island. Fish will average 2 to 5 pounds. White Crappie - No Report: There is a good population of white crappies in Manawa. 

Orient Lake 
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching acceptable sized bluegills. Bluegills at Orient have good body condition. Try small jigs tipped with power bait or crawler around tree piles.
Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfish bite has slowed, but a good population remains in the lake. Black Bullhead - Fair: Catch quality sized bullheads with night crawlers below the rock sediment structure. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. The water clarity has improved to 2 feet this week. Bluegill - Slow: Look for fish around underwater reefs and drift/troll open water areas. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are 8 to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. Black Crappie - Slow: Try vertical jigging or minnows under a slip bobber in the brush piles to catch 10 plus inch black crappies. Be prepared to lose tackle. 

Viking Lake
The pontoon area will be closed starting Sept. 28th for repairs to the seawall. Channel Catfish - Good: Cast liver in the pontoon area of the lake. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Use tube jigs around trees in 12 to 14 feet of water early in the morning and late afternoon. The fish are averaging 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Water temperatures are around 70 degrees in the S.W. district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches with jigs and finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished along the silt dams and fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappies up to 9 inches using jigs under a bobber fished near cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish up to 10 with liver fished along the dam. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught using finesse plastics or jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish up to 10 pounds with chicken liver fished near main lake points in the evenings. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 22 inches using minnows fished along the roadbed or main lake points.

Three Mile Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 8 inches with worms fished in shallow bays. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleyes up to 18 inches with crankbaits or minnows fished along the fish mounds or the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows fished along the fishing jetties. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches using finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished in shallow bays. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows or crankbaits fished along the roadbed or main lake points.  Black Crappie - Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the low to mid 70's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below the wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below the wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 31.29 feet (flood stage is 35 feet)/83,600 cfs./62 degrees. Missouri River water temperatures are down 12 degrees from last week and water levels are up 3.03 feet. Several tributaries are flooded. The Big Sioux River is above flood stage at 21.61 feet. The Missouri River is also above flood stage at Nebraska City and Hamburg. Water levels continue to be up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed.

[Rick]

 

Iowa Fishing Reports by Region:

NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are around 50 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber in 3-6 feet of water in Town Bay from the stone piers along the north shoreline of Town Bay along Ice House Point and near the inlet bridge. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Catch perch up to 12 inches with small powerbaits like crappie nibbles, perch eyes and crawlers fished 2-4 feet below a bobber. 

Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky. Walleye - Fair: Troll slowly crawler rigs, minnows or leaches in 10-15 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Find perch along the vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try tube jigs tipped with crawlers in 5-15 feet of water. 

Crawford Creek Impoundment
Black Crappie - Fair: A recent survey showed crappie up to 10 inches along shore. Use minnows or crawlers fished below a bobber in the mornings and evenings. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use traditional bass lures along the shoreline. 

North Twin Lake
Water temperatures are around 50 degrees. White Crappie - Slow: A recent survey showed most crappie are 6-10 inches with a few up to 14 inches. Walleye - Slow: Walleye up to 27 inches have been seen in recent netting surveys. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Use crawler rigs and troll crankbaits along the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake. Try twisters and leaches fished under a bobber from shore. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits and crawlers fished from shore. Black Crappie - Fair: A recent survey showed crappie up to 10 inches can be found near shore; use a crawler or minnow fished on a small jig below a bobber. 

Water temperatures around 50 degrees in Black Hawk District lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Beeds Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a tube jig or small minnow. Yellow Bass - Fair: Drift fish or troll with a small jig. Shore anglers should fish a small piece of crawler or cut bait off the bottom. 

Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 47 degrees. Muskellunge - Fair: Fish the edge of the vegetation and near docks. Walleye - Good: Fish off the jetties after dark. 

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll small tube jigs or a minnow in the dredge cut or on the edge of vegetation. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig and minnow in the area near the old road bed. 

Rice Lake
Yellow Perch - Slow: Use a small minnow or a plastic bait in the deeper water. 

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Excellent bite continues with good numbers of fish being caught. Cast mini-jigs or hair-jigs or use small baits tipped with wigglers. Don’t overlook the evening bite from docks as these fish will move shallow at dusk. Walleye - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught with traditional baits; good numbers of yellow bass are mixed in with the catch. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers report northern pike action on the lake; best area is where there is flow into the lake. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Good numbers of large angler acceptable size fish being caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Report of a good fall bite with large angler acceptable size fish being caught. 

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught with black crappie and yellow perch up to 10 inches mixed in the catch. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of fish approaching 7 inches in the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Reports of fish being caught from the lake. Look for the bite to continue. Anglers are catching yellow perch and crappie from the shore. Walleye - Good: The fall walleye bite has started. Use traditional baits during "prime time". Yellow Perch  - Fair: Some fish are being caught in the evening from shore with walleyes mixed into the catch.

Ocheyedan Pit #1
Channel Catfish - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of 17 -23 inch channel catfish. 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: The fall walleye bite is on. Troll crankbaits during the day; wader fishing is your best chance to catch trophy size fish. 

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: The fall walleye bite has started with action improving. Wader angler action has picked up with the best bite during the evening. Yellow Perch - Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught with sorting needed; anglers continue to harvest numbers of angler acceptable size fish. Use mini jigs tipped with wigglers or a minnow. Northern Pike - Good: Angler reports of northern pike action on the lake; best area is where there is flow into the lake. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Rock piles in deeper water with stands of aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish. 

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Please visit the USGS Water Data website for more information. 

Decorah District Streams
Check our fall community trout stocking schedule to find out when trout are coming to a lake near you. Catchable trout stocking is now unannounced. Stocking frequency and amounts are the same as conditions allow. Many trout streams run through wildlife management areas where hunting is allowed. Wear bright colors to be seen.  Brown Trout - Fair: As brown trout start spawning, watch the stream bottom for cleared areas in gravel (trout nests). Avoid stepping in the nests. Use larger flies mimicking grasshoppers or minnows. Rainbow Trout - Good: Catch a freshly stocked trout with a small piece of worm or cheese on a hook under a bobber in a deeper hole. 

Lake Hendricks
Few anglers have been out. Water is clearing. Black Crappie - Fair: Shoreline anglers are using a tube jig fished under a bobber. 

Lake Meyer
Water temperatures are falling with improved clarity. Angling has been spotty. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Slow. 

Turkey River (above Clermont)
The Turkey River water levels are falling with improved clarity. Use care around swollen rivers. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Water temperatures are in the 50's. Visit the USGS Water Data website for current information. Use crankbaits or a hook tipped with a minnow in eddies and deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling, but the river remains muddy. Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. Paddling activities are not recommended. Visit the USGS Water Data website for current information. 

Area waters are slowly clearing, but water levels and flows are high. Rain Friday then clearing and cold. Temperatures in the upper 40's to below freezing at night. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and some northern pike on the Cedar River in Black Hawk County. Walleye - Good: Use jigs and plastics in sandbar drop-offs or current breaks. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try jig and plastics or crankbaits. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve spoons or crankbaits.

Manchester District Streams
Most Manchester District streams are in excellent condition. Flows will remain swift, but clarity should be good.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
Silver Lake is in excellent condition for angling, but there have been no reports. Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and northern pike are the main species in this lake. 

Rivers and streams are falling. There have been angling reports on the Cedar River. Trout streams should be in good condition for the upcoming weekend. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is expected to crest at 13.4 feet and slowly recede over next week. Water temperature is near 48 degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to high water. The Lansing Village Creek ramp construction is complete and the ramp is open. Walleye - Fair: High water and current will make fishing difficult this week. Try fishing side channel sloughs with less debris and current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect the perch bite to pick up into late fall. Look for fish out of the main channel using live minnow floated under a bobber.  Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth action has slowed with the high muddy water. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in current.  Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is expected to crest at 23.1 feet with a slow fall next week. Sny Magill road is closed due to high water. Water temperature is 50 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Walleye- Slow: High water and current will make fishing difficult this week. Try fishing side channel sloughs with less debris and current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect the perch bite to pick up into late fall. Look for fish out of the main channel using live minnow floated under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs.  Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth action has slowed with the high muddy water. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in current. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is predicted to crest at 14.7 ft and gradually recede next week. Water temperature is 46 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye -Fair: High water and current will make fishing difficult this week. Try fishing side channel sloughs with less debris and current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect the perch bite to pick up into late fall. Look for fish out of the main channel using a live minnow floated under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth action has slowed with the high muddy water. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in current. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from the main channel and sloughs. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River levels cresting this week. Many ramps are under water. Water clarity is poor with a lot of debris. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees. Fish are starting to move toward the overwintering holes. 
 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will rise this week and peak near a predicted 14.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 16.8 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 52 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions especially along rock shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out near shore in moderate current areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels will rise this week and peak near a predicted 15.7 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is poor. Avoid large tributary streams as they are muddy. The water temperature is around 53 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions especially along rock shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas near shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels will rise this week and are predicted to be 15.5 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 17.1 feet at Camanche and 10.7 feet at the LeClaire. These are Action and Moderate flood levels. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 53 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions especially along rock shorelines.  Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is predicted to be near 17 feet. This level is in a moderate flood stage, so boating is not advisable. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 53 degrees.  

Significant flooding in much of the district. Water levels range from Action to Moderate flood stages. Most of the smaller boat ramps are usable and will have water and debris on them. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 16.21 feet and has been falling this past week. Flood stage for Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Many of the boat ramps are inaccessible due to the high water. The ramps at Marquette St, Credit Island, Clark's Ferry, Shady Creek, and Fairport are all under water. Fishing has been slow with the high-water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 16.92 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been falling this past week. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet.The ramps at Big Timber and Kilpeck are closed due to high-water. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 19.19 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee ramps will be underwater. The Ferry Landing is closed. Fishing has been slow with the high-water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 15.26 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.

River stage is still above flood stage throughout the pools. River levels have been falling this past week. Most boat ramps are under water due to the flooding conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The fall trout release will be Oct. 27th at 10 am; 1000 trout will be released with 100 trout tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Two weeks to go until the release 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
NOAA is forecasting the Iowa River to still be above flood stage through the end of next week.

Lake Belva Deer
Still plenty of water leaving the lake. Water clarity is almost back to normal. Water temperature is in the low to mid 50's. Black Crappie - Fair: Cappies are sticking to the deeper water; drift the lower end of the lake. Start in 16 to 18 feet of water and work your way into shallower water until you find fish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water along the rocks and gravel bottom areas.  

Lake Darling
Water level is still about 6 inches above normal. Water clarity continues to improve. Water temperature is in the low 50's.Bluegill - Fair: On the less windy days, anglers are catching some nice bluegills in 5 to 8 feet of water around the habitat. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are starting to once again catch some crappies, but they have moved back out to deeper water (10-12 feet). Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some decent bass in fairly close to shore; use a little flash to the lure with the water clarity.

Lake of the Hills
The fall trout release of 2000 trout is scheduled for Oct. 20th at 10:30 am; there will be 200 tagged trout for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Good: Since the river is still going to be above flood stage, why not try a little trout fishing this Saturday? 

Lost Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Get back into the standing flooded timber out of the wind; look for fish to be in 6 to 8 feet of water. Maybe a little shallower on the north side when it’s sunny. Black Crappie - Fair: Still are out in deeper water; they should start moving in shallower if the weather calms down.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river is off the boat ramp parking lot at Brighton and continues to drop. Level is still above flood stage.

Wilson Lake
The fall trout release is scheduled for Oct. 27th at noon; 1000 trout released with 200 tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Good: One week to go! 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 711' (normal pool is 683.4') on 10/18. This is the crest height; the lake is predicted to slowly start falling after the weekend.

Diamond Lake
The lake is at normal level, but is still a little muddy. Minnows are not allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Use small worms or jigs tipped with worms. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching fish off the jetties. Jigs tipped with worms work best. Most fish are 8-9 inches.   

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Water temperatures have been in the mid 50's. The fish cleaning station at the primitive campground has been shut down. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows over brush or rock. There are a lot of 12 inch fish right now. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits in 8-14 feet of water. The shallow water bite should pick up along windblown rock especially towards evening. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still about 1 feet low. The fish cleaning station is closed. White Bass – Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Fish along weed lines in 7-9 feet of water.

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

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shore and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast the shoreline with spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Try a rubber worm or a crawdad imitation around the fishing jetties and along the dam. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast crankbaits or spinnerbaits around the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Try also rubber worms or other plastic along the rip-rapped shorelines and in the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler along the fishing jetties or around the cedar tree piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jig and minnow combinations around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. The north ramp is now closed due to a construction project.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast the shorelines with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Use crawdad imitations along the rip-rapped shorelines and the fishing jetties.  Black Crappie - Slow: Try different depths with minnows and jigs until you find active fish. Drift or use a slip bobber and a minnow. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. Walleye - Slow: Use a nightcrawlers rig or a jig and minnow combination along the dam. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers; look for areas with some water flow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the cedar tree piles. Try crawdad imitations along the rip-rapped shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Cast small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around the aquatic vegetation. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll jigs tipped with a minnow in 6-10 feet of water. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout will be stocked on Friday, Oct. 26th at 11 a.m.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 912.07 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The lake has risen over 6 feet since last week, so be aware of floating debris. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around structure. Look for submerged trees and stumps.. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Try also vertically jigging spoon baits around rock piles. Walleye - Slow: Use night crawler rigs or jig and minnows around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines using rubber worms or spinnerbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Use tube jigs along the shorelines; try tipping the jig with a minnow . Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait along the shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout will be stocked on Thursday, Oct. 25th around 11:00 a.m. Use small in-line spinners, casting spoons, twister tail or tube jigs and live minnows.

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Troll twister tails or tube jigs in the top 3 to 8 feet of water throughout the lake for 9.5 to 10.5 inch crappies

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll spinner rigs with night crawlers or lindy rigging with crawlers on the bottom in 8 to 15 feet of water. Start out from the marina and the humps out from the west shoreline between the 100th Street Boat ramp and the West Ramp bay. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Troll silver colored live bait rigs and shad imitating crankbaits throughout the mid-lake portion. The hybrids are still young, so the upper end on size is around 19 inches. Black Crappie - Good: A decent fall crappie bite has started. Drift or troll jigs on the upper end and bays in the lower half of the lake or cast jigs around the rock jetties. 

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappies are being caught trolling twister tail or tube jigs in the upper half of the lake mostly from the boat ramp to 100 yards up from the beach. Many are young fish just under 8 inches, with some bigger ones mixed in. 

Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout will be stocked on Wednesday, Oct. 24th around 11 a.m. Use small in-line spinners, casting spoons, twister tail or tube jigs and live minnows.

Terra Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Terra Lake in Johnston has been added to the community trout stocking program. The first stocking will be Wednesday, Oct. 24th around 1 p.m. Use small in-line spinners, casting spoons, twister tail or tube jigs and live minnows.

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)
Around 1000 rainbow trout will be stocked on Oct. 25th at 2 p.m. This is a good time to get a kid out fishing. Trout are fun to catch and readily bite on lures and baits used for bluegill and crappie.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Pond fishing should pick up with a stable weather pattern. Always get permission to fish privately-owned ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Try fishing 4 feet below the surface for suspended fish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass are active in the fall and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try cut bait or commercial stink baits around deep structure. Black Crappie - No Report: Find crappies suspended and around structure. Minnows are a good bait in the fall. 

Greenfield Lake
Fishery surveys this fall show a large year class of 7 to 8 inch black crappie and bluegills averaging 8 inches. 

Lake Anita
Anglers are still waiting for the fall panfish bite. Water clarity is good. Temperatures are in the low 50's. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are having a tough time finding bluegills. Look for bluegills close to the creek channel during the day. Slow troll small jigs tipped with crawler for fish up to 9.5 inches.  Black Crappie - Fair: The early morning crappie bite is best. Slow troll small crank baits or small jigs tipped with power bait to catch 9 to 11 inch fish. Anglers using minnows report catching limits. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw spinners along the vegetation and plastics around deep structure during the day 

Lake Manawa
Fishery surveys this week showed good numbers of black and white crappies in the canals.  Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel catfish have slowed a bit, but anglers report catching fish around Boy Scout Island. Fish will average 2 to 5 pounds. White Crappie - No Report: Try minnows under a bobber in the canals. Black Crappie - No Report: There is a good population of black crappies in Manawa. Walleye - No Report: Look for fall walleye on the edge of dredge cuts. Manawa has a good walleye population. 

Littlefield Lake
Water clarity is starting to improve. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers report catching bluegill in 2 to 5 feet of water close to cedar tree piles. The large size of fish in Littlefield are 9 plus inches. Black Crappie – Slow.

Nodaway Lake
There is a good population of 9 to 11 inch black crappie in the lake. Water clarity is fair. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish the tree piles with minnows for black crappie up to 11 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Nodaway bluegills are 8 inches. 

Prairie Rose Lake
Anglers are having trouble finding panfish in Prairie Rose. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Bluegill - Slow: Look for fish around underwater reefs and in brush piles. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are 8 to 9.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing. Black Crappie - Slow: Try vertical jigging or minnows under a slip bobber in the brush piles to catch 10 plus inch black crappies. Be prepared to lose tackle. 

Viking Lake
The pontoon area will is closed starting for repairs to the seawall. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast liver in the pontoon area of the lake. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Use tube jigs around trees in 12 to 14 feet of water early in the morning and late afternoon. The fish are averaging 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes. 

Fishing has been slow in the southwest district. Trout will be stocked on Oct. 25th in Big Lake. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished along the fishing jetties and shallow bays. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 9 inches using worms or small spinners near cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catch channel catfish up to 16 inches with worms or prepared baits fished near the spillway. 

Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught using finesse plastics or jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Slow: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with worms fished near cedar tree brush piles and shallow bays. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye up to 22 inches using minnows or crankbaits fished along the roadbed or main lake points.

Three Mile Lake
Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes up to 18 inches with crankbaits or minnows fished along the fish mounds or the dam in the evenings. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs or minnows fished along the fishing jetties. 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Slow: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with worms fished in shallow bays and cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleyes of all sizes using minnows or crankbaits fished along the roadbed or main lake points.  Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 9 inches with minnows or small spinners fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Water temperature in most district lakes is in the mid to upper 50's. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

 

MISSOURI RIVER

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below the wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. Walleye - Fair: With water temperatures cooling off fishing should be pick up for sauger and walleye. Expect to see some quality fish that moved downstream during the high water from Lewis and Clark Lake/Gavins Point Dam. 

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers report catching blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below the wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. Walleye - Fair: With water temperatures cooling off fishing should be pick up for sauger and walleye. Expect to see some quality fish that moved downstream during the high water from Lewis and Clark Lake/Gavins Point Dam. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: During high water levels, try below flooded wing dams and close to the bank or slower flooded areas from shore. Smaller tributaries should also be good, where channel catfish will find refuge from faster currents. Use worms, cut bait, or dip baits.  Freshwater Drum - Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines with fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby. Walleye - Fair: With water temperatures cooling off fishing should be pick up for sauger and walleye. Expect to see some quality fish that moved downstream during the high water from Lewis and Clark Lake/Gavins Point Dam. 

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 29.78 feet (flood stage is 35 feet)/73,800 cfs./59 degrees. Missouri River water temperatures are down 6 degrees from last week and water levels are up .01 feet from last week. Water levels continue to be up due to recent rains in the Missouri River watershed. 

[Rick]

NORTHWEST  IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Arrowhead Lake
Ice is around 5-6 inches thick in front of the boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill have been picked up near the west shoreline. Find fish in submerged structure. Fish near the bottom with a small jig tipped with waxworm.

Black Hawk Lake
Ice is variable. Most angling activity has been restricted to the area near Ice House Point boat ramp and in the bay near the inlet bridge. As of Jan. 2, ice thickness off the boat ramp of Ice House Point was 7 inches. If you venture out, use caution; these conditions can change fast depending on where you go. There are thin ice/open water areas off Ice House Point, Gunshot Hill and in the east basin. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have been picked up from open water under the inlet bridge and through the ice between the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill. Use a small jig tipped with waxworm. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being picked up through the ice in between the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill in about 4-5 feet of water. Use a small jig tipped with waxworm. Yellow Perch - Fair. Walleye – Fair. 

Black Hawk Pits
As of Jan. 2nd, ice was 5-6 inches thick off the boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have picked up some bluegill using a small jig tipped with waxworm fished near the bottom. 

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are variable. Anglers have been restricted to the north boat ramp and the northeast arm, and the south boat ramp around the island where there are reports of 5-7 inches of ice. Expect areas of open water and unsafe ice near the beach, in the main lake and near inflows. Use extreme caution as mild temperatures over the next week can change these conditions fast.  

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice is variable with 6-11 inches. With predicted mild temperatures the next few days, these conditions can change. Expect some areas to have thinner ice or open water near pressure seams. Use caution if venturing out; where float coats, bring picks and check ice thickness often. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and jigging spoons. With water clarity around 5 feet, most action has been during low light conditions in 5-6 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try waxworms in 4-6 feet of water in mornings or evenings.

Ice conditions in the Black Hawk District remain variable; some lakes have thin ice and pockets of open water while others have up to 10 inches in some areas. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 8 to 10 inches. Yellow Bass - Fair: Start shallow using a small jig or jigging spoon tipped with several spikes or a waxworm. You have to be mobile to stay on fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Lots of small fish are being caught. If you’re not going to use the fish you catch, please release them. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head in the early morning. Walleye – Fair: A few walleyes are being caught fishing the rock reefs. Best bite is early morning and evening.

Crystal Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Avoid the pressure ridge near the center of the lake and a hole kept open by waterfowl by the east fishing jetty. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms in the evening. Black Crappie - Slow: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow in the evening. Yellow Perch - Slow: Lots of small fish are being caught.

Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Lots of 6.5 to 7 inch fish are being caught.

Lower Pine Lake
Significant open water on the west side of the lake. Fishing not recommended.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 10 to 11 inches.Yellow Perch - Fair: Best bite is early morning and evening. You have to stay mobile to find fish. Walleye - Fair: Dead stick a minnow while you’re jigging for panfish.

Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness varies from 1 to 4 inches. A few small bluegills are being caught.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Some ice fishing activity observed on the south end of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish are being caught; sorting is needed with small fish mixed in the catch. Yellow Bass - Good: Move often and drill many holes to stay on the school of active fish; sorting is needed.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Report of good numbers of angler acceptable size bluegill being caught with large fish over 8 inches not uncommon in the catch.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Report of fish being caught from the lake with "bonus mixed bag" of bluegill and crappie in the catch.

Scharnberg Pond
Rainbow Trout - Good: Next trout stocking is Jan. 19 at noon.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Lake aeration system on the east side of the lake is operational as of Jan 3. Use caution; thin ice and open water is common in this area.

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Angler acceptable size fish are being caught; best action is half hour before sunset to half hour after sunset. Yellow Perch - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish are being caught; sorting is needed as numbers of small fish will also be in the catch. Bluegill - Good: Report of a mixed bag of bluegill and crappie being caught from the Anglers Bay and Hales area.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Report of fish being caught from the lake; anglers are very pleased with the quality of the fish that are caught. Northern Pike - Fair: Report of fish being caught; use tip ups for the best action.

Virgin Lake
Walleye - Good: Good opportunities to catch fish averaging 16 inches. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish averaging 8 inches are common.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Report of anglers catching good numbers of bluegills.

Ice conditions have improved on the Iowa Great Lakes and area lakes. Foot or ATV traffic at this time; no vehicles as of Jan. 2 on the lakes. Mild temperatures return and are in the forecast for the upcoming week. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST  IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels rose almost 5 feet with last rain event. Ice fishing is not recommended. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or colored spike. 

Decorah District Streams
Non-resident anglers can now buy a 2019 fishing license and trout fee. Stream conditions greatly improved from last week. Flows are high with rain and snow melt. Brown Trout - Fair: Use larger flies or lures mimicking minnows. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout spawning is near. Larger fish will move to headwaters to lay eggs. Use a weighted caddis stonefly or mayfly nymph. Brook Trout - Fair: Try nymphs, emerger or aquatic bug patterns when hatches are slow. Fish the calm area next to to a fast channel of water at the head of a pool.

Lake Hendricks
No motorized vehicles allowed on ice. Ice depths average 7 inches. Open water around the aerator; keep away from the aerator. Use caution on ice. Water is dirty from last week’s rain. Bluegill - Slow: Early bite is best. For clear ice and water be set-up quiet and ready early. Use small jigs tipped with waxworm or spike near deeper water drop offs. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few small bass.

Lake Meyer
Ice is 5 to 6 inches. Edges may get soft with warmer temperatures. Check ice depths often, especially near springs. Water is dirty from last week’s rain. Use caution. The bite remains slow. Bluegill - Slow: Early bite is best. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with waxworm in brush piles in 12-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass have been caught while fishing for panfish.

Volga Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. Use extreme caution; edges are thin. Warmer weather and precipitation will weaken ice. Bluegill - Slow: Fish the brush piles.

Mild temperatures and snow melt will add to already swollen rivers and streams. Area streams rose 3 to 5 feet with last rain event. Ice conditions are unreliable. Use extreme caution as conditions will change fast. Ice depths are highly variable. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Areas of both good and poor ice conditions. Good reports of crappie and bluegill being caught. Find structure near the dam and in the cove areas. Bluegill - Good: Try various ice jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Try many ice jigs tipped with a waxworm at various depths as crappie may be suspended. Try fishing a dead stick with a live minnow and bobber.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the river; the river is starting to clear. Access should be good with the warming trend ahead. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye using lead heads and plastic baits tipped with or without a minnow.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition; angling could be really good with a bit of runoff. Trout can be more susceptible when water is just off color. Brown Trout - Good: With the recent warm trend, there should be good hatches on area streams.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
No reports this past week on the Maquoketa River; the river is falling. Try the whitewater park for walleye with the beautiful forecast ahead.

North Prairie Lake
Use extreme caution on the ice with the warm forecast ahead. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try ice fishing jigs tipped with a waxworm. With the warm weather ahead, move often to many holes to find active fish.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No reports this past week on the Shell Rock River; the river is falling. Access should be good with the upcoming warming trend. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports this past week on the Wapsipinicon River; the river falling but still remains high and turbid.

The extended forecast looks beautiful to get out and catch some fish. Interior rivers are starting to clear and river access should be ideal. Ice conditions vary considerably and will most likely deteriorate with warm weather ahead. Use extreme caution if ice fishing. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  IOWA/WISCONSIN/ILLINOIS FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen a foot to 9.2 feet .Still a lot of variability in ice conditions this week. Most backwaters with no current have around 6-8 inches. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Try jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Largemouth Bass - Good: Reports of bass being caught on pole or tip-ups in backwater lake areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen almost two foot to 16.7 feet. Backwaters have around 7 inches of  ice. Ice is not safe to cross at Sny Magill with the warmer temperatures and recent snow cover. Lower end of Bussey Lake still has unstable ice around edges. Walleye- Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the  Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - No Report: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 8.3 feet this week. Backwater ice thickness is variable from 6-7 inches. Avoid ice in areas with current and the open water around the edges. Zollicoffers at Mud Lake and Sunfish have been fair for panfishing. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Slow: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Upper Mississippi River levels are rising. Backwater ice conditions will change fast with upcoming warm weather.  Most backwaters have 6-7 inches of ice. Warmer temperatures and snow cover may create variable ice depths. Avoid areas of current and edges where ice is unstable. Ice flows in main channel are making open water fishing difficult at the locks & dams.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are steady this week at 7.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 34 degrees. Big ice flows are reported in the tailwaters. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular methods of catching walleye and sauger. Smaller sauger came into the tailwater later this fall. Bluegill - Good: Reports of panfish being caught, but ice is getting scarce. Black Crappie - Fair: Reports of nice crappies mixed in with the bluegills, but safe ice is getting scarce. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are stable this week at 8.6 feet feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Big ice flows in the tailwater, but it remains open to boating. The north ramp at Sabula is now open after bridge construction. Sauger - Good: Three way rigs with minnows or a jig and minnow is the most popular methods to catch walleye and sauger. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are stable at 8 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 11.6 feet at Camanche and 6.2 feet at LeClaire. Ice flows are occurring in the tailwater. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is steady this week at 9.3 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees.  

Tailwaters are open to angling, but ice flows are occurring on a regular basis. Ice fishing is limited, but anglers remain cautious about conditions. Ice is expected to be nearly eliminated after the weekend warm spell. Water levels are now stable throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

SOUTHEAST  IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Very unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions. Forecast warm weather will continue to melt ice. 

Lake Darling
No safe ice. Mostly open water except for on the campground arm out of the wind and from the main boat ramp on up the lake.

Lost Grove Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. 

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

 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at winter pool of 683.4 feet. The lake has lots of open water.

Grundy County Lake
Much of the lake has 4-6 inches of ice; still use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs/waxies around the sunken brush or rock piles.

Hannen Lake
There was up to 4 inches of ice, but there is some open water on the east shore. There has been some ice fishing activity on the lake, but ice conditions will deteriorate over the next week. Bluegill - Fair: Use a jig/waxie around sunken trees.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The ice is extremely variable and is deteriorating with the warming temperatures. There are a number of areas of open water and the remaining ice should be considered unsafe.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has up to 4 inches of ice, but should be considered unsafe.

Most areas in the Lake Macbride District are unsafe for ice fishing. A few areas closer to Highway 20 may have "fishable" ice.Use extreme caution if venturing out anywhere on the ice. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Lake Miami
Fishing pressure has been low with recent weather conditions.

Lake Sugema
The north ramp is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Fishing pressure has been low with recent weather conditions.

Lake Wapello
Fishing pressure has been low.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.26 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Open water conditions on the lake. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Fishing pressure has been low. 

Most lakes are covered with a skim of ice. Predicted warm weather should get rid of the skim ice. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  IOWA/ILLINOIS FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 9.13 feet and has risen close to 2 feet since last week due to recent rains. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater stage has started to fall. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow with the rise in river levels. Walleye – Slow. Sauger – Slow.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 8.57 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has risen close to 2 feet since last week due to recent rains. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater stage has started to fall. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow. Walleye – Slow. Sauger – Slow.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.94 feet at Lock and Dam 17 and risen close to 3 feet since last weekend. Unsafe ice conditions. The gates are out of the water at the dam. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow with the rise in river level. Sauger – Slow. Walleye – Slow.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.87 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has risen close to 2.5 feet since last weekend. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow with the rise in river levels. Walleye – Slow. Sauger – Slow.

Tailwater stages have risen 2-3 feet since last week due to recent rains. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow with the recent rise in water levels. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Creek Lake
As of Jan. 2nd, Big Creek had large areas of open water. Some bays and the northwest arm had 6 inches of ice, but they could deteriorate fast with warm weather in the forecast. Little to no angling is occurring.

Boone District Farm Ponds
Bluegill - Good: Ponds north of Highway 30 are holding 4 to 6 inches of ice, but anglers should be very cautious and check ice often.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: As of Jan. 2nd, the lake had 4.5 inches of ice and some angling was occurring. Crappies were being caught with waxies in the late afternoon and evenings. Warm weather for the weekend may change ice conditions; use caution and check thickness often.

Central Iowa ice conditions remain in poor condition, especially south of Highway 30. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Lake Anita
Ice conditions on Lake Anita vary from open water to 5 inches. All of the fishing is taking place in the campground arm east of the road bed. Use extreme caution. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Reports of good crappie fishing straight south of fish cleaning station in 8 to 10 feet of water.

Littlefield Lake
As of Jan. 2nd, Littlefield only had 3 inches of ice. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Prairie Rose Lake
Anglers are finding 5 inches of ice east of the beach on the north side of the lake. Use extreme caution. Ice conditions vary from open water to 5 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Find quality sized bluegills east of the beach in 8 feet of water. Black Crappie - Fair: The late afternoon bite has been best for 10 inch black crappie.

Ice fishing is not advised on most lakes and ponds in the southwest district. A few reports coming from lakes in the northern part of the district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
On Jan. 24th there was 7 inches of ice near the boat ramp.

Bacon Creek Lake
The Bacon Creek trout stocking that was rescheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 26 has been postponed again due to unsafe frigid temperatures and wind chills expected this weekend. Frigid temperatures can also cause issues for the fish in the hatchery truck (e.g, tanks build ice and oxygen lines can freeze). An update will be posted on the DNR website when a reschedule date is set.

Black Hawk Lake
On Jan. 24th there was 8 inches of ice off the boat ramp of Ice House Point. Be aware of thin ice  or open water near Ice House Point, Denison Beach area, and in the east basin near the outlet. Conditions are improving, but they are still extremely variable throughout the lake; look out for thin areas that may have just recently frozen. Check ice thickness often. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have been picked up through the ice in between the boat ramp of Ice House Point and Gunshot Hill with a small jig tipped with waxworm. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being picked up near the inlet bridge and through the ice near the Ice House Point boat ramp. Use a small jig tipped with waxworm. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being picked up in between the Ice House Point boat ramp and Gunshot Hill with jigs tipped with waxworm. 

Black Hawk Pits
On Jan. 24th there was 6 inches of ice near the boat ramp. Ice is variable; check thickness often when venturing out.

Brushy Creek Lake
Anglers are fishing near the north boat ramp and in the northeast arm of the lake. All other ice is variable. Look out for open water and thin ice near the beach and in the main lake. Be cautious of thin areas that recently froze over. Ice conditions are improving; check ice thickness often. Float coats and ice picks are always good safety items. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have picked up some bluegill in the northeast arm of the lake using waxworms fished on a small jig.

Moorland Pond
The trout stocking and family fishing event at Moorland Pond has been rescheduled for Feb. 9 at 11:30 a.m.

North Twin Lake
Anglers have been out, but ice thickness is variable. Look out for thin ice in areas that have recently frozen over. Reports of open water along the southeast shore and mid-lake by Featherstone Park a week ago.  Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up some crappie in the southwest part of the lake.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice conditions on Storm Lake are improving, but are still variable; use extreme caution. Avoid ice along pressure seams, near the big island and any other off-colored ice in areas that were recently open water and are now covered with thin ice.  Some areas of the lake have up to 10-15 inches of ice and have seen lots of fishing activity. Ice conditions can change fast; use caution and check ice thickness often. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and jigging spoons during low light conditions. Anglers have had better luck on the east side of the lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try waxworms in 4-6 feet of water in mornings or evenings.

Ice conditions have improved in the Black Hawk district, but ice thickness varies greatly across lakes and ponds. . Some areas that were open water a week ago have just recently frozen over with thin ice. Use caution and check ice thickness often. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Clear Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Angling for yellow bass is sporadic. Use small jigging spoons with insect larvae. You have to keep moving to stay on fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching a few nice sized crappie fishing near aquatic plant beds and in the deeper dredge cuts on the west end of the lake. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few walleye at sunset. The minimum size limit on Clear Lake is 14 inches.

Crystal Lake
Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are getting a few crappie after sunset.

Rice Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with insect larvae. Yellow Perch - Slow: Try small jigging spoons or small minnows. Angling success has been slow, but there are good numbers of yellow perch in Rice Lake.

Ice conditions have improved in the Clear Lake District. Some ice has recently formed in the last week; check ice conditions as you go. For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish are being caught; sorting is needed with small fish mixed in the catch. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching large yellow bass from the basin in 18 feet of water. Move often to stay on the school of active fish.

Five Island Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers report limited catches of black crappie and yellow perch; anglers will be pleased by the large size of fish harvested. Yellow Bass - Good: Some activity reported on the lake; you need to search to find active fish.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Recent surveys show good numbers of angler acceptable size bluegill in the lake with large fish over 8 inches not uncommon.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Report of fish being caught from the lake with "bonus mixed bag" of bluegill and crappie in the catch. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass activity has picked up with good numbers of fish "on the bite." 

Scharnberg Pond
The trout stocking and family fishing event has been rescheduled for Feb. 2 at noon.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Open water and thin ice conditions on the east side of the lake.

Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Angler acceptable size fish are being caught; best action is half hour before sunset to half hour after sunset. Yellow Perch - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish continue to be caught from the basin in 18 - 20 feet of water; sorting is needed as numbers of small fish will also be in the catch.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch continue to be harvested from the lake; anglers are very pleased with the quality of the fish caught.

Virgin Lake
Walleye - Good: Good opportunities to catch fish averaging 16 inches. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish averaging 8 inches are common.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Action has slowed; persistent anglers will catch good numbers of bluegills from the lake. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers report catching fish in 18 feet of water in Smiths Bay.

For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Fish backwaters and off channel areas with little to no current. Use caution as ice conditions vary and can change fast. Anglers catching a mixed bag of fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a minnow or spike jigging aggressively. 

Decorah District Streams
Parking lots in wildlife management areas will not be plowed. Use care when parking along a roadside. A good quality trout stream will not freeze in the winter. Brown Trout - Fair: Use larger flies or lures mimicking minnows. Spin fishers using a small jig tipped with a minnow should find nice fish. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout spawning is at its peak. Larger fish will move to headwaters to lay eggs. Use a weighted caddis stonefly or mayfly nymph. Brook Trout - Fair: Trout are actively attacking emerging midges on warm sunny afternoons.

Lake Hendricks
No motorized vehicles allowed on the ice. Ice depths are 8-10 inches with about 6-8 inches of snow. Open water zone around the aerator; keep away from this area. Bluegill - Fair: Early bite is best. Use small jigs tipped with waxworm or spike near deeper water drop offs. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies 10-11 inches have been caught. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few small bass.

Lake Meyer
The bite is slow with storm fronts moving in. Ice depth is 8 to 9 inches. Ice depth is 10 inches under 14 inches of snow. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow: Early morning bite is best. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with waxworm in brush piles in 12-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass have been caught while fishing for panfish.

Volga Lake
Ice depths are about 10 inches with 2-3 inches of snow. Blowing snow will cause drifting. Bluegill - Slow: Fish the brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Find Crappie in 1-12 feet water. Use waxworms with bright colored jigheads in the brush piles and drop off around the jetty on west side of lake.

Winter weather returns for the weekend with single digits highs and lows below zero. Watch for blowing and drifting snow. Fourteen inches of snow fell last week in the Decorah area. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are doing well on bluegill and some occasional crappie on Casey Lake. Some sorting of bluegill, but some good ones as well. Bluegill - Good: Find structure near the east end of lake fishing jigs tipped with a waxworm. Black Crappie - Fair: Find structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Fish ice jigs with a waxworm or a dead stick rig with a live crappie minnow.

There are very few reports this week as ice anglers are getting out now with better ice conditions. Interior rivers are iced over and will remain with the arctic weather conditions upon us. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing bhas fallen to 8.1 feet this week. Colder weather is starting to build ice again, but it may take time until edges and areas of current are safe. Try fishing in Shore Slough and Blackhawk Park area. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Mid-winter bluegill fishing can be variable, but providing good action with decent sized fish being caught. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several reports of bass being caught on pole or tip-ups in backwater lake areas. Black Crappie - Good: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows toward early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has fallen to 16 feet. The ramp is now frozen over at the dam. Anglers have been crossing at Sny Magill with about 6 inches ice on Johnson Slough. Stay on the path as ice is weaker closer to the ramp. Northern Pike - Good: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Mid-winter bluegill fishing can be variable, but providing good action with decent sized fish being caught. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Black Crappie - Good: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows toward early afternoon.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has fallen to 6.9 feet. Ramps are frozen over at the dam. Ice is building this week. Good reports on panfish at Bertom Lake-Wisconsin side and Zollicoffers at Mud Lake near Dubuque. Northern Pike - Good: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Fair: Mid-winter bluegill fishing can be variable, but providing good action with decent sized fish being caught. Yellow Perch - Good: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Black Crappie - Good: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows toward early afternoon.

Ice anglers will see an improvement in ice conditions this week with the subzero temperatures. Most areas have 10 inches plus; use caution in areas of current and edges which have thin spots. Heavy snow cover will insulate the ice preventing some areas from freezing solid.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are stable this week at 6.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.9 feet at the RR bridge. This is down over a foot from last week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. The tailwater will be locked in again with ice. Sauger - No Report: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger this winter. Bluegill - Good: Some ice fishing is occurring in Pool 12; stay alert about ice conditions. Bluegill fishing has been good at times. Black Crappie - Fair: Few reports of nice crappies mixed in with bluegills. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few yellow perch are being seen mixed in with bluegills and crappies.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels have bounced around this week and are 7.8 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Tailwater ice flows have been an issue; the tailwater is expected to freeze in with the next cold snap. The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - No Report: Ice flows are occurring again and the tailwaters are expected to freeze later this week. Three way rigs with minnows or a jig and minnow is the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger this winter. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are reported at Sabula Lakes, but ice conditions have been marginal.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are somewhat stable at 5.5 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.8 feet at Camanche and 5 feet at LeClaire. This is down over a foot from last week. The tailwater is expected to freeze in with the expected cold snap. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Sauger - No Report: When anglers can successfully dodge ice flows, the walleye and sauger bite has been good. Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is receding at Rock Island at  9 feet. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

Bellevue and Clinton tailwaters have been open to fishing, but will most likely freeze in during the next cold snap. Ice fishing conditions have improved, but remain cautious about conditions. Snow is covering the ice in most locations and insulating ice. Water levels are now stable to falling throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has risen to 9.22 feet. Tailwater stage has risen close to 2 feet since Monday. The Marquette Street boat ramp is snow covered and iced in. Unsafe ice conditions with the rising river levels and snow cover. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.37 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been rising the past few days. Tailwater stage has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. River level at Muscatine is 8.79 feet and has been rising. The boat ramp in Muscatine is iced in. Unsafe ice conditions with the rising river levels and snow cover. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 7.78 feet at Lock and Dam 17 and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. River stage at Keithsburg is 10.14 feet and has risen close to 2 feet since Monday. Unsafe ice conditions with the rising river levels and snow cover. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 4.15 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has been rising the past few days. River stage at Burlington is 10.25 feet and has been rising. Unsafe ice conditions.

River stages have been rising since earlier this week. Boat ramps and the main channel is starting to freeze in. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice; continued cold weather for several more days might improve conditions.

Lake Belva Deer
Finally making ice; needs a few more days of cold weather to reach 4 inches of decent ice.

Lake Darling
The main part of the lake finally froze over Tuesday night. Needs more time and cold to make the ice thick enough to walk out on.

Lost Grove Lake
Earlier this week there was about 3 inches of ice on the lake with some thinner areas; stay off the ice for a few more days.

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

 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at winter pool of 683.4 feet. The lake just recently frozen over; ice conditions are extremely variable as there is still higher than normal flows for this time of year.

Diamond Lake
The lake has frozen over, but ice is variable at 2-4 inches. Use caution if venturing out. The ice fishing derby for this weekend has been cancelled.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The lake just refroze on Jan. 19th; ice conditions are variable. As of Jan. 24th, much of the lake has 4-5 inches of ice; areas over deeper water may have less, while shallower protected areas may have more.

Otter Creek Lake
Ice anglers have been out; exact ice conditions are not known. Use caution as there was areas of open water last week.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake had open water on Jan. 18th, but has now frozen. Ice conditions are variable; use caution if venturing out.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
The backwaters at Pinicon Ridge are reported as having 6-7 inches of "not good" ice.

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

 

Lake Miami
The lake has recently froze over; ice conditions are variable.

Lake Sugema
The lake has recently froze over; use caution. There are still areas covered with snow and a thin layer of ice.

Lake Wapello
The lake has recently froze over; ice conditions are variable.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.15 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The lake recently froze over; variable ice thickness. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
The lake recently froze over;  ice thickness varies. Check ice thickness often if venturing out.

Ice conditions in the Rathbun district are variable across the district; use caution if venturing out. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Big Creek Lake
Conditions are improving; anglers will start to venture back out. Use caution as there will be thinner spots under the snow where there was open water a little over a week ago. Foot traffic only; ATVs are not recommended yet.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been good especially late afternoon and evenings. Fish mid-lake near creek channel edges stumps and sunken habitat in 10 to 20 feet of water.

Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Conditions are ready for anglers. Good catches of bluegills with crappies mixed in are coming off the lake.

Lake Petocka
Due to poor road conditions and severe cold, the hatchery has not been able to haul trout. We will try to stock trout here sometime next week.

Central Iowa is gaining ice; use caution south of Highway 30 as snow has slowed ice formation. There is generally 4 to 6 inches and conditions continue to improve. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Lake Anita
All angling activity is taking place in the north arm of the lake. Ice is 6 inches; use caution if you venture west towards the beach. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers report catching bluegill in 6 feet of water in the upper end of the pontoon arm. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught close to the creek channel. Early morning and late afternoon is the best bite.

Littlefield Lake
Anglers are starting to venture out on Littlefield from the south side of the lake. Ice is not safe everywhere on the lake; use extreme caution. Bluegill - Good: Fishing is good for bluegill if you can get to a cedar tree pile. Black Crappie - Slow: A few large black crappie are being caught in the afternoon around cedar tree piles.

Prairie Rose Lake
Anglers report 5 to 6 inches of ice on a small portion of the lake. Use extreme caution when moving around. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 10 inches are being reported east of the beach on the north side of the lake. Find a brush pile to fish around. Black Crappie - Slow: A few 10 inch crappie are being caught around the tree piles.

Ice conditions have improved; use extreme caution as ice is not safe everywhere on lakes and ponds. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Badger Creek Lake
Only about 3 inches of ice. Limited ice fishing activity observed.

Most Mount Ayr district lakes have variable ice conditions from 1-4 inches of ice. Snow covering the ice is slowing ice formation. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

IOWA FISHING REPORTS

 

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
There is around 14 inches of ice and 1-2 feet of snow near the boat ramp. 

Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR stocked rainbow trout at Bacon Creek Lake on Feb. 16th.  

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation; beware of open water and thin ice in Town Bay. There is around 18 inches of ice with 1-2 feet of snow near the Ice House Point boat ramp. There is open water in the east basin near the outlet. Little fishing activity since last week due to the heavy snow. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with waxworm in the rock piles out front of Gunshot Hill and off of Cottonwood Point. 

Brushy Creek Lake
Few reports last week due to weather. There is 1-2 feet of snow on the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Try waxworms fished on a small jig in 10-15 feet of water near structure in the northeast arm of the lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a minnow and spoon near submerged structure. Try also waxworms on a small jig. 

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Most ice is 18-20 inches with 1-2 feet of snow. Avoid ice along pressure seams and near the big island. Walleye - Fair: Use minnows and jigging spoons in the dredge cuts on the east side of the lake in about 8-12 feet of water and the west side in 6-10 feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try minnow head jigging spoons or waxworm on a small jig. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up keeper size crappie using minnows/jig.

Most ice in the Black Hawk district is 15 to 20 inches with 1-2 feet of snow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

Clear Lake
The lake is covered with several inches of snow. Local anglers have plowed a few paths on the lake for access. Please be courteous and don’t park in the middle of the path blocking traffic. Yellow Bass - Fair: Start shallow with a small jig or jigging spoon tipped with several spikes or a waxworm near the Baptist camp. You have to keep moving to stay on fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Lots of small fish are being caught. If you’re not going to use the fish you catch, please release them. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a  jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head in the early morning. Walleye - Slow: Dead stick a minnow early morning or evening near the island.

Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches.

Upper Pine Lake
Access the lake from the boat ramp; the campground is closed due to deep snow.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

 

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching yellow bass from the basin. Move often to stay on the school of active fish. 

Five Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Some activity reported on the lake; you need to search to find active fish. 

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of angler acceptable size bluegill in the lake with large fish over 8 inches not uncommon.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass activity has slowed, but persistent anglers can catch good numbers of fish. Black Crappie - Good: Yellow bass anglers report crappie mixed in the catch. 

Spirit Lake
Angler access at the north end of the lake. Yellow Perch - Good: Numbers of angler acceptable size fish (8 - 9 inches) continue to be caught from the basin. Sorting is needed with numbers of small fish also in the catch.

Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch continue to be harvested from the lake; anglers are very pleased with the quality of the fish caught.

Virgin Lake
Walleye - Good: Good opportunities to catch fish averaging 16 inches; best action is half hour before sunset to half hour after sunset. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish averaging 8 inches are common.

West Okoboji Lake
Angler access at the north end, Smith Bay and Emerson Bay. Bluegill - Good: Persistent anglers will catch good numbers of large bluegills. 

Heavy snow on the Iowa Great Lakes is limiting access. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840. 

 

NORTHEAST

Decorah District Streams
Rain on top of already slick roads will make travel on gravel roads difficult. Road shoulders are hard to see. Use care traveling the back country. Spring is coming as daylight hours increase. Catchable trout stocking is just under a month away - check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Fair: Spin fishers using minnow imitating jigs will do well. In clear water, use a dark jig with a bright red spot. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish areas trout are seeking food and protection. Move a fly along a current break. Brook Trout - Fair: If you match the right insect hatch switch pattern. Midges are hatching now. Use grey or dark colors.

Lake Hendricks
About a foot of snow on 20 inches of ice. Open water around the aerator; use caution in this area. No motorized vehicles allowed here. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow.

Lake Meyer
Ice depth is 20 inches covered with hard crusty snow. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow.

Volga Lake
Drifted snow covering 10 to 20 inches of ice. Few anglers have been out. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a spike or waxworm. Bluegill - Slow. 

A wintry mix of precipitation forecast for the weekend with temperatures around freezing. Snow-melt will dirty the water and drop water temperatures. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Black Crappie - Slow: Find structure in the east side of lake near the dam. Use electronics to find suspended fish using a jig and waxworm. The few crappie caught are quality size.

Lake Delhi
Ice conditions are fair on Lake Delhi, but will most likely deteriorate fast with the rain predicted this weekend. Bluegill - Slow: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm. Try finding suspended fish with electronics.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Walleye - No Report: Try a jig and plastic tipped with or without a minnow below Lake Delhi Dam.

Martens Lake
Anglers are accessing the lake from the north, crossing the reservoir on foot. Bluegill - Slow: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm. Try finding suspended fish with electronics.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
There has been activity on Silver Lake. Anglers are catching some largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers have had success using tip-up rigs with a live shiner for bait.

Fishing reports are very few this past week; anglers are not getting out. Those who have been out are finding it to be a tough bite. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8 feet at Lansing. Avoid ice on shoreline edges and areas of current. Fish deep cuts above the Lansing bridge or in Shore Slough. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts;  use larger active minnows. Black Crappie - Fair: Use glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 15.6 feet at Lynxville and is stable. Heavy snow cover is insulating the ice. Avoid areas of current and shorelines. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 7.3 feet at Guttenberg. Ramps are frozen over at the dam. The bite is slow, but some nice perch are biting in Zollicoffer at Mud Lake near Dubuque. Avoid the springs and creek areas walking in as ice may be thin. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Fish are becoming more active with the longer days. The Upper Mississippi River levels have fallen this week; look for levels to rise as snow-melt occurs. Heavy snow cover is insulating the ice and slush is forming with warmer daytime temperatures. Ice depth is 12 to 14 inches. Avoid ice in areas with springs and any current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are are 6.9 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.4 feet at the RR bridge. This is down from last week and is expected to be stable this week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs with waxworms. Usually late winter bluegill fishing picks up quite a bit. Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on waxworms. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are 7.8 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 34 degrees. The Bellevue City boat ramp is open at times, but ice chucks are often present.The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - No Report: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are often reported at Sabula and Browns lakes. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Bluegill - Fair: Late winter is usually when the bluegill bite really picks up. Paddlefish - Fair: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 6.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.6 feet at Camanche and 5.5 feet at LeClaire. Expect levels to be stable. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Fair: Use a jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows. Poor weather conditions have limited fishing activity. Bluegill - No Report:  Anglers are fishing all the usual spots, Joyces Lake Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. Yellow Perch - No Report: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.3 feet and is excepted to stabilize. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

The tailwater are starting to open up a bit. Floating ice is an issue at most ramps. Ice fishing is going on throughout the district at the normal locations. When weather is nice, we have lots of anglers out. Water levels are dropping throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.29 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. As of March 7th, the Marquette St ramp is open, but there is some ice at the bottom of the ramp that could make launching boats difficult. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger. Ramp and main channel conditions may change with rain and warm temperatures in the forecast. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports this week.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.44 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has been rising. As of March 7th, there is some floating ice at the boat launch in Muscatine. There is also a lip of ice at the bottom of the ramp that could make launching a boat difficult. The parking lot in Big Timber is open, but use caution as the road and parking lot are ice covered. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. There could be unsafe ice conditions with fluctuating river levels.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.35 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. The Toolsboro ramp is still closed. The fluctuating river levels could create unsafe ice conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been rising. We have not received any reports if boat ramps or the main channel are open. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. The fluctuating river levels could create unsafe ice conditions.

River stages have been rising since Monday. There is some rain and warm temperatures in the forecast that could cause the river to raise more. Rising river levels could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Ice conditions are good; use cation if it starts to rain later this week. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are catching mostly bluegills, but continue to pick up a few crappies. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing picked up late last week. Work along the old creek channel out from the beach and the boat ramp.

Lake Belva Deer
The ice took some damage, especially around the edges from last weekend's rains. Bluegill – Slow: Fishing slowed after last weekend.

Lake Darling
The water has cleared up, but is still a little tinted by the clay. Ice is in good condition, but could change if the forecasted rain comes. Black Crappie - Slow: If you pick the right spot you can still catch your limit. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are picking up some bluegills near the bottom.

Lost Grove Lake
Anglers are still concentrated from the middle boat ramp and pine grove on the lake. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers continue to catch some crappies along the creek channel around the trees. Be prepared to move to find the fish. Bluegill - Slow: Most anglers are fishing in about 16 to 18 feet of water. Work the flooded trees along the old creek channel.

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

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the basin or around deeper brush for 8- to 9-inch crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Catch 7- to 8-inch bluegills with a jig/waxie around brush.

Hannen Lake
There is about 17 inches of ice here. Black Crappie - Slow: Quite a few 11+ inch fish. Bluegill - Fair: Many fish are 8+ inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
There is about 15 inches of ice on most of the lake. Best bite is early and late in the day. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride has about 14 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs/waxies fished over rock or brush. Black Crappie - Fair: 11-13 inch fish have been caught this week. Try fishing over rock piles or stumps. The south arm has been popular. Walleye - Slow: A few eater sized fish are being picked up by crappie anglers.

Otter Creek Lake
Ice has been reported as close to two feet. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use Small jigs/spoons or live bait. Most fish are 7- to 8-inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
There is about 16 inches of ice here. Fishing activity has been reported as slow.

Sand Lake
Sand Lake is in Marshalltown. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Fish up to 18 inches have been reported. Bluegill – Fair: Most were smaller this week. Black Crappie – Slow.

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

 

Lake Miami
Anglers are catching some bluegills and crappies. Use caution and check ice thickness often.

Lake Sugema
Ice thickness is 4-7 inches; use caution if venturing out. Most of the ice fishing in this area is occurring on the Tug Forks lakes northwest of Lake Sugema.

Lake Wapello
Use caution and check ice thickness often. Try jigs with small minnows or tipped with a waxworm. Anglers are catching some bluegills and crappies. Use caution in the area out from the lodge.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.28 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Ice thickness is variable, so use caution. The lake level continues to change with the thawing and freezing. Use caution around the shoreline when getting on and off the ice. Not many anglers have been out. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Anglers report 12 inches of ice. Warmer temperatures and rain may weaken the ice around the shoreline; use caution getting on and off the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a waxworm or small minnow. Sorting is needed for larger fish.

Ice conditions in the Rathbun district are variable across the district; use caution if venturing out. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: Use jigging spoons tipped with waxworms. Trout tend to swim close to the shoreline, so setup over water shallower than 15 feet. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. 

Big Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Use live minnows or waxies on glow jigs in the afternoons and evenings. Fish brush piles deeper than 15 feet and the edges of the roadbeds and creek channel mid-lake. Walleye - Fair: Try live minnows still fished and minnows or minnow heads on jigging spoons in creek channel edges, humps and roadbeds throughout the lake from the Marina to just south of the west boat ramp.

Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is good in the late afternoon and evenings. Fish mid-lake near creek channel edges, stumps and sunken habitat in 10 to 20 feet of water.

Hickory Grove Lake
The lake is drawn down around 9 feet, but good fishing is still possible. Bluegill - Good:
Catch bluegills and crappies off brush piles with waxworms and minnows.

Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout - Good: Use small jigging spoons tipped with waxworms or still fish live minnows. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. 

Good ice conditions continue in Central Iowa. There is 18 to 20 inches of ice. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond)
Big Lake was stocked with 1000 rainbow trout on Feb. 9th. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use small jigs, minnows or waxworms. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. 

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Large amounts of drifted snow has made access to ponds very difficult. Bluegill – Good. Black Crappie – Fair.

Lake Anita
Anglers report 18 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers report catching bluegill around brush piles. Fish average 8.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in tree piles close to the creek channel. Early morning and late afternoon bite is best.

Littlefield Lake
Ice thickness is 22 inches. Find fish around cedar tree piles placed in the lake. Bluegill - Good: Fishing is good for bluegill if you can get to a cedar tree pile. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Black Crappie - Slow: A few large black crappie are being caught in the afternoon around cedar tree piles.

Nodaway Lake
No reports this week from Nodaway Lake. Anglers were finding fish in the brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in the tree piles. Fish will average 8 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Late afternoon bite is best. Fish will average 10 inches.

Orient Lake
Orient has a good crappie population. Target the tree piles out from the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Find 10- to 12-inch crappies in the tree piles out from the dam. Bluegill - Good: Use waxworms in the tree piles. Fish will average 7.5 inches.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose has good ice conditions. Bluegill - Slow: You may need to move around to find fish. Bluegill in Prairie Rose are quality size. Black Crappie - Slow: A few 10 inch crappie are being caught around the tree piles.

Viking Lake
Ice conditions are good at Viking Lake; anglers report 18 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: Target brush piles. Early morning and late afternoon bite is best.

Ice conditions remain good in the southwest district. Access is still difficult in some areas due to drifted snow, especially farm ponds. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Green Valley Lake
About 12-14 inches of ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 8.5 inches with minnows or jigs tipped with waxworms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill - Slow: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using jigs tipped with waxworms fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Little River Watershed Lake
About 7-14 inches of ice. Black Crappie - Slow: Catch crappie up to 12 inches with minnows or jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Summit Lake
About 12 inches of ice. Be cautious around the HWY 25 bridge as there may be areas of thin ice. Bluegill - Fair: Catch Bluegill up to 8 inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near cedar tree brush piles or near the creek channel.

Three Mile Lake
About 12-14 inches of ice. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 16 inches with minnows fished near the roadbed early and late in the day. Black Crappie - Slow: Catch crappie up to 9 inches using minnows or jigs tipped with waxworms fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
About 12-17 inches of ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 9.5 inches using jigs tipped with a minnow or waxworm fished near cedar tree brush piles or flooded timber near creek channels. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near cedar tree brush piles or flooded timber near creek channels.

Most Mount Ayr district lakes have variable ice conditions from 6-17 inches. Use caution  and drill test holes. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

[Rick]

NORTHWEST

Arrowhead Lake
There was around 14 inches of ice near the boat ramp on March 14. Access might be difficult, as conditions along shore are deteriorating fast with recent rain and snow melt.

Black Hawk Lake
The winter aeration system in Town Bay is in operation. Ice conditions along shore are deteriorating fast; many areas may be inaccessible by the weekend. Use extreme caution if venturing out. Little fishing activity has been observed since last week.

Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions along shore are deteriorating fast with lots of water on top of the ice. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Ice along shore is deteriorating due to recent rain and snow melt. Ice conditions can change fast with the recent flooding conditions. Many access points may not be usable by the weekend.

Ice conditions are deteriorating fast due to recent rain events. Ice is unsafe on some lakes, and many areas along shore are open. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

 

NORTHEAST

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Deteriorating ice conditions with lots of standing water on top of the ice; use extreme caution. Black Crappie - Slow: Find structure in the east side of lake near the dam. Use electronics to find suspended fish using a jig and waxworm. The few crappie caught are quality size.

Martens Lake
Fishing reports had been good on Sweet Marsh for crappie and bluegill, but conditions may be difficult for access now.

Fishing reports are very few with the recent warm weather and snow melt. Use extreme caution as ice conditions will deteriorate fast with high water and a warm extended forecast. Trout streams remain high and muddy. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.8 feet at Lansing and predicted to rise to 11.2 feet next week. Avoid ice on shoreline edges and areas of current. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike spawn is starting; the fish are on the pre-spawn bite. Set tip-ups in shallow backwater lakes to catch fish moving into spawning areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Slow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows. Black Crappie - Fair: Use glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 17.5 feet at Lynxville and expected to reach 21.8 feet next week. Avoid areas of current and shorelines. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike spawn is starting; the fish are on the pre-spawn bite. Set tip-ups in shallow backwater lakes to catch fish moving into spawning areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.6 feet at Guttenberg expected to rise to 12.9 feet next week. Boat ramps are still closed as there is a lot of ice on the channel. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike spawn is starting; the fish are on the pre-spawn bite. Set tip-ups in shallow backwater lakes to catch fish moving into spawning areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Upper Mississippi River levels are on the rise with recent rain and snow melt. Ice conditions are deteriorating fast. Ice over areas of current is unsafe to cross.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 15.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 17.8 feet at the RR bridge. This is up from last week and it is expected to be rise significantly. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs with waxworms. Usually late winter bluegill fishing picks up quite a bit. Water seeping in along edges will be an issue for anglers wanting to get on the ice sheets. Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on waxworms. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are 16.1 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and expected to rise significantly. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 34 degrees. The Bellevue City boat ramp is open, but there is floating ice.The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - Good: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. Flooding will adversely affect sauger fishing this week. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Bluegill - Fair: Late winter is usually when the bluegill bite really picks up. Water seeping in along edges will adversely affect ice fishing this week. Paddlefish - Fair: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 16.9 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 18.7 feet at Camanche and 11.7 feet at LeClaire. Expect levels to rise significantly into minor to moderate flood levels. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Fair: Use a jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows. Rising water will adversely affect tailwater fishing this week. Bluegill - No Report: Water seeping in along edges will adversely affect ice fishing this week. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 11.5 feet and is excepted to rise into major flood levels. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

Expect a seven foot rise in water level this week and then it may stabilize. Flood stages will vary in the district from action to major flooding. Floating ice is an issue at most ramps. Ice fishing will be adversely affected by high water, especially along the edges of the backwater ice. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.54 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and has risen close to 4 feet since last Saturday. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach flood stage by Friday. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Current forecasts have the tailwater stage reaching 18.2 feet by Sunday. River stage at Fairport is 12.17 feet and flood stage is 14 feet. We have not received any fishing information with the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.99 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 5 feet since last Saturday. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach flood stage by Friday. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 12.80 feet and rising. River stage at Muscatine is currently forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. The ramp at Big Timber is closed. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high and muddy water.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.99 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and rising. Floodstage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. River stage is forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Current forecasts have the tailwater stage reaching 20.1 feet on Monday. River stage at Keithsburg is 12.68 feet and forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Flood stage is 14 feet. The ramp at Toolsboro is still closed. The road going down to Toolsboro is also closed.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.39 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 4 feet since last Saturday. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 14.67 feet and forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 527.90 feet and flood stage is 528.00 feet.

River stages have been on the rise. Current forecasts have the river reaching flood stage on Friday. Main channel water temperature is around 35 degrees and water clarity is poor. Many of the boat ramps will be underwater. Unsafe ice conditions. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high and muddy water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice. The ice near the shore is in very bad condition.

Lake Darling
Unsafe ice. The first 6 to 8 feet of ice from the shore is nearly gone. 

Lost Grove Lake
Unsafe ice. The ice along the shore is very weak to gone in some places. 

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

Coralville Reservoir
Ice is breaking up as flows and water levels increase. The latest prediction is for the lake to reach 707 feet (normal spring pool is 679 feet).

Diamond Lake
Shorelines have softened and opened up. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Hannen Lake
The main lake has about 14 inches of ice, but shorelines have softened. Be careful getting on the ice. Black Crappie - Slow: Quite a few 11+ inch fish. Bluegill - Fair: Many fish are 8+ inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
There is about 15 inches of ice on most of the lake, but the shorelines have softened. Anglers have been able to get on the ice from the boat dock if the ramp is bad. Best bite is mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride has about 12 inches of ice, but the shorelines have deteriorated and there is 10 feet of water on top of the ice around the edge. Getting on the ice may be an issue in most areas. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs/waxies fished over rock or brush. Black Crappie - Fair: 11-13 inch fish have been caught this week. Try fishing over rock piles or stumps. The south arm has been popular. Walleye - Slow: A few eater sized fish are being picked up by crappie anglers.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Use caution around the edges of the lake as ice has softened. Fishing activity has been reported as slow.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended here.

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

 

Lake Miami
The recent rains and snow melt have raised the level of the lake; there is open water around the shoreline. Check ice thickness often and use caution.

Lake Sugema
The recent rains and snow melt have raised the lake levels; there is open water around the shoreline. Most of the ice fishing in this area is occurring on the Tug Forks lakes northwest of Lake Sugema.

Lake Wapello
Ice condition are variable and there is open water around the shoreline. Use caution and check ice thickness often. Use caution in the area out from the lodge.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 910.22 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Ice thickness is variable, so use caution. The lake level continues to change with the thawing and freezing. Use caution around the shoreline when getting on and off the ice. Not many anglers have been out. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Warmer temperatures and rain may weaken the ice around the shoreline; use caution getting on and off the ice.

Ice conditions in the Rathbun district are variable across the district; use caution if venturing out. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Due to heavy rains, snow melt and flooding, ice conditions are unknown in the southwest district. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

 

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Three Mile Lake is 2 feet above full pool. Areas of the shoreline are open.

Ice conditions have deteriorated fast with the rain and windy conditions. Areas of the shoreline are open and the water level has increased up to 2 feet above full pool at some lakes. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108

[Rick]

Iowa Fishing Reports 4/11/2019:

 

NORTHWEST

Beeds Lake
The courtesy docks are in.

Bluebill Lake
The access gate to the boat ramp is open, but the courtesy dock has not been installed yet.

Clear Lake
The courtesy docks at McIntosh, Lynne Lorenzen and Bayside boat ramps are in. Walleye - Good: Fish the east shore after dark.

Crystal Lake
The docks are not in yet. No fishing activity reported.

Lake Cornelia
Lake Cornelia docks are not in yet. A few people have been fishing in the harbor and catching small yellows.

Winnebago River
Now is the time to target pike and walleye. Fish areas with current breaks near dams and where a stream enters the river.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Prime time is here; ice-out provides an excellent bite using traditional channel catfish baits. Fish twilight and after dark; fish will be on a feeding frenzy and provide lots of "pole bending" action.

Spirit Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Expect action to start in the Templar Park lagoon as the water warms.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Traditionally, Triboji Lagoon provides the first action for bluegills. Expect action to start once the water temperature warms.

All Lakes are ice free, expect open water fishing to improve as the water warms. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Levels are stabilizing with excellent clarity. Anglers are seeing a nice variety of fish in the creel. Channel Catfish - Good: Use dead chubs fished in the impoundments or slack water areas. Keep your bait on the river bottom. Walleye - Fair: A few keeper size walleyes are taking bait. Try a jig tipped with a nightcrawler. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are hitting spoons, crankbaits and hooks tipped with dead chubs below dams and slack water areas. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallies are starting t to show up. Use crankbaits for best luck.

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition. Many gravel roads remain in rough shape; watch for soft spots, especially in parking lots. Catchable trout stocking season is in full swing; trucks will stock as many spots as possible. Check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar  or call the stocking number at 563-927- 5736 to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Good: Nice blue wing olive and a few minor caddis flies are hatching mid-afternoon. Fish are hitting just below the surface; nymph fishing might work best. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a minnow or worm under a bobber. Try also a leach pattern. Brook Trout - Good: Midges are hatching on sunny afternoons. If trout are chasing minnows at tails of riffles, try using a streamer or minnow imitating lure.

Lake Hendricks
Fish shallow bays and along rocky shorelines later in the day. Black Crappie - Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber near brush piles or sunny shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook tipped with a small piece of worm or left over waxies under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with plastic twister tail or jerkbait will catch a hungry bass.

Lake Meyer
Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Catches rate vary with the changing weather patterns. Clarity is about 5 feet. Water temperature is mid-50s. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm around brush or logs in the water. Black Crappie - Good: Try small plastic lures fished in shallow rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or jerkbaits work well. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are in the shallows spawning now. Try swimbaits, spoons or a hook baited with a minnow.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels and flows are slowly falling. Clarity is excellent. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or shallow water crankbait in the slack water areas below dams. White Sucker - Good: Try a worm fished off the bottom. Suckers become more active when the water warms in the 50s.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flows remain high, but levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Find water level information at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. White Sucker - Fair: Suckers are starting to bite. Use a worm fished on bottom. You might have to use a bit more weight to keep the line down with the high flows. Walleye - Good: A variety of lures will catch a pre-spawn walleye. Fish slack water below dams or off-channel areas. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Flows are high; river levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Water temperature is in the low 50's. Walleye - Good: Walleye are biting. Try jigs tipped with a minnow or crankbaits. White Sucker - Good: Use a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or nightcrawlers. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are hitting dead chubs or suckers.

Volga Lake
Concentrate efforts along the shore and shallow warmer water. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes under a bobber in shallow areas. Black Crappie - Good: Try a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber in shallow bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and jigs tipped with a variety of plastics will hook a bass.

Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Mixed precipitation through Friday with temperatures in the low 40's and breezy. Area streams and rivers levels are relatively stable with excellent clarity. Warming trend next week. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers are doing very well on walleye and channel catfish; smallmouth bass and northern pike have been only fair in Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Try also artificial spinnerbaits. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve large artificial baits or spoons. Try also floating a live shiner or sucker under a bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are doing well on catfish using cut baits fished on the bottom.

Heritage Pond
Heritage Pond will be stocked with trout this Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout.

Manchester District Streams
Manchester trout streams remain in excellent condition, but access to some are in sloppy condition. Little Mill Creek in Jackson County will not be stocked for at least two weeks due to poor roads. Richmond Springs in Backbone State Park can be accessed through the north entrance only.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Good reports of walleye being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie in the canal at Sweet Marsh. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. White Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

North Prairie Lake
North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout this Saturday, April 13 at 11 a.m. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Anglers are catching walleye on the Shell Rock River. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the Wapsipinicon River. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move.

Good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Rain is forecast for the next couple of days, so check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 16.9 feet at Lansing and is expected to stay near this level. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 26.8 feet at Lynxville and is expected to bump up slightly. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 17.9 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to rise to 19.1 feet next week. Water temperature is 44 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Upper Mississippi river levels have crested and are slowly starting to recede; rains will cause levels to rise again. Due to flooding, navigation is not recommended and any boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced; water temperature is near 46 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are finally receding this week, but are still in moderate flood levels. Levels are 20.2 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 21.7 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 42 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded or have debris on them. Sauger - Good: Anglers are using a jig and minnows; fishing was good, even though water was flooding. Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to start to feed heavily now they are almost done spawning.

Mississippi River Pool 13
As of April 9th, the Bellevue City Boat ramp is temporarily closed due to flooding. Water level is 19.8 feet at Lock and Dam 12 and is receding. This level is still in moderate flood stage. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 46 degrees. Sauger - Good: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. They are generally very tight to the bank in high water levels. Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to start feeding heavily now they are almost done spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels have crested and are expected to recede. Water levels are near 20.7 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 21.8 feet at Camanche and 15.1 feet at LeClaire. These are all at major flood levels. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 47 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. Sauger - Good: If you can find a launch spot, sauger and walleye are being caught on jig and minnows very close to the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels have crested and should start to recede. The water level is near 20.5 feet, which is at a major flood threat. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 47 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. 

Most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding. Water levels have crested and will start to recede, but we continue to be in moderate to major flood levels throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 20.57 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Fairport is 21.20 feet;  flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St boat ramp, Credit Island boat ramp, Buffalo Shores boat ramp, Clark's Ferry boat ramp, Shady Creek boat ramp, and Fairport boat ramps are all closed due to high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 20.74 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage in Muscatine is 21.89 feet; flood stage is 16 feet. The Muscatine City boat ramps are closed due to high water. Kilpeck Landing and Big Timber are also closed due to flooding.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 21.01 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Keithsburg is 19.16 feet; flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will also be under water.

Pools 16-19 are above still above flood stage. Current forecasts have the river starting to fall, but then rise again due to rain in the forecast. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
Just a few anglers out with the warm weather.

Lake Belva Deer
Water continues to warm with temperatures in the 50's. Largemouth Bass – Slow: A few bass were caught during the warmer weather along the riprap in the sun.

Lake Darling
Largemouth Bass – Slow: The warm weather brought the bass into the shallows at the upper end of the lake; they most likely will head back out when the weather changes later this week.

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

Lake Miami
Start in the shallows using small jigs for bluegill.

Lake Sugema
Try jigs tipped with minnows around the flooded timber for crappie.

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or dead chubs.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Catch trout with a variety of methods including a live minnow fished under a bobber, small tube jigs and in-line spinners. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 907.36 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching channel catfish; use cut bait or shad sides.

Red Haw Lake
Try small jigs in the shallows for bluegills or cut bait for channel catfish.

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast in-line spinners, small twister tail and paddle tail jigs or live minnows. Start by fishing the east shoreline of the north and south parts of the lake. 

Banner Lake (south)
Trout were stocked last Saturday. The lake water clarity is less than normal after flooding. Fish bright colored spinners and jigs or live bait. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing will pick up after mid-April. Use jigs or troll spinner rigs in the evenings out from the marina to past the beach and around the East and West Ramp bay. If shore fishing, cast jigs or live bait under a slip bobber in these same areas.

Boone District Farm Ponds
Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish soft plastics or spinner baits slowly for a good early season bass bite.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish in the backed up water in the tributaries out of the main river current. The best bait is cut gizzard shad.

Terra Lake
Trout were stocked last Saturday. Use small inline spinners and jigs with twister or paddle tails. Try also waxworms and live minnows. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout.

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Green Valley Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Catch Bluegill up to 8 inches with nightcrawlers fished along the silt dams.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Catch Crappie up to 9.5 inches using minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles for largemouth bass of all sizes.

 Water temperature in most Mount Ayr district lakes is in the upper 40's to low 50's

[Rick]

NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORTS 

Black Hawk Lake 
Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use crawlers fished under a bobber. Most action has been in Town Bay off the stone piers, the floating dock, and the fish house. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are picking up perch from the floating dock and the fish house in Town Bay using crawlers and minnows. Some have had luck fishing from the inlet bridge and the State Marina. Walleye - Fair: : Expect walleye action to pick up as water temperatures continue to warm. Black Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up good numbers of crappie from the inlet bridge and the fish house in Town bay.

Brushy Creek Lake
Expect panfish action to pick up near submerged structure along the shore as water temperatures continue to warm. Black Crappie - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Use crawlers and small minnows fished under a bobber in 5-10 feet of water near shore and submerged structure. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake) 
Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers have picked up crappie in the marina using crawlers and minnows. White Bass - Fair: Pick up white bass from shore with crawlers and twisters. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye from shore in the marina and along the north and east shores with twisters, leeches and minnows. Look for action to pick up as post-spawn fish start to feed. Evenings and just after sunset have been productive from shore.

Water temperatures are around 60 degrees in most of our areas. Shore fishing action is picking up on many of our lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
 

Clear Lake 
The water temperature is in the mid-fifties. Shore anglers are catching crappies and yellow bass off the jetties in the little lake. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success slip bobber fishing the rock reefs with jigs and a minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the edge of the rushes with a small minnow. Yellow Bass - Good: Try small jigs in 6 to 9 feet of water. White Bass – Fair.

Crystal Lake
The water temperature is in the mid-fifties. The courtesy docks are in.

Rice Lake
Water temperature is in the upper fifties. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are biting on crankbaits fished near vegetation.

Winnebago River
River levels are getting back to normal level. Fish the current breaks near a dam with a jig and minnow.

For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 
 

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Wader fishing is at its prime fish after dark. Fish slow with a jig and minnow or twister tails on light jig heads. Boat angler activity has picked up; slowly troll crank baits.

Spirit Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappie action at Buffalo Run; boat anglers also report good numbers caught. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Early spring provides superb action for bass on calm sunny days with a jig and minnow on shallow rock piles. 

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Some action reported from Triboji Lagoon; sorting is needed. Expect action to improve as water temperatures warm.

Courtesy docks are in at the Iowa Great Lakes. Water temperature is 50 degrees. For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

 

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Levels are stabilizing with excellent clarity. Anglers are seeing a nice variety of fish in the creel. Channel Catfish - Good: Use dead chubs fished in the impoundments or slack water areas. Keep your bait on the river bottom. Walleye- Good: Try a jig tipped with a minnow or ring worms. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are hitting spoons, crankbaits and hooks tipped with dead chubs below dams and slack water areas. The bite is slowing. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallies are starting to show up; use crankbaits.

Decorah District Streams 
Turkey season is in full swing. Avoid wearing blue, white, and red colors; hunters key in on these. Gravel roads remain in rough shape; watch for soft spots, especially in parking lots. Hatchery trucks are stocking as many spots as possible. Check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar  or call the stocking number at 563-927- 5736 to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Good: Good caddis fly hatches are occurring mid-afternoon. Fish are hitting just below the surface; nymph fishing might work best. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a minnow or worm under a bobber. Try also a leach pattern. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of insects are hatching throughout the day. Matching the hatch is key. On clear streams, use care not to be seen.

Lake Hendricks
The lake has a brown tint to it. Fish shallow bays and along rocky shorelines later in the day and early morning. Black Crappie - Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber near brush piles or sunny shores. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook tipped with a small piece of worm or left over waxies under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jigs tipped with plastic twister tail or jerkbait will catch a hungry bass. Channel Catfish - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a nightcrawler around the rocky shores with wind-blown material. 

Lake Meyer 
Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Catches rate vary with the changing weather patterns. Clarity is about 15 feet. Water temperature is in the low 60's. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm around rocky shores. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small plastic lures or hair jigs fished shallow around submersed logs. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crankbaits or jerkbaits work well. Northern Pike - Slow: Find pike in shallow bays. Try swimbaits, spoons or a hook baited with a minnow.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels and flows are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or shallow water crankbait in the slack water areas below dams. White Sucker - Good: Try a worm fished off the bottom. Suckers become more active when the water warms in the 50's.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flows remain high, but levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Find water level information at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. White Sucker - Excellent: Suckers are biting; use a worm fished on bottom. You might have to use a bit more weight to keep the line down with the high flows. Walleye - Good: A variety of lures will catch walleye. Fish slack water below dams or off-channel areas. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Flows are high; river levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Water temperature is in the low 50's. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow or crankbaits. White Sucker - Excellent: Use a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or nightcrawlers. Northern Pike - Slow: Pike are hitting dead chubs or suckers. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use nightcrawlers or red worms. 

Volga Lake 
Concentrate efforts along the shore and shallow warmer water. Boat docks are in. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes under a bobber in shallow areas. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber in shallow bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and jigs tipped with a variety of plastics will hook a bass.

Good reports of fish biting continue throughout the district. Storms on Thursday and Saturday, with temperatures highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's. Area streams and rivers levels are relatively stable with excellent clarity. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Smallmouth bass and northern pike are hitting well on warmer days. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Try also artificial spinnerbaits. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve large artificial baits or spoons. Try also floating a live shiner or sucker under a bobber. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are doing well on catfish using cut baits fished on the bottom.

George Wyth Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Cast artificial baits or spoons.

Green Belt Lake
Anglers are catching largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Try also crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Lake Delhi
There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie on Lake Delhi. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Manchester District Streams 
Manchester trout streams remain in excellent condition, but access to some are in sloppy condition. Richmond Springs in Backbone State Park can be accessed through the north entrance only.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of walleye being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. 

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie in the canal at Sweet Marsh. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. White Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

North Prairie Lake
Anglers are doing well catching trout; the lake was stocked on April 13. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy artificial lures or jigs.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Anglers are catching walleye and northern pike on the Shell Rock River. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve large artificial baits or spoons. Try also floating a live shiner or chub under a bobber.

South Prairie Lake
Bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are moving shallow as temperatures increase. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Try also crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a small piece of nightcrawler under a slip bobber at various depths to find bluegill. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports of anglers catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Wapsipinicon River. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. 
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Try also artificial spinnerbaits.

Good reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the interior rivers. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.
 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 17.7 feet at Lansing and is expected to crest at 17.9 feet on Friday. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use light tackle fished in the flooded trees. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 28.5 feet at Lynxville and is expected to crest at 28.8 feet on Friday. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 19.5 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to crest at 19.7 feet on Friday. Water temperature is 44 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Upper Mississippi River levels are very high and continue to rise. but are expected to crest this weekend. Forecasts for rain may increase the crest height. Navigation is not recommended due to flooding. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced; water temperature is near 46 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are rising and will again be at major flood levels. Levels are 20.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 22 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 52 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded or have debris on them. Northern Pike - No Report: Northern pike are done spawning and should bite along flooded shorelines. They are active feeders once the spawn is over. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 13
As of April 25, the Bellevue City Boat ramp is temporarily closed due to flooding; expect it to stay closed for a week or more. Water level is 19.4 feet at Lock and Dam 12 and is rising. Levels will once again enter major flood stages. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 53 degrees. Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to start feeding heavily now they are done spawning. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank. Largemouth Bass - Good: Deep clear flooded areas like Spring Lake have been good.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are near 19 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 20.1 feet at Camanche and 13.2 feet at LeClaire. Levels will enter major flood stages this week. The water temperature is around 54 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 18.4 feet and are rising. This level is still at a major flood threat. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 45 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding; check ahead if you are traveling to a boat ramp. Water levels are once again rising, and will be in major flood levels throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16 
Tailwater stage is 18.35 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities; flood stage is 15 feet. The current forecast has the river stage reaching 20.4 feet by next week. River stage at Fairport is 18.57 feet and flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St boat ramp, Credit Island boat ramp, Buffalo Shores boat ramp, Clark's Ferry boat ramp, Shady Creek boat ramp, and Fairport boat ramps are all closed due to high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 17 
Tailwater stage is 17.86 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine; flood stage is 15 feet. The current forecast has the river reaching 20.4 feet at Lock and Dam 16 by next week. . River stage in Muscatine is 19.16 feet and flood stage is 16 feet. The Muscatine City boat ramps are closed due to high water. Kilpeck Landing and Big Timber are also closed due to flooding.

Mississippi River Pool 18 
Tailwater stage is 18.41 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston; flood stage is 15 feet. The current forecast has the river reaching 20.4 feet at Lock and Dam 17 by next week. River stage at Keithsburg is 16.86 feet; flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will also be under water.

Mississippi Pools 16-19 are still above flood stage and forecast to rise over the weekend. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
 

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
A few more anglers out this last week on the nicer days; they are starting to catch a few more fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching a few bass; look for them on the north side in the shallows where the sun hits the water. Bluegill - Fair: Work the shallower brush piles in the sun. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in shallow around the flooded timber on the warmest sunny days.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Pick out a nice warm day and go trout fishing. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Brook Trout - Good: The trout have had a chance to settle down; look for them to be around the habitat and in the corners. Power bait or waxworms are good baits for the kids to try. Rainbow Trout - Good: The trout have had a chance to settle down; look for them to be around the habitat and in the corners. Power bait or waxworms are good baits for the kids to try.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature remains right around 50 degrees. The cold nights are keeping it from warming up much more. Largemouth Bass – Slow: A few bass were caught during the warmer weather along the riprap in the sun before returning to deeper water when it cools off.

Lake Darling 
Water temperature are stuck at 50-52 degrees; the forecast for next week doesn't look to improve on that. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Anglers continue to pick up a few bass in the shallows on the warmer days. Black Crappie - Slow: Catching a few crappies around some of the brush piles; it will be a while before they start to move in shallow.

Lost Grove Lake
Boat docks are in at the ramps. The wind earlier this week limited the number of anglers out. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers continue to pick up some bass up in the flooded timber on sunny afternoons. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in the flooded timber in a little deeper water.

Wilson Lake
You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Work the culvert piles and cedar trees; the trout have settled some, so it’s a good time to switch to natural baits and power bait under a bobber in these areas. Brook Trout - Good: It was a 500 brook trout/500 rainbow trout mix at the stocking; look for them to be in the same places as the rainbows.

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

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level, as of April 25, is 679 feet. At this level, boating is not recommended above Lake Macbride State Park. The water is very dirty. Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. No fishing reports are available.

Diamond Lake
The fishing cleaning station and restrooms are open for the season. Minnows are not allowed here. Black Crappie - Good: The warm up pushed crappies shallower. Tube jigs or jigs tipped with worms work best. Some limits have been reported.

Lake Macbride 
Water temperatures are in the mid 50's. All motors may be used at no wake speed at this time. All docks are in and the fish cleaning stations are open. Walleye - Fair: Some fish (mostly males) are very shallow, while others are still out deeper. The shallow bite should improve as water temperatures warm. Black Crappie - Good: Good: Fish are starting to move shallower. They are not on the bank, but are by shallower brush and staging just off the bank. Nice 10- to 13-inch crappie are available. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Wipers are starting to move shallower and chase bait and lures.

Otter Creek Lake 
The lake is full; the water is fairly clear. Yellow Bass – Fair: Try small jigs, spinners or live bait. Most fish are 8- to 9-inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is full. Water temperatures are in the mid 50's. There is a lot of terrestrial vegetation in the shallows that established during the low water period. Walleye - Fair: Most action is in the shallows towards evening.

Prairie Park Fishery
2000 trout will be released here last Saturday. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Brook Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

Sand Lake 
This lake is in Marshalltown. 2000 trout will be released here last Saturday. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Yellow Bass – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Fair. Black Crappie – Slow. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) 
Walleye - Fair: The bite has slowed, but some fish are still being caught on jigs below the dams. Channel Catfish - Fair: Nice fish are being reported on cut bait.

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

Lake Miami
Start in the shallows using small jigs for bluegill. Use minnows around the submerged trees for crappies.

Lake Sugema
Try jigs tipped with minnows around the flooded timber for crappie.

Lake Wapello
Try small jigs along the shorelines for bluegill. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or dead chubs.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on March 30. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Catch trout with a variety of methods including a live minnow fished under a bobber, small tube jigs and in-line spinners. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.87 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The water temperature is in the lower 50's. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching channel catfish; use cut bait or shad sides. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing remains slow. Warmer water will help in the upcoming weeks.

Red Haw Lake
Try small jigs in the shallows for bluegills or cut bait for channel catfish. Target brush piles for largemouth bass.

The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

SOUTHWEST

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast in-line spinners, small twister tail and paddle tail jigs or live minnows. Start by fishing the east shore of the north and south parts of the lake. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout.

Banner Lake (south)
Trout were stocked on April 6. The lake water clarity is less than normal after flooding. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish bright colored spinners and jigs or live bait. 

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Good: Use jigs or troll spinner rigs out from the marina to past the beach and around the East and West Ramp bays. If shore fishing, cast jigs or live bait under a slip bobber in these same areas. Black Crappie - Slow: A good crappie bite is a couple weeks away as the lake warms. Fish minnows under a bobber near any wood and riprap next to shore.

Boone District Farm Ponds
Black Crappie - Good: Pre-spawn fishing is good in city ponds that have crappies. Fish live minnows under a bobber or cast small twister tail jigs off the shorelines that get the most sunlight.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish in the backed up water in the tributaries out of the main river current. Cut gizzard shad is the best bait.

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie - Fair: Use minnows near the rock jetties and shores with tree falls.

Red Rock Reservoir
White Crappie - Slow: The best time for crappie fishing is likely after the first week of May, as water levels get closer to normal and water temperatures rise into the 60s.

Terra Lake
Trout were stocked on April 6. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use small inline spinners and jigs with twister or paddle tails. Try also waxworms and live minnows. 

For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, call Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

 

Anderson Area Pond 1 
Expect to catch bluegills and crappies this spring. Black Crappie - No Report: As the water warms, find black crappies along the dam and in the upper end of the lake.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm pond fishing has been good this week. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are still out from shore, but can be caught casting small jigs under a bobber. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been good in ponds that support a crappie population. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast a variety of lures to catch active largemouth bass. Channel Catfish - No Report: Try cut bait or shad sides.

Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a good population of black crappies and fair numbers of walleyes to provide fishing this spring. Black Crappie - Fair: Find crappies around the jetties.

Lake Anita 
Crappies and bluegill fishing has been good this week in the pontoon arm of the lake. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught behind the pontoons. Cast and retrieve a small jig or a minnow 18 inches under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are picked up by crappie anglers.

Lake Manawa 
Fish the canals for good crappie fishing. Black Crappie - Good: Anglers report good crappie fishing in the canals. Cast minnows under a bobber to catch 10-inch crappies. Walleye - No Report: Walleyes should be close to shore. Cast twister tails with a slow retrieve.

Orient Lake
Orient Lake has a good population of black crappies that should provide good fishing this spring. Black Crappie - No Report: Cast jigs or minnows along the dam and east shore to find 10 plus inch black crappies.

Viking Lake 
Early spring fishing at Viking Lake starts when the crappies move into in the campground area and behind the pontoon boats. Black Crappie - Good: Look for crappies in the far upper end of the lake and behind the pontoons. Cast and slowly retrieve a small 1/64th or 1/32nd ounce jig. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Viking Lake has a good population of bass up to 20-inches. Fish rocky shores and flats close to channel.

Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. Anglers are starting to find fish close to shore. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.
 

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass of all sizes with crankbaits or spinnerbaits fished near the silt dams or other rocky shore areas.

Summit Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 11-inches with small jigs or spinners fished along the HWY bridge cedar tree brush piles or the fishing jetty. Bluegill - Fair: Catch Bluegill up to 8-inches using small jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles or the fishing jetty. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch Largemouth Bass of all sizes with crankbaits or spinnerbaits fished along rocky shore areas.

Three Mile Lake
Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 22-inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the dam late in the evening.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits or spinnerbaits fished along rocky points for largemouth bass of all sizes. Walleye - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the dam for walleyes of all sizes. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow or worm fished along the dam or along the fishing jetties for yellow perch up to 10-inches.

Water temperature in most Mount Ayr district lakes is in the upper 50's to low 60's. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.