Northeast Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

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[Rick]

Maquoketa River (Delaware county): River levels are currently falling from recent rainfall events. The USGS gauge river level at Manchester is expected to be at 6.4 feet by Saturday morning. Try fishing immediately below the Lake Delhi Dam or the next pool down from the boat ramp for walleyes and northern pike. Use extreme caution when wader fishing or fishing in or out of the boat because of the increased flows.

[Rick]

Cedar and Shell Rock rivers (Black Hawk, Bremer and Butler counties): Open water conditions exist and anglers are fishing for walleye by boat and shore using jigs with a twister tail fished with or without minnows. Action had been better in and around the Waterloo area prior to last weekend’s rain. A few northern pike are also being caught as the pike spawning seasons draws near. River levels are currently falling and fishing should improve as area rivers and creeks recede. Do not boat on flooded rivers.

[Rick]

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek county): Reports of anglers catching walleye are beginning to come in. The Upper Iowa is up a bit and has fairly decent water clarity.

[Rick]

Wapsipinicon River (Buchanan county): River levels are currently falling from recent rainfall events. The USGS gauge river level at Independence is expected to be at 6.6 feet or less by Saturday morning. Anglers should concentrate on vertical fishing near the current breaks or in the slack water areas out of the main current using 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs and twister tails tipped with or without a minnow for northern pike and walleye.

[Rick]

Lake Hendricks (Howard county): Angling continues to be slow but nice crappies and bluegills are biting. Fish are being caught using a jig tipped with a wax worm or wasp larvae. Evening is the best time to fish. There is water sitting on top of the ice, but ice remains and the edges are still frozen.

Lake Meyer (Winneshiek county): Fishing picked up again this week especially around the jetty. Anglers have been using dark purple or chartreuse colored jigs tipped with a wax worm. Nice size crappies and bluegills above 7 inches were biting. Try dangling lures about 3 to 6 feet under the ice. The best time to fish continues to be around mid day. The ice is sloppy, but the lower temperatures this week are helping.

Volga Lake (Fayette county): Angling is slow. Runoff in the stream is making the water cloudy so use light colored jigs. Try fishing a different spot if a fish doesn’t nibble right away. Also try suspending lures in 2 to 5 feet of water this time of year. There is open water along the edges, so take care if you venture on the ice.

[Rick]

Northeast Iowa trout stream conditions varied last week due to rain; however, most streams are now in excellent condition. Brown trout seem to be really aggressive when the water first gets cloudy.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: Water levels are stable to slightly rising on the upper Mississippi River. Water levels on Thursday were 8.31 feet at Lansing, 14.97 feet at Lynxville, 6.22 feet at Guttenberg, 8.67 feet at Dubuque, 6.43 feet at Bellevue and 10.42 feet at Camanche.

Look for fishing to improve as the water temperature rises. In the upper pools, there is still some ice on the backwater areas, but conditions are deteriorating rapidly and an airboat is the only way to access some of these areas. The temperature at Bellevue on Thursday was in the low 40s and water clarity continues to improve. Care must always be taken while fishing during the spring melting season.

Anglers around the New Albin area (Pool 9) are still catching some panfish through the ice using a jig tipped with a wax worm. Anglers are catching bluegills using night crawlers along the bottom near the Lansing Power Plant. In Pool 10, tailwater fishing has been fair below the dam at Lynxville with short walleye and saugers being caught.

A number of northern pike are also being reported by anglers fishing for saugers. Use a jig tipped with a minnow to catch these fish. Some airboats have been accessing Mudhen Lake to catch panfish through the ice using a jig tipped with a wax worm.

Spring Lake, north of Prairie du Chien, has been producing bluegills and crappies. Bussey Lake, near Guttenberg (Pool 10), has reports of anglers catching northern pike on tip ups.

In Pool 11, tailwater fishing has been good in Guttenberg. Many 10 to 12-inch sauger are being caught so you will have to sort, but a number of 14 to 16-inch saugers are also biting. Walleye are beginning to bite in the tailwaters with most fish taking jigs tipped with a minnow.

Anglers are catching some crappie and northern pike through the ice on Swift Slough (Pool 11). Walleye and sauger fishing has been fair for early in the season; however, look for things to pick up quickly once the water temperature warms.

Anglers at Lock and Dam 11 in Dubuque are catching mostly saugers and having to sort through small fish, but there are a few limits coming in.

Fishing has been about the same at Lock and Dam 12 in Bellevue; although, a few more walleye are being caught with many in the slot. Northern pike can be caught on in Illinois pocket below the dam.

Fishing at Lock and Dam 14 in Clinton has been slower due to higher turbidity levels.

Cedar River (Mitchell and Floyd): The ice went out on the main river this week so the water should warm fairly quickly now. Angling for walleye has been good, but fish are still in their over-wintering holes. Water temperature is still cool, so use a slow presentation. Catfishing is slow, but should start to pick up this week.

Cedar and Shell Rock rivers (Black Hawk, Bremer and Butler): Open water conditions exist and anglers are fishing for walleye by boat and shore using jigs with a twister tail fished with or without minnows. Mid-afternoon seems to be a good time to fish and one angler reported catching his limit in just over an hour on Wednesday (14 to 19.25-inch walleyes are being reported). Fish the edges along the rocks in about 3 feet of water.

A few northern pike (one measuring 21 inches) are also being caught as the pike spawning seasons draws near. River levels are currently falling and fishing should improve as area rivers and creeks recede.

Maquoketa River (Delaware): River levels are currently stable and conditions are good for angling throughout Delaware and Jones counties. Recent river levels have moved fish out of their over-wintering areas as fish ready themselves for spring spawning activities. Try fishing drop-offs and current breaks from main flow areas using jigs tipped with or without a minnow for walleyes and smallmouth bass.

Also, concentrate efforts near low head dams as walleyes migrate up river for spawning activities. Try fishing immediately below the Lake Delhi Dam or the next pool down from the boat ramp for walleyes and northern pike.

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek): Anglers report catching a few small walleye below lower dam in Decorah. The sucker fishing around Lonning’s Landing has really turned on—use night crawlers and be prepared to hang on!

Wapsipinicon River (Buchanan): River levels are currently falling from recent rainfall events. Anglers should concentrate on vertical fishing near the current breaks or in the slack water areas out of the main current using 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jig and twister tails tipped with or without a minnow for northern pike and walleye.

Brinker Lake (Black Hawk): Anglers area catching some crappies drifting in 15 to 18 feet of water near drop-off areas using jigs or minnows under a slip bobber rig.

Lake Hendricks (Howard): Ice conditions are deteriorating very quickly. There is open water by the aerators. A few catfish, crappie and bluegill are being caught using a jig tipped with a wax worm.

Lake Meyer (Winneshiek): Ice conditions unsafe.

Volga Lake (Fayette): Ice conditions unsafe.

Yellow River (Winneshiek and Allamakee): Angling for trout has been good in the deeper holes and around log jams using spinners.

Northeast Iowa Trout Streams: With this nicer weather, more anglers have been out and reports of happy anglers are coming in daily. Water clarity is generally excellent, and mayflies and stoneflies are hatching. Use more natural looking jigs and spinners with clearer water. Stocking will begin the week of April 1.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: Walleye and sauger fishing is good below the tailwaters of Lock-and-Dams 9 to 15.

Cedar River (Mitchell and Floyd): Walleye fishing around the Charles City area is good using jigs with a minnow or rubber tail. Anglers were catching lots of nice smallmouth bass during the sunny days earlier in the week. A few walleye and catfish are being caught below the dam at Nashua. For walleye, your best bet is to try brown or chartreuse ringworms. When fishing for cats, try chubs, cut baits or walleye minnows. .

Cedar (Black Hawk and Bremer) and Shell Rock rivers (Black Hawk and Butler): Open water conditions exist and anglers are fishing for walleye by boat and shore using jigs with a twister tail fished with or without minnows. Fish the edges along the rocks in about 3 feet of water. A few northern pike are also being caught as the pike spawning seasons draws near. Anglers fishing the Cedar River in the backwater areas off the main channel are catching crappies using crappie minnows floated under a slip bobber. A few catfish have been taking using dead cut baits fished off the bottom.

Maquoketa River (Delaware): River levels are currently stable and conditions are good for angling throughout both Delaware and Jones counties. Recent river levels have moved fish out of their over-wintering areas as fish ready themselves for spring spawning activities. Try fishing drop-offs and current breaks from main flow areas using jigs tipped with or without a minnow for walleyes and smallmouth bass. Also, concentrate near low head dams as walleyes migrate up river for spawning activities. Try fishing immediately below the Lake Delhi Dam or the next pool down from the boat ramp for walleyes and northern pike.

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek): Water clarity is still excellent after the recent rains. Anglers are catching a few larger walleyes using jigs or jig and minnow combination below the lower dam in Decorah. Good sucker fishing continues—use night crawlers and be prepared to hang on.

Wapsipinicon River (Buchanan): River levels are currently steady. Anglers should concentrate on vertical fishing near the current breaks or in the slack water areas out of the main current using 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs and twister tails tipped with or without a minnow for northern pike and walleye. Smallmouth bass fishing is also picking up.

Lake Hendricks (Howard): No ice and no activity on lake.

Lake Meyer (Winneshiek): No ice and no activity on lake.

Volga Lake (Fayette): No ice and no activity on lake.

Yellow River (Winneshiek and Allamakee): Angling for trout has been good in the deeper holes and around log jams using spinners.

Northeast Iowa Trout Streams: Water clarity is generally excellent, and mayflies and stoneflies are hatching. Use more natural looking jigs and spinners with clearer water. The Decorah Hatchery will begin stocking trout on Monday, March 30. Big Spring and Manchester Hatcheries will begin stocking on Wednesday, April 1.

[Rick]

TROUT STOCKING SEASON BEGINS THIS WEEK

After another long Iowa winter, many anglers are anxious to get started trout fishing. The popular trout stocking season began this week and will continue through the end of October.

Most streams are stocked with catchable size rainbow and brook trout on a weekly basis. Some stream stockings are announced on the stocking information line and other stream stockings are not announced.

Another attraction for young anglers is a “kids only” trout fishing pond located at Big Spring Hatchery, which will be open for fishing beginning May 1.

Due to the wet spring and existing conditions from last years flooding, certain stream sections will only be stocked as vehicle access permits.

“We should be able to get into most of them once things dry up a little,” said Gary Siegwarth of Big Spring Trout Hatchery. “We usually don’t see too many anglers out in the early part of the season, so there should be an abundance of trout to catch.” In addition, many streams support abundant brown trout populations established from fingerling stockings or from natural reproduction.

One of the most essential items to get you started other than a fishing license and trout privilege is the Iowa Trout Guide. These guides are free and contain useful information about trout fishing and the trout program as well as a colored map of how to get to each stream. Trout Guides can be picked up from any of the three hatcheries in Manchester, Elkader, or Decorah.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: The Mississippi River is rising and expected to stabilize through the weekend at high levels. Boaters are urged to use caution and be aware of floating debris even when the water levels begin to drop. River stages on Thursday morning were 10.0 feet at Lansing, 19 feet at Lynxville, 10.6 feet at Guttenberg, 11.93 feet in Dubuque, 10.58 in Bellevue, and 12.59 feet at Camanche. Water temperature remains in the low to mid 40s.

High water and temperature fluctuations have slowed fishing lately, but there are still a few nice saugers and walleyes being caught at the DNR boat ramp in Guttenberg and next to the shore along the Wisconsin side of Lock and Dam 10. A few nice walleyes have been taken further up the river below Lock and Dam 9 by anglers trolling crankbaits. Walleye and sauger fishing has been fair to poor in the tailwaters of Pools 12 to 15. Most are being caught on three-way rigs, jigs or one-eyes. A few walleyes are also being taken off the wing dams.

Fishing has been fair to good for yellow perch below the spillway at Harpers Ferry (Pool 10). A few yellow perch have been caught at the DNR boat ramp in Guttenberg (Pool 11).

Some anglers are catching northern pike in O’Leary’s Lake (Pool 12) and in the Illinois pocket of the Bellevue tailwaters (Pool 13).

Cedar River (Mitchell, Floyd and Chickasaw): Water levels and clarity are excellent for this time of year. Water temperature remains cool so the fish are not very active. Anglers are picking up a few walleyes using jigs with natural colored plastic tails.

Cedar River (Bremer): Walleye fishing has been good using jigs tipped with a plastic tail or casting crankbaits around current breaks and eddies. Smallmouth bass fishing is excellent with anglers picking up lots of smallmouth while a fishing for walleye. Try casting jigs with plastic tails or crankbaits and spinner baits.

Cedar River (Black Hawk): Walleye fishing has slowed some with the cooler weather pattern, but walleyes are still being caught through this stretch of river.

Shell Rock River (Butler): River levels are continuing to drop and anglers are catching a few walleyes. Conditions should continue to improve for walleye fishing as water levels drop and temperatures warm through the next few weeks.

Maquoketa River (Delaware): River levels are currently stable and conditions are good for angling throughout both Delaware and Jones counties. Try fishing drop-offs and current breaks from main flow areas using jigs tipped with or without a minnow for walleyes and smallmouth bass. Also, concentrate near low head dams as walleyes migrate up river for spawning activities. Try fishing immediately below the Lake Delhi Dam or the next pool down from the boat ramp for walleyes and smallmouth bass. This stretch of the river is a catch-and-release area for bass.

Turkey River (Clayton): Water levels and clarity are excellent, but fishing has been slow. Try using jigs tipped with live baits fished in deeper holes to catch those larger walleye. Jigs and twister tails worked with a slow retrieve will work as well.

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek): Angling has slowed quite a bit with the cooler weather and high winds this past week. The bite is spotty for walleye and smallmouth bass, but sucker anglers are happy with their efforts. A hook and worm works best for suckers.

Wapsipinicon River (Buchanan): River levels are currently dropping. Anglers should concentrate on fishing near the current breaks or in the slack water areas out of the main current using 1/8 to 1/16 ounce jigs and twister tails tipped with or without a minnow for walleye and smallmouth bass. Try using crankbaits and spinner baits for walleye and smallmouth bass as water temperatures warm throughout April.

Casey Lake (Tama): Largemouth bass fishing has been good casting and retrieving rubber worms along the shoreline. Crappies are biting well on small ice fishing jigs tipped with a small minnow fished around structure in 8 to 10 feet of water.

Sweets Marsh (Bremer): Crappie fishing is excellent using crappie minnows under a bobber fished from shore.

Northeast Iowa Trout Streams: Stocking started this week and hatchery staff are reporting excellent water conditions. Great fishing opportunities will be prevalent this weekend. In addition, there have been hatches of stoneflies and gnats. With excellent water clarity, try using beaded black nymphs, or dark or natural colored jigs with dark plastic split tails.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: The Mississippi River is stable or slowly falling. River stages on Thursday morning were 12.99 feet in Dubuque, 11.78 in Bellevue, and 13.63 feet at Camanche. Water temperature is 43 degrees in Bellevue.

Walleye and sauger fishing has been fair to poor in the tailwaters of Pools 12 to 15. Due to high water conditions, fish tighter to shore. Most are being caught on three-way rigs, jigs or one-eyes. A few walleye are also being taken off the wing dams.

Some anglers are catching northern pike in O’Leary’s Lake (Pool 12).

Anglers using trotlines are catching channel catfish in flooded backwater areas of Pools 12 to 15.

Cedar River (Mitchell, Floyd and Chickasaw): Walleye fishing is slow, but channel catfish are biting on chubs and cut baits.

Cedar River (Bremer and Black Hawk): Walleye fishing has been good to excellent using jigs tipped with a plastic tail or casting crankbaits around current breaks and eddies. Smallmouth bass fishing is good with anglers picking up lots of smallies while a fishing for walleye. Try casting jigs with plastic tails or crankbaits and spinner baits.

Shell Rock River (Butler): River levels are stable and conditions are excellent for fishing. Walleye fishing is good using jigs tipped with a minnow and crankbaits.

Maquoketa River (Delaware): River levels are stable and conditions are good for angling throughout Delaware and Jones County. Try fishing drop-offs and current breaks from main flow areas using jigs tipped with or without a minnow for walleyes and smallmouth bass. Also, concentrate efforts near low head dams as walleyes migrate up river for spawning activities. Try fishing immediately below the Lake Delhi Dam or the next pool down from the boat ramp for walleyes and smallmouth bass. This stretch of the river is a catch-and-release area for bass.

Turkey River (Clayton): Fishing has been slow, but will improve as the water temperature rises.

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek): Walleye fishing is slow, but a few are being caught on jigs tipped with a twister tail or minnow. Water temperature is in the 40s. Traditionally sucker fishing hits its peak on Good Friday, so stick with those worms and get out there.

Wapsipinicon River (Bremer and Buchanan): Northern pike fishing is good using chubs fished under a bobber, spinner baits and spoons. Fishing is good for channel catfish in the shallow backwater areas. Use dead cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth bass and walleye are also hitting jigs tipped with minnows or crankbaits.

Casey Lake (Tama): Largemouth bass fishing has been good casting and retrieving rubber worms along the shoreline. Crappies are biting well on small ice fishing jigs tipped with a small minnow fished around structure in 8 to 10 feet of water.

North Prairie (Black Hawk): Trout will be stocked in North Prairie Lake at the intersection of Viking and Hudson Roads in Cedar Falls on Saturday, April 11. A trout fee is required to fish for or possess trout. Make sure you bring the kids.

Sweets Marsh (Bremer): Crappie fishing is excellent using crappie minnows under a bobber fished from shore.

Northeast Iowa Trout Streams: Stocking is in full swing and water conditions are excellent. Great fishing opportunities will be prevalent this weekend. In addition, there have been hatches of stoneflies and gnats. With excellent water clarity, try using beaded black nymphs, or dark or natural colored jigs with dark plastic split tails.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pools 9 to 15: The Mississippi River is slowly falling. River stages on Thursday morning were 11.69 feet in Dubuque, 10.34 in Bellevue, and 12.73 feet at Camanche. Water temperature is in the low 50s.

Walleye and sauger fishing has been fair to poor in the tailwaters of Pools 12 to 15. Due to high water conditions, fish tighter to shore. Most are being caught on three-way rigs, jigs or one-eyes. A few walleye are also being taken off the wing dams.

Some anglers are catching northern pike in O'Leary's Lake (Pool 12).

Anglers using trotlines are catching channel catfish in flooded backwater areas of Pools 12 to 15.

Cedar River (Mitchell, Floyd and Chickasaw): Walleye fishing is slow, but channel catfish are biting on chubs and cut baits.

Cedar River (Bremer and Black Hawk): Walleye fishing has been good to excellent using jigs tipped with a plastic tail or casting crankbaits around current breaks and eddies. Smallmouth bass fishing is good with anglers picking up lots of smallies while a fishing for walleye. Try casting jigs with plastic tails or crankbaits and spinner baits.

Shell Rock River (Butler): River levels are stable and conditions are excellent for fishing. Walleye fishing is good using jigs tipped with a minnow and crankbaits.

Maquoketa River (Delaware): River levels are stable and conditions are good for angling throughout Delaware and Jones County. Try fishing drop-offs and current breaks from main flow areas using jigs tipped with or without a minnow for walleyes and smallmouth bass. Also, concentrate efforts near low head dams as walleyes migrate up river for spawning activities. Try fishing immediately below the Lake Delhi Dam or the next pool down from the boat ramp for walleyes and smallmouth bass. This stretch of the river is a catch-and-release area for bass.

Turkey River (Clayton): Fishing has been slow, but will improve as the water temperature rises.

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek): Walleye fishing is slow, but a few are being caught on jigs tipped with a twister tail or minnow. Water temperature is in the 40s. Traditionally sucker fishing hits its peak on Good Friday, so stick with those worms and get out there.

Wapsipinicon River (Bremer and Buchanan): Northern pike fishing is good using chubs fished under a bobber, spinner baits and spoons. Fishing is good for channel catfish in the shallow backwater areas. Use dead cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth bass and walleye are also hitting jigs tipped with minnows or crankbaits.

Casey Lake (Tama): Largemouth bass fishing has been good casting and retrieving rubber worms along the shoreline. Crappies are biting on small ice jigs tipped with a small minnow fished around structure in 8 to 10 feet of water.

North Prairie Lake (Black Hawk): Trout fishing is very good this week after last Saturday’s trout stocking.

Sweets Marsh (Bremer): Crappie fishing is good using crappie minnows under a bobber fished from shore.

Volga Lake (Fayette): A few people have been out on the lakes. This time of year can be good for catching channel catfish. When the wind is blowing hard toward a shallow cove, the catfish will gorge themselves on dead fish that are being pushed into those areas.

Hendricks Lake (Howard): Few people have been out. Anglers have been catching bass using jigs tossed along the shoreline. Also try angling for catfish using dead chubs.

Lake Meyer (Winneshiek): Anglers are also picking up 6 to 9-inch crappies off the new jetty using small twister tails or tube jigs. A few bass up to 15 inches are being caught on artificial lures and spinner baits.

Upper Iowa River (Winneshiek and Allamakee): Water levels are low but very clear. Fishing is fair for walleye and smallmouth using jigs tipped with minnow and good for suckers using a hook and worm on the river bottom.

Turkey River (Clayton and Fayette): Water conditions are excellent but levels are low. Try a night crawler with a pretty heavy slip sinker to adjust to the current. Trout fishing is good from Elkader upstream using a 1/32 ounce jig with a white twister tail.

Cedar River (Mitchell, Floyd, Chickasaw): Water is off-color due to a diatom bloom. Catfishing is good using cut bait and chubs.

Yellow River (Allamakee): Trout fishing is good using wooly bugger.

Northeast Iowa Trout Streams: Trout stream conditions are excellent. After stocking for several weeks the streams are bulging with trout.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pool 9: Smallmouth Bass Good Northern Pike Good Largemouth Bass Good Some bass are being caught in the

Mississippi River Pool 10: Fishing has begun to get much better in the Harpers Ferry area. Northern Pike Good. Some nice northerns reported from bass anglers using crankbaits and jigs Sauger No Report. Smallmouth Bass Excellent. A lot of fish caught on crankbaits and jigs along the main channel below the dam. Walleye Slow. A few fish caught trolling crankbaits in sloughs. Largemouth Bass Good. Crankbaits are working well. Bullhead Good. Some nice catches below the spillway fishing a worm of the bottom. Freshwater Drum Good. Anglers are catching drum on the bottom using night crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 11: Tailwaters. A lot of white bass being caught on small spinners and jigs on the Wisconsin side of the dam. Many small fish but some nice sized. Smallmouth Bass Excellent. Fishing near the dam and in the spillway. Walleye bite has shut down with only a few small fish being caught. A few small sauger are still being caught. Catching small bluegills near boat ramp on bobbers and worms. Freshwater Drum Good. Anglers are using a simple hook baited with a night crawler and an egg sinker for weight.

Mississippi River Pool 12: River stage at Dubuque is 11.56 feet and steady. Water clarity is poor. Water temperature is in the mid 50s. Walleye Slow. A few fish are being caught on the wing dams, but the high, muddy water has really slowed the bite. Freshwater Drum Fair. Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current. The crappie and bluegill bite has been very slow with the high, muddy water.

Mississippi River Pool 13: River stage at Bellevue is 8.94 feet and falling. Water clarity is fair and water temperatures are in the low 50s. Freshwater Drum Fair. Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current. Largemouth Bass Slow. A few bass are being caught in backwaters that still have decent water clarity. Walleye Slow. Walleye fishing has been slow with the high, muddy water. A few fish are being caught on wing dams. The crappie bite has been slow due to the high, muddy water. Bluegill Slow. The bluegill bite has been slow due to the high, muddy water.

Mississippi River Pool 14: River stage at Camanche is 13.18 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the mid 50s and water clarity is poor. Walleye Slow. Fishing has been slow with the high, muddy water. Largemouth Bass Fair. A few bass are being caught in backwaters that still have decent water clarity. Crappie Slow. Fishing has been slow with the high, muddy water. Bluegill Slow. Fishing has been slow with the high, muddy water.

Mississippi River Pool 15: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Mississippi River gauges: Lansing 8.6 feet Lynxville 16.9 feet Guttenberg 8.1 feet. Water temperature at Guttenberg is 51 degrees. The water levels in pools 9-11 are steadily falling. Water has returned within the banks. Gates are back in operation at Guttenberg.

Volga Lake: A few people have been out on the lakes but angling has been slow. This time of year can be good for catching channel catfish. When the wind is blowing hard toward a shallow cove, the catfish will gorge themselves on dead fish that are being pushed into those areas. Largemouth Bass Slow. A few anglers have been out in the evening. Crappie No Report Channel Catfish No Report Bluegill No Report

Lake Hendricks: The recent rains brought some water into the lake but haven't muddied up the water. Largemouth Bass Good. Anglers have been catching bass using jigs tossed along the shoreline. Crappie Slow. A few of the nicer-sized fish are being caught using Mr. Twisters and fake minnows. Channel Catfish Slow. Try angling for catfish using dead chubs fished on the bottom near wind-blown shores. Bluegill Slow. Anglers have had limited success with small pieces of night crawler fished under a bobber.

Lake Meyer: More anglers are using the lake. Folks have been boating and fishing along the shoreline but primarily at the jetty. Largemouth Bass Good. Nice size bass are being caught on crankbaits and plastics. Crappie Good. Crappies are being caught along the new jetty and around the new habitat. Try using rubber skirted or feathered jigs. Channel Catfish No Report Bluegill Slow A few bluegills are starting to bite.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah): The water level is about a foot high and has crested as of 4/30. Water temperatures are running between 55-60 degrees. Sucker Slow. Walleye Fair. A few walleye are being caught on a jig tipped with a twister tail or minnow. Smallmouth Bass Fair. Angling between old airport bridge and city prairie has been good. Try using natural colored jigs and fish in the evening when insects are hatching.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah): The water level is about 1.5 feet high near Dorchester and has crested as of 4/30. Water temperatures are running between 55-60 degrees. Sucker Fair Anglers continue reporting catching suckers using a hook and a worm. Walleye Good Jigs tipped with a minnow have been the preferred bait. Smallmouth Bass Slow

Yellow River: Angling for trout has been good in the deeper holes and around log jams. Rainbow Trout Good Try using a wooly bugger. Brown Trout Good.

Cedar River (above Nashua): After the recent rains, the river has been running a little high and turbid. Fishing in general has been slow. A few anglers have been out with limited success. Walleye Slow. Anglers report spotty catches of walleye occurring. Smallmouth Bass No Report Northern Pike No Report Channel Catfish Slow. Anglers should try using dead chubs, cut baits or minnows. Try going early evening for those 3 to 3.5 pounders.

Turkey River (above Clermont): We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Turkey River (below Clermont): Water temperatures are running between 55-60 F. Trout fishing is fair from Elkader upstream. Walleye Slow. Rainbow Trout Fair. Try using a 1/32 ounce jig tipped with a twister tail.

Minnesota Slough area by New Albin Freshwater Drum Fair Anglers are using night crawlers on the bottom.

Decorah District Trout Streams: As of 4/30, the hatchery folks are reporting fishable stream conditions. Water clarity from stream to stream after the rains will differ depending upon watershed size, amount of work done in the fields in the watershed, amount of rainfall in the area, etc. As the water clears, it is even more important to not cast a shadow over the hole in which you are fishing. Trout in general are spooked very easily.

Rainbow Trout Good Use more natural looking jigs and spinners with clearer water. Brown Trout Good Try casting upstream and let your lure float down along rocks or bank-hides to the bottom end of the riffle. Try using beaded black nymphs for those wylie browns. Cool weather and showers have kept water temperatures below 60 degrees. Many of our rivers are a little turbid after coming up a foot or two. The good news is that the rivers have crested and should start to clear up. A few of our trout streams in the area ran muddy on 4/27-28. As of 4/30, all of our trout streams should be fishable.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello): The walleye spawn has ended but anglers are still catching a few walleyes throughout the river. Crappies should be picking up on Lake Delhi as water temperatures warm. Anglers are still catching walleyes using jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or crawler. Try fishing current breaks or drop off areas.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills): Channel catfish and smallmouth bass have been biting well on the Wapsipinicon River along with a few walleyes. Anglers have reported good catches of smallmouth bass using jigs tipped with a minnow or crawler. Concentrate fishing near current breaks or eddies and rocky shorelines. Walleye fishing has slowed some but catches are still being reported. Anglers have been successful taking channel catfish in shallow back water areas using cut baits fished on the bottom.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City): Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing has remained steady in the Cedar River. Fishing has slowed some with the recent cool temperatures and rain showers. Numerous smallmouth are being caught by anglers fishing for walleyes. Concentrate on the same areas and tackle for smallmouth bass as well. Anglers are still catching walleyes using jigs and plastics tipped with a minnow or crawler. The spawn has pretty well ended so fish have dispersed throughout the river. Try fishing current breaks or drop-offs as well as rocky shorelines or those lined with rip-rap. Occasional catches of northern pike are being reported on the Cedar.

Martens Lake: Crappie fishing has slowed over the last few weeks but anglers are still catching a few. Most anglers fish the canal area of Martens Lake where water temperatures warm faster than the main lake. Try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber or casting small tube jigs.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake): Anglers are catching bluegills and largemouth bass from shore and boats. Bluegills are primarily being caught around sunken habitat within the lake using small tackle tipped with a wax worm or piece of crawler. Try casting the shoreline using rubber worms or casting crankbaits during early morning or evening hours for largemouth bass.

Big Woods Lake: Anglers are beginning to catch crappies but fish remain suspended in deeper water as water temperature is in the middle to low 50s. Crappies are fair. Concentrate fishing deeper water using a minnow under a slip bobber in or around structure. Trees along the east shoreline do provide some deeper water structure.

George Wyth Lake: There have been reports of anglers catching bluegills in George Wyth Lake. Try fishing around sunken trees along the shoreline using small tackle tipped with a wax worm or piece of crawler.

South Prairie Lake: A few largemouth bass are being caught casting rubber worms or crankbaits along the shore line.

Lake fishing still remains slow as air temperatures and recent showers have kept water temperatures cool. Crappies will begin to spawn in area lakes and river backwaters as water temperatures increase through the month of May.

River levels are currently holding steady or falling from recent heavy rains. Check your local USGS river gauges in your area for current river levels.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pool 9

Northern Pike - Excellent: Many pike are being reported. Some pike reported from the Village Creek Boat ramp and up in Minnesota Slough by New Albin. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouths have been small but plentiful. Catching them on spinners and small jigs along rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many sizable largemouths are being reported. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Anglers using a simple worm and sliding egg sinker in current areas for best results. Try Minnesota Slough or lower shore slough.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Northern Pike - Good: Anglers still catching fish in various spots using large flashy spinners and spoons. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Good: Some good catches of fish in the backwaters on jig and night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Catching fish in the Harpers Spillway tube and tailwaters. Also try Mud Hen and Joyce Lake. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow for a while but this is our first decent report of at least some being taken. Sauger - Slow: Some sauger are being caught in the tailwater drifting a night crawler.

Mississippi River Pool 11

Tailwaters Northern Pike - Excellent: A few incidental walleyes are being caught on jigs and minnow in larger sloughs. Walleye are starting to bite on wing dams also using three way rigs with minnows. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish can be caught along rocky shorelines using night crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads have moved into current areas near tailwaters. White Bass - Good: A lot of white bass being caught on small spinners and jigs on the Wisconsin side of the dam. Many small fish but some nice sized. Fish are also being caught on the Iowa side. Bluegill - Fair: Catching some bluegills on bobbers and worms in various locations. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing near the dam and in the spillway. Other rocky shorelines are also producing some fish. Anglers using jigs and spinners near rock. Sauger - Slow: A few small sauger are still being caught in tailwaters. Walleye - Fair: A few incidental walleyes are being caught on jigs and minnow in larger sloughs. Walleye are starting to bite on wing dams also using three way rigs with minnows. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are using a simple hook baited with a night crawler and an egg sinker for weight.

River gauges: Lansing- 8.2; Lynxville- 14.6; Guttenberg- 6.3. Water temperature at Guttenberg is 64 degrees. Water is slightly stained from last week’s rain but is clearing up. The water levels in pools 9-11 steady to falling. Gates are in operation at Lynxville and Guttenberg.

Mississippi River Pool 12

River stage at Dubuque is 8.76 feet and is forecast to slowly fall over the next week. Water clarity has improved. Water temperatures are in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish being caught in the shallows in backwaters and in side channels. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in marinas or backwaters around structure. Fish a wax worm on small jigs under a bobber. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few reports of smallmouth starting to bite. Largemouth Bass - Good: Reports of bass being caught just about everywhere: in backwaters and side channels around woody structure and/or rock and rocky shorelines along the main channel. Crappie - Good: Crappie are starting to be caught in the marinas around docks on minnows or jigs under bobbers. Also try backwaters around snags and stumps. Walleye - Good: Fish are being caught on the wind dams and flats on three way rigs tipped with night crawlers, leeches, or minnows or crankbaits. Larger fish are coming on crankbaits. Reports of a lot of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot and fish under 15 inches, as well. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish night crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 13

River stage at Bellevue is 6.74 feet and slowly falling. Water clarity is fair and improving. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are starting to bite along rip rapped shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Throw crankbaits along rocky shorelines or below the dam in Bellevue. Spinner baits and soft plastics in the backwaters have also been producing. Crappie - Good: A few crappie are being caught in Brown's Lake, Spring Lake, and South and Middle Sabula Lakes. Fish are biting on minnows or jigs under a stick bobber. Walleye - Good: A few fish are being caught on wing dams. They are biting on a wide variety of baits. Three way rigs tipped with worms, night crawlers, or leeches are producing, as well as crankbaits. Larger fish are coming on cranks. Good numbers of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot reported. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current. There is good shoreline access at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area south of Bellevue.

Mississippi River Pool 14

River stage at Camanche is 10.59 feet and slowly falling. Water temperature is in the mid 60s and water clarity is fair and improving. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfishing has been slow, but they are starting to pick up a few fish along rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish crankbaits along rocky shorelines or fish spinner baits and soft plastics in the backwaters. Crappie - Slow: Reports of a few fish in the Rock Creek area. Walleye - Good: Walleye have moved onto and are starting to bite on the wing dams. Jigs and crankbaits have been producing, along with three way rigs tipped with live bait.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No reports received from Pool 15.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Crappie fishing continues to be fair and bluegill fishing is warming along with water temperatures. A few nice catfish have been caught using dead baits and live baits. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Big Woods Lake

Big Woods continues to provide good action for crappie. Some sorting is necessary for keeper fish, but the action is steady. Most small baits will work for crappie, with the best reports coming from folks using small tube jigs and live minnows. Crappie - Good: Most small baits will work for crappie, with the best reports coming from folks using small tube jigs and live minnows.

South Prairie Lake

South Prairie is good for crappie and bluegill near shore using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. South Prairie is a family friendly lake and a good spot to take the kids fishing. Bluegill - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Saints Lake remains good for crappie on jigs and minnows. Fish size is running small, but the action is steady. Crappie - Good:

Plainfield

Fishing is fair for quality-sized bluegill and we expect the action to warm up along with water temperatures as bluegill move shallow for spawning. Try using a sinking fly in shallow areas, or a slip bobber with a small piece of worm in deeper water. Bluegill - Fair:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar has been on a steady drop for the past week and conditions are improving daily. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are being caught on dead and live baits. Smallmouth Bass - Fair:

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon remains moderately-high and is on a steady drop. River conditions are fishable. Channel Catfish - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Fair:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa is in excellent condition for fishing. Smallmouth Bass - Good:

Crappie fishing has remained good due to recent spawning activities in area lakes. Rivers conditions are still favorable with anglers catching channel catfish and smallmouth bass, walleye fishing has slowed because of current post spawn conditions.

[Rick]

Mississippi River Pool 9

Northern pike - Excellent: Many pike are being reported. Some pike reported from the Village Creek Boat ramp and up in Minnesota Slough by New Albin. Bluegills - Fair: Some bluegill are being caught in many of the backwaters. Smallmouth bass - Good: Smallmouths have been small but plentiful using spinners and small jigs along rock piles. Largemouth bass - Good: Many sizable largemouths are being reported. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being caught on wing dams. Freshwater drum - Excellent: Anglers using a simple worm and sliding egg sinker in current areas for best results. Try Minnesota Slough or lower shore slough.

Mississippi River Pool 10

Northern Pike - Good: Anglers still catching fish in various spots using large flashy spinners and spoons. Channel catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Some good catches of fish in the backwaters on jig and night crawler. Largemouth bass - Excellent: Catching fish in the Harpers Spillway tube and tailwaters. Also try Mud Hen and Joyce Lake. Some fish are being caught near the Sny Magill area and Bussey Lake. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow for a while but this is our first decent report of at least some being taken. Sauger - Slow: Some sauger are being caught in the tailwater drifting a night crawler. Freshwater drum - Excellent: fish a night crawler on the bottom

Mississippi River Pool 11

Tailwaters: Northern pike - Excellent: Fish are being caught on spinner-baits or on large chubs fished under a large bobber. Channel catfish - Fair: Some fish can be caught along rocky shorelines using night crawlers on the bottom. Flathead catfish - Good: Flatheads have moved into current areas near tailwaters. White bass - Good: A lot of white bass being caught on small spinners and jigs on the Wisconsin side of the dam. Many small fish but some nice sized. Also fish being caught on the Iowa side. Bluegill - Fair: Catching some bluegills on bobbers and worms in various locations. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing near the dam and in the spillway. Other rocky shorelines are also producing some fish. Anglers using jigs and spinners near rock. Walleye - Fair: Some smaller walleye are being caught on wing dams trolling crankbaits or three way rigs with night crawlers. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are using a simple hook baited with a night crawler and an egg sinker for weight.

Mississippi River Pool 12

River stage at Dubuque is 8.5 feet and is forecast remain stable to slowly fall over the next week. Water clarity is fair. Water temperature is in the high 60s. Channel catfish - Fair: Some fish being caught in the shallows in backwaters and in side channels. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in marinas or backwaters around structure. Fish a wax worm on small jigs under a bobber. Largemouth bass - Good: Reports of bass being caught just about everywhere: in backwaters and side channels around woody structure and/or rock and rocky shorelines along the main channel. Crankbaits are producing well. Crappie - Good: Crappie are starting to be caught in the marinas around docks on minnows or jigs under bobbers. They are also being caught in backwaters in shallow water (1 foot). Walleye - Good: Fish are being caught on the wind dams and flats on three way rigs tipped with crawlers, leeches, or minnows or crankbaits. Reports of a lot of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot and fish under 15 inches, as well. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 13

River stage at Bellevue is 6.4 feet and slowly falling. Water clarity is fair. Water temperature is in the high 60s to low 70s. Channel catfish - Fair: Catfish are starting to bite along rip rapped shorelines. Largemouth bass - Good: Throw crankbaits along rocky shorelines or below the dam in Bellevue. Spinner-baits and soft plastics in the backwaters have also been producing. Crappie - Good: A few crappies are being caught in Brown's Lake, Spring Lake, and South and Middle Sabula Lakes. Fish are biting on minnows or jigs under a stick bobber. Walleye - Good: A few fish are being caught on wing dams on a variety of baits. Three way rigs tipped with worms, crawlers, or leeches are producing, as well as crankbaits. Larger fish are coming on crankbaits. Good numbers of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot reported. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current. There is good shoreline access at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area south of Bellevue.

Mississippi River Pool 14

River stage at Camanche is 10.22 feet and is forecast to rise to around 10.4 on Friday then continue to fall. Water temperature is in the high 60s low 70s and water clarity has degraded with the recent rains but should improve once water levels start to drop. Channel catfish - Fair: Catfishing is starting to pick along rocky shorelines. Leeches under a bobber have been producing. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are starting to bite in the backwaters. Try small jigs with crawlers or wax worms under a bobber. Largemouth bass - Good: Fish crankbaits along rocky shorelines or fish spinner-baits and soft plastics in the backwaters. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing is starting to pick up in the backwaters. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have moved onto and are starting to bite on the wing dams. Crankbaits have been producing best.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No reports received from Pool 15.

Volga Lake

Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Excellent: Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Water clarity is good and vegetation is beginning to grow along the shoreline. Bluegill - Good: Gills have been seen on beds. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been using twister-tails and tube jigs.

Lake Meyer

Channel catfish - Fair: Nice sized catfish are being caught on chicken liver. Bluegill - Excellent: Worms fished under a bobber is your best bet, but try a micro jig. Largemouth bass - Excellent: Crappie - Fair:

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams are looking good even with recent rains. Streams with better watersheds will clear faster but sometimes the best way to catch a wary trout is when the water is off color.

Rainy weather and cloudy days have caused local rivers to rise and cool. River fish have not been as active. The Upper Iowa and Turkey Rivers were running 60 degrees. Local lakes on the other hand have been very productive. Input from recent fishing trips is important in keeping our reports accurate and up to date.

River gauges: Lansing 8.11 feet, Lynxville 14.48 feet and Guttenberg 6.23 feet. Water temperature at Guttenberg is 65 degrees. Water is getting a little muddier with this week’s rain. The water levels in pools 9-11 steady to slightly rising. Gates are in operation at Lynxville and Guttenberg.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Crappie fishing continues to be fair and bluegill fishing is warming along with water temperature. A few nice catfish have been caught using dead baits and live baits. Channel catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Big Woods Lake

Crappies have slowed but anglers are still catching a few. Crappie - Fair: Most small baits will work for crappie, with the best reports coming from folks using small tube jigs and live minnows.

Mitchell

Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

South Prairie Lake

South Prairie is good for crappie and bluegill near shore using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. South Prairie is a family friendly lake and a good spot to take the kids fishing. Bluegill - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Saints Lake remains good for crappie on jigs and minnows. Fish size is running small, but the action is steady. Crappie - Good:

Plainfield

Fishing is fair for quality-sized bluegill and we expect the action to warm along with water temperature as bluegill move shallow for spawning. Try using a sinking fly in shallow areas, or a slip bobber with a small piece of worm in deeper water. Bluegill - Fair:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River is on the rise with recent rainfall events but anglers are catching channel catfish. Channel catfish - Fair: Fish are being caught on dead and live baits.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon remains moderately-high and is on a steady drop. River conditions are fishable. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are taking channel catfish on leeches. Smallmouth bass - Fair:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa is in excellent condition for fishing. Smallmouth bass - Good:

Crappie fishing has slowed but anglers are beginning to catch bluegills on area lakes with the upcoming spawn. The Cedar, West Fork of the Cedar and Shell Rock rivers are on the rise with the recent rain fall events. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa rivers are in good condition.

[Rick]

Volga Lake

Water clarity is good making it easier for those fish to see anglers. Use darker colored jigs and lures to catch wary fish. Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Good: Bluegills beds can be seen from the shore. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Water clarity is excellent and the vegetation is beginning to grow along the shoreline. Water temperature is in the high 60s. Bluegill - Fair: Gills have been seen on beds but are not aggressively biting. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been using twister tails and tube jigs.

Lake Meyer

Water clarity is good and water temperatures are in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Nice size cats are being caught on chicken liver. Bluegill - Good: Worms fished under a bobber is your best bet. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

The water has come down and is very clear. Angling has been slow. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northerns can be found in the Lime Springs area and will put up a good fight. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Water levels below Decorah are low but very clear. This makes angling a bit more difficult as the fish can see you more easily. Anglers have had the best luck using a crawler fished from shore. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels have come down but temperature is still on the cool side. The water is clearing nicely. A hodge-podge of fish seems to be in the anglers creel this week but nothing hot and heavy. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are having the best success using night crawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow: Try using pumpkinseed and chartreuse ringworms, 3 inch purple with white twister tail or tomato core lizards.

Decorah District Streams

Many of our trout streams are looking excellent. Gnats, mayflies and black caddisflies are really starting to hatch. Use those really tiny flies to catch wary trout. Trout streams continue to be regularly stocked and trout are waiting to be caught.

The Upper Iowa and Turkey Rivers are still running cool. River fish have been slower on the bite. Local lakes on the other hand have been very productive. Input from recent fishing trips is important in keeping our reports accurate and up to date.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Crappie fishing continues to be fair and bluegill fishing is warming along with water temperature. A few nice catfish have been caught using dead baits and live baits. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Lake Delhi

Fishing has been good for a variety of fish species. Fish early mornings or later in the evenings to avoid heavy boat traffic. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been catching catfish using a live minnow under a bobber. Bluegill - Good: Try using a piece of night crawler or leaf worm under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching some crappies on the lake using a live minnow under a bobber fished around structure in 6-10 feet of water.

Big Woods Lake

Crappies have slowed but anglers are still catching a few. Crappie - Good: Most small baits will work for crappie, with the best reports coming from folks using small tube jigs and live minnows.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers are currently having great success fishing crappies but some sorting is required. Crappie - Excellent: Fish from shore and around the jetties using hair jigs or small jigs and twister tails.

Mitchell

Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

South Prairie Lake

South Prairie is good for crappie and bluegill near shore using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. South Prairie is a family friendly lake and a good spot to take the kids fishing. Bluegill - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Saints Lake remains good for crappie on jigs and minnows. Fish size is running small, but the action is steady. Crappie - Good:

Martens Lake

Anglers are doing well fishing for largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try fishing in and around the cattails for good success.

Plainfield

Fishing is good for quality-sized bluegill and we expect the action to warm along with water temperature as bluegills move shallow for spawning. Try using a sinking fly in shallow areas, or a slip bobber with a small piece of worm in deeper water. Bluegill - Fair:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River is currently falling and anglers are catching some channel catfish and walleyes. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish are being caught on dead and live baits. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting crankbaits, spinner baits or jig and twister tail for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having some success catching walleyes on small jigs tipped with a crawler.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon River is currently at 6.1 feet and falling. River conditions are fishable with anglers catching some channel catfish and walleyes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are taking channel catfish on leeches, night crawlers and stink baits. Walleye - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with half of a night crawler along current breaks, rocky shorelines or sandbar drop-offs.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa is in excellent condition for fishing. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching smallmouths on spinner baits and jigs tipped with a night crawler. Walleye - Fair: Try casting small jigs tipped with a half of a night crawler or casting crankbaits along current breaks or rocky shorelines.

Crappie fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching some in area lakes. Bluegills are beginning to pick up on area lakes with the upcoming spawn. The Cedar, West Fork of the Cedar and Shell Rock Rivers are currently falling and anglers are picking up some fish. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa rivers are in good condition. Free fishing days are this coming weekend June 5, 6 & 7.

Mississippi River Pool 12

River stage at Dubuque is 8.22 feet and slowly falling. Water clarity has fair. Water temperature is in the high 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Starting to bite on stink bait. Leeches floated under a bobber along rocks are producing, too. Flathead Catfish - Good: Live bait fished below the dead lock in Dubuque is producing. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Wacky worms and shallow crankbaits in the Ice Harbor. Shallow crankbaits along the floodwall up by the dam. Not great size, but many keepers.

Crappie - Good: Crappie are starting to be caught in the marinas around docks on minnows or jigs under bobbers. They are also being caught in backwaters in shallow water (1 foot). Walleye - Good: Fish are being caught on the wind dams and flats on three way rigs tipped with crawlers, leeches, or minnows or crankbaits. Reports of a lot of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot and fish under 15 inches, as well. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 13

River stage at Bellevue is 6.06 feet and slowly falling. Water clarity is fair. Water temperature is in the high 60s to low 70s. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfish are starting to bite on stink bait or leeches under a bobber along rip rap. Reports of good numbers being caught on trot lines, too. Flathead Catfish - Excellent: Live bait fished below the dam in Bellevue below the dead lock is producing. Bluegill - Fair: Reports of a few bluegill coming out of Middle Sabula Lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Throw crankbaits along rocky shorelines or below the dam in Bellevue. Spinner baits and soft plastics in the backwaters have also been producing. Crappie - Slow: A few crappie are being caught in Brown's Lake, Spring Lake, and South and Middle Sabula Lakes. Fish are biting on minnows or jigs under a stick bobber. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on wing dams. They are biting on a wide variety of baits. Three way rigs tipped with worms, crawlers, or leeches are producing, as well as crankbaits. Larger fish are coming on cranks. Good numbers of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot reported. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current. There is good shoreline access at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area south of Bellevue.

Mississippi River Pool 14

River stage at Camanche is 10.09 feet and is slowly falling. Water temperature is in the high 60s to low 70s and water clarity is fair. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is starting to pick along rocky shorelines. Leeches under a bobber have been producing. Stick bait is also producing. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are starting to bite in the backwaters. Try small jigs with crawlers or wax worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish crankbaits along rocky shorelines or fish spinner baits and soft plastics in the backwaters. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing is starting to pick up in the backwaters. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have moved onto and are starting to bite on the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 15

No reports received from Pool 15.

[Rick]

Volga Lake

Water clarity is good making it easier for those fish to see anglers. Use darker colored jigs and lures to catch wary fish. Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Good: Bluegills beds can be seen from the shore. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Water clarity is excellent and the vegetation is beginning to grow along the shoreline. Water temperatures are in the high 60s. Bluegill - Fair: Gills have been seen on beds but are not aggressively biting. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been using twister tails and tube jigs.

Lake Meyer

Water clarity is good and water temperatures are in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Nice size cats are being caught on chicken liver. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill spawning is nearly finished and the bluegills are starting to move into deeper water. Worms fished under a bobber is your best bet. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weed less lures fishing the weed edges near deep drop-offs on south side of lake. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing near structure with a jig tipped with minnow under bobber.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

The water is now slowly falling after recent rain and is slightly muddy. Angling has been slow. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northern pike can be found in the Lime Springs area and will put up a good fight. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Water levels below Decorah are low but very clear. This makes angling a bit more difficult as the fish can see you more easily. Anglers have had the best luck using a crawler fished from shore. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow: Try fishing shad raps near current breaks and near drop-offs.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels have risen with recent rains and the river has turned muddy. Fishing has slowed due to river conditions. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers are having the best success using night crawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Decorah District Streams

Many of our trout streams are looking excellent. Gnats, mayflies and black cattisflies are really starting to hatch. Use those really tiny flies to catch wary trout. Trout streams continue to be regularly stocked and trout are waiting to be caught.

The Upper Iowa and Turkey rivers are still running cool. River fish have been slower on the bite. Local lakes on the other hand have been very productive. Input from recent fishing trips is important in keeping our reports accurate and up to date. If you would like to comment/report on any river, trout stream (hatches, etc.), or lake, email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Bluegill fishing is excellent in Casey Lake. A few nice catfish have been caught using dead baits and live baits. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are currently on their spawning beds. Try fishing a small piece of worm or night crawler underneath a bobber fished above and retrieved over the spawning beds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Lake Delhi

Fishing has been good for a variety of fish species on Lake Delhi, fish early mornings or later in the evenings to avoid heavy boat traffic. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been catching catfish using a live minnow under a bobber. Bluegill - Good: Try using a piece of night crawler or leaf worm under a bobber in 4-6 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching some crappies on the lake using a live minnow under a bobber fished around structure in 6-10 feet of water.

Big Woods Lake

Crappies have slowed but anglers are still catching a few. Crappie - Good: Most small baits will work for crappie, with the best reports coming from folks using small tube jigs and live minnows.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers are currently having great success fishing crappies on George Wyth Lake but some sorting is required. Crappie - Excellent: Fish from shore and around the jetties using hair jigs or small jigs and twister tails.

Mitchell

Anglers are catching bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

South Prairie Lake

South Prairie is good for crappie and bluegill near shore using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. South Prairie is a family friendly lake and a good spot to take the kids fishing. Bluegill - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Good: using small jigs, worms, and minnows under a bobber.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Saints Lake remains good for crappie on jigs and minnows. Fish size is running small, but the action is steady.

Martens Lake

Anglers are doing well fishing for largemouth bass. Try fishing in and around the cattails for good success.

Plainfield

Fishing is good for quality-sized bluegill and we expect the action to warm along with water temperatures as bluegill move shallow for spawning. Try using a sinking fly in shallow areas, or a slip bobber with a small piece of worm in deeper water. Bluegill - Fair:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River is currently falling and anglers are catching some channel catfish and walleyes. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish are being caught on dead and live baits. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting crankbaits, spinner baits or jig and twister tail for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having some success catching walleyes on small jigs tipped with a crawler.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon River is currently at 6.1 feet and falling. River conditions are fishable with anglers catching some channel catfish and walleyes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are taking channel catfish on leeches, night crawlers and stink baits. Walleye - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with half of a night crawler along current breaks, rocky shorelines or sandbar drop-offs.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa is in excellent condition for fishing. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching smallmouths on spinner baits and jigs tipped with a night crawler. Walleye - Fair: Try casting small jigs tipped with a half of a night crawler or casting crankbaits along current breaks or rocky shorelines.

Bluegills are beginning to pick up on area lakes with the upcoming spawn. The Cedar, West Fork of the Cedar and Shell Rock Rivers are currently falling and anglers are picking up some fish. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers are in good condition.

[Aquaman01]

Hey All,

From Bluffton to Lower Dam on the Upper Iowa male Smallies are srarting to pre-stage close to protected rocks & sand and hitting pretty near anything that will tick a rock or drift into their calm-spot. Don't forget the protected C&R area from the College Ave Bridge in Decorah down to Upper Dam past Freemont.

Found a few small walleyes; seems I missed the run again THIS year!

Trout fishing is good at sunset. Take the kids and some crawlers; they're as reliable as bluegill for the little ones in the feeder streams right now.

Best To Ya,

Robert Carbonell

[Rick]

Nice report Robert

Volga Lake

Water levels have dropped back to normal and water clarity has improved. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish activity has increased with the warming temperature. Right now large numbers of catfish are congregating along the rip rap in 3 to 5 feet of water. Try floating a worm 3 feet under a bobber, and stay close to shore. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Lake Hendricks still has very good water clarity. Channel Catfish - No Report: Now is a good time to try fishing for catfish especially with warmer water temperature. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small twistertails tipped with a small piece of worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - No Report:

Lake Meyer

An algae bloom is currently going on the lake. Channel Catfish - Good: Nice size cats are being caught on fish guts. Bluegill - Fair: Smaller bluegill are being caught near the jetty. Worms fished under a bobber continues to be your best bet. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try looking for bass along weed edges this week. Use top water plastics tipped with worms. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved to deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water levels are up less than a foot and falling after recent rainfall. The water is muddy but clearing. Angling has been slow. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Water levels below Decorah are up less than a foot and the water is very muddy. Sucker - Fair: Suckers are being caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cats have been caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels around Charles City are up a foot and dropping. The river is muddy. Fishing has slowed due to river conditions. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers are having the best success using night crawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Decorah District Streams

Due to recent spotty rainfall, trout stream conditions vary, but the majority are fishable. Trout streams with better watersheds will clear faster. Trout streams continue to be regularly stocked and trout are waiting to be caught. Brown Trout - Good: There are reports of good hatches of both terrestrial and aquatic insects, especially flying ants and crickets.

Recent heavy rains in northeast Iowa have been very spotty. As of 6-24, 2009, the Upper Iowa, Turkey and Cedar River water levels have been dropping and water clarity is fair but fishable.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Anglers are reporting good catches of bluegill and largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good catches of 7-8 inch bluegill out of this lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinnerbaits or top-water lures for largemouth bass.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Bluegill fishing is good in Casey Lake. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use cut baits, night crawlers or stink baits fished on bottom of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Fish from shoreline in 3-6 feet of water using a piece of night crawler under a bobber for spawning bluegill on the beds. Largemouth Bass - Fair:

Lake Delhi

Anglers are catching bluegills and channel catfish in Lake Delhi. Channel Catfish - Good: Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching bluegills off of spawning beds fished near the shoreline in 3-5 foot of water.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers are still catching crappies off of the floating dock on George Wyth Lake. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching a few crappies from the floating dock but some sorting is required.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Bluegill fishing remains fair on Saints Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a piece of night crawler underneath a bobber fished from shore.

Plainfield

Some catches of bluegill are being reported from this lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small piece of night crawler underneath a bobber in 3-5 feet of water off of shoreline.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River is currently on a slow rise from recent rainfall events and anglers are reporting good catches of channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Good: Cut baits and stink baits are working well for channel catfish on the Cedar.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Fair catches of channel catfish have been reported. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits, night crawlers or stink baits on the bottom.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Water levels continue to slowly fall on the Wapsipinicon River. Conditions are fair and anglers are reporting catches of channel catfish and a few walleye. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try drifting a night crawler or leach under a bobber through shallow water areas or riffles. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes have been caught on the Wapsi using jigs tipped with a minnow or night crawler.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Conditions remain excellent for angling on the Maquoketa River. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing night crawlers or stink baits near logjams or fallen trees. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching smallmouth bass on spinner baits or jigs tipped with a night crawler. Walleye - Fair: Try casting small jigs tipped with half of a night crawler or casting crankbaits along current breaks or rocky shoreline areas.

Anglers are still catching bluegills on area northeast. Iowa lakes. Channel Catfish are beginning to pick up on the interior rivers as well.

[delmuts]

Volga lake.

We were bass fishing there this morning. Not great numbers, but some nice fish. We had 5 at or over 4 lbs. Caught probably 20 fish between two of us. Best luck with poppers, and a carolina rig.

[Joe]

Volga Lake

Water levels are normal clarity has been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish activity has increased with the warming temperatures. Right now large numbers of catfish are congregating along the rip rap in 3 to 5 feet of water. Try floating a worm 3 feet under a bobber, and stay close to shore. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Good: Fishing crankbait along rip rap shores. Crappie - Slow:

Lake Hendricks

Lake Hendricks still has very good water clarity. Channel Catfish - No Report: Now is a good time to try fishing for catfish especially with warmer water temperatures. Try using chicken liver or dead chub on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small twistertails tipped with a small piece of worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing the weed edges near drop-offs with weedless plastic worms. Crappie - No Report:

Lake Meyer

Channel Catfish - Good: Nice size cats are being caught on fish guts. Bluegill - Fair: Smaller bluegill are being caught near the jetty. Worms fished under a bobber continues to be your best bet. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try looking for bass along weed edges using plastic worms. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved to deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water levels are falling and the river is clearing. Angling has been slow with the muddy water but should improve. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Water levels are falling and the river is clearing. Angling has been slow with the muddy water but should improve. Sucker - Fair: Suckers are being caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish have been caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Try using chicken liver or dead chubs to weed out sucker bits. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - No Report:

Volga River

Water conditions are good. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Black or white twistertails seem to be working the best.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

The river is muddy but is clearing. Fishing has slowed due to river conditions. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having the best success using night crawlers, chicken liver and dead minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

[delmuts]

Just a short report for Volga lake. We fished hard most of tues. morning ( in the rain!) with little to show for it. One little bass and a catfish.( We were bass fishing!) Talked to another guy that didn't catch anything. We tried shallow, deep, points ,wood, along the shore, and seemingly everything in between! Used texas rigs, carolina rigs, jigs, shallow and deep cranks along with rattle traps, and surface lures!

[delmuts]

Lansing. A couple of guys went wed. They did well on crappies and some gils.Said the water is getting low, as they had to push a flat bottom into a bay with only two of them in the boat.Using crawlers, and wax worms fising the edge of the weeds in 4- 5 ft. of water. They anchored in the weeds and worked the bait back from the open water. The fish were right on the edge.

[delmuts]

We fished volga lake tues. morning with only a small gil to show for our efforts! The fish are there. Just figure out what they want!