Northeast Iowa Fishing Reports

[delmuts]

Fished sundy morning on the Miss. near harpers. The water was low enough we didn't want to try the back waters, plus the fog was very thick til 9:00. We worked grass and rocks along the secondary channel. Picked up some crappie, bass, and lost/missed a couple of northerns.

[delmuts]

Alex and i tried our luck at Plesant Creek by Palo thurs. We have never been on this lakebut wanted to try it. Had a little musky follow a spinnerbait. We tried lots of good looking water for bass . Did manage to catch three and missed 5 or 6 more. Marked alot of suspended fish, but didn't have any panfish stuff with us! OOOPS! Saw one boat catching walleye while anchored. Definitely plan on going back.

[Rick]

Volga Lake

The lake is starting to clear up. It looks like the fish should start to turn on soon. Channel Catfish - No Report: This is one time of year where cut bait will work better than chicken liver Bluegill - Fair: There is a slow bite, but nice ones are being caught Largemouth Bass - No Report: The largemouth bass should start to turn on soon depending on the weather Crappie - Good: Reports of 10-inch crappie

Lake Hendricks

Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are biting on a hook tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers report best success using a night crawler or artificial jigs tipped with a twister tail. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught on twister tails fished near the woody structure in the upper end of the lake.

Lake Meyer

Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish bite has slowed, but there are reports of a few trophy-sized fish being caught on cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: A few are being caught on the traditional hook, worm and bobber combo. Largemouth Bass - Fair: There are good numbers of quality-sized bass in the lake this year. It might take a little work to find them right now, but it is worth it. Crappie - Fair: If they aren't holding on the bush piles, try locating the schools in the open water by drifting.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Last week quite a few fish over 14 inches were being caught on black jigs. Walleye - No Report: Last week anglers caught some nice size walleyes in the catch and release area using jigs and crankbaits.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Channel Catfish - Fair: That heavy bite that occurred near Charles City last week has turned off, but some are being caught with a jig and crawler below the dam at Nashua. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Start focusing on the over-wintering deeper pools. Walleye - Fair: At Howards Woods Access and below the dam at Nashua, anglers are catching fair numbers using a jig head and minnow. Upstream of Charles City the bite is slower

The Upper Iowa, Cedar and Turkey rivers are low as of October 1, but the rain forecast may change things. Area lakes are cooling and fish are beginning to bite.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Fishing has picked up for bluegill and largemouth bass along with a few northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are catching some northern pike on occasion while casting for largemouth bass. Try casting some weedless spoons for these aggressive predators. Bluegill - Good: Try using a small piece of red worm or night crawler underneath a small bobber casting out beyond the shoreline vegetation. If angling from a boat, fish near and around the pockets of vegetation throughout the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast weedless-artificial baits for some good largemouth bass action.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Anglers are catching both bluegill and bass in Casey Lake. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching nice sized bluegill in 6 to 8 feet of water off of the dam and above submersed structure. Try casting little jigs with small twister tail from the shoreline while slowly retrieving through the 6 to 8 feet of water. Some anglers have been having good success using fly rods as well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are biting very well on almost anything thrown at them from shore. Fish tend to run in size from 10 to 13 inches but have been providing lots of fun action. Anglers are reminded that there is an 18 inch size limit on this lake for largemouth bass.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River has been good for walleye, smallmouth bass and crappies over the last week. Fishing seems to have been better further up the Cedar but is picking up as well further down. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Good: Walleye - Good: Try casting jigs or crankbaits in and around woody structure along current breaks.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Anglers have been having good success fishing on the Shell Rock for both walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast jigs with a twister tail or crankbaits on the downstream end of riffles for these actively feeding fish. Walleye - Good: Try casting jigs tipped with a minnow or casting crankbaits in and around woody structure along current breaks.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Anglers are catching a variety of fish in the Wapsi, both in the main river and in impoundments above low head dams. Northern Pike - Good: Northern Pike have been biting well as water temperature declines. Cast larger spinner baits or spoons in and around structure. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Recent DNR fish surveys on the Wapsi reflected good numbers and size structure of smallmouth bass in this river. Crankbaits and spinners have been working well fished in and around woody structure. Walleye - Good: Try using jigs tipped with or without a twister tail and a minnow below the low head dam areas. Anglers are also having success casting crankbaits for walleye this time of year.

Northeast interior rivers are still providing a good assortment of game fish. With water temperature on the decline, fish are beginning their "feeding frenzy" before heading into the winter season. Increased catches of walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and crappies have been reported throughout the Wapsipinicon, Cedar, Shell Rock and Maquoketa rivers. Some lakes in Black Hawk County are beginning to pick up some crappies.

[Joe]

Volga Lake

There is about 6 to 8 inches of ice in most areas and relatively free of snow. Angling is picking up. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been using wax worms. Some sorting is necessary. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch have been caught while fishing for bluegill.

Lake Hendricks

Average ice depths are running 9 inches with about 1 to 2 inches of snow on top. Please note the main entrance bridge is now open and park personnel request that anglers use this entrance for access to the lake. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are using wax worms with good success. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught while fishing for bluegills. Try using minnows to entice those finicky crappies.

Lake Meyer

Many places have 6 inches of ice with about 3 to 4 inches of cloudy, melt ice on top. Anglers have been catching quite a few fish but sorting is necessary. Anglers are finding fish in 12 to 15 feet water near the middle of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Try angling about 3 feet off the bottom using an orange jig tipped with wax worms. Size range 6 to 8 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Slow: Try angling for crappies in 6 to 10 feet of water off the bottom. Yellow Perch - Fair:

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Ice depths vary greatly so use caution venturing on the ice but there has been activity in the impounded area above the Nashua Dam. Anglers have been using wax worms with some success. Anglers have also fished below the dam and caught a few walleye. Channel Catfish - Slow: Yes, through the ice on wax worms. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Decorah District Streams

Area trout streams are in excellent condition and if you can get to them after this snow, you should have great fishing. The water is extremely clear so sneaking up on those fish is the key. Even though stocking has finished for the year, there are plenty of fish in the streams.

Ice conditions are good on many of our ponds and lakes and seemed to have weathered the rain. Please use caution. Area rivers still have open water.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Anglers have had some success catching both bluegill and crappie. There is 6 to 8 inches of good ice. Best success has been early morning or late afternoon before dark. Bluegill - Good: Concentrate efforts in the deeper water fishing just off of the bottom with an ice jig and wax worm. Crappie - Good: More crappies seem to be caught fishing off of the bottom than being found suspended. Jig and wax worm tend to be more effective than jig and minnow.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Casey Lake has been providing bluegill and crappie throughout the week. Bluegill - Fair: Be sure to concentrate your efforts around submerged structure from the center of the lake and east towards the dam. Look for fish in that 12 to 14 feet of water using small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm. Crappie - Fair: Be sure to concentrate your efforts around submerged structure from the center of the lake and east towards the dam. Look for fish in that 12 to 14 feet of water using small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm. 10 to 13 inch crappies are fewer in numbers but nice in size!

Lake Delhi

There have been reports of anglers fishing a few of the coves on Lake Delhi with some success. With the recent warm temperatures and run-off, use extreme caution and follow all ice safety precautions if heading out onto this lake (Impoundment of the Maquoketa River).

Big Woods Lake

Anglers are catching crappies but some sorting may be required.

Brinker Lake

A few anglers have been spotted ice fishing on Brinker, some sorting may be necessary.

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been fishing George Wyth early morning and late evening with some success on both bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are reporting catches of bluegill with some sorting necessary. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappie on George Wyth Lake on a fairly consistent basis. Look for areas where pressure has been the heaviest.

South Prairie Lake

Fishing is fair for nice sized bluegills out of South Prairie Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing small ice jig tipped with a wax worm just off of the bottom.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Anglers are catching both bluegill and crappie, some sorting may be necessary. Bluegill - Fair: Concentrate efforts on the south end of the lake in 12 to 18 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate efforts on the south end of the lake in 12 to 18 feet of water or suspended around structure.

Koutny Pond

Fishing has been fair here for bluegill running in the 7 to 8.5 inch range. Bluegill - Fair: Fish in areas with 8 to 10 feet of water which can be found on the east side of the lake.

Martens Lake

There have been reports of good ice but no catch information.

Plainfield

Anglers are catching bluegills on this thirty acre lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try locating structure and fishing just off of the bottom with an ice jig and wax worm.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Water levels rose due to recent warm temperatures, water clarity is still cloudy on the backwater areas of the Wapsi. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing the Independence Impoundment above the dam.

Ice thickness around Black Hawk County varies from 6 to 8 inches. Best success has been on the following lakes; George Wyth, Brinker and Big Woods for bluegill and crappie. Recent warm temperatures and runoff have raised water levels on the Cedar and Wapsipinicon rivers, use extreme caution! Mark your calendar for the next trout stocking into North Prairie Lake on Jan. 16.

[Rick]

Lake Hendricks

Lots of people have been out. Ice thickness varies from 18 to 20 inches. Bluegill - Good: Reports of 6 to 8 inch gills are being caught. Crappie - Good: Crappies 8 to 10 inches are being caught on light colored jigs.

Lake Meyer

Ice thickness is running 12 to 14 inches. Lot's of anglers have been out and report a slow but steady bite. Bluegill - Fair: Try angling midway off the bottom. Wax worms and mousies on a red jig seem to work best. Crappie - Fair: Try using off white jigs for crappies.

Decorah District Streams

This is one of the best times of the year to try and catch trout. Put on some snowshoes on an overcast day and slowly creep down to the stream. Try using a subsurface fly.

Ice conditions are good on most area lakes. Use caution when going out on rivers and streams as there are still a few areas with open water.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Anglers have had some success on Silver Lake catching mainly bluegill with an occasional crappie. Ice thickness here is between 6 to 8 inches of good ice. Best success has been early morning or late afternoon before dark. Bluegill - Slow: Concentrate efforts in the deeper water fishing just off of the bottom with an ice jig and wax worm.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Casey Lake has been fair for bluegill and yellow perch. Bluegill - Fair: Be sure to fish around submerged structure from the center of the lake and east towards the dam. Look for fish in 12 to 14 feet of water using small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch fishing has been consistent anywhere on the lake, fish jig tipped with a wax worm for good success.

Big Woods Lake

Anglers are catching crappies but some sorting may be required.

Brinker Lake

A few anglers have been spotted ice fishing. Some sorting may be necessary. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

George Wyth Lake

Anglers have been fishing George Wyth early morning and late evening with some success on both bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are reporting catches of bluegill with some sorting necessary. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappie on George Wyth Lake on a fairly consistent basis. Look for areas where pressure has been the heaviest.

North Prairie Lake

North Prairie Lake will be stocked on Jan. 16.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Anglers are catching both bluegill and crappie, some sorting may be necessary. Bluegill - Fair: Concentrate efforts on the south end of the lake in 12 to 18 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate efforts on the south end of the lake in 12 to 18 feet of water or suspended around structure.

Koutny Pond

Fishing has been fair here for bluegill running in the 7 to 8.5 inch range. Bluegill - Fair: Fish in areas with 8 to 10 feet of water which can be found on the east side of the lake.

Plainfield

Anglers are catching nice size bluegill on this 30-acre lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try locating structure and fishing just off of the bottom with an ice jig and wax worm.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Anglers are beginning to pickup crappie and northern pike above the dam in Independence as water clarity has improved. Most of the action has been above the dam in Independence. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers have been catching pike while fishing for crappie using either a wax worm or minnow under a jig. Bluegill - Slow: Try fishing the Independence Impoundment above the dam. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing in two to three foot of water on the backwaters of the Wapsi above the dam.

Ice thickness around Black Hawk County is varying from 6 to 8 inches. Best success has been on the following lakes; Ave. of Saints, Plainfield, George Wyth, Brinker and Big Woods for bluegill and crappie. This Saturday, North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout. The weather forecast looks excellent and will be a great opportunity to get the children out for some great rod bending action.

[Joe]

Volga Lake

Water temperature is warming and the crappies will be biting soon. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:

Lake Hendricks

A few anglers have been out but few reports of fish being caught. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Meyer

Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - Fair: Anglers are having the best luck using an ice jig tipped with a wax worm or using small natural colored jigs in 8 to 10 feet water. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water levels are up about a foot and clarity is excellent. Sucker - Excellent: Try using a worm on a hook but the key is to get it to sit on the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth Bass are being caught by anglers using natural colored jigs. Water temperature is 50 degrees.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

River water levels continue to fall. Water clarity is excellent this week. Fish the pockets of slower moving water. Sucker - Excellent: Sucker fishing is really picking up this week. Try using a worm fished off the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Smallmouth Bass are being caught by anglers using natural colored jigs. Water temperature is around 50 degrees. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are slow biting at Lower Dam.

Turkey River (below Clermont)

Water levels are falling and clearing. The new Turkey River angling access east of Millville is the place to be for exciting sucker fishing. Sucker - Excellent: Anglers are tossing out worms and the fish are aggressively taking the bait.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

The river is falling and water clarity is excellent. A wide variety of fish are starting to bite as the water warms up. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Fair: Try using chubs and cut bait. Also a few anglers are using chicken liver with luck. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallmouth are caught while fishing for walleye. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are biting on jigs tipped with a minnow, hair jigs and plastics are also working.

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams remain in excellent condition. There have been excellent hatches of numerous types of mayflies.

River water levels continue to fall and water clarity is very good. Recent rains had little effect on the streams in northeast Iowa.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River has risen in Bremer and Black Hawk counties because of recent rainfall. Reports were excellent for many species of fish and should improve again as rivers begin to fall. Anglers are having success on walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Northern Pike - Good: Try fishing live chubs under a bobber or casting artificial spoon baits in deeper pools off of current breaks. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth are going everywhere on the Cedar River, try casting crankbaits for these aggressive fish. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappie on backwater areas of the Cedar River. Try floating a crappie minnow under a bobber in shallow water areas. Walleye - Good: Try casting jigs tipped with a minnow as the walleye spawn rapidly approaches.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

The Shell Rock River is slowly dropping. Walleye fishing has picked up as the river continues to drop and water clarity improves. Walleye - Fair: Try casting jigs tipped with a minnow or crankbaits.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsi River has risen due to recent rainfall but conditions should improve quickly with a decent weather forecast ahead. Buchanan and northern Linn Counties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Reports are anglers having success using cut baits fished off of the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Try floating a crappie minnow under a bobber below low head dams in the river and backwater areas. Walleye - Good: Try casting jigs tipped with a minnow near low head dams, drop-off areas and current breaks.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa River bumped up five feet with recent rainfall events but is beginning to recede as of today. Fishing should expect to improve on the Maquoketa as river levels continue to fall. Smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish provide excellent angling opportunities on the Maquoketa River.

Manchester District Streams

Manchester area trout streams remain in excellent condition with good flows and insect hatches coming off early afternoons. Brown Trout - Good:

Interior River levels continue to fall and are beginning to clear. North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout on April 10.

[delmuts]

Volga lake; My son went over sat. evening for a while. He had talked to a few people, but nobody was having much luck. After trying a couple of crankbaits, he changed to a spinner bait. Working his way around the shore, he managed five bass. The largest was a little over six#( he has a 6# 2oz. mounted and it was bigger than that one! ) If we can get some stable weather things should pick up over there. The boat comes home this weekend, so i'll be hitting it soon i hope!

[Whisker Trout Slayer]

delmuts- has there been anything going on for a bite (crappie)over at Martins near the boat ramp?

[delmuts]

The boat ramp was almost a bust this year! I was told that the main body of water opened up before the ramp area did, and the water temps were the same all over. The crappies never really moved in. They are saying the marsh had a severe winter kill this year also.

Right now there are crappies staging to spawn and if you can figure out where, and what they want you can have some good fishing!

[delmuts]

The crappie bite has really slowed with the cold rain and weather!The fish have been in shallow getting ready to spawn. The fishing was real slow last night. I don't think we have hit the hite of it yet, with only a few of the females oozing(sp?) eggs .

[Joe]

Volga Lake

Take notice of the new structure in the lake as fish will be found nearby. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting on small ice fishing jigs tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Slow: Crappie activity has slowed from last week. Crappies are biting on 1/32 ounce jigs tipped with a wax worm. Most of the fishing activity is along the shoreline and relating to structure.

Lake Hendricks

Angling has really leveled off this week. Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on a variety of lures working the shoreline. Most fish are in the 14-inch range. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching a few. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Meyer

The action on Lake Meyer for crappies slowed this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught using small dark colored jigs and 1/32 ounce heads. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are doing fair on bass working the shorelines with artificial lures. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are still catching a few crappies in the 7 to 10-1/2-inch range with small crappie jigs that are minnow colored. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water quality is excellent and angling for walleye and smallmouth has leveled off with fish still being caught. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm on a hook but the key is to get it to sit on the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth Bass are being caught by anglers using in-line spinners and small crankbaits. As well as twister tails. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes are still being caught in the deeper pools using jigs tipped with ringworms.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

River conditions are excellent. Anglers have reported smallies and walleyes have starting biting. The sucker run is slowing. Sucker - Fair: Sucker fishing has slowed this week. Try using a worm fished off the bottom for continued success. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are being caught using in-line spinners and small crankbaits. Some anglers have also had luck using crawlers. Try below the lower dam. Remember fish are migrating upstream to prepare for the spawn. Smallies have not spawned yet so catch and release is a good idea. Yellow Perch - Good: Walleye - Good: Walleyes are starting to bite again on crawlers and crankbaits.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water temperature below the Cresco Dam is hovering around 60 degrees. Walleyes are being associated with the deeper pools below the riffles. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Few fish are being caught. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being seen in the deeper pools below the riffles. They are associating with underwater structure.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water quality is excellent this week and water temperature is on the rise. Target walleyes in deeper pools below riffles. Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are catching a few northerns while fishing for walleyes. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try using whole or chunks of chubs. Also a few anglers are using chicken liver with luck. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallmouth are caught while angling for walleye. Walleye - Slow: A few smaller walleyes are being caught.

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams remain in excellent condition. There have been excellent hatches of numerous types of mayflies. Stocking of our unannounced streams is taking place. The unannounced streams will be listed on next month’s calendar. Schedules will be available monthly this year.

River and lake water temperature is really starting to warm up and fish activity is picking up.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Silver lake is providing good catches of 12 to 14-inch largemouth bass. Minimum length limit is 15 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinner baits or buzz baits before the onset of dense vegetation in early summer.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Anglers have reported catches of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and a few crappies. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Fly-fishing for bluegill along the shoreline has been productive. Using a small piece of crawler on a small hook under a bobber has been good also. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting top-water baits, spinner baits or crankbaits near woody structure or off of the dam and around the jetties. There is an 18-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies have been taken but should expect to improve with warming water temperature. Concentrate around the jetties using crappie jigs or minnow under a bobber.

Lake Delhi

Crappies should begin spawning soon as water temperature warms. Anglers have been catching bluegills as well. Bluegill - Fair: Try small ice fishing jigs or a small hook tipped with a wax worm or piece of redworm in and around brush piles and docks. Crappie - Fair: Try crappie jigs in and around brush piles and docks.

Big Woods Lake

Anglers are beginning to report catches of crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits on the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate around 6 to 8 feet of water off the shoreline.

George Wyth Lake

Crappies are beginning to pick up. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate around dock and jetties.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

A few bluegill and crappie are being caught on Saints Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of worm under a small bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try a minnow under a bobber or casting crappie jigs.

Martens Lake

Anglers are having success on largemouth bass and crappie. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing in the canal where temperature warms more quickly than the marsh.

Plainfield

There are reports of bluegill being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing small piece of worm under bobber around structure.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River has been very productive for a variety of fish species in both Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Northern Pike - Fair: Large spinner baits have been catching a lot of northern pike on the river recently. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Drifting crawlers or minnow under a bobber in shallow riffle areas has been real productive on nice catfish in Bremer County. Also try fishing cut baits and dead minnows on the bottom near log jams. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and minnow and spinner baits have been working well. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow have worked well for post-spawn males in the shallow riffle areas.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing should improve as water temperature warms. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have had good success on channel catfish using dead cut baits and minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinner baits, crankbaits and plastics for these aggressive fighters. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow have been productive.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon has been producing channel catfish and smallmouth bass. Channel Catfish - Good: Try crawlers, cut baits, etc., on the bottom in both channel and shallow backwaters. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinner baits, crankbaits or jigs with a twister around rock shorelines or woody debris.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Maquoketa River should start to produce catches of walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish as water temperature warms.

Interior river levels continue to fall and are producing good numbers of channel catfish along with some walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Some lakes are beginning to report the onset of the crappie spawn with warming temperatures. Trout stocking season is in full swing with streams remaining in excellent condition.

[Joe]

Volga Lake

Take notice of the new structure in the lake as fish will be found close by. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting on small ice fishing jigs tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Slow: Crappie activity should pick up as temperatures stabilize. Crappies are biting on 1/32 ounce jigs tipped with a wax worm. Most of the fishing activity is along the shoreline and relating to structure.

Lake Hendricks

Angling has really leveled off this week. Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass have been hitting on crankbaits this week. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has picked up a bit. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Lake Meyer

The action on Lake Meyer remains slow. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being caught using small dark colored jigs and 1/32 ounce heads. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are having the best luck on bass working the shorelines with artificial lures. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are still catching a few crappies in the 7 to 10-1/2-inch range with small crappie jigs that are minnow colored. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water quality is excellent and angling for walleye and smallmouth has leveled off with fish still being caught. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm on a hook but the key is to get it to sit on the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth Bass are being caught by anglers using in-line spinners and small crankbaits. As well as twister tails. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes are still being caught in the deeper pools using jigs tipped with ringworms.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

River conditions are excellent. Anglers have reported smallies and walleyes have starting biting. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm fished off the bottom for continued success. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth Bass are being caught using in-line spinners and small crankbaits. Some anglers have also had luck using crawlers. Try below the lower dam. Remember fish are migrating upstream to prepare for the spawn. Smallies have not spawned yet so catch and release is a good idea. Yellow Perch - Good: Walleye - Good: Walleyes are starting to bite again on crawlers and crankbaits.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water temperature below the Cresco dam is around 60 degrees. Walleyes are being associated with the deeper pools below the riffles. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Few fish are being caught. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being seen in the deeper pools below the riffles. They are associating with underwater structure.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water quality is excellent this week and water temperatures are on the rise. To target walleyes concentrate on deeper pools below riffles. Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are catching a few northerns while fishing for walleyes. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try using whole or chunks of chubs. Also a few anglers are using chicken liver with luck. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallmouth are caught while angling for walleye. Walleye - Slow: A few smaller walleyes are being caught.

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams remain in excellent condition. There have been excellent hatches of numerous types of mayflies. Stocking of our unannounced streams is taking place. The unannounced streams will be listed on next month’s calendar. Schedules will be available monthly this year.

River and lake temperatures are slowly warming but fish activity is varies from lake to lake. Area streams are in great condition and very fishable.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Silver lake is providing good catches of 12 to 14-inch largemouth bass. Size limit is 15 inches on this lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinner baits or buzz baits before the onset of dense vegetation in early summer.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Anglers have reported catches of largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and a few crappies on Casey Lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Fly-fishing for bluegill along the shoreline has been productive. Using a small piece of crawler on a small hook under a bobber has been good also. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting top water baits, spinner baits or crankbaits near woody structure or off of the dam and around the jetties. There is an 18-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies have been taken but should expect to improve with warming water temps. Concentrate around the jetties using crappie jigs or minnow under a bobber.

Lake Delhi

Crappies should begin spawning soon as water temperature warms. Anglers have been catching bluegills on the lake as well. Bluegill - Good: Try small ice fishing jigs or a small hook tipped with a wax worm or piece of redworm in and around brush piles and docks. Crappie - Fair: Try crappie jigs in and around brush piles and docks.

Big Woods Lake

Anglers are beginning to report catches of crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits on the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate around 6 to 8 feet of water off of shoreline.

George Wyth Lake

Crappies are beginning to pick up here on George Wyth Lake. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate around dock and jetties.

Avenue of the Saints Pond

A few bluegill and crappie are being caught on Saints Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of worm under a small bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try a minnow under a bobber or casting crappie jigs.

Plainfield

Reports of bluegill being caught on Plainfield Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing small piece of worm under bobber around structure.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

The Cedar River has been very productive for a variety of fish species in both Bremer and Black Hawk counties, especially channel catfish. Northern Pike - Fair: Large spinner baits have been catching a lot of northern pike on the river recently. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Drifting crawlers or minnow under a bobber in shallow riffle areas has been real productive on nice cats in Bremer County. Also try fishing cut baits and dead minnows on the bottom near log jams. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Jig and minnow and spinner baits have been working well. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow have worked well for post-spawn males in the shallower riffle areas.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing should improve as water temperatures warm. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have had good success on channel catfish using dead cut baits and minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinner baits, crankbaits and plastics for these aggressive fighters! Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow have been productive.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The Wapsipinicon has been producing channel catfish and smallmouth bass. Channel Catfish - Good: Try crawlers, cut baits, etc. on the bottom in both channel and shallow backwater areas. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinner baits, crankbaits or jigs with a twister around rock shorelines or woody debris.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Maquoketa River should start to produce catches of walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish as water temperatures warm.

Interior river levels continue to fall and are producing good numbers of channel catfish along with some walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Some lakes are beginning to report the onset of the crappie spawn with warming temperatures. Trout stocking season is in full swing with streams remaining in excellent condition.

[Joe]

Lake Hendricks

Angling has really leveled off this week. Bluegill - Slow: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass fishing has slowed. Try plastics with a slow retrieve. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has leveled off.

Lake Meyer

The action on Lake Meyer remains slow. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being caught using small dark colored jigs and 32 oz. heads. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are having the best luck on bass working the shorelines with artificial lures. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are still catching a few crappies in the 7-10.5-inch range with small crappie jigs that are minnow colored. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water quality is running muddy with recent rains. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm on a hook but the key is to get it to sit on the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth Bass are being caught by anglers using in-line spinners and small crankbaits. As well as twister tails. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes are still being caught in the deeper pools using jigs tipped with ringworms.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

River conditions fair with the river rising slightly with recent rains. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm fished off the bottom for continued success. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallmouth Bass have slowed with the dropping water temps. Walleye - Slow: Walleyes have slowed with dropping water temps.

Volga Lake

Take notice of the new structure in the lake as fish will start to be found close by. With water temps dropping this last week the crappies have moved out of the rocks and back to deeper water as well as bass. Bluegill - Slow: The cold front that moved through the region slowed the bite down. Largemouth Bass - Slow: The cold front that moved through the region slowed the bite down. Crappie - Slow: Crappie activity should pick up as temperatures stabilize. Crappies are biting on 32oz jigs tipped with a wax worm. Most of the fishing activity is along the shoreline and relating to structure.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water temps have dropped with recent rains and cold weather. The river is running muddy and high after recent showers. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Few fish are being caught. Walleye - Fair: With recent rains the walleyes have stopped biting.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Cedar River has turned muddy with recent rains and water temps have dropped with this last cold front. Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are catching a few northerns as bi-catch while fishing for walleyes. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try using whole or chunks of chubs. Also a few anglers are using chicken liver with luck. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallmouth are caught while angling for walleye. Walleye - Slow: A few smaller walleyes are being caught.

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams are running muddy after the 3-inch of rain received over night which will keep the streams dirty for a few days. South Bear remains cloudy but very fishable because of its great watershed.

River and lake temperatures have fallen with recent rains and cold fronts coming through. Area streams are in fair condition. Streams like South Bear with excellent watersheds are still fishable and clean up sooner.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Water temperature at Silver Lake has dropped several degrees in the last week as a result most of the fish have moved back out of the shallow water. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Bass had been cruising the shallows before the rain and cool temperatures. The should return soon as the water begins to warm.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish should be getting active soon and a few are being caught. Try using crawlers or minnows fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill were being caught on red worms and pieces of crawlers under bobbers. Try fishing off the jetties as the water begins to warm. Crappie - Fair: Try using minnows or wax worms around brush piles or stake beds.

Alice Wyth Lake

Big Woods Lake

Some small crappies being caught. Crappie - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with a wax worm or small minnow under a slip bobber.

Brinker Lake

Crappies have moved out of the shallows due to the drop in water temperature. Try fishing in 10 to 12 feet of water along the first depth break. As the water warms move back into the shallows. Crappie - Fair: Try drifting minnows or wax worms on small jigs out from shore to find the crappies. Walleye - Fair: Few smaller walleye being caught while fishing for crappie.

George Wyth Lake

Catches of bluegill and a few smaller crappie were being reported before the rain. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing red worms or a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try using minnows or wax worms on small jigs.

South Prairie Lake

Bluegill - Slow:

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:

Sweet Marsh Reservoir

Smaller bass and bluegill were reported before cool temperatures and rain. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair:

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Fishing has been very slow with only a few small walleye and channel catfish being caught before the water started to rise. Use extreme caution when fishing the Cedar River as flows and water levels will remain high for several days. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Water levels are on the rise and water clarity will be an issue for some time. Channel Catfish - Slow: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:

Lake Delhi

Crappies should begin spawning soon as water temperatures warm on the lake. Anglers have been catching bluegills on the lake as well. Bluegill - Good: Try small ice fishing jigs or a small hook tipped with a wax worm or piece of redworm in and around brush piles and docks. Crappie - Fair: Try crappie jigs in and around brush piles and docks.

Plainfield

Reports of bluegill being caught on Plainfield Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing small piece of worm under bobber around structure.

Interior river levels are on the rise after several days of rain. Prior to the rain fishing had slowed due to cool temperatures with only a few channel catfish and smaller walleye being caught. Some lakes were seeing crappies begin to move toward the shallows but a significant drop in water temperature has pushed the fish back out to deeper water. Trout stocking will take place again as the water level begins to drop.

[Joe]

Volga Lake

Take notice of the new structure in the lake as fish will be found close by. Fishing should pick up with crappies and bluegills moving back into the shallow. Bluegill - Fair: With the water beginning to warm up with the nice weather bluegills should start moving back into the shallows to spawn. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Warmer water should have the bass on the move into the bays and shallower water. Crappie - Fair: Crappie activity should pick up as temperatures are back on the up swing. Crappies are biting on 1/32 ounce jigs tipped with a wax worm or minnow. Most of the fishing activity is along the shoreline and relating to structure.

Lake Hendricks

Fishing has stayed steady this week. Bluegill - Fair: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing has leveled with a few fish being caught. Try plastics with a slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing should pick up with the water warming.

Lake Meyer

The action remains slow, but with warmer temperatures on the way fishing should pick up. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught using small dark colored jigs and 1/32 ounce lead heads. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having the best luck on bass working the shorelines with artificial lures. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching a few crappies in the 7-10.5_inch range with small crappie jigs that are minnow colored. Yellow Perch - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

Water quality is better after large rain falls the previous week. Smallies walleyes are starting to bite again as well as a few trout with the improved water clarity. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm on a hook but the key is to get it to sit on the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth Bass are being caught by anglers using in-line spinners and small crankbaits. Crawlers are being floated and catching smallies. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes are still being caught in the deeper pools using jigs tipped with ringworms.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

River conditions are good with recent weather. Walleyes, smallies and trout are being caught. Sucker - Slow: Try using a worm fished off the bottom for continued success. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth Bass are turning on using crankbaits and floating crawlers thru riffles and holes. Concentrate on water below Lower Dam. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes have started biting again with stable water temperature. Below Lower Dam to Hwy. 76 Dam has been the most productive.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water temperature has risen with stable weather the past week. Fishing should pick up. Smallmouth Bass - Good: With water temperature on the rise smallies should start becoming more active and aggressive. Try throwing crank baits along structure and seems in the current. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes have are being caught related to bottom structure.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Cedar River has better water quality this week and is getting back to more of a normal flow. Rock bass fishing is very good right now below the dam along the rip rap. Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are catching a few northerns while fishing for walleyes. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish are being caught on dead minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallies are turning on. Try using crank baits or floating a crawler thru the riffles. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught below the dam.

Decorah District Streams

Trout streams are back to normal and have cleared up. Stockings are back on schedule and the forecast is looking good for streams for the next week.

River and lake temperatures have fallen with recent rains and cold fronts coming through. Area streams are in fair condition. Streams like South Bear with excellent watersheds are still fishable and clean up sooner.

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Fishing has picked up again for largemouth and bluegill on Silver Lake with the recent onset of nice weather. Most all bass are of sublegal; bass must be 15 inches in length for legal harvest. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a piece of worm under bobber along shoreline edges. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting top water, weedless spoons or spinner baits.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Casey Lake has been spotty at best for crappie but the bluegill action has been starting to pick up. Bass have been getting active as well hitting on top water lures. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish should be getting active soon and a few are being caught. Try using crawlers or minnows fished on the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught on red worms, wax worms and pieces of crawlers under bobbers. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Top water lures seem to be catching fish. Crappie - Slow: Try using minnows or wax worms around brush piles or stake beds.

Big Woods Lake

Some small crappies are being caught but some sorting is necessary. Crappie - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with a wax worm or small minnow under a slip bobber.

Brinker Lake

Some crappie action is starting again but the fish have been off and on. Some day’s, the mornings have been good and other days it’s been better in the evening. Crappie - Fair: Try minnows or wax worms under a bobber or experiment with a variety of small tube jigs until you find the color the fish are hitting. Walleye - Fair: Few smaller walleye being caught while fishing for crappie.

George Wyth Lake

Catches of bluegill and smaller crappie are being reported. Also the yellow bass have been picking up. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing red worms or a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try using minnows or wax worms on small jigs. Yellow Bass - Fair: Try using small spinners or spoons

South Prairie Lake

South Prairie has been slow but some bluegills are being caught. Bluegill - Slow:

Avenue of the Saints Pond

Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Sweet Marsh Reservoir

Bluegills are starting to move to the shorelines to spawn. Action should be picking up as the water continues to warm. Bluegill - Good: Try using piece of worm under bobber or small jig tipped with a wax worm along shoreline.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Fishing has really started to pick up in the last week. Catfish action has been the most consistent followed by smallmouth bass and northern pike. Walleye action has been pretty spotty but they are being caught if you’re willing to put in some time. Northern Pike - Good: Try bigger spinners or larger shallow running crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try using minnows or cut bait on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Shallow running crankbaits, in-line spinners and twister tails have all been catching fish. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs and crawlers around logs or in deeper pools.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

As the water drops and begins to clear up the fishing for both walleye and smallmouth should start to pick up. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

As the Wapsi continues to drop and clear up the fishing should start to improve. As of this report the Wapsi continues to be rather muddy which will likely persist through the weekend. Catches of some crappie and smallmouth are already being reported despite the muddy conditions. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Walleye - No Report:

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

Water levels have receded and the river is in good shape once again. Anglers were catching walleye and smallmouth bass prior to last week’s rain. Channel Catfish - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair:

Interior river levels are dropping quickly and most should be in better shape by the weekend. Fishing has picked up considerably from last week as good catches of channel catfish and smallmouth bass are being reported. Bluegill and crappie fishing is really starting to pick up across the region and should only get better over the next week. Trout streams are fishable again and stocking is back on schedule.

[delmuts]

I haven't posted much this year, and the weather is why!

With all the rain, any bodies of water around here has been so up and down, with no stability!The Miss. has been a hit and miss deal. The cedar and other small rivers are hard to fish. The small lake near here that i fish alot was high, and now it has the usual summer algae slime on the surface,( it smells like a manure pit!) but water clearity isn't to bad. Hopefully it will get better soon!

[Joe]

Big Woods Lake

Some smaller crappies are being caught along with an occasional northern pike. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting large spinner baits or crankbaits from the shore or trolling crankbaits from a boat. Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with minnows

Brinker Lake

Reports of some smaller walleye and crappie are coming in. Crappie - Fair: Troll or drift below schools of shad with minnows in 12 to 15 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Try trolling crankbaits in 15 to 25 feet of water.

George Wyth Lake

The water is higher than normal. You will have to wade to get on to the fishing pier. Fishing has been spotty overall but a few anglers have been catching some crappie and largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast top-water baits early morning or late evening. At midday, try casting spinner baits or plastic worms. Crappie - Fair: Minnows under a slip bobber or on a small jig

[Joe]

Silver Lake (Delaware)

Silver Lake ice conditions do vary but most places have around 4 to 5 inches of good ice. Some fishing activity and reports have been observed but caution is advised. Size range of bluegill does vary, sorting may be required. An occasional crappie has been reported as well. Bluegill - Fair: Move around often to locate fish using small jigs tipped with a wax worm off of the bottom.

[delmuts]

Been getting my fishing fix in lately! The rivers are a mess right now, but should settle down soon, so the back waters of area are where the action is. Mainly after crappies with a few gils in the mix, but having a blast catching all the small bass on a ultra lite in between!! Yesturday i bet i caught 30 + 7-10 in. bass. Got enough crappies for a couple of meals. Life is GOOD !

[delmuts]

The panfish bite at the marsh has gone down the last few days. Did try the cedar yesturday. Managed two eater walleye, and a 12 " smallie.

[delmuts]

We fished Volga lake( by fayette) yesturday. Plenty of people fishing! We did well using carolina rigs( about a 20 fish morning, with 3 & 1/2 being biggest). Water is kind of dirty, and the lake level is up some. Think the gils are still spawning.

[zeeman1]

is there any ice at volga lake yet

[delmuts]

Haven't been over there lately, but i wouldn't want to walk out there yet.

[delmuts]

Twas the "happy hour" time for the bay by my wifes' trailer! Our thinking is that the bait fish move into the bay when the water is low and the temps hot due to a couple of springs in the back end. Either way; this time of year the northern move in BIG TIME!! The one guy was hammering them most of the week. ( and yes; he's a meat fisherman) He stops at his three a day,but . Our numbers included numerous 4# + fish and i had a 33 incher, plus my daughter caught a 37.5. A couple of photos and back they went I probably caught 40 + fish from my wifes' dock.

[JIvers]

I went up to my in-laws' in north central Iowa this weekend: looks like the ice season is going to be done very soon south of Clear Lake.

I drove out to Beeds Lake by Hampton, and there the ice looked good on Saturday, with two portable shelters on the lake. South of there I saw at least some open water on most ponds Friday, and a lot of open water on ponds north of Waterloo today.

George Wyth lake just north of Waterloo was mostly iced over on Friday, but had a lot of open patches today. South of Waterloo I never saw anything more than rotten skim ice on any pond.

[JIvers]

I've thought about hitting up Otter Creek lake, just east of Marshalltown and Toledo, for several winters now. It's not located near a large town, you don't hear much about it, and the IDNR fish surveys and the few reports you do hear about it suggest there is some decent bluegill fishing to be had there. http://limnoweb.eeob.iastate.edu/fishpub/length.aspx?lakeCode=OTC86

Plus, Otter Creek has yellow bass. They can be an absolute scourge when they get in a lake and I don't want them coming any closer to Johnson County, but since they are already in Otter Creek yellow bass are fun to catch and tasty. Plus, no need to justify keeping them.

So, with an old map of the lake and some panfishing ice tackle I headed sixty-some miles west to Otter Creek today.

I'd never fished it before, but the map made it look there were some nice contours along the edges of the old creek channel. Needing a starting point, I used the "beer can GPS" and drilled test holes near the piles of cigarette butts and empty beverage containers. I found fish hanging a foot or two off the bottom in about 13' of water, even though I never found any sort of brush or cover.

I immediately began catching a mix of bluegills and yellow bass. The bluegills ran from about 4" to 8", with these two being among the best of the sunfish I caught today:

The yellow bass ran just slightly larger, with the largest I caught being just over 9". The fish were aggressive early, and would chase my bait several feet off the bottom. It was like fishing Clear Lake in that I had to keep moving from hole to hole to stay with the fish, including the bluegill.

My experience with yellow bass on Clear Lake is that they move a lot and don't really relate to cover much, so that I expected today, but I was a little surprised to see the bluegill behaving much like yellow bass in that respect.

The bite actually tapered off later in the afternoon, with fewer fish being caught and those I marked being less inclined to follow my bait. I did pick up a couple of crappie near sunset, although they weren't especially large.

Ice safety was not an issue, as it was probably a foot thick everywhere I drilled. I definitely will need to get my power auger out soon.

This was a good trip to new water, and I will be visiting Otter Creek again on occasion. There weren't many people out for a decent Saturday weather-wise for January, so I had a large patch of the lake to myself.