Northeast Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Please visit the USGS Water Data website for more information. 

Decorah District Streams
Check our fall community trout stocking schedule to find out when trout are coming to a lake near you. Catchable trout stocking is now unannounced. Stocking frequency and amounts are the same as conditions allow. Many trout streams run through wildlife management areas where hunting is allowed. Wear bright colors to be seen.  Brown Trout - Fair: As brown trout start spawning, watch the stream bottom for cleared areas in gravel (trout nests). Avoid stepping in the nests. Use larger flies mimicking grasshoppers or minnows. Rainbow Trout - Good: Catch a freshly stocked trout with a small piece of worm or cheese on a hook under a bobber in a deeper hole. 

Lake Hendricks
Few anglers have been out. Water is clearing. Black Crappie - Fair: Shoreline anglers are using a tube jig fished under a bobber. 

Lake Meyer
Water temperatures are falling with improved clarity. Angling has been spotty. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Slow. 

Turkey River (above Clermont)
The Turkey River water levels are falling with improved clarity. Use care around swollen rivers. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Water temperatures are in the 50's. Visit the USGS Water Data website for current information. Use crankbaits or a hook tipped with a minnow in eddies and deeper water.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling, but the river remains muddy. Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. Paddling activities are not recommended. Visit the USGS Water Data website for current information. 

Area waters are slowly clearing, but water levels and flows are high. Rain Friday then clearing and cold. Temperatures in the upper 40's to below freezing at night. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and some northern pike on the Cedar River in Black Hawk County. Walleye - Good: Use jigs and plastics in sandbar drop-offs or current breaks. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try jig and plastics or crankbaits. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve spoons or crankbaits.

Manchester District Streams
Most Manchester District streams are in excellent condition. Flows will remain swift, but clarity should be good.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
Silver Lake is in excellent condition for angling, but there have been no reports. Bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and northern pike are the main species in this lake. 

Rivers and streams are falling. There have been angling reports on the Cedar River. Trout streams should be in good condition for the upcoming weekend. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER Fishing Reports - IOWA Wisconsin, Illinois

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is expected to crest at 13.4 feet and slowly recede over next week. Water temperature is near 48 degrees. New Albin ramp road is closed due to high water. The Lansing Village Creek ramp construction is complete and the ramp is open. Walleye - Fair: High water and current will make fishing difficult this week. Try fishing side channel sloughs with less debris and current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect the perch bite to pick up into late fall. Look for fish out of the main channel using live minnow floated under a bobber.  Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth action has slowed with the high muddy water. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in current.  Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is expected to crest at 23.1 feet with a slow fall next week. Sny Magill road is closed due to high water. Water temperature is 50 degrees at the Lock and Dam 9. Walleye- Slow: High water and current will make fishing difficult this week. Try fishing side channel sloughs with less debris and current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect the perch bite to pick up into late fall. Look for fish out of the main channel using live minnow floated under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from main channel and sloughs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs.  Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth action has slowed with the high muddy water. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in current. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is predicted to crest at 14.7 ft and gradually recede next week. Water temperature is 46 degrees at Lock and Dam 10. Walleye -Fair: High water and current will make fishing difficult this week. Try fishing side channel sloughs with less debris and current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Expect the perch bite to pick up into late fall. Look for fish out of the main channel using a live minnow floated under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for largemouth in the slack water areas off the main channel or running sloughs. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth action has slowed with the high muddy water. Cast inline spinners or crankbaits along rock or tree habitat in current. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills in clearer water with slow current in backwater areas away from the main channel and sloughs. Black Crappie - Fair: Expect the crappie bite to pick up this fall after the water clarity improves. Try tube jigs or minnow under a bobber in submersed trees in the backwater sloughs. 

Upper Mississippi River levels cresting this week. Many ramps are under water. Water clarity is poor with a lot of debris. Water temperatures are near 50 degrees. Fish are starting to move toward the overwintering holes. 
 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will rise this week and peak near a predicted 14.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 16.8 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 52 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good:Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions especially along rock shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig. Drum will be hanging out near shore in moderate current areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels will rise this week and peak near a predicted 15.7 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is poor. Avoid large tributary streams as they are muddy. The water temperature is around 53 degrees. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions especially along rock shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas near shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels will rise this week and are predicted to be 15.5 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 17.1 feet at Camanche and 10.7 feet at the LeClaire. These are Action and Moderate flood levels. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 53 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait or worms near shore. Channel cats feed heavily near shore during flooded conditions especially along rock shorelines.  Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is predicted to be near 17 feet. This level is in a moderate flood stage, so boating is not advisable. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 53 degrees.  

Significant flooding in much of the district. Water levels range from Action to Moderate flood stages. Most of the smaller boat ramps are usable and will have water and debris on them. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Check ice depths often, especially where there is current. Flows remain high. Go with a buddy. Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Backwaters have 4 inches of ice. Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or colored spike. Yellow Perch - Slow: Catch perch up to 10 inches on a waxworm. Bounce a jig off the bottom for fun action.

Decorah District Streams
Iowa's trout season stays open all year long. Brown Trout - Good: Use larger flies or lures mimicking minnows. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish near the bottom if no hatches are occurring. Use a weighted caddis stonefly or mayfly nymph. Brook Trout - Good:  Try nymphs, emerger or aquatic bug patterns when hatches slow. Fish the calm area next to to a fast channel of water at the head of a pool.

Lake Hendricks
No motorized vehicles allowed on ice. Ice depths average 7 inches. Use caution on ice. Open water around the aerator; keep away from the aerator. Bluegill - Fair: Early evening is best. For clear ice and water be set-up quiet and ready early. Use small jigs tipped with waxworm or spike near deeper water drop offs. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few small bass.

Lake Meyer
Ice is 5 to 6 inches. Check ice depths often, especially near springs. Caution recommended. The bite slowed earlier in week with the recent weather change. Bluegill - Good: Early evening is best. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with waxworm in brush piles in 12-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow.

Volga Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. An angler fell through the ice Dec.13. Edges are thin. Warmer weather this next week will weaken ice. Most activity is around the dock up from parking lot. Bluegill - Fair: Fish the brush piles.

Temperatures are warming through next week. Use care on early ice as conditions can change fast. Ice depths are highly variable. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the river; most reports are from Bremer County. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleye using lead heads and plastic baits tipped with or without a minnow.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Anglers have taken a few walleye on the Maquoketa River, mainly in Delaware County. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye using lead heads and plastic baits tipped with or without a minnow.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No reports this past week on the Shell Rock River, but walleye angling should be favorable.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports this past week on the Wapsipinicon River, but walleye angling should be favorable.

The interior rivers are open and ice free. Walleye fishing reports have been good to excellent on the Cedar River. Ice conditions are deteriorating fast with the recent warm weather; ice fishing is not recommended. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 7.9 feet and is expected to remain stable this week. Backwater ice reports of 5-6 inches, but the edges have open water. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Try jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen to 15.4 feet and is expected to remain stable this week. Ice thickness around 5 inches, but warmer weather may cause unsafe conditions. Bussey Lake ice is opening on the boat ramp side. Edges have open water. Walleye- Fair: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - No Report: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 7.2 feet this week. Backwater ice thickness is 5-6 inches. Avoid ice in areas with current and the open water around the edges. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Upper Mississippi River levels have risen slightly this week. Warmer temperatures and rain have caused ice conditions to deteriorate. Ice fishing is not recommended. Tailwater fishing below the lock & dams is still an option.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels rose a bit this week and are 7.2 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.5 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Some ice flows at the tailwater, but it remains open to boating. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular methods of catching walleye and sauger. Smaller sauger came into the tailwater later this fall. Bluegill - Good: Reports of panfish being caught, but ice is decent in only a few areas.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels rose a bit this week and is 7.9 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Some ice flows at the tailwater, but it remains open to boating. The north ramp at Sabula now open after bridge construction. Sauger - Good: Three way rigs with minnows or a jig and minnow is the most popular methods to catch walleye and sauger. Bluegill - No Report: Ice thickness varies greatly; some spots have decent thickness, but not a lot of reports yet as ice remains marginal in many places.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels rose a bit this week and are 7.5 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 11.1 feet at Camanche and 5.8 feet at LeClaire. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 36 degrees. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level rose a bit this week and is 8.1 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 36 degrees.  

Tailwaters are open to angling, but ice flows are occurring. Ice fishing continues in some places, but anglers remain cautious about conditions. Water levels are now stable throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Check ice depths often, especially where there is current. Flows remain high. Go with a buddy. Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Backwaters have 7 inches ice with water on top. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or colored spike. Yellow Perch - Slow: Catch perch up to 10 inches on a waxworm. Bounce a jig off the bottom for fun action.

Decorah District Streams
Iowa's trout season stays open all year long. Many trout streams run through wildlife management areas. Wear bright colors and make noise so hunters know you're not a deer. Brown Trout - Good: Use larger flies or lures mimicking minnows. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish near the bottom if no hatches are occurring. Use a weighted caddis stonefly or mayfly nymph. Brook Trout - Good:  Try nymphs, emerger or aquatic bug patterns when hatches are slow. Fish the calm area next to to a fast channel of water at the head of a pool.

Lake Hendricks
No motorized vehicles allowed on ice. Ice depths average 7 inches. Open water around the aerator; keep away from the aerator. Use caution on ice. Rain could open water. Bluegill - Slow: Early bite is best. For clear ice and water be set-up quiet and ready early. Use small jigs tipped with waxworm or spike near deeper water drop offs. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few small bass.

Lake Meyer
Ice is 5 to 6 inches. Edges may get soft with rain and warmer temperatures. Check ice depths often, especially near springs. Caution recommended. The bite remains slow. Bluegill - Slow: Early bite is best. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with waxworm in brush piles in 12-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass have been ccaught while fishing for panfish.

Volga Lake
Ice fishing not recommended. Edges are thin. Warmer weather and precipitation will weaken ice. Most activity is around the dock up from parking lot. Bluegill - Slow: Fish the brush piles.

Wintry mix of precipitation forecast thru Friday. Above normal temperatures Thursday before turning much colder. Rain and rising river levels will create variable ice conditions. Use extreme caution as conditions can change fast. Ice depths are highly variable. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the river; rivers may become turbid with recent rainfall. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye using lead heads and plastic baits tipped with or without a minnow.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are turbid and on the rise, but should be fishable by the upcoming weekend.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
No reports this past week on the Maquoketa River; the river currently on the rise with the recent rainfall.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No reports this past week on the Shell Rock River; the river is currently on the rise with the recent rainfall.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports this past week on the Wapsipinicon River; the river is currently on the rise with the recent rainfall.

The recent wet weather has made for a dismal fishing forecast. Rivers and streams are on the rise and turbid; trout streams may be clear by the upcoming weekend. Ice conditions are very poor; ice fishing is not recommended. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is up slightly this week at 8.2 feet and is expected to remain stable this week. Backwater ice reports of 6-7 inches. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Try jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Largemouth Bass - Good: Reports of bass being caught on pole or tip-ups in backwater lake areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is down slightly to 14.9 feet and is expected to remain stable this week. Ice thickness around 6 inches, but rains may bring unsafe conditions. Bussey Lake ice is thin on the boat ramp side; edges have open water. Walleye- Fair: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - No Report: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is down slightly at 6.6 feet this week. Backwater ice thickness is variable, averaging 6 inches. Avoid ice in areas with current and the open water around the edges.  Zollicoffers at Mud Lake and Sunfish have been fair for panfishing. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Upper Mississippi River conditions remain fairly stable this week. Backwater ice conditions are better as you go north. Most backwaters have 6-7 inches of ice, but recent rains and warmer temperatures create variable ice depths. Avoid areas of current and edges where ice is unstable.  Open water fishing is still occurring below the locks and dams.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are steady this week at 7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.4 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Some ice flows at the tailwater, but it remains open to boating. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular methods of catching walleye and sauger. Smaller sauger came into the tailwater later this fall. Bluegill - Good: Reports of panfish being caught, but ice is decent in only a few areas.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are stable this week at 7.8 feet feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Some ice flows at the tailwater, but it remains open to boating. The north ramp at Sabula is now open after bridge construction. Sauger - Good: Three way rigs with minnows or a jig and minnow is the most popular methods to catch walleye and sauger. Bluegill - No Report: Ice thickness varies greatly; some spots have decent thickness, but not a lot of reports yet as ice remains marginal in many places.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are stable at 7.6 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 11.2 feet at Camanche and 5.8 feet at LeClaire. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 36 degrees. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is steady this week at 8.2 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 36 degrees.  

Tailwaters are open to angling, but ice flows are occurring. Ice fishing continues in some places, but anglers remain cautious about conditions. Water levels are now stable throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST  IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels rose almost 5 feet with last rain event. Ice fishing is not recommended. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm or colored spike. 

Decorah District Streams
Non-resident anglers can now buy a 2019 fishing license and trout fee. Stream conditions greatly improved from last week. Flows are high with rain and snow melt. Brown Trout - Fair: Use larger flies or lures mimicking minnows. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout spawning is near. Larger fish will move to headwaters to lay eggs. Use a weighted caddis stonefly or mayfly nymph. Brook Trout - Fair: Try nymphs, emerger or aquatic bug patterns when hatches are slow. Fish the calm area next to to a fast channel of water at the head of a pool.

Lake Hendricks
No motorized vehicles allowed on ice. Ice depths average 7 inches. Open water around the aerator; keep away from the aerator. Use caution on ice. Water is dirty from last week’s rain. Bluegill - Slow: Early bite is best. For clear ice and water be set-up quiet and ready early. Use small jigs tipped with waxworm or spike near deeper water drop offs. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few small bass.

Lake Meyer
Ice is 5 to 6 inches. Edges may get soft with warmer temperatures. Check ice depths often, especially near springs. Water is dirty from last week’s rain. Use caution. The bite remains slow. Bluegill - Slow: Early bite is best. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with waxworm in brush piles in 12-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass have been caught while fishing for panfish.

Volga Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. Use extreme caution; edges are thin. Warmer weather and precipitation will weaken ice. Bluegill - Slow: Fish the brush piles.

Mild temperatures and snow melt will add to already swollen rivers and streams. Area streams rose 3 to 5 feet with last rain event. Ice conditions are unreliable. Use extreme caution as conditions will change fast. Ice depths are highly variable. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Areas of both good and poor ice conditions. Good reports of crappie and bluegill being caught. Find structure near the dam and in the cove areas. Bluegill - Good: Try various ice jigs tipped with a waxworm fished near brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Try many ice jigs tipped with a waxworm at various depths as crappie may be suspended. Try fishing a dead stick with a live minnow and bobber.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the river; the river is starting to clear. Access should be good with the warming trend ahead. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye using lead heads and plastic baits tipped with or without a minnow.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition; angling could be really good with a bit of runoff. Trout can be more susceptible when water is just off color. Brown Trout - Good: With the recent warm trend, there should be good hatches on area streams.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
No reports this past week on the Maquoketa River; the river is falling. Try the whitewater park for walleye with the beautiful forecast ahead.

North Prairie Lake
Use extreme caution on the ice with the warm forecast ahead. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try ice fishing jigs tipped with a waxworm. With the warm weather ahead, move often to many holes to find active fish.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No reports this past week on the Shell Rock River; the river is falling. Access should be good with the upcoming warming trend. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports this past week on the Wapsipinicon River; the river falling but still remains high and turbid.

The extended forecast looks beautiful to get out and catch some fish. Interior rivers are starting to clear and river access should be ideal. Ice conditions vary considerably and will most likely deteriorate with warm weather ahead. Use extreme caution if ice fishing. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  IOWA/WISCONSIN/ILLINOIS FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen a foot to 9.2 feet .Still a lot of variability in ice conditions this week. Most backwaters with no current have around 6-8 inches. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Try jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Largemouth Bass - Good: Reports of bass being caught on pole or tip-ups in backwater lake areas. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen almost two foot to 16.7 feet. Backwaters have around 7 inches of  ice. Ice is not safe to cross at Sny Magill with the warmer temperatures and recent snow cover. Lower end of Bussey Lake still has unstable ice around edges. Walleye- Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Fair: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the  Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - No Report: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 8.3 feet this week. Backwater ice thickness is variable from 6-7 inches. Avoid ice in areas with current and the open water around the edges. Zollicoffers at Mud Lake and Sunfish have been fair for panfishing. Walleye - Slow: Try vertical jigging with hair jigs tipped with a minnow below the Lock & Dam. Sauger - Slow: Use jigging spoons or a hair jig with minnows in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Northern Pike - Slow: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill through the ice is picking up with a lot of sorting through smaller ones. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes.

Upper Mississippi River levels are rising. Backwater ice conditions will change fast with upcoming warm weather.  Most backwaters have 6-7 inches of ice. Warmer temperatures and snow cover may create variable ice depths. Avoid areas of current and edges where ice is unstable. Ice flows in main channel are making open water fishing difficult at the locks & dams.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are steady this week at 7.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 34 degrees. Big ice flows are reported in the tailwaters. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular methods of catching walleye and sauger. Smaller sauger came into the tailwater later this fall. Bluegill - Good: Reports of panfish being caught, but ice is getting scarce. Black Crappie - Fair: Reports of nice crappies mixed in with the bluegills, but safe ice is getting scarce. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are stable this week at 8.6 feet feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Big ice flows in the tailwater, but it remains open to boating. The north ramp at Sabula is now open after bridge construction. Sauger - Good: Three way rigs with minnows or a jig and minnow is the most popular methods to catch walleye and sauger. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are stable at 8 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 11.6 feet at Camanche and 6.2 feet at LeClaire. Ice flows are occurring in the tailwater. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Good: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is steady this week at 9.3 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees.  

Tailwaters are open to angling, but ice flows are occurring on a regular basis. Ice fishing is limited, but anglers remain cautious about conditions. Ice is expected to be nearly eliminated after the weekend warm spell. Water levels are now stable throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Fish backwaters and off channel areas with little to no current. Use caution as ice conditions vary and can change fast. Anglers catching a mixed bag of fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a minnow or spike jigging aggressively. 

Decorah District Streams
Parking lots in wildlife management areas will not be plowed. Use care when parking along a roadside. A good quality trout stream will not freeze in the winter. Brown Trout - Fair: Use larger flies or lures mimicking minnows. Spin fishers using a small jig tipped with a minnow should find nice fish. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Rainbow Trout spawning is at its peak. Larger fish will move to headwaters to lay eggs. Use a weighted caddis stonefly or mayfly nymph. Brook Trout - Fair: Trout are actively attacking emerging midges on warm sunny afternoons.

Lake Hendricks
No motorized vehicles allowed on the ice. Ice depths are 8-10 inches with about 6-8 inches of snow. Open water zone around the aerator; keep away from this area. Bluegill - Fair: Early bite is best. Use small jigs tipped with waxworm or spike near deeper water drop offs. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies 10-11 inches have been caught. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are catching a few small bass.

Lake Meyer
The bite is slow with storm fronts moving in. Ice depth is 8 to 9 inches. Ice depth is 10 inches under 14 inches of snow. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow: Early morning bite is best. Use small teardrop shaped jigs tipped with waxworm in brush piles in 12-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass have been caught while fishing for panfish.

Volga Lake
Ice depths are about 10 inches with 2-3 inches of snow. Blowing snow will cause drifting. Bluegill - Slow: Fish the brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Find Crappie in 1-12 feet water. Use waxworms with bright colored jigheads in the brush piles and drop off around the jetty on west side of lake.

Winter weather returns for the weekend with single digits highs and lows below zero. Watch for blowing and drifting snow. Fourteen inches of snow fell last week in the Decorah area. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are doing well on bluegill and some occasional crappie on Casey Lake. Some sorting of bluegill, but some good ones as well. Bluegill - Good: Find structure near the east end of lake fishing jigs tipped with a waxworm. Black Crappie - Fair: Find structure and use electronics to find suspended fish. Fish ice jigs with a waxworm or a dead stick rig with a live crappie minnow.

There are very few reports this week as ice anglers are getting out now with better ice conditions. Interior rivers are iced over and will remain with the arctic weather conditions upon us. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS IOWA/WISCONSIN/ILLINOIS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing bhas fallen to 8.1 feet this week. Colder weather is starting to build ice again, but it may take time until edges and areas of current are safe. Try fishing in Shore Slough and Blackhawk Park area. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Mid-winter bluegill fishing can be variable, but providing good action with decent sized fish being caught. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several reports of bass being caught on pole or tip-ups in backwater lake areas. Black Crappie - Good: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows toward early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has fallen to 16 feet. The ramp is now frozen over at the dam. Anglers have been crossing at Sny Magill with about 6 inches ice on Johnson Slough. Stay on the path as ice is weaker closer to the ramp. Northern Pike - Good: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Mid-winter bluegill fishing can be variable, but providing good action with decent sized fish being caught. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Black Crappie - Good: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows toward early afternoon.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has fallen to 6.9 feet. Ramps are frozen over at the dam. Ice is building this week. Good reports on panfish at Bertom Lake-Wisconsin side and Zollicoffers at Mud Lake near Dubuque. Northern Pike - Good: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Fair: Mid-winter bluegill fishing can be variable, but providing good action with decent sized fish being caught. Yellow Perch - Good: A few perch are being caught through the ice in deeper cuts in backwater lakes. Black Crappie - Good: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows toward early afternoon.

Ice anglers will see an improvement in ice conditions this week with the subzero temperatures. Most areas have 10 inches plus; use caution in areas of current and edges which have thin spots. Heavy snow cover will insulate the ice preventing some areas from freezing solid.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are stable this week at 6.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.9 feet at the RR bridge. This is down over a foot from last week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. The tailwater will be locked in again with ice. Sauger - No Report: Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger this winter. Bluegill - Good: Some ice fishing is occurring in Pool 12; stay alert about ice conditions. Bluegill fishing has been good at times. Black Crappie - Fair: Few reports of nice crappies mixed in with bluegills. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few yellow perch are being seen mixed in with bluegills and crappies.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels have bounced around this week and are 7.8 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Tailwater ice flows have been an issue; the tailwater is expected to freeze in with the next cold snap. The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - No Report: Ice flows are occurring again and the tailwaters are expected to freeze later this week. Three way rigs with minnows or a jig and minnow is the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger this winter. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are reported at Sabula Lakes, but ice conditions have been marginal.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are somewhat stable at 5.5 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 9.8 feet at Camanche and 5 feet at LeClaire. This is down over a foot from last week. The tailwater is expected to freeze in with the expected cold snap. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Sauger - No Report: When anglers can successfully dodge ice flows, the walleye and sauger bite has been good. Jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows are the most popular ways to catch walleye and sauger.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is receding at Rock Island at  9 feet. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

Bellevue and Clinton tailwaters have been open to fishing, but will most likely freeze in during the next cold snap. Ice fishing conditions have improved, but remain cautious about conditions. Snow is covering the ice in most locations and insulating ice. Water levels are now stable to falling throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Decorah District Streams
Rain on top of already slick roads will make travel on gravel roads difficult. Road shoulders are hard to see. Use care traveling the back country. Spring is coming as daylight hours increase. Catchable trout stocking is just under a month away - check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Fair: Spin fishers using minnow imitating jigs will do well. In clear water, use a dark jig with a bright red spot. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish areas trout are seeking food and protection. Move a fly along a current break. Brook Trout - Fair: If you match the right insect hatch switch pattern. Midges are hatching now. Use grey or dark colors.

Lake Hendricks
About a foot of snow on 20 inches of ice. Open water around the aerator; use caution in this area. No motorized vehicles allowed here. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow.

Lake Meyer
Ice depth is 20 inches covered with hard crusty snow. Few anglers have been out. Bluegill - Slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow.

Volga Lake
Drifted snow covering 10 to 20 inches of ice. Few anglers have been out. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a spike or waxworm. Bluegill - Slow. 

A wintry mix of precipitation forecast for the weekend with temperatures around freezing. Snow-melt will dirty the water and drop water temperatures. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Black Crappie - Slow: Find structure in the east side of lake near the dam. Use electronics to find suspended fish using a jig and waxworm. The few crappie caught are quality size.

Lake Delhi
Ice conditions are fair on Lake Delhi, but will most likely deteriorate fast with the rain predicted this weekend. Bluegill - Slow: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm. Try finding suspended fish with electronics.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Walleye - No Report: Try a jig and plastic tipped with or without a minnow below Lake Delhi Dam.

Martens Lake
Anglers are accessing the lake from the north, crossing the reservoir on foot. Bluegill - Slow: Try a jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a waxworm. Try finding suspended fish with electronics.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
There has been activity on Silver Lake. Anglers are catching some largemouth bass, bluegill and northern pike. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers have had success using tip-up rigs with a live shiner for bait.

Fishing reports are very few this past week; anglers are not getting out. Those who have been out are finding it to be a tough bite. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8 feet at Lansing. Avoid ice on shoreline edges and areas of current. Fish deep cuts above the Lansing bridge or in Shore Slough. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts;  use larger active minnows. Black Crappie - Fair: Use glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 15.6 feet at Lynxville and is stable. Heavy snow cover is insulating the ice. Avoid areas of current and shorelines. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 7.3 feet at Guttenberg. Ramps are frozen over at the dam. The bite is slow, but some nice perch are biting in Zollicoffer at Mud Lake near Dubuque. Avoid the springs and creek areas walking in as ice may be thin. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northerns are being caught on tip-ups using shiners in backwater lakes and marina areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Fish are becoming more active with the longer days. The Upper Mississippi River levels have fallen this week; look for levels to rise as snow-melt occurs. Heavy snow cover is insulating the ice and slush is forming with warmer daytime temperatures. Ice depth is 12 to 14 inches. Avoid ice in areas with springs and any current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are are 6.9 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.4 feet at the RR bridge. This is down from last week and is expected to be stable this week. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs with waxworms. Usually late winter bluegill fishing picks up quite a bit. Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on waxworms. Yellow Perch - Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are 7.8 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 34 degrees. The Bellevue City boat ramp is open at times, but ice chucks are often present.The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - No Report: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. White Bass - Fair: Small white bass are often reported at Sabula and Browns lakes. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Bluegill - Fair: Late winter is usually when the bluegill bite really picks up. Paddlefish - Fair: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 6.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.6 feet at Camanche and 5.5 feet at LeClaire. Expect levels to be stable. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Fair: Use a jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows. Poor weather conditions have limited fishing activity. Bluegill - No Report:  Anglers are fishing all the usual spots, Joyces Lake Rock Creek and Cattail Slough. Yellow Perch - No Report: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.3 feet and is excepted to stabilize. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

The tailwater are starting to open up a bit. Floating ice is an issue at most ramps. Ice fishing is going on throughout the district at the normal locations. When weather is nice, we have lots of anglers out. Water levels are dropping throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Deteriorating ice conditions with lots of standing water on top of the ice; use extreme caution. Black Crappie - Slow: Find structure in the east side of lake near the dam. Use electronics to find suspended fish using a jig and waxworm. The few crappie caught are quality size.

Martens Lake
Fishing reports had been good on Sweet Marsh for crappie and bluegill, but conditions may be difficult for access now.

Fishing reports are very few with the recent warm weather and snow melt. Use extreme caution as ice conditions will deteriorate fast with high water and a warm extended forecast. Trout streams remain high and muddy. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.8 feet at Lansing and predicted to rise to 11.2 feet next week. Avoid ice on shoreline edges and areas of current. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike spawn is starting; the fish are on the pre-spawn bite. Set tip-ups in shallow backwater lakes to catch fish moving into spawning areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Slow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows. Black Crappie - Fair: Use glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 17.5 feet at Lynxville and expected to reach 21.8 feet next week. Avoid areas of current and shorelines. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike spawn is starting; the fish are on the pre-spawn bite. Set tip-ups in shallow backwater lakes to catch fish moving into spawning areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.6 feet at Guttenberg expected to rise to 12.9 feet next week. Boat ramps are still closed as there is a lot of ice on the channel. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike spawn is starting; the fish are on the pre-spawn bite. Set tip-ups in shallow backwater lakes to catch fish moving into spawning areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill bite is best mid to late morning and again late afternoon until sunset. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use chartreuse jigs tipped with a small minnow. Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has picked up this week. Try glow jigs tipped with minnows from mid-morning to early afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on tip-ups in the deeper backwater cuts; use larger active minnows.

Upper Mississippi River levels are on the rise with recent rain and snow melt. Ice conditions are deteriorating fast. Ice over areas of current is unsafe to cross.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 15.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 17.8 feet at the RR bridge. This is up from last week and it is expected to be rise significantly. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs with waxworms. Usually late winter bluegill fishing picks up quite a bit. Water seeping in along edges will be an issue for anglers wanting to get on the ice sheets. Black Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught on waxworms. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels are 16.1 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and expected to rise significantly. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 34 degrees. The Bellevue City boat ramp is open, but there is floating ice.The north ramp and parking area at Sabula is open after bridge construction. Sauger - Good: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. Flooding will adversely affect sauger fishing this week. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch are being caught mixed in with bluegills and crappies. Bigger yellow perch are usually caught in late winter. Bluegill - Fair: Late winter is usually when the bluegill bite really picks up. Water seeping in along edges will adversely affect ice fishing this week. Paddlefish - Fair: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 16.9 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 18.7 feet at Camanche and 11.7 feet at LeClaire. Expect levels to rise significantly into minor to moderate flood levels. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. Sauger - Fair: Use a jig and minnow or three way rigs with minnows. Rising water will adversely affect tailwater fishing this week. Bluegill - No Report: Water seeping in along edges will adversely affect ice fishing this week. Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is open. Please review paddlefish regulations before trying to snag for them.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 11.5 feet and is excepted to rise into major flood levels. Water clarity is poor. The water temperature is around 35 degrees. No fishing has been reported to us in Pool 15. 

Expect a seven foot rise in water level this week and then it may stabilize. Flood stages will vary in the district from action to major flooding. Floating ice is an issue at most ramps. Ice fishing will be adversely affected by high water, especially along the edges of the backwater ice. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Levels are stabilizing with excellent clarity. Anglers are seeing a nice variety of fish in the creel. Channel Catfish - Good: Use dead chubs fished in the impoundments or slack water areas. Keep your bait on the river bottom. Walleye - Fair: A few keeper size walleyes are taking bait. Try a jig tipped with a nightcrawler. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are hitting spoons, crankbaits and hooks tipped with dead chubs below dams and slack water areas. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallies are starting t to show up. Use crankbaits for best luck.

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition. Many gravel roads remain in rough shape; watch for soft spots, especially in parking lots. Catchable trout stocking season is in full swing; trucks will stock as many spots as possible. Check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar  or call the stocking number at 563-927- 5736 to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Good: Nice blue wing olive and a few minor caddis flies are hatching mid-afternoon. Fish are hitting just below the surface; nymph fishing might work best. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a minnow or worm under a bobber. Try also a leach pattern. Brook Trout - Good: Midges are hatching on sunny afternoons. If trout are chasing minnows at tails of riffles, try using a streamer or minnow imitating lure.

Lake Hendricks
Fish shallow bays and along rocky shorelines later in the day. Black Crappie - Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber near brush piles or sunny shoreline. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook tipped with a small piece of worm or left over waxies under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with plastic twister tail or jerkbait will catch a hungry bass.

Lake Meyer
Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Catches rate vary with the changing weather patterns. Clarity is about 5 feet. Water temperature is mid-50s. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm around brush or logs in the water. Black Crappie - Good: Try small plastic lures fished in shallow rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or jerkbaits work well. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are in the shallows spawning now. Try swimbaits, spoons or a hook baited with a minnow.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels and flows are slowly falling. Clarity is excellent. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or shallow water crankbait in the slack water areas below dams. White Sucker - Good: Try a worm fished off the bottom. Suckers become more active when the water warms in the 50s.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flows remain high, but levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Find water level information at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. White Sucker - Fair: Suckers are starting to bite. Use a worm fished on bottom. You might have to use a bit more weight to keep the line down with the high flows. Walleye - Good: A variety of lures will catch a pre-spawn walleye. Fish slack water below dams or off-channel areas. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Flows are high; river levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Water temperature is in the low 50's. Walleye - Good: Walleye are biting. Try jigs tipped with a minnow or crankbaits. White Sucker - Good: Use a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or nightcrawlers. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are hitting dead chubs or suckers.

Volga Lake
Concentrate efforts along the shore and shallow warmer water. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes under a bobber in shallow areas. Black Crappie - Good: Try a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber in shallow bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and jigs tipped with a variety of plastics will hook a bass.

Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Mixed precipitation through Friday with temperatures in the low 40's and breezy. Area streams and rivers levels are relatively stable with excellent clarity. Warming trend next week. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers are doing very well on walleye and channel catfish; smallmouth bass and northern pike have been only fair in Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Try also artificial spinnerbaits. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve large artificial baits or spoons. Try also floating a live shiner or sucker under a bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are doing well on catfish using cut baits fished on the bottom.

Heritage Pond
Heritage Pond will be stocked with trout this Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout.

Manchester District Streams
Manchester trout streams remain in excellent condition, but access to some are in sloppy condition. Little Mill Creek in Jackson County will not be stocked for at least two weeks due to poor roads. Richmond Springs in Backbone State Park can be accessed through the north entrance only.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Good reports of walleye being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie in the canal at Sweet Marsh. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. White Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

North Prairie Lake
North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout this Saturday, April 13 at 11 a.m. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Anglers are catching walleye on the Shell Rock River. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the Wapsipinicon River. Walleye - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Walleye are in pre-spawn mode and on the move.

Good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Rain is forecast for the next couple of days, so check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 16.9 feet at Lansing and is expected to stay near this level. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 26.8 feet at Lynxville and is expected to bump up slightly. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 17.9 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to rise to 19.1 feet next week. Water temperature is 44 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Upper Mississippi river levels have crested and are slowly starting to recede; rains will cause levels to rise again. Due to flooding, navigation is not recommended and any boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced; water temperature is near 46 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are finally receding this week, but are still in moderate flood levels. Levels are 20.2 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 21.7 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 42 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded or have debris on them. Sauger - Good: Anglers are using a jig and minnows; fishing was good, even though water was flooding. Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to start to feed heavily now they are almost done spawning.

Mississippi River Pool 13
As of April 9th, the Bellevue City Boat ramp is temporarily closed due to flooding. Water level is 19.8 feet at Lock and Dam 12 and is receding. This level is still in moderate flood stage. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 46 degrees. Sauger - Good: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow. They are generally very tight to the bank in high water levels. Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to start feeding heavily now they are almost done spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels have crested and are expected to recede. Water levels are near 20.7 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 21.8 feet at Camanche and 15.1 feet at LeClaire. These are all at major flood levels. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 47 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. Sauger - Good: If you can find a launch spot, sauger and walleye are being caught on jig and minnows very close to the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels have crested and should start to recede. The water level is near 20.5 feet, which is at a major flood threat. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 47 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. 

Most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding. Water levels have crested and will start to recede, but we continue to be in moderate to major flood levels throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS 

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Levels are stabilizing with excellent clarity. Anglers are seeing a nice variety of fish in the creel. Channel Catfish - Good: Use dead chubs fished in the impoundments or slack water areas. Keep your bait on the river bottom. Walleye- Good: Try a jig tipped with a minnow or ring worms. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are hitting spoons, crankbaits and hooks tipped with dead chubs below dams and slack water areas. The bite is slowing. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallies are starting to show up; use crankbaits.

Decorah District Streams 
Turkey season is in full swing. Avoid wearing blue, white, and red colors; hunters key in on these. Gravel roads remain in rough shape; watch for soft spots, especially in parking lots. Hatchery trucks are stocking as many spots as possible. Check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar  or call the stocking number at 563-927- 5736 to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Good: Good caddis fly hatches are occurring mid-afternoon. Fish are hitting just below the surface; nymph fishing might work best. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a minnow or worm under a bobber. Try also a leach pattern. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of insects are hatching throughout the day. Matching the hatch is key. On clear streams, use care not to be seen.

Lake Hendricks
The lake has a brown tint to it. Fish shallow bays and along rocky shorelines later in the day and early morning. Black Crappie - Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber near brush piles or sunny shores. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook tipped with a small piece of worm or left over waxies under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Jigs tipped with plastic twister tail or jerkbait will catch a hungry bass. Channel Catfish - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a nightcrawler around the rocky shores with wind-blown material. 

Lake Meyer 
Anglers are catching a variety of fish. Catches rate vary with the changing weather patterns. Clarity is about 15 feet. Water temperature is in the low 60's. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm around rocky shores. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small plastic lures or hair jigs fished shallow around submersed logs. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crankbaits or jerkbaits work well. Northern Pike - Slow: Find pike in shallow bays. Try swimbaits, spoons or a hook baited with a minnow.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels and flows are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Walleye - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or shallow water crankbait in the slack water areas below dams. White Sucker - Good: Try a worm fished off the bottom. Suckers become more active when the water warms in the 50's.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flows remain high, but levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Find water level information at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. White Sucker - Excellent: Suckers are biting; use a worm fished on bottom. You might have to use a bit more weight to keep the line down with the high flows. Walleye - Good: A variety of lures will catch walleye. Fish slack water below dams or off-channel areas. 

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Flows are high; river levels are stabilizing. Clarity is excellent. Water temperature is in the low 50's. Walleye - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow or crankbaits. White Sucker - Excellent: Use a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or nightcrawlers. Northern Pike - Slow: Pike are hitting dead chubs or suckers. Yellow Perch - Slow: Use nightcrawlers or red worms. 

Volga Lake 
Concentrate efforts along the shore and shallow warmer water. Boat docks are in. Bluegill - Slow: Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or spikes under a bobber in shallow areas. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber in shallow bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and jigs tipped with a variety of plastics will hook a bass.

Good reports of fish biting continue throughout the district. Storms on Thursday and Saturday, with temperatures highs in the 50's and lows in the 30's. Area streams and rivers levels are relatively stable with excellent clarity. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Smallmouth bass and northern pike are hitting well on warmer days. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Try also artificial spinnerbaits. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve large artificial baits or spoons. Try also floating a live shiner or sucker under a bobber. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are doing well on catfish using cut baits fished on the bottom.

George Wyth Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Cast artificial baits or spoons.

Green Belt Lake
Anglers are catching largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Try also crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Lake Delhi
There have been a few reports of anglers catching crappie on Lake Delhi. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Manchester District Streams 
Manchester trout streams remain in excellent condition, but access to some are in sloppy condition. Richmond Springs in Backbone State Park can be accessed through the north entrance only.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of walleye being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. 

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie in the canal at Sweet Marsh. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. White Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve various colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

North Prairie Lake
Anglers are doing well catching trout; the lake was stocked on April 13. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy artificial lures or jigs.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Anglers are catching walleye and northern pike on the Shell Rock River. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Northern Pike - Fair: Cast and retrieve large artificial baits or spoons. Try also floating a live shiner or chub under a bobber.

South Prairie Lake
Bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are moving shallow as temperatures increase. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Try also crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a small piece of nightcrawler under a slip bobber at various depths to find bluegill. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast colored tube jigs or float a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports of anglers catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Wapsipinicon River. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. 
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler. Try also artificial spinnerbaits.

Good reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the interior rivers. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.
 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS IOWA WISCONSIN ILLINOIS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 17.7 feet at Lansing and is expected to crest at 17.9 feet on Friday. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use light tackle fished in the flooded trees. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 28.5 feet at Lynxville and is expected to crest at 28.8 feet on Friday. Water temperature is 46 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 19.5 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to crest at 19.7 feet on Friday. Water temperature is 44 degrees. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning; the bite has slowed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam.

Upper Mississippi River levels are very high and continue to rise. but are expected to crest this weekend. Forecasts for rain may increase the crest height. Navigation is not recommended due to flooding. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced; water temperature is near 46 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are rising and will again be at major flood levels. Levels are 20.7 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 22 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 52 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded or have debris on them. Northern Pike - No Report: Northern pike are done spawning and should bite along flooded shorelines. They are active feeders once the spawn is over. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 13
As of April 25, the Bellevue City Boat ramp is temporarily closed due to flooding; expect it to stay closed for a week or more. Water level is 19.4 feet at Lock and Dam 12 and is rising. Levels will once again enter major flood stages. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is 53 degrees. Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to start feeding heavily now they are done spawning. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank. Largemouth Bass - Good: Deep clear flooded areas like Spring Lake have been good.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are near 19 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 20.1 feet at Camanche and 13.2 feet at LeClaire. Levels will enter major flood stages this week. The water temperature is around 54 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 18.4 feet and are rising. This level is still at a major flood threat. Water clarity is good. The water temperature is around 45 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding; check ahead if you are traveling to a boat ramp. Water levels are once again rising, and will be in major flood levels throughout the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stabilizing, but remain elevated with high flows. Water clarity is poor. Water temperatures are in the mid-50's. Use caution when boating in higher flows. Visit the USGS Current Conditions website for more on water levels. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs fished in the impoundments or shallow slack water areas. Keep your bait on the river bottom. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow or ring worms. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Crankbaits will tempt a smallie.

Decorah District Streams
Water clarity varies by stream, but most can be fished. Fishing is the only activity allowed on private property open to fishing; all other activities are prohibited. Check the 2019 trout stream stocking calendar  or call the stocking number at 563-927- 5736 to find out when your favorite trout stream will be stocked. Brown Trout - Good: Off-color water from rains drive brown trout crazy. A spinnerbait or subsurface nymph work well. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use cheese or a piece of worm under a bobber for best luck with a spinning rod. Brook Trout - Good: A variety of insects are hatching throughout the day. Matching the hatch is key. On clear streams, use care not to be seen.

Lake Hendricks
The lake is up about a foot with about 3 feet visibility. Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. Fish shallow bays and along rocky shores later in the day and early morning. Black Crappie - Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber near brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook tipped with a a left over waxworm or spike under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are on beds. Use jigs tipped with plastic twister tails or jerkbait. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a piece of worm or cheese around the rocky shores with wind-blown material. 

Lake Meyer
Water temperatures cooled this week with temperatures in the upper 50's. Conditions should improve with warmer temperatures and sunshine. Lake levels are up and clarity is fair. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm around rocky shores. Black Crappie - Good: Try small plastic lures or hair jigs fished around shallow submersed logs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or jerkbaits work well. Northern Pike - Fair: Find pike in shallow bays. Try crankbaits, spoons or a hook tipped with cut bait.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are falling, but remain elevated with high current. Water temperatures are in the mid-50's with poor water quality.Paddling is not recommended. Walleye - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or shallow water crankbait in the slack water and eddies below dams. White Sucker - Fair: Try a worm fished off the bottom. Water temperatures in the 50’s turns on the suckers.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling, but remain up about 1 feet and dirty. Flows are high. Paddling is not recommended. Water temperatures are in the mid-50's. Visit the USGS Current Conditions website for more on water levels. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallmouth bass are spawning. When the water clears, bass can be seen guarding nests.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling, but remain up about 2 feet with high flows. Clarity is poor. Paddling is not recommended. Water temperatures are in the mid-50's. Smallmouth Bass - Slow. Walleye - Slow: A variety of lures work for walleye. Fish the slack water and eddies below dams and off channel areas. Golden Redhorse - Good: Redhorse are hitting worms fished on the bottom. Use just enough weight to keep the bait down, but you can still feel the strike.

Volga Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 50s with about 3 feet clarity. Concentrate efforts along rocky shores and shallow warmer water. Bluegill - Fair: Shallow bays and rocky areas are holding bluegills. Black Crappie - Good: Try a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber or tube jig in deeper water out from shallow rocks. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and spinnerbaits fished in shallow bays will hook a bass. Bass are on spawning beds.

Yellow River
The Yellow River is up about a foot with high current and muddy. Paddling is not recommended. Fishing the Yellow River by canoe or kayak is the only legal way to fish without landowner permission. Brown Trout - Slow: Use a spinnerbait or crankbait fished in the slack water eddies and limestone ledges.

Chance of rain through the weekend. Otherwise, spring-like weather for the weekend with temperatures ranging from low 80's to low 50's. Recent rainfall over saturated ground caused rivers and streams to rise and turn muddy. Most have crested but remain dirty. Trout streams are clearing fairly fast and should be ready to fish by the weekend. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
 

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill have moved in shallow for spawning. Try a piece of worm under a slip bobber or cast and retrieving a 1/16 oz. jig. Fly rods also work well during spawn. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish fishing is good throughout the day and excellent after sunset. Use livers, cut baits or stink bait fished on the bottom. Black Crappie - Good: Try a crappie minnow under a slip bobber off of structure for quality 10-12 inch crappie.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River remains high and turbid; no reports at this time.Walleye - Slow. Smallmouth Bass - Slow. Channel Catfish - Fair.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa remains high, but is dropping. Fishing should improve by the upcoming weekend, if the rain holds off. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Slow.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)|
The Shell Rock River remains high and turbid; no reports at this time. Channel Catfish – Slow. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Walleye – Slow.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River remains high and turbid; no reports at this time.

The spring, early summer weather has not been ideal fishing conditions. Interior rivers remain high and turbid. Lakes are producing area catches of bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass. Trout streams are in good to excellent conditions. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS NORTHEAST IOWA

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level has risen to 16 feet at Lansing is predicted to remain there this week. Water temperature is 61 degrees.Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial baits in the flooded shorelines in areas out of the current. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use light tackle fished in the flooded trees. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Use light tackle tipped with a small piece of worm in areas away from current. Northern Pike - Good: Try artificial baits attached to a leader in backwaters with clearer water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are feeding just before the spawn. Try golden shiners or small bluegill on heavy tackle in deep channel areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom along main channel borders. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is has risen to 26.2 feet at Lynxville with a slight rise before leveling off this week. Sny Magill ramp is still closed. Water temperature is 62 degrees. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial baits in the flooded shorelines in areas out of the current. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow or a hair jig in side channels. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Use light tackle tipped with a small piece of worm in areas away from current. Northern Pike - Good: Try artificial baits attached to a leader in backwaters with clearer water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are feeding just before the spawn. Try golden shiners or small bluegill on heavy tackle in deep channel areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom along main channel borders. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level has risen to 17.4 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to remain at this level for some time. Water temperature is 58 degrees. City ramp and Mud Lake and Finley ramps are still closed. Yellow Perch - Fair: Try light tackle tipped with minnows fished near shore along marina areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use weedless artificial baits in the flooded shorelines in areas out of the current. Sauger - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with minnows close to shore in flooded areas. Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow or a hair jig in side channels. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite has picked up. Use light tackle tipped with a small piece of worm in areas away from current. Northern Pike - Fair: Try artificial baits attached to a leader in backwaters with clearer water. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are feeding just before the spawn. Try golden shiners or small bluegill on heavy tackle in deep channel areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom along main channel borders. 

Upper Mississippi River levels will rise slightly before cresting this week due to recent heavy rainfall. Levels will remain high throughout the week. Many boat ramps are still under water and covered in flood debris. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Fishing has picked up this week with warmer water temperatures. Water clarity is reduced. Water temperature is near 61 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are expected to crest before leveling off this week. Levels are 18.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 20.4 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 64 degrees. Many boat ramps still have flood debris on them. Northern Pike - Fair: Some northern pike are being caught on flashy lures along the flooded shoreline edges. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish bite is best in flooded conditions. Fish near bank with stink bait or worms.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is rising and is 18.3 feet at Lock and Dam 12 and predicted to crest this week, but will remain high. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is 64 degrees. Most boat ramps are closed or have debris on them, but the Bellevue City Ramp is back open. Northern Pike - Good: Northerns are biting on flashy lures fished along the shoreline edges. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank. Largemouth Bass - Good: Deep clear flooded areas like Spring Lake have been good. Green Island wildlife area might also hold some bass this year. Walleye - Good: Even in flooded conditions, some walleye are being caught.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are rising and are near 18.4 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 19.8 feet at Camanche and 13.5 feet at LeClaire. Levels are predicted to rise about a foot before leveling off. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 64 degrees. Many boat ramps will have flood debris on them. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are rising and are near 19.6 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is fair. The water temperature is around 64 degrees. Boat ramps are flooded or will have debris on them. Common Carp - Good: Shallow flooded areas with lots of sun is a recipe for bowfishing carp. Please do not dispose of the carp on the bank.

Some flooding is still occurring throughout the district; many boat ramps are closed or will have debris on them. Water levels are predicted to rise again before cresting this week. Levels will remain high this week. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas frozen. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie.

Decorah District Streams
Stocked fish remain in streams through the winter creating excellent angling opportunities. Trout streams with good flows stay open even during winter. Second shotgun deer season closes Sunday; wear bright orange and be visible to hunters. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. Brook Trout - Good: With fewer insect hatches, try using flies imitating minnows such as a wholly bugger.

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 6 inches of ice with a skiff of snow on top. Water has a brown tint to it. Open water around the aerator. Not safe for ice fishing. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom.

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 5 inches of ice. Hit or miss action on panfish, but no limits yet. Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm around brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Volga Lake has about 6 inches of ice. Use care when going on ice; check depths often. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Great weekend weather to go ice fishing. Low 40's for highs to low 20's for lows. Many rivers have areas of open water. Use care when around areas with current. Most area lakes have about 5 inches of ice. Trout streams are good to excellent. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Alice Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching panfish on Alice Wyth Lake, but size structure is small. Bluegill - Fair: Try vertical jigging with an ice jig tipped with a spike or waxworm. Black Crappie - Fair: Try vertical jigging with an ice jig tipped with a spike or waxworm or fish a dead stick with a live minnow tipped on a jig.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
No reports on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer counties this past week. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Horton Pond
Anglers are fishing Horton Pond, but there are no catch reports. Bluegill - No Report: Try vertical jigging with an ice jig tipped with a spike or waxworm.

Manchester District Streams
Most streams have great populations of wild brown trout and catchable stocked rainbow trout.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
No reports this past week on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Martens Lake
Reports of anglers catching some bluegill ice fishing Martens Lake early morning; sorting may be needed. Bluegill - Fair: Try vertical jigging with an ice jig tipped with a spike or waxworm.

North Prairie Lake
Reports of anglers catching some trout out of North Prairie Lake. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try vertical jigging with a small flashy jig tipped with or without a waxworm.

Plainfield
Anglers are fishing Plainfield Lake, but there are no catch reports. Bluegill - No Report: Try vertical jigging with an ice jig tipped with a spike or waxworm.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No reports this past week on the Shell Rock River in Bremer and Butler counties. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County this past week. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve or troll crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Ice flows on the interior rivers are stopping any reports right now. Second shotgun deer season again this weekend; wear orange if at all possible if out fishing. Lakes and ponds are just starting to lay down some good ice, but the extended seven day forecast may deteriorate that quickly. Use extreme caution if ice fishing throughout this warm-up. All trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS Pools 9-15

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 8.9 feet at Lansing and expected to continue to fluctuate slightly this week. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters; ice fishing is not recommended until the ice strengthens. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Vertical jigging with twister tails or jig tipped with minnows has had the most success in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 616.9 feet at Lynxville and expected to rise slightly this week. The ramp at Lynxville may be difficult to use because of ice flows. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters; ice fishing is not recommended until the ice strengthens. Water temperature is 34 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 8.4 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to continue to rise slightly then level out this week. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters; ice fishing is not recommended until the ice strengthens. The DNR ramp has iced in, but make breakup with warmer weather. The city ramp may be difficult to use because of ice flows. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice.

Upper Mississippi River levels have fallen, but some fluctuation is occurring this week. Many of the roller gates are now down which will help stabilize tailwater areas. A lot of new ice is flowing down the channel which will make fishing difficult; some ramps are starting to ice in. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters with reports of up to 4 inches. Caution is recommend ice fishing until the ice strengthens. Areas of current do not have safe ice. Water temperature is 32 degrees

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 7.5 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to hold steady over the next week. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater has been mostly iced in or has had ice flows. It may become accessible with expected warmer temperatures. Sauger - Good: Tailwater sauger fishing has most anglers are using a jig and minnow. Lots of small sauger and small walleye are being reported. The tailwater may open up with warmer temperatures this weekend. Black Crappie - Fair: Backwater ice has just started and is marginal. Some crappies are being caught. Walleye - Fair: Most anglers are pulling crank baits in the tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are starting to show up in the ice fishing creel. Bluegill - Slow: Most bluegill fishing has been slow, but some experienced anglers are finding fish.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 7.9 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is steady. The water temperature is 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. Tailwaters experienced significant ice flows at times, but is presently ice free. Sauger - Good: Most anglers are using a jig and minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being reported by anglers pulling double Rapalas or a floating jig head with a minnow. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 6.2 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.2 feet at Camanche and 5.1 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 33 degrees. River levels are expected to rise slightly next week. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being taken on double Rapala rigs. Sauger - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. Lots of small fish reported. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are 7 feet at Rock Island and will fall this week. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwaters were receiving high fishing pressure, but some ice flows are occurring. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas are frozen. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie.

Decorah District Streams
Stocked fish remain in streams through the winter creating excellent angling opportunities. Trout streams with good flows stay open even during winter. Check our 2020 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule to find out when trout may be coming to a community near you. Wear bright orange and be visible to hunters when fishing wildlife management areas. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. Brook Trout - Good: With fewer insect hatches, try using flies imitating minnows such as a wholly bugger.

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 5 inches of ice with water sitting on top. Water has a brown tint to it. Open water around the aerator. Not safe for ice fishing. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom.

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 5 inches of ice. Hit or miss action on panfish, but no limits yet. Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm around brush piles. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Volga Lake has about 6 inches of ice. Use care when going on ice; check depths often. Warmer temperatures are melting surface ice, causing extra slippery conditions. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Great weather continues through the week to go ice fishing. Low 40's for highs to low 20's for lows. Ice conditions can change quickly with warmer daytime temperatures. Many rivers have areas of open water. Use care when around areas with current. Most area lakes have about 5 inches of ice. Trout streams are good to excellent. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
No reports on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer counties this past week. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Manchester District Streams
Most streams have great populations of wild brown trout and catchable stocked rainbow trout.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
No reports this past week on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
No reports this past week on the Shell Rock River in Bremer and Butler counties. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County this past week. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve crankbaits or use jig and minnow near instream habitat or deeper overwintering areas.

Anglers are taking back to the interior rivers for walleye fishing. Ice conditions have quickly deteriorated with the recent warm weather; ice fishing is not recommended. . All trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS 9-15

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.4 feet at Lansing and expected to fluctuate slightly this week. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters; ice fishing is not recommended until the ice strengthens. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Vertical jigging with twister tails or jig tipped with minnows has had the most success in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 618.1 feet at Lynxville and expected to rise slightly before leveling off. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters; ice fishing is not recommended until the ice strengthens. Water temperature is 34 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen more than a foot to 10 feet and is expected to level out this week. Ice is just starting to form on backwaters; ice fishing is not recommended until the ice strengthens. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice.

Upper Mississippi River levels have risen slightly and are fluctuating this week. Many of the roller gates are now down; this will help stabilize tailwater areas. A lot of new ice is flowing down the channel which will make fishing difficult; some ramps are starting to ice in. Caution is recommend when ice fishing until the ice strengthens. Areas of current do not have safe ice. Water temperature is 32 degrees

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10.4 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque were expected to rise early week then start to recede. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. Tailwater fishing is taking place, but periodic ice flows are occurring. Backwater ice is marginal for ice fishing within Pool 12. Sauger - Good: Tailwater sauger fishing has most anglers using a jig and minnow. Lots of small sauger and small walleye are being reported. The tailwater may open up with warmer temperatures this weekend. Black Crappie - Fair: Backwater ice is marginal. Some crappies are being caught. Walleye - Fair: Most anglers are pulling crank baits in the tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch have shown up in the ice fishing creel. Bluegill - Slow: Most bluegill fishing has been slow, but some experienced anglers are finding fish. Ice is marginal. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is around 8.5 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water level will rise early week and then recede again. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. Tailwater fishing is taking place, but periodic ice flows are occurring. Backwater ice is marginal for ice fishing. Sauger - Good: Most anglers are using a jig and minnow. Walleye - Good: Some walleyes are being reported by anglers pulling double Rapalas or a floating jig head with a minnow. Bluegill - No Report: Ice thickness is marginal at best for ice fishing.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 7.5 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 11 feet at Camanche and 6 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 34 degrees. River levels were expected to rise early week then recede again. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being taken on double Rapala rigs. Sauger - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. Lots of small fish reported. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are around 8.2 feet at Rock Island and is expected to recede. The water temperature is around 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwaters are receiving high fishing pressure, but some ice flows are occurring at times. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas are frozen, but may lose ice quickly depending on weather. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie.

Decorah District Streams
Stocked fish remain in streams through the winter creating excellent angling opportunities. Trout streams with good flows stay open even during winter. Check our 2020 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule to find out when trout may be coming to a community near you. Wear bright orange and be visible to hunters when fishing wildlife management areas. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. Brook Trout - Good: With fewer insect hatches, try using flies imitating minnows such as a wholly bugger.

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 4 inches of ice with water sitting on top. Ice is turning dark. Water has a brown tint to it. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom.

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 6-8 inches of ice. Water is sitting on top of the ice. Ice is turning dark. Use care when going on ice; check depths often. Hit or miss action on panfish. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm around brush piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Ice on Volga Lake is melted around the edges. Ice fishing is not recommended. Warmer temperatures are melting surface ice, causing extra slippery conditions. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Rain last weekend caused many rivers and streams to rise and get muddy. Trout streams cleared. High water levels and increased flows can cause ice conditions to deteriorate very quickly. Area lakes have about 3-5 inches of ice. Use care when around areas with current. Winter returns with temperatures in the low 30's for highs to low 20's for lows. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS NE IOWA/WISCONSIN

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.1 feet at Lansing and is expected to fluctuate slightly this week. Ice is variable on backwaters due to warm weather and snow cover. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Vertical jigging with twister tails or jig tipped with minnows has had the most success in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 617.7 feet at Lynxville. Ice is variable on backwaters due to warm weather and snow cover. Water temperature is 34 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.4 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to fluctuate this week. Ice fishing is not recommended due to warm weather and snow cover. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; ice is not safe. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice.

Upper Mississippi River levels have risen slightly and are fluctuating this week. Many of the roller gates are now down; this will help stabilize tailwater areas.Use caution if ice fishing due to warmer weather and snow cover making poor ice conditions. Areas of current do not have safe ice. Water temperature is 32 degrees

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 9 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 11.2 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to rise. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. Limited tailwater angling is happening. Sauger - Slow: Tailwater sauger fishing has most anglers using a jig and minnow. Lots of small sauger and small walleye are being reported. Some ice flows are occurring. Walleye - Fair: Most anglers are pulling crank baits in the tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch have shown up in the ice fishing creel. Bluegill - No Report: Most ice is in poor condition limiting ice fishing.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 10.3 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water level will rise. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. Tailwater fishing is taking place, but periodic ice flows are happening. Backwater ice is nearly non-existent. Sauger - Good: Most anglers are using a jig and minnow. Walleye - Good: Some walleyes are being reported by anglers pulling double Rapalas or a floating jig head with a minnow. Bluegill - No Report: Ice thickness is marginal at best for ice fishing.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 9.6 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 12.5 feet at Camanche and 7.2 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 34 degrees. River levels are expected to rise. Tailwater fishing is taking place, but no ice fishing is being reported; ice is unsafe. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being taken on double Rapala rigs. Sauger - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. A few nice sauger have been reported in the past few weeks.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 10.5 feet at Rock Island and is expected to rise. The water temperature is around 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwaters are receiving high fishing pressure, but some ice flows are happening at times. Water is rising slightly. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas have about 4-6 inches of ice. Ice conditions may worsen with warmer temperatures. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Find deeper off-channel areas. Spikes or waxworms tipped on a small jig work well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are finding walleye. Use jigs tipped with a ringworm minnow or crawler. 

Decorah District Streams
Stocked fish remain in streams through the winter creating excellent angling opportunities. Trout streams with good flows stay open even during winter. Check our 2020 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule to find out when trout may be coming to a community near you. Wear bright orange and be visible to hunters when fishing wildlife management areas. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching.

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 4-8 inches of ice. Fish activity has slowed. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom.

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 6-8 inches of ice. Use care when going on ice, especially around the dam. Check ice depths often. Hit or miss action on panfish. Fish are hanging in 10-14 feet of water around brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Activity has picked up. Find gills around brush piles using a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Ice conditions are variable on Volga Lake depending on temperatures, but 4-6 inches is common. Use care when going on ice; check depths often. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Brief warm-up Thursday with temperatures in the mid-40's dropping through the weekend to the low 20's for highs. Rain and snow possible through the weekend with little accumulation. Open water on most rivers in main channel with backwaters frozen. Use care when around areas with current. Area lakes have about 3-8 inches of ice. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers are catching some walleye in the Cedar River, particularly between the Waverly and Cedar Falls section of the river. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig and plastic tipped with a minnow in deeper overwintering areas. Look for some depth and off-channel current breaks near eddies.

It's been a very unpredictable winter; ice fishing reports are few to none. Use extreme caution if ice fishing on lakes and ponds. Reports of anglers catching some walleye on the Cedar River this past week. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen to 9.8 feet and is expected to remain high this week. Ice is variable on backwaters due to warm weather and snow cover. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Vertical jigging with twister tails or jig tipped with minnows has had the most success in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville has risen to 619.3 feet and is expected to drop slightly. Ice is variable on backwaters due to warm weather and snow cover. Water temperature is 34 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish for perch through the ice in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 10.9 feet and is expected to remain high this week. Ice fishing is not recommended due to warm weather and snow cover. Water temperature is 32 degrees. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; ice is not safe. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice.

Upper Mississippi River levels are high, but are expected to level off this week. Tailwater areas will be difficult to fish with Lock & Dam gates open and heavy ice flows. Use caution if ice fishing due to warmer weather and snow cover making poor ice conditions. Areas of current do not have safe ice. Water temperature is 32 degrees

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 9.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 12 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to recede. The water temperature is 34 degrees. Water clarity is good. Major ice flows are occurring in the tailwater. Sauger - No Report: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice sized fish mixed in. Tailwater ice flows are limiting angling. Bluegill - No Report: Ice fishing is not recommended.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 11 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water level will recede. The water temperature is 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwaters are under heavy ice flows. Backwater ice fishing is not recommended. Sauger - No Report: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice sized fish mixed in. Tailwater ice flows are now limiting angling. Bluegill - No Report: Ice fishing is not recommended due to thin ice.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 9.8 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 13 feet at Camanche and 7.5 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 33 degrees. River levels are expected to recede. Tailwaters are receiving heavy ice flows; backwater ice fishing is not recommended due to thin ice. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being taken on double Rapala rigs. Sauger - Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. A few nice sauger have been reported in the past few weeks.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 10.6 feet at Rock Island and is expected to recede. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Ice flows are occurring in all tailwaters, limiting angling. Water is receding throughout the district. Backwater ice fishing is not yet recommended due to thin ice. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas have about 4-6 inches of ice. Four to 5 inches of snow fell early in the week with more predicted for the weekend. Ice conditions may worsen with warmer temperatures. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Find deeper off-channel areas. Spikes or waxworms tipped on a small jig work well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are finding walleye. Use jigs tipped with a ringworm minnow or crawler. 

Decorah District Streams
Parking areas in wildlife management areas are not plowed. Use care when parking on the roadside. Trout streams with good flows stay open even during winter. Check our 2020 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule to find out when trout may be coming to a community near you. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish are actively hitting the surface early afternoon. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching.

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 4-8 inches of ice. Four to 5 inches of snow fell early in the week, with more to come this weekend. Fish activity has slowed. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. A variety of sizes are being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom. Nine to 11 inch fish common. 

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 6-8 inches of ice. Three to 4 inches of snow fell early in the week, with more to come this weekend. Use care when going on ice, especially around the dam. Check ice depths often. Hit or miss action on panfish. Fish are hanging in 10-14 feet of water around brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are marking a lot of fish, but few bites. Find gills around brush piles using a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Ice conditions are variable on Volga Lake depending on temperatures, but 4-6 inches is common. Three to 5 inches of snow fell in the area, with more to come this weekend. Use care when going on ice; check ice depths often. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Winter is here. Snow is possible through the weekend with variable amounts. Area lakes have about 3-8 inches of ice. Open water on most rivers in main channel with backwaters frozen. Use care when around areas with current. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
A few reports of anglers ice fishing on Casey Lake. Best ice conditions on the lake are near the dam area. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

George Wyth Lake
There has been ice fishing activity on the lake. Reports of 4 to 6 inches of good ice cover. Use extreme caution, especially with the snow cover and upcoming winter storm. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

North Prairie Lake
Anglers are catching a few trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try fishing jigs tipped with a waxworm or vertically jigging shiny spoons.

There are no reports on the interior rivers; they are currently freezing over. Ice conditions should vastly improve over the next week with the freezing cold temperatures.  Use extreme caution on lakes and ponds, especially with the snow cover. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.8 feet at Lansing and is expected to remain stable near this level. Ice is around 6 inches in protected areas. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas; use caution near shorelines and areas with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 9 backwaters. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 17.2 feet at Lynxville and is expected to remain stable near this level. Ice is around 6 inches in protected areas. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas; use caution near shorelines and areas with current.  Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 10 backwaters. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.8 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to remain stable near this level. The DNR ramp has iced in and the city ramp may be iced in this weekend. Ice is around 6 inches in protected areas. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas; use caution near shorelines and areas with current. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; ice is not safe. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice.

Water levels have fallen and started to stabilize. Gates are back down at the Lock and Dams, but with expected snow and cold weather ramps may become frozen in soon. Protected backwaters areas have around 6 inches of ice, but thickness can vary and many areas may have unsafe ice. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas of thin ice; use caution near shorelines and areas with current.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas have about 8 to 10 inches of ice with 10 inches snow. Ice conditions may worsen with warmer temperatures. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Find deeper off-channel areas. Spikes or waxworms tipped on a small jig work well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are finding walleye. Use jigs tipped with a ringworm minnow or crawler. 

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams received 8 to 10 inches of snow. Parking areas in wildlife management areas are not plowed. Use care when parking on the roadside. Trout streams with good flows stay open even during winter. Check our 2020 Winter Community Trout Stocking Schedule to find out when trout may be coming to a community near you. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish are actively hitting the surface early afternoon. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. 

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 10 inches of ice with 8 to 10 inches of snow on top. Fish activity has slowed. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. A variety of sizes are being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom. Nine to 11 inch fish are common. 

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has 10 to 12 inches of ice with 8 to 10 inches of snow on top. Use care when going on ice, especially around the dam. Check ice depths often. Hit or miss panfish action. Fish are hanging in 10 to 12 feet of water around brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are marking a lot of fish, but few bites. Find gills around brush piles using a small jig tipped with a waxworm fished near the bottom. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice and snow covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Eight to 9 inches ice with 10 inches of snow on top. Use care when going on ice; check ice depths often. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Three to 5 inches snow fell Thursday with more possible. Use care on area rivers. Ice thickness varies on waterbodies with current. Area lakes have about 10 inches of ice with snow. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
A few reports of anglers ice fishing on Casey Lake. Best ice conditions on the lake are near the dam area. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

George Wyth Lake
There has been ice fishing activity on the lake. Reports of 4 to 6 inches of good ice cover. Use extreme caution, especially with the snow cover. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Plainfield
Anglers report only fair catches of panfish on Plainfield Lake this past week. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

There have been no reports on the interior rivers as they are mostly frozen over. Ice conditions have improved on some areas with the freezing cold temperatures last week. Use extreme caution on lakes and ponds, especially with the snow cover. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.9 feet at Lansing and is expected to remain stable near this level. Ice is around 6 to 10 inches in protected areas. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas; use caution near shorelines and areas with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 9 backwaters. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 18.6 feet at Lynxville and is expected to remain stable near this level. Ice is around 6 to 10 inches in protected areas. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas; use caution near shorelines and areas with current. Ice on Johnson Slough at Sny Magil is still not safe with thickness varying to less than 2 inches. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 10 backwaters. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. 

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 10.2 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to remain stable near this level. The DNR ramp has iced in and the city ramp may be iced in this weekend. Ice is around 6 inches in protected areas. Predicted cold weather should strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas; use caution near shorelines and areas with current. Walleye - Fair: A lot of smaller fish are being caught. Vertical jigging with twister tails or trolling crankbaits has been successful in Lock and Dams tailwaters. Sauger - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dams. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; ice is not safe. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice.

Water levels are fluctuating this week up to a foot higher. Gates are back down at the Lock and Dams. Colder weather will strengthen ice, but heavy snow could insulate areas of thin ice; use caution near shorelines and areas with current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 8.5 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 11.1 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to rise. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is fairly free of flowing ice, but boat ramps are iced in. Sauger - No Report: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice-sized fish mixed in. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 10.1 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is rising. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwaters are ice free, but the Bellevue City ramp has ice chunks floating around the ramp. Backwater ice fishing is improving; use caution. The popular ice fishing parking lot at Spring Lake in Illinois is closed this winter due to construction.  Sauger - No Report: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice-sized fish mixed in. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when fishing for bluegill. Some anglers targeted good numbers of yellow perch in early ice, but now are only catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 6.9 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.8 feet at Camanche and 5.6 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 32.5 degrees. River levels are expected to hold steady. The tailwater has been ice free, but finding a boat open boat ramp may be difficult. Sauger - No Report: Early winter catches were decent with lots of smaller sauger reported along with some real nice walleye and sauger taken. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills.  Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 15

Water level is around 8.5 feet at Rock Island and is expected to rise. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwater ice flows were limited this week but it will take some work to launch in icy tailwater ramps. Water levels are rising throughout the district. Backwater ice fishing conditions are improving; use caution, especially in snow covered sloughs. Reported backwater ice depths range from 2 to 7 inches. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas have about 8 to 10 inches of ice with 5 inches of snow. Ice conditions may worsen with warmer temperatures. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check ice depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Find deeper off-channel areas. Spikes or waxworms tipped on a small jig work well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are finding walleye. Use jigs tipped with a ringworm, minnow, or crawler. 

Decorah District Streams
Parking areas in wildlife management areas are not plowed. Heavy use areas should be packed enough for anglers to get around. Use care when parking on the roadside. Trout streams are clear and remain ice free. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish are actively hitting the surface early afternoon. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. 

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 10 inches of ice with 6 inches of snow on top. Fish activity has slowed. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. A variety of sizes are being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom. Nine to 11 inch fish are common. 

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has 10 inches of ice with 4 to 5 inches of snow on top. Use care when going on ice, especially around the dam. Check ice depths often. Hit or miss panfish action. Fish are hanging in 8 to 10 feet of water around brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are marking a lot of fish, but few bites. Find gills around brush piles using a small jig tipped with a waxworm fished near the bottom. Morning bite is best. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catching bass while fishing for panfish.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice and snow covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current.

Volga Lake
Eight to 9 inches ice with 10 inches of snow on top. Use care when going on ice; check ice depths often. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Chance of snow Thursday and Friday. Temperatures will warm through Sunday. Great time to take advantage of the weather. Use care on area rivers. Ice thickness varies on waterbodies with current. Area lakes have about 10 inches of ice with snow on top. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Alice Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie and bluegill. Bluegill - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Big Woods Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
A few reports of anglers ice fishing on Casey Lake. Best ice conditions on the lake are near the dam area. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Backwater areas of the Cedar River are producing some crappie. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto river ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

George Wyth Lake
There has been ice fishing activity on the lake. Reports of 4 to 6 inches of good ice. Use extreme caution, especially with the snow cover. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow. Northern Pike - Fair: Try setting up tip-up rigs with shiners for bait.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few bluegill and crappie. Access is available crossing the reservoir from the north side of the lake; use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Plainfield
Anglers report fair catches of panfish on Plainfield Lake this past week. Best bite is first light in morning and last hour before sunset. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Ice anglers are getting out now with the more favorable ice conditions on area lakes and ponds. Use extreme caution on lakes and ponds, especially with the snow cover. Reports have been fair for both bluegill and crappie. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 10.2 feet at Lansing. Protected backwaters have around 8 to 10 inches of ice. Ice conditions have deteriorated with a rise in river levels causing water on top of the ice and along shorelines. Yellow Perch - Good: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 9 backwaters. Black Crappie - Fair: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville rose to 620.2 feet and is expected to recede this week. Protected backwaters have around 8 to 10 inches of ice. Ice conditions have deteriorated with a rise in river levels causing water on top of the ice and along shorelines. Sny Magill road is flooded. Ice on Johnson Slough has deteriorated. Yellow Perch - Good: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 10 backwaters. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 11.8 feet this week. Boat ramps are all iced in. Protected backwaters have around 8 to 10 inches of ice. Ice conditions have deteriorated with an rise in river levels causing water on top of the ice and along shorelines. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; ice is not safe. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are expected to gradually recede after bumping up several feet last week. Many areas have water over the ice. Avoid poor ice conditions on shorelines and areas with current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 10.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 12.7 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to crest. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is fairly free of flowing ice, but boat ramps are iced in. Sauger - Fair: It takes some work to get into the tailwaters, but they are mostly open and can be fished. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when bluegill fishing. Some exceptional yellow perch creels were seen in early ice. Now anglers are only be catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills. Reports of some nice crappies. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 11.9 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is expected to crest. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is ice free. The city ramp has been open to boat launching. Lots of ice angling taking place, but anglers are reporting slush and water on top of the ice due to the recent river raise. The popular ice fishing parking lot at Spring Lake in Illinois is closed this winter due to construction.  Sauger - Fair: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice-sized fish mixed in. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when fishing for bluegill. Some anglers targeted good numbers of yellow perch in early ice, but now are only catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 8.5 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 11.7 feet at Camanche and 6.2 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 32.5 degrees. River levels are rising and expected to crest this week. The tailwater has been ice free, but finding an open boat ramp may be difficult. Ice anglers report slush and water on top of the ice from the river rise. Sauger - Fair: Early winter catches were decent with lots of smaller sauger reported along with some nice walleye and sauger taken. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills.  Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 9.3 feet at Rock Island and has been falling. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwaters are open, but ramps may have ice on them. Water levels fluctuated greatly this week. Backwater ice fishing conditions are variable; use caution, especially in snow-covered sloughs. Reported backwater ice depths are 2 to 7 inches. Water is often on top of the ice. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas have about 5 to 9 inches of ice with 5 inches of snow. Ice conditions may change with warmer temperatures. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check ice depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Find deeper off-channel areas. Spikes or waxworms tipped on a small jig work well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are finding walleye. Use jigs tipped with a ringworm, minnow, or crawler. 

Decorah District Streams
Parking lots in wildlife management areas are not plowed. Heavy use areas should be packed enough for anglers to get around. Use care when parking on the roadside. Trout streams are clear and remain ice free. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish are actively hitting the surface early afternoon. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. 

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 14 inches of ice with 6 inches of snow on top. Fish activity has slowed. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. A variety of sizes are being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom. Nine to 11 inch fish are common. 

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has 10 inches of ice with 4 to 5 inches of snow on top. Use care when going on ice, especially around the dam. Check ice depths often. Hit or miss panfish action. Fish are hanging in 8 to 10 feet of water around brush piles. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are marking a lot of fish, but few bites. Find gills around brush piles using a small jig tipped with a waxworm fished near the bottom. Morning bite is best. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catching bass while fishing for panfish.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice and snow covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are catching walleye in off-channel areas and drop-offs using minnows.

Volga Lake
Ten inches of ice with some snow on top. Use care when going on ice; check ice depths often. Fish action remains spotty. Black Crappie - Fair: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Chance of snow through the weekend; greater chance begins Saturday night. Temperatures are in the upper 20's to low 30's. Use care on area rivers. Ice thickness varies on waterbodies with current. Area lakes have about 10 inches of ice with snow on top. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Alice Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie and bluegill. Bluegill - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Big Woods Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappie. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Best ice conditions on the lake are near the dam area. Bluegill - Excellent: Quality size bluegill are being caught in the early morning hours in 10 to 11 feet of water or deeper and on structure. Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Backwater areas of the Cedar River are producing some crappie. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto river ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

George Wyth Lake
There has been ice fishing activity on the lake. Reports of 4 to 6 inches of good ice. Use extreme caution, especially with the snow cover. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure; use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow. Northern Pike - Fair: Try setting up tip-up rigs with shiners for bait.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few bluegill and crappie; reports are best for northern pike. Access is available crossing the reservoir from the north side of the lake; use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow. Northern Pike - Good: Use a live shiner or chub under a tip-up rig. 

Plainfield
Anglers report fair catches of panfish on Plainfield Lake this past week. Best bite is first light in morning and last hour before sunset. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Ice anglers are getting out now with the more favorable ice conditions on area lakes and ponds. Use extreme caution on lakes and ponds, especially with the snow cover. Reports have been fair for both bluegill and crappie. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has drop a foot to 9.2 feet. Protected backwaters have around 10 inches of ice. Ice conditions along the shorelines can be unstable due to dropping river levels. Yellow Perch - Good: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 9 backwaters. Black Crappie - Fair: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville dropped to 18.8 feet; a gradual fall is predicted this week. Protected backwaters have 10 inches of ice. Ice conditions along the shorelines can be unstable due to dropping river levels. Sny Magill road is closed due to flooding. Yellow Perch - Good: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 10 backwaters. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 11.8 feet this week. Boat ramps are all iced in. Protected backwaters have 10 inches of ice. Ice conditions along the shorelines can be unstable due to dropping river levels. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; unsafe ice. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Few reports of crappie mixed with bluegills fished through the ice. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice. 

Upper Mississippi River levels are expected to gradually recede after bumping up last week. Some ice flow is still occurring making access and fishing difficult below dams. Most areas have 7 to 10 inches of ice. Falling river levels will impact shoreline ice conditions. Avoid poor ice conditions on shorelines and areas with current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 10 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 12.3 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are receding. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is fairly free of flowing ice, but boat ramps are iced in. Ice anglers are reporting water and slush on top of the ice in many places. Sauger - Good: It takes some work to get into the tailwaters, but they are mostly open and can be fished. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips able to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when bluegill fishing. Some exceptional yellow perch creels were seen in early ice. Now anglers are only be catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills. Reports of some nice crappies. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 11.6 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is receding. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is ice free. The city ramp has been open. Ice fishing is taking place, but anglers are reporting slush and water on top of the ice and open edges in some backwaters.  Sauger - Good: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice-sized fish mixed in. Lock and Dam gates are open. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips able to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when fishing for bluegill. Some anglers targeted good numbers of yellow perch in early ice, but now are only catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Quite a few largemouth bass are being caught through the ice this year. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 9.9 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 12.8 feet at Camanche and 7.3 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 32.5 degrees. River levels are receding. The tailwater has been ice free, but finding an open boat ramp may be difficult. Ice anglers report slush and water on top of the ice and open edges in many places. Sauger - Fair: Early winter catches were decent with lots of smaller sauger reported along with some nice walleye and sauger taken. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips able to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills.  Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 10.3 feet at Rock Island and has been falling. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwaters are open, but ramps may have ice on them. Water levels are receding throughout the district. Backwater ice fishing conditions are variable; use caution, especially in snow-covered sloughs. Reported backwater ice depths are 1 to 7 inches. Water is often on top of the ice. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Backwaters and slack water areas have about 5 to 9 inches of ice with 5 inches of snow. Ice conditions may change with warmer temperatures. Use care when crossing areas with current. Check ice depths often. Anglers are finding fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find deeper water or off-channel refuges out of current. Use waxworms or spikes. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are finding a few perch mixed in with the crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Find deeper off-channel areas. Spikes or waxworms tipped on a small jig work well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers fishing below dams are finding walleye. Use jigs tipped with a ringworm, minnow or crawler. 

Decorah District Streams
Parking lots in wildlife management areas are not plowed. Heavy use areas should be packed enough for anglers to get around. Use care when parking on the roadside. Trout streams are clear and remain ice free. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching. Brown Trout - Good: Try a fly imitating small silvery fish. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish are actively hitting the surface early afternoon. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try a spinner in eddies and around structure. 

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has about 14 inches of ice with 10 inches of snow on top. Fish activity has slowed. Open water around the aerator; be careful around this area. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the ice. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Fish are suspended off the bottom. A variety of sizes are being caught. Bluegill - Slow: Use a baited hook; gills are sitting closer to the bottom. 

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has 10 inches of ice with 6 inches of snow on top. Use care when going on ice, especially around the dam. Check ice depths often. Hit or miss panfish action. Fish are hanging in 8 to 10 feet of water around brush piles. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are marking a lot of fish, but few bites. Find gills around brush piles using a small jig tipped with a waxworm fished near the bottom. Morning bite is best. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie are suspended above brush piles. Baited hooks work best. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Catching bass while fishing for panfish.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Backwaters and slack water areas are ice and snow covered. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on Vernon Springs impoundment when covered with ice. Water is crystal clear. Check ice depths often, especially where there is current. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are catching walleye in off-channel areas and drop-offs using minnows.

Volga Lake
Ten inches of ice with some snow on top. Use care when going on ice; check ice depths often. Fish action remains spotty. Black Crappie - Slow: Use waxworms or spikes fished in brush or rock piles. Bluegill - Slow: Try small bait on small hooks. Gills are small.

Chance of snow through the weekend. Temperatures are in the upper 20's to low 30's. Use care on area rivers. Ice thickness varies on waterbodies with current. Fish activity is slow on area lakes. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Best ice conditions on the lake are near the dam area. Bluegill - Excellent: Quality size bluegill are being caught in the early morning hours in 10 to 11 feet of water or deeper and on structure. Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure near the dam. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Backwater areas of the Cedar River are producing some crappie. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto river ice. Black Crappie - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Martens Lake
Anglers are catching a few bluegill and crappie; reports are best for northern pike. Access is available crossing the reservoir from the north side of the lake; use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom. Black Crappie - Fair: Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow. Northern Pike - Good: Use a live shiner or chub under a tip-up rig. 

Plainfield
Anglers report fair catches of panfish on Plainfield Lake this past week. Best bite is first light in morning and last hour before sunset. Bluegill - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Use an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom; electronics are a bonus to find fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find sunken fish structure. Try an ice jig tipped with a waxworm fished just off of the bottom or use electronics to find suspended fish, which often are crappie. Also try a dead stick rig tipped with a live minnow.

Ice fishing reports are few this past week. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has drop a foot to 9 feet. Protected backwaters have around 10 to 12 inches of ice. Ice conditions along the shorelines can be unstable due to fluctuating river levels. Yellow Perch - Good: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 9 backwaters. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie bite is better later afternoon into evening. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville dropped to 17.5 feet, but is predicted to bump up again this week. Protected backwaters have around 10 to 12 inches of ice. Ice conditions along the shorelines can be unstable due to fluctuating river levels. Sny Magill road has reopened. Yellow Perch - Good: Reports of nice-sized perch from Pool 10 backwaters. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite is better later afternoon into evening. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are biting on waxworms fished through the ice in backwater lakes. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has fallen several feet to 9 feet, but is expected to edge back up. Boat ramps are all iced in. Protected backwaters have around 10 to 12 inches of ice. Ice conditions along the shorelines can be unstable due to fluctuating river levels. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting in Sunfish and Mud Lake. Use caution and avoid the creek area at Mud Lake; unsafe ice. Fish in deeper cuts with some vegetation in backwater areas. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite is better later afternoon into evening. Northern Pike - Good: Tip-up anglers are having success with shiners or suckers for larger pike. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try a lively shiner on a tip-up for some big bass through the ice. 

Upper Mississippi River levels fell quickly last week with another slight rise expected. Most backwater lakes have up to 12 inches of ice. Ice anglers are moving around a lot with conditions changing daily. Fluctuating water levels have left shorelines unstable. Avoid crossing areas with any current.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 7.4 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.9 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to be steady. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is fairly free of flowing ice, but boat ramps are iced in. Sauger - Good: It takes some work to get into the tailwaters, but they are mostly open and can be fished. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips able to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when bluegill fishing. Some exceptional yellow perch creels were seen in early ice. Now anglers are only be catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills. Reports of some nice crappies. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 7.9 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is stable. The water temperature is 32.5 degrees. Water clarity is good. The tailwater is ice free. The city ramp has been open, but may freeze in again with cooler temperatures. Ice depth is variable; use caution when ice fishing. Sauger - Good: Anglers report lots of smaller sauger with a few nice-sized fish mixed in. Lock and Dam gates are open. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips able to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching a yellow perch or two when fishing for bluegill. Some anglers targeted good numbers of yellow perch in early ice, but now are only catching a few each trip. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Quite a few largemouth bass are being caught through the ice this year. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 6.6 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 10.6 feet at Camanche and 5.4 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 32.5 degrees. River levels are stable. The tailwater has been ice free, but finding an open boat ramp may be difficult. Ice anglers report variable ice conditions. Sauger - Fair: Early winter catches were decent with lots of smaller sauger reported along with some nice walleye and sauger taken. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are abundant, but not very aggressive. Use light equipment, small jigs and rod tips able to detect small hits. Lots of sorting needed, but you can find some nice-sized gills. Black Crappie - Fair: A few incidental crappies are being caught when ice fishing for bluegills.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 7.4 feet at Rock Island and is stable. The water temperature is around 33 degrees. Water clarity is good. 

Tailwaters are open, but ramps may have ice on them. Water levels are stable throughout the district. Backwater ice fishing conditions are variable; use caution, especially in snow-covered sloughs. Reported backwater ice depths are 1 to 7 inches. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
The Cedar River has stabilized and cleared. Conditions may change, depending on precipitation amounts north over the next few days. Walleye - Good: Anglers using crawlers and minnows are doing well below dams. Anglers are catching a good number of small walleye mixed with keeper-size. Channel Catfish - Good: With ice-out, find windward shores to fish. Use chunks of dead chubs or other dead fish. 

Decorah District Streams
Gravel roads are soft as the frost goes out. Stream clarity is improving. Trout stream stocking start the week of April 1.All trout stream stockings will be unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. Get some fresh air and explore a new stream. Hatchery grounds are open to the public, but feeders and other conveniences are temporarily closed for prevention precautions. Brook Trout - Good: Midges and small mayflies are hatching on warmer sunny days. Use flies imitating insects hatching. Brown Trout - Excellent: Off-color water will turn brown trout on. Strong midge hatches are occurring. Feathered spinner baits work well when fished through pools. Use a fly imitating a midge emerging from its exoskeleton. Rainbow Trout - Fair:: With muddy water, use a worm or cheese floated through a pool under a bobber. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. 

Lake Hendricks
Ice fishing is not recommended. Ice conditions are deteriorating fast.

Lake Meyer
Ice fishing is not recommended. Ice has totally pulled away from the shore.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are stabilizing and clarity is improving. Water temperatures are in the mid 40's. Walleye - Good: Use worms or minnows fished below dams or other impoundments.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are stabilized and clarity is improving. Walleye - Good: Find fish below dams as water warms. Use worms and minnows; also try flashy spoons and spinners.

Volga Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. Ice has pulled away from the shore. Water is pooled on top of the ice.

Area rivers have stabilized and clarity is improving. Precipitation forecast for this weekend may change conditions. Air temperatures will fall through the weekend. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of anglers catching a few walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish on the Cedar River. Catfish fishing is really good above the dam in Waverly. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve live or artificial baits along eddies and current breaks. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast and retrieve live or artificial baits along eddies, current breaks and areas of rip-rap banks and shores. Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing dead minnows or cut baits along the seams or edges of current breaks in two to four feet of water.

Manchester District Streams
There has been recent angler activity on Spring Branch Creek; this is a special regulation trout stream.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye on the Maquoketa River. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve live or artificial baits along eddies and current breaks.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
We didn’t received any information about fishing on the Shell Rock River this week. Walleye - No Report: Cast and retrieve live or artificial baits along eddies and current breaks.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Good reports a week ago on the Wapsipinicon River for northern pike. Only a few reports of walleye being caught. Northern Pike - Good: Float live chubs or shiners under a bobber in slack water areas off of main current. Try also bucktail spinners or other spinner baits. Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve live or artificial baits along eddies and current breaks.

It’s a great time to distance yourself from others by getting outdoors and supporting your local bait shop owners. Interior rivers are up, but are in respectable condition. Reports of anglers catching walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Trout streams will be hit-and-miss with the expected rainfall over the coming week. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen to 11.3 feet and is expected to reach 13 feet this week. Open water fishing below the dams will be a challenge with swift currents. Sauger - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving up to the dams; use jigs tipped with a minnow. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are going on a feed frenzy to prepare for spawning. Fish the warmer shallows in backwaters. Yellow Perch - Good: Usd a small piece of crawler fished from shore.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lyxnville has risen to 21 feet and will hit 23 feet this week. Open water fishing below the dams will be a challenge with swift currents. Sauger - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving up to the dams; use jigs tipped with a minnow. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are going on a feed frenzy to prepare for spawning. Fish the warmer shallows in backwaters.Yellow Perch - Good: Usd a small piece of crawler fished from shore.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has risen to 12.5 feet and is expected to reach 15 feet this week. Open water fishing below the dams will be a challenge with swift currents. Sauger - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters of the Lock & Dam. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving up to the dams; use jigs tipped with a minnow. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are going on a feed frenzy to prepare for spawning. Fish the warmer shallows in backwaters. Yellow Perch - Good: Usd a small piece of crawler fished from shore.

Upper Mississippi River levels are still rising this week. Ice has gone out quickly, with rising flood waters. Locks are wide open. Anglers are open water fishing at the dams; expect high water, debris and swift current. Water temperature is near 40 degrees.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 12.4 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 14.4 feet at the RR bridge. River levels at Dubuque are expected to rise to action and moderate flood stages. The water temperature is 42 degrees. Water clarity is still decent. Sauger - Good: It was a good spring bite with anglers reporting all sizes of sauger being taken. Water is getting higher; anglers are concentrating more to toward the shorelines away from the strongest currents. Walleye - Good: Lots of nice slot walleyes reported this spring; the fishery looks to be very healthy. Floating debris is starting to be an issue at times with anglers pulling crankbaits. Northern Pike - Good: Some northern pike are being taken using large spinners and cut bait in backwater areas. Pike are about to spawn in the Mississippi River.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 13 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is rising. The water temperature is 42 degrees. Water clarity is good. The DNR boat ramp at Bellevue is difficult to launch from due to high water levels. Sauger - Good: Angler catches have been a mixed bag. Some anglers report nice-sized sauger and walleye. Others report great numbers of fish, but nearly all are small. Walleye - Good:  Lots of nice slot walleyes reported this spring; the fishery looks to be very healthy. Floating debris is starting to be an issue at times with anglers pulling crankbaits. Paddlefish - Fair: Water levels are starting to get high, making it difficult to find paddlefish in the stronger currents. See page 11 of the Iowa Fishing Regulations for paddlefish regulations.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 12.2 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 14.8 feet at Camanche and 8.5 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is around 42 degrees. River levels are rising and will reach action and moderate flood stages by the end of the week. Sauger - Fair:It was a good spring bite with anglers reporting all sizes of sauger being taken. Water is getting higher; anglers are concentrating more to toward the shorelines away from the strongest currents. Paddlefish - Fair: Some paddlefish were taken this week, despite the higher water levels. Strong current flow is limiting snagging of paddlefish. See page 11 of the Iowa Fishing Regulations for paddlefish regulations. Walleye - Good: Anglers are using a variety of tactics to find nice walleye; most are doing best on a simple jig and minnow. Lots of nice slot walleyes reported this spring; the fishery looks to be very healthy. Floating debris is starting to be an issue at times with anglers pulling crankbaits. 

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 12.6 feet at Rock Island and is rising. The water temperature is around 43 degrees. Water is stained.  

Flooding is returning to the district. Water levels are rising with recent rains and thaw. Part of the district will experience moderate flooding by the end of the week. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are up 4 feet and crested after rain early week. Water clarity is poor. Use extreme care when on water in these conditions; water hazards are not visible and could capsize or disable a boat. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use a nightcrawler or dead chub fished on the bottom out of current.

Decorah District Streams
Many streams are muddy, making it an excellent time to explore new areas to fish. Most should clear by the weekend. All streams are being stocked. All trout stream stockings are unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. Hatchery grounds are open to the public, but feeders and other conveniences are temporarily closed. Hatchery visitors must be mindful of one another’s safety and keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others. Brook Trout - Slow: When fishing private property open to angling, leave that property as was or better by picking up trash. Close gates if you opened them; be considerate. Brown Trout - Fair: Blue-winged olive and caddisfly hatches are good to excellent. Afternoon gnat hatches are great. An excellent time to fish for browns is when the water gets cloudy. Use hair jigs or spinners for aggressive fish. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Bite is better where water clarity is better. Try a worm or cheese floated through a pool under a bobber. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. 

Lake Hendricks
Water clarity is improving with water temperatures in the 70's. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappie suspended in deeper water around structure. Use a minnow or small lure drifting over structure. Bluegill - Fair: Gills are spooky, especially in clear water. Use care not to scare them when tossing out your rig. Try a small piece of worm on a hook under a small bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are guarding nests. Use a jig tipped with piece of worm or twister tail.

Lake Meyer
Hit and miss activity. Fish mid-afternoon and evening when shadows aren't cast on the water. Water temperatures are in the low 70's. Water clarity is slightly dirty. Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are guarding nests. Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm fished along the shore.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are above flood stage and extremely muddy. Recreating on this river is not recommended. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling with muddy water. Use extreme care when paddling; strong current. Water hazards are not visible when water is dirty. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling with muddy water. Use care when paddling; strong current. Water hazards are not visible when water is dirty. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. 

Volga Lake
Anglers are finding fish; focus efforts along rocky shoreline and submersed habitat. Good water clarity, but water levels are up with recent rainfall. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill starting to spawn. Use a small hook tipped with waxworm or small piece of nightcrawler fished around brush piles and rocky shores. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped with a ringworm or twister tail. Bass are guarding nests. Channel Catfish - Good: Try a nightcrawler, cheese bait or dead chub fished on the bottom.

Lake fishing may be your best bet for a successful trip after Tuesday/Wednesday's rainfall. Area rivers experienced flash flooding with levels rising from 4 to 11 feet, depending on river. All have crested and are falling. Expect a rain free weekend with temperatures in the 70's for highs and upper 50's for lows. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Largemouth Bass - Good: Try topwater baits early morning or late evening. Use buzzbaits or spinnerbaits during the daylight hours. Black Crappie - Good: Cast and retrieve colored tube jigs from shore or vertical jigging from a boat near brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Cast and retrieve small tinsel jigs from shore or use a small piece of worm under a slip bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: The bite is on throughout the day. Try chicken livers, stink baits or dead cut baits fished off of the bottom of the lake. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Channel Catfish - Good: The bite is on throughout the day. Try chicken livers, stink baits or dead cut baits fished above snags or log jams. 

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River should be good for channel catfish with the rise in river levels.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River should be good for channel catfish with the rise in river levels.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River should be good for channel catfish with the rise in river levels.

Interior rivers are on the rise with the current rainfall. Target channel catfish. There have been no reports on the lakes in and around Black Hawk County. Trout streams are hit and miss in clarity and condition; call ahead for stream conditions. Call the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS NE IOWA

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing has risen to 9.3 feet and is predicted to reach 9.5 feet before leveling off. Water temperature is 74 degrees. New Albin Army road is reopened. Hwy 82, Lansing Bridge is closed until June 15th. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits near the dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use a lure with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawing. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 18.5 feet at Lyxnville and is expected to reach 19.6 feet. Water temperature is 75 degrees. Sny Magill access is underwater. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits near the dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use lures with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Some shovelnose are being picked up using a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas.  Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 10.7 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to reach 11.6 feet this week. Water temperature is near 70 degrees. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits near the dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use lures with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Upper Mississippi River levels are predicted to rise this week. Heavy rains have reduced water clarity. Look for the clearer water in backwater sloughs/ lakes. Many fish species are spawning and actively feeding with the water temperatures over 70 degrees. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin waters of Pools 9-12. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be released immediately. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily harvest limit of 6 and possession of 12.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level at the Dubuque Lock and Dam is rising and is near 10.1 feet; levels are 12.2 feet at the RR bridge.Water temperature is around 77 degrees. The water clarity is fair. Northern Pike - Excellent: Flashy spinners in warm sun filled waters might trigger these predators. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on beds. Try a simple bobber and worms. White Crappie - Fair: Crappie are reported out of marina areas and backwaters. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Cut bait is still producing nice channel catfish. Some catfish have started to move along the rock lines to prepare for spawning. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females remain a little elusive since they are done spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 11.5 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is rising. The water temperature is 77 degrees. Pleasant Creek Boat ramp is available to use. Water has receded off the boat ramp at Bellevue, but it is still difficult to launch from that ramp.   Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some cats have moved along rock lines and in flooded grass lines to prepare to spawn. White Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being picked up in backwater areas near dead falls. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try flashy spinners fished along old weed edges and rock shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females are a little elusive since they are done spawning. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill nests can be seen along shorelines in the backwater areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught by walleye anglers jigging in the tailwaters or by anglers who are targeting fish with live fish for bait. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being reported near locations where the wing dams meet the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 11.3 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 13.8 feet at Camanche and 8.3 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature has risen to 77 degrees. The water is turbid. The Corps of Engineers boat ramp at Cattail Slough may still be closed due to high water and debris. Walleye - Fair: Angler are finding some walleyes on wing dams near shore with crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try cut bait in moderate current areas. Look for channel cats to move along the rock lines when spawning gets closer. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good:Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females are a little elusive since they are done spawning. Northern Pike - Good: Use flashy spinners along backwater shorelines or in the tailwaters for this aggressive fish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try large live bait to catch big flathead catfish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds.  Fish along the weed lines or in pockets of vegetation.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 12.5 feet at Rock Island and is stable. The water temperature is around 72 degrees; water is turbid with recent rains. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel cats are readily biting on cut bait and prepared baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around brush piles or in the tailwater area.

Water level is stable to rising in most locations. There may be some minor debris on boat ramps after recent floods. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-880-8781.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Repairs to the Nashua dam continue after high water. The river level stabilized with improved water clarity. Continue to use caution; underwater hazards may have moved. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Channel Catfish - Good: Use chicken liver or dead chub fished on the bottom out of current. Walleye - Slow: Try a nightcrawler fished in a worm harness or jig tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig tipped with natural colored twister tails and crank or spinnerbaits for bass.

Decorah District Streams
Water clarity is much improved on all streams. All streams are being stocked. All trout stream stockings are unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. Hatchery grounds are open to the public, but feeders and other conveniences are temporarily closed. Hatchery visitors must be mindful of one another’s safety and keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others. Brook Trout - Good: When fishing private property open to angling, leave that property as was or better by picking up trash. Close gates if you opened them; be considerate. Brown Trout - Good: Gnat hatches are good to excellent. Afternoon hatches of caddis and may flies have been slow. Pheasant tailed nymphs and bead headed midges working well. Use hair jigs or spinners for aggressive fish. Rainbow Trout - Excellent:Try a worm or cheese floated through a pool under a bobber. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try small crappie or bluegill jigs.

Lake Hendricks
Water clarity is improving with water temperatures in the 70's. Early morning and evening bite are best. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappie suspended in deeper water around structure. Use a minnow or small lure drifting over structure. Bluegill - Fair: Gills are spooky, especially in clear water. Use care not to scare them when tossing out your rig. Try a small piece of worm on a hook under a small bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are guarding nests. Use a jig tipped with piece of worm or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Fair: With warmer water temperatures, try cheese or stinkbaits. Nightcrawlers will work.

Lake Meyer
Hit and miss activity. Fish early morning and evening when shadows aren't cast on the water. Water temperatures are in the 70's. Water clarity is improving. Black Crappie - Slow. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are guarding nests. Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm fished along the shore. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished on the bottom near stumps or other structure. Also try chicken liver or cheese baits.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels have dropped and stabilized. Clarity is improving. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Walleye - Slow: Find fish in deeper holes around brush piles. Toss a jig tipped with a twister tail near a brush pile. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are stabilizing with improved clarity. Use caution when paddling; current remains strong. Water hazards may have moved. Walleye - Fair: Flip a jig with twister tail along a brush pile or rock ledge. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are stabilizing with improved water clarity. Use care when paddling; strong current. Water hazards and stream conditions change fast. Walleye - Fair: Find walleye along current breaks or around log jams. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. 

Volga Lake
Lake levels are back to normal. Best bite is early morning or just before dark. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small hook tipped with waxworm or small piece of nightcrawler fished around brush piles and rocky shores. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a ringworm or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Try a nightcrawler, cheese bait or chicken livers fished on the bottom. Best catfishing lake around. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a minnow under a bobber along a rocky shoreline or around brush piles.

Area rivers are recovering from last week’s rain. Most remain high, but are stabilizing. Expect a rainy weekend with temperatures in the 80's for highs and 60's for lows. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Brinker Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve colored tube jigs from shore or vertical jig from a boat.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Largemouth Bass - Good: Try topwater baits early morning or late evening. Use buzzbaits or spinnerbaits during the daylight hours. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast and retrieve colored tube jigs from shore or vertical jig from a boat near brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Cast and retrieve small tinsel jigs from shore or use a small piece of worm under a slip bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: The bite is on throughout the day. Try chicken livers, stinkbaits or dead cut baits fished off of the bottom of the lake. 

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Channel Catfish - Good: The bite is on throughout the day. Try chicken livers, stinkbaits or dead cut baits fished above snags or log jams. Smallmouth Bass – Slow. Walleye – Slow.

Manchester District Streams
Anglers are catching brown trout on area trout streams.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River should provide good angling opportunities this weekend.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is falling and should provide good angling opportunities this weekend. 

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is falling and should provide good angling opportunities this weekend.

Interior rivers are falling and should provide good angling opportunities this weekend. Target channel catfish. There have been few reports on the lakes in and around Black Hawk County. Trout streams are in great condition. Call the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  IOWA FISHING REPORTS-Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.2 feet at Lansing with a steady fall this week. Water temperature is 74 degrees. New Albin Army road is reopened. Hwy 82, Lansing Bridge is closed until July 2. Use caution at ramps during low water. Lansing Village Creek is shallow near the creek mouth. Heytman's Landing is accessible with shallow drive boats only at this time. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wingdams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use a lure with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 19 feet at Lyxnville and is expected to fall to 15 feet. Water temperature is 73 degrees. Sny Magill access is open. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wingdams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use lures with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in 8-10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas near current breaks in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Some shovelnose are being picked up using a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas.  Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 11.2 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to fall to 7 feet this week. Water temperature is near 70 degrees. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wingdams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike bite has picked up with warmer water temperatures. Use lures with steel leaders fished in shallow backwaters. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Expect the flathead bite to improve near spawning and as the water warms up. Use large shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines.

Upper Mississippi River levels are expected to fall several feet this week. Fish will be scattered with falling water, but expect them to settle into their regular spots as conditions stabilize. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River for Pools 9-12. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be released immediately. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily harvest limit of 6 and possession of 12.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water levels are stable, but will start to recede later this week. The water level is near 10.8 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 12.8 feet at the RR bridge.The water temperature has dropped to around 71 degrees with the cool nights, The water clarity is fair. Northern Pike - Excellent: Flashy spinners in warm sun filled waters might trigger these predators. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on beds. Try a simple bobber and worms. White Crappie - Fair: Crappie are reported around tree falls in backwater areas. Most anglers are using a bobber and small minnow. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Lots of anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Some catfish have started to move along the rock lines to prepare for spawning. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on an egg sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females remain a little elusive since they are done spawning. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 11.9 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is stable. Levels should start to recede later this week. The water temperature has dropped to 72 degrees. Boat ramps at Pleasant Creek, Bulgers Hollow and the Iowa DNR boat ramp at Bellevue are available for use. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some cats have moved along rock lines. Anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. White Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being picked up in backwater areas near dead falls. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try flashy spinners fished along old weed edges and rock shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Male bass are being caught in large numbers. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill nests can be seen along shorelines in the backwater areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught by walleye anglers jigging in the tailwaters or by anglers who are targeting fish with live fish for bait. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being reported near locations where the wing dams meet the shorelines. If the water recedes enough, wingdam fishing may start back up.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 11.2 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 13.8 feet at Camanche and 8.2 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature has fallen to 73 degrees. The water is turbid. The Corps of Engineers boat ramp at Cattail Slough in Fulton, Illinois is open for boaters Walleye - Fair: Angler are finding some walleyes on wing dams near shore with crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Look for channel cats to move along the rock lines when spawning gets closer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Male bass are being caught in large numbers, but the larger females are a little elusive since they are done spawning. Northern Pike - Good: Use flashy spinners along backwater shorelines or in the tailwaters for this aggressive fish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try large live bait to catch big flathead catfish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish along the weed lines or in pockets of vegetation.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 11.6 feet at Rock Island and is stable. The water temperature has fallen to 73 degrees; water clarity is turbid. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel cats are readily biting on cut bait and prepared baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around brush piles or in the tailwater area. 
Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Some smallmouth bass may start lurking around the channel rock lines when the river recedes to lower levels.

Water level is stable to falling in most locations. There may be some minor debris on boat ramps after recent floods. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-880-8781.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Repairs to the Nashua dam continue as water levels and flows drop. Water levels are falling. Clarity is improving. Use caution; underwater hazards may have moved. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Channel Catfish - Good: Use chicken liver and stinkbaits or dead chub fished on the bottom out of current. Walleye - Good: The bite is picking up with clearer water. Use a jig tipped with a bright plastic tail for quick action. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are finding quite a few small ones. Use a jig tipped with natural colored twister tails and crank or spinnerbaits for bass.

Decorah District Streams
Wild parsnip is coming on strong. Avoid touching this plant; it causes painful blisters. All streams are being stocked. All trout stream stockings are unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. Hatchery grounds are open to the public, but feeders and other conveniences are temporarily closed. Hatchery visitors must be mindful of one another’s safety and keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others. Brook Trout - Good: When fishing private property open to angling, leave that property as was or better by picking up trash. Close gates if you opened them; be considerate. Brown Trout - Good: More terrestrials are out. Use beetles or other bright flies fished along grassed edges. Afternoon hatches of caddis and may flies have been slow. Pheasant tailed nymphs and bead headed midges work well. Use hair jigs or spinners for aggressive fish. Rainbow Trout - Excellent:Try a worm or cheese floated through a pool under a bobber. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try small crappie or bluegill jigs.

Lake Hendricks
Aquatic vegetation is coming on strong. Early morning and evening bite are best. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappie suspended in deeper water around structure. Use a minnow or small lure drifting over structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm on a hook under a small bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures or weedless hooks fished along the weed edges.Channel Catfish - Fair: With warmer water temperatures, try cheese or stinkbaits. Nightcrawlers will work.

Lake Meyer
Hit and miss activity. Water clarity is excellent. Fish bite better any time of the day with off-color water. Fish early morning and evening when shadows aren't cast on the water. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a small spinnerbait tossed along a steep depth change. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm fished along the shore. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished on the bottom near stumps or other structure. Also try chicken liver or cheese baits.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are falling, but are high with improved clarity. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Walleye - Good: Find walleye in deeper holes around brush piles. Toss a jig tipped with a twister tail near a brush pile. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are high, but are falling with improved clarity. Current remains strong. Water hazards may have moved. Walleye - Good: Flip a jig with twister tail along a brush pile or rock ledge. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are high, but are falling with improved clarity. Strong current; water hazards and stream conditions change fast. Walleye - Good: Find walleye along current breaks or around log jams. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. 

Volga Lake
Best bite is early morning or just before dark. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small hook tipped with waxworm or small piece of nightcrawler fished around brush piles and rocky shores. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a ringworm or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Try a nightcrawler, cheese bait or chicken livers fished on the bottom. Best catfishing lake around. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a minnow under a bobber along a rocky shoreline or around brush piles.

Area rivers and streams water levels are falling, but flows remain high. Water clarity is much improved. Expect a hot, humid weekend with temperatures in the upper 80's for highs and upper 60's for lows. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.1 feet at Lansing with a slight rise predicted this week. Water temperature is 79 degrees. New Albin Army road is reopened. Hwy 82, Lansing Bridge is closed. Use caution at ramps during low water. Lansing Village Creek is shallow near the creek mouth. Heytman's Landing is accessible with shallow drive boats only. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 617.2 feet at Lynxville and is expected to rise to 618.8 feet this week. Water temperature is 80 degrees. Sny Magill access is open, but water may be over the road with a bump up in water levels.. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in 8-10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas near current breaks in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Some shovelnose are being picked up using a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are still being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas.  Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Try a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 8.4 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to reach 9.6 feet this week. Water temperature is in the mid to upper 70's. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are still being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Try a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Upper Mississippi River levels have bumped up this week, but are predicted to level off late in the week. Water clarity has improved. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River for Pools 9-12. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be released immediately. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily harvest limit of 6 and possession of 12.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are stable, but will start to rise slightly later this week. The water level is near 8.5 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10.7 feet at the RR bridge.The water temperature is around 78 degrees. The water clarity is good. Northern Pike - Excellent: Flashy spinners in warm sun filled waters might trigger these predators. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are still on the spawning beds. Try a simple bobber and worms. White Crappie - Fair: Crappie are reported around tree falls in backwater areas. Most anglers are using a bobber and small minnow. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Lots of anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Some catfish have started to move along the rock lines to prepare for spawning. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on an egg sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are being taken mostly along vegetation lines, but some are also coming off rock piles. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallies have moved in along the rock piles; use flashy spoons or crankbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 9.4 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is expected to rise a half foot later this week. The water temperature is 78 degrees. Boat ramps at Pleasant Creek, Bulgers Hollow and the Iowa DNR boat ramp at Bellevue are available to use. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some cats have moved along rock lines. Anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. White Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being picked up in backwater areas near dead falls. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try flashy spinners fished along old weed edges and rock shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Male bass are being caught in large numbers. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill nests can be seen along shorelines and vegetation edges in the backwater areas. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use live fish for bait. Lots of trot lines are being set. Walleye - Fair: Wing dam fishing for walleyes is expected to start up if water recedes just a bit.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 9.1 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 12.2 feet at Camanche and 7.2 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is 78 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Look for channel cats to move along the rock lines when spawning gets closer. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Small bass are being caught in big numbers. Northern Pike - Good: Use flashy spinners along backwater shorelines or in the tailwaters for this aggressive fish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try large live bait to catch big flathead catfish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish along the weed lines or in pockets of vegetation. Walleye - Fair: Wing dam fishing for walleyes is expected to start up if water recedes just a bit.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 10.4 feet at Rock Island and is stable. Expect water levels to rise slightly later in the week. The water temperature is 78 degrees; water clarity is improving. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel cats are readily biting on cut bait and prepared baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around brush piles or in the tailwater area. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some smallmouth bass may start lurking around the channel rock lines when the river recedes to lower levels.

Water level is expected to bump up slightly later in the week. Most areas are back to being usable after spring high water. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-880-8781

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Repairs to the Nashua dam continue as water levels and flows drop. Water levels are falling. Clarity is improving. Use caution; underwater hazards may have moved. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Channel Catfish - Good: Use chicken liver and stinkbaits or dead chub fished on the bottom out of current. Walleye - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a bright plastic tail for quick action. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are finding quite a few small ones. Use a jig tipped with natural colored twister tails and crank or spinnerbaits for bass.

Decorah District Streams
Wild parsnip is coming on strong. Avoid touching this plant; it causes painful blisters. All trout stream stockings are unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. Due to marginal water temperatures in July and August on a few streams, stocking catchable size trout is temporarily discontinued. Hatchery grounds are open to the public, but feeders and other conveniences are temporarily closed. Brook Trout - Good: When fishing private property open to angling, leave that property as was or better by picking up trash. Close gates if you opened them; be considerate. Brown Trout - Good: More terrestrials are out. Use beetles or other bright flies fished along grassed edges. Afternoon hatches of caddis and may flies have been slow. Pheasant tailed nymphs and bead headed midges work well. Use hair jigs or spinners for aggressive fish. Rainbow Trout - Excellent:Try a worm or cheese floated through a pool under a bobber. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try small crappie or bluegill jigs.

Lake Hendricks
Aquatic vegetation is coming on strong. Early morning and evening bite are best. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappie suspended in deeper water around structure. Use a minnow or small lure drifting over structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm on a hook under a small bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures or weedless hooks fished along the weed edges.Channel Catfish - Good: With warmer water temperatures, try cheese or stinkbaits. Nightcrawlers will work.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is excellent. Filamentous algae mats are covering shallow water. Fish early morning and evening when shadows aren't cast on the water. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a small spinnerbait tossed along a steep depth change. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm fished along the shore. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished on the bottom near stumps or other structure. Also try chicken liver or cheese baits.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Walleye - Fair: Find walleye in deeper holes around brush piles. Toss a jig tipped with a twister tail near a brush pile. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Current remains strong. Water hazards may have moved. Walleye - Fair: Flip a jig with twister tail along a brush pile or rock ledge. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Toss a small crankbait along a current break or rock ledge.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Strong current; water hazards and stream conditions change fast. Walleye - Fair: Find walleye along current breaks or around log jams. White Sucker - Slow: Try a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom. 

Volga Lake
Best bite is early morning or just before dark. Water clarity is 6-8 inches due to an algae bloom. Bluegill - Slow: Use a small hook tipped with waxworm or small piece of nightcrawler fished around brush piles and rocky shores. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a ringworm or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Try a nightcrawler, cheese bait or chicken livers fished on the bottom. Best catfishing lake around. Black Crappie - Slow: Use a minnow under a bobber along a rocky shoreline or around brush piles.

Area rivers and streams water levels continue to fall, but flows remain high. Water clarity is much improved. Expect a hot, humid weekend with temperatures in the upper 80's for highs and upper 60's for lows. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Some sorting may be needed on bluegill; crappie and catfish angling is best early morning or late evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater and plastics. Black Crappie - Good: Cast and retrieve colored tube jigs. Bluegill - Good: Try a small piece of worm under a bobber with a small split shot sinker and small hook. Channel Catfish - Good: Cast dead cut baits, chicken livers or stinkbait on the bottom of the lake; early morning or later evening bite is best.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Best success is channel catfish on the Cedar River. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast dead cut baits, chicken livers or stinkbait on the bottom of the lake; early morning or later evening bite is best.

George Wyth Lake
Good reports of largemouth bass being caught on George Wyth Lake. Newly placed habitat in and around the floating pier may provide success. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater and plastics.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Cast crankbaits or fishing a half of a crawler on a jig and plastic rig.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
We received no information about fishing on this waterbody this week.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
We received no information about fishing on this waterbody this week.

Interior rivers continue to drop and are providing some catches of smallmouth bass and walleye. Lakes in and around Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some catches of largemouth bass. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, but potential heavy thunderstorms are predicted for this evening. All three trout hatcheries remain closed. Call the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.5 feet at Lansing with a fall predicted this week. Water temperature is 83 degrees. New Albin Army road is reopened. Hwy 82, Lansing Bridge is closed. Use caution at ramps during low water. Lansing Village Creek is shallow near the creek mouth. Heytman's Landing is accessible with shallow drive boats only. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 618.2 feet at Lynxville and is expected to fall this week. Water temperature is 84 degrees. Sny Magill access is open. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in 8-10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas near current breaks in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Some shovelnose are being picked up using a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are still being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas.  Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Try a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.7 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to fall to 8 feet this week. Water temperature is in the mid 80's. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass will be on pre-spawn bite as temperatures rise. Cast plastics or blade baits in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are still being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Try a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Upper Mississippi River levels are predicted to fall this week. Water clarity is good. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be released immediately. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily harvest limit of 6 and possession of 12.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are stable, but will start to recede slightly later this week. The water level is near 9.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 11.5 feet at the RR bridge.The water temperature is around 86 degrees. The water clarity is good. Northern Pike - Excellent: Flashy spinners in warm sun filled waters might trigger these predators. Bluegill - Good: Most of the spawning is over, but some bluegills are still being reported in shallow backwater areas. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Lots of anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Some catfish have started to move along the rock lines to prepare for spawning. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on an egg sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being taken off lily pad areas on spinnerbaits or frog imitation lures. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallies have moved in along the rock piles; use flashy spoons or crankbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 10.4 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and is expected to recede later this week. The water temperature is 86 degrees. The water is clear. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some cats have moved along rock lines. Anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try flashy spinners fished along old weed edges and rock shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Lots of bass are being taken off lily pad areas on spinnerbaits or frog imitation lures. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing around brush piles in larger sloughs with moderate current. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use live fish for bait. Lots of trot lines are being set. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 9.7 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 12.5 feet at Camanche and 7.2 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is 87 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are switching to prepared stinkbaits. Look for channel cats to move along the rock lines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: : Lots of bass are being taken off lily pad areas on spinnerbaits or frog imitation lures. Northern Pike - Good: Use flashy spinners along backwater shorelines or in the tailwaters for this aggressive fish. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try large live bait to catch big flathead catfish. Bluegill - Good: Find bluegills near the mouths of large backwater areas, usually around brush piles.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 10.1 feet at Rock Island and is stable. Expect water levels to recede slightly later in the week. The water temperature is 87 degrees; water clarity is good. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel cats are readily biting on cut bait and prepared baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around brush piles or in the tailwater area. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish the rocky habitats along the channel edge.

Water level is expected to slowly recede later in the week.Water temperature has warmed into the upper 80's throughout the district. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-880-8781.

[Rick]

NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Repairs to the Nashua dam continue as water levels and flows drop. Water levels are falling with good water clarity. Use caution; underwater hazards may have moved. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Channel Catfish - Good: Use chicken liver and stinkbaits or dead chub fished on the bottom out of current. Walleye - Good: Try a jig tipped with a bright plastic tail for quick action. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped with natural colored twister tails and crank or spinnerbaits.

Decorah District Streams
Wild parsnip is seeding out. Avoid touching this plant; it's sap causes painful blisters. All trout stream stockings are unannounced due to COVID-19 precautions. A small number of trout streams are not stocked in July and August due to marginal water temperatures; this is an annual occurrence. To check which ones, please visit our trout fishing website. Rainbow Trout - Excellent:Try a worm or cheese bait floated through a pool under a bobber. Use an ultra-light pole and reel for fun action. Try small crappie or bluegill jigs. Brown Trout - Good: Hoppers, beetles and bugs are plentiful. Use flies imitating terrestrial insects fished along grassed edges. Use hair jigs or spinners for aggressive fish. Brook Trout - Good: Please respect private property open to angling; pick up trash and be considerate. Bead-headed midges and pheasant tail nymphs work well.

Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks  is experiencing a severe green algal bloom. Early morning and evening bite are best. Bluegill - Slow: Try a small piece of worm on a hook under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use topwater lures or weedless hooks fished along the weed edges.Channel Catfish - Good: With warmer water temperatures, try cheese or stinkbaits. A fat juicy worm will also work.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is excellent. Filamentous algae mats are covering vegetation in shallow water. Fish early morning and evening when shadows aren't cast on the water. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small piece of worm fished under a bobber along a rocky shore. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or worm fished along vegetated edges. Channel Catfish - Good: Try chicken liver or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom :near stumps or other structure.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Go to the USGS Current Conditions website for more information on water levels. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try a jig tipped with a ringworm or twister tail fished along a current break or rock ledge. Walleye - Good: Find walleye in deeper holes around brush piles. Toss a jig tipped with a twister tail near a brush pile. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Current remains strong. Water hazards may have moved. Walleye - Good: Flip a jig with twister tail along a brush pile or rock ledge. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Toss a small crankbait along a current break or rock ledge.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling with improved clarity. Strong current; water hazards and stream conditions change fast. Walleye - Good: Find walleye along current breaks or around log jams. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use a jig tipped with brightly colored plastics or a crankbait imitating crawdads. Channel Catfish - Good: Bank anglers using nightcrawlers fished on the bottom are catching catfish.

Volga Lake
Best bite is early morning or just before dark. A green algae bloom is causing poor water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small hook tipped with waxworm or small piece of nightcrawler fished around brush piles and rocky shores. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a ringworm or twister tail. Channel Catfish - Good: Try a nightcrawler, cheese bait or chicken livers fished on the bottom. Best catfishing lake around. 

Area rivers and streams water levels continue to fall. Flows remain high. Water clarity is excellent. Expect a hot, humid weekend with temperatures in the 90's for highs and 70's for lows. Pop-up thunderstorms are possible. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Some sorting may be needed on bluegill; crappie and catfish angling is best early morning or late evening. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater and plastics. Black Crappie - Good: Cast and retrieve colored tube jigs. Bluegill - Good: Try a small piece of worm under a bobber with a small split shot sinker and small hook. Channel Catfish - Good: Cast dead cut baits, chicken livers or stinkbait on the bottom of the lake; early morning or later evening bite is best.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Channel Catfish - Good: Cast dead cut baits, chicken livers or stinkbait on the bottom of the river; early morning or later evening bite is best.

George Wyth Lake
Good reports of largemouth bass being caught. Newly placed habitat in and around the floating pier may provide success. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast crankbaits, spinnerbaits, topwater and plastics. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small piece of worm under a bobber with a small split shot sinker and small hook.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Cast crankbaits or fish a half of a crawler on a jig and plastic rig.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
We received no information about fishing on this waterbody this week.

South Prairie Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Early morning and late evening bite is best. Try shrimp, stinkbait, or chicken livers fished on the bottom.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
We received no information about fishing on this waterbody this week. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Cast crankbaits or fish a half of a crawler on a jig and plastic rig. Northern Pike - Good: Cast spoons, spinnerbaits, or crankbaits. 

Interior rivers continue to drop and are providing some catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and channel catfish. Lakes in and around Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some catches of largemouth bass. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. All three trout hatcheries remain closed. Call the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 8.9 feet and stabilizing near 9.1 feet this week. Water temperature is 78 degrees. Lansing Bridge has reopened. Use caution at ramps during low water. Lansing Village Creek is shallow near the creek mouth. Heytman's Landing is accessible with shallow drive boats only. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Good: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast plastics or blade baits along edges of vegetation beds in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Use a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 617.1 feet with a slight bump then stabilizing around 617.4 feet. Water temperature is 79 degrees. Sny Magill access is open. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Excellent: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in 8-10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas near current breaks in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast plastics or blade baits along edges of vegetation beds in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Good: Some shovelnose are being picked up using a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are still being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas.  Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Try a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.2 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to remain stable this week. Water temperature is in the upper 70's. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are biting on crankbaits on wing dams and channel border structure. Northern Pike - Excellent: Try in areas of colder streams and springs entering the Mississippi River. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a small piece of crawler fished just off the bottom near shorelines with slight current. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies are in about 10 feet of water. Use a minnow under a bobber in areas with less current in backwaters and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast plastics or blade baits along edges of vegetation beds in backwater lakes. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Try spinnerbaits fished in rock piles at the tip of the islands on main channel borders. Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose are being picked up with a crawler fished off the bottom in main channel areas. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead bite has slowed, but some are still being caught on shiners or a small bluegill for bait. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait fished off the bottom in deeper side channel areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use light tackle tipped with small piece of worm along the shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Try a crawler fished on the bottom along current breaks.

Upper Mississippi River levels are fairly stable this week. Water clarity is good. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be released immediately. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be kept. Combined walleye/sauger daily harvest limit of 6 and possession of 12.

 

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels will recede slowly this week. The water level is near 8.8 feet at the Lock and Dam and 11 feet at the RR bridge.The water temperature is around 80 degrees. The water clarity is fair. Northern Pike - Good: Flashy spinners in eddy areas or along weed lines will take this toothy predator. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are still being reported in shallow backwater areas near brush piles. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Lots of anglers are using prepared stinkbaits. Try floating worms along rock lines.  Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on an egg sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being taken off lily pad areas on spinnerbaits or frog imitation lures. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Some smallies have moved in along the rock piles; use flashy spoons or crankbaits. Walleye – Slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 9.7 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam and will recede. The water temperature is 80 degrees. The water clarity is fair. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some cats have moved along rock lines. Most anglers are using prepared stinkbaits. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Northern Pike - Good: Try flashy spinners fished along old weed edges and rock shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Lots of bass are being taken off lily pad areas on spinnerbaits or frog imitation lures. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around brush piles in larger sloughs with moderate current. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use live fish for bait. Lots of trot lines are being set; make sure you follow trot lines rules, especially having a tag with your name and address attached to the lines. 

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 8.9 feet at the Fulton Lock and Dam, 12 feet at Camanche and 6.4 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is 80 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are using prepared stinkbaits along rock lines. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of bass are being taken off lily pad areas on spinnerbaits or frog imitation lures. Northern Pike - Good: Use flashy spinners along backwater shorelines or in the tailwaters for this aggressive fish. Flathead Catfish - Excellent: Try live fish for bait. Lots of trot lines are being set; make sure you follow trot lines rules, especially having a tag with your name and address attached to the lines.   Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills near the mouths of large backwater areas, usually around brush piles. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try spinners or crankbaits along rip-rap areas.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is around 9.3 feet at Rock Island and is receding. The water temperature is 80 degrees; water clarity is fair. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Freshwater drum are easy to catch on a worm sinker and worm rig. Fish in moderate current. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel cats are readily biting on cut bait and prepared baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Try live bait around brush piles or in the tailwater area. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish the rocky habitats along the channel edge. 

Water level is expected to slowly recede later in the week.Water temperature is near 80 degrees. If you have any fishing questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-880-8781.