Southeast Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Had about five inches of rain last week. The lake is in pretty good condition. Not a lot of angler activity this week. Black Crappie - No Report: Start looking for crappies in 6 feet of water. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills should be moving in to more shallow water soon. Start at 6 feet and work your way in from there. 

Deep Lakes
Grab a pole and go exploring at Deep Lakes; there are lots of ponds to try. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most of the ponds have good numbers of bass in them; most are smaller, but there are some big ones. Go subtle in your choice of lures with the ultra-clear water. Bluegill - Good: Find the right pond and you can catch some nice bluegills. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is dropping pretty fast, but is forecast to stay above bank full levels until the middle of next week. 

Lake Belva Deer
The lake was pretty turbid last week after all the rain; it is clearing up this week. Water temperature is in mid to upper 70's. Black Crappie - Fair: Last week was pretty slow; t crappie should start biting again with the water getting back to normal and cooling off. Channel Catfish - Fair: Should still be able to pick up a few catfish up by the inlet from the marsh. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water up along the rocks and gravel bottom areas. 

Lake Darling
The water level is back down to near normal. Water temperature is in the mid 70's.  Bluegill - Good: Decent numbers of hand-sized bluegills are being caught in 5 or less feet of water. Water still hasn’t cleared up after last week’s heavy rains. So a little flash to any lure is a good idea. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish. It’s a good time to fish the weirs in the in-lake silt dams as the water from the recent and forecast rains come into the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hovering over the rock piles in about 5-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and spoons work best. 

Lost Grove Lake
Nice weather and the Mississippi River still being high has brought out the boats. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies out deep, but if the nights stay fairly cool, move in to shallower water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Run your favorite crankbait on the north side of the lake, out along the mounds on the flats and in shallow. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk River crested on Wednesday (Sept. 12th) at Brighton and seems to be on its way back down. Still well above flood stage. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is close to full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 704 feet as of Sept. 13. It is predicted to crest on Sept. 16 at a level of 705 feet (normal pool is 683.4 feet). All ramps are under water and the Mehaffey ramp is closed due to construction. 

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

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

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush in 10-15 feet of water.  Walleye - Fair: Troll crawlers or crankbaits in 7-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
There is quite a bit of vegetation in the boat ramp canal and some in sections of other shorelines. Channel Catfish - Good: Try stink bait, especially towards evening. Many 3-5 pound fish are reported. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use small jig spinners or live bait. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 1 feet low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are 2 docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait or stink bait in the evenings.  

All rivers in the district are above flood stage this week.For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shoreline and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the fishing jetties and along the dam. Switch to rubber worms and deeper structure as the day heats up. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler along the rip-rapped shorelines, the jetties and around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. There is now a construction project on the north ramp. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow in deeper water structure. Try also a slip bobber over a minnow. Crappies should start to move shallower as the water temperature cools off. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait around areas with rip-rapped shorelines or rock piles. Don’t fish too deep as the lake does stratify; target 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure. Try also topwater lures around the cedar tree piles in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation. White Crappie - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow around deeper structure and the outer edge of the weed line. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 906.52 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Crappies will start to move shallow as the water cools. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

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

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 15.01 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level is 15.98 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek are closed due to high water. The docks have been pulled out at the Fairport Recreational area due to high water. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 15.51 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 17.28 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. The Kilpeck Landing is closed. Big Timber is also closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 17.96  feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River level at Keithsburg is 16.87 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Keithsburg is 14 feet. Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. Ferry Landing is closed. Water will be over the Hawkeye dolbee parking lot. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 13.97 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level at Burlington is 18.58 feet and is falling. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 530.06 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water.  

River stages are still above flood stage throughout the pools, but have been falling the past few days. Some boat ramps are closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 70 degrees. Water clarity is poor due to high water conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
The unstable weather isn't helping the fishing or the number of anglers out on the lake.  Black Crappie - No Report: Start looking for crappies in 6 feet of water. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills should be moving in to more shallow water soon. Start at 6 feet and work your way in from there. 

Deep Lakes
Grab a pole and go exploring at Deep Lakes; there are lots of ponds to try. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most of the ponds have good numbers of bass in them; most are smaller, but there are some big ones. Go subtle in your choice of lures with the ultra-clear water. Bluegill - Good: Find the right pond and you can catch some nice bluegills. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River still has a lot of flow right now, but is currently back down in its bank with only some low area flooding; it looks to be headed back up. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water warmed up over the last days to around 78 degrees again. The cooler weather forecast should reverse that trend. Black Crappie - Fair: Last week was pretty slow;  crappie should start biting again with the water getting back to normal and cooling off. Channel Catfish - Fair: Should still be able to pick up a few catfish up by the inlet from the marsh. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water up along the rocks and gravel bottom areas. 

Lake Darling
The water temperature is back up to about 79 degrees. Water clarity is improving despite more heavy rains earlier this week. Fishing, while still pretty good, is a little more hit and miss due to the weather.  Bluegill - Good: Decent numbers of hand-sized bluegills are being caught in 5 or less feet of water. Water still hasn’t cleared up after last week’s heavy rains. So a little flash to any lure is a good idea. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish. It’s a good time to fish the weirs in the in-lake silt dams as the water from the recent and forecast rains come into the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hovering over the rock piles in about 5-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and spoons work best. 

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature was 78 degrees on Wednesday; the storm may have cooled it off more since then. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies out deep, but if the nights stay fairly cool, they should start to move in to shallower water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Run your favorite crankbait on the north side of the lake, out along the mounds on the flats and in shallow. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk River is back down to about 1/2 bank full. The parking areas and lanes to them are still muddy. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is close to full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 705 feet (normal pool is 683.4 feet) and slowly falling as of 9/20. All public ramps are under water and the Mehaffey ramp is closed due to construction. 

Diamond Lake
The water is muddy. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish in 12-15 feet of water and look for fish suspended a few feet off the bottom. 

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Catfish were biting at Hills and River Junction before the flows bumped up to 10,000 CFS. Flows will continue to be this high until the Coralville Reservoir is back down to normal, which could be weeks. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush; some fish are reported as moving shallower. Walleye - Fair: Troll crawlers or crankbaits in 7-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 1.5 feet low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are 2 docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  

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

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shore and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits, crankbaits or rubber worms around the fishing jetties and along the dam. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings then switch to rubber worms or crankbaits during the hotter parts of the day. Target the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler along the fishing jetties or around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. There is now a construction project on the north ramp. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use topwater lures in the early mornings and evenings. As the day progresses, target deeper structure using rubber worms or deep diving crankbaits. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies are suspended. Try drifting minnows around the flooded timber at different depths to find active fish. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or stink bait. Don’t fish too deep as the lake does stratify; target 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around deep structure. Try also topwater lures around the cedar tree piles in the morning. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation. Black Crappie - Slow: Try jigs tipped with a minnow in 6-10 feet of water. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 906.10 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Crappies will start to move shallow as the water cools. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Try also vertically jigging spoon baits around rock piles. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

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

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.36 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities, but is forecast to reach 12.5 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. As of Sept. 19th, the Clark's Ferry boat ramp was still closed due to high water, but the ramp at Shady creek is open. The docks have been pulled out at the Fairport Recreational area due to high water. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.31 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to rise over the weekend. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 12.14 feet, but forecast to reach 13.2 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. The Kilpeck Landing is closed. Big Timber is also closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.57 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and has been falling the past week, but is forecast to rise over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River level at Keithsburg is 12.52 feet and is forecast to reach 13.1 feet by the middle of next. Flood stage at Keithsburg is 14 feet. The Toolsboro access is inaccessible due to the Odessa road being flooded. Ferry Landing is closed. Fishing has been slow.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.43 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is forecast to start rising over the weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet. River level at Burlington is 14.63 feet and is forecast to start rising over the weekend. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water.  

River stages have been falling the past few days. With recent heavy rains, the river is forecast to start rising over the weekend. Some boat ramps are closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 73 degrees. Water clarity is poor due to high water conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
The fishing will pick up when the weather settles down.  Black Crappie - Fair: Picking up a few crappies out from shore around the flooded timber in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Starting to pick up some decent bluegills around the rip-rap around the jetties and islands and the old road bed. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa above Columbus Junction is dropping fast. It’s still high below where the Cedar comes in just above Columbus Junction. 

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature Monday was 75 degrees, but it has cooled some since then. Water is fairly clear again. Black Crappie - Fair: Not a lot of fishing pressure so far this week. Anglers out earlier this week were trolling for crappies down the middle down by the dam with some luck. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water up along the rocks and gravel bottom areas. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature was 68 degrees Thursday morning. Bluegill - Good: Decent numbers of hand-sized bluegills are being caught in 5 or less feet of water. Water still hasn’t cleared up after last week’s heavy rains. So a little flash to any lure is a good idea. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers continue to catch catfish.The current coming out of the feeder streams has slowed down, but you could still find decent numbers of catfish in them. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hovering over the rock piles in about 5-8 feet of water. Spinnerbaits and spoons work best. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies were still out in deeper water around the rock piles earlier this week. Cooler water temperatures should bring them in shallower soon.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature has dropped into the upper 60's. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies out deep, but if the nights stay fairly cool, they should start to move in to shallower water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Run your favorite crankbait on the north side of the lake, out along the mounds on the flats and in shallow. Bluegill - Good: Use worm and bobber in the flooded timber not far from shore. 

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk River holding at about 1/2 bank full. Not to many anglers out on the Skunk recently. 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 704 feet (normal pool is 683.4 feet) and slowly rising again as of Sept. 27. All public ramps are under water and the Mehaffey ramp is closed due to construction. 

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs fished over deeper brush. Most fish are 8-9 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Stink bait works best. Some limits are being reported.  

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Largemouth Bass – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish in 12-15 feet of water and look for fish suspended a few feet off the bottom. 

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows around brush or over rock in 15-20
feet of water. There are a lot of 12 inch fish right now. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits in 8-14 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits on the rocks. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try cut bait or stink bait. Evenings are best. 

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is full and has cleared up some. Yellow Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still about 2 feet low. Use caution on the lake, as many of the new rock and wood structures are becoming submerged. There are 2 docks in at the main ramp and the fish cleaning station is open.  

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

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shore and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver in 4-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try spinnerbaits or rubber worms around the fishing jetties and along the dam. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try rubber worms or crankbaits around the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler along the fishing jetties or around the cedar tree piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jig and minnow combinations around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. The north ramp is now closed due to a construction project.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits or rubber worms and crawdad imitations along the rip-rapped shorelines and the jetties. Black Crappie - Slow: Drift minnows and jigs at different depths. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers in 6-8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or crawdad imitating crankbaits around cedar tree piles and rip-rapped shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around aquatic vegetation. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll jigs tipped with a minnow in 6-10 feet of water. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.72 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around deeper structure. Trolling small crankbaits can also catch suspended crappies. Crappies will start to move shallow as the water cools. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Try also vertically jigging spoon baits around rock piles. Walleye - Fair: Use night crawler rigs or troll crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines using rubber worms or crankbaits. Topwater lures can be productive along the lily pads. Black Crappie - Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines; tip the jig with a minnow if the fish get finicky. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait along the shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

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

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The fall trout release will be Oct. 27th at 10 am; 1000 trout will be released with 100 trout tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Two weeks to go until the release 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
NOAA is forecasting the Iowa River to still be above flood stage through the end of next week.

Lake Belva Deer
Still plenty of water leaving the lake. Water clarity is almost back to normal. Water temperature is in the low to mid 50's. Black Crappie - Fair: Cappies are sticking to the deeper water; drift the lower end of the lake. Start in 16 to 18 feet of water and work your way into shallower water until you find fish. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Picking up a few bass in the more shallow water along the rocks and gravel bottom areas.  

Lake Darling
Water level is still about 6 inches above normal. Water clarity continues to improve. Water temperature is in the low 50's.Bluegill - Fair: On the less windy days, anglers are catching some nice bluegills in 5 to 8 feet of water around the habitat. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are starting to once again catch some crappies, but they have moved back out to deeper water (10-12 feet). Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some decent bass in fairly close to shore; use a little flash to the lure with the water clarity.

Lake of the Hills
The fall trout release of 2000 trout is scheduled for Oct. 20th at 10:30 am; there will be 200 tagged trout for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Good: Since the river is still going to be above flood stage, why not try a little trout fishing this Saturday? 

Lost Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Get back into the standing flooded timber out of the wind; look for fish to be in 6 to 8 feet of water. Maybe a little shallower on the north side when it’s sunny. Black Crappie - Fair: Still are out in deeper water; they should start moving in shallower if the weather calms down.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river is off the boat ramp parking lot at Brighton and continues to drop. Level is still above flood stage.

Wilson Lake
The fall trout release is scheduled for Oct. 27th at noon; 1000 trout released with 200 tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Good: One week to go! 

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

Central Park Lake
The lake is full after the renovation project; fingerling fish have been stocked. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at 711' (normal pool is 683.4') on 10/18. This is the crest height; the lake is predicted to slowly start falling after the weekend.

Diamond Lake
The lake is at normal level, but is still a little muddy. Minnows are not allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Use small worms or jigs tipped with worms. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching fish off the jetties. Jigs tipped with worms work best. Most fish are 8-9 inches.   

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is off; any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed (5 mph). Water temperatures have been in the mid 50's. The fish cleaning station at the primitive campground has been shut down. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows over brush or rock. There are a lot of 12 inch fish right now. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits in 8-14 feet of water. The shallow water bite should pick up along windblown rock especially towards evening. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try topwater baits early and late then troll during the day. 

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still about 1 feet low. The fish cleaning station is closed. White Bass – Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill - Fair: Fish along weed lines in 7-9 feet of water.

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

 

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait near shore and around the fishing jetties. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow around deep structure. Try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chicken liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast the shoreline with spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Try a rubber worm or a crawdad imitation around the fishing jetties and along the dam. 

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast crankbaits or spinnerbaits around the cedar tree piles and the fishing jetties. Try also rubber worms or other plastic along the rip-rapped shorelines and in the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler along the fishing jetties or around the cedar tree piles. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jig and minnow combinations around the cedar tree piles. 

Lake Sugema
The south boat ramp off of Highway 2 has been reopened. The north ramp is now closed due to a construction project.  Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast the shorelines with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Use crawdad imitations along the rip-rapped shorelines and the fishing jetties.  Black Crappie - Slow: Try different depths with minnows and jigs until you find active fish. Drift or use a slip bobber and a minnow. Bluegill - Fair: Try live bait tipped on a small jig around the shorelines and fishing jetties. Keep moving until you find active fish. Walleye - Slow: Use a nightcrawlers rig or a jig and minnow combination along the dam. 

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or night crawlers; look for areas with some water flow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits around the cedar tree piles. Try crawdad imitations along the rip-rapped shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Cast small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler around the aquatic vegetation. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift or troll jigs tipped with a minnow in 6-10 feet of water. 

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout will be stocked on Friday, Oct. 26th at 11 a.m.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 912.07 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The lake has risen over 6 feet since last week, so be aware of floating debris. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or chicken liver in coves or areas with some water running into the lake. White Crappie - Fair: Try minnows around structure. Look for submerged trees and stumps.. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines and around rock piles. Follow the gulls as they will be where the schools of hybrid striped bass are feeding. Try also vertically jigging spoon baits around rock piles. Walleye - Slow: Use night crawler rigs or jig and minnows around rock piles and submerged points. 

Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shorelines using rubber worms or spinnerbaits. Black Crappie - Fair: Use tube jigs along the shorelines; try tipping the jig with a minnow . Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait along the shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try night crawlers or chicken liver around the fishing jetties and the outer edge of the lily pads. 

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

 

Mississippi River Pool 16 Fishing Reports
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 16.21 feet and has been falling this past week. Flood stage for Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Many of the boat ramps are inaccessible due to the high water. The ramps at Marquette St, Credit Island, Clark's Ferry, Shady Creek, and Fairport are all under water. Fishing has been slow with the high-water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 16.92 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been falling this past week. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet.The ramps at Big Timber and Kilpeck are closed due to high-water. Fishing has been slow. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 19.19 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee ramps will be underwater. The Ferry Landing is closed. Fishing has been slow with the high-water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 15.26 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.

River stage is still above flood stage throughout the pools. River levels have been falling this past week. Most boat ramps are under water due to the flooding conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 8.18 feet and has risen close to a foot since last weekend. Tailwater stage is forecast to start falling by the end of the week. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Good: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows below the Lock and Dam and in Sylvan Slough. Sauger - Good: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows below the Lock and Dam and in Sylvan Slough.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.71 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has risen slightly since the weekend. Walleye and sauger fishing in the tailwaters has been hit or miss. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. Sauger - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.08 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The Toolsboro ramp is open. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.24 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has risen slightly the past few days. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers. The Tama Beach boat landing is covered in mud. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. Sauger - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows.

Tailwater stages have risen slightly the past few days, but are forecast to start falling by the weekend. Main channel water temperature is around 33-34 degrees. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

Big Hollow Lake
Very unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions.

Lake Darling
Unsafe ice conditions. Lake Darling remains froze over (1 inch thick), but warm weather and light rain will not improve ice conditions. 

Lost Grove Lake
Unsafe ice conditions.

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

 

Central Park Lake
The lake was restocked this spring after the renovation project.

Central Park Pond
About 5 inches of ice reported on West Pond. Bluegill - Good: Most fish are 4-7 inches. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at winter pool of 683.4 feet. The lake had frozen over, but now has lots of open water.

Diamond Lake
Much of the lake has open water.

Green Castle Lake
Anglers report 3-5 inches of ice on the lake.

Grundy County Lake
Much of the lake has 4-6 inches of ice; still use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs/waxies around the sunken brush or rock piles. Walleye – Fair.

Hannen Lake
About 4 inches of ice has been reported. There has been some ice fishing activity on the lake, but use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use a jig/waxie around sunken trees.

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Reports of 3-4 inches of ice at the boat ramp, with less ice on the main lake. The ice should be considered unsafe.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The lake has 1-3 inches of unsafe ice.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake had up to 6 inches of ice, but it has deteriorated, especially along shorelines, in the boat channel, and in the southeast bay. The lake should be considered unsafe.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has 1-3 inches of ice and should be considered unsafe.

Rodgers Park Lake
Much of the lake has 3-4 inches of ice, but the upper end has open water and some of the shoreline is poor. Ice fishing is not recommended. 

Sand Lake
Unsafe ice.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
There had been ice anglers a week ago, but the ice has deteriorated. The ice should not be considered "safe".

Many areas have unsafe ice. A few areas between Highway 20 and Highway 30 have "fishable" ice. Use extreme caution if venturing out anywhere on the ice. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Lake Miami
Fishing pressure has been low with recent colder temperatures. Skim ice has been forming around the shore.

Lake Sugema
The north ramp is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Fishing pressure has been low with recent colder temperatures. Skim ice is forming around the shore.

Lake Wapello
Skim ice is forming around the shore.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 906.76 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Skim ice is forming along the shore in some areas. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Fishing pressure has been low. Skim ice is forming along the shore.

Many of the smaller lakes are starting to skim over with ice. There is no safe ice in the Rathbun district. Open water fishing opportunities are still available at some lakes. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Very unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions.  

Lake Darling
We lost ice over the last week. Several areas of open water on the lake.  Lots of very thin ice ¼ inch around the shore.

Lost Grove Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. Warm weather is not forming much new ice. 

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

 

Central Park Lake
The lake was restocked this spring after the renovation project.

Central Park Pond
About 5 inches of ice reported on West Pond. Bluegill - Good: Most fish are 4-7 inches. 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at winter pool of 683.4 feet. The lake had frozen over, but now has lots of open water.

Diamond Lake
Much of the lake has open water.

Green Castle Lake
Anglers report 3-5 inches of ice on the lake.

Grundy County Lake
Much of the lake has 4-6 inches of ice; still use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs/waxies around the sunken brush or rock piles. Walleye – Fair.

Hannen Lake
About 4 inches of ice. There has been some ice fishing activity on the lake, but use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use a jig/waxie around sunken trees.

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Reports of 3-4 inches of ice at the boat ramp, with less ice on the main lake. The ice should be considered unsafe.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The lake has 1-3 inches of unsafe ice.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake had up to 6 inches of ice, but it has deteriorated, especially along shore, in the boat channel, and in the southeast bay. The lake should be considered unsafe.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has up to 4 inches of ice, but should be considered unsafe.

Rodgers Park Lake
Much of the lake has 3-4 inches of ice, but the upper end has open water and some of the shoreline is poor. Ice fishing is not recommended. 

Sand Lake
Unsafe ice.

Most areas in the Lake Macbride District are unsafe for ice fishing. A few areas between Highway 20 and Highway 30 have "fishable" ice. Use extreme caution if venturing out anywhere on the ice. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Lake Miami
Fishing pressure has been low with recent weather conditions.

Lake Sugema
The north ramp is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Fishing pressure has been low with recent weather conditions.

Lake Wapello
Fishing pressure has been low.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.06 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Open water conditions on the lake. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Fishing pressure has been low. 

Open water fishing opportunities are still available at most lakes. Predicted colder temperatures should help with making some ice. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 7.44 feet and has been fairly steady the past few days but, forecast to start rising by the weekend with recent rains. Forecasts have the river level reaching 10.1 feet by January 1st. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers this past week, but the bite may change with the forecast rising river levels. Unsafe ice conditions.  Walleye - Good: Try vertical jigging with plastics below the Lock and Dam and in Sylvan Slough. Sauger - Good: Try vertical jigging with plastics below the Lock and Dam and in Sylvan Slough.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.43 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been fairly steady the past few days, but is forecast to start rising over the weekend due to recent rains. River levels are forecast to reach 8.8 feet by the middle of next week. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and sauger this past week, but the bite may change with rising river levels in the forecast. Unsafe ice conditions.  Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing below the dam has been hit or miss. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. Sauger - Fair: Sauger fishing below the dam has been hit or miss. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 7.60 feet at Lock and Dam 17 and is forecast to start rising by the weekend with the recent rains. The current forecast has the tailwater stage reaching 10.2 feet by next week. The Toolsboro ramp is open. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers this past week, but the bite may change with the river level forecast to rise. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 4.75 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington but is forecast to start rising by the weekend with the recent rains. Current forecasts have the tailwater stage reaching 7 feet by Wednesday. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers, but the bite may change with river stage forecast to rise. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows. Sauger - Fair: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits or minnows.

Tailwater stages have been fairly steady the past few days, but are forecast to start rising over the weekend due to recent rains. Main channel water temperature is around 35-36 degrees. There has been some tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers, but the bite may change with river levels forecast to rise. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST  IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Very unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions. Forecast warm weather will continue to melt ice. 

Lake Darling
No safe ice. Mostly open water except for on the campground arm out of the wind and from the main boat ramp on up the lake.

Lost Grove Lake
Unsafe ice conditions. 

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

 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at winter pool of 683.4 feet. The lake has lots of open water.

Grundy County Lake
Much of the lake has 4-6 inches of ice; still use caution. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs/waxies around the sunken brush or rock piles.

Hannen Lake
There was up to 4 inches of ice, but there is some open water on the east shore. There has been some ice fishing activity on the lake, but ice conditions will deteriorate over the next week. Bluegill - Fair: Use a jig/waxie around sunken trees.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The ice is extremely variable and is deteriorating with the warming temperatures. There are a number of areas of open water and the remaining ice should be considered unsafe.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has up to 4 inches of ice, but should be considered unsafe.

Most areas in the Lake Macbride District are unsafe for ice fishing. A few areas closer to Highway 20 may have "fishable" ice.Use extreme caution if venturing out anywhere on the ice. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

 

Lake Miami
Fishing pressure has been low with recent weather conditions.

Lake Sugema
The north ramp is closed due to a parking lot construction project. Fishing pressure has been low with recent weather conditions.

Lake Wapello
Fishing pressure has been low.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.26 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Open water conditions on the lake. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Fishing pressure has been low. 

Most lakes are covered with a skim of ice. Predicted warm weather should get rid of the skim ice. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  IOWA/ILLINOIS FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport is 9.13 feet and has risen close to 2 feet since last week due to recent rains. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater stage has started to fall. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow with the rise in river levels. Walleye – Slow. Sauger – Slow.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 8.57 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has risen close to 2 feet since last week due to recent rains. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater stage has started to fall. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow. Walleye – Slow. Sauger – Slow.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.94 feet at Lock and Dam 17 and risen close to 3 feet since last weekend. Unsafe ice conditions. The gates are out of the water at the dam. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow with the rise in river level. Sauger – Slow. Walleye – Slow.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.87 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has risen close to 2.5 feet since last weekend. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow with the rise in river levels. Walleye – Slow. Sauger – Slow.

Tailwater stages have risen 2-3 feet since last week due to recent rains. Unsafe ice conditions. Tailwater fishing for walleyes and saugers has been slow with the recent rise in water levels. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice; continued cold weather for several more days might improve conditions.

Lake Belva Deer
Finally making ice; needs a few more days of cold weather to reach 4 inches of decent ice.

Lake Darling
The main part of the lake finally froze over Tuesday night. Needs more time and cold to make the ice thick enough to walk out on.

Lost Grove Lake
Earlier this week there was about 3 inches of ice on the lake with some thinner areas; stay off the ice for a few more days.

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

 

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at winter pool of 683.4 feet. The lake just recently frozen over; ice conditions are extremely variable as there is still higher than normal flows for this time of year.

Diamond Lake
The lake has frozen over, but ice is variable at 2-4 inches. Use caution if venturing out. The ice fishing derby for this weekend has been cancelled.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
The lake just refroze on Jan. 19th; ice conditions are variable. As of Jan. 24th, much of the lake has 4-5 inches of ice; areas over deeper water may have less, while shallower protected areas may have more.

Otter Creek Lake
Ice anglers have been out; exact ice conditions are not known. Use caution as there was areas of open water last week.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake had open water on Jan. 18th, but has now frozen. Ice conditions are variable; use caution if venturing out.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
The backwaters at Pinicon Ridge are reported as having 6-7 inches of "not good" ice.

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

 

Lake Miami
The lake has recently froze over; ice conditions are variable.

Lake Sugema
The lake has recently froze over; use caution. There are still areas covered with snow and a thin layer of ice.

Lake Wapello
The lake has recently froze over; ice conditions are variable.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.15 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The lake recently froze over; variable ice thickness. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
The lake recently froze over;  ice thickness varies. Check ice thickness often if venturing out.

Ice conditions in the Rathbun district are variable across the district; use caution if venturing out. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS - IOWA/ILLINOIS

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has risen to 9.22 feet. Tailwater stage has risen close to 2 feet since Monday. The Marquette Street boat ramp is snow covered and iced in. Unsafe ice conditions with the rising river levels and snow cover. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.37 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been rising the past few days. Tailwater stage has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. River level at Muscatine is 8.79 feet and has been rising. The boat ramp in Muscatine is iced in. Unsafe ice conditions with the rising river levels and snow cover. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 7.78 feet at Lock and Dam 17 and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. River stage at Keithsburg is 10.14 feet and has risen close to 2 feet since Monday. Unsafe ice conditions with the rising river levels and snow cover. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 4.15 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and has been rising the past few days. River stage at Burlington is 10.25 feet and has been rising. Unsafe ice conditions.

River stages have been rising since earlier this week. Boat ramps and the main channel is starting to freeze in. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Ice conditions are good; use cation if it starts to rain later this week. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are catching mostly bluegills, but continue to pick up a few crappies. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing picked up late last week. Work along the old creek channel out from the beach and the boat ramp.

Lake Belva Deer
The ice took some damage, especially around the edges from last weekend's rains. Bluegill – Slow: Fishing slowed after last weekend.

Lake Darling
The water has cleared up, but is still a little tinted by the clay. Ice is in good condition, but could change if the forecasted rain comes. Black Crappie - Slow: If you pick the right spot you can still catch your limit. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are picking up some bluegills near the bottom.

Lost Grove Lake
Anglers are still concentrated from the middle boat ramp and pine grove on the lake. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers continue to catch some crappies along the creek channel around the trees. Be prepared to move to find the fish. Bluegill - Slow: Most anglers are fishing in about 16 to 18 feet of water. Work the flooded trees along the old creek channel.

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

Diamond Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the basin or around deeper brush for 8- to 9-inch crappies. Bluegill - Fair: Catch 7- to 8-inch bluegills with a jig/waxie around brush.

Hannen Lake
There is about 17 inches of ice here. Black Crappie - Slow: Quite a few 11+ inch fish. Bluegill - Fair: Many fish are 8+ inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
There is about 15 inches of ice on most of the lake. Best bite is early and late in the day. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride has about 14 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs/waxies fished over rock or brush. Black Crappie - Fair: 11-13 inch fish have been caught this week. Try fishing over rock piles or stumps. The south arm has been popular. Walleye - Slow: A few eater sized fish are being picked up by crappie anglers.

Otter Creek Lake
Ice has been reported as close to two feet. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use Small jigs/spoons or live bait. Most fish are 7- to 8-inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
There is about 16 inches of ice here. Fishing activity has been reported as slow.

Sand Lake
Sand Lake is in Marshalltown. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Fish up to 18 inches have been reported. Bluegill – Fair: Most were smaller this week. Black Crappie – Slow.

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

 

Lake Miami
Anglers are catching some bluegills and crappies. Use caution and check ice thickness often.

Lake Sugema
Ice thickness is 4-7 inches; use caution if venturing out. Most of the ice fishing in this area is occurring on the Tug Forks lakes northwest of Lake Sugema.

Lake Wapello
Use caution and check ice thickness often. Try jigs with small minnows or tipped with a waxworm. Anglers are catching some bluegills and crappies. Use caution in the area out from the lodge.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.28 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Ice thickness is variable, so use caution. The lake level continues to change with the thawing and freezing. Use caution around the shoreline when getting on and off the ice. Not many anglers have been out. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Anglers report 12 inches of ice. Warmer temperatures and rain may weaken the ice around the shoreline; use caution getting on and off the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a waxworm or small minnow. Sorting is needed for larger fish.

Ice conditions in the Rathbun district are variable across the district; use caution if venturing out. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.29 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. As of March 7th, the Marquette St ramp is open, but there is some ice at the bottom of the ramp that could make launching boats difficult. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger. Ramp and main channel conditions may change with rain and warm temperatures in the forecast. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports this week.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.44 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has been rising. As of March 7th, there is some floating ice at the boat launch in Muscatine. There is also a lip of ice at the bottom of the ramp that could make launching a boat difficult. The parking lot in Big Timber is open, but use caution as the road and parking lot are ice covered. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. There could be unsafe ice conditions with fluctuating river levels.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.35 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston has risen close to 1.5 feet since Monday. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. The Toolsboro ramp is still closed. The fluctuating river levels could create unsafe ice conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been rising. We have not received any reports if boat ramps or the main channel are open. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. The fluctuating river levels could create unsafe ice conditions.

River stages have been rising since Monday. There is some rain and warm temperatures in the forecast that could cause the river to raise more. Rising river levels could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice. The ice near the shore is in very bad condition.

Lake Darling
Unsafe ice. The first 6 to 8 feet of ice from the shore is nearly gone. 

Lost Grove Lake
Unsafe ice. The ice along the shore is very weak to gone in some places. 

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

Coralville Reservoir
Ice is breaking up as flows and water levels increase. The latest prediction is for the lake to reach 707 feet (normal spring pool is 679 feet).

Diamond Lake
Shorelines have softened and opened up. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Hannen Lake
The main lake has about 14 inches of ice, but shorelines have softened. Be careful getting on the ice. Black Crappie - Slow: Quite a few 11+ inch fish. Bluegill - Fair: Many fish are 8+ inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
There is about 15 inches of ice on most of the lake, but the shorelines have softened. Anglers have been able to get on the ice from the boat dock if the ramp is bad. Best bite is mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake restoration project. 

Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride has about 12 inches of ice, but the shorelines have deteriorated and there is 10 feet of water on top of the ice around the edge. Getting on the ice may be an issue in most areas. Bluegill - Fair: Try jigs/waxies fished over rock or brush. Black Crappie - Fair: 11-13 inch fish have been caught this week. Try fishing over rock piles or stumps. The south arm has been popular. Walleye - Slow: A few eater sized fish are being picked up by crappie anglers.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Use caution around the edges of the lake as ice has softened. Fishing activity has been reported as slow.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended here.

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

 

Lake Miami
The recent rains and snow melt have raised the level of the lake; there is open water around the shoreline. Check ice thickness often and use caution.

Lake Sugema
The recent rains and snow melt have raised the lake levels; there is open water around the shoreline. Most of the ice fishing in this area is occurring on the Tug Forks lakes northwest of Lake Sugema.

Lake Wapello
Ice condition are variable and there is open water around the shoreline. Use caution and check ice thickness often. Use caution in the area out from the lodge.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 910.22 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Ice thickness is variable, so use caution. The lake level continues to change with the thawing and freezing. Use caution around the shoreline when getting on and off the ice. Not many anglers have been out. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Red Haw Lake
Warmer temperatures and rain may weaken the ice around the shoreline; use caution getting on and off the ice.

Ice conditions in the Rathbun district are variable across the district; use caution if venturing out. The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

Mississippi River Fishing Reports Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.54 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and has risen close to 4 feet since last Saturday. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach flood stage by Friday. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Current forecasts have the tailwater stage reaching 18.2 feet by Sunday. River stage at Fairport is 12.17 feet and flood stage is 14 feet. We have not received any fishing information with the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.99 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 5 feet since last Saturday. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach flood stage by Friday. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 12.80 feet and rising. River stage at Muscatine is currently forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. The ramp at Big Timber is closed. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high and muddy water.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.99 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and rising. Floodstage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. River stage is forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Current forecasts have the tailwater stage reaching 20.1 feet on Monday. River stage at Keithsburg is 12.68 feet and forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Flood stage is 14 feet. The ramp at Toolsboro is still closed. The road going down to Toolsboro is also closed.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.39 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 4 feet since last Saturday. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 14.67 feet and forecast to reach flood stage on Friday. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 527.90 feet and flood stage is 528.00 feet.

River stages have been on the rise. Current forecasts have the river reaching flood stage on Friday. Main channel water temperature is around 35 degrees and water clarity is poor. Many of the boat ramps will be underwater. Unsafe ice conditions. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high and muddy water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Just a few anglers out with the warm weather.

Lake Belva Deer
Water continues to warm with temperatures in the 50's. Largemouth Bass – Slow: A few bass were caught during the warmer weather along the riprap in the sun.

Lake Darling
Largemouth Bass – Slow: The warm weather brought the bass into the shallows at the upper end of the lake; they most likely will head back out when the weather changes later this week.

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

Lake Miami
Start in the shallows using small jigs for bluegill.

Lake Sugema
Try jigs tipped with minnows around the flooded timber for crappie.

Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or dead chubs.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Catch trout with a variety of methods including a live minnow fished under a bobber, small tube jigs and in-line spinners. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 907.36 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching channel catfish; use cut bait or shad sides.

Red Haw Lake
Try small jigs in the shallows for bluegills or cut bait for channel catfish.

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

 

Mississippi River Fishing Reports - IOWA ILLINOIS

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 20.57 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Fairport is 21.20 feet;  flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St boat ramp, Credit Island boat ramp, Buffalo Shores boat ramp, Clark's Ferry boat ramp, Shady Creek boat ramp, and Fairport boat ramps are all closed due to high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 20.74 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage in Muscatine is 21.89 feet; flood stage is 16 feet. The Muscatine City boat ramps are closed due to high water. Kilpeck Landing and Big Timber are also closed due to flooding.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 21.01 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Keithsburg is 19.16 feet; flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will also be under water.

Pools 16-19 are above still above flood stage. Current forecasts have the river starting to fall, but then rise again due to rain in the forecast. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS 

Big Hollow Lake
A few more anglers out this last week on the nicer days; they are starting to catch a few more fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching a few bass; look for them on the north side in the shallows where the sun hits the water. Bluegill - Fair: Work the shallower brush piles in the sun. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in shallow around the flooded timber on the warmest sunny days.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Pick out a nice warm day and go trout fishing. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Brook Trout - Good: The trout have had a chance to settle down; look for them to be around the habitat and in the corners. Power bait or waxworms are good baits for the kids to try. Rainbow Trout - Good: The trout have had a chance to settle down; look for them to be around the habitat and in the corners. Power bait or waxworms are good baits for the kids to try.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature remains right around 50 degrees. The cold nights are keeping it from warming up much more. Largemouth Bass – Slow: A few bass were caught during the warmer weather along the riprap in the sun before returning to deeper water when it cools off.

Lake Darling 
Water temperature are stuck at 50-52 degrees; the forecast for next week doesn't look to improve on that. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Anglers continue to pick up a few bass in the shallows on the warmer days. Black Crappie - Slow: Catching a few crappies around some of the brush piles; it will be a while before they start to move in shallow.

Lost Grove Lake
Boat docks are in at the ramps. The wind earlier this week limited the number of anglers out. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers continue to pick up some bass up in the flooded timber on sunny afternoons. Black Crappie - Slow: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in the flooded timber in a little deeper water.

Wilson Lake
You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Work the culvert piles and cedar trees; the trout have settled some, so it’s a good time to switch to natural baits and power bait under a bobber in these areas. Brook Trout - Good: It was a 500 brook trout/500 rainbow trout mix at the stocking; look for them to be in the same places as the rainbows.

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

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level, as of April 25, is 679 feet. At this level, boating is not recommended above Lake Macbride State Park. The water is very dirty. Water temperatures are in the upper 50's. No fishing reports are available.

Diamond Lake
The fishing cleaning station and restrooms are open for the season. Minnows are not allowed here. Black Crappie - Good: The warm up pushed crappies shallower. Tube jigs or jigs tipped with worms work best. Some limits have been reported.

Lake Macbride 
Water temperatures are in the mid 50's. All motors may be used at no wake speed at this time. All docks are in and the fish cleaning stations are open. Walleye - Fair: Some fish (mostly males) are very shallow, while others are still out deeper. The shallow bite should improve as water temperatures warm. Black Crappie - Good: Good: Fish are starting to move shallower. They are not on the bank, but are by shallower brush and staging just off the bank. Nice 10- to 13-inch crappie are available. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Wipers are starting to move shallower and chase bait and lures.

Otter Creek Lake 
The lake is full; the water is fairly clear. Yellow Bass – Fair: Try small jigs, spinners or live bait. Most fish are 8- to 9-inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is full. Water temperatures are in the mid 50's. There is a lot of terrestrial vegetation in the shallows that established during the low water period. Walleye - Fair: Most action is in the shallows towards evening.

Prairie Park Fishery
2000 trout will be released here last Saturday. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Brook Trout – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

Sand Lake 
This lake is in Marshalltown. 2000 trout will be released here last Saturday. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Yellow Bass – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair. Brook Trout – Fair. Black Crappie – Slow. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) 
Walleye - Fair: The bite has slowed, but some fish are still being caught on jigs below the dams. Channel Catfish - Fair: Nice fish are being reported on cut bait.

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

Lake Miami
Start in the shallows using small jigs for bluegill. Use minnows around the submerged trees for crappies.

Lake Sugema
Try jigs tipped with minnows around the flooded timber for crappie.

Lake Wapello
Try small jigs along the shorelines for bluegill. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or dead chubs.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on March 30. You must have a fishing license and a pay the trout fee to fish for and/or possess trout. Catch trout with a variety of methods including a live minnow fished under a bobber, small tube jigs and in-line spinners. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.87 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The water temperature is in the lower 50's. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching channel catfish; use cut bait or shad sides. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing remains slow. Warmer water will help in the upcoming weeks.

Red Haw Lake
Try small jigs in the shallows for bluegills or cut bait for channel catfish. Target brush piles for largemouth bass.

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

 

Mississippi River Fishing reports Iowa Illinois 

Mississippi River Pool 16 
Tailwater stage is 18.35 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities; flood stage is 15 feet. The current forecast has the river stage reaching 20.4 feet by next week. River stage at Fairport is 18.57 feet and flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St boat ramp, Credit Island boat ramp, Buffalo Shores boat ramp, Clark's Ferry boat ramp, Shady Creek boat ramp, and Fairport boat ramps are all closed due to high water. 

Mississippi River Pool 17 
Tailwater stage is 17.86 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine; flood stage is 15 feet. The current forecast has the river reaching 20.4 feet at Lock and Dam 16 by next week. . River stage in Muscatine is 19.16 feet and flood stage is 16 feet. The Muscatine City boat ramps are closed due to high water. Kilpeck Landing and Big Timber are also closed due to flooding.

Mississippi River Pool 18 
Tailwater stage is 18.41 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston; flood stage is 15 feet. The current forecast has the river reaching 20.4 feet at Lock and Dam 17 by next week. River stage at Keithsburg is 16.86 feet; flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will also be under water.

Mississippi Pools 16-19 are still above flood stage and forecast to rise over the weekend. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 20.02 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and forecast to reach 21 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Davenport. River stage is 21.04 feet at Fairport and flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp in Davenport is closed. Clark's Ferry, Shady Creek, and the Fairport Recreational Area boat ramps are under water.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 20.71 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and forecast to reach 22.2 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 22.50 feet at Muscatine and flood stage is 16 feet. The ramps at Muscatine are closed due to high water. Kilpeck and Big Timber boat ramps are also closed. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool due to the high water.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 22.38 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and forecast to reach 23.4 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 21.02 feet at Keithsburg and flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. The hawkeye dolbee access is also under water. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week due to the high water.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 18.8 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and forecast to reach 19.5 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 23.04 feet at Burlington and flood stage is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 533.24 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week due to the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19 have been on the rise. River levels are above major flood stage. Many of the boat ramps are closed due to flooding. Main channel water clarity is poor. We have not received any fishing report information this week due to the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

SOUTHEAST IOWA LAKES AND RIVERS FISHING REPORTS

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is down in this section; headed toward moderate flood stage with the crest forecast to be sometime late on Saturday.

Lake Belva Deer
Water level has risen with recent rains; water is pretty cloudy. Last weekend the fishing was pretty good, but has slowed down after the heavy rains. Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappies in 10-12 feet of water; you have to work for them. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A decent percentage of bass have spawned and moved off the beds.

Lake Darling
Wednesday, May 29, the water was over the tops of the fishing jetties. By Thursday, the water dropped 6 inches. The gangways to the boat docks at the ramps remain underwater.

Lost Grove Lake
Heavy rains have brought the lake level up and the water is turning cloudy. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers continue to catch bass; work them out along the edges of the weed beds and around the trees and brush piles in 4-6 feet of water. Black Crappie - Slow: Look for crappies out around the deeper habitat. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are spawning, despite the cooler water temperatures.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River is well above flood stage, with most of the access points underwater.

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

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try rubber worms or spinnerbaits around the rock jetties and along the dam. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try dead chubs or nightcrawlers. 

Lake Miami
Water levels have risen with the recent rains. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigs tipped with a minnow around the submerged trees. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs around the rock jetties and shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use rubber worms around the fishing jetties and along the face of the dam. 

Lake Sugema
Water levels are very high. The boat docks and fishing jetties are underwater. The lake is about 6 feet above normal pool. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinnerbaits or crankbaits around rock jetties and along the dam. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs tipped with a minnow around the flooded timber and submerged structure. Keep moving until you find active fish.

Lake Wapello
Water levels are variable with the recent rains. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs along the shorelines. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or dead chubs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try rubber worms or spinnerbaits around rock jetties and submerged structure. 

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 916.81 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. The water temperature is in the lower 60's. The lake's water level has risen about 7 feet in the last week and will continue to rise with more rain. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait or shad sides in areas with flowing water. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed with the cooler weather and the rain. Try jigs and minnows along rocky shores and around structure. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Anglers have been successful trolling crankbaits along rocky shores. Walleye - Fair: Try trolling over submerged points or along rocky shores.

Red Haw Lake
Water levels are variable with the recent rains. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or dead chubs. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs fished around the shores and submerged structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try rubber worms or spinnerbaits around brush piles and other submerged structure.

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

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Open water and unsafe thin icewith a little snow on top.

Lake Darling
About 100 acres of open water surrounded by about 1 inch of ice. Unsafe ice thickness.

Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
Getting closer to two inches, thick but not there yet.  

Lost Grove Lake
Ice is getting a little thicker, but still way too thin to walk on.

Pollmiller Park Lake
The lake finally skimmed over with ice, but the 3 inches of snow on top isn't helping it build more ice.

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

Coralville Reservoir
Much of the lake is ice covered, but it is extremely variable due to falling water conditions and increased flows over the past week. The lake is now down to winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Diamond Lake
The lake is partially covered in skim ice.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Skim ice formed over most of the lake this week.

Lake Macbride
Most of the lake is ice covered, but the ice is extremely variable. Some areas have 3 inches. A few anglers out, but ice fishing is not recommended.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is ice covered. Much of the lake has 3-4 inches, but it can vary. There have been some anglers out; use caution.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is ice covered and variable. Ice fishing is not recommended.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Skim ice has formed over the backwaters, but is still unsafe. The boat ramp in Pinicon Ridge is closed for the winter.

Most lakes/ponds now have skim ice; there is no safe ice in this area. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
Skim ice is forming overnight when cold enough, making fishing difficult.

Lake Sugem
Skim ice is forming in some of the bays. Geese are keeping large areas open.

Lake Wapello
Skim ice is forming at night, making fishing difficult.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on Oct. 25th. The pond is covered in skim ice, making fishing difficult. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.23 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Most docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The bays and coves will start to be covered with skim ice, making fishing difficult.

Red Haw Lake
Skim ice is forming overnight, making fishing difficult.

There has been very little angler activity in the last week. There is no safe ice in the Rathbun district. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS Pools 16-19

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 7.03 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is forecast to reach 7.4 feet by Tuesday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. A bunch of floating ice chunks at the Marquette St Landing in Davenport could make loading and unloading boats difficult. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes in the tailwaters. Use jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Slow: Look for saugers in the tailwaters. Try jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 5.95 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising slightly. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage is 8.16 feet at Muscatine; flood stage is 16 feet. As of Dec. 19th, there is a bunch of floating ice chunks at the Muscatine ramps that could make loading and unloading boats difficult. The gates at the Lock and Dam were back in the water. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - No Report: Use jigs and minnows or pull three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits in the tailwaters. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 7.03 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to reach 7.5 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 8.77 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. A couple of days ago there was a ridge of ice at the bottom of the ramp and there was a lot of flow ice at Toolsboro. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - No Report: Look for saugers below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 4.41 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been steady the past few days. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 10.43 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 526.8 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. 

Tailwater stages have been steady to rising slightly this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 32 degrees. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Open water and slush on the ice that is still there.

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice; very thin and melting.

Lake Darling
Three days of near 60 degree weather has melted ice. The middle of the lake is wide open; most of the ice left has water on top of it and is more like slush.

Lake Darling District 
Some of the smaller ponds out in the open are nearly ice free now. Rain forecast for this Saturday should melt more of the ice.

Lost Grove Lake
Warm weather is weakening what ice is there. Forecast above freezing temperatures won't build ice.

Pollmiller Park Lake
Unsafe ice and open water.

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

Coralville Reservoir
The ice is opening back up in the channel area; the remaining ice is unsafe. The lake is at winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Lake Macbride
The lake is 95% ice covered, but the ice is unsafe.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is covered with unsafe ice.

Most lakes/ponds now have skim ice; there is no safe ice in this area. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
Skim ice is forming overnight when cold enough, making fishing difficult.

Lake Sugem
Skim ice is forming in some of the bays. Geese are keeping large areas open.

Lake Wapello
Skim ice is forming at night, making fishing difficult.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on Oct. 25th. The pond is covered in skim ice, making fishing difficult. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.04 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The bays and coves will start to be covered with skim ice, making fishing difficult.

Red Haw Lake
Skim ice is forming overnight, making fishing difficult.

There has been very little angler activity in the last week. There is no safe ice in the Rathbun district. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS 16-19

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has risen close to 2.5 feet since last week to 9.71 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette St boat ramp is open. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Fair: Look for walleyes in the tailwaters. Use jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Fair: Look for saugers in the tailwaters. Try jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Mostly small saugers are being caught. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 8.52 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage is 10.18 feet at Muscatine; flood stage is 16 feet. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Slow: Use jigs and minnows or pull three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits in the tailwaters. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 9.62 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 10.29 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Slow: Look for saugers below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 6.38 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is rising. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 11.47 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 526.55 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. The Tama Beach boat ramp is still frozen in and the parking lot is muddy. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. Unsafe ice conditions. 

Tailwater stages have risen close to 2.5 feet since last Friday. Main channel water temperature is around 35 degrees. There has been some tailwater fishing this past week with the warm temperatures. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

 

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Open water.

Lake Belva Deer
Mostly open water.

Lake Darling
A very warm weekend, hard rains, and strong winds left the lake ice free on Monday

Lake Darling District 
Most ponds are completely open; a few more protected one have some ice floating around on them. Unsafe ice.

Lost Grove Lake
Rain wrecked what ice was there. Unsafe ice.

Pollmiller Park Lake
Open water.

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

Coralville Reservoir
The bays have some skim ice, but the main lake is ice free. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Lake Macbride
The lake is 90% ice free this week.

Most lakes/ponds are partially to mostly open water this week. Those that have remaining ice, are not safe for travel. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
Skim ice is forming overnight when cold enough, making fishing difficult.

Lake Sugem
Skim ice is forming in some of the bays. Geese are keeping large areas open.

Lake Wapello
Skim ice is forming at night, making fishing difficult.

Ottumwa Park Pond South
Trout were stocked on Oct. 25th. The pond is covered in skim ice, making fishing difficult. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.45 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The bays and coves will start to be covered with skim ice, making fishing difficult.

Red Haw Lake
Skim ice is forming overnight, making fishing difficult.

There has been very little angler activity in the last week. There is no safe ice in the Rathbun district. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS SE IOWA/ILLINOIS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has risen close to 1.5 feet since last week to 10.49 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette St boat ramp is open. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Fair: Look for walleyes in the tailwaters. Use jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Fair: Look for saugers in the tailwaters. Try jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Mostly small saugers are being caught. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.64 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Tailwater stages have risen close to 1.5 feet since last Thursday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage is 11.49 feet at Muscatine; flood stage is 16 feet. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Slow: Use jigs and minnows or pull three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits in the tailwaters. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.13 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Tailwater stage has risen close to 1.5 feet since last week. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 11.45 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Slow: Look for saugers below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.84 feet at Lock and Dam 18. Tailwater stage has risen close to 1.5 feet since last week. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 13.07 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 527.14 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. Unsafe ice conditions. 

Tailwater stages have risen close to 1.5 feet since last Thursday. Main channel water temperature is around 35 degrees. There has been some tailwater fishing this past week with the warm temperatures. Unsafe ice conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Open water.

Lake Belva Deer
Mostly open water. A little thin ice is back in the protected bays.

Lake Darling
Some ice has formed at the upper ends of the lake; the rest is still wide open. Forecast rains and wind will take out what little ice there is.

Lake Darling District 
Ponds out in the open are ice free during most of the afternoons. What ice there is on ponds is very thin. Unsafe ice.

Lost Grove Lake
A mix of unsafe thin ice and some open water.

Pollmiller Park Lake
Open water.

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

Coralville Reservoir
Most of the lake is covered with skim ice. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Lake Macbride
The lake is partially covered with skim ice.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is covered with poor ice; unsafe for travel.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is partially covered with skim or poor ice.

Union Grove Lake
The lake is mostly covered with poor ice.

Most lakes/ponds are partially to mostly covered with skim or poor ice. Ice fishing is unsafe in the Lake Macbride District. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
Skim ice is forming overnight when cold enough, making fishing difficult.

Lake Sugem
Skim ice is forming in some of the bays. Geese are keeping large areas open.

Lake Wapello
Skim ice is forming at night, making fishing difficult.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.15 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The bays and coves will start to be covered with skim ice, making fishing difficult.

Red Haw Lake
Skim ice is forming overnight, making fishing difficult.

There has been very little angler activity in the last week. There is no safe ice in the Rathbun district; most lakes are completely open. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

 

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.85 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is forecast to stay steady the next few days. Forecast may change with predicted rain and snow. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette St boat ramp is open. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes in the tailwaters. Use jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Slow: Look for saugers in the tailwaters. Try jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Mostly small saugers are being caught. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.93 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to reach 10.2 feet by Friday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. Reports of slow walleye and sauger fishing in the tailwaters. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - Slow: Use jigs and minnows or pull three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits in the tailwaters. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.26 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to reach 11.6 feet by Saturday. The river forecast may change with predicted rain and snow.  Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Unsafe ice conditions. Sauger - Slow: Look for saugers below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Walleye - Slow: Look for walleyes below the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.75 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is forecast to stay fairly steady the next few days. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 12.95 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 527.02 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. Unsafe ice conditions. 

Tailwater stages have been rising the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 34 degrees. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow. Unsafe ice conditions. 

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Was completely ice free on Jan. 14; some ice is forming around the edges and in the quiet areas.

Lake Belva Deer
Was nearly ice free earlier in the week. Still large areas of open water.

Lake Darling
This morning, Jan. 16, there was still large areas of open water from one end of the lake to the other.

Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
Most ponds have frozen back over this week, but are still too thin to walk on. Unsafe ice.

Lost Grove Lake
Just getting back to freezing over. Unsafe ice.

Pollmiller Park Lake
Open water.

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

Coralville Reservoir
Most of the lake is covered with skim ice. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Lake Macbride
The lake is mostly covered with skim ice; unsafe ice.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is covered with poor ice; unsafe ice.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is partially covered in skim ice; unsafe ice.

Union Grove Lake
The lake is mostly covered with poor ice.

Most lakes/ponds are mostly to completely covered with skim or poor ice. Ice fishing is unsafe in the Lake Macbride District. Upcoming snow may hide or insulate ice, making ice conditions hard to see and slow to improve. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
Skim ice has formed recently; the ice is not thick enough to support anglers.

Lake Sugem
Skim ice is forming in some of the bays. Geese are keeping large areas open.

Lake Wapello
Ice has recently formed; the ice is not thick enough to support anglers.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.24 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The bays and coves have started to ice up, but it is not thick enough to support anglers. The main lake area is still open water. 

Red Haw Lake
Ice has started to form with the recent cold weather, but it is not thick enough to support anglers.

There is no safe ice in the Rathbun district; most lakes have skimmed over recently. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. 

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 9.44 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been falling. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette St boat ramp is frozen in. Unsafe ice conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 8.52 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been falling. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. As of Jan. 15th, the ramp at Muscatine was free of ice and the dock was still in. Ramp conditions may change with colder temperatures and snow in the forecast. The gates are back in at the Lock and Dam. Unsafe ice conditions. Walleye - No Report: Look for walleyes by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Sauger - No Report: Use jigs and minnows or pull three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits in the tailwaters. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 9.85 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. We have not received any tailwater fishing report information this week. Unsafe ice conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 6.88 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 12.14 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 526.73 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. Unsafe ice conditions. 

Tailwater stages have been falling the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 34 degrees. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers has been slow. Unsafe ice conditions.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Unsafe ice.  

Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice. The lake was nearly ice free last week and has been slow to make ice this week.

Lake Darling
Unsafe ice. The lake didn't freeze over until Monday. The weather just hasn't been good to making ice; temperature was just below freezing last night.

Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
Ice fishing is not recommended. Some ponds are probably thick enough, especially if they were out of the wind last week. Use extreme caution and drill lots of test hole. 

Lost Grove Lake
Ice fishing is not recommended. Some ice is thick enough, but snow is hiding a lot of thin areas.

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

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
The backwaters in Benton County have about 7 inches of ice. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Slow.

Central Park Lake
Ice thickness 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are around 5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most fish are around 11 inches.

Central Park Pond
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is froze over, but the channel has poor ice; travel is not recommended. The protected areas out of the current and wind have 4 to 6 inches of ice. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Diamond Lake
The last of the lake froze up on Jan. 20. Ice thickness is 2 to 6 inches; use extreme caution. The ice fishing derby scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 25 has been cancelled due to poor ice conditions.

Green Castle Lake
No ice or fishing reports are available. Anglers have been on the ice.

Hannen Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice is 9 inches at the boat ramp; out farther is 7 inches. The east end of the lake may have less ice; check ice conditions as you go.

Lake Macbride
The access areas have 6 to 7 inches of ice; much of the lake has 5 to 6 inches. There are areas of deeper water that froze up late that may have poor ice. Use caution and check often if you stray from the usual areas. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow.

Otter Creek Lake
Anglers have been out on the ice, but thickness is unknown.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The west end of the lake has 5 to 6 inches of ice; avoid the main lake, it has poor ice. Off the main ramp, the ice goes from 5 to 6 inches of ice to 1 to 2 inches very quickly. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are being caught at the west end of the lake.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.

Sand Lake
No ice or fishing reports are available. Anglers have been on the ice.

Union Grove Lake
The lake is ice covered, but ice thickness is unknown. A couple ice angles have been out; check ice conditions before you venture out.

Some lakes have safe ice, while others are extremely variable. Always check ice thickness and use caution when venturing out. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Miami
The lake iced up last weekend. Use caution if venturing out.

Lake Sugem
Ice formed last weekend, but the ice is variable in thickness. Use caution if venturing out. Be aware of areas that geese have been keeping open.

Lake Wapello
The lake iced up last weekend; use caution if venturing out. There is thin ice or open water out in front of the lodge area due to geese keeping the water open.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.32 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The ice is variable on the lake; use caution if venturing out. The bays and coves should have thicker ice than the main lake area.

Red Haw Lake
Ice formed last weekend. Use caution; the ice thickness is variable.

Ice thickness is variable; use caution. Most lakes froze up last weekend. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 13.03 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 5 feet since last weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette St boat ramp is frozen in. We have not received any ice condition or ice fishing reports for this pool. Tailwater stages have been fluctuating this past week which could create unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 7.14 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has risen close to 2 feet since last weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. The ramps at Muscatine are snow covered and frozen in. We have not received any ice condition or ice fishing reports for this pool. River levels have been fluctuating which may create some unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.40 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been rising the past few days. Tailwater stages have risen close to 2 feet since last weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. We have not received any tailwater fishing report information this week. The Toolsboro ramp is iced in. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 6.47 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has risen close to 2 feet since last weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 12.21 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 526.42 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. 

Tailwater stages have been rising the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 32 degrees. We have not received any ice condition reports for our Pools. River levels have been fluctuating the past few days which could create for unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Four inches of good ice and an inch of frozen slush on top in the boat ramp bay. Use caution; there are a few places that don’t make good ice.  Black Crappie - Slow: Picking up some nice crappies just around the corner from the boat ramp bay out in the main lake.

Lake Belva Deer
Finally got to a fairly uniform layer of 4+ inches of clear ice with some frozen slush ice on top. Bluegill - Slow: Find bluegill near the bottom.

Lake Darling
The ice is thickening with recent below freezing days. Black Crappie - Slow: While we just got good ice, the fish are acting like it’s getting into late ice.

Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
Most of the Park ponds have good ice on them, but a couple (#9 and 14) had open water spots last weekend. Bluegill - Fair: Pick the right pond at the right time and you can do pretty well on nice-sized bluegills.

Lost Grove Lake
It's been cold enough that the thin spots are gone. Always drill test holes before you go out. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up some nice eater-sized crappies, but it’s a couple here and a couple there type of action.

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

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
The backwaters in Benton County have about 7 inches of ice. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Slow.

Central Park Lake
Ice thickness 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are around 4-6 inches. Use jigs tipped with waxies or plastics. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most fish are around 8-12 inches.

Central Park Pond
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is froze over, but the channel has poor ice; travel is not recommended. The protected areas out of the current and wind have 4 to 6 inches of ice. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Diamond Lake
Ice thickness is 2 to 6 inches; use extreme caution. 

Green Castle Lake
No ice or fishing reports are available. Anglers have been on the ice.

Hannen Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice is 9 inches at the boat ramp; out farther is 7 inches. The east end of the lake may have less ice; check ice conditions as you go.

Lake Macbride
Much of the lake has 5 to 8 inches of ice; areas of deeper water that froze up late may have poor ice. Use caution and check often if you stray from the usual areas. Bluegill –Fair: Use small jigs/waxies fished over brush or rock pile. Size is marginal at best. Black Crappie - Slow: The bite has been tough. Isolated brush or stumps has been best. Best bite is early and late in the day.

Otter Creek Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches. Bluegill - Slow: Use jigs and waxies. Black Crappie - Slow: Try jigs and waxies.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has 3 to 8 inches of ice, depending on where you are. The west end of the lake has the best ice; the east end may not be safe for travel. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are being caught at the west end of the lake. Try around brush or jetties near shore. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some smaller fish are being caught.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.

Sand Lake
No ice or fishing reports are available. Anglers have been on the ice.

Union Grove Lake
Most of the lake has 4 to 6 inches of ice. The aeration system has been turned on; there is open water at the south end of the lake.

Some lakes have safe ice, while others are extremely variable. Always check ice thickness and use caution when venturing out. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Albia Lower Reservoir
Anglers are catching some bluegill around the submerged structure. Use caution; ice thickness has been variable in the district.

Lake Miami
Few reports this week; anglers are just starting to get out now with better ice conditions. Ice conditions are variable.

Lake Sugem
Ice formed recently and is variable in thickness; use caution if venturing out. Geese are keeping areas open; be aware of these areas.

Lake Wapello
The lake iced up recently; use caution if venturing out. There is thin ice or open water out in front of the lodge area due to geese keeping the water open. Anglers are catching some bluegills.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.44 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Docks have been pulled out for the season and most campgrounds are closed. The ice is variable on the lake; use caution if venturing out. Use caution in areas inside and next to docks at the Rathbun Marina and the Honey Creek Resort as they are using deicing equipment this winter.

Red Haw Lake
Ice formed recently; use caution. Ice thickness is variable.

Ice thickness is variable; use caution. Most lakes froze up recently. Lakes have about 4 inches of snow and slush on top of the ice. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 9.31 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been fluctuating. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette Street boat ramp is open. A little bit of flow ice is coming down the channel. We have not received tailwater fishing reports for walleye and saugers. Unsafe ice conditions. Fluctuating river levels have made unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines.  

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.19 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has risen close to 1 foot this week. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. As of Jan. 30th, the ramp at Muscatine was open, but the dock has been pulled out. Some flow ice was coming down the channel, but the gates were still in. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger. Unsafe ice conditions. Rising river levels have created unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.49 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been rising the past few days. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The gates are out of the water. The boat ramp at Toolsboro is still iced in. Unsafe ice conditions. The rising river levels have created unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 8.7 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been rising the past few days. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 13.97 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 527.51 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. 
Unsafe ice conditions. The rising river levels have created unsafe ice conditions.

Tailwater stages have been rising the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 32 degrees. Unsafe ice conditions. River levels have been fluctuating, creating unsafe ice conditions especially along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Central Park Lake
Ice thickness 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are around 4-6 inches. Use jigs tipped with waxies or plastics. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most fish are around 8-12 inches.

Central Park Pond
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is froze over, but the channel has poor ice; travel is not recommended. The protected areas out of the current and wind have 4 to 6 inches of ice. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Diamond Lake
Ice thickness is 2 to 6 inches; use extreme caution. 

Green Castle Lake
No ice or fishing reports are available. Anglers have been on the ice.

Hannen Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice is 9 inches at the boat ramp; out farther is 7 inches. The east end of the lake may have less ice; check ice conditions as you go.

Lake Macbride
Much of the lake has 6 to 8 inches of ice; there are areas of deeper water, especially at the lower end of the lake, that may have poor ice. Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs/waxies fished over brush or rock pile. Black Crappie - Slow: The bite has been tough. Isolated brush or stumps has been best. Best bite is early and late in the day. Most success has been in 10-15 feet of water. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: A few bonus fish are being picked up in 18-20 feet of water. Walleye – Slow.

Otter Creek Lake
Ice thickness is 8 to 11 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs and waxies. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigs and waxies. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use jigs tipped with waxies or cut bait.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has 4 to 8 inches of ice, depending on where you are. The west end of the lake has the best ice; the east end should be checked before walked on. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are being caught at the west end of the lake. Try around brush or jetties near shore. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some smaller fish are being caught.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches.

Sand Lake
No ice or fishing reports are available. Anglers have been on the ice.

Union Grove Lake
Most of the lake has 6 to 8 inches of ice. The aeration system has been turned on; there is open water at the south end of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Catch fish up to 8 inches with jigs/waxies fished in brush piles.

Always check ice thickness and use caution when venturing out. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Albia Lower Reservoir
Anglers are catching some bluegill around the submerged structure. Use caution; ice thickness has been variable in the district.

Lake Miami
Few reports this week; anglers are just starting to get out now with better ice conditions. Ice conditions are variable.

Lake Sugem
Ice formed recently and is variable in thickness; use caution if venturing out. Geese are keeping areas open; be aware of these areas.

Lake Wapello
The lake iced up recently; use caution if venturing out. There is thin ice or open water out in front of the lodge area due to geese keeping the water open. Anglers are catching some bluegills.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.97 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The ice is variable on the lake; use caution if venturing out. Use caution in areas inside and next to docks at the Rathbun Marina and the Honey Creek Resort as they are using deicing equipment this winter.

Red Haw Lake
Ice formed recently; use caution. Ice thickness is variable.

Ice thickness is variable; use caution. Lakes have about 4 inches of snow and slush on top of the ice. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.27 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been rising. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. The Marquette Street boat ramp is open. Unsafe ice conditions. Fluctuating river levels have made unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines. Sauger - Slow: Reports of small saugers being caught in Sylvan Slough. Use jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.3 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been rising. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. As of Feb. 6, the ramp at Muscatine was open, but the dock has been pulled out. The gates are in at the dam still. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger. Unsafe ice conditions. Rising river levels have created unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.56 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has been rising the past few days. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. The boat ramp at Toolsboro is open and free of ice. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleyes and saugers. Unsafe ice conditions. The rising river levels have created unsafe ice conditions, especially along the shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.44 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been falling the past few days. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 12.7 feet at Burlington and has been falling the past few days. We have not received any fishing or ice condition reports for this pool.

Tailwater stages have been rising the past few days. Tailwater stages are forecast to start falling over the weekend. Main channel water temperature is around 32 degrees. Unsafe ice conditions. With warm temperatures this past weekend and river levels fluctuating, there is some unsafe ice conditions especially along the shorelines.  

 

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
The warmer weather this week, up until Feb. 13, has been working on the ice. Some thin areas had been starting to develop. Be careful, especially after this cold snap ends. Bluegill - Slow: Very few anglers have been out on the ice.

Lake Belva Deer
Ice conditions remain fairly good. Be careful about getting too close to the trees in the flooded timber. Bluegill - Slow: A few here and there kind of fishing.

Lake Darling
Ice conditions remain fairly good; there is water on top of the ice on the warmer days. Black Crappie - Slow: Number of anglers out on the ice has gone down.

Lost Grove Lake
The ice is in pretty good shape. Black Crappie - Slow: If you pick the right evening to go fishing, you can still catch them. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are having a harder time finding bluegill.

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

 

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Vinton area backwaters have 6 to 7 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are small. White Crappie – Slow. Northern Pike - Slow: A few fish are being caught on tip-ups.

Central Park Lake
Ice thickness is 6 to 8 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are around 4-6 inches. Use jigs tipped with waxies or plastics. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Most fish are around 8-12 inches.

Central Park Pond
Ice thickness is 6 to 7 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are 5-7 inches.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is frozen over, but the channel has poor ice; travel is not recommended. The protected areas out of the current and wind have 5 to 7 inches of ice. The lake is at normal winter pool of 683.4 feet.

Diamond Lake
Ice thickness is 4 to 8 inches. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie - Fair: Most fish are 8-9 inches.

Green Castle Lake
Ice thickness is 6+ inches. Bluegill - Fair: Reports are better sized fish are on the west side of the lake. Black Crappie - Slow: Catches are spotty, but some 12-14 inch fish are reported.

Hannen Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches. Bluegill – Slow.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Ice thickness is around 8 inches. Reports are lots of lookers, but few biters. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow.

Lake Macbride
Much of the lake has 6 to 8 inches of ice; there are areas of deeper water, especially at the lower end of the lake, that may have less ice. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs/waxies fished over brush or rock pile. Black Crappie - Slow: The bite has been tough. Isolated brush or stumps has been best. Best bite is early and late in the day. Most success has been in 10-15 feet of water. 

Otter Creek Lake
Ice thickness is 8 to 11 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Use jigs and waxies. Black Crappie - Slow: Try jigs and waxies. Yellow Bass - Fair: Use jigs tipped with waxies or cut bait.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake has 4 to 8 inches of ice, depending on where you are. The west end of the lake has the best ice; the east end towards the dam has less ice. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are being caught at the west end of the lake. Try around brush or jetties in 4-8 feet of water.

Rodgers Park Lake
Ice thickness is 5 to 6 inches. Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Slow. 

Sand Lake
Ice thickness is extremely variable; use caution. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish from last year, as well as larger fish from previous years stockings, are being caught. You need a valid fishing license (age 16 and older) and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Union Grove Lake
Most of the lake has 6 to 8 inches of ice. The aeration system has been turned on; there is open water at the south end of the lake. Bluegill - Slow: Catch fish up to 8 inches with jigs/waxies fished in deeper brush piles mid-lake .

Always check ice thickness and use caution when venturing out. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Albia Lower Reservoir
Anglers are catching some bluegill around the submerged structure. Use caution; ice thickness has been variable in the district.

Lake Miami
Few reports this week; anglers are just starting to get out now with better ice conditions. Ice conditions are variable.

Lake Sugema
Ice formed recently and is variable in thickness; use caution if venturing out. Geese are keeping areas open; be aware of these areas.

Lake Wapello
The lake iced up recently; use caution if venturing out. There is thin ice or open water out in front of the lodge area due to geese keeping the water open. Anglers are catching some bluegills.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.07 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The ice is variable on the lake; use caution if venturing out. Use caution in areas inside and next to docks at the Rathbun Marina and the Honey Creek Resort as they are using deicing equipment this winter.

Red Haw Lake
Ice formed recently; use caution. Ice thickness is variable. Anglers are catching bluegill around submerged structures; sorting is needed for larger fish.

Ice thickness is variable; use caution. Lakes have about 4 inches of snow on top of the ice. The district includes Appanoose, Davis, Lucas, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello, Wayne and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER  FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 7.35 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has been falling. Tailwater stage has fallen close to 3 feet since last weekend. As of Feb. 13th, the Marquette Street boat ramp is open. There is snow and ice on the ramp that could make lauching boats difficult. The launch and channel may freeze up with the cold temperatures in the forecast. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. Sauger - Fair: Reports of small saugers being caught in Sylvan Slough. Use jigs and minnows or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 6.24 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and has been falling. Tailwater fishing has been slow. As of Feb. 13, the ramp at Muscatine was open, but was snow and ice covered. The ramps may freeze back in with the cold temperatures in the forecast. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 7.7 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has fallen close to 2.5 feet since last weekend. As of Feb. 11, the boat ramp at Toolsboro was open, but ramp conditions may have changed with the snow and cold temperatures in the forecast. The ramp is probably snow and ice covered; launching boats could be difficult. We have not received any ice fishing or ice condition reports for this pool.  

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.17 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and has been falling. Tailwater stages have fallen close to 2 feet since last weekend. We have not received any fishing or ice condition reports for this pool.

Tailwater stages have been falling this past week. Tailwater fishing has been slow. We have not received any ice condition reports this week. The falling river conditions could create some unsafe ice conditions along the shorelines. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake 
Open water. The docks are in at the boat ramps. Channel Catfish - No Report: It’s a good time to fish for catfish along the face of the dam. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Start at the lower end of the lake on the north side where the water is more open to the sunlight and work the points that stick out into the lake.

Lake Belva Deer
Ice free. Docks are always in. Largemouth Bass - No Report: A good place to try for early season bass is along the north side shorelines at the upper end of the lake where there is a rocky bottom.

Lake Darling
Open water. Warm nights and the rain have raised the water temperature to 46 degrees. Docks at ramps are not in yet. Channel Catfish - No Report: Ice-out is a good time to try for catfish. Use cut bait along the rocks with the wind blowing into them. Largemouth Bass - Fair: One of the few boats out caught a few bass while fishing the bays where the wind was blowing warm water into them.

Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
A little over 2.5 inches of rain in the last week has made a lot of these ponds muddy, but that helps keep the lake clearer.

Lost Grove Lake
Open water. Boat docks at the ramps won't be in for a while yet. Channel Catfish - No Report: It’s a good time to fish for catfish along the face of the dam as they look for any fish that didn’t make it through the winter.

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

 

Coralville Reservoir
The Corps has started to lower the lake to spring pool. As of March 19, the lake level is 680.5 feet. It is predicted to reach spring pool of 679.5 feet on April 1. Boating is not recommended for most above Lake Macbride ramp at spring pool. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait around the 380/965 bridges. Shallow windblown bays can also be good.

Diamond Lake
The dock/kayak launch are in. Black Crappie - Slow: A few fish have been caught off the jetties. Try small jigs tipped with worms or waxworms.

Lake Macbride
Surface temperatures are in the low 40's. The docks will be put in for the first weekend in April. Black Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught east of the causeway, especially on warmer days. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some fish have been caught on dead shad in the upper ends of the lake. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Fish windblown banks where shad may be found. Muskellunge - Slow: Try bass-sized jerk baits.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Some anglers have been out. No fishing reports are available.

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

Lake Miami
Anglers are catching some largemouth bass along the shore.

Lake Sugema
Use nightcrawlers to catch catfish.

Lake Wapello
Catch catfish with nightcrawlers or cut bait.

Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond)
The trout event for Saturday, March 28th has been cancelled due to concerns of COVID-19. Trout will still be stocked this spring, but it will be unannounced to reduce crowd size.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.56 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Use nightcrawlers on windblown shores. 

Red Haw Lake
Anglers are catching largemouth bass along the shore. The docks have been put in.

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

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 12.59 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 15 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. Docks have been pulled out of the water at the Marquette St boat ramp. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 11.85 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 14.7 feet by next Wednesday. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage is 13.53 feet at Muscatine and is forecast to reach 16 feet by Monday. Flood stage is 16 feet at Muscatine. The ramp at Big Timber is closed. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 13.33 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 15 feet by Monday and 16 feet by Wednesday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. River stage is 13.13 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro ramp is closed due to high water. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.44 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 10.1 feet by Saturday and 11.7 feet by Wednesday. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. River stage is 14.51 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage Madison is 527.67 feet at Fort; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing reports or ramp condition reports for this pool.

Current forecasts have the river reaching flood stage over the weekend or by early next week. Main channel water temperature is around 41-42 degrees. Some boat ramps have closed due to the high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. Had a total of little over three inches of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing was spotty this last weekend.  The rains slowed it down some, but nice weather for the rest of the week should help it pick back up. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing was good over the weekend  with lots of nice fish out in 3 to 4 feet of water on the spawning beds. Rain the last couple of days has kept anglers off the lake.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River is just below flood stage on Thursday (6/11) but, is forecast to move into minor flood stage in the next couple of days.

Lake Belva Deer
More than 4 inches of rain on Tuesday made the lake high and muddy. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Bass fishing had been good before all the rain; will need some time before it comes back. Bluegill - Slow: They should still be out at the edges of the weed beds. But in this lake when the water gets muddy they shut off. Channel Catfish - Slow: Concentrate efforts along the rocks as at these water temperatures the catfish are actively spawning. 

Lake Darling
Water temperature is around 80 degrees. Heavy rains on Tuesday made the lake high and muddy. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing had been good before the rain made the water muddy; it will take a while to clear it up. Bluegill - Fair: Warm water temperatures means the bluegills are moving on and off the beds quickly. It will be tough to find the active beds when you can't see them. Channel Catfish - Good: Work just out of the the weirs in the in-lake silt dams to catch nice catfish as they wait for the high water to wash food by them.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70's. The aquatic vegetation is thick this year, but should start to die back some with the hot weather. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the outer edge of the weed beds or use weedless top water baits like scum frogs or moss bosses to get them out of the pockets. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on nests; work the edges of the weed beds and any holes you can find in them.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Lots of rain brought the Skunk River up to minor flooding levels with a fairly strong current.

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

 

Central Park Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most fish are 12-13 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are smaller, up to 7 inches.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 689.4 feet on 6/11 and is rising. It is predicted to crest around 692.2 feet. Water temperatures are in the mid-70's. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait in the channel or live bait along rock banks for spawning fish. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jigs around brush piles or along steeper rock banks .

Diamond Lake
All facilities are open. Black Crappie - Fair: Most fish are 8-12 feet down in deeper water around brush or suspended in open water. Try small jigs for these 8-9 inch fish. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs or worms in the shallows as they are spawning. Many fish are 7-8 inches. Channel Catfish -Good: Try stinkbait or crawlers. After rain events has been best.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Water temperature is around 75 degrees. The shoreline is heavily vegetated with aquatic plants. Bluegill - Fair: Look for pockets in the weeds for bedding fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a weedless frog fished in weed lines or over the weeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Target weed lines or drift open water with jigs. Most fish are 9-11 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are moving shallower to spawn.

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are around 75 degrees. The 10 hp outboard maximum limit is in effect. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish are moving back out to summer areas over brush stumps or rock piles. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Look for surface activity towards sunset; try plastics or topwater baits. Walleye - Fair: A lot of small fish are being caught with bigger ones mixed in. Troll crankbaits and live bait rigs in 7-13 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target shallow cover for post-spawn fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Typical baits are working. Fish will start to move to shallow rock to spawn.

Otter Creek Lake
Docks are in; the bathroom at the ramp is open. The fish cleaning station is open. Bluegill – Good. Yellow Bass – Good.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Walleye - Slow: Use crawlers or plastics fished towards evening. Bluegill – Fair: Some fish are being seen moving shallower. Try small worms or jigs in warmer water areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Some fish are being caught on jigs or minnows in the brush or suspended in the mouths of bays. Keep moving until you find the right area. Fish up to 12 inches are reported. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Target windblown areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken livers and stink bait.

Union Grove Lake
Bathrooms and the fish cleaning station are open. Bluegill - Good:Target shallow bays and brush or pockets in the weeds. Catch fish up to 8 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most fish are smaller. Walleye - Slow: Some 12-14 inch fish are being caught on crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Slow: Use cut bait. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Bluegill - Fair: Fish are being caught in the backwaters, specifically at Pinicon Ridge.

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

Corydon Reservoir
Bluegill - Good: Try small jigs along the shorelines and the outer edge of the weed line.

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Good: Try crankbaits or spinnerbaits fished along the rip-rapped shorelines. Black Crappie - Good: Use small jigs or jigs and minnows around submerged structure and shorelines.

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits along the shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Try a bobber and worms in shallow areas. Black Crappie - Good: Use small jigs and twister tails along the shore.

Lake Sugema
Black Crappie - Good: Use minnows and jigs around the standing timber and shorelines. Bluegill - Fair: Try worms and a bobber around shorelines and vegetation. 
Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits or crankbaits along rip-rapped shores and around structure.

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try jigs and spinnerbaits around structure. Black Crappie - Fair: Use minnows and jigs along rocky shores. Bluegill - Good: Try a worm and bobber around structure and along shorelines.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 906 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs and minnows. The lake level rising has affected the crappie spawn; try different depths until you find active fish. Walleye – Fair: Use jig and minnow or nightcrawlers along rock piles or the shoreline. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try crankbaits along the shoreline and rock piles.

Red Haw Lake
The docks are in. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinnerbaits or rubber worms along the shorelines and around structure. Bluegill - Fair: Try a chunk of nightcrawler around structure and around the weed line. 

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

 

MISSISSIPPI RIVER FISHING REPORTS - SE IOWA

Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage is 11.8 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is forecast to rise. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 12.9 feet by Saturday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. River stage is 12.49 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 11.52 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to rise.  Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 16. River stage is 13.39 feet at Muscatine. Flood stage is 16 feet at Muscatine. The gates are out of the water at the dam. The ramps at Big Timber and Kilpeck are closed due to high water. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 13.81 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to reach 14.4 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. River stage is 13.67 feet at Keithsburg; flood stage is 14 feet. The gates are out of the water at the dam. Toolsboro ramp is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee access will most likely have water over it. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. 

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 10.4 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is starting to rise. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 11 feet by the end of the weekend. The gates are out of the water at the dam. River stage is 15.49 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 528.29 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing reports or ramp condition reports for this pool.

River stages had been falling this past week, but are forecast to start rising due to recent heavy rains. Some boat ramps will be underwater. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temperature is around 74 degrees. Fishing has been slow with high and muddy water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

[Rick]

SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORTS

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 70's. Water clarity is good. Duckweed on top of the water will cause some hassles, but not too bad. Largemouth Bass - Good: Early and late in the day bite are best. Work some soft plastics around the big brush piles in 6-8 feet of water. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing was good over the weekend with lots of nice fish out in 3 to 4 feet of water on the spawning beds. 

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa River at Wapello is still running at bank full level. 

Lake Belva Deer
The lake has settled back down after last week's heavy rains. Water temperature is in the mid to upper 70's. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the flooded timber and around the mounds at the upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Work the edges of the weed beds.

Lake Darling
Water level is still a little high, but water clarity is back to about 3-4 feet. Water temperature had cooled to 77 degrees on Wednesday morning (6/17). Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching nice bass on topwater baits early and late in the day. Bluegill - Good: The return of better water conditions improved bluegill fishing. Channel Catfish - Good: Work just out of the the weirs in the in-lake silt dams to catch nice catfish as they wait for the high water to wash food by them.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70's. The aquatic vegetation is thick this year, but should start to die back some with the hot weather. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the outer edge of the weed beds or use weedless top water baits like scum frogs or moss bosses to get them out of the pockets. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on nests; work the edges of the weed beds and any holes you can find in them. Some bluegills have finished spawning; find them in the flooded timber out in deeper water.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River dropped several feet this week; just a little over half bank full now.

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

 

Central Park Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most fish are 12-13 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Most fish are smaller, up to 7 inches.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 696.3 feet on 6/18 (normal summer pool is 683 feet) and is predicted to start slowly falling. Water temperatures are in the mid-70's. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait in the channel or live bait along rock banks for spawning fish. White Crappie - Slow: Try minnows or jigs around brush piles or along steeper rock banks .

Diamond Lake
All facilities are open. Black Crappie - Fair: Most fish are 8-12 feet down in deeper water around brush or suspended in open water. Try small jigs for these 8-9 inch fish. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs or worms in the shallows as they are spawning. Many fish are 7-8 inches. Channel Catfish -Good: Try stinkbait or crawlers. After rain events has been best.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Water temperature is around 75 degrees. The shoreline is heavily vegetated with aquatic plants. Bluegill - Fair: Look for pockets in the weeds for bedding fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a weedless frog fished in weed lines or over the weeds. Black Crappie - Fair: Target weed lines or drift open water with jigs. Most fish are 9-11 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are moving shallower to spawn.

Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are around 75 degrees. The 10 hp outboard maximum limit is in effect. Black Crappie - Slow: Fish are moving back out to summer areas over brush stumps or rock piles. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Look for surface activity towards sunset; try plastics or topwater baits. Walleye - Fair: A lot of small fish are being caught with bigger ones mixed in. Troll crankbaits and live bait rigs in 7-13 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target shallow cover for post-spawn fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Typical baits are working. Fish will start to move to shallow rock to spawn.

Otter Creek Lake
Docks are in; the bathroom at the ramp is open. The fish cleaning station is open. Bluegill – Good. Yellow Bass – Good.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Walleye - Slow: Use crawlers or plastics fished towards evening. Bluegill – Fair: Some fish are being seen moving shallower. Try small worms or jigs in warmer water areas. Black Crappie - Slow: Some fish are being caught on jigs or minnows in the brush or suspended in the mouths of bays. Keep moving until you find the right area. Fish up to 12 inches are reported. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Target windblown areas. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken livers and stinkbait.

Union Grove Lake
Bathrooms and the fish cleaning station are open. Bluegill - Good:Target shallow bays and brush or pockets in the weeds. Catch fish up to 8 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Most fish are smaller. Walleye - Slow: Some 12-14 inch fish are being caught on crankbaits. Channel Catfish - Slow: Use cut bait. 

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Bluegill - Fair: Fish are being caught in the backwaters, specifically at Pinicon Ridge.

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

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try areas along the fishing jetties and the face of the dam.
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs around the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines.

Lake Miami
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target areas along the dam and the cedar tree piles. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs around the fishing jetties.

Lake Sugema
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use nightcrawlers or chicken liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try areas along the fishing jetties.

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target the cedar tree piles and any structure along the shorelines. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try nightcrawlers or chicken liver.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.18 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Walleye – Fair: Troll or drift nightcrawlers around rock piles and submerged structure. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Try vertically jigging around rock piles and underwater islands.

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