Southwest Iowa Fishing Reports

[Rick]

Have fun checking all the info below and let's swap info. We'd hope to hear from you too.

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Most central Iowa lakes are partially ice covered. Ice should be off most lakes by the end of the weekend.

Des Moines and Raccoon rivers (Polk, Dallas, Boone and Marion counties): A few walleyes are being caught below dams. After last weekends rain the rivers have become swollen and the Des Moines River below Saylorville and Red Rock is currently the most fishable. North and Middle Raccoon River levels are dropping and should be fishable again by the weekend or early next week. Use bright colored jigs such as pink or chartreuse with either white or chartreuse twister tails. Some anglers are doing well tipping with a minnow.

[Rick]

Three Mile Lake (Union county): The lake is mostly open and boat anglers are catching some walleye and channel catfish.

Twelve Mile Lake (Union county): The lake is mostly open. Some walleye angling is occurring over rock areas. Channel catfish can be caught on shad bait.

Lake Icaria (Adams county): The lake is almost completely open. Some walleye are being caught in the lake over rock structure. Several walleye are being caught from the spillway area.

[Rick]

Manawa (Pottawattamie county): Crappie fishing is fair in the canals for 8 to 9-inch fish. Anglers having the most success are using white jigs tipped with minnows. Walleyes are being caught on the west side of the lake using twister tails and minnows.

[Rick]

Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers (Polk, Dallas, Boone and Marion counties): River levels are good for fishing. Walleye fishing has been slow, but with the recent warm temperatures a few more walleyes are being caught below dams.

The most successful reports from the Des Moines River are from the Boone Waterworks Dam and Fraser Dam in Boone County, and below Saylorville and Red Rock.

Reports from the North Raccoon River are coming from the dams in Adel and Redfield. Use bright colored jigs such as pink or chartreuse with either white or chartreuse twister tails. Some anglers are doing better tipping with a minnow.

For Lakes below: Ice is completely gone and a lot of open water fishing is occurring. Water temperatures are in the upper 30s. Smaller lakes and ponds warm up quicker and have been producing better angling.

Icaria (Adams): Some walleyes are being caught from deeper water.

Three Mile Lake (Union): The lake is open and boat anglers are catching a few walleye in 18 to 25 feet of water. Some channel catfish are caught using shad bait.

Twelve Mile Lake (Union): A little bit of walleye angling is occurring over the deep rock areas.

Manawa (Pottawattamie): Crappie fishing is good in the canals and along rocks on the west side of the main lake. Anglers having the most success are using white feather jigs or chartreuse tube jigs. Walleyes are being caught on the west side of the lake using twister tails and minnows.

Anita (Cass): Crappie fishing is good around the jetties casting small white and red tube jigs. Jetties around the main boat ramp and the pontoon area have been especially good. Crappies are 8 to 9 inches. Anglers are catching a few bluegills while fishing crappies.

Anderson Area (Montgomery): Crappie fishing is good along the dam casting white twister tails. Bluegill fishing has been fair for 8 to 9-inch fish.

Greenfield (Adair): Bluegill fishing is fair around jetties casting small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Farm Ponds: Anglers are catching largemouth bass and bluegills in area ponds. Reminder: Ask permission before fishing private farm ponds.

Come on guys. Let's see your reports.

[Rick]

Des Moines River (Polk and Boone counties): Weekend rains have caused the river to rise 3 feet from last weeks level both above and below Saylorville Reservoir. This has slowed or ended the walleye fishing below the low head dams. The Saylorville and Red Rock tailwaters are still producing some walleyes using small jigs tipped with minnows or night crawlers. There are also a few wipers being caught in the Saylorville tailwater. Channel catfish are still biting using dead shad or night crawlers fished on the bottom.

Big Creek Lake (Polk): A few walleyes and crappies are being caught below the Big Creek spillway.

DMACC Pond, in Ankeny (Polk): There will be a trout stocking and kid’s fishing event on Saturday, April 4. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and trout will be stocked around noon.

Banner Lake South (Warren): There will be a trout stocking and kid’s fishing event on Saturday, April 4. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and trout will be stocked around noon.

Water temperature is still in the upper 30s. Smaller lakes and ponds are a little warmer and have been producing better fishing. Channel catfish and walleyes have been the most active. The panfish are still out in a little deeper water.

Icaria (Adams): Some walleyes are being caught from deeper water.

Three Mile Lake (Union): The lake is open and boat anglers are marking several walleyes in 20 feet of water just off the dam, but only a few are being caught. Large live minnows are providing somewhat better success. Some channel catfish are caught using shad bait.

Twelve Mile Lake (Union): A lot of walleye angling is occurring over the deep rock areas but only a little catching. Large minnows are better than artificial baits.

Manawa (Pottawattamie): Crappie fishing has slowed but is still fair in the canals and along rocks on the west side of the main lake. White feather jigs and chartreuse tube jigs are still the lures of choice. Walleyes are being caught on the east side of the lake by Mosquito Creek outlet slow trolling minnows on a Lindy Rig. A few wipers are being caught by outlet casting twister tails with spinners.

Anita (Cass): Crappie fishing has slowed with cooler temperatures. Try vertical jigging or casting around cedar trees piles. Bluegills are slow.

Anderson Area (Montgomery): Crappie fishing is good along the dam casting white twister tails. Bluegill fishing has been fair for 8 to 9-inch fish.

Greenfield (Adair): Bluegill fishing is slow but a few are being caught around jetties casting small jigs tipped with wax worms.

Farm Ponds: Anglers are catching crappies in larger farm ponds. Bluegills can also be caught using small jigs and worms. Reminder: Ask permission before fishing private farm ponds.

[Rick]

Des Moines River (Polk and Marion): The Saylorville and Red Rock tailwaters are still producing some walleyes using small jigs tipped with minnows or night crawlers. There are also some white bass being caught in both tailwaters, and a few wipers being caught in the Saylorville tailwater. Channel catfish are biting using dead shad or night crawlers fished on the bottom.

Big Creek Lake (Polk): A few walleyes, white bass and crappies are being caught below the Big Creek spillway.

DMACC Pond (Polk): There will be a trout stocking and kid’s fishing event on Saturday April 4. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and trout will be stocked around noon.

Banner Lake South (Warren): There will be a trout stocking and kid’s fishing event on Saturday April 4. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and trout will be stocked around noon.

Water temperatures have fallen back into the upper 30s for the lkes below. Smaller lakes and ponds are a little warmer and have been producing better fishing but activity is minimal.

Icaria (Adams): Some walleyes are being caught from deeper water. The fish had moved shallow after two consecutive days with sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Three Mile Lake (Union): Several walleyes are being marked in 20 feet of water just off the dam but very few are being caught. Some channel catfish are caught from the shallow bays.

Contact Gary Sobotka at (641) 464-3108 for information on the above area lakes.

Manawa (Pottawattamie): Crappie fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching a few in the canals. White feather jigs and chartreuse tube jigs are still the lures of choice. A few wipers are being caught by the outlet casting twister tails with spinners.

Big Lake (Pottawattamie): The DNR stocked 1,100 trout on March 27. Anglers are having good success using feather jigs or tube jigs tipped with wax worms. A minnow on a bare hood under a bobber has also been successful.

Saganosh Pond (Pottawattamie): The DNR stocked 800 rainbow trout on March 27. Most of the same tackle used for crappie fishing work well with trout. Try small feather jigs, tube jigs or tear drops and baits such as meal worms, wax worms, night crawlers and minnows.

Anita (Cass): Crappie fishing has slowed with the cool weather. It will take warmer temperatures to bring the crappies close to shore. Try vertical jigging or casting around cedar trees piles.

Anderson Area (Montgomery): Cool temperatures have slowed crappie fishing. Anglers are still catching a few by drifting a minnow under a bobber.

Farm Ponds: Anglers are catching crappies in the larger farm ponds. Bluegills can also be caught using small jigs and worms. Reminder: Ask permission before fishing private farm ponds.

[Rick]

Des Moines River (Polk and Marion): Fishing at the Saylorville and Red Rock tailwaters has been slow, but is still producing a few walleyes using small jigs tipped with minnows or night crawlers. There are also some white bass being caught in both tailwaters, and a few wipers being caught in the Saylorville tailwater. Channel catfish are biting using dead shad or night crawlers fished on the bottom.

Big Creek Lake (Polk): A few walleyes, white bass and crappies are being caught below the Big Creek spillway casting small jigs or using minnows under a bobber.

Rock Creek (Jasper): Fishing has been slow with some catfish being caught on night crawlers and minnows. The water is starting to clear, but the crappie bite hasn’t started yet.

DMACC Pond (Polk): The DNR stocked 1,800 trout on April 4. Trout are biting on a variety of presentations including night crawlers, minnows, powerbaits, and small inline spinners. Anglers using minnows are also catching a few crappies.

Banner Lake South (Warren): The DNR stocked 1,800 trout on April 4. Trout are biting on a variety of presentations including night crawlers, minnows, powerbaits, and small inline spinners.

Water temperatures have fallen back into the upper 30s. Smaller lakes and ponds are a little warmer and have been producing better fishing but activity is minimal.

Icaria (Adams): Some walleyes are being caught from deeper water. The fish had moved shallow after two consecutive days with sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Three Mile Lake (Union): Several walleyes are being marked in 20 feet of water just off the dam but very few are being caught. Some channel catfish are caught from the shallow bays.

Manawa (Pottawattamie): Crappie fishing has slowed but anglers are still catching a few in the canals. White feather jigs and chartreuse tube jigs are still the lures of choice. A few wipers are being caught by outlet casting twister tails with spinners.

Big Lake (Pottawattamie): The DNR stocked 1,100 trout on March 27. Anglers are having good success using feather jigs or tube jigs tipped with wax worms. A minnow on a bare hood under a bobber has also been successful.

Saganaush Pond (Pottawattamie): The DNR stocked 800 rainbow trout on March 27. Most of the same tackle used for crappie fishing work well with trout. Try small feather jigs, tube jigs or tear drops and baits such as meal worms, wax worms, night crawlers, and minnows.

Anita (Cass): Crappie fishing has slowed with cooler weather. The weather forecast looks promising in the coming week for fish to move close to shore. As water temperatures warm, cast small jigs around the jetties and rocky shorelines.

Anderson Area (Montgomery): Cool temperatures have slowed crappie fishing. Anglers are still catching a few by drifting a minnow under a bobber.

Farm Ponds: Anglers are catching crappies in the larger farm ponds. Bluegills can also be caught using small jigs and worms. Reminder: Ask permission before fishing private farm ponds.

[Rick]

Manawa (Pottawattamie): Walleye fishing has been good on the south and east side of the lake. Boat anglers are casting jigs tipped with night crawler or minnow to shore with a slow retrieve back to boat. Crappie fishing has picked up in the canals casting small jigs around the docks. A few wipers are being caught by outlet casting twister tails with spinners.

Big Lake (Pottawattamie): Anglers are having good success using feather jigs or tube jigs tipped with wax worms. A minnow on a bare hood under a bobber has also been successful.

Saganaush Pond (Pottawattamie): Most of the same tackle used for crappie fishing work well with trout. Try small feather jigs, tube jigs or tear drops and baits such as meal worms, wax worms, night crawlers, and minnows.

Anita (Cass): Crappie fishing is good around rocky shorelines using small jigs. Anglers are having good success around the main boat ramp and pontoon area. A few bluegills are being caught by crappie anglers. Largemouth bass fishing is fair using plastic baits around the numerous brush piles in Anita.

Anderson Area (Montgomery): Anglers are catching crappies along the dam casting jigs or drifting a minnow under a bobber.

Nodaway Lake (Adair): Crappies are fair along the dam using chartreuse twister tails. Boat anglers are catching largemouth bass around the brush piles using plastic worms.

Farm Ponds: Anglers are catching crappies in the larger farm ponds. Largemouth bass and bluegills can also be caught. Reminder: Ask permission before fishing private farm ponds.

[Rick]

Recent heavy rains have affected fishing in a number of lakes in Southwest Iowa. Conditions will improve with time. Water temperature is approaching the 60s. In general fishing has slowed this week due to recent heavy rains that have swollen the rivers and stained many lakes.

Don Williams Lake: Crappies are starting to bite. They are being caught in 10 to 15 feet of water, but should be moving shallower with the warming water.

Beaver Lake: No fishing information reported for this location.

Lake Ahquabi: Crappie fishing is still slow with only a few crappie being caught on small tube jigs. The water is warming quickly, so the fishing should start to pick up. Bluegill fishing is slow with only a few being caught on small tube jigs. The one that are caught are good sized. Quickly warming water should improve fishing.

Hickory Grove Lake: Boat anglers are doing well on crappies using small plastics or minnows under a bobber. The fish are suspended on brush and pallet piles and on drop-offs. They are being caught above and below the tubes.

Roberts Creek Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Rock Creek Lake: Crappie fishing has not picked up yet, but with the warmer weather they should be starting soon. Some catfish are being caught using shrimp, cut bait, or night crawlers.

Easter Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Big Creek Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock): Below Red Rock spillway. The white bass are biting below the Saylorville spillway using jigs or small spinners. Some good sized crappies up to 14 inches have been caught on the north side.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake): We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Red Rock Reservoir: Crappie fishing is slow with a few fish being caught in 3 foot of water or less. The fish being caught are good sized from 10 to 12 inches.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park): Shore anglers are doing well on crappies on the north and east side of the lake using small hair or tube jigs, or minnows under a bobber. Shore anglers are catching decent numbers of bluegills on the north and east sides of the lake using small jigs or small pieces of wigglers under a bobber.

Boone District Farm Ponds: Farm ponds warmed quickly late last week and the crappie and bluegill bite has been very good. Farm ponds containing crappies have been producing good catches using small tube jigs or minnows under a bobber. Bluegills are being caught by simply using a small piece of crawler under a bobber.

Prairie Rose Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Lake Manawa: Lake Manawa is full after recent rains and no water is being added from Mosquito Creek. Anglers are having some success catching crappies and walleyes. Lake Manawa anglers are drifting for walleyes using night-crawlers on the west and south side of the lake. Shore anglers are catching a few walleyes throwing twister tails. Crappies are being caught in the canals on minnows fished under a bobber. Some fish are also being caught on white twister tails or tub jigs. Some of the crappies being caught are running in the 10-inch range.

Greenfield Lake: Crappie fishing has been fair along the dam on minnows or jigs. The fishing slowed following heavy rain last weekend, but will improve with dryer weather. Anglers have been catching crappies along the dam using minnows or jigs. Warmer/dry weather should improve the crappie fishing at Greenfield Lake.

Lake Anita: The recent heavy rains has slowed the crappie fishing in the upper end of the lake near the main boat ramp and pontoon area. It will take dry and warm weather to move the crappies back in.

Lake Icaria: The lake water level is above normal and water temperature is around 60 degrees. Some fish are moving onto shallow rocky areas of the dam and fish mounds. Water clarity at the dam is good but the upper end is murky. Anglers are starting to see more active walleyes on rocky areas in 6 to 10 feet of water. Jigs with minnows fished on the bottom have been the most successful. A few crappies are showing up in 6 to 8 feet of water. Some males are starting to color up preparing to spawn. Several channel catfish have been caught from the upper end and bays on stink bait. Several nice sized bullheads have been caught on the bottom using crawlers most anywhere in the lake.

Binder Lake: The lake level is normal and the water clarity is good at the dam. A little vegetation is starting near shore. Several largemouth bass from 10 to 14 inches can be caught from the dam in the evening. A nice crappie can be picked up off the dam during the evening hours using jigs or small spinners but the mid sized bass are very aggressive.

West Lake (Osceola): Water clarity is good and the lake level is near normal. The water at the upper end is a little murky. Several largemouth bass from 12 to 20 inches have been caught near shore in 3 to 6 feet of water. Spinners and crankbaits have shown the most success.

Green Valley Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Nine Eagles Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Little River Watershed Lake: We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Lake of Three Fires: Water clarity at the dam is good. Water temperature is in the 60s. A few anglers have been out with some success catching crappies. The males are starting to color up and work a little closer to shore during the evenings.

Badger Creek Lake: Water clarity at the dam is good. A few real nice largemouth bass have been caught near shore or from the shallow flooded trees.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake: Water temperature is around 60 degrees and clarity is very good at the dam. Angler use is starting to pick up. The lake water level is up slightly. Walleyes are 15 to 20 feet deep during the day. Jigs or a jig and minnow just off the bottom has shown the best success. Walleyes move a little shallower around dark and are taking crawlers or leeches. The upper end of the lake and the coves have produced several channel catfish using stink baits.

Three Mile Lake: Water clarity is good at the dam with the upper end cloudy. Water temperature is in the middle 60s. Several anglers are using the lake with all species showing some success. Walleyes have been caught deeper during the day and shallow over rock areas near dark. Jigs with a minnow or crawler have shown the best success. Several real nice largemouth bass have been caught from the cover near shore. Spinners or diving baits have been very successful. Some crappies are starting. The fish are still deep but have moved into 8 feet of water near flooded trees during the late afternoon. Some larger channel catfish have been caught at the upper end on stink bait.

Mt. Ayr District Farm Ponds: Water is warming up and the fishing is turning on. Be sure to ask permission before fishing private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass Good. Crappie Good.

Water temperature has warmed considerably over the past week. Most lakes and ponds should have water temperature in the middle 60s. Water clarity at most lakes is good but some locally heavy rains may have affected the upper ends of some lakes. For more information, contact the Mt. Ayr Fisheries Station at 641-464-3108.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line): No information received on how the fishing has been in this segment. If you are catching fish in this segment of the river, please call Royce Bowman or Van Sterner at 712-433-4706 and let us know if the bite is on.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs): Some debris continues to flow out of the Little Sioux after last weekends rain event but water levels are fair. Freshwater drum are biting on night crawlers with a weight on the bottom. Fish the pools just above wing dikes or on the sand to catch drum. Channel Catfish Excellent. The action is fast right now on night crawlers weighted on the bottom. Larger cats can be caught using large hooks baited with cut bait like shad, chubs or dead minnows.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux): River conditions are fair right now but you may encounter some floating debris left over from the rain event last weekend. Freshwater drum are biting on night crawlers with a weight on the bottom. The pools just above wing dikes are great areas to catch drum. Channel Catfish Excellent The action is fast with night crawlers and a weight on the bottom. Lots of smaller fish biting on the sand between wing dikes. To catch bigger cats use large hooks and large pieces of cut bait like shad, chubs or dead minnows. Shovelnose sturgeon are biting fair on a night crawler weighted on the bottom.

Thousands of sturgeon have been tagged by fisheries crews working on the Missouri River. If you catch a tagged sturgeon please call the toll free number listed on the tag and report it. Anglers need to be able to identify the endangered pallid sturgeon and release them immediately if caught. For sturgeon ID go to: www.iowadnr.gov/fish/iafish/sturgeon.html or call DNR Fisheries in Onawa at 712-433-4706.

[Rick]

Don Williams Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are beginning to spawn and are being caught shallow using night crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Good: Crappies moved deeper during the cooler weather, but the warm weather this week is bringing them back in. They are being caught best using minnows under a bobber. The fish are around 10 to 11 inches.

Beaver Lake

No fishing information reported for this location.

Rock Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught with cut bait and night crawlers. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is good on jigs tipped with minnows. The rains may slow the bite, but if the weather remains warm they should move back in quickly.

Roberts Creek Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Big Creek Lake

White Bass - Good: White bass are biting well below the Big Creek spillway fishing small jigs, minnows, and spinners. Bluegill - Good: Spawning bluegill bite is starting pick up using small pieces of night crawler under a bobber. Crappie - Good: The crappies moved deeper with the cooler weather over the weekend, but the much warmer weather this week is moving them back into the shallows. Minnows under a bobber fished near shallow wood in the bays are producing the most fish. The crappies are 9 to 11 inches.

Easter Lake

Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught using pieces of night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass bite is good fishing near woody structure. Walleye - Good: Walleye anglers are successful right now using chartreuse twisters.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are beginning to be caught in shallow water using night crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Good: Crappies moved deeper with the cool weather over the weekend. The warmer weather this week should bring crappies back in to spawn. Use small tube jigs, or minnows under a bobber. The best locations are anywhere there is wood or rock riprap in shallow water.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Excellent: Good sized bluegills are being caught using night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing is good using weed less rigs in the curly leaf beds. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has started to pick up in shallow water near wood structure using small tube jigs or minnows under a bobber.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is good in the Marina and below bridges. Fish are good sized at 12 to 14 inches.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait or night crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are moving and some nice sized fish have been caught below the Fraser dam.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock): No Report

Des Moines River below Red Rock. White Bass - Good: Good numbers of white bass are being caught using jigs with live bait, small spinners, or casting spoons. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught below the spillway using minnows. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught using jig tipped with minnows or night crawlers.

Greenfield Lake

Lake is full and good water clarity. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been good around jetties and corners of the dam casting worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching largemouth bass casting plastic baits in the cedar tree piles.

DeSoto Bend

Lake is full. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth casting spinner baits around shoreline structure. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye up to 22 inches drifting night crawlers around the outside bend of the lake. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit.

East Nishnabotna

Water is above base flow and moderately turbid. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching channel catfish on cut bait as river was rising below the Highway 48 Bridge west of Elliott.

Nodaway Lake

Lake is full with good water clarity. Water temperature on May 18 was 63 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are just moving in to spawn and can be caught casting small jigs or with night crawlers. Average size is 7.5 inches. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are spawning where ever there is rock on the shoreline. Cast small jigs or twister tails close to shore. Average size is 9 inches.

Lake Anita

Lake is full with good water clarity. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are actively feeding and are being caught around rocky shorelines and cedar tree piles. Crappie - Good: Crappies are in close to shore and are readily caught casting small jigs. Fish range from 8-9 inches.

Lake Manawa

Lake is full with good water clarity. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch channel catfish up to 5lbs on dip bait. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught on the west side of lake and around Boy Scout Island using red and white tube jigs. Sorting is necessary. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are still being caught on the west and south side of lake drifting night crawlers. Fish in the 20 inch range are common.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Crappie fishing has slowed in the larger ponds but bluegills are now on shore spawning. Bluegill - Good: Male bluegills aggressively guard nest during the spawn. Look for saucer shaped depressions sometimes called "elephant tracks" and cast small jigs or night crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are readily caught casting spinner baits or plastics along weed edges and structure of any kind.

Prairie Rose Lake

The fishing at Prairie Rose has switched from crappies to bluegills. Over the past weekend anglers caught a lot of bluegills on wax worms or small pieces of night crawlers fished close to shore. Channel Catfish - Slow: The catfishing has not picked up at Prairie Rose to date. Bluegill - Good: Over the past weekend anglers caught a lot of bluegills on wax worms or small pieces of night crawlers fished close to shore. The bluegills in Prairie Rose run 6 1/2 to 7 inches. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are still being caught near shore but for the most part they have moved out. The crappies at Prairie Rose run 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches.

Water temperature has reached the point where we are at the tail end of the crappie spawn and bluegills are starting to move in to spawn. Memorial Day weekend should be a great weekend to catch bluegills in area lakes.

Binder Lake

Water quality is good and some rooted vegetation is growing in the bays. Largemouth bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth can be caught near shore. Crappie - Good: A few nice sized crappies have been caught from the dam on white jigs.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. The far upper end is a little cloudy. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of real nice fish can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on night crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized fish have been caught near-shore and from the fish mounds. Crappie - Good: Several fish can be picked up off shore in 5 to 7 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Several fish are still being caught from the mounds and big points. Night crawlers and leeches are showing a lot of success. Some walleye are being caught by crappie anglers on jigs.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish can be caught from near-shore structure. Crappie - Excellent: Fishing is excellent along the dam for 7.5 to 8.5 inch crappie.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake is murky but a few fish are still biting. Walleye - Slow: Some small walleye are biting on crankbaits.

Nine Eagles Lake

Water quality is fair. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few 2 pound fish have been caught on cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish of all sizes can be caught from the shallow coves or from the dam. Crappie - Fair: A few nice fish have been caught from the rocks of the dam.

Slip Bluff Lake

Water quality is fair. Crappie - Fair: A few fish can be caught from the shore near the south access of the lake.

Badger Creek Lake

Panfish angling is getting better and anglers are using the west road and jetties. Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill angling success has been found around the jetties and nearby coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of fish are along shore on spinners and shallow diving crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies of all sizes are being caught from the shallow rocky areas.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water quality is good and fish of all species are biting. Bluegill - Good: A few fish are starting to bite along the west shore and from the backs of the coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are near-shore and can be caught on spinners. Crappie - Excellent: The rocks of the dam are holding some 8 to 10 inch crappie. White jigs work well but the clear water is making the fish a little shy.

East Lake (Lenox)

Water quality is fair but the shallow coves are producing fish. Crappie - Fair: Several fish have been caught from the southeast shore and along the dam.

Lake of Three Fires

Water quality is fair and the fishing has changed over the past week. Crappies are biting slower and the bluegills are biting better. Water clarity is about 2 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using night crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several real nice fish have been caught using night crawlers over the fish mounds or near the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure. Crappie - Fair: A few 8 to 11 inch fish are still being caught from the fish mounds or off the dam. The bite has slowed since last weekend's heavy rain.

Windmill Lake

Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Good: Several nice fish can be picked up near shore and from around the jetty. Crappie - Fair: Some nice fish can be caught from the dam. They are a little finicky but worth the effort.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered for construction projects and water quality improvements to be completed.

Three Mile Lake

Most fish species present in the lake are biting. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill are starting to bite on night crawlers near shore and from the coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting near-shore on spinners and crank baits. Crappie - Fair: Fish of all sizes are being caught from the near-shore rocky areas. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are still being caught from steep shoreline areas. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Small crankbaits have been working fairly well on wipers.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice slicks can be caught using night crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of nice fish have been picked up using night crawlers from the near shore areas just about anywhere around the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught near-shore. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still biting from the big open points.

[Rick]

Don Williams Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and are being caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Good: Spawning crappies are being caught near wood structure in shallow water. They are being caught best using minnows under a bobber. The fish are around 10 to 11 inches.

Beaver Lake

No fishing information reported for this location.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Some very nice bluegills are being caught using small jigs or crawlers. The larger fish are coming from the flooded wood in the upper end of the lake and 8 to 9 inch fish are common. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching good numbers of spawning crappies using small tube jigs. The best area is along the dam and the shoreline across from the boat ramp.

Rock Creek Lake

Channel catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught near the campground and 24 hour fishing area using liver and stink bait. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite is good right now using small jigs. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has slowed a little, but is still good on jigs tipped with minnows or minnows under a bobber. Concentrate on shallow areas with wood or riprap.

Roberts Creek Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Big Creek Lake

White bass - Good: White bass are biting well below the Big Creek spillway fishing small jigs, minnows, and spinners. Bluegill - Good: Spawning bluegill bite is good using small pieces of crawler under a bobber or small tube jigs. Crappie - Good: The crappies moved deeper with the cooler weather over the weekend, but the much warmer weather this week is moving them back into the shallows. Minnows under a bobber fished near shallow wood in the bays are producing the most fish. The crappies are 9 to 11 inches.

Easter Lake

Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught using pieces of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth bass - Good: The bass bite is good fishing near woody structure. Crappie - Good: Spawning crappies are being caught using tube jigs or minnows under a bobber. Fish near wood structure in shallow water or along the rock on the face of the dam. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishermen are successful right now using chartreuse twisters.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught on spawning beds using crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Good: Spawning crappies are being caught using small tube jigs, or minnows under a bobber. The best locations are in the bays and anywhere there is wood or rock riprap in shallow water.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Excellent: Good sized bluegills are being caught using crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth bass - Good: Bass fishing is good using weed less rigs in the curly leaf beds. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has started to pick up in shallow water near wood structure using small tube jigs or minnows under a bobber. Redear sunfish - Fair: Anglers fishing for bluegills are also catching a few spawning redears using crawlers.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is still good in the Marina cove, Whitebreast, and below bridges. Fish are good sized at 12 to 14 inches with some up to 16.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait or night crawlers. Flathead catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are moving for the spawn and some nice sized fish have been caught below the dams and in large log jams.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Channel catfish - Good: Channel catfish biting on small live sunfish, cut bait, or night crawlers. Flathead catfish - Good: Flathead fishing is good right now using live sunfish or bullheads fished near log jams and below the dams.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has a quality crappie and bluegill fishery. The lake is trolling motor only and with water temperatures in the high 60s, anglers should be able to take advantage of good fishing close to shore. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches can be caught around jetties and casting small jigs close to shore. Largemouth bass - Good: Greenfield Lake has a good population of 12 to 15 inch fish.

Littlefield Lake

Surface water temperature was 68 degrees on May 26 and crappies were on shore spawning. Water clarity is good for Littlefield Lake being able to see down 2 feet. Crappie - Good: Cast small jigs close to shore. Crappies average 8 inches.

Lake Anita

Lake is full with good water clarity. Largemouth bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are in cedar tree piles. Try casting plastic baits with slow retrieve. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved off shore. Try vertical jigging cedar tree piles or drifting for 8-9 inch fish.

Lake Manawa

Surface water temperature as of May 27 was 68 degrees and lake has an algal bloom. Channel catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success using cut bait on the south and west side of the lake. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on west side of lake drifting night crawlers.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Most farm ponds are full and support good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are readily caught casting small jigs close to shore. Find spawning fish by locating saucer shaped depressions in sediment. Largemouth bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting spinners or plastic baits around structure and close to shore.

Nodaway Lake

Lake is full with good water clarity. Water temperature on 5-18 was 63 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are just moving in to spawn and can be caught casting small jigs or with night crawlers. Average size is 7.5 inches. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are spawning where ever there is rock on the shoreline. Cast small jigs or twister tails close to shore. Average size is 9 inches.

Prairie Rose Lake

The fishing at Prairie Rose has switched from crappies to bluegills. Over the past weekend anglers caught a lot of bluegills on wax worms or small pieces of night crawlers fished close to shore. Channel catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught on night crawlers or chicken liver. Bluegill - Good: Over the past weekend anglers caught a lot of bluegills on wax worms or small pieces of night crawlers fished close to shore. The bluegills run 6 1/2 to 7 inches. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are still being caught near shore but for the most part they have moved out. The crappies run 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches.

Water temperatures have reached the point where we are at the tail end of the crappie spawn and bluegills are starting to move in to spawn. Memorial Day weekend should be a great weekend to catch bluegills in area lakes.

Binder Lake

Water quality is good and some rooted vegetation is growing in the bays. Largemouth bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth can be caught near shore. Crappie - Fair: A few nice sized crappies have been caught from the dam.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. The far upper end is a little cloudy. Water temperature is near 70. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of real nice fish can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on crawlers. Largemouth bass - Good: Several mid-sized fish have been caught near-shore and from the fish mounds. Crappie - Fair: Several fish can be picked up just off shore in 5 to 7 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Several fish are still being caught from the mounds and big points. Crawlers and leeches are showing a lot of success. Some walleye are being caught by crappie anglers on jigs.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Largemouth bass - Good: Several fish can be caught from near-shore structure. Crappie - Excellent: Fishing is excellent along the dam for 7.5 to 8.5 inch crappie.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake is murky but a few fish are still biting. Crappie - Fair: A few mid-sized fish have been picked from shore. Walleye - Slow: Some small walleye are biting on crankbaits.

Nine Eagles Lake

Water quality is fair. Channel catfish - Fair: A few 2 pound fish have been caught on cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish of all sizes can be caught from the shallow coves or from the dam.

Slip Bluff Lake

Water quality is fair.

Badger Creek Lake

Anglers are using the west road and jetties. Water quality is good near the dam. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill angling success has been found around the jetties and nearby coves. Largemouth bass - Good: A lot of fish are along shore on spinners and shallow diving crankbaits.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water quality is good and fish of all species are biting. Bluegill - Good: A few fish are biting along the west shore and from the backs of the coves on crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are near-shore and can be caught on spinners. Crappie - Fair: The rocks of the dam are still holding some 8 to 10 inch crappie.

East Lake (Lenox)

Water quality is fair but the shallow coves are producing fish. Crappie - Fair: Several fish have been caught from the southeast shore and along the dam.

Lake of Three Fires

Water quality is fair and the fishing has changed over the past week. Crappies are biting slower and the bluegills are biting better. Water clarity is about 2 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several real nice fish have been caught using crawlers over the fish mounds or near the dam. Largemouth bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure.

Wilson Park Lake

Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Good: Several nice fish can be picked up near shore and from around the jetty.

Windmill Lake

Water levels are near normal. Channel catfish - Fair: A few channels are being caught near dusk from the shallow bays on stink bait or cut bait. Bluegill - Good: The fish are biting fairly well on crawlers near shore.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered for construction projects and water quality improvements to be completed.

Three Mile Lake

Most fish species present in the lake are biting well. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Water temperature is near 70. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill are biting on crawlers near shore and from the coves. Largemouth bass - Good: Several fish are biting near shore on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Good: The crappie are nearing the end of the spawning. Several fish of all sizes have been caught from the near shore areas. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are still being caught from steep shoreline areas and dirt mounds. Leeches and crawlers have been successful. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Small crankbaits have been working fairly well on wipers.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice slicks can be caught using crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of nice fish have been picked up using crawlers from the near shore areas just about anywhere around the lake. Largemouth bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught near-shore. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still biting from the big open points and steep drop-off area on leeches or crawlers. Some anglers are seeing success by trolling crankbaits over the rock fields.

The crappie angling is slowing a bit but the bluegills are biting. Several other species are biting well at most lakes. Water temperature is usually around 70 and water quality at most lakes is good.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Fishing has been good and river conditions are stable. Channel catfish - Good: Channel cats are still biting on stink bait, cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are biting on live baits; some are being caught on cut bait. Smallmouth bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are biting near Sioux City. Fish along the revet bank or wing dike tips with crankbaits or jigs. Freshwater drum - Good: Drum are biting on night crawlers with a weight on the bottom.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Fishing has been good and getting better with warmer water temps. Channel catfish - Good: Channel cats are still biting on cut bait, stink bait and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are biting on live bait and some are being caught on cut bait. Freshwater drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

No information received at this time

[Rick]

Don Williams Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and are being caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are hitting using plastics or spinner baits fished near wood structure. There are good fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Slow: The spawning crappie bite has slowed. Some fish are still being caught near wood structure in shallow water. Drift fishing mid lake with small tube jigs or minnows will soon be the best method for catching crappie.

Beaver Lake

No fishing information reported for this location.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Some very nice bluegills are being caught using small jigs or crawlers. The larger fish are coming from the flooded wood in the upper end of the lake, where 8 to 9 inch fish are common. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching good numbers of spawning crappies using small tube jigs. The best area is along the dam and the shoreline across from the boat ramp.

Rock Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught near the campground and 24 hour fishing area using liver and stink bait. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite is good right now using small jigs. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has slowed a little, but is still good on jigs tipped with minnows or minnows under a bobber. Concentrate on shallow areas with wood or riprap.

Roberts Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught using minnows and night crawlers. White Bass - Good: White bass are biting good on minnows and jigs. Bluegill - Good: Spawning bluegills are being caught shallow using night crawlers. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has slowed, but a few good sized fish are being caught using jigs with minnows or crawlers.

Big Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Large catfish are being caught in deeper water using leeches. Bluegill - Excellent: Spawning bluegill bite is good using small pieces of crawler under a bobber or small tube jigs. Fish in the protected the bays. The bluegills are good sized averaging 8 to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting good on crankbaits, spinner baits, and plastic worms. The most success is on the north end. Crappie - Fair: The spawning crappie bite has slowed. A few are being caught on minnows near wood or rock in the bays. Walleye - Fair: Many walleye are being caught in the shallows, but most are sub-legal.

Easter Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in shallow water using pieces of night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass bite is good fishing near woody structure. Crappie - Slow: The crappie spawn has ended, but some are still being caught near wood in shallow water using minnows. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishermen are successful right now using chartreuse twisters.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Spawning bluegills are still being caught using crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: The crappie spawn is ending and the bite has slowed. A few crappies are still being caught near wood or riprap in shallow water.

Hooper Area Pond

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting well on small jigs tipped with a small piece of crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Due to the turbid water conditions right now bass are biting good on top-water baits. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are biting on small tube jigs or minnows.

Lake Ahquabi

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught on liver and stink baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Good sized bluegills are being caught using crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on small plastics fished on the edges of the vegetation. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Anglers are catching redears up to 13 inches fishing with crawlers near the bottom in shallow water.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: The spawning crappie bite is slowing. Some fish are still being caught in the Marina cove and Whitebreast. Fish are good sized at 12 to 14 inches with some up to 16.

Saylorville Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Good catches of white bass are coming from below the Big Creek spillway and off Sandpiper using jigs, spoons, or minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught off the rocks at Cherry Glen and the Marina using minnows. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught by throwing crankbaits near Sandpiper. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: There are some wipers being caught on crankbaits off of Sandpiper.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait, liver, or night crawlers fished near any wood cover. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are moving for the spawn and some good sized fish have been caught below the dams and in large log jams using live sunfish or bullheads.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish biting on small live sunfish, cut bait, liver, or night crawlers. Fish near any logjam, eddy, or riprap. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead fishing is good right now using live sunfish or bullheads fished near log jams and below the dams. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught below the Saylorville spillway on jigs, spoons, or minnows. Walleye - Good: Walleye are being caught below the Saylorville spillway using jigs with minnows or night crawler. The bite is also good below the Center Street Dam using minnows, leeches, or worm harnesses. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: A few wipers have been caught below the Saylorville spillway using large jigs tipped with minnows.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has a quality crappie and bluegill fishery. The lake is trolling motor only. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills up to 9 inches can be caught close to shore or by finding pea gravel spawning beds. Cast small jigs or worms under a bobber to catch spawning fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Greenfield Lake has a good population of 12 to 15 inch fish. Cast spinner baits or plastic baits along dam and in cedar tree piles.

Lake Anita

Lake is full with good water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are just moving in to spawn. Cast small jigs close to shore or find underwater reefs and fish pea gravel tops. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are in cedar tree piles. Try casting plastic baits with slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved off shore but are being caught in 6-8 feet of water around underwater rock reefs. Also try vertical jigging cedar tree piles and drifting for 8-9 inch fish.

Lake Manawa

Lake is full with a slight algal bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success using cut bait on the south and west side of the lake. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are in "pockets" around Boy Scout Island and along Tin Can Dike. Cast small white twisters to find fish. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on west side of lake drifting night crawlers.

Anderson Area Pond 1

Pond 1 is north of Montgomery County office building. There is no boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are spawning and can be caught casting small jigs or night crawlers under a bobber. Try fishing in the corners of the dam and along north side. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught drifting minnows under a bobber casting from dam.

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney East has excellent water quality being able to see down 15 feet. Lake has one small gravel boat ramp. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill spawning beds are easy to see with such good water clarity. Fish are 7 to 8 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Most farm ponds are full and support good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are readily caught casting small jigs close to shore. Find spawning fish by locating saucer shaped depressions in sediment. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting spinners or plastic baits around structure and close to shore.

Water temperatures are now in the 70s and bluegills are close to shore spawning.

Prairie Rose Lake

The fishing at Prairie Rose has switched from crappies to bluegills. Over the past weekend anglers caught a lot of bluegills on wax worms or small pieces of night crawlers fished close to shore. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught at Prairie Rose on night crawlers or chicken liver. Bluegill - Good: Over the past weekend anglers caught a lot of bluegills on wax worms or small pieces of night crawlers fished close to shore. The bluegills in Prairie Rose run 6 1/2 to 7 inches. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are still being caught near shore but for the most part they have moved out. The crappies at Prairie Rose run 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches.

Water temperatures have reached the point where we are at the tail end of the crappie spawn and bluegills are starting to move in to spawn. Memorial Day weekend should be a great weekend to catch bluegills in area lakes.

Binder Lake

Water quality is good and the rooted vegetation is starting to grow in the bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth can be caught near shore and the outside edges of the weed line.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. The far upper end is a little cloudy. Water temps are near 70. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of fish 6 to 10 inches can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish up to 20 inches have been caught near-shore, the fish mounds, and the woody structure. Crappie - Fair: Several fish can be picked up just off shore in 5 to 7 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are still being caught from the mounds and big points. Crawlers and leeches are showing a lot of success.

West Lake Corning

Water quality is good and the panfish are biting. Bluegill - Good: Several fish up to 7.5 inches can be caught from shore near the west roadway. Crappie - Fair: Some fish up to 10 inches can be caught just out from the dam on small jigs.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish can be caught from near-shore or just off shore near the structure. Crappie - Good: Fishing is excellent along the dam for 7.5 to 8.5 inch crappie.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is less than 12 inches but some fish are still being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish have been caught from the bays on liver or stink bait. Crappie - Slow: A few mid-sized fish have been picked from just off shore. Walleye - Slow: Some small walleye are biting on crank baits.

Nine Eagles Lake

Water quality is fair. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few 2 pound fish have been caught on cut bait. Bait suspended just over the deeper submerged vegetation works better than bottom fishing. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish of all sizes can be caught from the shallow coves or from the dam. Beds can be found between the patches of vegetation.

Slip Bluff Lake

Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish can be caught from the beds along the east shore or from near shore in the south bay. Crappie - Slow: The crappie are moving out to deeper structure.

Badger Creek Lake

Anglers are using the west road and jetties. Water quality is fair near the dam. Some algae is starting to appear. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish have been picked up from the shallow bays near the jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill angling success has been found around the jetties and nearby coves using crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught near shore and structure. Spinners and crankbaits have shown the most success.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water quality is good and fish of all species are biting. Bluegill - Excellent: Several fish are biting along the west shore and from the backs of the coves on crawlers. Most fish are from 6 to 7.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are near-shore and can be caught on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: The rocks of the dam are still holding a few 8 to 10 inch crappies.

East Lake (Lenox)

Water quality is fair but the shallow coves are producing some panfish.

Lake of Three Fires

Water quality is good and the bluegill fishing has improved over the past week. Crappies are biting slower. Water clarity is about 2.5 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Excellent: Several real nice fish have been caught using crawlers over the fish mounds or near the east corner of the dam. A small worm down about 2 1/2 feet works well. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure. Crappie - Slow: A few fish have been caught just off shore from the woody structure or stake beds.

Wilson Park Lake

Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Good: Several nice fish can be picked up near shore, from around the jetty, and the corners of the dam.

Windmill Lake

Water levels are near normal. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channels are being caught near dusk from the shallow bays on stink bait or cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: The fish are biting fairly well on crawlers near shore.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered for construction projects and water quality improvements to be completed.

Three Mile Lake

Most fish species present in the lake are biting well. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Water temps are near 70. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill are biting on crawlers near shore and from the coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting near-shore on spinners and crank baits. Crappie - Fair: The crappie are nearing the end of the spawning. Several fish of all sizes have been caught from the near shore areas or nearby flooded trees. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting a little better from steep shoreline areas and dirt mounds. Leeches and crawlers have been successful.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice slicks can be caught using crawlers. A crawler on the bottom works very well. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill fishing is excellent. A lot of nice fish from 6 to 8 inches have been picked up using crawlers from the near shore areas just about anywhere around the lake. The areas near the jetties and west shore have been very successful. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught near-shore. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting better from the big open points and steep drop-off area on leeches or crawlers. Some anglers are seeing success by trolling crankbaits over the rock fields.

The crappies are moving out a bit but the bluegills are biting very well. Walleyes are starting to bite on the mounds. Several other species are biting well at most lakes. Water temps are usually around 70 and water quality at most lakes is good.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are still biting on stink bait, cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are biting on live baits, some are being caught on cut bait. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are biting near Sioux City. Fish along the revet bank or wing dike tips with crankbaits or jigs.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are still biting on cut bait, stink bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Some flatheads are biting on live bait and some are being caught on cut bait.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on liver, cut bait, stink bait and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Fair: A few flatheads are being caught using live bait and fresh cut bait.

[Rick]

Don Williams Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning and are being caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are hitting using plastics or spinner baits fished near wood structure. There are good fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Slow: A few fish are still being caught near wood structure in shallow water. Drift fishing mid lake with small tube jigs or minnows has also produced a few fish.

Beaver Lake

No fishing information reported for this location.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Some very nice bluegills are being caught using small jigs or crawlers. The larger fish are coming from the flooded wood in the upper end of the lake. 8 to 9 inch fish are common.

Rock Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught near the campground and 24 hour fishing area using liver and stink bait. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite is good right now using small jigs. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has slowed a little, but is still good on jigs tipped with minnows or minnows under a bobber. Concentrate on shallow areas with wood or riprap.

Roberts Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught using minnows and night crawlers. White Bass - Good: White bass are biting well on minnows and jigs. Bluegill - Good: Spawning bluegills are being caught shallow using night crawlers. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has slowed, but a few good sized fish are being caught using jigs with minnows or crawlers.

Big Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Large catfish are being caught in deeper water using leeches. Bluegill - Excellent: Spawning bluegill bite is good using small pieces of crawler under a bobber or small tube jigs. Fish in the protected the bays. The bluegills are good sized averaging 8 to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting good on crankbaits, spinner baits, and plastic worms. The most success is on the north end. Crappie - Fair: A few are being caught on minnows near wood or rock in the bays and near the rock along the face of the dam. Walleye - Fair: Many walleye are being caught in the shallows, but most are sub-legal.

Easter Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in shallow water using pieces of night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass bite is good fishing near woody structure. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are still being caught near wood in shallow water using minnows. Walleye - Good: Walleye anglers are successful right now using chartreuse twisters.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Spawning bluegills are still being caught using crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: The crappie spawn is ending and the bite has slowed. A few crappies are still being caught near wood or riprap in shallow water.

Hooper Area Pond

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting good on small jigs tipped with a small piece of crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Due to the turbid water conditions right now bass are biting good on top-water baits. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are biting on small tube jigs or minnows.

Lake Ahquabi

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught on livers and stink baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Good sized bluegills are being caught using crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on small plastics fished on the edges of the vegetation. Redear Sunfish - Fair: Anglers are catching redears up to 13 inches fishing with crawlers near the bottom in shallow water through breaks in the vegetation.

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Good: The white bass bite is good trolling crankbaits. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: A few wipers are being picked up by anglers while trolling crankbaits for white bass.

Saylorville Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Good catches of white bass are coming from below the Big Creek spillway and off Sandpiper using jigs, spoons, or minnows under a bobber. Boat anglers trolling crankbaits are also doing well. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are still being caught off the rocks at Cherry Glen and the Marina using minnows. Walleye - Fair: Some decent walleye from 16 to 19 inches have been caught by throwing crankbaits near Sandpiper. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: There are some wipers being caught on crankbaits off of Sandpiper.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait, liver, or night crawlers fished near any wood cover. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are moving for the spawn and some good sized fish have been caught below the dams and in large log jams using live sunfish or bullheads.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish biting on small live sunfish, cut bait, liver, or night crawlers. Fish near any logjam, eddy, or riprap. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead fishing is good right now using live sunfish or bullheads fished near log jams and below the dams. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught below the Saylorville spillway on jigs, spoons, or minnows. Walleye - Good: Walleye are being caught below the Saylorville spillway using jigs with minnows or night crawler. The bite is also good below the Center Street Dam using minnows, leeches, or worm harnesses. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: A few wipers have been caught below the Saylorville spillway using large jigs tipped with minnows.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has a quality crappie and bluegill fishery. The lake is trolling motor only. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches can be caught close to shore or by finding pea gravel spawning beds. Cast small jigs or worms under a bobber to catch spawning fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Greenfield Lake has a good population of 12 to 15 inch fish. Cast spinner baits or plastic baits along weed edges and in cedar tree piles.

Littlefield Lake

Lake is full and has concrete boat ramp. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are averaging 8 inches and are being caught drifting small jigs tipped with minnows.

Lake Anita

Lake is full with good water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are spawning in many areas around the lake. Cast small jigs close to shore or find underwater reefs and fish pea gravel tops. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught in cedar tree piles and around sunken road bed. Try casting plastic baits with slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved off shore but are being caught drifting small jigs in 6-8 feet of water in the main part of the lake. Anglers are also having success casting around the underwater reefs.

Arrowhead Pond

Arrowhead is full and has a usable boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on dip bait with red worms around jetties and corner of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching fish in the 3-5 pounds class in the upper end of the lake.

Lake Manawa

Lake is full with a slight algal bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success using cut bait and shrimp on the south and west side of the lake. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on west side of lake drifting night crawlers.

Anderson Area Pond 1

Pond 1 is north of Montgomery County office building. There is no boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are spawning and can be caught casting small jigs or night crawlers under a bobber. Try fishing in the corners of the dam and along north side. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught drifting minnows under a bobber casting from dam.

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney East has excellent water quality being able to see down 15 feet. Lake has one small gravel boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Lake has a good channel catfish population with fish averaging 2-3 pounds. Cast bait past weed line using a slip bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill spawning beds are easy to see with such good water clarity. Fish are 7 to 8 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Most farm ponds are full and support good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught close to shore and around structure using cut bait. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are readily caught casting small jigs close to shore. Find spawning fish by locating saucer shaped depressions in sediment. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting spinners or plastic baits around structure and close to shore.

Water temperatures have held steady or cooled a few degrees since last week slowing the bluegill spawn. Overall, we are finding good water clarity in our lakes even after recent cool rains. Bluegills are spawning and channel catfish are moving close to shore finding crevices in the rocks.

Binder Lake

Water quality is good and the rooted vegetation is growing in the bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass can be caught near shore and from the outside edges of the weed line.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. The far upper end is a little cloudy. Water temps are above 70. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of fish 6 to 10 inches can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several fish up to 20 inches have been caught near-shore, the fish mounds, and the woody structure. Crappie - Fair: Several fish 7 to 8 inches long can be picked up just off shore. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are being caught from the mounds and big points. Crawlers and leeches are showing a lot of success.

West Lake Corning

Water quality is good and the panfish are biting. Bluegill - Good: Several fish up to 7.5 inches can be caught from shore near the west roadway. Crappie - Fair: Some fish up to 10 inches can be caught just out from the dam on small jigs.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish can be caught from near-shore or just off shore near the structure. Crappie - Fair: Fishing is excellent along the dam for 7.5 to 8.5 inch crappie.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is less than 12 inches but some fish are still being caught. Crappie - Slow: A few 7 to 8 fish inches long have been picked from just off shore. Walleye - Slow: Some small walleye are biting on crankbaits.

Nine Eagles Lake

Water quality is fair. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few 2 pound fish have been caught on cut bait. Bait suspended just over the deeper submerged vegetation works better than bottom fishing.

Slip Bluff Lake

Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish can be caught from the beds along the east shore or from near shore in the south bay.

Badger Creek Lake

Anglers are using the west road and jetties. Water quality is fair near the dam. Some algae is starting to appear. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish have been picked up from the bays near the jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill angling success has been found around the jetties and nearby coves using crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught near shore and structure. Spinners and crankbaits have shown the most success.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water quality is good and fish of all species are biting. Bluegill - Excellent: Several fish are biting along the west shore and from the backs of the coves on crawlers. Most fish are from 6 to 7.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are near-shore and can be caught on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: The rocks of the dam are still holding a few 8 to 10 inch crappies.

East Lake (Lenox)

Water quality is fair but the shallow coves are producing some panfish.

Lake of Three Fires

Water clarity is about 2.5 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Excellent: Several real nice fish have been caught using crawlers over the fish mounds or near the east corner of the dam. A small worm down about 2 1/2 feet works very well. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure.

Wilson Park Lake

Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Good: Several nice fish can be picked up near shore, from around the jetty, and the corners of the dam.

Windmill Lake

Water levels are near normal. Some of the weak fish have died from stress. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channels are being caught near dusk from the shallow bays on stink bait or cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: The fish are biting fairly well on crawlers near shore.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered for construction projects and water quality improvements to be completed.

Three Mile Lake

Most fish species present in the lake are biting well. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Water temps are near 70. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill are biting on crawlers near shore and from the coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting near-shore on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Slow: The crappie are nearing the end of the spawning. Several fish of all sizes have been caught from the near shore areas or nearby flooded trees. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting a little better from steep shoreline areas and dirt mounds. Leeches and crawlers have been successful.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice slicks can be caught using crawlers. A crawler on the bottom works very well. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill fishing is excellent. A lot of nice fish from 6 to 8 inches have been picked up using crawlers from the near shore areas just about anywhere around the lake. The areas near the jetties and west shore have been very successful. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught near-shore. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting better from the big open points, steep drop-off areas, and the near the dike at the upper end on leeches or crawlers. Some anglers are seeing success by trolling crankbaits over the rock fields.

The crappies are moving out a bit, but a few lakes still have fish near shore. The bluegills are biting very well near shore. Walleyes are starting to bite on the mounds. Largemouth bass are biting at almost every lake. Several other species are biting well at most lakes. Water temps are usually in the low 70s and water quality at most lakes is fair or good.

[Rick]

Don Williams Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can still be caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber or by drifting in 8-10 feet of water with a split shot and small piece of crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are hitting using plastics or spinner baits fished near wood structure. There are good fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Drift fishing mid lake on the upper half with small tube jigs or minnows has produced is producing some fish.

Beaver Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Rock Creek Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Roberts Creek Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Big Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Fair: Large catfish are being caught in deeper water using leeches. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill bite is good using small pieces of crawler under a bobber or small tube jigs fished near sunken brush piles or drifting near the mouths of the bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms. The most success is on the north end. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught drifting mid lake out from the Williams Drive boat ramps using small jigs. Pink and white combinations work well.

Easter Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can still be caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber or drifting deeper water with just a split shot and small piece of crawler. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught near wood or riprap in shallow water. Crappies are also being caught drifting in the middle of the lake using small jigs or minnows.

Hooper Area Pond

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Lake Ahquabi

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught on liver and stink baits. Bluegill - Good: Good sized bluegills are being caught using crawlers fished near the bottom at the edge of the weed beds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on small plastics fished on the edges of the vegetation. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught at the fishing pier throwing 1/32 jigs with twister tails.

Red Rock Reservoir

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Saylorville Reservoir

Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is good in the mornings and late evenings fishing in 1 to 5 feet of water with minnows, cut bait, or shrimp. White Bass - Good: Good catches of white bass are coming from below the Big Creek spillway and off Sandpiper using jigs, spoons, or minnows under a bobber. Boat anglers trolling crankbaits are also doing well. Walleye - Fair: Some decent walleye from 16 to 19 inches have been caught by throwing crankbaits near Sandpiper. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: There are some wipers being caught on crankbaits off of Sandpiper.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait, liver, or night crawlers fished near any wood cover. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Catching drum is no problem right now using night crawlers fished on the bottom.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish biting on small live sunfish, cut bait, liver, or night crawlers. Fish near any logjam, eddy, or riprap. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught below the Saylorville spillway on jigs, spoons, or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: A few wipers have been caught below the Saylorville spillway using large jigs tipped with minnows.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has a concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught drifting small black jigs tipped with night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Greenfield Lake has a good population of 12 to 15 inch fish. Cast spinnerbaits or plastic baits along weed edges and in cedar tree piles.

Littlefield Lake

Lake is full and has concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1-3 pound range are being caught in the corners of the dam using liver.

Lake Anita

Lake is full with good water clarity. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being caught casting night crawlers under a bobber along weed edges. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fishing has slowed for largemouth bass since last week but fish are being caught in 6-8 feet of water along road bed. Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved off shore but are being caught drifting small jigs in 6-8 feet of water in the main part of the lake. Anglers are also having success casting around the underwater reefs.

Lake Manawa

Lake is full with a slight algal bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success using cut bait and shrimp on the south and west side of the lake. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on west side of lake drifting night crawlers.

Anderson Area Pond 1

Pond 1 is north of Montgomery County office building. There is no boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught along dam casting small jigs or night crawlers under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught drifting minnows under a bobber casting from dam.

Hacklebarney East

Hacklebarney East has excellent water quality being able to see down 15 feet. Lake has one small gravel boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Lake has a good channel catfish population with fish averaging 2-3 pounds. Cast bait past weed line using a slip bobber.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Most farm ponds are full and support good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught close to shore and around structure using cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill spawn is winding down. Try casting small jigs along weed edges and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting spinners or plastic baits around structure and close to shore.

Hot weather has pushed water temperatures above 80 degrees. The bluegill spawn is winding down and most fish have moved away from shore during the day.

Binder Lake

Water quality is good and the rooted vegetation is growing in the bays.

Lake Icaria

The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. Water temperature is above 70. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of fish 6 to 10 inches can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Some fair sized bluegills are biting from the tops of the fish mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish up to 20 inches have been caught near-shore, the fish mounds, and the woody structure. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being caught from the mounds and big points. Crawlers and leeches are showing some success.

West Lake Corning

Water quality is good and the panfish are biting. Bluegill - Good: A few fish up to 7.5 inches can be caught from shore near the west roadway. Crappie - Fair: A few nice sized fish have been caught from shore on white jigs.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish can be caught from near-shore or from the near the structure.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is less than 12 inches.

Slip Bluff Lake

Water quality is fair.

Badger Creek Lake

Water clarity is around 2 to 3 feet near the dam. Algae is starting to develop.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water quality is good. Bluegill - Good: Several fish can be caught from spawning beds at various places around the shoreline. Most fish are from 6 to 7.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several fish are near-shore and can be caught on spinners and crankbaits.

Lake of Three Fires

Water clarity is about 2.5 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several real nice fish have been caught using crawlers over the fish mounds or near the east corner of the dam. A small worm down about 2 1/2 feet works very well. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure.

Wilson Park Lake

Water quality is fair.

Windmill Lake

Water levels are near normal.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered for construction projects and water quality improvements to be completed.

Three Mile Lake

Most fish species present in the lake are biting. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Water temperature is above 70. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill are biting on crawlers near shore or from the near shore structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting from near-shore structure on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Slow: The crappie are nearing the end of the spawning. Several fish of all sizes have been caught from flooded trees in about 6 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are biting from steep shoreline areas and dirt mounds.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice bullheads can be caught using crawlers. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill fishing is good. A lot of nice fish from 6 to 8 inches have been picked up using crawlers from the near shore areas just about anywhere around the lake. The areas near the jetties and west shore have been very successful. The rock fields hold a lot of bigger fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught from the near-shore structure and rock covered areas. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting better from the open points, steep drop-off areas, and near the dike at the upper end on leeches or crawlers. Some anglers are seeing success by trolling crankbaits over the rock fields.

The bluegills are biting fairly well at a lot of lakes near shore. Some walleye activity is happening on the mounds. Largemouth bass are biting at several lakes. Channel catfish are spawning in the big rocks. Several other species are biting well at most lakes. Water temperature is usually in the mid 70s and water quality at most lakes is fair or good.

[Rick]

Rock Creek Lake

The crappie bite is good using small jigs and jigs tipped with minnows. The fish are fair sized from 8 to 10 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake

White bass are biting well on small jigs. Pink head and white tail is a good combination. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught shallow using night crawlers. Crappie - Fair: Some good sized fish are being caught jigging minnows over brush piles.

Big Creek Lake

The white bass bite at Big Creek is good right now. Some are approaching 12 inches while most are 9 to 11 inches. They can be caught throwing jig and twisters, in-line spinners, small spoons, small crankbaits, trolling spinning rigs with minnows or crawlers, or drifting with a live minnow. Concentrate on the shoreline the wind is blowing into. Good areas have been near the west boat ramps and near the marina. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught by fishing minnows or small tube jigs near submerged wood in deeper water or over the sunken brush piles.

Easter Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught fishing over submerged pallets and brush piles in 10 feet of water or less using small panfish jigs or slip bobbers with a small piece of crawler. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has been fair fishing over sunken habitat in 10 feet of water or more with minnows or small tube jigs.

Hooper Area Pond

Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting well on small jigs tipped with a small piece of crawler fished near submerged wood.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite is slowly picking up on small jigs and small pieces of night crawlers under a bobber. Concentrate efforts around structure. Largemouth bass are hitting well on any type of weedless rig or top-water baits fished through the edges of the weed beds and along tree falls.

Red Rock Reservoir

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Saylorville Reservoir

Catfishing is good in the mornings and late evenings fishing with cut bait, dead creek chubs or stink baits. The upper end of the reservoir above the mile long bridge has been best. The fish being caught are good sized, averaging 4 to 8 pounds. White Bass - Fair: White bass fishing has picked up a little recently by trolling crankbaits or spinning rigs. A few good sized wipers are being caught as well by anglers that are targeting white bass.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Bluegill fishing from shore is good right now, especially in the evenings. Concentrate on wood habitat and vegetation edges using pieces of crawler under slip bobbers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass anglers have been doing well fishing shallow using large jigs, surface lures, and crankbaits. There are some good fish being caught over 4 pounds. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in the evening using minnows under a bobber fished near any wood habitat near the shore. The fish are nice sized from 10 to 12 inches.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfishing is good fishing dead minnows or cut bait near any tree fall or root wad in water 2 feet deep or deeper. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught using jig and crawler or jig and minnow. Larger fish can be found near wood cover in 3 feet of water or more with a little current. Throwing crankbaits along sandbar drop-offs can also be effective.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

River levels are low right now making boat fishing difficult, but wading can be very effective. Fish are more concentrated in the deeper bends and pools. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught using fresh cut bait or dead creek chubs. Walleye - Fair: Some anglers have been doing well on walleyes throwing jig and white twister, jig and crawler, or diving crankbaits.

Raccoon River (below Van Meter)

Wading has been very effective as the water level is low and fish are concentrated in deeper pools. Drifting live bait or jigs into these pools has been the method of choice by most anglers

South Skunk River (Story City to Cambridge)

Smallmouth Bass - Good: Low water has pushed the smallmouth into the deeper pools. Large fish are rare, but anglers are enjoying catching many small to medium sized fish in an outing. Small lures such as in-line spinners and crayfish or minnow imitating crankbaits are working well.

Greenfield Lake

Anglers are catching a few bluegills and crappies from this city water supply reservoir. Greenfield has a trolling motor only regulation. Channel Catfish - Fair: There is an excellent channel catfish population with the average size fish at 2 pounds. Bluegill - Fair: Drift or troll the main lake in search of bluegills with small jigs tipped with night crawler. The south shore at times is best. Crappie - Fair: Drift the main lake with small jigs to catch crappies. Watch your depth finder for brush piles that hold crappies. Spending time fishing these brush piles will increase your catch.

Cold Springs Lake

Cold Springs Lake fish population was renovated back in 2006 and the initial stocking of bass has reached 17-inches. Largemouth bass fishing has been good using top-water lures fished over the vegetation.

Lake Anita

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Viking Lake

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Lake Manawa

The best fishing has been around the inlet from Mosquito Creek located on the north shore. Channel Catfish - Good: Some nice strings of channel catfish have come out of Manawa already this fall. Some catfish anglers are still using stink baits to catch fish. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching a few walleyes using shad rap crankbaits fished near the inlet from Mosquito Creek. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Good fishing for wipers occurs when the gates are open letting water from Mosquito Creek in. Anglers are using shad raps or twister tails to catch these fish.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

The fishing in area farm ponds has been good. Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegills and crappies in good numbers on small jigs or twister tails. The aquatic plants are down improving shoreline fishing. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can be caught on 1/64 or 1/32 ounce jigs. Tip your jig with a piece of crawler if fishing is slow. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass in farm ponds can be caught on a variety of artificial lures in the fall. Rubber worms, twister tails as well as crankbaits fished with a slow presentation can entice bass as they bulk up for winter. Crappie - Good: Look for crappies in the brush piles during the fall. Try small jigs or small minnows to lure them out of the cover.

Fall has arrived in Southwest Iowa and this can be a great time to fish as water temperatures drop into the 60s. Fewer people are fishing which makes it harder to gather fishing report information. My advice is to just get out and try it in areas you have had success in the past.

Lake Icaria

Water quality is good. Crappie - Fair: A few mid-sized fish have been caught from the deeper areas next to structure. Walleye - Fair: A few anglers are catching mid-sized walleye by trolling the open points.

Green Valley Lake

The lake has been lowered for in-lake sediment removal. The project is planned to take most of the winter. The lake will be allowed to refill in then spring of 2010. The fish population has been restocked and the fish are growing quickly. The lake should have some keeper size fish by spring and very good numbers by mid summer.

Summitt Lake

The water level at Summit will be lowered beginning Oct 4. The lake is presently open to liberal fishing with no bag limits. A fish renovation is planned for late November and in-lake shoreline stabilization throughout the winter.

Three Mile Lake

Water quality is good, temperature is nearing 60, and the lake level is near normal. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught from the flooded timber near steep drop-off areas. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught from the deep rock areas or just off the open points.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water clarity is good and temperature is about 60. Walleye - Fair: A few mid-sized walleye have been caught from the steep open points.

Water temperatures are dropping to around 60. Most fish are starting to move a little deeper into at least 8 feet of water. Flooded timber seems to be holding a lot of fish.

[Joe]

Beaver Lake

Bluegill - Good: Beaver Lake is producing some decent bluegills through the ice this year. The larger ones being caught are 8 to 9 inches. Anglers are having success in 15 to 20 feet of water out from the dam using wax worms and spikes. The smaller the ice jig, the better.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)

Bluegill - Good: Good bluegills up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms. Best luck has been near the edges of the standing timber in the deeper water. Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappie are also being caught near the standing timber. The crappie are averaging 8 to 9 inches.

Rock Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are doing well late in the afternoon and into the evening. Fish have moved to the structure in the deepest water, which is 14 to 16 feet. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught along with the bluegills in 12 feet of water or more. The better crappie bite is in the evening. Pink and white with wax worm is working well. Crappies are averaging 7 to 9 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught near the creek channel out from the east access.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite was slower over the last week. Anglers are still catching some good bluegills mostly midday through mid-afternoon. They are being caught off sunken brush in the main lake and the deeper coves. Both wax worms and colored spikes have been working. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught near the roadbed in 30 foot of water on the East side of the main lake out from the Ensign shelter and on the sharp drop-offs on the west side of the lake south of the west boat ramp in 30 to 40 feet of water. Minnows, minnow heads, or glow jigs with wax worms have been working. The bite has been best from 5 to 9 p.m.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Good: The Bluegill bite is good late in the afternoon and especially just before dark near sunken habitat. This habitat can be found in most of the coves and in deeper water out from the points. Sonar and/or cameras help in finding the structures. The bluegills are good sized around 8 inches and are being caught using both wax worms and maggots. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being pulled off the same sunken habitat as the bluegills. Better crappie are being caught suspended in the deeper water in the evenings. Some of the crappie being caught are 10 to 11 inches.

Hooper Area Pond

Crappie - Fair: There are reports of anglers doing well on crappie.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite is fair. Out from the steep shoreline across from the beach area can be a good location. Ahquabi can produce some large bluegills over 9 inches.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Anglers are having luck catching crappies in the marina bay.

As of Dec. 31, most central Iowa lakes are covered with 8 inches plus of ice.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield lake had 6 to 8 inches of ice. Greenfield is a popular ice fishing lake because of the quality panfish fishery.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway Lake should offer good crappie fishing this winter with a large year class in the 8 to 9 inch range. Bluegills are 7 inches.

Littlefield Lake

Spring sampling showed a large year class of crappies that should be in the 8 to 9 inch range this winter. Littlefield averages 8 inches of ice.

Lake Anita

Lake Anita will offer excellent ice fishing opportunities this year. Fall samples show that bluegills and crappies experienced good growth in 2009. Anita has 8 to 10 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching many fish exceeding 8 inches using wax worms. Crappie - Slow: The best success has been fishing with minnows in the evening. Crappies are running 9 to 10 inches.

Lake Manawa

Manawa has 6 to 8 inches of ice. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few catfish are being caught on minnows. The few fish being caught are reported as being large. 5 to 8 pounds. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching good numbers of crappies but still having to sort for 10 inch fish. Jigs with small spinner tipped with a live minnow is working best.

Anderson Area Pond 1

Anderson Area Pond 1 is very susceptible to runoff. The road to the pond has been plowed. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching 8 inch bluegill on tear drops tipped with wax worms. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching 10 inch fish in late afternoon using minnows.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds offer excellent opportunity for quality ice fishing in southern Iowa. Remember to always ask permission before fishing a private pond. Bluegill - Fair: Typically bluegills can be found in the deepest part of the pond. Tip small jigs with wax worms and start fishing a foot off the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Fish the larger farm ponds using wax worms or minnows. Fish different depths in the water column as crappie can be suspended.

Lake Icaria

Skim ice has formed over most of the lake. Ice thickness in the quiet areas can be up to 8 inches. Open portions of the lake have ice less than 2 inches. The timbered area just to the east of the concrete road is very productive. Bullhead - Good: Anglers have been catching bullheads on wax worms in the flooded timber. Bluegill - Good: Small wax worms near flooded timber have been catching several bluegills. Crappie - Good: A lot of crappie have been caught from the flooded timber on wax worms. Walleye - Fair: Wax worms and small minnows have been successful for small and mid-sized walleyes in the flooded timber.

Lake of Three Fires

Ice averages 6 inches thick but thin areas are nearby. Check ice thickness often. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish have been caught from the deep brush pile just north of the center of the dam.

Green Valley Lake

The lake has been lowered for a sediment removal project this winter. The lake is expected to be refilled in April 2010.

Summit Lake

The lake has been lowered for allow for shoreline rock to be placed this winter. the lake is expected to be refilled in April 2010.

Three Mile Lake

Ice thickness varies. Reports indicate ice 8 inches thick in some areas and nearby open water or only 1 inch is present. Check thickness frequently. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish can be found from the mouth of the timbered coves or over the rock piles. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being picked up from over the rock piles.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Ice has formed over most of the lake. Waterfowl have kept some areas open. Ice thickness varies greatly. Areas 4 to 8 inches are common but ice may be less than 2 inches within a few yards. Bluegill - Fair: Several mid-sized fish have been caught from the creek channel areas near flooded timber. Crappie - Fair: Crappie have been caught from over the rock piles in 10 to 16 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Several mid-size walleye have been caught from the deeper rock areas.

Ice has formed on most lakes/farm ponds and small water bodies can have up to 8 inches but thin areas are still present. Spotty open water areas can still be seen on larger water bodies. Ice on mid-sized and larger water bodies varies tremendously. Farm Ponds have been very productive.

[Rick]

Beaver Lake Fishing Report

Bluegill - Good: Beaver Lake is producing some decent bluegills through the ice this year. The larger ones being caught are 8 to 9 inches. Anglers are having success in 15 to 20 foot of water out from the dam and on the 9 to 15 foot ridge that runs south of the 40 foot hole across the lake from the boat ramp. Fish are being caught using wax worms and spikes. Crappie - Fair: With the bluegills, anglers are picking up a few decent crappies up to 11 inches.

Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake Fishing Report (west)

Bluegill - Good: Good bluegills up to 8.5 inches are being caught on wax worms. Best luck has been near the edges of the standing timber in the deeper water. Crappie - Good: Good numbers of crappie are also being caught near the standing timber. The crappie are averaging 8 to 9 inches.

Rock Creek Lake Fishing Report

Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are doing well late in the afternoon and into the evening. Fish have moved to the structure in the deepest water, which is 14 to 16 feet. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught along with the bluegills in 12 feet of water or more. The better crappie bite is in the evening. Pink and white with wax worm is working well. The average size of fish caught is 7 to 9 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake Fishing Report

Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in the deeper water out from the east access.

Big Creek Lake Fishing Report

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching some good bluegills from 7 to 9 inches mostly midday through late afternoon. They are being caught off sunken brush in the main lake and in front of the deeper coves. Depths around 20 feet or greater have been best. Both wax worms and spikes have been working. Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught near the roadbed in 30 to 40 feet of water off the east roadbed out from the Ensign shelter and into the handicap pier bay. Live minnows have been working best but glow jigs with wax worms have also been working. The bite has been best from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Hickory Grove Lake Fishing Report

Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite is good late in the afternoon and especially just before and after sunset near sunken habitat. This habitat can be found in most of the coves and in deeper water out from the points. The bluegills are around 8 inches and are being caught using both wax worms and maggots. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being pulled off the same sunken habitat as the bluegills. Better crappie are being caught suspended in the deeper water in the evenings, with some measuring 10 to 11 inches.

Hooper Area Pond Fishing Report

Crappie - Fair: There are reports of anglers doing well on crappie.

Lake Ahquabi Fishing Report

Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite is still slow. Out from the steep shoreline across from the beach area can be a good location. There are several large brush piles sunk in the deeper water here that anglers have been catching fish off. Ahquabi can produce some large bluegills over 9 inches.

Lake Petoka Fishing Report

Rainbow Trout - Good: Rainbow trout will be stocked through the ice in conjunction with a kid’s ice fishing event on Saturday, January 16. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with trout being stocked around noon.

Banner Lake Fishing Report (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: Rainbow trout were stocked through the ice on Jan. 14.

As of Jan. 13, most central Iowa lakes have 13 plus inches of ice. Fishing success is picking up with the stable weather. Most fish are being caught in the afternoon and evenings. Contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823 for information on the above area lakes and rivers.

Greenfield Lake Fishing Report

Greenfield lake has a consistent 12 inches of ice. Greenfield is a popular ice fishing lake because of the quality panfish fishery. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been slow using wax worms.

Nodaway Lake Fishing Report

Nodaway Lake should offer good crappie fishing this winter with a large year class in the 8 to 9-inch range. Bluegills are 7 inches.

Littlefield Lake Fishing Report

Spring sampling showed a large year class of crappies that should be in the 8 to 9-inch range this winter. Roads in the park have been plowed.

Lake Anita Fishing Report

Lake Anita will offer excellent ice fishing opportunities this year. Fall samples show that bluegills and crappies experienced good growth in 2009. Anita has 12 to 14 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite is much better the last hour of daylight. Anglers are catching many fish exceeding 8 inches using wax worms. Crappie - Fair: The best success has been fishing with minnows in the evening. Best success is late afternoon to after dark. Crappies are running 9 to 10 inches.

Lake Manawa Fishing Report

Manawa has 14 inches of ice. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have slowed but anglers are still catching a few. Jigs with small spinner tipped with a live minnow is working best.

Anderson Area Pond 1 Fishing Report

Anderson Area Pond 1 is very susceptible to runoff. The road to the pond has been plowed. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are catching 8-inch bluegill on tear drops tipped with wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are catching 10-inch fish in late afternoon using minnows.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds Fishing Report

Farm ponds offer excellent opportunity for quality ice fishing in southern Iowa . Remember to always ask permission before fishing a private pond. Bluegill - Fair: Typically bluegills can be found in the deepest part of the pond. Tip small jigs with wax worms and start fishing a foot off the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Fish the larger farm ponds using wax worms or minnows. Fish different depths in the water column as crappie can be suspended.

Temperatures are expected to warm in the coming week making an ice fishing trip more enjoyable. Anglers can expect to find 14 to 18 inches of ice on most lakes in southwest Iowa .

Lake Icaria Fishing Report

Ice is 12 to 14 inches thick in most areas. Recent open portions could have ice less than 2 inches. Bullhead - Good: Anglers have been catching bullheads on wax worms from most areas. Bluegill - Good: Most bluegills have been caught from flooded timber and brush piles using wax worms. Crappie - Good: Crappies have been caught from the flooded timber and along creek channel. Both wax worms and minnows have been productive. Walleye - Fair: Wax worms and small minnows have been successful for small and mid-sized walleyes in the flooded timber and near creek channel.

Fogle Lake S.W.A. Fishing Report

Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches, and some thinner areas may exist. Bluegill - Fair: Several mid-sized bluegills have been caught from the deeper flooded timber.

Lake of Three Fires Fishing Report

Ice is 12 to 14 inches in most areas, but some thinner areas may exist. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish have been caught from the deep brush pile north of the center of the dam. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies have been caught from the deep brush pile north of the center of the dam.

Three Mile Lake Fishing Report

Ice thickness varies. Most ice is 12 to 14 inches thick. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are having some success fishing the creek channels near flooded timber. Most fish are 12 to 20 feet in depths. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught in 14 to 20 feet of water near the rock piles and in flooded timber. Yellow Perch - Fair: Large numbers of perch have been caught in the main lake if anglers can find a school. Wax worms and minnows are working once they are found. Walleye - Fair: Some large walleyes with one over 10 pounds have been caught near the creek channel. Minnows are working the best.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake Fishing Report

Ice thickness varies. Reports indicate that the ice is 12 to 14 inches in most areas. Bluegill - Good: Several mid-sized and large fish have been caught from the creek channel areas near flooded timber. Most fish are coming from 10 to 16 feet down. Crappie - Fair: Crappies have been caught from flooded timber and rock piles in water from 10 to 25 feet down. Minnows have been working best. Walleye - Fair: Several mid-sized walleye have been caught from deeper rock areas, creek channel, and old road bed. Minnow have been working best.

[Rick]

Beaver Lake

Bluegill - Good: Beaver Lake is producing some decent bluegills through the ice this year. The larger ones being caught are 8 to 9 inches. Anglers are having success in 15 to 20 feet of water out from the dam and on the 9 to 15 foot ridge that runs south of the 40 foot hole across the lake from the boat ramp. Fish are being caught using wax worms and spikes. Crappie - Fair: With the bluegills, anglers are picking up a few decent crappies up to 11 inches.

Roberts Creek Lake

Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught in the deeper water out from the east access.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching some good bluegills from 7 to 9 inches mostly midday through late afternoon. They are being caught off sunken brush in the main lake and in front of the deeper coves. Depths around 20 feet or greater have been best. Both wax worms and spikes have been working. Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught near the roadbed in 30 to 40 feet of water off the east roadbed out from the Ensign shelter and into the handicap pier bay. Live minnows have been working best, but glow jigs with wax worms have also been working. The bite has been best from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Hickory Grove Lake

Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite has slowed, but some fish are still being caught late in the afternoon and especially just before and after sunset near sunken habitat. This habitat can be found in most of the coves and in deeper water out from the points. It is taking some jumping from hole to hole to find active fish. The bluegills are good sized around 8 inches and are being caught using both wax worms and spikes. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being pulled off the same sunken habitat as the bluegills. Better crappie are being caught suspended in the deeper water in the evenings. Some of the crappie being caught are 10 to 11 inches.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Fair: Some decent catches of bluegills are being caught. Out from the steep shoreline across from the beach area can be a good location. There are several large brush piles sunk in the deeper water here that anglers have been catching fish off. Ahquabi can produce some large bluegills over 9 inches.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Good: 1,700 rainbow trout were stocked January 16. Several large brood fish were also stocked. The fish were biting aggressively on jigs and spoons tipped with one or several wax worms. Small live minnows also work well.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: 1,500 Rainbow trout were stocked through the ice Thursday, January 14. The majority of the fish still remain to be caught.

As of January 20, most central Iowa lakes have 14 plus inches of ice. Fishing success was good over the last week. Most fish are being caught early in the mornings and especially in the afternoon and evenings. Use caution on the ice if predicted heavy rains for the weekend occur.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield lake has a consistent 14 inches of ice. Greenfield is a popular ice fishing lake because of the quality panfish fishery. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have been slow using wax worms.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway Lake should offer good crappie fishing this winter with a large year class in the 8 to 9-inch range. Bluegills are 7 inches. Nodaway has 14 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 7.5 inches are being caught using wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught using minnows. Try fishing late in the afternoon.

Littlefield Lake

Spring sampling showed a large year class of crappies that should be in the 8 to 9-inch range this winter. Roads in the park have been plowed.

Lake Anita

Lake Anita will offer excellent ice fishing opportunities this year. Fall samples show that bluegills and crappies experienced good growth in 2009. Anita has 12 to 16 inches of ice. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite is much better the last hour of daylight. Anglers are catching many fish exceeding 8 inches using wax worms. Crappie - Fair: The best success has been fishing with minnows in the evening. Late afternoon to after dark is best. Crappies are running 9 to 10 inches.

Lake Manawa

Manawa has 14 inches of ice. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have slowed but anglers are still catching a few. Jigs with small spinner tipped with a live minnow is working best.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds offer excellent opportunity for quality ice fishing in southern Iowa. Remember to always ask permission before fishing a private pond. Bluegill - Fair: Typically bluegills can be found in the deepest part of the pond. Tip small jigs with wax worms and start fishing a foot off the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Fish the larger farm ponds using wax worms or minnows. Fish different depths in the water column as crappie can be suspended.

Anglers can expect to find 14 to 18 inches of ice on most lakes in southwest Iowa. For more information contact Bryan Hayes or Mark Boucher at the Cold Springs District Office 712-769-2587.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Ice is fairly good. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are biting off the ends of the west jetty. The fish are in flooded trees of the channel.

Lake of Three Fires

Ice thickness is good in most places but thinner areas are possible. Bluegill - Good: Several bluegills are being caught from the brush pile just north of the center of the dam or the creek channel just south of the jetties. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies have been picked up while bluegill anglers from the deeper channel.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered until a sediment removal project is completed. Fish are very healthy and growing well. Some species are beginning to become acceptable catches.

Summit Lake

The lake has been renovated and will be restocked in the spring.

Three Mile Lake

Ice is good in most places. Slush and snow cover can reduce its thickness. Most fish are biting fairly well. Bluegill - Fair: Several nice fish are being caught from the channels in the flooded trees. Crappie - Fair: Some nice fish are appearing in the catch. Most are caught while bluegill fishing. Minnows do work a little better than wax worms. Walleye - Slow: Some fish are caught on minnows in the creek channels and flooded trees.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Ice is fairly good in most places but slush and deep snow can change the thickness. Bluegill - Good: Several bluegills have been picked up from the deeper flooded trees near the channels. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye have been caught on minnows.

Walnut Creek Marsh

Ice is fairly thick but can be very thin near the aeration system. Bluegill - Good: Several fish are being caught in about 5 feet of water along the channel along the south dike. Crappie - Good: Several nice fish are being caught by bluegill anglers from the south channel along the dike.

Ice thickness is about 8 inches in most places. Slush is forming on top in many areas. Fish are biting in many places. Creek channels next to deep areas are popular.

[Joe]

Big Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being picked up in Lost Lake and in the brush piles in the deeper water at the mouths to the coves.

Lake Ahquabi

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass anglers are starting to do well fishing the edges of the curly leaf pondweed.

Lake Petoka

1,500 Rainbow trout were stocked on April 8. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout are being caught on small casting spoons, inline spinners, and live baits such as wax worms, small minnows, and night crawlers.

Banner Lake (south)

Two stockings of trout occurred in the last two weeks and there are good numbers available to be caught.

Boone District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds can provide some good early spring fishing as they warm quicker. Catfish will be feeding heavily on dead baits. Bluegills and crappies can be caught sticking with lighter ice fishing tackle tipped with wax worms, spikes, or very small pieces of crawler.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway has a good population of crappies in the 8 to 9-inch range. Fish small jigs close to rock as the water temperatures warm.

Orient Lake

Orient is full with one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers. Fish are averaging 1 to 2 pounds.

Lake Anita

Fish are being caught around the main boat ramp and pontoon area. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught with small jigs under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are concentrated in areas with the warmest water temperature. Try fishing small jigs tipped with crappie niblets under a bobber. Fish seem to be just a few feet under the surface.

Lake Manawa

Water temperature was 52 degrees as of April 8, and walleyes are in shallow spawning. Anglers are having success in the canals catching crappies. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies in the canals and around boy scout island casting small jigs. Sorting is necessary for 9 to 10-inch fish. Walleye - Slow: Try castings jigs or drifting night crawlers on the south shore for spawning walleyes.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds generally warm sooner than larger bodies of water making them a good choice for early spring fishing. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Fish are becoming active and can be caught with small jigs. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching crappies with minnows under a bobber.

Saganaush Pond

1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on April 2. Rainbow Trout - Good: Fish are averaging 12 inches and being caught on small jigs. White twister tails have been a good choice.

With warming temperatures fish are becoming active. For more information contact Bryan Hayes or Mark Boucher at the Cold Springs District Office 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria

Water temperature is in the upper 40s. The lake level is normal and water clarity is good. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are trolling the open points and jigging the rock areas of the dam.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good and temperature is in the upper 40s. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie can be caught from the rocky areas near the jetties in about 6 feet of water on wax worms or small jigs.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some should be catchable by spring.

Summit Lake

The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.

Three Mile Lake

Water temperature is in the upper 40s. A lot of walleye anglers are trolling or casting the dam in the evenings. Walleye - Good: A lot of walleye are being caught from the dam and big rocky points near sunset.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water temperature is in the upper 40s or low 50s. Water clarity is good. Walleye - Good: Several anglers are jigging and trolling the dam or big points around dusk. Some are finding fish along the east shore just north of the dam.

Many ponds and small lakes have temperature near or above 50 degrees. Mid-sized and large lakes range from 45 to 50 degrees. Water clarity is normal in most places. A lot of walleye and catfish angling is occurring. Some panfish have been found just off-shore in about 6 feet of water.

[Joe]

Don Williams Lake

Crappie - Fair: Water temps are in the upper 50s and the crappie are not spawning yet. Some good size crappie are being caught near tree falls and stumps, and drifting in the upper half of the lake. Use small panfish jigs or minnows under a slip bobber.

Rock Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Good catches of channel catfish are being caught along the causeway using night crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass anglers are doing well. Bass are in shallow spawning. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are not yet shallow for spawning. Anglers are catching them near deeper structure using crappie jigs.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are starting to be caught shallow on live bait fished on the edge of the vegetation or open pockets within the vegetation and near shallow wood structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are guarding nests shallow and anglers are doing well fishing the open pockets in the vegetation. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are not yet shallow for spawning, but are being caught on the rock piles using small crappie jigs or minnows under a slip bobber.

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Fair: White bass are being caught below the Roberts Creek spillway.

Lake Petoka

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout were stocked on April 8 and are being caught on small inline spinners and live baits such as wax worms, small minnows and night crawlers.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite is good shallow with small pieces of night crawler. Like crappies, more bluegills are being caught fishing close to any wood structure. Crappie - Fair: The spawn has not started yet, but good sized crappie are starting to be caught closer to shore using minnows under a bobber, especially near any wood structure.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: South Banner Pit received a double stocking of trout this round. They are being caught on inline spinners and live baits such as small minnows, wax worms and night crawlers.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

White Bass - Good: Anglers are having success fishing for white bass below the Saylorville spillway. White bass have been off and on below the Red Rock spillway, but anglers are catching some every day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Anglers fishing for white bass below the Red Rock spillway are catching some 6 to 8 pound wipers.

Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)

Walleye - Fair: With better fishing conditions anglers are picking up a few more walleyes throwing jig and twister tails or jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers.

Boone District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds are providing some excellent fishing right now. Pond water temps are at or near spawning temperatures for crappie and bluegill. Both species can easily be caught fishing live bait under a bobber or casting small panfish tube jigs.

Central Iowa lakes have not warmed much since last week. Most water temps are still in the upper 50s to low 60s. The crappie and bluegill spawn is near for many lakes. Fishing on the Des Moines River downstream of Saylorville is still slow due to high water conditions. The Raccoon Rivers' flows are at fishable levels.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway has a good population of crappies in the 8 to 9-inch range. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1 to 2 pound range are being caught on night crawlers. Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning and close to shore. Sorting is necessary for 9-inch fish. Cast small jigs around rocky shoreline.

Orient Lake

Orient is full with one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers. Fish are averaging 14 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are just moving in to spawn. Cast jigs close to rocky shorelines.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has a large watershed and water quality can suffer after rain events. The lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught in upper end of the lake on cut bait. Crappie - Fair: Littlefield has a good population of 8 to 10-inch crappies. Cast small jigs around rocky shorelines.

Prairie Rose Lake

Prairie Rose has two concrete boat ramps and camping facilities. Crappie - Good: Crappies are close to shore spawning and are readily caught casting small jigs. Fish average 8 inches.

Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)

Water levels in the Middle Raccoon are back to fishable levels. Walleye - Slow: For best success cast twister tails tipped with minnows around structure and deeper pools.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Many farm ponds hold good populations of bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Fish are becoming active and can be caught with small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting small spinner baits around structure. Crappie - Good: Crappies are beginning to spawn and can be caught close to shore casting small jigs.

Saganaush Pond

1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on April 2. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish are averaging 12 inches and being caught on small jigs. White twister tails have been a good choice.

Many lakes and ponds in southwest Iowa have water temperature in the mid 60s and good water clarity. The crappie spawn has started in many lakes and ponds. The Middle Raccoon River below Panora is at fishable levels.

Lake Icaria

Water temperature is above 60 degrees. The lake level is normal and water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of catfish are biting at the upper end and bays next to the jetties. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of largemouth are being caught from the shoreline structure on spinners and crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing is steady with most fish coming from the fish mounds and rock of the dam.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of nice sized largemouth bass are biting from the shoreline structure.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is fair. Channel Catfish - Good: Several channel catfish are being caught from the shoreline accesses in stink bait and blood baits.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good and temperature is in the upper 40s. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are still out from just off the jetties.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some catfish are being caught.

Summit Lake

The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.

Three Mile Lake

Water temperature is above 60 degrees. Walleye and crappie are being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel cats are being caught from the shallow areas of the upper end on stink bait. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are starting to bite in the timber coves but the fish are still a little deep. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye are still being caught off the steep rocky shoreline areas during the evening. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Crankbaits on the east shore just north of the dam is producing several wipers.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water temperature is in the low 60s. Water clarity is very good. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of big bullheads are being caught from shore using crawlers. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are being caught from the upper portion of the lake on stink baits. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegill are starting to bite on crawlers from the coves. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are biting well from the shoreline structure and rocks. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are just starting to bite in 6 to 8 feet of water along the west timber shore or some of the timber coves. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still being caught by jigging and trolling the dam or big points in the mornings or evenings.

Many ponds and small lakes have water temperature above 65 degrees. Water clarity is good at most places. A lot of walleyes are still being caught. Some crappies are starting to bite as well.

[Joe]

Don Williams Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are spawning. Don Williams holds good numbers of large bass. Crappie - Fair: Water temperature is in the lower 60s and the crappie are beginning to move shallow. Some good size crappie are being caught near tree falls and stumps, and drifting in the upper half of the lake. Use small panfish jigs or minnows under a slip bobber.

Rock Creek Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Good catches of channel catfish are being caught along the causeway using night crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass anglers are doing well. Bass are in shallow spawning. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are beginning to move shallow for spawning, but anglers are also still catching them near deeper structure using crappie jigs.

Big Creek Lake

There is currently a walleye harvest study taking place. Anglers who catch a walleye should look near the tail of the fish for a small yellow tag. The tags can be removed from harvested or released fish of LEGAL size and returned with a survey for a cash reward. The surveys can be picked up at the marina, park office, Polk City Bait and Tackle, or Johnston Bait and Tackle. There are also signs posted at the boat ramps with instructions. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are moving shallow and are being caught best with pieces of worm near structure in the coves and bays. Lost Lake is also producing some good gills using small jigs and wax worms fished near any wood structure. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is just beginning. Some males have moved into the coves near wood structure. Crappies are also still being picked up in Lost Lake and in the brush piles in the deeper water at the mouths to the coves. Live minnows under a bobber are working best. Walleye - Fair: Decent numbers of walleye are being caught near the points fishing live bait under bobbers, or jigs with twisters or live bait. More legal sized fish are being caught with larger bait presentations such as crankbaits.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are starting to be caught shallow on live bait fished on the edge of the vegetation or open pockets within the vegetation and near shallow wood structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are guarding nests shallow and anglers are doing well fishing the open pockets in the vegetation. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are not yet shallow for spawning, but are being caught on the rock piles using small crappie jigs or minnows under a slip bobber.

Red Rock Reservoir

White Bass - Fair: White bass are being caught below the Roberts Creek spillway.

Saylorville Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Anglers are doing well catching white bass below the Big Creek spillway in the mornings and evenings just before sunset.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Bluegill - Good: The bluegill bite is good shallow fishing with small pieces of night crawler. Like the crappies, more bluegills are being caught fishing close to any wood structure. Crappie - Fair: The spawn is just starting. Good sized crappie are starting to be caught closer to shore using minnows under a bobber, especially near any wood structure.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

White Bass - Good: Anglers are having success fishing for white bass below the Saylorville spillway. White bass have been off and on below the Red Rock spillway, but anglers are catching some every day. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Anglers fishing for white bass below the Red Rock spillway are having good success catching wipers, some 6 to 8 pounds and larger.

Boone District Farm Ponds

Farm ponds are providing some excellent fishing. Pond water temperature is at spawning temperature for crappie and bluegill. Both species can easily be caught fishing live bait under a bobber or casting small panfish tube jigs.

Central Iowa lakes have warmed slightly into the low to mid 60s. The crappie and bluegill spawn is slowly beginning for many lakes.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around cedar tree piles casting crankbaits and small spinners. Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning around jetties and the dam. Cast small jigs close to shore. Fish are averaging 9 inches.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway has a good population of crappies in the 8-9 inch range. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1 to 2-pound range are being caught on night crawlers. Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning and close to shore. Sorting is necessary for 9-inch fish. Cast small jigs around rocky shoreline.

Orient Lake

Orient is full with one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers. Fish are averaging 14 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are just moving in to spawn. Cast jigs close to rocky shorelines.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has a large watershed and water quality can suffer after rain events. The lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught in upper end of the lake on cut bait. Crappie - Fair: Littlefield has a good population of 8 to 10-inch crappies. Cast small jigs around rocky shorelines.

Lake Anita

Lake is full and has good water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught with small jigs tipped with Berkley Gulp. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few largemouth bass are being caught around cedar tree piles using plastic baits. Crappie - Fair: Cast rocky shoreline to find pockets of spawning crappies. Fish average 9 inches.

Willow Lake

Willow lake has one concrete boat ramp with excellent water quality. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught around rocky shorelines casting small jigs. Fish are 10 inches.

Prairie Rose Lake

Prairie Rose has two concrete boat ramps and camping facilities. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has slowed some since last week. Fish average 8 inches.

Lake Manawa

Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the south and west side with liver. Crappie - Good: Crappies fishing has picked up again in the canals. Three inch rubber shad has been working well. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are still catching walleyes trolling shad raps on the west side of lake.

Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)

Water levels in the Middle Raccoon are back to fishable. Walleye - Slow: For best success cast twister tails tipped with minnows around structure and deeper pools.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Many farm ponds hold good populations of bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Fish are becoming active and can be caught with small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting small spinner baits around structure. Crappie - Good: Crappies are beginning to spawn and can be caught close to shore casting small jigs.

Saganaush Pond

1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on April 2. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Fish are averaging 12 inches and being caught on small jigs. White twister tails have been a good choice.

Water temperature is holding in the mid 60s with fair water clarity in most lakes. The crappie spawn has started in many lakes and ponds.

Lake Icaria

Water temperature is in the above 60. The lake level is normal and water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of catfish are biting at the upper end and bays next to the jetties. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of largemouth are being caught from the shoreline structure on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Excellent: The crappie are near shore in gravel areas. Some anglers are catching a fish every cast. Most fish range from 7-1/2 to 9-1/2 inches long. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing is steady near shore.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of nice sized largemouth bass are biting from the shoreline structure.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is about 2-1/2 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Several channel catfish are being caught from the shoreline accesses in stink bait and blood baits. Crappie - Good: A lot fish ranging from 7-1/2 to 8 inches are being caught from shore.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good and temperature is near 60 degrees. Crappie - Good: Crappie are near shore near the jetties and the gravel areas.

Lake of Three Fires

Water clarity is good and the fish are biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-size bass are near shore around the fallen trees. Crappie - Excellent: The crappie are moving near shore and biting well on small jigs.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some catfish are being caught.

Summit Lake

The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.

Three Mile Lake

Water temperature is above 60 degrees. Walleye and crappie are being caught near shore. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel cats are being caught from the shallow areas of the upper end on stink bait. Crappie - Fair: Several crappie are biting near shore around the timber coves and the fish are moving into shallow water. Walleye - Fair: Several walleye are still being caught off the steep rocky shoreline areas during the evening.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Water temperature is in the mid 60s and clarity is very good. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of big bullheads are being caught from shore using crawlers. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are being caught from the upper portion of the lake on stink baits. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegill are starting to bite on crawlers from the coves. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are biting well from the shoreline structure and rocks. Crappie - Good: Several crappie are starting to bite near shore in gravel areas. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught by jigging and trolling the gravel areas in the mornings or evenings.

The crappies are biting fast. Many ponds and small lakes have temperatures near 65. Water clarity is good at most places. A lot of small walleyes are being caught.

[Joe]

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around cedar tree piles casting crankbaits and small spinners. Good percentage of bass in the 15 to 17 inch range. Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning around jetties and the dam. Cast small jigs close to shore. Fish are averaging 9 inches.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway has a good population of crappies in the 8-9 inch range. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1-2 pound range are being caught on night crawlers. Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning and close to shore. Sorting is necessary for 9 inch fish. Cast small jigs around rocky shorelines.

Orient Lake

Orient is full with one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers. Fish are averaging 14 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are just moving in to spawn. Cast jigs close to rocky shorelines.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has a large watershed and water quality can suffer after rain events. The lake has one concrete boat ramp. Crappie - Slow: Littlefield has a good population of 8-10 inch crappies. Cast small jigs around rocky shorelines.

Lake Anita

Lake is full and has good water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught with small jigs tipped with Berkley Gulp. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few largemouth bass are being caught around cedar tree piles using plastic baits. Crappie - Fair: Cast rocky shoreline to find pockets of spawning crappies. Fish average 9 inches.

Willow Lake

Willow lake has one concrete boat ramp with excellent water quality. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught around rocky shorelines casting small jigs. Fish are 10 inches.

Lake Manawa

Water temperatures are in the mid 50s. Cooler water temperatures have slowed the crappie bite. Warmer weather over the weekend will help improve crappie fishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the south and west side with liver. Crappie - Fair: Crappies fishing has slowed. Three inch rubber shad has been working well for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are still catching a few walleyes trolling shad raps on the west side of lake.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Many farm ponds hold good populations of bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Fish deeper structure using small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting small spinner baits around structure. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has slowed with cool temperatures.

Saganaush Pond

1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on April 2nd. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Fish are averaging 12 inches and being caught on small jigs. White twister tails have been a good choice.

Water temperatures have cooled back into the mid 50s. The forecast is for warmer temperatures this weekend which should help bring the crappies close to shore.

Lake Icaria

Water temps are in the above 60. The lake level is normal and water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: A lot of catfish are biting on stink bait or blood baits. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several largemouth are still being caught but the bite has slowed. The shoreline structure hold fish. Crappie - Fair: The crappie have moved out a bit and a little deeper but still can be caught from shore. Most fish range from 7.5 to 9.5 inches long. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing is steady but a little slower than previous weeks.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of nice sized largemouth bass are biting from the shoreline structure.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is about 2 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught from the shoreline accesses in stink bait and blood baits. Crappie - Fair: A few fish ranging from 7.5 to 8 inches are being caught just off-shore.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good and temps are just below 60. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are just off-shore near the jetties, the dam, and the gravel areas.

Lake of Three Fires

Water clarity is good and the fish are biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-size bass are near shore around the fallen trees. Crappie - Excellent: The crappie are moving near shore and biting well on small jigs.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some catfish are being caught.

Summit Lake

The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.

Three Mile Lake

Water temps are near 60. Clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are biting just off-shore near the timber coves. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still being caught off the steep rocky shoreline areas or slopes of the big points.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Temps are about 60. Water clarity is very good. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of big bullheads are being caught from shore using crawlers. Channel Catfish - Fair: A lot of channel catfish are being caught from the shoreline access areas on crawlers, stink bait, or liver. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegill are starting to bite on crawlers from the coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting well from the shoreline structure and rocks. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are still biting near shore in gravel areas. Walleye - Fair: A few mid-sized walleye are being caught by jigging and trolling the steep shore near gravel areas.

[Joe]

Beaver Lake

Bluegill - Excellent: 8 to 9-inch bluegills are being caught shallow using night crawlers.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Good: The crappies are spawning and good numbers are being caught shallow using minnows and crappie jigs fished near any wood or rock.

Easter Lake

Walleye - Good: Good sized walleye are being caught. Trolling live bait or live bait under a bobber in the evenings is working best. Along the face of the dam has been a good spot.

Hickory Grove Lake

Crappie - Good: Crappie have begun to spawn. They are being caught with live minnows near wood structure in the coves and along the road bed by the tube.

Lake Ahquabi

Bluegill - Good: Some good stringers of bluegills and redears have been coming off the lake. They are being caught using night crawlers fished along the edges and in the open pockets of the vegetation. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have been hit and miss so far. With the warm weather through the weekend the bite may become more consistent. Fish near any of the shallow brush piles and tree falls, as well as along the face of the dam.

Saylorville Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Anglers are doing well catching white bass below the Big Creek spillway in the mornings and evenings just before sunset. White bass are also being caught in the marina bay when the pumping station is active. Crappie - Fair: Spawning crappies are being caught in the flooded willows and vegetation in the coves.

Grays Lake

Crappie - Good: The crappie are spawning. Good numbers are being caught fishing with live minnows near the tree falls and root wads. Most fish are smaller than preferred, but there are some up to 15 inches.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in the shallower bays using night crawlers. Evenings have been the best time. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are moving shallow again and are being caught along the shallow shorelines and bays. Live minnows are working best.

Central Iowa lakes have warmed back into the mid to upper 60s. Crappies and bluegills have moved shallow again to spawn. Warm temps continuing into the weekend should make for excellent fishing.

Greenfield Lake

Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught on small jigs just out from shore. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around cedar tree piles casting crankbaits and small spinners. Good percentage of bass in the 15 to 17-inch range. Crappie - Fair: Males crappies are still guarding nests. Cast small jigs close to shore. Fish are averaging 9 inches.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway has a good population of crappies in the 8 to 9-inch range. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1-2 pound range are being caught on night crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught on small jigs close to shore. Bluegills average 7 inches. Crappie - Slow: Male crappies are still close to shore and can be caught casting small jigs around rocky shoreline.

Orient Lake

Orient is full with one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers. Fish are averaging 14 inches.

Littlefield Lake

Littlefield has a large watershed and water quality can suffer after rain events. The lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using night crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills in the 7 to 8-inch range are being caught close to shore. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies in the 8 to 10-inch range casting small jigs around rocky shorelines.

Willow Lake

Willow lake has one concrete boat ramp with excellent water quality. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are ready to spawn and a few are being caught casting small jigs close to shore.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Many farm ponds hold good populations of bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are close to shore spawning in many ponds. Look for saucer shaped depressions and cast small jigs to catch spawning bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are aggressive this time of year and are readily caught casting small spinner baits around structure.

Water temperature is in the high 60s. Anglers are still catching spawning crappies. Bluegills are staging close to shore and ready to spawn.

Lake Icaria

Water temperature is back above 60 degrees. The lake level is normal and water clarity is good at mid- lake and near the dam. Channel Catfish - Fair: A lot of catfish are biting on stink bait or blood baits. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several largemouth are still being caught and the activity is picking up again. The shoreline structure is holding a lot of fish. Crappie - Excellent: The crappie have moved back in again. Some anglers are catching a fish almost every cast. Most fish range from 7.5 to 9.5 inches. Walleye - Fair: The walleye bit is picking up a little after the last cold front.

Q Pond City Park

Water clarity is fair and the crappie are starting to bite. Crappie - Good: Several real nice sized fish are being caught from the south shore near the road.

West Lake (Osceola)

Water clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of nice sized largemouth bass are biting from the shoreline structure.

Little River Watershed Lake

Water clarity is about 2 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught from the shoreline accesses in stink bait and blood baits. Crappie - Fair: A few fish ranging from 7.5 to 8 inches are being caught just off shore.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

Water clarity is good and temperature is just below 60 degrees. Crappie - Excellent: Crappie are near shore in the evenings and out sometimes. Jetties and the face of the dam are very good spots.

Lake of Three Fires

Water clarity is pretty good and the fish are biting well. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill are starting to move in the coves and quiet areas to spawn. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of mid-size bass are near shore around the fallen trees. Crappie - Excellent: The crappie are moving near shore and biting well on small jigs.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some catfish are being caught.

Summit Lake

The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.

Three Mile Lake

Water temperature is near 60 degrees and clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are biting well from near-shore areas on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting well near shore. Fish range from 8 to 11 inches. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still being caught off the steep rocky shoreline areas or slopes of the big points.

[Joe]

Mormon Trail Lake has excellent water clarity. There is one concrete boat ramp available. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught around jetties using liver.

Nodaway Lake

Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish in the 1 to 2 pound range are being caught on night crawlers.

Orient Lake

Orient is full with one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still using leeches to catch channel in the 14 to 16-inch range.

[Joe]

Many farm ponds hold good populations of bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are active with warmer water temperatures. Try night crawlers, liver, or stink baits around structure. Bluegill - Fair: To catch bluegill in midsummer cast jigs around deep cover. Night crawlers under a bobber work well for post spawn bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are aggressive this time of year. Top-water baits work well during low light conditions and plastics during the day.