CLEAR LAKE – The following is the latest fishing report for Iowa from the Department of Natural Resources.
NORTHWEST
Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill – Fair: The bluegill spawn is later than normal and not as condensed. Look for bluegill nest colonies along the west and east shorelines; the highest concentration are likely in the southern end of the lake. Use a small tube jig tipped with a piece of crawler.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s. Water clarity is 5 feet. Bluegill – Fair: TThe bluegill spawn is later than normal and not as condensed, but some males can be found guarding nests in a few areas such as Town Bay, Ice House Point, and the North Shore. Look for males in 2-3 feet of water with the females out a little deeper. Use a small hair or tube jig with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber. Walleye – Fair:Try in Town Bay, the shoreline along Ice House Point, and near the inlet bridge. Use leeches fished under a bobber and twisters on the downwind shoreline where walleye are feeding. Black Crappie – Slow: A few have been picked up from Ice House Point, the floating dock, the stone piers and the inlet bridge. Catch fish up to 11 inches with crawlers and leeches fished under a bobber. Look for post-spawn crappie out deeper. Largemouth Bass – Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using traditional bass lures. Many anglers have found good bass action at the Ice House Point, the east shoreline,and the lake side of the inlet bridge. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Black Hawk Lake. Muskellunge – Fair: There is a 40 inch minimum length limit on Musky at Black Hawk Lake.
Brushy Creek Lake
There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake, and a 40 inch minimum length limit for Musky. Walleye – Good: Use minnows, leaches and twisters in 5-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Try minnows on a jig in 10-20 feet of water. Some males are being caught near shore, so look for close to shore fishing to improve over the next week. Yellow Perch – Fair: Fish along the vegetation to find perch. Largemouth Bass – Good: Catch bass along weed lines near shore just about anywhere with traditional bass lures. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass in Brushy Creek Lake. Muskellunge – Fair: There is a 40 inch minimum length limit for musky on Brushy Creek Lake. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill are still pre-spawn. Look for bluegill fishing to improve near shore as water continues to warm.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Bluegill – Fair: Catch bluegill near shore with a small jig tipped with bait fished under a bobber. Look for males guarding nests near shore. Fish are 6-8 inches.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17- to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye – Fair: Boat anglers are doing well trolling crank baits or drifting crawler harnesses on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake in about 8 feet of water, but are doing best in the L-shaped dredge cut west of the big island. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up suspended crappie out mid-lake in the dredge cuts while fishing for walleye. White Bass – Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts.
Swan Lake
Water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Water clarity is 3 feet. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with crawler along the dam and off the jetties. Most of the fish are 6-7 inches. Look for fish to move closer to shore and the males sitting on nests.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Find bluegill spawning in the arm north of the swim beach and in the coves along the south shore. Yellow Smoke is known for its big bluegill consistently reaching 9 inches or more.
Water temperatures in Black Hawk District lakes are in the mid to upper 70’s. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Surface water temperature is 73 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are done spawning and have moved to deeper water. Walleye – Good: Try a slip bobber and leeches fished in the rocky reefs. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellows bass have moved off the shallow rocky areas and are out in deeper water. Use a small jig with a minnow or cut bait in the early morning. Channel Catfish – Good: Use cut bait or crawlers fished on the bottom. Best bite is late evening. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try a spinner or topwater bait in the open spots in the vegetation.
Crystal Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are biting. Use a small minnow and a bobber in 3 to 6 feet of water. Walleye – Fair: Use leeches or nightcrawler in the old road bed. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are biting spinners and plastic baits fished near vegetation.
Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are biting on a variety of baits. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are biting. Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water.
Rice Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in the edge of the vegetation.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are biting on plastic baits. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small piece of crawler and a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water.
For information on the lakes and rivers in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Center Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Cast mini jigs in shallow water wood habitat.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Use traditional baits in the evening. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers report a panfish bite of bluegill and crappie in shallow water; best bite during early evening hours. Walleye – Good: Report of anglers catching fish from the south end; best bite during the evening hours.
Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Use traditional baits during evening hours. Walleye – Fair: Action is picking up with lots of angler acceptable size and larger being caught.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill – Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of large angler size fish in the lake.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye – Good: Report of a walleye bite at Lost Island Lake. Yellow Bass – Good: Reports of yellow bass being caught. Use small lures such as a twister tail or hair jigs. Black Crappie – Fair: Reports of fish being caught. Fish traditional baits for the best action.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Troll crank baits when there is a good walleye chop on the lake.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)|
Yellow Perch – Fair: Some yellow perch are being caught.
Spirit Lake
Marble Beach campground, including the boat ramp, is closed for the season for renovation. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow in shallow rock structures. Action is best during sunny, calm days. Walleye – Good: Best action is during the night off the docks. Fish leeches under a bobber or cast a twister tail. Cast crankbaits or a jig and minnows in emerging weed beds.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Wooden docks in deeper water and new aquatic growth will produce good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish.
For more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels continue to fall and clarity is improving. Baring more rain, water levels should stabilize. Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for current water level information. Walleye – Good: Bite improves toward evening. Use a jig tipped with a crawler, minnow or twister tail. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catch catfish in the impoundments with dead chubs fished on bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Use a variety of jigs or spinners near brush piles. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are keying into shallow rocky shorelines. Use small jigs tipped with twister tail or minnow. Bluegill – Fair.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition, but flows remain high. Family friendly locations abound. A light spinning rod/reel combo is a perfect set up for beginning trout anglers. Catchable trout are stocked weekly as weather and water conditions permit. Listen to the trout stocking hotline (563-927-5736) for daily plans. Brook Trout – Good: A variety of insects are hatching. Match the hatch, but try not to spook a feeding fish. Brown Trout – Good: Blue wing olive, midge, and stonefly hatches are occurring; some exceptional lately. Use blue wing olive, hendrickson, gnat, or beadhead nymph patterns and watch the water boil. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Try a piece of worm or small cheese chunk on a hook under a bobber in the deeper holes or floated past an undercut bank. A variety of small spinnerbaits also work.
Lake Hendricks
Excellent shoreline access; aquatic vegetation is relatively low. Black Crappie – Good: Use small jigs in shallow areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish along edges of vegetation for a cruising bass. Channel Catfish – Good: Use a worm under a bobber in the later evening. Bluegill – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with small piece of worm along the shoreline.
Lake Meyer
Perfect time to enjoy being on the water with family. Lake Meyer is fishing well with water temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s. Bluegill – Excellent: Use a hook tipped with a worm in shallow water. Black Crappie – Excellent: Try a hook tipped with a worm or small spinner bait along a rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use buzz or spinner baits in shallow bays. Northern Pike – Fair: Use a nightcrawler fished along the shallow weedy bays.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is much improved. Water temperatures are in the low 70’s. Water levels are falling. Flows remain up. Use care when paddling as strainers and snags may have moved. Walleye – Good: Bring an assortment of tackle to find what works best for your location and time of day. White Sucker – Excellent: Use worms fished on the bottom.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling baring additional rainfall this weekend. Clarity is improving. Use care when paddling. Flows remain high. Submersed hazards increase with falling water levels. Visit the USGS Current Water Data website for more information. Walleye – Good: Cast bright colored jigs and twister tails near undercut banks and log jams. Best fishing is toward dusk. Best fishing is toward dusk. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Use spinners around tributaries. Light colored jigs and crankbaits work best. Fish 10-12 inches common. White Sucker – Fair: Worms fished off the bottom work for a hungry sucker.
Volga Lake
Many water related activities available in the Volga River Recreation area. Explore the park. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 70’s. Black Crappie – Good: Shallow, rocky, warmer areas are more productive. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use topwater lures in shallow water. Channel Catfish – Good: Find catfish shallow in early morning or late night. Use worm or smashed minnow fished on the bottom. Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a small piece of worm along shallow rocky areas. Common Carp – Good: Anglers are doing well in shallow bays at night.
Area rivers and streams continue to improve. Summer is here. Thunderstorm potential present daily. Temperatures somewhat cooler in the upper 70s for highs and humid. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Reports of anglers catching largemouth bass and bluegill. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try topwater spinner baits or sinking plastic baits. Bluegill – Fair: Use a piece of worm under a bobber. Cast out and retrieve slowly over bluegill spawning beds.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of anglers having success catching walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and some northern pike on the Cedar River. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try dead cutbaits stinkbait or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Walleye – Fair: Fish the usual jig tipped with half a nightcrawler. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast artificial lures in rocky shorelines. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast larger spinner baits or float a live chub under a bobber in backwater areas or submerged wood.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Walleye – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig with plastics tipped with a minnow. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait, nightcrawler or stinkbait fished on the bottom.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Few reports from the Shell Rock this past week, but anglers should expect success with walleye and smallmouth bass. Walleye – Fair: Fish the usual jig tipped with half a nightcrawler. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast artificial lures in rocky shorelines.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
No reports this past week as the river has stayed high this past spring and early summer. Expect fair to good action on walleye and smallmouth bass.
Fishing reports have been only fair on most interior rivers and area lakes for most all gamefish. Trout stream stockings continue and streams remain in good condition. Call the N.E. Iowa district office at 563-927-3276 for more information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9 feet at Lansing and is expected to remain stable. Water temperature is near 72 degrees. New Albin ramp road is open this week. The Lansing Village Creek ramp and parking lot will be closed for construction starting July 5th. For more updates, call the Guttenberg Fisheries Management office at 563-252-1156. Walleye – Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch – Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger – Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Expect flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp – Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass – Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegill have moved into the shallows for spawning. Use light tackle tipped with a garden worm.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is stable around 17.6 feet. Water temperature is 72 degrees at the Lock 9. Walleye- Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch – Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger – Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Expect flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Bluegill – Good: Panfish bite is picking up this week. Try a small piece of garden worm on small tackle under a bobber. Common Carp – Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. To hook into a big one, try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass – Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegill have moved into the shallows for spawning. Use light tackle tipped with a garden worm.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is stable near 8.9 feet. Water temperature is 69 degrees at the Lock and Dam 10. Walleye – Fair: Expect walleye to settle in on the closing dams and wing dams as the river falls and stabilizes in the next week or two. Yellow Perch – Fair: Still a few perch biting along the rocky shorelines and tailwater areas. Sauger – Fair: Try a lightweight jig tipped with minnow fished on the bottom along main channel edges and wing dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern are feeding along main channel borders. Cast spinners or a minnow along edges of debris piles. Flathead Catfish – Good: Expect flatheads to be on the feed as they enter the spawning period. Fish deeper holes with a large shiner or sunfish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use a crawler fished on the bottom. Common Carp – Good: Carp are on the move with the high water. Try fishing the warm shallow backwaters where carp are staging for the spawn. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth are biting on topwaters and crankbaits in warm shallow bays and marina areas out of the current. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Warm water temperatures and slowly receding flood waters will have smallmouth working the rocky shorelines. Toss inline spinners along rock points. White Bass – Fair: Cast flashy spinners or crankbaits along the rocks in main channel current for big white bass. Black Crappie – Good: Fish small jigs or a plain hook tipped with a crappie minnow along the trees in backwater lakes. Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegill have moved into the shallows for spawning. Use light tackle tipped with a garden worm.
The Upper Mississippi River levels remain stable this week. Main channel water temperatures are in the mid 70’s; lots of vegetation present. Panfishing is excellent and fishing overall has been good for multiple species this week.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water levels are 8.3 feet at the Dubuque Lock and 10.6 feet at the RR Bridge. This is down slightly from last week.The channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. White Bass – Good: White bass have been seen chasing minnows in the tailwaters. Use small spinners or jigs. Bluegill – Good: Reports of some bluegills being caught on worms near shore and by structure in the back waters. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Fishing for smallies along rock current lines is getting to be real productive. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfish are moving in to spawn along the rocks. Float bobbers with worms or leaches along rock lines. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Lots of bass of all sizes are being caught in a variety of habitats. Walleye – Good: The crankbait bite is underway with anglers fishing wing dams or sand flats. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Loads of freshwater drum are being reported out of nearly every section of Pool 12. Most anglers use a simple egg sinker and worm rig.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water levels at Bellevue are 9.3 feet and are dropping slowly. Nearly all boat ramps are available for use and the courtesy dock at DNR ramp is in place. The north ramp at Sabula is not in use this year due to bridge construction. The channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Anglers are after large bass in the big flooded expanses of some of Pool 13’s largest backwater complexes such as Spring Lake and Browns Lake. Some bass are being caught out of Middle Sabula Lake and Green Island. The tailwater has also been good. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfish are moving in to spawn along the rocks. Float bobbers with worms or leaches along rock lines. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being reported in the tailwaters and around debris in the back waters. Black Crappie – Good: Some crappies are showing up in the creel. Anglers are targeting crappies in the backwater sloughs along tree piles. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallies have moved in along the rocky shorelines. Use spinners or jigs and cast near the rocks. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: The drum bite is on. Fish worms with an egg sinker in moderate current areas. You may even catch some channel catfish, too. Northern Pike – Fair: Some northern pike are being caught in the Bellevue tailwater on crankbaits and spinners. Flathead Catfish – Good: Use live chubs, bluegills or bullheads in deep holes or above large brush piles.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water levels are 8.6 feet at Fulton, 11.8 feet at Camanche and 6.4 feet at LeClaire. Levels are still slowly receding. The water temperature is around 76 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: The bass bite is on in Pool 14 with bass of all sizes being reported on a variety of tackle. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfish are moving in to spawn along the rocks. Float bobbers with worms or leaches along rock lines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Use a simple egg sinker/worm rig in moderate current areas. Walleye – Good: Try crankbaits on the flats or along wing dams.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels are much more manageable at Rock Island and are near 9 feet. Water levels are still receding slowly. The water temperature is near 76 degrees. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfish are moving in to spawn along the rocks. Float bobbers with worms or leaches along rock lines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: The drum bite is on; use an egg sinker and worm rig.
Fishing conditions on the Mississippi have improved and almost all ramps are open. Fishing has been good across the district. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries Station 563-872-4976.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 9.06 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Troll or cast crankbaits. Trolling three-way rigs with crawlers works too. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters close to shore around brush piles and logs. Use pieces of worm under a bobber.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 7.71 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is slowly falling. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles and logs. Try fishing with pieces of worm under a bobber. Walleye – No Report: Cast or troll crankbaits on the wing dams. Trolling 3-way rigs with crawlers on the wing dams works too.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 9.59 feet at Lock and Dam 17 above New Boston and is falling. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Troll or cast crankbaits. Trolling three-way rigs with crawlers works too. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try fishing with pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles and logs.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 6.07 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try fishing around brush piles and logs. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast or troll crankbaits. Trolling three-way rigs with crawlers works too.
River stages are below flood stage and slowly falling. Main channel water temperature is around 76 degrees and water clarity is fair. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature are in the 80’s. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The spawn has wrapped up; adults moved out to deeper water to cool off. Work the flooded trees with soft plastics. Bluegill – Fair: Warm temperatures lead to a quick spawn. Most moved back out into deeper water. Work the 6 to 8 foot deep water.
Deep Lakes
All that sand also warms up fast during the day. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some males were still in fairly shallow late last week. The bigger females were out deep. Bluegill – Fair: Found some 10 inch bluegills last Thursday. Most of them are out in deeper water, but you can sight fish them. Redear Sunfish – Fair: Look for them out along the weed beds in a little deeper water where they are hunting down their favorite food – snails.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
River level are holding steady for now. Channel Catfish – Fair: Work the logjams and the high cut banks as the catfish are getting ready to spawn. Flathead Catfish – No Report: Still not seeing much for bank poles on the Iowa River.
Lake Belva Deer
Water has cooled off a little and is back into the 70’s. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass fishing is improving as the fish finish recovering from the spawn. Black Crappie – Slow: Go deep and move around the flooded timber to find crappies. Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills are done spawning, but you should still be able to find a few pockets of spawning fish. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are enjoying the hot weather and have moved into the rocks to spawn. The face of the dam is a good place to start.
Lake Darling
The water has cooled down some. Water clarity isn’t bad, but it’s still recovering from past rains. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappies have moved out to 8 to 12 feet deep water. Look for them over the rock piles and cedar trees at those depths. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass fishing is picking up as the post spawn bass go back on the feed. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are in the rocks down at the dam and along the deeper shorelines spawning. Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills are done with this round of spawning. Still pockets of spawning fish in some of the more shaded areas of the shallows.
Lost Grove Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Most of the spawn is over; look for bass to be deeper out taking it easy. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing has picked up a little. Work the 3 to 4 foot deep water around the jetties. Channel Catfish – Fair: Start along the face of the dam in the riprap for males guarding the nests. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing picked up during the last bit of cooler weather.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River water level are holding steady. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing has picked up with the stable water levels. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching flatheads on bank poles.
For more information on the above lakes, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Fair.
Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Good. Flathead Catfish – Good. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair. Freshwater Drum – Good.
Central Park Lake
The lake is currently drained as a renovation project is finishing up this spring.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. Channel Catfish – Fair: Find fish along the shallow rocks looking to spawn. White Crappie – Fair: Fish steep rock banks for suspended fish.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station is open. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs fished around the rock jetties or brush piles. Most fish are 7-9 inches. Pink and black tube jigs have been the hot colors. Bluegill – Excellent: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Many fish are around 7 inches.
Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
The weeds are thick around the shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use a frog over the weeds or fish the outside weed line. Bluegill – Good: Fish right along the shoreline or in pockets of the weeds for spawning fish. Black Crappie – Good: Fish the weed line or offshore for suspended crappies. Most fish are around 8 inches. Channel Catfish – Good.
Kent Park Lake
The lake is currently drained for a lake renovation project currently underway. It is scheduled to be completed next spring.
Lake Macbride
Water temperatures are in the 80’s. All boat docks are in and the fish cleaning station at the primitive campground ramp is open. Only motors under 10hp may be used at no-wake speed. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish off breaks. Walleye – Fair: Cast toward shallow, windblown rocks or troll or jig live bait rigs. Early/late in the day or cloud cover has been best for shallow walleyes. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some males are still shallow guarding fry and some fish have pulled off to deeper rock for the summer. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Look for schools roaming deep water feeding on juvenile shad. Bluegill – Good: Use a small jig or worm around shallow cover. Size is marginal at best. Channel Catfish – Fair: Evenings are best.
Otter Creek Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Cast small jigs, spinners or live bait to shallow shores. Most fish are around 8 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or worms around shallow rock or brush. Most fish are 5-7 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: Bright colored jigs work best.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is still 7 feet low from the restoration project. The main ramp is usable, but it is shallow; use caution. There is a boat dock in on the east lane. Be cautious when boating as new structures have started to be submerged. Walleye – Fair: Some small fish are being caught on crawlers. White Bass – Good: Fish windblown shores or look for schools in open water. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair. Bluegill – Good: Fish weed edges. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Union Grove Lake
The lake was restocked two years ago after a lake renovation project. Most fish are smaller, but some adult fish were also stocked. Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs or worms in the shallows. Most fish are around 6 inches.
Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Smallmouth Bass – Good.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use spinnerbaits along the rocky shorelines and rubber worms around the deeper structure. Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs along the rocky shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use dead chubs or nightcrawlers in areas with large rocks.
Lake Keomah
Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs near shoreline. Try a chunk of nightcrawler if fish get picky. Black Crappie – Fair: Use jigs or minnows around the fishing jetties and the fishing pier. As the water warms, crappies will move to a little deeper water. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use nightcrawlers in areas that are rip-rapped.
Lake Sugema
Walleye – Slow: Use jig and minnow combinations in areas with rip-rapped shorelines. Nightcrawlers can also be productive. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast spinnerbaits or crankbaits along the fishing jetties and rip-rapped shorelines. As the day warms up, target deeper structure. Black Crappie – Slow: Use tube jigs or jig and minnows in deeper water structure. Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and aquatic vegetation.
Lake Wapello
Channel Catfish – Good: Use liver or nightcrawlers around areas with rip rap. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try spinnerbaits and crankbaits around the cedar tree piles. Fish deeper structure as the temperatures warm. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler in areas around aquatic vegetation or near the fishing jetties.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.24 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. The water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Channel Catfish – Good: Use cut bait or large chubs around areas with rip rap. The rocks around the bridge at the Bridgeview area are a good spot this time of year. White Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappies around the docks at the marina and at the resort. Anglers have had luck in shallow water as well as in 4-10 feet of water. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Troll crankbaits along rocky shorelines. Try also using jig and minnow combos along the shoreline. Walleye – Good: Use nightcrawler rigs or crankbaits around rock piles and submerged points.
Red Haw Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast the shorelines in the early part of the day and then fish deeper structure as the day warms up. Black Crappie – Fair: Try tube jigs along the shorelines. Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the shorelines and aquatic vegetation.
The district includes Mahaska, Lucas, Wayne, Monroe, Appanoose, Wapello, Davis and Van Buren counties. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.
SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Drift jigs or still fish minnows near the trees mid-lake. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are in the shallow bays on the upper half of the lake between the fishing jetties. They should be easy to target in these areas through May.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Good: Walleyes are being caught throughout the lake in 10 to 15 feet of water. Areas out from the beach, marina, East boat ramp, Ensign Shelter and the west shoreline south of the 100th Street Boat Ramp have been popular. Use jig and twistertails, jig and minnow, slow trolling minnow or leech rigs and trolling crankbaits. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies have moved away from shore and are being caught over brushpiles in 10 to 15 feet of water with minnows under a slip bobber or drifting jigs with white or chartreuse twistertails or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Good: Wiper fishing is picking up in the main lake trolling and casting crankbaits.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish – Good: Flows are still high, but it is making it easy for boat anglers to navigate. Use cut bait and dip baits off the main current and in backed up small tributaries.
Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Slowly troll or drift small twister tails or minnows throughout the lake. Expect to fish through some 5-7 inch fish for the 9-10 inchers.
Fort Des Moines Pond
Bluegill – Good: Good: Cast small panfish plastics or bobber fishing crawlers for nice size bluegill.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegill have moved close to shore. Cast small jigs or little pieces of crawler in areas near shore that have slightly murky water compared to the otherwise very clear water right now.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass – Fair: As the crappie spawn bite is coming to an end, the hot weather is causing the white bass bite to pick up. Troll shad imitating spoons and shallow diving crankbaits.
Rock Creek Lake
White Crappie – Fair: Crappies have moved off spawning areas. Drift or slowly troll jigs or minnows in the lower portion of the lake between the beach and dam.
Bluegill fishing and catfishing is excellent in Central Iowa. For more information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Anglers report excellent fishing in ponds right now. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning and are close to shore in most ponds. Black Crappie – Fair: Find post spawn crappies suspended and around structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are very active and can be caught with a variety of lures and plugs. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try along weed edges and around structure.
Cold Springs Lake
The fish population at Cold Springs looks good. There is an 18 inch minimum length limit on largemouth bass. Bluegill – Fair: Cast a small jig tipped with crawler under a bobber to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: A few black crappie are being caught around the underwater rock piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Catch bass around the shoreline with a variety of spinners and lures.
Farm Creek Lake
Farm creek will offer good fishing this year. Bluegill should be spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie – No Report: Black crappie in Farm Creek are quality size fish. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are spawning and close to shore. Cast the shoreline with small jigs and move often to find fish.
Lake Anita
Catch bluegills close to shore and on underwater reefs. Find crappies around brush piles and suspended over the roadbeds. Black Crappie – Fair: Vertical jig deeper tree piles to catch black crappie averaging 9 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers report that bluegills are spawning on the reefs and roadbeds. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast to structure to catch bass of all sizes.
Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is a good destination for summer catfishing. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use dip bait on the south shore. Fish in the 2 to 5 pound range were reported.
Meadow Lake
Meadow has a good population of 10 inch black crappie. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for black crappie around underwater reefs and tree piles. Fish will average 10 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill can still be caught on the underwater reefs. Cast small jigs for fish averaging 8 inches.
Mormon Trail Lake
Bluegills were being caught on spawning beds earlier in the week. Bluegill – Fair: Look for spawning bluegills close to shore. Move often to find fish.
Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose will offer good panfishing. The lake has quality sized bluegills and acceptable size crappies. Target the spawning beds, underwater reefs and jetties to find spawning fish. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning and can be caught on top of underwater reefs and on the spawning substrate placed in the lake. Bluegills in Prairie Rose are quality size fish. Black Crappie – Slow: Look for post spawn crappies along the dam and around tree piles. Fish will average 9 inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: There is a large population of 12 inch bass in the lake that offers fun catch and release fishing.
Viking Lake
Find crappies on deeper brush piles. Catch largemouth bass in the deeper brush piles during the day. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the deeper tree piles. Sorting is needed for larger fish. White Crappie – Fair: Boat anglers are finding white crappies along the dam and deeper tree piles. Fish will average 12 inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: Jig plastics in deeper brush piles during the day and cast shallow structure early morning for largemouth bass of all sizes.
Bluegill fishing has been good in the southwest district. Look for post spawn crappies in deeper brush piles. For more information, contact the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.
Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs or finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fishing jetties or fishing piers. Black Crappie – Good: Catch crappie up to 9 inches using jigs or minnows fished along the fishing jetties or fishing piers. Walleye – Fair: Catch walleye up to 23 inches with minnows fished in 10-15 feet of water.
Lake Icaria
Black Crappie – Fair: Catch crappie up to 10 inches with jigs or minnows fished along deep cedar tree brush piles. Walleye – Fair: Walleye of all sizes have been caught using jigs or minnows fished along the roadbed or trolling along mainlake points. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using nightcrawlers fished along main lake points or the fish mounds. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fish mounds.
Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Good: Catch walleyes up to 22 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow or leech
fished along the weed lines, especially in the evenings. Largemouth Bass – Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches using finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with nightcrawlers or leaf worms fished along cedar tree brush piles
Three Mile Lake
Walleye – Fair: Catch walleyes up to 17 inches with jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the dam early in the morning or late in the evening. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 15 inches using finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegill up to 7 inches with nightcrawlers fished along the fishing jetties.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught with finesse plastics fished along cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the fishing jetties, rock reefs or flooded timber. Walleye – Good: Catch walleyes up to 25 inches using jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the roadbed. Yellow Perch – Good: Catch yellow perch up to 12 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers fished along the roadbed or along the bottom in the main basin. Black Crappie – Good: Catch crappies up to 10 inches using minnows fished in the flooded timber or near rocky areas.
Water temperature in most district lakes is in the upper 70’s to low 80’s. For more information, please call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
MISSOURI RIVER
Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish – Good: Use worms and stinkbait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger – Slow: Try jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: Use live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish – Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Good: Use worms and stinkbait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger – Slow: Try jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: Use live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish – Fair: Anglers report catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlines. Use live bait or fresh cut bait with live bait rigs along wing dam tips or in or close to the main channel of the Missouri River. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Use worms and stinkbait below wing dams and along the banks. Sauger – Slow: Spring is a good time to catch sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows or worms below wing dams or where tributary streams or rivers come into the Missouri River. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: Use live bait rigs tipped with worms. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Try using live bait rigs or jigs tipped with worms along the bank and around tributary stream or rivers where they join the Missouri River. Blue Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching a few blue catfish on rod and reel and trotlineswith fresh cut bait or live bait. Try by the wing dam tips, close to or in the main channel of the Missouri River for your best chance at getting bigger blue catfish. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using live baits (chubs, bullheads, green sunfish). Fish below wing dam tip, near rock structures, logs and along the bank with deeper water nearby.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 25.25 ft. /48,600 cfs./71 degrees Fahrenheit. Missouri River water temperatures are down 2 degrees and water levels are down 0.44 feet from last week. Fishing has improved. Water levels are still high on the Missouri River along the Iowa border. The Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from Gavin’s Point Dam due to snow melt from up North, which has contributed to higher water conditions.
