- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: December 1, 2011
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Docks have been removed and the water has been shut off in the park for the winter. There has not been much activity at Crawford Creek.
Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill and crappie is still good. Fish are being caught in 20 to 25 feet of water on small jigs baited with wax worms. Docks have been removed for the winter.
Bacon Creek Lake
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 17. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for rainbow trout continues to be good. Cast a small shiny spinner or Super Duper. Also, try Berkley Powerbait under a bobber set about 3 to 5 feet down. Small Kastmasters have been working great.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
The hydraulic dredge has been removed from the lake for the season. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Fishing continues to be slow at Storm Lake. Water level is approximately 1.5 feet low. Walleye - Slow:
Swan Lake
Crappie fishing is excellent. Anglers are catching their limit of crappies in a very short amount of time. Fish from the jetties and fish house in the southern part of the lake. Fish are ranging from 8.5 to 9.5 inches. This is a perfect opportunity to take kids fishing.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching medium sized bluegill in Town Bay from the south stone pier. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been catching decent numbers of crappie from the south stone pier. The crappies are around nine inches. Yellow Perch - Fair: Nice yellow perch are being caught while fishing from the stone pier.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend has been reopened. However, anglers need to be aware of the refuge boundary.
Moorland Pond
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 16. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for rainbow trout continues to be good. Cast a small shiny spinner or Super Duper. Also, try Berkley Powerbait under a bobber set about 3 to 5 feet down.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Channel catfish have been biting near the Linn Grove Dam. Try using an egg sinker with a floating jig head baited with a couple of minnows. A few small walleye have been caught. Target the deeper holes for the best chance at catching some fish.
Many of the smaller lakes and ponds have a thin layer of ice. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Big Spirit Lake
Big Spirit is still open in the main basin while Templar lagoon, the north grade, and little angler's bay are now iced over. Wader fishing should still produce good walleyes along the west shoreline until ice-up
Many area rivers and lakes are starting to freeze up where shore fishermen have been fishing the past few weeks. This ice is still not safe for walking traffic. Look for possible ice fishing opportunities late next week with cold nights in the forecast!
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Few anglers have been out on the lake. No ice yet. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Hendricks
The aerators have been turned on but no ice has formed yet. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Meyer
No one has been on the lake this week. No ice yet but should be forming soon with colder weather. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Turkey River (below Clermont)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Anglers were reporting excellent catches of fish over the weekend but the bite has slowed with a front coming in. Fish have been biting but not by using techniques traditionally used for this time of year as fish are not aggressive. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are catching northerns while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching smallies while fishing for walleye. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Excellent: Walleye have been hitting on a minnow fished under a bobber. Don't set the hook right away as they aren't aggressively taking bait.
Decorah District Streams
Though the Blue Wing Olive hatches are now fewer and farther between, a warm front might bring on more good hatches. Morning midge hatches have been excellent. Streamer patterns such as Wooly Buggers or Light Spruces have already been working well as the temperature continues to drop. Browns, rainbows and brookies will all hit a #10 Light Spruce. Consider wearing a blaze orange hat or jacket when fishing - there are hunters near the streams.
Lakes are slowly beginning to freeze but are not quite there. Rivers are still open but angler reporting has greatly slowed. For more information, please contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Walleye fishing on the Cedar River has declined but there have been reports of quality size fish being caught. Concentrate in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Walleye fishing remains steady on the Shell Rock River. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Most smallmouth bass have been incidental catches from walleye anglers. Stick with the jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Good: Jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow has been the best combination for walleye.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There are still reports of walleye being caught on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
The interior rivers; Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon still remain productive for walleye. There also have been reports of anglers catching crappie in area Black Hawk County lakes. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River levels at Lansing are 7.9 feet and expected to stay at this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes still being caught in Minnesota Slough but bite has slowed.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 13.4 feet and expected to stay near this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite slowing down as fish move into overwintering areas but a few nice fish still being caught in sloughs. Sauger - Excellent: Sauger continue to bite well with nicer sized fish being reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes being caught. Jig and minnow still seems to be the best combination.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 5.2 feet and expected to stay near this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite slowing down as fish move into overwintering areas but a few nice fish still being caught in sloughs. Sauger - Excellent: Sauger still biting well with some nicer sized fish reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes reported being caught in the tail waters on the Wisconsin side.
Fishing levels continue to remain low on the Upper Mississippi River Pools 9 to 11 and are expected to be stable at low levels over the next week. Water temperature has fallen into the upper 30s and ice is just beginning to form on backwaters sheltered from wind and sun but is not yet thick enough to be safe.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level at Dubuque is 5.1 feet and stable. Water temperature is in the 30s and backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had. Sauger - Fair: Small Sauger are being taken on a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at Bellevue is 5.4 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 30s and backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had. Sauger - Fair: Some smaller sauger are being taken in the backwaters mainly on jigs and minnow
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level at Fulton is 5.1 feet and temperature is in the 30s. The backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level at Rock Island is 5.5 feet and temperature is in the 30s. Backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.50 feet. River stage has risen slightly over the past few days. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.29 feet. River stage has risen slightly over the past couple of days. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows. Crappie - Fair: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.57 feet. River stage has risen slightly over the past couple of days. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows. Crappie - Fair: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.17 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pools 16 to 19: Main channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. River stage is still low throughout the pools so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Some backwater areas have been difficult to access due to the low water conditions. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062
SOUTHEAST
Lake of the Hills
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout anglers are still catching a limit when they find the trout. Start where Railroad and Lambach lakes flow into Lake of the Hills or try around Gate 6. Crappie - Good: Crappies are not letting a little cold weather slow them down. Try around the dock area and brush piles. Minnows are working the best. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use minnows.
Railroad Lake
Crappies are still biting even with the colder temperatures. Crappie - Good: More crappies are being caught along the timber by the old creek channel. Remember minnows are not allowed in Railroad Lake. Worms and small jigs are working the best.
Wilson Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout continue to be caught. the bite seems to depend on the weather. Sunny days are bringing the trout to near the surface. Once you locate them, spinners, power bait, small spoons, and wax worms are all producing fast limits of trout. Cast out as far as you can the clear water is allowing the trout close to shore to see the anglers and avoid them.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Trout were release on Nov. 5, and plenty are left. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The trout fishing is excellent. Look for the fish to be out in about four feet of water. Don't be surprised to actually see the fish as they cruise the shoreline. Powerbait and spinners seem to be working the best. The trout are getting a little easier to spook now that anglers have been fishing them for a while so keep a low profile and cast from farther away for the best luck.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
All the loading docks have been taken out for the winter. Water temps are in the low 40s. Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits have produced a few fish. Keep moving in search of biting fish. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Vertical presentations are producing a few fish. Use your electronics to find shad and wipers.
Sand Lake
1,800 rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 18. You must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use a small jig, spinner, worm, or Powerbait product.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the Tube is 500 CFS as of November 30. Flows will begin to slowly drop. Crappie - Fair: Fish slack water areas with a jig and/or minnow. Walleye - Fair: Look for walleyes in deeper holes. Some big fish have been caught as of lately.
Prairie Park Fishery
2,000 rainbow trout were stocked on Oct. 28. Anglers must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or Powerbait products. The west end of the lake is usually most productive.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Fishing pressure has been slow. For bluegills, try areas with submerged structure and a chunk of nightcrawler fished in 6 to 12 feet of water.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake renovation work is complete. New fish habitat areas were built along with new jetties. The lake is full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Fishing has been slow. Try for crappies in 10 to 15 feet of water using wax worms or minnows.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked in mid October. Try using lures with a lot of flash like small spinners or small spoon baits.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 903.98 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the lower 40s. Crappie fishing has been slow. Use a bobber and minnows fished in 10 to 15 feet of water with underwater structure. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun).
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Don Williams Lake
Don Williams is currently 16 feet low and was recently chemically treated to eliminate gizzard shad. There was some minor game fish mortality with the majority being bluegill and crappie. Good populations should exist for those interested in ice fishing this winter. The fish are safe to eat. Also, now is a good time to GPS some of the great habitat in this lake before it refills.
Lake Petoka
Brook Trout - Good: Plenty of brook trout remain in the lake. In-line spinners, prepared trout baits, wax worms, or small live minnows are all catching fish. There will be a through the ice stocking in late January.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 2,200 rainbow trout were stocked Nov. 18. Anglers continue to have success. Use flashy spinners or trout paste baits under bobbers. Tipping the spinners with a little bit of crawler seems to make the fish hit and hold longer for a hook set.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Good numbers of trout are present from the fall stocking for anglers looking for action before ice-up. Small, flashy in-line spinners are doing best.
Most anglers are patiently awaiting the ice fishing season. Reports will become more numerous when ice fishing begins. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has been lowered 18 feet to allow a fishery renovation, shoreline riprap, and the construction of fish habitat. All of the fish have been eliminated. The construction work is scheduled for mid spring completion. The water level will be kept at least 15 feet down until then. Fish will be stocked in the spring.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been completely drained allow the construction of sediment stabilization structures and shoreline work. The lake will be allowed to refill when the work is complete.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is still down to allow completion of a sediment removal project. The in-lake work is expected to be complete by mid-December. Water levels should rise when run-off occurs. The fishery contains a lot of large bluegill and crappie. The channel catfish and largemouth bass are mid-sized but very abundant. Ice fishing the next few months should be quite good.
Summitt Lake
The lake has been completely drained to allow the replacement of the spillway structure. Completion is expected in late spring.
Skim ice is forming on small lakes and ponds. The mid-sized and large lakes are open.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Docks have been removed and the water has been shut off in the park for the winter. There has not been much activity at Crawford Creek.
Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill and crappie is still good. Fish are being caught in 20 to 25 feet of water on small jigs baited with wax worms. Docks have been removed for the winter.
Bacon Creek Lake
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 17. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for rainbow trout continues to be good. Cast a small shiny spinner or Super Duper. Also, try Berkley Powerbait under a bobber set about 3 to 5 feet down. Small Kastmasters have been working great.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
The hydraulic dredge has been removed from the lake for the season. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Fishing continues to be slow at Storm Lake. Water level is approximately 1.5 feet low. Walleye - Slow:
Swan Lake
Crappie fishing is excellent. Anglers are catching their limit of crappies in a very short amount of time. Fish from the jetties and fish house in the southern part of the lake. Fish are ranging from 8.5 to 9.5 inches. This is a perfect opportunity to take kids fishing.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching medium sized bluegill in Town Bay from the south stone pier. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been catching decent numbers of crappie from the south stone pier. The crappies are around nine inches. Yellow Perch - Fair: Nice yellow perch are being caught while fishing from the stone pier.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend has been reopened. However, anglers need to be aware of the refuge boundary.
Moorland Pond
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 16. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for rainbow trout continues to be good. Cast a small shiny spinner or Super Duper. Also, try Berkley Powerbait under a bobber set about 3 to 5 feet down.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Channel catfish have been biting near the Linn Grove Dam. Try using an egg sinker with a floating jig head baited with a couple of minnows. A few small walleye have been caught. Target the deeper holes for the best chance at catching some fish.
Many of the smaller lakes and ponds have a thin layer of ice. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Big Spirit Lake
Big Spirit is still open in the main basin while Templar lagoon, the north grade, and little angler's bay are now iced over. Wader fishing should still produce good walleyes along the west shoreline until ice-up
Many area rivers and lakes are starting to freeze up where shore fishermen have been fishing the past few weeks. This ice is still not safe for walking traffic. Look for possible ice fishing opportunities late next week with cold nights in the forecast!
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Few anglers have been out on the lake. No ice yet. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Hendricks
The aerators have been turned on but no ice has formed yet. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Meyer
No one has been on the lake this week. No ice yet but should be forming soon with colder weather. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Turkey River (below Clermont)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Anglers were reporting excellent catches of fish over the weekend but the bite has slowed with a front coming in. Fish have been biting but not by using techniques traditionally used for this time of year as fish are not aggressive. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are catching northerns while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching smallies while fishing for walleye. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Excellent: Walleye have been hitting on a minnow fished under a bobber. Don't set the hook right away as they aren't aggressively taking bait.
Decorah District Streams
Though the Blue Wing Olive hatches are now fewer and farther between, a warm front might bring on more good hatches. Morning midge hatches have been excellent. Streamer patterns such as Wooly Buggers or Light Spruces have already been working well as the temperature continues to drop. Browns, rainbows and brookies will all hit a #10 Light Spruce. Consider wearing a blaze orange hat or jacket when fishing - there are hunters near the streams.
Lakes are slowly beginning to freeze but are not quite there. Rivers are still open but angler reporting has greatly slowed. For more information, please contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Walleye fishing on the Cedar River has declined but there have been reports of quality size fish being caught. Concentrate in the deeper overwintering pools for walleye this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Walleye fishing remains steady on the Shell Rock River. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Most smallmouth bass have been incidental catches from walleye anglers. Stick with the jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Good: Jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow has been the best combination for walleye.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There are still reports of walleye being caught on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
The interior rivers; Cedar, Shell Rock and Wapsipinicon still remain productive for walleye. There also have been reports of anglers catching crappie in area Black Hawk County lakes. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River levels at Lansing are 7.9 feet and expected to stay at this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes still being caught in Minnesota Slough but bite has slowed.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 13.4 feet and expected to stay near this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite slowing down as fish move into overwintering areas but a few nice fish still being caught in sloughs. Sauger - Excellent: Sauger continue to bite well with nicer sized fish being reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes being caught. Jig and minnow still seems to be the best combination.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 5.2 feet and expected to stay near this level over the next week. Bluegill - No Report: Bluegill overwintering areas are beginning to ice up and will be difficult to fish until ice is safe enough to stand on. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite slowing down as fish move into overwintering areas but a few nice fish still being caught in sloughs. Sauger - Excellent: Sauger still biting well with some nicer sized fish reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes reported being caught in the tail waters on the Wisconsin side.
Fishing levels continue to remain low on the Upper Mississippi River Pools 9 to 11 and are expected to be stable at low levels over the next week. Water temperature has fallen into the upper 30s and ice is just beginning to form on backwaters sheltered from wind and sun but is not yet thick enough to be safe.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level at Dubuque is 5.1 feet and stable. Water temperature is in the 30s and backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had. Sauger - Fair: Small Sauger are being taken on a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level at Bellevue is 5.4 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 30s and backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had. Sauger - Fair: Some smaller sauger are being taken in the backwaters mainly on jigs and minnow
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level at Fulton is 5.1 feet and temperature is in the 30s. The backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level at Rock Island is 5.5 feet and temperature is in the 30s. Backwaters are starting to have skim ice. Some good fall fishing can still be had.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.50 feet. River stage has risen slightly over the past few days. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.29 feet. River stage has risen slightly over the past couple of days. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows. Crappie - Fair: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.57 feet. River stage has risen slightly over the past couple of days. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow. Bluegill - Fair: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows. Crappie - Fair: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try using jigs and small minnows. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.17 feet. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pools 16 to 19: Main channel water temperature is around 40 degrees. River stage is still low throughout the pools so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Some backwater areas have been difficult to access due to the low water conditions. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062
SOUTHEAST
Lake of the Hills
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout anglers are still catching a limit when they find the trout. Start where Railroad and Lambach lakes flow into Lake of the Hills or try around Gate 6. Crappie - Good: Crappies are not letting a little cold weather slow them down. Try around the dock area and brush piles. Minnows are working the best. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use minnows.
Railroad Lake
Crappies are still biting even with the colder temperatures. Crappie - Good: More crappies are being caught along the timber by the old creek channel. Remember minnows are not allowed in Railroad Lake. Worms and small jigs are working the best.
Wilson Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout continue to be caught. the bite seems to depend on the weather. Sunny days are bringing the trout to near the surface. Once you locate them, spinners, power bait, small spoons, and wax worms are all producing fast limits of trout. Cast out as far as you can the clear water is allowing the trout close to shore to see the anglers and avoid them.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Trout were release on Nov. 5, and plenty are left. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The trout fishing is excellent. Look for the fish to be out in about four feet of water. Don't be surprised to actually see the fish as they cruise the shoreline. Powerbait and spinners seem to be working the best. The trout are getting a little easier to spook now that anglers have been fishing them for a while so keep a low profile and cast from farther away for the best luck.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
All the loading docks have been taken out for the winter. Water temps are in the low 40s. Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits have produced a few fish. Keep moving in search of biting fish. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Vertical presentations are producing a few fish. Use your electronics to find shad and wipers.
Sand Lake
1,800 rainbow trout were stocked on Nov. 18. You must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use a small jig, spinner, worm, or Powerbait product.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the Tube is 500 CFS as of November 30. Flows will begin to slowly drop. Crappie - Fair: Fish slack water areas with a jig and/or minnow. Walleye - Fair: Look for walleyes in deeper holes. Some big fish have been caught as of lately.
Prairie Park Fishery
2,000 rainbow trout were stocked on Oct. 28. Anglers must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or Powerbait products. The west end of the lake is usually most productive.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Fishing pressure has been slow. For bluegills, try areas with submerged structure and a chunk of nightcrawler fished in 6 to 12 feet of water.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake renovation work is complete. New fish habitat areas were built along with new jetties. The lake is full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Fishing has been slow. Try for crappies in 10 to 15 feet of water using wax worms or minnows.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked in mid October. Try using lures with a lot of flash like small spinners or small spoon baits.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 903.98 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the lower 40s. Crappie fishing has been slow. Use a bobber and minnows fished in 10 to 15 feet of water with underwater structure. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun).
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Don Williams Lake
Don Williams is currently 16 feet low and was recently chemically treated to eliminate gizzard shad. There was some minor game fish mortality with the majority being bluegill and crappie. Good populations should exist for those interested in ice fishing this winter. The fish are safe to eat. Also, now is a good time to GPS some of the great habitat in this lake before it refills.
Lake Petoka
Brook Trout - Good: Plenty of brook trout remain in the lake. In-line spinners, prepared trout baits, wax worms, or small live minnows are all catching fish. There will be a through the ice stocking in late January.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 2,200 rainbow trout were stocked Nov. 18. Anglers continue to have success. Use flashy spinners or trout paste baits under bobbers. Tipping the spinners with a little bit of crawler seems to make the fish hit and hold longer for a hook set.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Good numbers of trout are present from the fall stocking for anglers looking for action before ice-up. Small, flashy in-line spinners are doing best.
Most anglers are patiently awaiting the ice fishing season. Reports will become more numerous when ice fishing begins. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has been lowered 18 feet to allow a fishery renovation, shoreline riprap, and the construction of fish habitat. All of the fish have been eliminated. The construction work is scheduled for mid spring completion. The water level will be kept at least 15 feet down until then. Fish will be stocked in the spring.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been completely drained allow the construction of sediment stabilization structures and shoreline work. The lake will be allowed to refill when the work is complete.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is still down to allow completion of a sediment removal project. The in-lake work is expected to be complete by mid-December. Water levels should rise when run-off occurs. The fishery contains a lot of large bluegill and crappie. The channel catfish and largemouth bass are mid-sized but very abundant. Ice fishing the next few months should be quite good.
Summitt Lake
The lake has been completely drained to allow the replacement of the spillway structure. Completion is expected in late spring.
Skim ice is forming on small lakes and ponds. The mid-sized and large lakes are open.