- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: February 24, 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
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are not safe.
Bacon Creek Lake
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on January 8. Anglers need a trout stamp in addition to their regular fishing license to fish for or keep trout. There is a 5 trout daily limit.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye fishing has been fair. Anglers are catching one or two walleye, measuring around 13 to 14 inches, per trip. Anglers catching theirs limits have been putting in a lot of time.
Very few fishing reports have been received from the Black Hawk District. Be careful on the ice, the refreezing of the snowmelt has made conditions very slick. For more information on the lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Permanent ice shelter removal deadline is February 27. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are having the best success for yellow bass on the west end of the lake. Fish minnows and small jigs in 7 to 10 feet of water between 3 p.m. and sunset.
Anglers are still getting on the ice using ATVs or walking out. Access points have deteriorated and caution should be used near inflows and shorelines. Contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife Station 641-357-3517 for the latest ice conditions.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good catches of bluegills. Crappie - Good: Some crappie are being caught while fishing for bluegill.
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions are still good on the main lake; however use caution when deciding to drive on the lake as accesses have deteriorated from last week’s warm weather. Anglers are still driving on at Marble Beach and Mini-Wakan. Avoid Buffalo Run, Hales Slough, and Sunset Park accesses as they have deteriorated. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good numbers of bluegill fishing by the north grade about 50 feet from the road, as well as in Angler's Bay. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting good numbers of crappies while fishing in Angler's Bay. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish are being caught on the main lake basin using small ice jigs tipped with wigglers, wax worms, and artificial blood worms. Anglers are experiencing successful catches on the north side of the lake, as well as Marble Beach, Big Stoney, Templar Park, and Cottonwood Points. Some success has been reported in Angler's Bay.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions have deteriorated around the shoreline and accesses. Not many anglers are driving on the ice. Use extreme caution when deciding to drive on the ice. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are reporting some northern pike on tip-ups in shallow water in the bays. Bluegill - Good: Fish in the bays with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms/wigglers or plastics. Bluegills are still aggressively biting, but sorting is needed for larger fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Some anglers are reporting good catches of perch off of Triboji access, Eagle Point and Hayward’s Bay.
Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are reporting good catches of perch on the south side of the lake.
Ice conditions are still good once you get out on area lakes; however extreme caution should be used near shorelines and accesses. Lakes north of U.S. Hwy 20 must have all unattended permanent shacks removed by Sunday, February 27. Also, remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7.
NORTHEAST
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.
Ice fishing is not recommended on northeast Iowa lakes at this time. Reports are open water and poor shoreline conditions on some area lakes in Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Recent warm weather has bumped water levels up on the interior rivers causing a decline in open water fishing opportunities. Trout streams are in good shape once again after recent runoff. For further information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Tail water stage at Lansing is 9.2 feet. Ice depth is okay, but that could change with the warm weather and high water levels. Use caution in places like Minnesota Slough. Driving vehicles on the ice is not advised. High water levels in the river have made many pockets of treacherous ice. Northern Pike - Fair: A few reports of pike are being taken on tip ups in the Minnesota Slough area. The northern pike population is very robust, and many pike are present in most backwater systems. If using ATV to set tip-ups, use caution as some open water exists in unusual places this year! Bluegill - Fair: Minnesota Slough and Indian Lake by New Albin are fair. Some bluegills are being reported from Becks Lake but that is being reported as slow. Bear Paw and Cordwood Lake have had some bluegill biting but it has generally been slow to fair fishing. Near Lansing, fishing in the Marina and in Phillippi Lake has been good at times. DeSoto Bay on the Wisconsin side has seen lots of pressure throughout the ice fishing season. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies in the 10-inch range are being reported from the backwater lakes off Minnesota Slough. These include Cordwood, Bear Paw and Fish Lake. Fishing however remains slow but bite is expected to pick up due to warming conditions. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice perch reported from Shore Slough and Minnesota Slough. Some jumbo yellow perch are being reported in Pool 9 but they are very unpredictable when they will bite. Yellow perch can take areas with slight current flow and the bite usually gets better for jumbo perch later in the ice fishing season.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 18.1 feet. Some good ice conditions remain but water is rising and exposed along the edges. Crossing over Wylusing Slough into Norwegian Lake is not advised. Crossing over Johnson Slough from the Sny parking lot is getting to be poor conditions but still doable as of Feb. 24. For those wanting to access the Lynxville tail water as of noon Feb. 24, it is still iced in. Call for current conditions. Northern Pike - Fair: Some smaller northern pike were being caught on tip-ups using larger shiners as bait. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being reported near Ambrough Slough and Greymore Lake by Prairie Du Chien but they are smaller. Most of the bite is after 3 p.m. Bussey Lake has slowed a bit but still is cranking out some bluegills. Some anglers are still venturing into McGregor Lake for late season bluegills. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappies in Bussey but they have ranged from 8 to 10 inches. Some larger crappies are reported in the Sny Magill area. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch reported from sloughs in the Prairie Du Chien area, and in Sny Magill. Yellow perch fishing can get better later in the winter and some jumbo yellow perch exist in many of the backwaters of Pool 10. Sauger - Slow: The tail waters still have a lot of current due to the high water going into the winter. This has made fishing for sauger difficult as they do not appear to be in their normal winter locations. As of Feb. 23, the ramp at Lynxville was not open and still had significant ice in front of ramp. Call the Guttenberg fisheries station if needing current conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 9.6 feet. Ice conditions in most backwaters are generally okay but that could change with the rising river. Unsafe ice conditions could develop around shorelines and areas with current. The boat ramps at Guttenberg are not open as of noon Feb. 24. Significant ice is still keeping boats from launching. Conditions should change rapidly. Anglers can call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current conditions. Bluegill - Slow: Zollicoffers in lower Pool 11 is still “hit or miss,” but some nice fish have been taken. All season the best bite seems to be late afternoon but lately fishing has been poor. The small creek entering above Zollicoffers should be avoided as it is making ice conditions unsafe. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being taken in Zollicoffer's Lake by Dubuque, and Swift Slough by Guttenberg. Yellow Perch - Fair: During later season ice often yellow perch fishing can get better. Perch can withstand a slight bit of current and sometimes are found in backwater areas with minimal flow. Bluegills typically avoid such areas. Some very large perch have been caught out of Mud Lake but the bite is very unpredictable. Sauger - Fair: As of noon Feb. 24, all ramps in Guttenberg remain iced in but conditions could change rapidly. Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows. Anglers are encouraged to call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current ramp conditions. Walleye - Slow: As of noon Feb. 24, all ramps in Guttenberg remain iced in but conditions could change rapidly. A few smaller walleyes have been reported most of the winter. Anglers are encouraged to call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current ramp conditions.
Ice conditions in most backwaters are still good but the condition of the ice could change with the rising river. Unsafe ice condition could develop around shorelines and areas with current should be avoided.
Mississippi River Pool 12
No ice fishing reports were available, but a few anglers have been fishing the tail water with varied success.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Due to recent weather, water levels have risen creating poor ice conditions in some areas, extreme caution is suggested when ice fishing. The tail waters is open but only the Iowa side is open for fishing. Illinois is closed until March 16. The water is turbid and slowly falling as of today but could change with the weather. Sauger - Fair: A few saugers are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel below the lock. The area open for fishing is the center of the lock chamber following the center of the channel downstream on the Iowa side. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three-way with live bait. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel below the lock. The area open for fishing is the center of the lock chamber following the center of the channel downstream on the Iowa side. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three-way with live bait.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Due to recent weather, water levels have risen creating poor ice conditions in some areas, extreme caution is suggested when ice fishing. The tail waters is open but only the Iowa side is open for fishing. Illinois is closed until March 16. The water is turbid and slowly falling as of today but could change with the weather. The water is very turbid due to the Maquoketa River but with cooler temperatures and a reduction in run-off conditions should improve until the next melt. Sauger - Slow: A few sauger are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three way with live bait. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three way with live bait.
Mississippi River Pool 15
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Due to recent weather and rising river levels extreme caution is suggested for all ice fishing. Open water fishing is occurring at the lock and dams but water is turbid. The river is slowly dropping as of Feb. 24, so conditions should improve until the next melt occurs.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.97 feet. Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and Sylvan Slough has been slow. Walleye - Slow:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 9.37 feet. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 11.73 feet. The Toolesboro ramp is closed due to high water. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 8.25 feet. Tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes has been slow due to high water conditions. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: Ice fishing in the backwaters is not advisable due to poor ice conditions from recent warm weather, rain and rising river levels. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow due to the rising river levels. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS. There are several areas of open water.
Lake Belva Deer
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS.
Lake of the Hills
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS
Crawford Pond
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS
Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
Most, if not all, the area ponds have UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Ice thicknesses are reported as 8 inches and the edges are still holding up. Bluegill - Fair: Limits of bluegills have been reported in the mornings. Fish around brush or pallets with a jig/waxie.
Kent Park Lake
Ice conditions seem to be holding up. Use caution though and keep your eye open for bad spots. Fishing has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie.
Lake Macbride
There has not been much fishing activity on the lake this week and reports are limited. There is still plenty of ice on the main lake, but the shorelines are poor. Use caution when getting on and off the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around almost any structure in 10 to 20 feet of water. Size is generally small. Crappie - Slow: A few nice sized fish are being reported although it has been slow lately. Keep moving until you find fish on brush.
Central Park Lake
Ice conditions look okay, but use caution when venturing out. Fishing has been slow lately.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Ice conditions seem to be holding up at the time. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few catfish have been found in 20 to 30 feet of water. Try a small jigging spoon tipped with waxies, minnow heads, or GULP. Bluegill - Slow: Try around brush piles in the mornings and evenings. Depths of 10 to 15 feet have been reported as best. Yellow Perch - Slow: Fish deep water with a jig/waxie. Fish have been ranging from 4 to 11 inches with most around 7 inches.
Diamond Lake
Ice conditions have deteriorated. Ice fishing is not recommended.
Otter Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Union Grove Lake
Ice conditions look to be good; however, the open water around the aerator has expanded. There has not been much fishing activity and fishing has been slow.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Ice conditions are not safe for anglers. The ice has started melting along the shoreline creating quite a bit of open water.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work has begun around the lake. New fish habitat areas are being built along with some new jetties.
Lake Miami
Ice conditions are not safe for anglers.
Lake Sugema
Ice conditions are not safe for anglers. The ice has started melting along the shoreline creating quite a bit of open water.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 905.54 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Ice conditions are not safe for anglers. The lake level has risen and there is open water along the shoreline.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
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
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers that are venturing out are having decent success on the bluegills. More catches are starting to come from the northern end of the lake. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being caught in the north end out from the Marina, from the roadbed and the 30 to 40 feet deep creek channel running between the east ramp and Ensign shelter. Use glowing tackle with wax worms, small live minnows, or just minnow heads.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite has been a little slow this week. Anglers are still having decent outings catching some good size fish, just not in large numbers. Keep to the lower half of the lake and fish in 10 to 25 feet water. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught mixed in with the bluegills. Most are 8 to 10 inches, but some larger ones do show up. Better chances of crappie occur late in the day and into the evening. Stay to the lower 2/3 of the lake. Glow jigs with wax worms or minnows are working.
Lake Ahquabi
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Ankeny Lake (DMACC)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Slow: Anglers are beginning to target walleye below the Saylorville spillway. Success has not been as good as it has been below the Red Rock spillway, but some walleye are being caught. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow through the current.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers continue to catch occasional walleyes below the Red Rock spillway. They are throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows.
Ice fishing continues! Ice conditions on most central Iowa lakes are fair to good. The edges on many lakes did become weak during the warm temps, just use caution when getting on the ice. Once on the ice, most lakes continue to have 10 to 15 inches of ice. Use more caution on ponds since they were likely affected more by the warmer weather. For questions on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Anita
The edges of the lake are open and caution is needed to get on the ice. Once on the ice it is 6 to 8 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been consistent using wax worms. Fish are 7 to 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has been good after dark and very early in the morning. Fish are 9 to 10 inches.
Ice anglers are still fishing a few lakes. Ice conditions have deteriorated on many smaller lakes and farm ponds in the southwest district. The edges on many lakes are open and caution is needed when getting on the ice. For more information on fishing and ice conditions call the southwest Iowa district office at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
Some stretches of shoreline have water near the edge.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The shoreline has a lot of water on the ice. Some near-shore areas are open.
Lake of Three Fires
There is some water on the ice. The bite has slowed since the Feb. 14. Bluegill - Slow: Few anglers are venturing out because of the melt.
Green Valley Lake
The lake has been lowered to complete a sediment removal project. There is a little open water at the shore.
Summit Lake
The lake has been drained to complete a shoreline rip rap project and replace the spillway. Refilling is expected later in the summer.
Three Mile Lake
There is some water on the ice. Anglers are still walking out but ice thickness varies. The bite has slowed.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
There is some water on the ice and some shoreline areas have some water. Ice thickness and quality in the middle of the lake varies. Bluegill - Slow: A few nice sized bluegills are coming from the old roadway between the lake and the west shore in the flooded trees.
Most of the snow has melted. Most ponds and small lakes have a ring of water at the shore. The larger lakes have some open water near shore and water on the ice. Ice thickness varies greatly. Access is can be difficult and dangerous.
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
Brushy Creek Lake
Ice conditions are not safe.
Bacon Creek Lake
1,500 rainbow trout were stocked on January 8. Anglers need a trout stamp in addition to their regular fishing license to fish for or keep trout. There is a 5 trout daily limit.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye fishing has been fair. Anglers are catching one or two walleye, measuring around 13 to 14 inches, per trip. Anglers catching theirs limits have been putting in a lot of time.
Very few fishing reports have been received from the Black Hawk District. Be careful on the ice, the refreezing of the snowmelt has made conditions very slick. For more information on the lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Permanent ice shelter removal deadline is February 27. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers are having the best success for yellow bass on the west end of the lake. Fish minnows and small jigs in 7 to 10 feet of water between 3 p.m. and sunset.
Anglers are still getting on the ice using ATVs or walking out. Access points have deteriorated and caution should be used near inflows and shorelines. Contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife Station 641-357-3517 for the latest ice conditions.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good catches of bluegills. Crappie - Good: Some crappie are being caught while fishing for bluegill.
Big Spirit Lake
Ice conditions are still good on the main lake; however use caution when deciding to drive on the lake as accesses have deteriorated from last week’s warm weather. Anglers are still driving on at Marble Beach and Mini-Wakan. Avoid Buffalo Run, Hales Slough, and Sunset Park accesses as they have deteriorated. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are reporting good numbers of bluegill fishing by the north grade about 50 feet from the road, as well as in Angler's Bay. Crappie - Good: Anglers are reporting good numbers of crappies while fishing in Angler's Bay. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish are being caught on the main lake basin using small ice jigs tipped with wigglers, wax worms, and artificial blood worms. Anglers are experiencing successful catches on the north side of the lake, as well as Marble Beach, Big Stoney, Templar Park, and Cottonwood Points. Some success has been reported in Angler's Bay.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions have deteriorated around the shoreline and accesses. Not many anglers are driving on the ice. Use extreme caution when deciding to drive on the ice. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are reporting some northern pike on tip-ups in shallow water in the bays. Bluegill - Good: Fish in the bays with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms/wigglers or plastics. Bluegills are still aggressively biting, but sorting is needed for larger fish. Yellow Perch - Good: Some anglers are reporting good catches of perch off of Triboji access, Eagle Point and Hayward’s Bay.
Trumbull Lake
Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are reporting good catches of perch on the south side of the lake.
Ice conditions are still good once you get out on area lakes; however extreme caution should be used near shorelines and accesses. Lakes north of U.S. Hwy 20 must have all unattended permanent shacks removed by Sunday, February 27. Also, remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7.
NORTHEAST
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.
Ice fishing is not recommended on northeast Iowa lakes at this time. Reports are open water and poor shoreline conditions on some area lakes in Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Recent warm weather has bumped water levels up on the interior rivers causing a decline in open water fishing opportunities. Trout streams are in good shape once again after recent runoff. For further information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Tail water stage at Lansing is 9.2 feet. Ice depth is okay, but that could change with the warm weather and high water levels. Use caution in places like Minnesota Slough. Driving vehicles on the ice is not advised. High water levels in the river have made many pockets of treacherous ice. Northern Pike - Fair: A few reports of pike are being taken on tip ups in the Minnesota Slough area. The northern pike population is very robust, and many pike are present in most backwater systems. If using ATV to set tip-ups, use caution as some open water exists in unusual places this year! Bluegill - Fair: Minnesota Slough and Indian Lake by New Albin are fair. Some bluegills are being reported from Becks Lake but that is being reported as slow. Bear Paw and Cordwood Lake have had some bluegill biting but it has generally been slow to fair fishing. Near Lansing, fishing in the Marina and in Phillippi Lake has been good at times. DeSoto Bay on the Wisconsin side has seen lots of pressure throughout the ice fishing season. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies in the 10-inch range are being reported from the backwater lakes off Minnesota Slough. These include Cordwood, Bear Paw and Fish Lake. Fishing however remains slow but bite is expected to pick up due to warming conditions. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few nice perch reported from Shore Slough and Minnesota Slough. Some jumbo yellow perch are being reported in Pool 9 but they are very unpredictable when they will bite. Yellow perch can take areas with slight current flow and the bite usually gets better for jumbo perch later in the ice fishing season.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 18.1 feet. Some good ice conditions remain but water is rising and exposed along the edges. Crossing over Wylusing Slough into Norwegian Lake is not advised. Crossing over Johnson Slough from the Sny parking lot is getting to be poor conditions but still doable as of Feb. 24. For those wanting to access the Lynxville tail water as of noon Feb. 24, it is still iced in. Call for current conditions. Northern Pike - Fair: Some smaller northern pike were being caught on tip-ups using larger shiners as bait. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being reported near Ambrough Slough and Greymore Lake by Prairie Du Chien but they are smaller. Most of the bite is after 3 p.m. Bussey Lake has slowed a bit but still is cranking out some bluegills. Some anglers are still venturing into McGregor Lake for late season bluegills. Crappie - Fair: A few nice crappies in Bussey but they have ranged from 8 to 10 inches. Some larger crappies are reported in the Sny Magill area. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch reported from sloughs in the Prairie Du Chien area, and in Sny Magill. Yellow perch fishing can get better later in the winter and some jumbo yellow perch exist in many of the backwaters of Pool 10. Sauger - Slow: The tail waters still have a lot of current due to the high water going into the winter. This has made fishing for sauger difficult as they do not appear to be in their normal winter locations. As of Feb. 23, the ramp at Lynxville was not open and still had significant ice in front of ramp. Call the Guttenberg fisheries station if needing current conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 9.6 feet. Ice conditions in most backwaters are generally okay but that could change with the rising river. Unsafe ice conditions could develop around shorelines and areas with current. The boat ramps at Guttenberg are not open as of noon Feb. 24. Significant ice is still keeping boats from launching. Conditions should change rapidly. Anglers can call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current conditions. Bluegill - Slow: Zollicoffers in lower Pool 11 is still “hit or miss,” but some nice fish have been taken. All season the best bite seems to be late afternoon but lately fishing has been poor. The small creek entering above Zollicoffers should be avoided as it is making ice conditions unsafe. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being taken in Zollicoffer's Lake by Dubuque, and Swift Slough by Guttenberg. Yellow Perch - Fair: During later season ice often yellow perch fishing can get better. Perch can withstand a slight bit of current and sometimes are found in backwater areas with minimal flow. Bluegills typically avoid such areas. Some very large perch have been caught out of Mud Lake but the bite is very unpredictable. Sauger - Fair: As of noon Feb. 24, all ramps in Guttenberg remain iced in but conditions could change rapidly. Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows. Anglers are encouraged to call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current ramp conditions. Walleye - Slow: As of noon Feb. 24, all ramps in Guttenberg remain iced in but conditions could change rapidly. A few smaller walleyes have been reported most of the winter. Anglers are encouraged to call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current ramp conditions.
Ice conditions in most backwaters are still good but the condition of the ice could change with the rising river. Unsafe ice condition could develop around shorelines and areas with current should be avoided.
Mississippi River Pool 12
No ice fishing reports were available, but a few anglers have been fishing the tail water with varied success.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Due to recent weather, water levels have risen creating poor ice conditions in some areas, extreme caution is suggested when ice fishing. The tail waters is open but only the Iowa side is open for fishing. Illinois is closed until March 16. The water is turbid and slowly falling as of today but could change with the weather. Sauger - Fair: A few saugers are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel below the lock. The area open for fishing is the center of the lock chamber following the center of the channel downstream on the Iowa side. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three-way with live bait. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel below the lock. The area open for fishing is the center of the lock chamber following the center of the channel downstream on the Iowa side. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three-way with live bait.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Due to recent weather, water levels have risen creating poor ice conditions in some areas, extreme caution is suggested when ice fishing. The tail waters is open but only the Iowa side is open for fishing. Illinois is closed until March 16. The water is turbid and slowly falling as of today but could change with the weather. The water is very turbid due to the Maquoketa River but with cooler temperatures and a reduction in run-off conditions should improve until the next melt. Sauger - Slow: A few sauger are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three way with live bait. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on the Iowa side of the channel. Fish are being caught using a jig and minnow or three way with live bait.
Mississippi River Pool 15
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Due to recent weather and rising river levels extreme caution is suggested for all ice fishing. Open water fishing is occurring at the lock and dams but water is turbid. The river is slowly dropping as of Feb. 24, so conditions should improve until the next melt occurs.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.97 feet. Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and Sylvan Slough has been slow. Walleye - Slow:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 9.37 feet. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 11.73 feet. The Toolesboro ramp is closed due to high water. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 8.25 feet. Tail water fishing for saugers and walleyes has been slow due to high water conditions. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: Ice fishing in the backwaters is not advisable due to poor ice conditions from recent warm weather, rain and rising river levels. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow due to the rising river levels. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS. There are several areas of open water.
Lake Belva Deer
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS.
Lake of the Hills
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS
Crawford Pond
UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS
Lake Darling District Farm Ponds
Most, if not all, the area ponds have UNSAFE ICE CONDITIONS
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Ice thicknesses are reported as 8 inches and the edges are still holding up. Bluegill - Fair: Limits of bluegills have been reported in the mornings. Fish around brush or pallets with a jig/waxie.
Kent Park Lake
Ice conditions seem to be holding up. Use caution though and keep your eye open for bad spots. Fishing has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around brush with a jig/waxie.
Lake Macbride
There has not been much fishing activity on the lake this week and reports are limited. There is still plenty of ice on the main lake, but the shorelines are poor. Use caution when getting on and off the ice. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around almost any structure in 10 to 20 feet of water. Size is generally small. Crappie - Slow: A few nice sized fish are being reported although it has been slow lately. Keep moving until you find fish on brush.
Central Park Lake
Ice conditions look okay, but use caution when venturing out. Fishing has been slow lately.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Ice conditions seem to be holding up at the time. Channel Catfish - Slow: A few catfish have been found in 20 to 30 feet of water. Try a small jigging spoon tipped with waxies, minnow heads, or GULP. Bluegill - Slow: Try around brush piles in the mornings and evenings. Depths of 10 to 15 feet have been reported as best. Yellow Perch - Slow: Fish deep water with a jig/waxie. Fish have been ranging from 4 to 11 inches with most around 7 inches.
Diamond Lake
Ice conditions have deteriorated. Ice fishing is not recommended.
Otter Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Union Grove Lake
Ice conditions look to be good; however, the open water around the aerator has expanded. There has not been much fishing activity and fishing has been slow.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Ice conditions are not safe for anglers. The ice has started melting along the shoreline creating quite a bit of open water.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work has begun around the lake. New fish habitat areas are being built along with some new jetties.
Lake Miami
Ice conditions are not safe for anglers.
Lake Sugema
Ice conditions are not safe for anglers. The ice has started melting along the shoreline creating quite a bit of open water.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 905.54 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Ice conditions are not safe for anglers. The lake level has risen and there is open water along the shoreline.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
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
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers that are venturing out are having decent success on the bluegills. More catches are starting to come from the northern end of the lake. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are being caught in the north end out from the Marina, from the roadbed and the 30 to 40 feet deep creek channel running between the east ramp and Ensign shelter. Use glowing tackle with wax worms, small live minnows, or just minnow heads.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite has been a little slow this week. Anglers are still having decent outings catching some good size fish, just not in large numbers. Keep to the lower half of the lake and fish in 10 to 25 feet water. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught mixed in with the bluegills. Most are 8 to 10 inches, but some larger ones do show up. Better chances of crappie occur late in the day and into the evening. Stay to the lower 2/3 of the lake. Glow jigs with wax worms or minnows are working.
Lake Ahquabi
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Ankeny Lake (DMACC)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Slow: Anglers are beginning to target walleye below the Saylorville spillway. Success has not been as good as it has been below the Red Rock spillway, but some walleye are being caught. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow through the current.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers continue to catch occasional walleyes below the Red Rock spillway. They are throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows.
Ice fishing continues! Ice conditions on most central Iowa lakes are fair to good. The edges on many lakes did become weak during the warm temps, just use caution when getting on the ice. Once on the ice, most lakes continue to have 10 to 15 inches of ice. Use more caution on ponds since they were likely affected more by the warmer weather. For questions on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Anita
The edges of the lake are open and caution is needed to get on the ice. Once on the ice it is 6 to 8 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been consistent using wax worms. Fish are 7 to 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has been good after dark and very early in the morning. Fish are 9 to 10 inches.
Ice anglers are still fishing a few lakes. Ice conditions have deteriorated on many smaller lakes and farm ponds in the southwest district. The edges on many lakes are open and caution is needed when getting on the ice. For more information on fishing and ice conditions call the southwest Iowa district office at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
Some stretches of shoreline have water near the edge.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The shoreline has a lot of water on the ice. Some near-shore areas are open.
Lake of Three Fires
There is some water on the ice. The bite has slowed since the Feb. 14. Bluegill - Slow: Few anglers are venturing out because of the melt.
Green Valley Lake
The lake has been lowered to complete a sediment removal project. There is a little open water at the shore.
Summit Lake
The lake has been drained to complete a shoreline rip rap project and replace the spillway. Refilling is expected later in the summer.
Three Mile Lake
There is some water on the ice. Anglers are still walking out but ice thickness varies. The bite has slowed.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
There is some water on the ice and some shoreline areas have some water. Ice thickness and quality in the middle of the lake varies. Bluegill - Slow: A few nice sized bluegills are coming from the old roadway between the lake and the west shore in the flooded trees.
Most of the snow has melted. Most ponds and small lakes have a ring of water at the shore. The larger lakes have some open water near shore and water on the ice. Ice thickness varies greatly. Access is can be difficult and dangerous.