- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: March 3, 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
There is about 12 inches of ice. Anglers have been catching decent numbers of panfish through the ice. One group reported harvesting over 80 bluegills, 8 to 9 inches in length last weekend. Bluegill - Fair: The best bite is in the early morning. If you're marking fish, but can't get them to bite, experiment with different lure presentations. Wax worms are the bait of choice. Crappie - Slow: Some nice crappie are picked up while fishing for bluegill.
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. Daily limit of trout is 5.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
The late ice bite for walleye appears to be picking up. Anglers have been doing well for walleye in the 14 to 16-inch size range. Ice thickness is about 12 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish the mornings and evenings for the best bite. Many walleye have been caught on tip-ups using a split shot, hook, and minnow. Jigging raps with minnow heads have also been working well.
Browns Lake
Ice conditions are still decent. Anglers have been catching fair numbers of crappie and some walleye.
Arrowhead Lake
Ice is around 12 inches thick.
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.
Beeds Lake
Bluegills are biting on wax worms, fishing near structure.
Lower Pine Lake
No activity.
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 16 to 18 inches. Fishing has been slow, a few bluegills and yellow perch are biting in the late afternoon.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 20 inches. Yellow bass fishing is fair; the best bite is from 4 until dark. The best spot has been by the Baptist camp in about 8 feet of water using minnows or cut bait. A few walleyes are being caught using the same method. Yellow perch and crappies are biting by the Ventura grade.
Lake Cornelia
Yellow perch fishing is fair for 7 to 9-inch fish. The best bait is cut bait on a jig.
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake fisheries office at 641-357-3517.
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 have improved at accesses in the past week; however they can change quickly. Use caution if deciding to drive onto the ice. 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 improved with this week's colder weather, and anglers have resumed driving on at public accesses. Use caution when deciding to drive onto the ice as conditions can change rapidly. 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 bluegill. Yellow Perch - Good: Some anglers are reporting good catches of perch off of Triboji access, Eagle Point and Haywards 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. Also, remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7.
NORTHEAST
Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer still has about 12 inches of ice. Anglers report slow catches of bluegills. Bluegill - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Many of the stream flows are up but running clear to slightly off color later in the day. Fish remain active and are patiently waiting to tease anglers.
Ice conditions vary but with the temperatures staying below freezing, ice should be around for awhile yet. Many of our trout streams are in good condition and fishable but flows are up. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are still picking up a few crappies. Crappie - Fair: Try locating crappies suspended around structure early morning or late afternoon.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Most rivers are now open. There have been some reports of walleye taken on the Cedar River. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.
Anglers are still getting out on area lakes but reports are slow, use extreme caution when venturing onto ice this time of year. Interior river levels have remained steady now and may provide some angling opportunities for walleye and northern pike. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For further information contact the Manchester district office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Tail water stage at Lansing is 9.6 feet. Ice depth is okay in many areas 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. Bluegill - Good: DeSoto bay on the Wisconsin side continues to see lots fishing pressure. Crappie - No Report: A few crappies in the 10-inch range were being reported from the backwater lakes off Minnesota Slough. These include cordwood, bear paw and Fish Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: The yellow perch bite usually gets better later in the ice fishing season.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 18.4 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 March 3. For those wanting to access the Lynxville tail water as of noon March 3, it is still iced in. Call for current conditions. Bluegill - No Report: Not much activity in the district although a few places still have some good ice. Anglers were still able to get on Bussey Lake and at Sny Magill but caution should be used. 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 - Fair: 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. On March 3, the ramp at Lynxville was not open and still had significant ice in front it. Call the Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 9.6 feet. Some safe ice exists in select backwaters but use caution when ice fishing. One boat ramp is launchable at Guttenberg city ramp but floating ice can make launching a little tough. Conditions should change rapidly. Anglers can call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current conditions. Bluegill - No Report: The last we heard the small creek entering above Zollicoffers should be avoided as it is making ice conditions unsafe. Yellow Perch - No Report: 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 - Good: Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows or 3-way rigs. Anglers are encouraged to call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current ramp conditions but as of March 3, one lane of the Guttenberg City ramp was launchable. Walleye - Fair: 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 will likely change with the rising river. Unsafe ice condition could develop around shorelines and areas with current should be avoided.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.21 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable. Tail water fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and in Sylvan Slough for saugers and walleyes has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 8.25 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable. Tail water fishing below Lock and Dam 16 has been slow. Sauger - Slow:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 10.31 feet. Fishing has been slow due to recent high water. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.88 feet. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow due to recent high water conditions. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: River levels have been falling over the past week. Ice fishing in the backwaters is not advisable due to poor ice conditions. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow throughout the pools due to recent high water conditions. Anglers are just starting to get back out tail water fishing. 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
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 quite a bit of ice on the lake. Use caution around the edges and watch for bad spots on the main lake where seep holes had formed. 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 OK but use caution when venturing out. Fishing has been slow lately.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Ice conditions seem to be holding up yet. 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.
It is getting late in the season and extra caution should be used when venturing out on the ice. 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 904.27 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. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please take the time to look under the jaw of the walleye to check for a tag. Call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tagged walleye information or questions.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Anglers accessing the lake at the southeast ramp are catching crappie and bluegill fishing around the jetties.
Roberts Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Big Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Some crappie continue to be caught in the evenings out from the east ramp towards the road bed in 30 to 35 feet of water. Use glowing tackle with wax worms, small live minnows, or just minnow heads.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: The anglers still making it out are 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.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout from the January stocking still remain and are being caught. Ice conditions are still good, just stay back from the open area near the bridge. The trout are confined to the north pit.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Slow: Anglers below the Saylorville spillway are averaging around one walleye per outing. The fish have been good size. The bite should become better when it begins to warm up again. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow, or ring worm like soft plastics through the current seams.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers fishing below Center Street Dam were catching good numbers of flathead and channel catfish. The tackle of choice, weird but true, was large jigs with white twisters. Walleye - Fair: Anglers continue to catch occasional walleyes below the Red Rock spillway. They are throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows.
Due to some re-freeze this week, ice conditions on most central Iowa lakes remain good. Once on the ice, most lakes continue to have 8 to 12 inches of ice. Use more caution on ponds. Anglers are starting to target the rivers below dams for walleyes and are having some success. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Anita
The edges have re-frozen and anglers are fishing the campground arm of the lake. Ice is 6 to 8 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been consistent using wax worms for 7 to 9-inch fish. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has been good after dark and very early in the morning. Crappies are 9 to 10 inches.
Cold temperatures have re-frozen the edges on many areas. Remaining ice on larger lakes is 6 to 8 inches while on smaller lakes and ponds is considered unsafe especially in the southern part of the district. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change daily. For more information on fishing and ice conditions call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is down about 12 feet for the sediment removal project. The edges have open water and the catfish should be starting.
Three Mile Lake
Some of the edges are open but the coves and shady areas have some ice.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Some portions of the edges are open and others are still ice. Boat access is still difficult.
All of the snow has melted. Farm ponds and small lakes are completely open or have small areas of ice remaining. Large lakes have open water around the edges and poor ice in the middle. The boat ramps at the big lakes are not always ice-free. Catfish in the small lakes are starting to bite.
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
There is about 12 inches of ice. Anglers have been catching decent numbers of panfish through the ice. One group reported harvesting over 80 bluegills, 8 to 9 inches in length last weekend. Bluegill - Fair: The best bite is in the early morning. If you're marking fish, but can't get them to bite, experiment with different lure presentations. Wax worms are the bait of choice. Crappie - Slow: Some nice crappie are picked up while fishing for bluegill.
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. Daily limit of trout is 5.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
The late ice bite for walleye appears to be picking up. Anglers have been doing well for walleye in the 14 to 16-inch size range. Ice thickness is about 12 inches. Walleye - Good: Fish the mornings and evenings for the best bite. Many walleye have been caught on tip-ups using a split shot, hook, and minnow. Jigging raps with minnow heads have also been working well.
Browns Lake
Ice conditions are still decent. Anglers have been catching fair numbers of crappie and some walleye.
Arrowhead Lake
Ice is around 12 inches thick.
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.
Beeds Lake
Bluegills are biting on wax worms, fishing near structure.
Lower Pine Lake
No activity.
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 16 to 18 inches. Fishing has been slow, a few bluegills and yellow perch are biting in the late afternoon.
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 20 inches. Yellow bass fishing is fair; the best bite is from 4 until dark. The best spot has been by the Baptist camp in about 8 feet of water using minnows or cut bait. A few walleyes are being caught using the same method. Yellow perch and crappies are biting by the Ventura grade.
Lake Cornelia
Yellow perch fishing is fair for 7 to 9-inch fish. The best bait is cut bait on a jig.
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake fisheries office at 641-357-3517.
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 have improved at accesses in the past week; however they can change quickly. Use caution if deciding to drive onto the ice. 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 improved with this week's colder weather, and anglers have resumed driving on at public accesses. Use caution when deciding to drive onto the ice as conditions can change rapidly. 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 bluegill. Yellow Perch - Good: Some anglers are reporting good catches of perch off of Triboji access, Eagle Point and Haywards 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. Also, remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7.
NORTHEAST
Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer still has about 12 inches of ice. Anglers report slow catches of bluegills. Bluegill - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Many of the stream flows are up but running clear to slightly off color later in the day. Fish remain active and are patiently waiting to tease anglers.
Ice conditions vary but with the temperatures staying below freezing, ice should be around for awhile yet. Many of our trout streams are in good condition and fishable but flows are up. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are still picking up a few crappies. Crappie - Fair: Try locating crappies suspended around structure early morning or late afternoon.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Most rivers are now open. There have been some reports of walleye taken on the Cedar River. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations work well in open water areas this time of year.
Anglers are still getting out on area lakes but reports are slow, use extreme caution when venturing onto ice this time of year. Interior river levels have remained steady now and may provide some angling opportunities for walleye and northern pike. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. For further information contact the Manchester district office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Tail water stage at Lansing is 9.6 feet. Ice depth is okay in many areas 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. Bluegill - Good: DeSoto bay on the Wisconsin side continues to see lots fishing pressure. Crappie - No Report: A few crappies in the 10-inch range were being reported from the backwater lakes off Minnesota Slough. These include cordwood, bear paw and Fish Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: The yellow perch bite usually gets better later in the ice fishing season.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 18.4 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 March 3. For those wanting to access the Lynxville tail water as of noon March 3, it is still iced in. Call for current conditions. Bluegill - No Report: Not much activity in the district although a few places still have some good ice. Anglers were still able to get on Bussey Lake and at Sny Magill but caution should be used. 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 - Fair: 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. On March 3, the ramp at Lynxville was not open and still had significant ice in front it. Call the Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 9.6 feet. Some safe ice exists in select backwaters but use caution when ice fishing. One boat ramp is launchable at Guttenberg city ramp but floating ice can make launching a little tough. Conditions should change rapidly. Anglers can call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current conditions. Bluegill - No Report: The last we heard the small creek entering above Zollicoffers should be avoided as it is making ice conditions unsafe. Yellow Perch - No Report: 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 - Good: Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows or 3-way rigs. Anglers are encouraged to call the DNR office in Guttenberg for current ramp conditions but as of March 3, one lane of the Guttenberg City ramp was launchable. Walleye - Fair: 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 will likely change with the rising river. Unsafe ice condition could develop around shorelines and areas with current should be avoided.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.21 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable. Tail water fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and in Sylvan Slough for saugers and walleyes has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 8.25 feet. Ice fishing is not advisable. Tail water fishing below Lock and Dam 16 has been slow. Sauger - Slow:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 10.31 feet. Fishing has been slow due to recent high water. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.88 feet. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow due to recent high water conditions. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: River levels have been falling over the past week. Ice fishing in the backwaters is not advisable due to poor ice conditions. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow throughout the pools due to recent high water conditions. Anglers are just starting to get back out tail water fishing. 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
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 quite a bit of ice on the lake. Use caution around the edges and watch for bad spots on the main lake where seep holes had formed. 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 OK but use caution when venturing out. Fishing has been slow lately.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Ice conditions seem to be holding up yet. 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.
It is getting late in the season and extra caution should be used when venturing out on the ice. 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 904.27 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. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please take the time to look under the jaw of the walleye to check for a tag. Call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tagged walleye information or questions.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Anglers accessing the lake at the southeast ramp are catching crappie and bluegill fishing around the jetties.
Roberts Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Big Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Some crappie continue to be caught in the evenings out from the east ramp towards the road bed in 30 to 35 feet of water. Use glowing tackle with wax worms, small live minnows, or just minnow heads.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: The anglers still making it out are 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.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout from the January stocking still remain and are being caught. Ice conditions are still good, just stay back from the open area near the bridge. The trout are confined to the north pit.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Slow: Anglers below the Saylorville spillway are averaging around one walleye per outing. The fish have been good size. The bite should become better when it begins to warm up again. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow, or ring worm like soft plastics through the current seams.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers fishing below Center Street Dam were catching good numbers of flathead and channel catfish. The tackle of choice, weird but true, was large jigs with white twisters. Walleye - Fair: Anglers continue to catch occasional walleyes below the Red Rock spillway. They are throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows.
Due to some re-freeze this week, ice conditions on most central Iowa lakes remain good. Once on the ice, most lakes continue to have 8 to 12 inches of ice. Use more caution on ponds. Anglers are starting to target the rivers below dams for walleyes and are having some success. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Anita
The edges have re-frozen and anglers are fishing the campground arm of the lake. Ice is 6 to 8 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been consistent using wax worms for 7 to 9-inch fish. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has been good after dark and very early in the morning. Crappies are 9 to 10 inches.
Cold temperatures have re-frozen the edges on many areas. Remaining ice on larger lakes is 6 to 8 inches while on smaller lakes and ponds is considered unsafe especially in the southern part of the district. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change daily. For more information on fishing and ice conditions call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is down about 12 feet for the sediment removal project. The edges have open water and the catfish should be starting.
Three Mile Lake
Some of the edges are open but the coves and shady areas have some ice.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Some portions of the edges are open and others are still ice. Boat access is still difficult.
All of the snow has melted. Farm ponds and small lakes are completely open or have small areas of ice remaining. Large lakes have open water around the edges and poor ice in the middle. The boat ramps at the big lakes are not always ice-free. Catfish in the small lakes are starting to bite.