- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
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
Crawford Creek is open. Few anglers have been out fishing.
Badger Lake
Ice went out on Badger Lake on March 21.
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)
Fishing has been slow, but should pick up in a week or so when it starts to warm up.
North Twin Lake
North Twin Lake is ice free. There has not been much fishing activity.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is ice free. There are some panfish being caught around the fish house. Swan Lake experienced a mild winter fish kill; however, surveys from last year suggest there should still be a high abundance of panfish.
Black Hawk Lake
Black Hawk Lake opened up completely on March 19.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is open. Courtesy docks are in. Not much fishing activity.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder bend is open. Some crappie are being caught throughout the lake.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
The Southwood Ponds are open. There has been little fishing activity.
Lizard Lake
Lizard Lake has been opened for promiscuous fishing. Anglers with a valid fishing license may harvest any number, size, and species of fish by any means except the use of poison, dynamite, electricity, or any other stupefying device or substance.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Some walleye and northern pike are being caught below the Linn Grove Dam.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 Bridge near Auburn)
Conditions are good for river fishing right now. Anglers are catching some nice walleye below rock riffles and around bridges.
All of the large lakes have opened up. River conditions are good for fishing right now. 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
The lake is about 30 percent open. Fishing is fair at the grade, a variety of fish are being caught with an occasional musky or northern.
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake fisheries office at 641-357-3517.
Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: Fish backwaters with cut bait for best results.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Northern Pike - Good: Some pike have been caught in the backwater areas of the river.
Area lakes are still nearly 100 percent ice covered, however ice fishing is not advised. Area rivers are starting to come down, while fishing is starting to pick up. Remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7. Fishing on area rivers has picked up, however, given the high water only fish backwater areas away from the current and use caution near flooded waters.
NORTHEAST
Martens Lake
Anglers are catching crappie on Sweet Marsh in the canal where water temperature warms more quickly than in the main marsh. Crappie - Good: Try floating a crappie minnow or small ice jig with a wax worm under a bobber for good action.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There have been good reports of pike and walleye being caught on the Cedar River in Bremer County. Pike action has been good near backwater areas or near smaller tributary streams entering the river. Walleye can be found near the low head dams and off of current break areas. Northern Pike - Good: Try floating a chub under a bobber or casting and slowly retrieving spoons or spinner baits. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River has had some reports of walleye being caught. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition.
Ice fishing season is now officially over. The Cedar River in Bremer County is providing some good angling opportunities for pike and walleye now that river levels have fallen. Trout streams in the Manchester District remain in excellent condition. Be sure to mark your calendars for the urban trout stockings occurring in Cedar Falls, Saturday, April 2, and in Dubuque on April 9. For further information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 13.4 feet and expected to rise most of the week. The road to the New Albin ramp is under water. Boaters should still be able to access the river at Lansing. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few anglers getting out are report some yellow perch at the bottom end of DeSoto Bay in out of the current areas. Walleye - Fair: High water is making it difficult to find fish but a few nice walleye can be caught in Minnesota Slough by those able to get out.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 23.6 feet. River levels are predicted to rise slightly throughout the week. The road to Sny Magill is flooded. Marquette and McGregor ramp are also flooded. You can still access Bussey Lake but it is difficult to launch with the high water covering most of the ramp. Boaters will still be able to access the river at the Harpers Ferry high water ramp. Yellow Perch - Good: Some nice yellow perch are being taken in the tail water on a three way rig tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Although some nice catches of sauger have been reported over the last week, high water is making it more difficult to find fish. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes have been caught but high water is making it more difficult to find fish.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 14.6 feet. River levels are expected to rise slightly all week. You can still access the river at the Guttenberg City ramp but you will drive through water to get to the ramp. Launching is difficult. The DNR ramp will provide access at 15 feet but parking is limited and you may have to park trailers on side streets by the DNR office. Yellow Perch - Good: Many 10 to 13-inch yellow perch are being caught on three-way rigs tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows or three-way rigs, but high water is making it difficult to find fish. Walleye - Good: Some nice walleyes have been reported, but high water can make it difficult to find fish. A few real nice walleyes are being caught and many anglers are practicing voluntary catch and release of these soon to be spawning fish.
Ice has gone out of most backwaters. River levels are high and expected to rise another three feet to near or above flood stage by next week. High water may limit access to some boat ramps. With the rapid rising water boaters should be cautious of floating debris and ice.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15.47 feet and rising. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. The lower ramp at the Fairport Recreational area is underwater. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15.05 feet and rising. Flood stage for Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. The ramp at Big Timber has been closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 16.70 feet and rising. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. The ramp at Toolesboro has been closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 11.78 feet and rising. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: River levels are above flood stage throughout Pools 16-19. Many of the boat ramps are under water. Fishing has been slow throughout the pools due to high water conditions. Main channel water temperature is around 42 degrees. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
The boat dock at the main ramp was put in late last week. Just a few anglers have been out.
Lake Belva Deer
The drop in temperature hasn't helped increase the angler numbers. Forecasted warmer weather next week should have you looking in the shallow bays on the north side of the lake for fish moving up in them to enjoy the warmer water.
Lake of the Hills
Plenty of trout left over from the trout release a couple of weeks ago. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Jigs, worms, power bait, and spinners are all taking trout. The fish are moving with the changing weather patterns so don't hold in one place.
Lambach Lake
This shallow lake in the West Lake Park is warming up faster than the bigger deeper lakes. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few bass. Try to fish during the warmer afternoons using jigs or plastic worms working them slowly.
Wilson Lake
There are plenty of the 1,000 trout stocked last Saturday still in the lake. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Look for these fish to be out in about 4 feet of water around the habitat. Spinners and baits such as worms and power bait are good things to try.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Last Saturday 1,000 trout were stocked in the front pond. While good numbers of trout were taken Saturday, there are still plenty of trout left to be caught. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The trout should be used to their new home by now. Work the shoreline where the wind is blowing in as well as any of the fish habitat in 3 to 4 feet of water.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries station at 319-694-2430
Iowa Lake
There has been little or no fishing activity here. Reports are not available.
Kent Park Lake
A few bass are being caught in the ponds on warmer days. The lake itself has been slow.
Lake Macbride
Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are having some success. Fish have been averaging 9 to 12 inches. The area east of the causeway has been producing the best.
Central Park Lake
There has been some fishing activity but fishing has been slow.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Water temperature is about 40 degrees. Fishing has been slow. No reports available.
Diamond Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:
Otter Creek Lake
No reports are available.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at 679.3 feet and holding. Use caution when boating at this level. Areas above Jolly Rodgers (Bobbers) are extremely shallow. A recent fish survey found lots of crappies in the brush piles. Lots of fish in the 9 to 12-inch range were found, as well as crappies up to 3 pounds! Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut shad or shad guts for best results. The upper end of the reservoir seems to be the most productive. Walleye - Slow: Use jig/twister or jig/minnow for best results. The area around I-380 bridge has been best.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish were being caught in slack water.
Prairie Park Fishery
2,000 trout were stocked on March 26, and there are still many left to catch. Rainbow and Brook Trout - Good: Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or numerous other scented baits.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work is almost complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The gate has been closed and the lake is now starting to fill back up.
Lake Sugema
The lake now has open water with all the ice melting. Fishing has been slow. Walleye - Slow: As the water temperature starts to rise, try jig and minnow combos along the dam or any other rip rapped shoreline.
Ottumwa Lagoon
A trout stocking event was held on March 19. Trout were stocked so try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 903.11 with 904.0 being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 30s to the low 40s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water. Warmer water will help improve fishing. 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. Please call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tag information.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Slow: The colder weather and water temperatures have slowed the walleye bite. The warmer forecast for the weekend should improve fishing. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow, white or chartreuse twister tail, or ring worm like soft plastics through the slack water. Chartreuse twisters have been out fishing the rest. Further upstream, near Boone and Fraser, the river is still high enough to flow level over the dams.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
White Bass - Good: Anglers targeting walleye below Red Rock have also been catching some decent numbers of white bass. Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed below Red Rock likely until the next warm up. They can be caught throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows. Anglers fishing the Center and Scott Street dams in Des Moines are also catching some walleye throwing jigs with chartreuse or white twisters.
Most of the fishing that is occurring right now continues to be below the dams on the rivers. The continued cooler than normal weather has kept water temperature in the low 40s, and the walleye bite slow. As soon as the weather warms enough to get water temps back into the upper 40s the walleye bite should pick up significantly. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Anita
The best crappie bite has been in the north arm around the pontoons on sunny days. Crappie - Slow: Cool weather has slowed the crappie bite.
Lake Manawa
The crappie bite has slowed but a few anglers are having success around Boy Scout Island. Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite has slowed with cooler weather. They are still hitting on jigs and minnows in the canals and around Boy Scout Island.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve.
The cooler weather has slowed the crappie bite. The fishing should pickup next week with the warmer forecast. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
Water temperature is in the mid 40s. Channel catfish and walleye are starting to bite. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are being caught from the windy shoreline shallows on shad bait. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are biting a little from the old road way or the face of the dam.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is down about 9 feet for the sediment removal project. The lake is open and the main boat ramp has enough water to easily launch a boat. All sport-fish species are big enough to interest the angler. Channel Catfish - Good: Several mid-sized channel catfish are biting in the shallow coves on shad bait.
Three Mile Lake
The lake is entirely open. Water temperature is just above 40 degrees in the main lake but the upper end can be above 50 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few real nice sized channels are being picked up from the coves at the upper end on shad bait. Walleye - Fair: A few males are being caught from the rocky areas near dark. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Several wipers are being caught on crankbaits by walleye anglers trolling the rocky points.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The lake is open and the temperature ranges from the 40s to the 50s. Shoreline access is possible from any of the popular access points. Bullhead - Good: Giant bullheads are being caught on crawlers at the upper end around the silt dike. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught from the rock of the dam or the rocky points. Slowly trolling jigs or crankbaits seems to be the best.
Water temperatures vary widely. Temperatures near 40 degrees are common in the large lakes but the smaller lakes could be at or above 50 degrees. Water clarity is good at all lakes. Channel catfish are biting in the shallows during afternoon. The walleye bite is improving.
NORTHWEST
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Crawford Creek is open. Few anglers have been out fishing.
Badger Lake
Ice went out on Badger Lake on March 21.
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)
Fishing has been slow, but should pick up in a week or so when it starts to warm up.
North Twin Lake
North Twin Lake is ice free. There has not been much fishing activity.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is ice free. There are some panfish being caught around the fish house. Swan Lake experienced a mild winter fish kill; however, surveys from last year suggest there should still be a high abundance of panfish.
Black Hawk Lake
Black Hawk Lake opened up completely on March 19.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is open. Courtesy docks are in. Not much fishing activity.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder bend is open. Some crappie are being caught throughout the lake.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
The Southwood Ponds are open. There has been little fishing activity.
Lizard Lake
Lizard Lake has been opened for promiscuous fishing. Anglers with a valid fishing license may harvest any number, size, and species of fish by any means except the use of poison, dynamite, electricity, or any other stupefying device or substance.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Some walleye and northern pike are being caught below the Linn Grove Dam.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 Bridge near Auburn)
Conditions are good for river fishing right now. Anglers are catching some nice walleye below rock riffles and around bridges.
All of the large lakes have opened up. River conditions are good for fishing right now. 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
The lake is about 30 percent open. Fishing is fair at the grade, a variety of fish are being caught with an occasional musky or northern.
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake fisheries office at 641-357-3517.
Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: Fish backwaters with cut bait for best results.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Northern Pike - Good: Some pike have been caught in the backwater areas of the river.
Area lakes are still nearly 100 percent ice covered, however ice fishing is not advised. Area rivers are starting to come down, while fishing is starting to pick up. Remember that walleye season is now closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji until May 7. Fishing on area rivers has picked up, however, given the high water only fish backwater areas away from the current and use caution near flooded waters.
NORTHEAST
Martens Lake
Anglers are catching crappie on Sweet Marsh in the canal where water temperature warms more quickly than in the main marsh. Crappie - Good: Try floating a crappie minnow or small ice jig with a wax worm under a bobber for good action.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There have been good reports of pike and walleye being caught on the Cedar River in Bremer County. Pike action has been good near backwater areas or near smaller tributary streams entering the river. Walleye can be found near the low head dams and off of current break areas. Northern Pike - Good: Try floating a chub under a bobber or casting and slowly retrieving spoons or spinner baits. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River has had some reports of walleye being caught. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition.
Ice fishing season is now officially over. The Cedar River in Bremer County is providing some good angling opportunities for pike and walleye now that river levels have fallen. Trout streams in the Manchester District remain in excellent condition. Be sure to mark your calendars for the urban trout stockings occurring in Cedar Falls, Saturday, April 2, and in Dubuque on April 9. For further information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 13.4 feet and expected to rise most of the week. The road to the New Albin ramp is under water. Boaters should still be able to access the river at Lansing. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few anglers getting out are report some yellow perch at the bottom end of DeSoto Bay in out of the current areas. Walleye - Fair: High water is making it difficult to find fish but a few nice walleye can be caught in Minnesota Slough by those able to get out.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 23.6 feet. River levels are predicted to rise slightly throughout the week. The road to Sny Magill is flooded. Marquette and McGregor ramp are also flooded. You can still access Bussey Lake but it is difficult to launch with the high water covering most of the ramp. Boaters will still be able to access the river at the Harpers Ferry high water ramp. Yellow Perch - Good: Some nice yellow perch are being taken in the tail water on a three way rig tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Although some nice catches of sauger have been reported over the last week, high water is making it more difficult to find fish. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes have been caught but high water is making it more difficult to find fish.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 14.6 feet. River levels are expected to rise slightly all week. You can still access the river at the Guttenberg City ramp but you will drive through water to get to the ramp. Launching is difficult. The DNR ramp will provide access at 15 feet but parking is limited and you may have to park trailers on side streets by the DNR office. Yellow Perch - Good: Many 10 to 13-inch yellow perch are being caught on three-way rigs tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnows or three-way rigs, but high water is making it difficult to find fish. Walleye - Good: Some nice walleyes have been reported, but high water can make it difficult to find fish. A few real nice walleyes are being caught and many anglers are practicing voluntary catch and release of these soon to be spawning fish.
Ice has gone out of most backwaters. River levels are high and expected to rise another three feet to near or above flood stage by next week. High water may limit access to some boat ramps. With the rapid rising water boaters should be cautious of floating debris and ice.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15.47 feet and rising. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. The lower ramp at the Fairport Recreational area is underwater. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 15.05 feet and rising. Flood stage for Lock and Dam 16 is 15 feet. The ramp at Big Timber has been closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 16.70 feet and rising. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. The ramp at Toolesboro has been closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 11.78 feet and rising. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: River levels are above flood stage throughout Pools 16-19. Many of the boat ramps are under water. Fishing has been slow throughout the pools due to high water conditions. Main channel water temperature is around 42 degrees. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
The boat dock at the main ramp was put in late last week. Just a few anglers have been out.
Lake Belva Deer
The drop in temperature hasn't helped increase the angler numbers. Forecasted warmer weather next week should have you looking in the shallow bays on the north side of the lake for fish moving up in them to enjoy the warmer water.
Lake of the Hills
Plenty of trout left over from the trout release a couple of weeks ago. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Jigs, worms, power bait, and spinners are all taking trout. The fish are moving with the changing weather patterns so don't hold in one place.
Lambach Lake
This shallow lake in the West Lake Park is warming up faster than the bigger deeper lakes. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few bass. Try to fish during the warmer afternoons using jigs or plastic worms working them slowly.
Wilson Lake
There are plenty of the 1,000 trout stocked last Saturday still in the lake. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Look for these fish to be out in about 4 feet of water around the habitat. Spinners and baits such as worms and power bait are good things to try.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Last Saturday 1,000 trout were stocked in the front pond. While good numbers of trout were taken Saturday, there are still plenty of trout left to be caught. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The trout should be used to their new home by now. Work the shoreline where the wind is blowing in as well as any of the fish habitat in 3 to 4 feet of water.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries station at 319-694-2430
Iowa Lake
There has been little or no fishing activity here. Reports are not available.
Kent Park Lake
A few bass are being caught in the ponds on warmer days. The lake itself has been slow.
Lake Macbride
Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are having some success. Fish have been averaging 9 to 12 inches. The area east of the causeway has been producing the best.
Central Park Lake
There has been some fishing activity but fishing has been slow.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Water temperature is about 40 degrees. Fishing has been slow. No reports available.
Diamond Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow:
Otter Creek Lake
No reports are available.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at 679.3 feet and holding. Use caution when boating at this level. Areas above Jolly Rodgers (Bobbers) are extremely shallow. A recent fish survey found lots of crappies in the brush piles. Lots of fish in the 9 to 12-inch range were found, as well as crappies up to 3 pounds! Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut shad or shad guts for best results. The upper end of the reservoir seems to be the most productive. Walleye - Slow: Use jig/twister or jig/minnow for best results. The area around I-380 bridge has been best.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish were being caught in slack water.
Prairie Park Fishery
2,000 trout were stocked on March 26, and there are still many left to catch. Rainbow and Brook Trout - Good: Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or numerous other scented baits.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake has been drained for a lake renovation and work is almost complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The gate has been closed and the lake is now starting to fill back up.
Lake Sugema
The lake now has open water with all the ice melting. Fishing has been slow. Walleye - Slow: As the water temperature starts to rise, try jig and minnow combos along the dam or any other rip rapped shoreline.
Ottumwa Lagoon
A trout stocking event was held on March 19. Trout were stocked so try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 903.11 with 904.0 being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 30s to the low 40s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water. Warmer water will help improve fishing. 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. Please call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tag information.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye - Slow: The colder weather and water temperatures have slowed the walleye bite. The warmer forecast for the weekend should improve fishing. Bounce a jig tipped with a minnow, white or chartreuse twister tail, or ring worm like soft plastics through the slack water. Chartreuse twisters have been out fishing the rest. Further upstream, near Boone and Fraser, the river is still high enough to flow level over the dams.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
White Bass - Good: Anglers targeting walleye below Red Rock have also been catching some decent numbers of white bass. Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed below Red Rock likely until the next warm up. They can be caught throwing jigs with twisters or jigs with minnows. Anglers fishing the Center and Scott Street dams in Des Moines are also catching some walleye throwing jigs with chartreuse or white twisters.
Most of the fishing that is occurring right now continues to be below the dams on the rivers. The continued cooler than normal weather has kept water temperature in the low 40s, and the walleye bite slow. As soon as the weather warms enough to get water temps back into the upper 40s the walleye bite should pick up significantly. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Lake Anita
The best crappie bite has been in the north arm around the pontoons on sunny days. Crappie - Slow: Cool weather has slowed the crappie bite.
Lake Manawa
The crappie bite has slowed but a few anglers are having success around Boy Scout Island. Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite has slowed with cooler weather. They are still hitting on jigs and minnows in the canals and around Boy Scout Island.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve.
The cooler weather has slowed the crappie bite. The fishing should pickup next week with the warmer forecast. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
Water temperature is in the mid 40s. Channel catfish and walleye are starting to bite. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are being caught from the windy shoreline shallows on shad bait. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are biting a little from the old road way or the face of the dam.
Green Valley Lake
The water level is down about 9 feet for the sediment removal project. The lake is open and the main boat ramp has enough water to easily launch a boat. All sport-fish species are big enough to interest the angler. Channel Catfish - Good: Several mid-sized channel catfish are biting in the shallow coves on shad bait.
Three Mile Lake
The lake is entirely open. Water temperature is just above 40 degrees in the main lake but the upper end can be above 50 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few real nice sized channels are being picked up from the coves at the upper end on shad bait. Walleye - Fair: A few males are being caught from the rocky areas near dark. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Several wipers are being caught on crankbaits by walleye anglers trolling the rocky points.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The lake is open and the temperature ranges from the 40s to the 50s. Shoreline access is possible from any of the popular access points. Bullhead - Good: Giant bullheads are being caught on crawlers at the upper end around the silt dike. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught from the rock of the dam or the rocky points. Slowly trolling jigs or crankbaits seems to be the best.
Water temperatures vary widely. Temperatures near 40 degrees are common in the large lakes but the smaller lakes could be at or above 50 degrees. Water clarity is good at all lakes. Channel catfish are biting in the shallows during afternoon. The walleye bite is improving.