- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: April 21, 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
Not a lot of fishing activity at Brushy Creek.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times. Walleye - Fair: The cold weather last week and weekend slowed the bite. Fishing should pick up when the weather warms again. Anglers are reporting a very light bite on minnows under a bobber. Give the fish time to take the bait before setting the hook.
Swan Lake
Little to no fishing activity on Swan Lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperature was 41 degrees on April 19. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the windward shorelines or look for current. Fish on the bottom with gizzard shad guts or cut bait. A lot of 3 to 4 pound channel cats are being caught. Walleye - Slow: Some walleye are being caught from the east shore. Float a live minnow under a bobber and fish just off the bottom. Also, try casting a 2-inch white or fire tiger twister. Yellow Bass - Slow: Some nice yellow bass were caught last week, but fishing has slowed for them. Try casting a small, bright colored jig along the windward shorelines.
Browns Lake
Navigational buoys are now in the lake.
Snyder Bend Lake
Navigational buoys are now in the lake.
Arrowhead Lake
Nice sized bluegills have been biting in the north end of Arrowhead. Some anglers have been targeting the south end.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Fishing has shut down on the Little Sioux below the Linn Grove Dam due to the recent weather.
Fishing has slowed considerably from the past weekend/week. Water temperature dropped over the past week. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The water temperature has remained in the 40s but the recent weather has slowed fish activity. Panfish and muskie had been active in the canals before the cold weather. A few walleye were still biting along the east shore for anglers using jigs with minnows. Yellow bass remain slow yet, but it may only take a few days of warm weather and they will be biting.
Winnebago River
A few pike were caught from Fertile south towards Mason City. Work your baits slow and try a variety of lures.
Fishing this past week has been tough with the colder weather. For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake station at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Fair: Some fish are starting to be caught along the north grade. White Bass - Slow: Try fishing along rocky bottoms near Jackson Point. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some fish were reported last week. Try fishing along rocky shorelines and points. Crappie - Slow: Fishing has slowed for crappie this week with the wind and cold weather
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching white bass on the north side of the lake, the Hwy. 9 Bridge, and along the west shoreline near Hwy. 71.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye - Good: Try using a jig and minnow with slow presentation.
Area lakes have seen very little fishing pressure this past week with the cold weather and wind. Area rivers are starting to come up again with recent rainfalls.
Walleye season is closed at Big Spirit Lake, East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake until May 7. For more information, call the Spirit Lake fish hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Recent weather has slowed some angling activity. Crappie - Slow: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm over structure. Fish should be starting to hang around the shallow, warmer water.
Lake Hendricks
A few anglers have been out, but not much is happening. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using wax worms with some luck.
Lake Meyer
Very little activity on the lake.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is excellent. Fish activity is slow.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Anglers have been reporting lots of activity from Hwy. 76 Bridge to the mouth. Sucker - Slow: Northern Pike - Slow: Pike have been caught using crankbaits while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Perch - Excellent: Anglers are drifting a small chunk of worm on a hook with a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: Anglers are reporting nice size walleyes are being caught using jigs and twister tails.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Northern Pike - Slow: Many anglers are catching pike while fishing for walleye. Best bet for a pike is using live chubs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfish are hitting dead chubs above the dam in Nashua. Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Blue Wing Olive and Dark Hendrickson mayflies continue to hatch heavily on northeast Iowa streams. #12, #14 and #16 Adams dry flies have recently taken many trout. On warmer afternoons, try a #14 or #16 Deer or Elk Hair caddis for the occasional caddis hatch. For the spin fisher, try using dark jigs. For stocking information, please call 563-927-5736 or visit our website.
Area lakes are slowly warming but activity has been slow. The area received 3 to 5 inches of snow early in the week, but rivers seem to be handling the precipitation and are fishable. Action may pick up with weekend warming. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Water levels are dropping and anglers are catching a few walleyes. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations have been best.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is starting to drop again after a slight rise; conditions should again be favorable with little or no major rainfall events. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations have been working best.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The river is dropping in Buchanan County and there have been reports of walleye being caught on the Wapsipinicon River. Angling below low head dams can be productive this time of year. Walleye - Fair: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Manchester District Trout Streams
Trout streams are slowly dropping but should be good by the weekend. Call the Manchester district office for the most recent conditions at 563-927-3276.
The interior rivers are falling due to recent rainfall events and should only improve with no additional heavy rains. Anglers are still reporting catches of walleye on the Cedar and Shell Rock rivers. Trout streams in the Manchester district are now falling and conditions should be good for the upcoming weekend. For further information contact the Manchester district office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage in Dubuque is 22.29 feet and is forecast to drop over the next week. The river crested Tuesday at 22.82 feet and was the fifth highest crest on record. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the mid 40s. The ramps in Dubuque and East Dubuque are still usable. The campground and ramp at Massey Marina Park is underwater. The campground at Spruce Creek Park is underwater and closed, but the ramp is still usable.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage in Bellevue is 20.47 feet and is forecast to fall over the next week. The river crested on Wednesday at 20.58 feet and was the fourth highest crest on record. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the mid 40s. All ramps except the downtown Sabula City Ramp are currently under water and are unusable. The Hwy. 52 causeway between Sabula and Savanna, Ill., is also closed due to high water.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage in Camanche is 21.91 feet and is forecast to rise to 22.1 feet on Friday. This will be the fourth highest crest on record. Water clarity is poor and water temperature is in the mid 40s. All area ramps are closed due to the flooding.
For fishing information in Pool 12-15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue fish management and research station at 563-872-4976
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
The ramps at Odessa are all underwater as the water level has been brought up to help prevent damage to the levee from the rising Mississippi. The Toolesboro Road is also closed as water is going over the spillway.
Lake Geode
Cold weather has slowed fishing. Look for it to pick back up with the return of warmer weather. Channel Catfish - Slow: Work the shoreline where the wind is blowing in. Minnows or cut baits will be the ticket. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Hit the warm windy afternoons along the shoreline where the wind is blowing in to find the bass. Minnows or crankbaits would be my baits of choice.
Lake Belva Deer
Channel Catfish - Slow: The catfish have slowed with the recent cold weather. Target catfish along the windblown shorelines using cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Slow: The bass are coming in shallow on the warmer afternoons to chase little bluegills. Your best chance is during the windier days when the fish can't see you. Crappie - Slow: Wait for the return of the really warm windy afternoons the crappies have been coming into the shallow to feed.
Lake of the Hills
The cold weather does not seem to affect the trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Worms on the bottom seem to be the biggest producing bait right now. Although on some days flies, spinners, and jigs can hold their own. Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers had been picking up some catfish with the warmer weather but that has slowed down with the cold temperatures. Dead shad or other cut baits would be the "go to" baits. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Work the rocky areas when the wind is blowing in during a warm afternoon. I would start with a slow moving crankbait as the bass are in trying to catch small fish blown in by the wind.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river level is fairly steady to slightly falling. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers have been out catching some catfish using shad or shad guts. A few nightcrawlers would also work.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Surface temperature approached 60 degrees, but has now fallen. Fishing has slowed during this colder weather. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Slow:
Kent Park Lake
Some bass and bluegills are being caught in the ponds, but the lake has been pretty slow yet.
Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be used at no wake speed at this time. Water temperature has fallen below 50 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Fish in the 9 to 12-inch range are common. Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber/minnow or jig. The upper ends of the lake have been the warmest and most productive. Walleye - Fair: Some fish have been caught casting jigs to shallow rock/sand, and some fish have been caught trolling crankbaits.
Central Park Lake
Fishing has been very slow due to the weather.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Water temperature has fallen below 50 degrees. White Bass - Good: Fish are starting to school up and prepare for the spawn. Evening has been the most productive time. White or yellow jigs have been working best, but small spinners or crankbaits can also be productive. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught, but size has been small. Remember, largemouth have to be a minimum of 18 inches to keep.
Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed at Diamond Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush piles. Reports say that just a bobber and small worm has been producing well. Crappie - Fair: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. During the warm weather, fish have been caught right along the shoreline on small jigs.
Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station is now open. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush with small worms or jigs.
Union Grove Lake
There has been little or no fishing activity here since the poor weather. Fishing had been good for bluegills and crappies around brush and rock during the warmer weather.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level as of April 21 is 682 feet and rising. Current predictions show the lake raising to 687.5 feet by April 26, and then starting to fall. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. The upper end of the lake has still been best.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Fishing has been slow. Prior to the cold snap, some walleyes and catfish were being caught.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Current flows coming out of Coralville Reservoir are 1,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) and are predicted to remain at this level until April 26, when flows are predicted to increase to 5,000 CFS. Channel Catfish - Fair: The bite has slowed a bit due to falling water temperature. Also, the change in flow will affect fish behavior. Cut bait and crawlers had been producing.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Fishing has been slow. In the backwaters, a few bullheads have been reported, as well as some bow fishing activity.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use rubber worms along shoreline structure.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake had been drained for a lake renovation work which is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new fishing jetties. The gate has been closed and the lake is now starting to fill.
Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Try jig and minnow combo's along the dam or any other riprapped shoreline.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked on March 19. Try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 905.88 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the low to mid 50s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water. Warmer water temperatures 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
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Just before the cool, wet weather set in, crappies were starting to be caught near shore. Good crappie fishing should return as soon as we get a couple days of sun and warmer weather.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught on jigs, soft swim baits, crankbaits, and minnows. The fish are being caught in the east ramp bay, the dam, and any jetties on the south half of the lake. Most fish being caught are sublegal, but fish over 15 inches are coming in.
Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Increased flow over the Big Creek spillway is attracting white bass. An occasional crappie is also being caught.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers are still catching rainbow trout that were stocked through the ice. The block net was lifted at ice-out and trout are now spread to both pits. Small minnows under a bobber are working well.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
White Bass - Good: Anglers casting twister tails below the Saylorville spillway are catching some white bass up to 15 inches.
Cool, wet weather over the last week has led to little fishing activity and few reports. Sunshine and warmer temps are needed to move panfish in for the spawn. Water temperatures are still in the 40s. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Lake is full. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using jigs in the cedar tree piles and along the dam. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have slowed but a few are being caught along the dam using small jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp. Crappie bite has slowed. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8 inches are being caught on the dam casting small jigs.
Lake Anita
Crappies are biting in the north arm around the pontoons on warm sunny days. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on jigs under a bobber.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish populations are coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles.
Lake Manawa
Crappies fishing has slowed but a few are still being caught. The canals and around docks have been producing the most fish. Catfish are biting on dead minnows. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches are on jigs and minnows in the canals and around docks.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Larger ponds with crappie populations are good now as crappies are close to shore preparing to spawn. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the cool water. Try fishing deep structure with small jigs and a slow retrieve. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs alone dam for best success.
Water temperatures have cooled over the past week slowing the crappie bite. Catfishing has been good in many areas. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is normal, the water temperature is in the middle 50s and the clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are starting to bite from just off shore and the deeper edges of the mounds. Walleye - Slow: Very few walleye are biting. A few anglers are finding a few from along the south shore.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down 9 feet for a sediment removal project. The main concrete ramp is operational and accessible. The lake has a lot of nice sized fish of all species. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting well on crawlers.
Three Mile Lake
Water temperature is in the low 50s and clarity is good. Walleye have moved out. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are biting from the mounds at mid-lake or the upper end.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 50s and clarity is very good. Bullhead - Good: The giant bullheads are biting well from above the upper end of the lake in the warmest water. Crawlers are working well. Walleye - Slow: The walleye have moved out to the mounds and creek channel edges.
Water temperatures have slipped to the low 50s in the big lakes. Water clarity is still above normal at most places but recent rains will start to adversely affect water clarity. The walleye spawn is over. Channel catfish are biting.
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
Not a lot of fishing activity at Brushy Creek.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times. Walleye - Fair: The cold weather last week and weekend slowed the bite. Fishing should pick up when the weather warms again. Anglers are reporting a very light bite on minnows under a bobber. Give the fish time to take the bait before setting the hook.
Swan Lake
Little to no fishing activity on Swan Lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperature was 41 degrees on April 19. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the windward shorelines or look for current. Fish on the bottom with gizzard shad guts or cut bait. A lot of 3 to 4 pound channel cats are being caught. Walleye - Slow: Some walleye are being caught from the east shore. Float a live minnow under a bobber and fish just off the bottom. Also, try casting a 2-inch white or fire tiger twister. Yellow Bass - Slow: Some nice yellow bass were caught last week, but fishing has slowed for them. Try casting a small, bright colored jig along the windward shorelines.
Browns Lake
Navigational buoys are now in the lake.
Snyder Bend Lake
Navigational buoys are now in the lake.
Arrowhead Lake
Nice sized bluegills have been biting in the north end of Arrowhead. Some anglers have been targeting the south end.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Fishing has shut down on the Little Sioux below the Linn Grove Dam due to the recent weather.
Fishing has slowed considerably from the past weekend/week. Water temperature dropped over the past week. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The water temperature has remained in the 40s but the recent weather has slowed fish activity. Panfish and muskie had been active in the canals before the cold weather. A few walleye were still biting along the east shore for anglers using jigs with minnows. Yellow bass remain slow yet, but it may only take a few days of warm weather and they will be biting.
Winnebago River
A few pike were caught from Fertile south towards Mason City. Work your baits slow and try a variety of lures.
Fishing this past week has been tough with the colder weather. For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake station at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Fair: Some fish are starting to be caught along the north grade. White Bass - Slow: Try fishing along rocky bottoms near Jackson Point. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some fish were reported last week. Try fishing along rocky shorelines and points. Crappie - Slow: Fishing has slowed for crappie this week with the wind and cold weather
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching white bass on the north side of the lake, the Hwy. 9 Bridge, and along the west shoreline near Hwy. 71.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye - Good: Try using a jig and minnow with slow presentation.
Area lakes have seen very little fishing pressure this past week with the cold weather and wind. Area rivers are starting to come up again with recent rainfalls.
Walleye season is closed at Big Spirit Lake, East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake until May 7. For more information, call the Spirit Lake fish hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Recent weather has slowed some angling activity. Crappie - Slow: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm over structure. Fish should be starting to hang around the shallow, warmer water.
Lake Hendricks
A few anglers have been out, but not much is happening. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using wax worms with some luck.
Lake Meyer
Very little activity on the lake.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is excellent. Fish activity is slow.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Anglers have been reporting lots of activity from Hwy. 76 Bridge to the mouth. Sucker - Slow: Northern Pike - Slow: Pike have been caught using crankbaits while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Perch - Excellent: Anglers are drifting a small chunk of worm on a hook with a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: Anglers are reporting nice size walleyes are being caught using jigs and twister tails.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Northern Pike - Slow: Many anglers are catching pike while fishing for walleye. Best bet for a pike is using live chubs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfish are hitting dead chubs above the dam in Nashua. Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Blue Wing Olive and Dark Hendrickson mayflies continue to hatch heavily on northeast Iowa streams. #12, #14 and #16 Adams dry flies have recently taken many trout. On warmer afternoons, try a #14 or #16 Deer or Elk Hair caddis for the occasional caddis hatch. For the spin fisher, try using dark jigs. For stocking information, please call 563-927-5736 or visit our website.
Area lakes are slowly warming but activity has been slow. The area received 3 to 5 inches of snow early in the week, but rivers seem to be handling the precipitation and are fishable. Action may pick up with weekend warming. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Water levels are dropping and anglers are catching a few walleyes. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations have been best.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is starting to drop again after a slight rise; conditions should again be favorable with little or no major rainfall events. Walleye - Fair: Jig and minnow combinations have been working best.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The river is dropping in Buchanan County and there have been reports of walleye being caught on the Wapsipinicon River. Angling below low head dams can be productive this time of year. Walleye - Fair: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Manchester District Trout Streams
Trout streams are slowly dropping but should be good by the weekend. Call the Manchester district office for the most recent conditions at 563-927-3276.
The interior rivers are falling due to recent rainfall events and should only improve with no additional heavy rains. Anglers are still reporting catches of walleye on the Cedar and Shell Rock rivers. Trout streams in the Manchester district are now falling and conditions should be good for the upcoming weekend. For further information contact the Manchester district office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage in Dubuque is 22.29 feet and is forecast to drop over the next week. The river crested Tuesday at 22.82 feet and was the fifth highest crest on record. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the mid 40s. The ramps in Dubuque and East Dubuque are still usable. The campground and ramp at Massey Marina Park is underwater. The campground at Spruce Creek Park is underwater and closed, but the ramp is still usable.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage in Bellevue is 20.47 feet and is forecast to fall over the next week. The river crested on Wednesday at 20.58 feet and was the fourth highest crest on record. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the mid 40s. All ramps except the downtown Sabula City Ramp are currently under water and are unusable. The Hwy. 52 causeway between Sabula and Savanna, Ill., is also closed due to high water.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage in Camanche is 21.91 feet and is forecast to rise to 22.1 feet on Friday. This will be the fourth highest crest on record. Water clarity is poor and water temperature is in the mid 40s. All area ramps are closed due to the flooding.
For fishing information in Pool 12-15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue fish management and research station at 563-872-4976
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
The ramps at Odessa are all underwater as the water level has been brought up to help prevent damage to the levee from the rising Mississippi. The Toolesboro Road is also closed as water is going over the spillway.
Lake Geode
Cold weather has slowed fishing. Look for it to pick back up with the return of warmer weather. Channel Catfish - Slow: Work the shoreline where the wind is blowing in. Minnows or cut baits will be the ticket. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Hit the warm windy afternoons along the shoreline where the wind is blowing in to find the bass. Minnows or crankbaits would be my baits of choice.
Lake Belva Deer
Channel Catfish - Slow: The catfish have slowed with the recent cold weather. Target catfish along the windblown shorelines using cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Slow: The bass are coming in shallow on the warmer afternoons to chase little bluegills. Your best chance is during the windier days when the fish can't see you. Crappie - Slow: Wait for the return of the really warm windy afternoons the crappies have been coming into the shallow to feed.
Lake of the Hills
The cold weather does not seem to affect the trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Worms on the bottom seem to be the biggest producing bait right now. Although on some days flies, spinners, and jigs can hold their own. Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers had been picking up some catfish with the warmer weather but that has slowed down with the cold temperatures. Dead shad or other cut baits would be the "go to" baits. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Work the rocky areas when the wind is blowing in during a warm afternoon. I would start with a slow moving crankbait as the bass are in trying to catch small fish blown in by the wind.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river level is fairly steady to slightly falling. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers have been out catching some catfish using shad or shad guts. A few nightcrawlers would also work.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Surface temperature approached 60 degrees, but has now fallen. Fishing has slowed during this colder weather. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Slow:
Kent Park Lake
Some bass and bluegills are being caught in the ponds, but the lake has been pretty slow yet.
Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be used at no wake speed at this time. Water temperature has fallen below 50 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Fish in the 9 to 12-inch range are common. Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber/minnow or jig. The upper ends of the lake have been the warmest and most productive. Walleye - Fair: Some fish have been caught casting jigs to shallow rock/sand, and some fish have been caught trolling crankbaits.
Central Park Lake
Fishing has been very slow due to the weather.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Water temperature has fallen below 50 degrees. White Bass - Good: Fish are starting to school up and prepare for the spawn. Evening has been the most productive time. White or yellow jigs have been working best, but small spinners or crankbaits can also be productive. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught, but size has been small. Remember, largemouth have to be a minimum of 18 inches to keep.
Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed at Diamond Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush piles. Reports say that just a bobber and small worm has been producing well. Crappie - Fair: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. During the warm weather, fish have been caught right along the shoreline on small jigs.
Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station is now open. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush with small worms or jigs.
Union Grove Lake
There has been little or no fishing activity here since the poor weather. Fishing had been good for bluegills and crappies around brush and rock during the warmer weather.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level as of April 21 is 682 feet and rising. Current predictions show the lake raising to 687.5 feet by April 26, and then starting to fall. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. The upper end of the lake has still been best.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Fishing has been slow. Prior to the cold snap, some walleyes and catfish were being caught.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Current flows coming out of Coralville Reservoir are 1,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) and are predicted to remain at this level until April 26, when flows are predicted to increase to 5,000 CFS. Channel Catfish - Fair: The bite has slowed a bit due to falling water temperature. Also, the change in flow will affect fish behavior. Cut bait and crawlers had been producing.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Fishing has been slow. In the backwaters, a few bullheads have been reported, as well as some bow fishing activity.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use rubber worms along shoreline structure.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake had been drained for a lake renovation work which is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new fishing jetties. The gate has been closed and the lake is now starting to fill.
Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Try jig and minnow combo's along the dam or any other riprapped shoreline.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked on March 19. Try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 905.88 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the low to mid 50s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water. Warmer water temperatures 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
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Just before the cool, wet weather set in, crappies were starting to be caught near shore. Good crappie fishing should return as soon as we get a couple days of sun and warmer weather.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught on jigs, soft swim baits, crankbaits, and minnows. The fish are being caught in the east ramp bay, the dam, and any jetties on the south half of the lake. Most fish being caught are sublegal, but fish over 15 inches are coming in.
Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Increased flow over the Big Creek spillway is attracting white bass. An occasional crappie is also being caught.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers are still catching rainbow trout that were stocked through the ice. The block net was lifted at ice-out and trout are now spread to both pits. Small minnows under a bobber are working well.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
White Bass - Good: Anglers casting twister tails below the Saylorville spillway are catching some white bass up to 15 inches.
Cool, wet weather over the last week has led to little fishing activity and few reports. Sunshine and warmer temps are needed to move panfish in for the spawn. Water temperatures are still in the 40s. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Lake is full. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using jigs in the cedar tree piles and along the dam. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have slowed but a few are being caught along the dam using small jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp. Crappie bite has slowed. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8 inches are being caught on the dam casting small jigs.
Lake Anita
Crappies are biting in the north arm around the pontoons on warm sunny days. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on jigs under a bobber.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish populations are coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles.
Lake Manawa
Crappies fishing has slowed but a few are still being caught. The canals and around docks have been producing the most fish. Catfish are biting on dead minnows. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches are on jigs and minnows in the canals and around docks.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Larger ponds with crappie populations are good now as crappies are close to shore preparing to spawn. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the cool water. Try fishing deep structure with small jigs and a slow retrieve. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs alone dam for best success.
Water temperatures have cooled over the past week slowing the crappie bite. Catfishing has been good in many areas. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is normal, the water temperature is in the middle 50s and the clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are starting to bite from just off shore and the deeper edges of the mounds. Walleye - Slow: Very few walleye are biting. A few anglers are finding a few from along the south shore.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down 9 feet for a sediment removal project. The main concrete ramp is operational and accessible. The lake has a lot of nice sized fish of all species. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting well on crawlers.
Three Mile Lake
Water temperature is in the low 50s and clarity is good. Walleye have moved out. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are biting from the mounds at mid-lake or the upper end.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 50s and clarity is very good. Bullhead - Good: The giant bullheads are biting well from above the upper end of the lake in the warmest water. Crawlers are working well. Walleye - Slow: The walleye have moved out to the mounds and creek channel edges.
Water temperatures have slipped to the low 50s in the big lakes. Water clarity is still above normal at most places but recent rains will start to adversely affect water clarity. The walleye spawn is over. Channel catfish are biting.