- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: June 9, 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
Nelson Park Lake
Bluegill fishing has really slowed down.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Water clarity is excellent. Panfish have slowed down, but bass fishing has picked up. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill fishing has been slow, but the ones that are caught are big. Try using a small piece of night crawler around the brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Sub legal bass are being caught close to shore. Try a slow sinking rubber worm for bass. Minimum legal length for bass is 15 inches.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Fishing is picking up. Anglers are catching some bluegill and bass along the face of the dam towards the west. A few anglers are picking up catfish at night. Little action for largemouth bass.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water clarity is reduced as algae is coming on. Fishing for bluegill, bass, and crappie is good and some nice walleyes have been caught. Water temperature is in the low 70s.
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 - Good: Anglers continue to do well for walleye. Try using a bottom bouncer and crawler harness around the dredge cuts. Walleye can still be caught from shore as well.
Swan Lake
Large numbers of black crappie are in close to shore all around Swan Lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Water clarity at Black Hawk Lake is around two feet. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Fishing is about the same as last week. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of nice sized bullhead are being caught. Try fishing Ice House Point with a slip bobber and a piece of night crawler. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of nice catfish are still being caught. Anglers can expect to pick up a few catfish while walleye fishing with leeches. Live minnows under a slip bobber have been catching some large channel cats. Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has really slowed down. The fish no longer seem to be in shallow water. Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish the windy shorelines with a small bright jig.
Browns Lake
Brown's Lake is closed to boat traffic. Campground is still open and fishing from shore is allowed.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend is closed to boat traffic.
Little Sioux Park Lake
Water clarity is absolutely superb. Large bluegill (8 to 8.5 inches) are sitting on nests. Channel catfish can be found in the south arm.
Water temperature is in the mid 70s at most of the lakes. 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.
Beeds Lake
Bluegill and crappie are still being caught using small tube jigs or a jig and a piece of crawler casting from shore. A few catfish are also biting on liver or cut bait.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Anglers are catching panfish near shore on a piece of crawler fished under a bobber. A few largemouth bass are also being caught on spinner baits.
Lower Pine Lake
Bluegill and crappie are in near shore, try using a jig and minnow or crawler for best results. For largemouth bass, target the downed trees along the shoreline with a variety of plastic baits. Largemouth bass on both Upper and Lower Pine are nice sized fish with several in the 5 to 6 pound class found in this spring's survey.
Upper Pine Lake
Bluegill and crappie are in near shore, try using a jig and minnow or crawler for best results. For largemouth bass, target the downed trees along the shoreline with a variety of plastic baits. Largemouth bass on both Upper and Lower Pine are nice sized fish with several in the 5 to 6 pound class found in this spring's survey.
Lake Smith
Catfish in the 2 to 5 pound range have been biting on liver and cut bait. Anglers have been catching bluegill and crappie near shore using jigs with crawler. Largemouth bass have also been biting on a variety of plastic baits.
Clear Lake
Walleye are being caught in 6 to 14 feet of water using crawlers, minnows, or trolling plugs. The best areas for walleye have been the reefs, the island, and trolling or drifting along the north shore from Fisherman's reef towards the little lake. Crappie, bluegill, and yellow bass are being caught around the emergent vegetation using jigs with crawler or minnows. Catfish are being caught on the west end of the lake on crawlers or liver.
Lake Cornelia
Anglers have been catching walleye and panfish using jigs with minnows or crawlers. Catfish are also starting to get active, try using stink bait, cut bait or liver for best results.
Black Pit
Anglers are still catching crappie and bluegill in 2 to 8 feet of water on small jigs with minnows or crawlers.
Fin and Feather Lake
A few bluegills are still being caught on jig and crawler or tube jigs in 2 to 8 feet of water.
Interstate Park Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie on a small jig with a piece of crawler or a minnow casting from shore.
For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife station at 641-357-3517.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching bluegill on spawning beds in shallow water with small jigs tipped with a wax worm or plastic tail. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to move deeper with the warm temperatures.
Big Spirit Lake
Bluegill - Good: Try fishing in protected areas on sunny days by docks. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is still consistent in Trickles Slough, Buffalo Run, and Hales Slough. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing has slowed in the past week. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along rock points. Muskellunge - Fair: Anglers are reporting a few muskies being caught and many followers. A few northern pike have been caught while fishing for muskies.
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Fair: Anglers fishing near the Spirit Lake spillway are catching a few white bass. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch are being caught while fishing the spillway. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleye along the west shoreline by Parks Marina in the late afternoon. Yellow Bass - Fair: The yellow bass bite has slowed dramatically. Some fish can still be caught early in the morning and at sunset along rocky shorelines and at the spillway.
Little Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Anglers are reporting catches of large bullhead near the outlet of Little Spirit Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some decent sized perch have been caught fishing at the outlet using a small jig with plastic tails. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum have been caught while fishing for bullhead and perch.
Silver Lake (****inson)
Bullhead - Good: Anglers are reporting catches of bullhead at inlet areas of the lake. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has slowed down in the past week.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Try fishing weed lines in the bays. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing along docks in shallow bays with a small jig and piece of worm or wax worm. Walleye - Good: Dock fisherman and anglers fishing rocky points have had success this past week.
Five Island Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught in the same areas as crappies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try fishing along rock piles and tree falls along the shorelines. Crappie - Good: Try fishing with a small jig tipped with a twister along brush piles in deeper water.
Lost Island Lake
Crappie - Good: Try fishing by the bridge between the little lake and the main lake along the rocks. Walleye - Good: Anglers have reported good catches of walleye near the rock pile. Yellow Bass - Fair: Some fish are being caught by the bridge while fishing for crappie.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are starting to catch more channel catfish as water temperature has risen. Walleye - Good: Try using a jig and minnow along the bottom.
Fishing has slowed with rapidly warming water temperatures and fish moving out of the shallow areas. The best fishing is in early morning and late afternoon when water temperatures are at their lowest points of the day. Bluegill are now on their spawning beds on area lakes, so look for the beds and you should catch good numbers of bluegill. For more information, contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Big Woods Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being caught near the shallow water bays and off of the jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Brinker Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being caught near the shallow water bays. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
George Wyth Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being caught near the shallow water bays, off of the jetties and the floating dock. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
South Prairie Lake
Reports of both bluegill and crappie being caught on South Prairie Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
River levels on the Cedar River are currently falling. In Black Hawk and Bremer counties channel catfish angling has remained good to excellent. Also reports of good walleye and smallmouth bass fishing in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Fair: Try fishing chubs under a bobber or casting large spinner baits. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use most any bait; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken livers on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and night crawler slowly retrieved off of the bottom works well. Walleye - Good: Crankbaits or jig and crawler is good this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Channel catfish are biting well on the Shell Rock River with some occasional walleye being reported. Channel Catfish - Good: Dead cut baits or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Walleye - Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a crawler or casting crankbaits work very well this time of year.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsi is falling in Buchanan County. Channel catfish are an anglers best bet right now with current conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Nightcrawlers or dead cut baits fished on the bottom has been good. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Jig tipped with a night crawler or crankbaits are very productive for smallmouth bass this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig tipped with half a night crawler or casting crankbaits.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Maquoketa River is in excellent condition and prime for fishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try nightcrawlers, dead cut baits or stink baits fished on the bottom of the river. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish live or artificial baits this time of year for some great smallmouth action. Walleye - Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a crawler or casting crankbaits work very well this time of year.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in good condition. Call the Manchester District Office for any additional information at 563-927-3276.
Interior rivers are currently falling and have been providing angling opportunities for a variety of different species, especially channel catfish. Anglers are beginning to catch crappie and bluegill on area Black Hawk and Bremer County lakes. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in good condition. For any additional information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 10.8 feet and expected to drop slightly over the next week. Village Creek and Heytman's ramps are open but Army Road Ramp at New Albin is still closed. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are getting ready to spawn and will be aggressive towards minnows for bait floated along rocky areas with current. White Bass - Fair: White bass starting to hit near shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill and other panfish are being taken out of noncurrent areas with a simple bobber and worm rig. With high water bluegill spots are hard to find but usually the fish are concentrated. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish along exposed rock shorelines with current. Small spinners and jigs are working well for concentrated fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting well but finding good shoreline to fish may take some work. Yellow Perch - Good: Really good numbers of yellow perch are in the river this year and usually being caught by those fishing for drum and bluegills. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting well using an egg sinker and worms near shoreline areas.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River levels are still high at Lynxville at 20.4 feet and expected to fall slightly over the next week. Boat ramps at Harpers Ferry and Bussey Lake and Noble's Island are open but Sny Magill is still closed. Northern Pike - Fair: Some nice northern pike being caught in the Sny Magill area. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are getting ready to spawn and will be aggressive towards minnows for bait floated along rocky areas with current. White Bass - Fair: White bass are starting to hit well along shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being taken in the tail water but in places outside the heavy current areas. Some nicer catches of bluegills reported in Bussey lake but anglers should keep moving to find biting fish. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish along exposed rock shoreline with current. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are really hitting well in the upper part of the pool below the dam and near Harpers Ferry. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch have been caught in the Harpers Ferry area. They are a pleasant surprise as they often are caught by bluegill or drum anglers. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes being caught near wing dams and bottoms of running sloughs. Some eyes are also coming out of Harpers Slough by folks using worm rigs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are being taken all over the river, with most anglers using an egg sinker and nightcrawlers for bait.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 11.5 feet and expected fall slightly over the next week. The Guttenberg city ramp is open. The DNR ramp is open but parking is limited so boaters may have to park on nearby side streets. Please use the city ramp if at all possible. Downstream, the Turkey River ramp is not usable but the Mud Lake ramp and campground is open for business. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are getting ready to spawn and will be aggressive towards minnows for bait floated along rocky areas with current. Flathead Catfish - Slow: The first few flatheads have been reported to us, but the main run of flathead into the tail waters apparently has not started. Most anglers use chubs in heavy current areas for the large flatheads. White Bass - Good: White bass starting to hit along shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Bluegill - Fair: Pockets of nice bluegills are being found in the tail waters. Most anglers using worms for bait. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish exposed rock shoreline with current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting pretty well in the upper part of the pool along shorelines. They tend to be on the small side and remember they need to be 14 inches to keep. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting well on worm fished on the bottom.
River levels on the Upper Mississippi remain high and are expected to be stable to falling slightly over the next week. Stable water levels can make for good fishing on the river. Water temperature has risen to 68 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 13.49 feet and is forecast to drop to 11.5 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on cut bait around snags in the side channels. As the water warmed, stink baits have also been producing. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are biting on small jigs and crawlers in the backwaters in shallow water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are being caught in the backwaters and marinas around structure on soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are catching a few crappie on minnows or jigs in the backwaters in shallow water. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught on the sand flat at steamboat on leeches and crawlers. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers fished on the bottom around wing dams and in side channels in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 12.44 feet and is forecast to drop to 10.8 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair but has diminished somewhat with recent rains. Water temperature is in the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on cut baits, crawlers, and stink bait in the side channels around structure. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill at Middle and South Sabula lakes on crawlers or small jigs under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass bite has been good in Spring Lake and Browns Lake. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching a few crappie in Middle and South Sabula lakes on minnows and small jigs under a bobber. The bite slowed with the rain over the weekend, but should improve as water temperature rises. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are starting to bite on the wing dams. Three-way rigs and crankbaits are producing. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting good on crawlers fished on the bottom.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 14.43 feet and is forecast to remain stable over the weekend before starting to slowly drop. Water clarity is fair but has diminished with recent rains. Water temperature is in the high 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting along rip rap shorelines on leeches drifted under bobbers. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are biting in the tail waters and on the wing dams or along mussel beds and rocky shorelines on three-way rigs, crankbaits, and jigs.
For fishing information in Pool 12 to 15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 11.92 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught along the Rock Island river front fishing nightcrawlers and stink bait on the bottom. Some catfish are being caught floating leeches under a bobber along shorelines with riprap. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing in Sylvan Slough has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 11.44 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Kilpeck Landing and the ramp at Big Timber are closed due to high water. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 13.19 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Many of the boat ramps are still closed due to high water. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage for Pool 19 is just below flood stage. Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 9.69 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been tough due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and stink bait. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16 to 19: River stage has been slowly falling over the past few days but conditions may change due to the recent heavy rains. Some boat ramps are still closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 77 degrees. There is some debris floating in the river so boaters should use caution. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
All the ramps remain underwater and the Toolesboro road also remains closed. They have been able to open the outlet to let water out now.
Lake Belva Deer
The hot weather has put the water temperature into the mid 70s. The really hot weather is making the early morning weather and late evening the best times to fish. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are back into the shallows. A few of the bigger males are in really shallow building nests. Work the open pockets in the weeds to find them. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass are in spawning now. Look for them in the shallow flooded timber and on top the mounds at the upper end of the lake. Crappie - Slow: If you are looking for the crappies they are out suspended over the creek channel at about 8 to 10 feet down.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some very nice 3 to 5 pound fish are being caught. There are also lots of 1/2 to 3/4 pounders being caught using chicken liver (my favorite) and a variety of stink baits. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill have begun moving to their spawning beds. Some nice catches of 7 to 9-inch fish have been caught. Use light tackle and target the evenings. Largemouth Bass - Good: a lot of short bass are being caught around the habitat in shallow water on soft plastics. While most of them are sublegal size and have to be released they will provide some action.
Lake of the Hills
Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are coming in shallow with a few starting to build nests. They are running a little small so some sorting is required. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for the bass to be nesting around the stump fields and around the sunken logs.
Railroad Lake
This Lake of the Hills sister lake has been favored with some warmer water making the fishing a little more active. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is very good. With the rains, I would be targeting the area around the pipe where Bluegrass enters the lake. Bluegill - Excellent: They're in shallow everywhere and they are biting.
Wilson Lake
Anglers are still catching trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Many trout continue to be caught. Try fishing spoons, spinners, and live bait in 4 to 8 feet water. They are still catching limits. Bluegill - Fair: A few good sized bluegills have been caught using light tackle, bobbers, and worms.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The river is finally staying below bank full now. Actually its several feet below that. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good. Work the areas around where the streams come in and around the brush piles. Nightcrawlers and stink baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers are starting to catch some nice flatheads as they start moving around looking to spawn.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river continues to fall slowly. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been fairly good even though the river is falling. This is the time of year to look for grass frog to use for bait.
Big Hollow Lake
This new lake down in Des Moines County is starting to get some attention from the anglers. Go to the Des Moines County Conservation Board Website for more details about its location and a contour map of the lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: Average size is 10 to 14 inches. Use nightcrawlers around the creek channel and gully bottoms. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegills are being found around the jetties and shallow timber. Worm and bobber seem to be working the best. They are starting to build nests. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: While these fish are running just below the length limit, there are lots of them. Work the riprap along the jetties and island as well as the shallows in the flooded timber. Crappie - Slow: The crappies are out in the deeper flooded timber. Try vertical jigging at a depth of 8 to 10 feet.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are moving to the banks to spawn. Fish around rock or wood. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are still shallow and some have moved out off the bank. Anglers have been catching them out to 12 feet of water.
Kent Park Lake
The lake has been slow for fishing. Some bluegills have been caught in the ponds. Anglers that are fly fishing have been doing well in the evenings.
Lake Macbride
The 10 horsepower maximum limit on outboards is in effect. ALL boats must run at no-wake speed (5 mph). Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish are spawning now. Fish along rock banks with live bait. Evenings are best. Crappie - Slow: Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber/minnow or jig. Walleye - Fair: Some fish have been caught jigging over structure, and some fish have been caught trolling crankbaits or live bait. Most fish have come out of 10 to 15 feet of water. Many fish being caught are less than 15 inches.
Central Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Crawlers on the bottom have been producing some catfish. Evenings tend to be best. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are still shallow, while others have moved off the bank. Nice sized fish are available. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try for these with crankbaits, soft plastics, or crawlers. Most fish are 12 to 14 inches.
Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass - Fair: Look for schools moving into the shallows to spawn. Windblown areas tend to be best. Use jigs, spinners, or small crankbaits. Bluegill - Good: Some nice sized fish are being caught. Some are still up in the shallows and others are being caught in about 8 feet of water. Use a small worm either on the bottom or just off the bottom under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many fish are being caught on crawlers along the bottom, but other lures such as crankbaits and soft plastics have been working as well. Most fish are smaller. Remember, largemouth bass have to be 18 inches to keep. Walleye - Good: Anglers trolling crankbaits or using slip bobbers and leeches/crawlers have been catching many smaller fish. Fish in about 15 feet of water for best results.
Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed here. Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish are starting to pick up. Most fish are 12 to 18 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are still shallow but most have moved off the bank to brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. The fish have moved out to the brush now.
Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Try for catfish in the evenings with crawlers or stink bait. Bluegill - Slow: Fishing has slowed for these. Try a small worm around some brush piles. Crappie - Slow: Fishing has slowed for these as well. Fish around brush with a small jig or minnow. Yellow Bass - Excellent: Large schools will be roaming the shallows. Use a small jig, spinner, or minnow to catch these scrappy, tasty fish.
Coralville Reservoir
The current lake level as of June 8 is 686.8 feet and falling. It is predicted to reach normal pool (683.3 feet) on June 13. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. Crappie - Fair: Some larger crappies are being caught. Fish shallower brush and along rocky banks in coves.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Flows coming out of the Coralville Reservoir are 6,000 CFS and are predicted to remain at this level until June 12. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some catfish are still being caught on cut bait or crawlers despite the high flows.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Channel Catfish - Good:
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken liver fished around the rock jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or spinner baits along the shoreline structure.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake had been drained for a lake renovation but work is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The gate has been closed and the lake is refilling. Boat ramps are still not usable.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Fair: Try areas along the shoreline. Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinner baits or plastic worms fished along shore.
Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers have been having some success in the evenings using cut bait or dead chubs. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs along the shoreline. Some sorting will be necessary for larger fish.
Lake Sugema
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs around shoreline structure. Some sorting will be necessary for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig n' pig combo or try spinner baits. Fish areas with submerged structure. Crappie - Good: Use small jigs or minnows along the shorelines or among the flooded timber.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 910.08 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the lower 70s. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to spray, rinse or dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let it dry for at least 10 days. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or minnows. Start in 6 to 8 feet of water and then move shallow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching walleyes on underwater islands pulling night crawler rigs. Tagged walleyes should be reported at 641-647-2406.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are shallow spawning. Some good bluegill are also still being caught fishing crawlers or small tube jigs near the flooded trees in deeper water.
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught shallow, especially in any areas with rock shoreline. Anglers are catching them with small tube jigs and minnows under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Anglers that are fishing for crappie have been catching some walleye as well. Some anglers switched to a jig and crawler presentation and had decent catches of 15 to 18-inch walleye.
Roberts Creek Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught shallow spawning. Roberts Creek currently has some good bluegills averaging 7 to 8 inches. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught shallow in good numbers on small minnows. The crappie population in Roberts Creek is strong right now and is providing some excellent fishing.
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill are spawning. Bluegill are being caught on shallow shorelines throughout the lake. It tends to be better on some of the shallow flats on the upper half of the lake. Big Creek currently has some excellent bluegill with many fish from 8 to 10 inches. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is wrapping up. Some white crappies may still be caught shallow. Fish are now being caught back on deeper brush in 10 feet or more of water and on the roadbeds. 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.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn is going. Bluegill can be caught on beds shallow. Good bluegill are also being caught off the pallet piles in the lower portion of the lake. The bluegill are good sized with some going over 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is mostly finished at Hickory Grove. Some crappie are now being caught on the pallet and brush piles in 8 to 12 feet of water.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Good: Anglers fishing the brush piles near the fishing shelter are doing well on bluegills and picking up a few crappie. Boat anglers targeting the dam area and northwest shore are having similar success. Some large, spawning redear sunfish are also being caught. Fish the gaps and pockets in the vegetation close to shore.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: The large white crappie in the reservoir are still spawning. Anglers fishing in wind protected coves near wood structure in 4 feet or less of water have been catching some good sized crappie over 10 inches.
Saylorville Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Spawning white crappie are being caught near the riprap in the marina bay, Cherry Glen, and Lakeview. Any flooded logs or willows protected from the wind in the back of small coves are also producing a few fish.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Excellent: High water levels have catfish active and feeding. Best baits will be large nightcrawlers or cut bait. White Bass - Good: Anglers continue to catch good numbers of white bass and an occasional wiper below the Saylorville Reservoir.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
White Bass - Fair: The white bass bite is fair below the Red Rock spillway casting jigs or drifting minnows under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Anglers trolling or casting crankbaits below the Red Rock spillway are catching some decent size and numbers of walleye.
The black crappie spawn is near finished, but the white crappie spawn in waters that have them should continue for another week. The bluegill spawn is also going well right now. Rivers are higher than normal, but some excellent catfishing for both channel and flathead catfish is occurring. 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: 2 to 3 pound channel catfish are being caught on shrimp. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on beds spawning. Cast small jigs for 7 inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting spinner baits along shoreline and around jetties.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using cut bait. Bluegill - Good: Find bluegill spawning beds and cast small jigs for fish 7 to 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught trolling jigs around brush piles in 10 to 12 feet of water. Fish average 9 inches with a few 11 inchers being caught.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are biting on shrimp. Fish are averaging 1 to 2 pounds. Bluegill - Good: Spawning on the dam, 7 to 8 inches can be caught. Use small jigs tipped with a crawler.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps and good water quality. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Bluegill - Good: Can be caught in brush piles using small piece of crawler. Bluegills can be caught up to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Bass are all sizes up to 20 inches. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches can still be caught around underwater reefs. A few are being caught drifting jigs in the main lake.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish populations are coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and four feet of water clarity. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait or dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles using plastic baits.
Lake Manawa
Manawa has a slight algal bloom. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using cut bait.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Aquatic vegetation is starting to come on. Small boats or bass buggies will aid in fishing small ponds this time of year. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are spawning and are readily caught casting small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught next to shore casting small spinner baits or using plastics around structure. Crappie - Slow: Target post spawn crappies around structure and in deeper water.
Anglers are still finding bluegills on beds. Bass are spawning. Catfish are moving toward the rip rap areas near shore. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is near normal, the water temperature is above 70 degrees and clarity is fairly good. Bluegill, walleye, bass and bullheads are biting the best. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of nice sized bullheads are being caught on crawlers from shore. Crawlers suspended just above the bottom work the best. Channel Catfish - Excellent: The catfish bite is very good and a lot of fish are coming from near shore. Bluegill - Good: A lot of fish are coming from the tops of the mounds on small jigs. Males have established spawning areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught from the structure in shallow water. Crappie - Slow: An incidental crappie is being caught by anglers targeting other species. The mounds and tree piles are the better spots.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
Water temperature is above 70 degrees. Clarity is excellent. Bluegill - Fair: A few mid-sized bluegills are on the spawning areas near shore.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water temperature is near 70, clarity is extremely good and the fish are spooked easily. Bluegill - Good: Several 8-inch bluegills are biting near-shore. The west corner of the dam and the small bays are best.
Lake of Three Fires
Water temperature is near 75 degrees. Water clarity is 2 1/2 feet at the dam. Bullhead - Good: A lot of bullheads are biting on crawlers on the bottom from just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill on the spawning areas in less than three feet of water. The east end of the dam and cove are the best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass are being caught from near shore all around the lake.
Wilson Park Lake
Water temperature is above 70 degrees and the clarity is about two feet.
Windmill Lake
The water temperature is near 75 degrees and the clarity is about 18 inches. Crappie - Fair: The dam and jetties are still producing a few nice sized crappie.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down nine 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. The water temperature near 75 degrees. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Good: Several channel catfish are biting near the dam on crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of big male bluegills are moving into the shallows to spawn. The corners of the dam and steeper shore-line areas are the best.
Three Mile Lake
The water temperature is near 70 degrees. Water clarity is still pretty good at mid-lake and the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are near structure in water less than three feet deep. Crappie - Fair: Several mid-sized crappies are biting from the flooded trees just off-shore of the spawning areas.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is getting close to 75 degrees. Water clarity is very good. The bluegill bite is better than last week. Bullhead - Good: The shallows of the upper end are producing a lot of giant bullheads, some over two pounds. Crawlers on the bottom during the evenings are the most effective. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegills are biting from the tops of the mounds and the steep sided of the coves. Crawlers are a little better than jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized bass are being caught from near shore.
Water temperatures are well above 70 degrees. Fishing at the small lakes and farm ponds is still very good and steady. The bluegill are spawning near shore. Water clarity is better at most lakes.
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
Nelson Park Lake
Bluegill fishing has really slowed down.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Water clarity is excellent. Panfish have slowed down, but bass fishing has picked up. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill fishing has been slow, but the ones that are caught are big. Try using a small piece of night crawler around the brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Sub legal bass are being caught close to shore. Try a slow sinking rubber worm for bass. Minimum legal length for bass is 15 inches.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Fishing is picking up. Anglers are catching some bluegill and bass along the face of the dam towards the west. A few anglers are picking up catfish at night. Little action for largemouth bass.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water clarity is reduced as algae is coming on. Fishing for bluegill, bass, and crappie is good and some nice walleyes have been caught. Water temperature is in the low 70s.
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 - Good: Anglers continue to do well for walleye. Try using a bottom bouncer and crawler harness around the dredge cuts. Walleye can still be caught from shore as well.
Swan Lake
Large numbers of black crappie are in close to shore all around Swan Lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Water clarity at Black Hawk Lake is around two feet. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Fishing is about the same as last week. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of nice sized bullhead are being caught. Try fishing Ice House Point with a slip bobber and a piece of night crawler. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of nice catfish are still being caught. Anglers can expect to pick up a few catfish while walleye fishing with leeches. Live minnows under a slip bobber have been catching some large channel cats. Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has really slowed down. The fish no longer seem to be in shallow water. Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish the windy shorelines with a small bright jig.
Browns Lake
Brown's Lake is closed to boat traffic. Campground is still open and fishing from shore is allowed.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend is closed to boat traffic.
Little Sioux Park Lake
Water clarity is absolutely superb. Large bluegill (8 to 8.5 inches) are sitting on nests. Channel catfish can be found in the south arm.
Water temperature is in the mid 70s at most of the lakes. 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.
Beeds Lake
Bluegill and crappie are still being caught using small tube jigs or a jig and a piece of crawler casting from shore. A few catfish are also biting on liver or cut bait.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Anglers are catching panfish near shore on a piece of crawler fished under a bobber. A few largemouth bass are also being caught on spinner baits.
Lower Pine Lake
Bluegill and crappie are in near shore, try using a jig and minnow or crawler for best results. For largemouth bass, target the downed trees along the shoreline with a variety of plastic baits. Largemouth bass on both Upper and Lower Pine are nice sized fish with several in the 5 to 6 pound class found in this spring's survey.
Upper Pine Lake
Bluegill and crappie are in near shore, try using a jig and minnow or crawler for best results. For largemouth bass, target the downed trees along the shoreline with a variety of plastic baits. Largemouth bass on both Upper and Lower Pine are nice sized fish with several in the 5 to 6 pound class found in this spring's survey.
Lake Smith
Catfish in the 2 to 5 pound range have been biting on liver and cut bait. Anglers have been catching bluegill and crappie near shore using jigs with crawler. Largemouth bass have also been biting on a variety of plastic baits.
Clear Lake
Walleye are being caught in 6 to 14 feet of water using crawlers, minnows, or trolling plugs. The best areas for walleye have been the reefs, the island, and trolling or drifting along the north shore from Fisherman's reef towards the little lake. Crappie, bluegill, and yellow bass are being caught around the emergent vegetation using jigs with crawler or minnows. Catfish are being caught on the west end of the lake on crawlers or liver.
Lake Cornelia
Anglers have been catching walleye and panfish using jigs with minnows or crawlers. Catfish are also starting to get active, try using stink bait, cut bait or liver for best results.
Black Pit
Anglers are still catching crappie and bluegill in 2 to 8 feet of water on small jigs with minnows or crawlers.
Fin and Feather Lake
A few bluegills are still being caught on jig and crawler or tube jigs in 2 to 8 feet of water.
Interstate Park Lake
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie on a small jig with a piece of crawler or a minnow casting from shore.
For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife station at 641-357-3517.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching bluegill on spawning beds in shallow water with small jigs tipped with a wax worm or plastic tail. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to move deeper with the warm temperatures.
Big Spirit Lake
Bluegill - Good: Try fishing in protected areas on sunny days by docks. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is still consistent in Trickles Slough, Buffalo Run, and Hales Slough. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing has slowed in the past week. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along rock points. Muskellunge - Fair: Anglers are reporting a few muskies being caught and many followers. A few northern pike have been caught while fishing for muskies.
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Fair: Anglers fishing near the Spirit Lake spillway are catching a few white bass. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch are being caught while fishing the spillway. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleye along the west shoreline by Parks Marina in the late afternoon. Yellow Bass - Fair: The yellow bass bite has slowed dramatically. Some fish can still be caught early in the morning and at sunset along rocky shorelines and at the spillway.
Little Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Anglers are reporting catches of large bullhead near the outlet of Little Spirit Lake. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some decent sized perch have been caught fishing at the outlet using a small jig with plastic tails. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum have been caught while fishing for bullhead and perch.
Silver Lake (****inson)
Bullhead - Good: Anglers are reporting catches of bullhead at inlet areas of the lake. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has slowed down in the past week.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Try fishing weed lines in the bays. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing along docks in shallow bays with a small jig and piece of worm or wax worm. Walleye - Good: Dock fisherman and anglers fishing rocky points have had success this past week.
Five Island Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught in the same areas as crappies. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try fishing along rock piles and tree falls along the shorelines. Crappie - Good: Try fishing with a small jig tipped with a twister along brush piles in deeper water.
Lost Island Lake
Crappie - Good: Try fishing by the bridge between the little lake and the main lake along the rocks. Walleye - Good: Anglers have reported good catches of walleye near the rock pile. Yellow Bass - Fair: Some fish are being caught by the bridge while fishing for crappie.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are starting to catch more channel catfish as water temperature has risen. Walleye - Good: Try using a jig and minnow along the bottom.
Fishing has slowed with rapidly warming water temperatures and fish moving out of the shallow areas. The best fishing is in early morning and late afternoon when water temperatures are at their lowest points of the day. Bluegill are now on their spawning beds on area lakes, so look for the beds and you should catch good numbers of bluegill. For more information, contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Big Woods Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being caught near the shallow water bays and off of the jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Brinker Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being caught near the shallow water bays. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
George Wyth Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being caught near the shallow water bays, off of the jetties and the floating dock. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
South Prairie Lake
Reports of both bluegill and crappie being caught on South Prairie Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try fishing with a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
River levels on the Cedar River are currently falling. In Black Hawk and Bremer counties channel catfish angling has remained good to excellent. Also reports of good walleye and smallmouth bass fishing in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Fair: Try fishing chubs under a bobber or casting large spinner baits. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use most any bait; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken livers on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and night crawler slowly retrieved off of the bottom works well. Walleye - Good: Crankbaits or jig and crawler is good this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Channel catfish are biting well on the Shell Rock River with some occasional walleye being reported. Channel Catfish - Good: Dead cut baits or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Walleye - Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a crawler or casting crankbaits work very well this time of year.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsi is falling in Buchanan County. Channel catfish are an anglers best bet right now with current conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Nightcrawlers or dead cut baits fished on the bottom has been good. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Jig tipped with a night crawler or crankbaits are very productive for smallmouth bass this time of year. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig tipped with half a night crawler or casting crankbaits.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Maquoketa River is in excellent condition and prime for fishing. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try nightcrawlers, dead cut baits or stink baits fished on the bottom of the river. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish live or artificial baits this time of year for some great smallmouth action. Walleye - Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a crawler or casting crankbaits work very well this time of year.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in good condition. Call the Manchester District Office for any additional information at 563-927-3276.
Interior rivers are currently falling and have been providing angling opportunities for a variety of different species, especially channel catfish. Anglers are beginning to catch crappie and bluegill on area Black Hawk and Bremer County lakes. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in good condition. For any additional information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 10.8 feet and expected to drop slightly over the next week. Village Creek and Heytman's ramps are open but Army Road Ramp at New Albin is still closed. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are getting ready to spawn and will be aggressive towards minnows for bait floated along rocky areas with current. White Bass - Fair: White bass starting to hit near shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill and other panfish are being taken out of noncurrent areas with a simple bobber and worm rig. With high water bluegill spots are hard to find but usually the fish are concentrated. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish along exposed rock shorelines with current. Small spinners and jigs are working well for concentrated fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting well but finding good shoreline to fish may take some work. Yellow Perch - Good: Really good numbers of yellow perch are in the river this year and usually being caught by those fishing for drum and bluegills. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting well using an egg sinker and worms near shoreline areas.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River levels are still high at Lynxville at 20.4 feet and expected to fall slightly over the next week. Boat ramps at Harpers Ferry and Bussey Lake and Noble's Island are open but Sny Magill is still closed. Northern Pike - Fair: Some nice northern pike being caught in the Sny Magill area. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are getting ready to spawn and will be aggressive towards minnows for bait floated along rocky areas with current. White Bass - Fair: White bass are starting to hit well along shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being taken in the tail water but in places outside the heavy current areas. Some nicer catches of bluegills reported in Bussey lake but anglers should keep moving to find biting fish. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish along exposed rock shoreline with current. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are really hitting well in the upper part of the pool below the dam and near Harpers Ferry. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice perch have been caught in the Harpers Ferry area. They are a pleasant surprise as they often are caught by bluegill or drum anglers. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes being caught near wing dams and bottoms of running sloughs. Some eyes are also coming out of Harpers Slough by folks using worm rigs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are being taken all over the river, with most anglers using an egg sinker and nightcrawlers for bait.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 11.5 feet and expected fall slightly over the next week. The Guttenberg city ramp is open. The DNR ramp is open but parking is limited so boaters may have to park on nearby side streets. Please use the city ramp if at all possible. Downstream, the Turkey River ramp is not usable but the Mud Lake ramp and campground is open for business. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are getting ready to spawn and will be aggressive towards minnows for bait floated along rocky areas with current. Flathead Catfish - Slow: The first few flatheads have been reported to us, but the main run of flathead into the tail waters apparently has not started. Most anglers use chubs in heavy current areas for the large flatheads. White Bass - Good: White bass starting to hit along shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Bluegill - Fair: Pockets of nice bluegills are being found in the tail waters. Most anglers using worms for bait. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish exposed rock shoreline with current. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting pretty well in the upper part of the pool along shorelines. They tend to be on the small side and remember they need to be 14 inches to keep. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting well on worm fished on the bottom.
River levels on the Upper Mississippi remain high and are expected to be stable to falling slightly over the next week. Stable water levels can make for good fishing on the river. Water temperature has risen to 68 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 13.49 feet and is forecast to drop to 11.5 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on cut bait around snags in the side channels. As the water warmed, stink baits have also been producing. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are biting on small jigs and crawlers in the backwaters in shallow water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are being caught in the backwaters and marinas around structure on soft plastics and crankbaits. Crappie - Slow: Anglers are catching a few crappie on minnows or jigs in the backwaters in shallow water. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught on the sand flat at steamboat on leeches and crawlers. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers fished on the bottom around wing dams and in side channels in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 12.44 feet and is forecast to drop to 10.8 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair but has diminished somewhat with recent rains. Water temperature is in the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish biting on cut baits, crawlers, and stink bait in the side channels around structure. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill at Middle and South Sabula lakes on crawlers or small jigs under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass bite has been good in Spring Lake and Browns Lake. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching a few crappie in Middle and South Sabula lakes on minnows and small jigs under a bobber. The bite slowed with the rain over the weekend, but should improve as water temperature rises. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are starting to bite on the wing dams. Three-way rigs and crankbaits are producing. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting good on crawlers fished on the bottom.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 14.43 feet and is forecast to remain stable over the weekend before starting to slowly drop. Water clarity is fair but has diminished with recent rains. Water temperature is in the high 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting along rip rap shorelines on leeches drifted under bobbers. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are biting in the tail waters and on the wing dams or along mussel beds and rocky shorelines on three-way rigs, crankbaits, and jigs.
For fishing information in Pool 12 to 15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 11.92 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught along the Rock Island river front fishing nightcrawlers and stink bait on the bottom. Some catfish are being caught floating leeches under a bobber along shorelines with riprap. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing in Sylvan Slough has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 11.44 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Kilpeck Landing and the ramp at Big Timber are closed due to high water. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 13.19 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Many of the boat ramps are still closed due to high water. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage for Pool 19 is just below flood stage. Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 9.69 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been tough due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught on nightcrawlers and stink bait. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16 to 19: River stage has been slowly falling over the past few days but conditions may change due to the recent heavy rains. Some boat ramps are still closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 77 degrees. There is some debris floating in the river so boaters should use caution. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
All the ramps remain underwater and the Toolesboro road also remains closed. They have been able to open the outlet to let water out now.
Lake Belva Deer
The hot weather has put the water temperature into the mid 70s. The really hot weather is making the early morning weather and late evening the best times to fish. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are back into the shallows. A few of the bigger males are in really shallow building nests. Work the open pockets in the weeds to find them. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass are in spawning now. Look for them in the shallow flooded timber and on top the mounds at the upper end of the lake. Crappie - Slow: If you are looking for the crappies they are out suspended over the creek channel at about 8 to 10 feet down.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Some very nice 3 to 5 pound fish are being caught. There are also lots of 1/2 to 3/4 pounders being caught using chicken liver (my favorite) and a variety of stink baits. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill have begun moving to their spawning beds. Some nice catches of 7 to 9-inch fish have been caught. Use light tackle and target the evenings. Largemouth Bass - Good: a lot of short bass are being caught around the habitat in shallow water on soft plastics. While most of them are sublegal size and have to be released they will provide some action.
Lake of the Hills
Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are coming in shallow with a few starting to build nests. They are running a little small so some sorting is required. Largemouth Bass - Good: Look for the bass to be nesting around the stump fields and around the sunken logs.
Railroad Lake
This Lake of the Hills sister lake has been favored with some warmer water making the fishing a little more active. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is very good. With the rains, I would be targeting the area around the pipe where Bluegrass enters the lake. Bluegill - Excellent: They're in shallow everywhere and they are biting.
Wilson Lake
Anglers are still catching trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Many trout continue to be caught. Try fishing spoons, spinners, and live bait in 4 to 8 feet water. They are still catching limits. Bluegill - Fair: A few good sized bluegills have been caught using light tackle, bobbers, and worms.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The river is finally staying below bank full now. Actually its several feet below that. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good. Work the areas around where the streams come in and around the brush piles. Nightcrawlers and stink baits. Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers are starting to catch some nice flatheads as they start moving around looking to spawn.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river continues to fall slowly. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been fairly good even though the river is falling. This is the time of year to look for grass frog to use for bait.
Big Hollow Lake
This new lake down in Des Moines County is starting to get some attention from the anglers. Go to the Des Moines County Conservation Board Website for more details about its location and a contour map of the lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: Average size is 10 to 14 inches. Use nightcrawlers around the creek channel and gully bottoms. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegills are being found around the jetties and shallow timber. Worm and bobber seem to be working the best. They are starting to build nests. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: While these fish are running just below the length limit, there are lots of them. Work the riprap along the jetties and island as well as the shallows in the flooded timber. Crappie - Slow: The crappies are out in the deeper flooded timber. Try vertical jigging at a depth of 8 to 10 feet.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are moving to the banks to spawn. Fish around rock or wood. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are still shallow and some have moved out off the bank. Anglers have been catching them out to 12 feet of water.
Kent Park Lake
The lake has been slow for fishing. Some bluegills have been caught in the ponds. Anglers that are fly fishing have been doing well in the evenings.
Lake Macbride
The 10 horsepower maximum limit on outboards is in effect. ALL boats must run at no-wake speed (5 mph). Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish are spawning now. Fish along rock banks with live bait. Evenings are best. Crappie - Slow: Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber/minnow or jig. Walleye - Fair: Some fish have been caught jigging over structure, and some fish have been caught trolling crankbaits or live bait. Most fish have come out of 10 to 15 feet of water. Many fish being caught are less than 15 inches.
Central Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Crawlers on the bottom have been producing some catfish. Evenings tend to be best. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are still shallow, while others have moved off the bank. Nice sized fish are available. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try for these with crankbaits, soft plastics, or crawlers. Most fish are 12 to 14 inches.
Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass - Fair: Look for schools moving into the shallows to spawn. Windblown areas tend to be best. Use jigs, spinners, or small crankbaits. Bluegill - Good: Some nice sized fish are being caught. Some are still up in the shallows and others are being caught in about 8 feet of water. Use a small worm either on the bottom or just off the bottom under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many fish are being caught on crawlers along the bottom, but other lures such as crankbaits and soft plastics have been working as well. Most fish are smaller. Remember, largemouth bass have to be 18 inches to keep. Walleye - Good: Anglers trolling crankbaits or using slip bobbers and leeches/crawlers have been catching many smaller fish. Fish in about 15 feet of water for best results.
Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed here. Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish are starting to pick up. Most fish are 12 to 18 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are still shallow but most have moved off the bank to brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. The fish have moved out to the brush now.
Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Try for catfish in the evenings with crawlers or stink bait. Bluegill - Slow: Fishing has slowed for these. Try a small worm around some brush piles. Crappie - Slow: Fishing has slowed for these as well. Fish around brush with a small jig or minnow. Yellow Bass - Excellent: Large schools will be roaming the shallows. Use a small jig, spinner, or minnow to catch these scrappy, tasty fish.
Coralville Reservoir
The current lake level as of June 8 is 686.8 feet and falling. It is predicted to reach normal pool (683.3 feet) on June 13. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. Crappie - Fair: Some larger crappies are being caught. Fish shallower brush and along rocky banks in coves.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Flows coming out of the Coralville Reservoir are 6,000 CFS and are predicted to remain at this level until June 12. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some catfish are still being caught on cut bait or crawlers despite the high flows.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Channel Catfish - Good:
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken liver fished around the rock jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use rubber worms or spinner baits along the shoreline structure.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake had been drained for a lake renovation but work is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The gate has been closed and the lake is refilling. Boat ramps are still not usable.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Fair: Try areas along the shoreline. Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinner baits or plastic worms fished along shore.
Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers have been having some success in the evenings using cut bait or dead chubs. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs along the shoreline. Some sorting will be necessary for larger fish.
Lake Sugema
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs around shoreline structure. Some sorting will be necessary for larger fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use a jig n' pig combo or try spinner baits. Fish areas with submerged structure. Crappie - Good: Use small jigs or minnows along the shorelines or among the flooded timber.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 910.08 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the lower 70s. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to spray, rinse or dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let it dry for at least 10 days. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or minnows. Start in 6 to 8 feet of water and then move shallow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching walleyes on underwater islands pulling night crawler rigs. Tagged walleyes should be reported at 641-647-2406.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are shallow spawning. Some good bluegill are also still being caught fishing crawlers or small tube jigs near the flooded trees in deeper water.
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught shallow, especially in any areas with rock shoreline. Anglers are catching them with small tube jigs and minnows under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Anglers that are fishing for crappie have been catching some walleye as well. Some anglers switched to a jig and crawler presentation and had decent catches of 15 to 18-inch walleye.
Roberts Creek Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught shallow spawning. Roberts Creek currently has some good bluegills averaging 7 to 8 inches. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught shallow in good numbers on small minnows. The crappie population in Roberts Creek is strong right now and is providing some excellent fishing.
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill are spawning. Bluegill are being caught on shallow shorelines throughout the lake. It tends to be better on some of the shallow flats on the upper half of the lake. Big Creek currently has some excellent bluegill with many fish from 8 to 10 inches. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is wrapping up. Some white crappies may still be caught shallow. Fish are now being caught back on deeper brush in 10 feet or more of water and on the roadbeds. 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.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn is going. Bluegill can be caught on beds shallow. Good bluegill are also being caught off the pallet piles in the lower portion of the lake. The bluegill are good sized with some going over 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is mostly finished at Hickory Grove. Some crappie are now being caught on the pallet and brush piles in 8 to 12 feet of water.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Good: Anglers fishing the brush piles near the fishing shelter are doing well on bluegills and picking up a few crappie. Boat anglers targeting the dam area and northwest shore are having similar success. Some large, spawning redear sunfish are also being caught. Fish the gaps and pockets in the vegetation close to shore.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: The large white crappie in the reservoir are still spawning. Anglers fishing in wind protected coves near wood structure in 4 feet or less of water have been catching some good sized crappie over 10 inches.
Saylorville Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Spawning white crappie are being caught near the riprap in the marina bay, Cherry Glen, and Lakeview. Any flooded logs or willows protected from the wind in the back of small coves are also producing a few fish.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Excellent: High water levels have catfish active and feeding. Best baits will be large nightcrawlers or cut bait. White Bass - Good: Anglers continue to catch good numbers of white bass and an occasional wiper below the Saylorville Reservoir.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
White Bass - Fair: The white bass bite is fair below the Red Rock spillway casting jigs or drifting minnows under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Anglers trolling or casting crankbaits below the Red Rock spillway are catching some decent size and numbers of walleye.
The black crappie spawn is near finished, but the white crappie spawn in waters that have them should continue for another week. The bluegill spawn is also going well right now. Rivers are higher than normal, but some excellent catfishing for both channel and flathead catfish is occurring. 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: 2 to 3 pound channel catfish are being caught on shrimp. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are on beds spawning. Cast small jigs for 7 inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting spinner baits along shoreline and around jetties.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using cut bait. Bluegill - Good: Find bluegill spawning beds and cast small jigs for fish 7 to 8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught trolling jigs around brush piles in 10 to 12 feet of water. Fish average 9 inches with a few 11 inchers being caught.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are biting on shrimp. Fish are averaging 1 to 2 pounds. Bluegill - Good: Spawning on the dam, 7 to 8 inches can be caught. Use small jigs tipped with a crawler.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps and good water quality. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Bluegill - Good: Can be caught in brush piles using small piece of crawler. Bluegills can be caught up to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Bass are all sizes up to 20 inches. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches can still be caught around underwater reefs. A few are being caught drifting jigs in the main lake.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish populations are coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and four feet of water clarity. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait or dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles using plastic baits.
Lake Manawa
Manawa has a slight algal bloom. Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using cut bait.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Aquatic vegetation is starting to come on. Small boats or bass buggies will aid in fishing small ponds this time of year. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are spawning and are readily caught casting small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught next to shore casting small spinner baits or using plastics around structure. Crappie - Slow: Target post spawn crappies around structure and in deeper water.
Anglers are still finding bluegills on beds. Bass are spawning. Catfish are moving toward the rip rap areas near shore. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is near normal, the water temperature is above 70 degrees and clarity is fairly good. Bluegill, walleye, bass and bullheads are biting the best. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of nice sized bullheads are being caught on crawlers from shore. Crawlers suspended just above the bottom work the best. Channel Catfish - Excellent: The catfish bite is very good and a lot of fish are coming from near shore. Bluegill - Good: A lot of fish are coming from the tops of the mounds on small jigs. Males have established spawning areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught from the structure in shallow water. Crappie - Slow: An incidental crappie is being caught by anglers targeting other species. The mounds and tree piles are the better spots.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
Water temperature is above 70 degrees. Clarity is excellent. Bluegill - Fair: A few mid-sized bluegills are on the spawning areas near shore.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water temperature is near 70, clarity is extremely good and the fish are spooked easily. Bluegill - Good: Several 8-inch bluegills are biting near-shore. The west corner of the dam and the small bays are best.
Lake of Three Fires
Water temperature is near 75 degrees. Water clarity is 2 1/2 feet at the dam. Bullhead - Good: A lot of bullheads are biting on crawlers on the bottom from just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill on the spawning areas in less than three feet of water. The east end of the dam and cove are the best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass are being caught from near shore all around the lake.
Wilson Park Lake
Water temperature is above 70 degrees and the clarity is about two feet.
Windmill Lake
The water temperature is near 75 degrees and the clarity is about 18 inches. Crappie - Fair: The dam and jetties are still producing a few nice sized crappie.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down nine 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. The water temperature near 75 degrees. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Good: Several channel catfish are biting near the dam on crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of big male bluegills are moving into the shallows to spawn. The corners of the dam and steeper shore-line areas are the best.
Three Mile Lake
The water temperature is near 70 degrees. Water clarity is still pretty good at mid-lake and the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are near structure in water less than three feet deep. Crappie - Fair: Several mid-sized crappies are biting from the flooded trees just off-shore of the spawning areas.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is getting close to 75 degrees. Water clarity is very good. The bluegill bite is better than last week. Bullhead - Good: The shallows of the upper end are producing a lot of giant bullheads, some over two pounds. Crawlers on the bottom during the evenings are the most effective. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegills are biting from the tops of the mounds and the steep sided of the coves. Crawlers are a little better than jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized bass are being caught from near shore.
Water temperatures are well above 70 degrees. Fishing at the small lakes and farm ponds is still very good and steady. The bluegill are spawning near shore. Water clarity is better at most lakes.