- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: June 16, 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 is still slow.
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. Channel catfishing has been decent around the handicapped accessible pier using chicken liver or shrimp. Panfish have been biting along the dam on the west end.
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 temp 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. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfishing is good from shore and boat. Use the usual baits like stink bait, shrimp, cut bait, and minnows. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers have been doing the best for walleye. Most are drifting or trolling bottom bouncers with a crawler harness or a leech around the dredge cuts.
North Twin Lake
Anglers have been catching a little bit of everything including yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and channel catfish.
Black Hawk Lake
Water clarity is around two feet. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of nice sized bullheads 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: Cast crankbaits around points and rocky areas. Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish the windy shorelines with a small bright jig. Minnows are catching large yellow bass.
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.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Anglers are picking up bluegill off the nests, crappie off the brush piles, and catfish in the evening with stink bait and chicken livers.
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
Some bluegills are still being caught using a jig and crawler casting around the spawning beds. Largemouth bass are being caught on a variety of spinner baits. A few channel catfish are also biting on cut bait.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Some largemouth bass are being caught on spinner baits or plastic worms. Anglers are still catching panfish around the spawning beds on a crawler fished under a bobber.
Lower Pine Lake
Anglers are still catching bluegill and crappie near shore using a jig and crawler. For largemouth bass, target the downed trees along the shoreline with a variety of plastic baits or spinners. Largemouth bass on both Upper and Lower Pine are nice sized fish with several 5 to 6 pounders 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 5 to 6 pounders in this spring's survey.
Lake Smith
Channel catfish are active and fish in the 2 to 5 pound range have been biting on cut bait. Largemouth bass have also been biting on a variety of spinners and plastic baits. The panfish bite has slowed a little this past week due to colder temperatures.
Lake Catherine
Anglers are catching bluegill on a small jig with a crawler. Largemouth bass are being caught on plastic worms or spinner baits.
Clear Lake
Anglers fishing in the early morning are catching walleye jigging on the rock piles with leeches or crawlers. Walleye are also being caught while trolling with crankbaits or spinners with crawlers. Yellow bass fishing has slowed a little but anglers are still catching some in the early mornings on jig and minnow or crawler. Channel catfish are being caught using stink bait or crawlers.
Lake Cornelia
Boat anglers are still catching walleye trolling with crankbaits or drifting with jig and minnows or crawlers. White bass are being caught on spinner baits. Channel catfish are biting on cut bait fished on the bottom.
Little Wall Lake
Anglers are catching crappie on jigs tipped with crawlers or small minnows. Largemouth bass are biting on spinner baits or plugs. Channel catfish are also being caught fished with cut bait.
Morse Lake
Bullhead fishing has been good from shore with crawlers fished on the bottom.
Bluebill Lake
Anglers have been catching yellow perch, bluegill, and crappies along the weed edge with a jig and crawler fished off the bottom. A few channel catfish have also been caught this way. Largemouth bass are also being caught on jig and minnow or plastic worm.
Interstate Park Lake
Anglers are still catching bluegill and crappie on a jig with crawler or minnow casting from shore.
For more fishing information in north central Iowa 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 to deeper with the warm water.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Anglers casting into the bulrushes in Angler's Bay are catching good numbers of northern pike. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing along Jackson Point and Trickles Slough as fish are on their spawning beds. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting live bait on Big Stoney and Cottonwood points. Some fish are being caught in the bulrushes also. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed in the past week with fish leaving their spawning areas. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing has been good to excellent in the past week. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along rock points. During the day fish are being caught in 18-20 feet of water along the lake. 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
Channel Catfish - Good: Now is the time of year to be fishing along the shoreline for channel catfish as they are protecting their nests. Try fishing with cut bait or night crawlers along the shoreline. 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 is slow with a few small fish being caught.
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)
With recent rainfalls, the river is going up quickly. Once the river stabilizes, try fishing backwater areas for channel catfish and walleye.
The best fishing on area lakes has been early in the morning and late afternoon when water temperature is at its lowest point of the day and fish are in shallow. 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 on fishing the above lakes and rivers, contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Fish have moved off beds and are in deeper water.
Lake Hendricks
The road T68 to Lake Hendricks will be under construction through late June. Use the north entrance which can be accessed by the gravel road (Birch Ave.) to the east of Riceville. Water temperature earlier in the week was approaching 80 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have moved off beds and can be found in deeper water along weed edges. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are post spawn and moving off beds. There are still a few on shore.
Lake Meyer
Fish haven't been as aggressive this week but they are still biting. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northerns are being caught while fishing for other species. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing along weed lines using a worm dangled under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on soft plastics fished along weed edges. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are in deeper water and can be caught using minnows.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are slowly dropping still and clarity is excellent. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Fair:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Most activity is happening from the mouth of Canoe Creek downstream. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been having luck using Rebel craws and Rapalas. Walleye - Fair: Smaller walleye are biting on jigs and Rapalas.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is good. Catfish activity is picking up and anglers are having great luck in slower moving water or off channel areas. The new kayak trail in Charles City seems to be a hotspot for cats this week. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Excellent: Cats are biting on a variety of baits, chicken liver, crawlers and chubs. Crawlers can be fished off the bottom or floated under a bobber. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having best luck around Charles City area using jigs tipped with minnow. Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
March Browns (#12 or #14), Large Sulphurs (#16), Small Sulphurs (#18), Blue Wing Olives (#18) and numerous caddisflies (#14 or #16) have all been hatching regularly on northeast Iowa streams, often simultaneously. For the late afternoon and early evening Sulphur hatches, try any pale yellow mayfly pattern for dry fly fishing. If you're looking for bigger browns on a dry fly, fish the March Brown hatch. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736 or visit the DNR website.
Area lakes and river water temperatures continue to warm. Water levels on rivers are fairly stable. Trout streams with better land management and water quality will clear faster. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
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 the jetties. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try 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 a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try 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 the jetties and the floating dock. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Plainfield
Anglers are catching bluegill while on their spawning beds. Bluegill - Good: Try a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber near or along shoreline areas.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is currently falling. In Black Hawk and Bremer counties, channel catfish angling has remained good to excellent. Also reports of good smallmouth bass fishing in Bremer County. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Most anything; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken liver fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and nightcrawler slowly retrieved off the bottom works well. Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits or jig and crawler is good this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Channel catfish are biting well with some occasional walleye and smallmouth bass being reported. Channel Catfish - Good: Dead cut baits or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and nightcrawler slowly retrieved off of the bottom works well. 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 remains steady in Buchanan County. Channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye are an anglers best bet 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 nightcrawler or crankbaits are very productive for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig tipped with half a nightcrawler or casting crankbaits.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River has risen with recent rainfall and remains turbid; rain is also being forecast for most evenings over the weekend. Catfish would be an anglers best bet with the current conditions. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try nightcrawlers, dead cut baits or stink baits fished on the bottom.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in good condition but evening rains are being forecasted. Call the Manchester District Office for stream conditions or 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 9.5 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 spawning and are biting on 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: 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: Lots of small largemouths are being caught along rocky shorelines with spinners. 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 - Fair: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. Many of the walleyes reported are in the 14-inch range, slightly too small to keep. 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 18.8 feet and expected to fall slightly over the next week. Boat ramps at Harpers Ferry and Bussey Lake and Noble's Island. Sny Magill may be open but expect mud and debris on ramp due to recent flooding. Northern Pike - No Report: Not much has been reported lately on northern pike but excellent populations exist in Pool 10 with many 10 pound plus fish. Channel Catfish - Good: Small channel catfish are being reported in the Lynxville tail water and some larger fish are being taken above the dam at Guttenberg. 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 walleyes 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 a nightcrawler for bait.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 10.3 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. 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. White Bass - Good: White bass starting to hit along shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Some white bass are being found near the mouth of the Turkey River. Bluegill - Fair: Pockets of nice bluegills are being found in the tail waters. Most anglers are using worms. 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 - Fair: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. They tend to be just under the legal size of 15 inches. 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 is still around 68 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 12.14 feet and is forecast to drop to 10.8 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the low 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on cut bait around snags in the side channels. As the water was 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 - Fair: 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 inside channels in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 11.39 feet and is forecast to drop to 10.0 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair. Water temperature is in the low 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 - Fair: 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 13.63 feet and is forecast to drop to 12.6 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair but has diminished with recent rains. Water temperature is in the low 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 12-15 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 11.57 feet and has been slowly falling the past few days. Flood stage is 15 feet. Water clarity is poor due to recent heavy rains. 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. Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina floating crawlers under bobbers. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Slow: Some walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Prior to the recent heavy rains, some walleye were being picked up trolling the wing dams along Credit Island.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 11.48 feet and has been slowly falling the past few days. 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 14.00 feet. River levels are forecast to begin falling slowly during the weekend. 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 above flood stage. Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10.87 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been tough due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: River level in Pools 16 and 17 have been falling slowly the past couple of days. River level in Pools 18 and 19 are forecast to begin falling during the weekend. Some boat ramps are still closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 70 degrees and water clarity is poor. There is some debris floating in the river so boaters should use caution. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 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
Recent heavy rains have made the lake turbid. The clearer water is from the campground area and down, but look for that to muddy up as the week progresses. Bluegill - Fair: The spawning activity is sporadic. If they are not in shallow, try in 10 to 15 feet of water. But there is no guarantee that they will be in the same place two days in a row. Largemouth Bass - Fair: 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.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Nice fish continue to be caught using chicken liver. Look to the shallow bays where water is running into the lake to find them. Bluegill - Good: Look for the bluegills around the tree piles and pallet beds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: a lot of short bass are being caught around the habitat in shallow water on soft plastics. While most of them are sublegal 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. Top water lures are doing well early and late. Fish plastic worms along the deeper drop-offs during the mid-day.
Railroad Lake
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is very good. With the rains, target 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: The hot weather has moved the trout to deeper water along the dam. Fish near the bottom.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Flooded
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Minor flood level. Forecast to fall below bank full next week. Channel Catfish - Good: The catfishing has been fairly good even though the river is falling. This is the time to use grass frogs for bait.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: The 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
Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish around rock with crawlers or stink bait. Evenings have been best. Fish size has been on the smaller side so far. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught. Some are still shallow, while others have moved out to deeper water.
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 10-15 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 12-14 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 - Fair: 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 have been 12-18 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. Yellow Bass - Good: 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 16 is 692.3 feet and rising. It is predicted to crest at 692.9 feet on Friday afternoon, and then begin slowly falling (barring any additional rain). Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. Most fish are being caught along the rocks. White Bass - Fair: Throw jigs or small crankbaits along the rocks. Crappie - Slow: Some larger crappies are being caught. Fish shallow flooded brush with a jig or minnow.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try using dead chubs around the rock jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6-10 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 filling. The boat ramps are still not usable.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinner baits or plastic worms fished along shoreline structure.
Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been having some success in the evenings using cut bait or dead chubs.
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 - Fair: Use small jigs or minnows among the flooded timber.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 910.74 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs around areas with large rocks such as Bridgeview or along the dam. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or minnows. Start in 6-8 feet of water and then move shallow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching walleyes on underwater islands pulling nightcrawler rigs. Another option would be baits that mimic small shad like chrome colored crankbaits or blade baits. 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 still being caught shallow. Some good sized bluegill are also being caught fishing crawlers or small tube jigs near the flooded trees in the upper end of the lake.
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught shallow, especially in any areas with rock shoreline, 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.
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn is nearing the end. Bluegill are still being caught on shallow shorelines throughout the lake, especially in the east and west arms at the upper end. Big Creek currently has some excellent bluegill with many fish from 8 to 10 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappie have moved off into deeper water. They are being caught suspended by drifting, especially over the roadbeds, and on the sunken brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Occasional walleye over 15 inches are being with live bait setups. Almost all are being caught on the upper half of the lake.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn at Hickory Grove is wrapping up. Some bluegill can still be caught on beds shallow, but the better fishing is moving to the pallet and brush piles in 8 to 12 feet of water. The bluegill are good size with some going over 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught on the pallet and brush piles in 8 to 12 feet of water, and also by drifting small jigs mid lake.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Good: Decent bluegill and large redear sunfish are being caught with crawlers fished in any open pockets of vegetation.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: White bass are being caught by trolling lipless crankbaits and spoons.
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. Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers bank poling for flatheads are doing well. Good numbers of large flathead move from Saylorville up river to spawn now into July. 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 bluegill spawn is past peak, but some can still be caught shallow spawning. Rivers are running high, but some excellent catfishing, channels and flatheads, 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. Lake is full. Channel Catfish - Fair: Two-3 pound channel catfish are being caught on shrimp. Bluegill - Fair: 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 - Fair: Find bluegill spawning beds and cast small jigs for fish 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught trolling jigs around brush piles in 10-12 feet of water. Fish average 9 inches with a few 11-inchers caught.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is now in the upper 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are close to shore in rip rap areas. Shrimp has been a good bait on fish averaging 1-2 pounds. Bluegill - Fair: Spawning on the dam, 7-8 inchers can be caught on a small jig tipped with a crawler.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps and good water quality. Water temperature is in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in brush piles using small piece of crawler. Fish are 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.
Willow Lake
Willow Lake has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught around the jetties casting small jigs tipped with crawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught in the middle of the lake near the trees in 10 feet of water using a variety of tackle.
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 - Good: Channel catfish are being caught along rocky shorelines using cut bait or dead minnows. Fish average 2-3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles using plastic baits.
Lake Manawa
Manawa is full and 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
There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. 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 still finding bluegills on beds. Catfish are in rip rap areas near shore. Water temperature is in the mid 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 in the mid 70s and the water clarity is about 30 inches. The bluegill, walleye, bass, and bullheads are biting. 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 biting from near shore. Bluegill - Good: A lot of fish are coming from the tops of the mounds on small jigs. Males on the spawning areas are a big portion of the catch. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught from the structure in shallow water. Crappie - Slow: Some crappie are caught by anglers targeting other species. The mounds and tree piles are the best 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. The quiet coves are the best.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water temperature is above 70 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Good: Several 8-inch bluegills are biting near-shore. The west corner of the dam and the small bays are best. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth are being caught from the structure near shore in the evenings.
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: Bluegills are on the spawning areas in less than 3 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.
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. The water temperature is 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 shoreline areas are the best.
Three Mile Lake
The water temperature is above 70 degrees. Water clarity is good at mid-lake and the dam. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are biting in the shallows on crawlers or liver. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught near shore and the tops of the mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are near structure in water less than 3 feet deep. Walleye - Fair: A few mid-sized walleye are being caught from the roadway and the steep sloped areas on leeches.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is getting near 75 degrees. Water clarity is very good. The bluegill bite is about the same as last week. Bullhead - Excellent: The shallows of the upper end are producing a lot of giant bullheads. Some are over 2 pounds. Crawlers on the bottom during the evenings are the most effective. Bluegill - Excellent: A lot of bluegill are being caught from the tops of the mounds and near shore in the steep sided coves. Crawlers are a little better than jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized bass are being caught from near shore. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught off the mounds. Leeches are the best crawlers and minnows are working also.
Water temperature is well above 70 degrees. Fishing at the small lakes and farm ponds is still very good. Water clarity is good at most lakes. Bluegills, channel catfish, and walleye are all 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
Nelson Park Lake
Bluegill fishing is still slow.
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. Channel catfishing has been decent around the handicapped accessible pier using chicken liver or shrimp. Panfish have been biting along the dam on the west end.
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 temp 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. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfishing is good from shore and boat. Use the usual baits like stink bait, shrimp, cut bait, and minnows. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers have been doing the best for walleye. Most are drifting or trolling bottom bouncers with a crawler harness or a leech around the dredge cuts.
North Twin Lake
Anglers have been catching a little bit of everything including yellow bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and channel catfish.
Black Hawk Lake
Water clarity is around two feet. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of nice sized bullheads 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: Cast crankbaits around points and rocky areas. Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish the windy shorelines with a small bright jig. Minnows are catching large yellow bass.
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.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Anglers are picking up bluegill off the nests, crappie off the brush piles, and catfish in the evening with stink bait and chicken livers.
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
Some bluegills are still being caught using a jig and crawler casting around the spawning beds. Largemouth bass are being caught on a variety of spinner baits. A few channel catfish are also biting on cut bait.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Some largemouth bass are being caught on spinner baits or plastic worms. Anglers are still catching panfish around the spawning beds on a crawler fished under a bobber.
Lower Pine Lake
Anglers are still catching bluegill and crappie near shore using a jig and crawler. For largemouth bass, target the downed trees along the shoreline with a variety of plastic baits or spinners. Largemouth bass on both Upper and Lower Pine are nice sized fish with several 5 to 6 pounders 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 5 to 6 pounders in this spring's survey.
Lake Smith
Channel catfish are active and fish in the 2 to 5 pound range have been biting on cut bait. Largemouth bass have also been biting on a variety of spinners and plastic baits. The panfish bite has slowed a little this past week due to colder temperatures.
Lake Catherine
Anglers are catching bluegill on a small jig with a crawler. Largemouth bass are being caught on plastic worms or spinner baits.
Clear Lake
Anglers fishing in the early morning are catching walleye jigging on the rock piles with leeches or crawlers. Walleye are also being caught while trolling with crankbaits or spinners with crawlers. Yellow bass fishing has slowed a little but anglers are still catching some in the early mornings on jig and minnow or crawler. Channel catfish are being caught using stink bait or crawlers.
Lake Cornelia
Boat anglers are still catching walleye trolling with crankbaits or drifting with jig and minnows or crawlers. White bass are being caught on spinner baits. Channel catfish are biting on cut bait fished on the bottom.
Little Wall Lake
Anglers are catching crappie on jigs tipped with crawlers or small minnows. Largemouth bass are biting on spinner baits or plugs. Channel catfish are also being caught fished with cut bait.
Morse Lake
Bullhead fishing has been good from shore with crawlers fished on the bottom.
Bluebill Lake
Anglers have been catching yellow perch, bluegill, and crappies along the weed edge with a jig and crawler fished off the bottom. A few channel catfish have also been caught this way. Largemouth bass are also being caught on jig and minnow or plastic worm.
Interstate Park Lake
Anglers are still catching bluegill and crappie on a jig with crawler or minnow casting from shore.
For more fishing information in north central Iowa 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 to deeper with the warm water.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Anglers casting into the bulrushes in Angler's Bay are catching good numbers of northern pike. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing along Jackson Point and Trickles Slough as fish are on their spawning beds. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting live bait on Big Stoney and Cottonwood points. Some fish are being caught in the bulrushes also. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed in the past week with fish leaving their spawning areas. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing has been good to excellent in the past week. Try fishing early morning and late afternoon along rock points. During the day fish are being caught in 18-20 feet of water along the lake. 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
Channel Catfish - Good: Now is the time of year to be fishing along the shoreline for channel catfish as they are protecting their nests. Try fishing with cut bait or night crawlers along the shoreline. 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 is slow with a few small fish being caught.
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)
With recent rainfalls, the river is going up quickly. Once the river stabilizes, try fishing backwater areas for channel catfish and walleye.
The best fishing on area lakes has been early in the morning and late afternoon when water temperature is at its lowest point of the day and fish are in shallow. 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 on fishing the above lakes and rivers, contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Fish have moved off beds and are in deeper water.
Lake Hendricks
The road T68 to Lake Hendricks will be under construction through late June. Use the north entrance which can be accessed by the gravel road (Birch Ave.) to the east of Riceville. Water temperature earlier in the week was approaching 80 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have moved off beds and can be found in deeper water along weed edges. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are post spawn and moving off beds. There are still a few on shore.
Lake Meyer
Fish haven't been as aggressive this week but they are still biting. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northerns are being caught while fishing for other species. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing along weed lines using a worm dangled under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are biting on soft plastics fished along weed edges. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are in deeper water and can be caught using minnows.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are slowly dropping still and clarity is excellent. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Fair:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Most activity is happening from the mouth of Canoe Creek downstream. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been having luck using Rebel craws and Rapalas. Walleye - Fair: Smaller walleye are biting on jigs and Rapalas.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is good. Catfish activity is picking up and anglers are having great luck in slower moving water or off channel areas. The new kayak trail in Charles City seems to be a hotspot for cats this week. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Excellent: Cats are biting on a variety of baits, chicken liver, crawlers and chubs. Crawlers can be fished off the bottom or floated under a bobber. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having best luck around Charles City area using jigs tipped with minnow. Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
March Browns (#12 or #14), Large Sulphurs (#16), Small Sulphurs (#18), Blue Wing Olives (#18) and numerous caddisflies (#14 or #16) have all been hatching regularly on northeast Iowa streams, often simultaneously. For the late afternoon and early evening Sulphur hatches, try any pale yellow mayfly pattern for dry fly fishing. If you're looking for bigger browns on a dry fly, fish the March Brown hatch. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736 or visit the DNR website.
Area lakes and river water temperatures continue to warm. Water levels on rivers are fairly stable. Trout streams with better land management and water quality will clear faster. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
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 the jetties. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing with a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try 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 a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try 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 the jetties and the floating dock. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Try a crappie minnow under a bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Plainfield
Anglers are catching bluegill while on their spawning beds. Bluegill - Good: Try a small hook or small jig with a piece of nightcrawler fished under a bobber near or along shoreline areas.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is currently falling. In Black Hawk and Bremer counties, channel catfish angling has remained good to excellent. Also reports of good smallmouth bass fishing in Bremer County. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Most anything; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken liver fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and nightcrawler slowly retrieved off the bottom works well. Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits or jig and crawler is good this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Channel catfish are biting well with some occasional walleye and smallmouth bass being reported. Channel Catfish - Good: Dead cut baits or nightcrawlers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and nightcrawler slowly retrieved off of the bottom works well. 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 remains steady in Buchanan County. Channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye are an anglers best bet 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 nightcrawler or crankbaits are very productive for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Try a jig tipped with half a nightcrawler or casting crankbaits.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River has risen with recent rainfall and remains turbid; rain is also being forecast for most evenings over the weekend. Catfish would be an anglers best bet with the current conditions. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try nightcrawlers, dead cut baits or stink baits fished on the bottom.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in good condition but evening rains are being forecasted. Call the Manchester District Office for stream conditions or 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 9.5 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 spawning and are biting on 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: 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: Lots of small largemouths are being caught along rocky shorelines with spinners. 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 - Fair: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. Many of the walleyes reported are in the 14-inch range, slightly too small to keep. 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 18.8 feet and expected to fall slightly over the next week. Boat ramps at Harpers Ferry and Bussey Lake and Noble's Island. Sny Magill may be open but expect mud and debris on ramp due to recent flooding. Northern Pike - No Report: Not much has been reported lately on northern pike but excellent populations exist in Pool 10 with many 10 pound plus fish. Channel Catfish - Good: Small channel catfish are being reported in the Lynxville tail water and some larger fish are being taken above the dam at Guttenberg. 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 walleyes 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 a nightcrawler for bait.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 10.3 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. 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. White Bass - Good: White bass starting to hit along shorelines. Look for jumping minnows and pitch small white jigs or spinners. Some white bass are being found near the mouth of the Turkey River. Bluegill - Fair: Pockets of nice bluegills are being found in the tail waters. Most anglers are using worms. 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 - Fair: A few walleye being caught near wing dams and the bottoms of running sloughs. They tend to be just under the legal size of 15 inches. 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 is still around 68 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 12.14 feet and is forecast to drop to 10.8 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the low 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats are biting on cut bait around snags in the side channels. As the water was 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 - Fair: 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 inside channels in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 11.39 feet and is forecast to drop to 10.0 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair. Water temperature is in the low 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 - Fair: 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 13.63 feet and is forecast to drop to 12.6 feet by this time next week. Water clarity is fair but has diminished with recent rains. Water temperature is in the low 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 12-15 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 11.57 feet and has been slowly falling the past few days. Flood stage is 15 feet. Water clarity is poor due to recent heavy rains. 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. Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina floating crawlers under bobbers. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Slow: Some walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Prior to the recent heavy rains, some walleye were being picked up trolling the wing dams along Credit Island.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 11.48 feet and has been slowly falling the past few days. 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 14.00 feet. River levels are forecast to begin falling slowly during the weekend. 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 above flood stage. Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10.87 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been tough due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Pools 16-19: River level in Pools 16 and 17 have been falling slowly the past couple of days. River level in Pools 18 and 19 are forecast to begin falling during the weekend. Some boat ramps are still closed due to high water. Main channel water temperature is around 70 degrees and water clarity is poor. There is some debris floating in the river so boaters should use caution. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 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
Recent heavy rains have made the lake turbid. The clearer water is from the campground area and down, but look for that to muddy up as the week progresses. Bluegill - Fair: The spawning activity is sporadic. If they are not in shallow, try in 10 to 15 feet of water. But there is no guarantee that they will be in the same place two days in a row. Largemouth Bass - Fair: 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.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Nice fish continue to be caught using chicken liver. Look to the shallow bays where water is running into the lake to find them. Bluegill - Good: Look for the bluegills around the tree piles and pallet beds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: a lot of short bass are being caught around the habitat in shallow water on soft plastics. While most of them are sublegal 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. Top water lures are doing well early and late. Fish plastic worms along the deeper drop-offs during the mid-day.
Railroad Lake
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is very good. With the rains, target 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: The hot weather has moved the trout to deeper water along the dam. Fish near the bottom.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Flooded
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Minor flood level. Forecast to fall below bank full next week. Channel Catfish - Good: The catfishing has been fairly good even though the river is falling. This is the time to use grass frogs for bait.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: The 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
Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish around rock with crawlers or stink bait. Evenings have been best. Fish size has been on the smaller side so far. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught. Some are still shallow, while others have moved out to deeper water.
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 10-15 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 12-14 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 - Fair: 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 have been 12-18 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. Yellow Bass - Good: 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 16 is 692.3 feet and rising. It is predicted to crest at 692.9 feet on Friday afternoon, and then begin slowly falling (barring any additional rain). Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. Most fish are being caught along the rocks. White Bass - Fair: Throw jigs or small crankbaits along the rocks. Crappie - Slow: Some larger crappies are being caught. Fish shallow flooded brush with a jig or minnow.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try using dead chubs around the rock jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6-10 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 filling. The boat ramps are still not usable.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try spinner baits or plastic worms fished along shoreline structure.
Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been having some success in the evenings using cut bait or dead chubs.
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 - Fair: Use small jigs or minnows among the flooded timber.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 910.74 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs around areas with large rocks such as Bridgeview or along the dam. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or minnows. Start in 6-8 feet of water and then move shallow. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been catching walleyes on underwater islands pulling nightcrawler rigs. Another option would be baits that mimic small shad like chrome colored crankbaits or blade baits. 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 still being caught shallow. Some good sized bluegill are also being caught fishing crawlers or small tube jigs near the flooded trees in the upper end of the lake.
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Crappie are being caught shallow, especially in any areas with rock shoreline, 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.
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn is nearing the end. Bluegill are still being caught on shallow shorelines throughout the lake, especially in the east and west arms at the upper end. Big Creek currently has some excellent bluegill with many fish from 8 to 10 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappie have moved off into deeper water. They are being caught suspended by drifting, especially over the roadbeds, and on the sunken brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Occasional walleye over 15 inches are being with live bait setups. Almost all are being caught on the upper half of the lake.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn at Hickory Grove is wrapping up. Some bluegill can still be caught on beds shallow, but the better fishing is moving to the pallet and brush piles in 8 to 12 feet of water. The bluegill are good size with some going over 9 inches. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught on the pallet and brush piles in 8 to 12 feet of water, and also by drifting small jigs mid lake.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Good: Decent bluegill and large redear sunfish are being caught with crawlers fished in any open pockets of vegetation.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: White bass are being caught by trolling lipless crankbaits and spoons.
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. Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers bank poling for flatheads are doing well. Good numbers of large flathead move from Saylorville up river to spawn now into July. 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 bluegill spawn is past peak, but some can still be caught shallow spawning. Rivers are running high, but some excellent catfishing, channels and flatheads, 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. Lake is full. Channel Catfish - Fair: Two-3 pound channel catfish are being caught on shrimp. Bluegill - Fair: 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 - Fair: Find bluegill spawning beds and cast small jigs for fish 7-8 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught trolling jigs around brush piles in 10-12 feet of water. Fish average 9 inches with a few 11-inchers caught.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is now in the upper 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are close to shore in rip rap areas. Shrimp has been a good bait on fish averaging 1-2 pounds. Bluegill - Fair: Spawning on the dam, 7-8 inchers can be caught on a small jig tipped with a crawler.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps and good water quality. Water temperature is in the mid 70s. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in brush piles using small piece of crawler. Fish are 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.
Willow Lake
Willow Lake has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught around the jetties casting small jigs tipped with crawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught in the middle of the lake near the trees in 10 feet of water using a variety of tackle.
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 - Good: Channel catfish are being caught along rocky shorelines using cut bait or dead minnows. Fish average 2-3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles using plastic baits.
Lake Manawa
Manawa is full and 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
There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. 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 still finding bluegills on beds. Catfish are in rip rap areas near shore. Water temperature is in the mid 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 in the mid 70s and the water clarity is about 30 inches. The bluegill, walleye, bass, and bullheads are biting. 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 biting from near shore. Bluegill - Good: A lot of fish are coming from the tops of the mounds on small jigs. Males on the spawning areas are a big portion of the catch. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught from the structure in shallow water. Crappie - Slow: Some crappie are caught by anglers targeting other species. The mounds and tree piles are the best 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. The quiet coves are the best.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water temperature is above 70 degrees. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Good: Several 8-inch bluegills are biting near-shore. The west corner of the dam and the small bays are best. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth are being caught from the structure near shore in the evenings.
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: Bluegills are on the spawning areas in less than 3 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.
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. The water temperature is 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 shoreline areas are the best.
Three Mile Lake
The water temperature is above 70 degrees. Water clarity is good at mid-lake and the dam. Channel Catfish - Good: A lot of channel catfish are biting in the shallows on crawlers or liver. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught near shore and the tops of the mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are near structure in water less than 3 feet deep. Walleye - Fair: A few mid-sized walleye are being caught from the roadway and the steep sloped areas on leeches.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is getting near 75 degrees. Water clarity is very good. The bluegill bite is about the same as last week. Bullhead - Excellent: The shallows of the upper end are producing a lot of giant bullheads. Some are over 2 pounds. Crawlers on the bottom during the evenings are the most effective. Bluegill - Excellent: A lot of bluegill are being caught from the tops of the mounds and near shore in the steep sided coves. Crawlers are a little better than jigs. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized bass are being caught from near shore. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught off the mounds. Leeches are the best crawlers and minnows are working also.
Water temperature is well above 70 degrees. Fishing at the small lakes and farm ponds is still very good. Water clarity is good at most lakes. Bluegills, channel catfish, and walleye are all biting.