- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: November 18, 2010
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Water clarity is excellent. Few anglers are out fishing. Bluegill - Slow: Fish around submerged trees with a small lure baited with a wax worm. Experiment with different depths. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Fish with plastics or night crawlers. Cast near submerged trees or weed beds. Muskellunge - Slow:
Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek on November 10. Iowa residents and nonresidents who are required to have a fishing license must pay the Trout Fee to fish for or possess trout. Exceptions: Iowa residents and nonresidents under 16 years old may possess trout without having paid the Trout Fee if they fish with a properly licensed adult who has paid the Trout Fee and together they limit their catch to the one person daily limit of five trout. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Rainbow trout bite readily off the stocking truck. Try casting small spinners or rooster tails. Small live bait also works well.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Dredging activities have ceased for the season. The dredge barge, booster pump, and pipeline are off of the lake. Daily bag limit at Storm Lake is three walleye: all 17 to 22-inch walleye must be immediately released, only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept. White Bass - Slow: Most of the white bass being caught are being picked up while walleye fishing. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing continues to be hit or miss. The bite seems to turn on for an hour or so at certain times of the morning and evening and then shuts off. Most anglers have been targeting the inlet to the lake and the east shoreline near the public boat ramp. Anglers have been using twisters and spinners and many are fishing at night.
North Twin Lake
Anglers are still doing well for yellow bass with a few nice walleye mixed in. Walleye - Slow: Some walleye have been caught while fishing for yellow bass. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching yellow bass casting small bright colored jigs tipped with a small piece of bait. Try fishing the windward shore and fishing off the bulrushes at Featherstone Park. Keep moving around until you find the fish. Once they quite biting in an area, move until you find more.
Swan Lake
The number of anglers has dropped off quite a bit but those that are out fishing are still doing okay for bluegill and crappie and are catching an occasional bass. Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig and a wax worm around the fishing jetties, docks, and fish house. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some anglers from boats are having better luck fishing out the deeper portion of the lake. Crappie - Fair: Use the same methods as you would for bluegill.
Black Hawk Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching nice size bluegill from the stone piers in Town Bay. Use small jigs tipped with bait. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught from the stone piers. Yellow Perch - Slow: Some anglers have been catching yellow perch averaging 8 inches with a night crawler and a bobber. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are still catching a few walleye, but they are mostly sub-legal fish. The Ice House Point area has been reopened for public use. There is a newly constructed bike path that runs along the edge of the shoreline at Ice House Point. On Black Hawk Lake walleye must be at least 15 inches in length to keep and only three per day may be kept.
Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)
Some nice catfish and walleye have been caught.
Fishing activity is similar to last week. For more information on the lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk Fish Management Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
On the warmer days a few yellow bass are still being caught from shore. All the boat ramp docks on Clear Lake have been removed for the winter. Most area anglers are waiting for ice.
For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake office at 641-357-3517.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
A few anglers have been fishing on this lake this week. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Good: Try fishing over the new habitat. Anglers have been using angleworms with goldenrod grubs or small jigs tipped with a wax worm.
Lake Hendricks
Not much fishing activity.
Lake Meyer
Angler activity has slowed. Water clarity is excellent.
Charles City Impoundment
Water levels are dropping from last week’s snow and rain. Fishing activity has been slow.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Target walleye and smallmouth bass in overwintering holes. Anglers are using jigs tipped with minnows and are catching some walleye and a few perch and trout. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Yellow Perch - Fair: Walleye - Good: Anglers are reporting good bites on jigs tipped with minnows.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Decorah District Streams
Even though streams are not being stocked, there are plenty of fish to be caught. Insect hatches are still occurring and water quality is excellent. Trout have been aggressive. An abundance of brown and brook trout redds are being seen in the stream bottoms. Urban ponds are now being stocked. For information on when and where, call the trout stocking number at 563-927-5736 or visit our website at http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/news/stockrep/urban.html.
River levels came up a foot or two and the water is slightly turbid from last week’s rain and snow. Trout streams are no longer being stocked with catchable fish but stream conditions are excellent. For more information about a specific stream or river, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been taking some nice crappie out of George Wyth Lake. Crappie - Fair: Try using crappie minnows underneath a slip bobber this time of year.
Plainfield Lake
Some anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm under a slip bobber near the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Try using a crappie minnow under a slip bobber.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Walleyes are still being taken this time with a few occasional northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are being caught on live and artificial baits. Walleye - Good: Anglers have been successful using jigs tipped with a minnow this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been good reports of walleye, smallmouth bass and some northern pike being caught on the Shell Rock River. Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting spinner baits or spoons for these aggressive fish. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been successful using jigs tipped with a minnow this time of year. Walleye - Good: Anglers have been successful using jigs tipped with a minnow this time of year.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Fishing has been good for walleye on the interior rivers; the month of November is an excellent time to be fishing as they actively feed with the onset of winter. Fishing in area lakes has been slow as we approach November conditions. Trout streams remain in excellent condition and maintain good populations throughout the fall and winter. For more information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level at Lansing on Thursday is 9.0 feet and is expected to remain close to this level throughout the next week. The Army Road at New Albin has just been opened again so boaters can again launch here. The road may have debris on it and muddy but it should be functional. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have entered their overwintering areas in deeper backwaters with minimal current. Try fishing the Black Hawk areas or deeper backwaters off Minnesota Slough. Largemouth Bass - Good: Nice bass are being found in Minnesota Slough and near DeSoto Bay. Bass are moving into the overwintering backwater areas. Use a slow presentation with water temperatures cooling. Yellow Perch - Good: Some large yellow perch have been caught in the Lansing area mainly using small jigs.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water levels at Lynxville, Wis., are 18.4 feet and expected to remain near this level throughout the week. Water temperature is in the lower 40s. Bluegill - Good: Some bluegill and other panfish are beginning to move into their overwintering areas. Try fishing the better quality backwaters as fish will pack into these spots to survive throughout the winter. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many largemouth bass can now be caught near the entrances to major backwater complexes. The Sny Magill backwater areas are good bets for fine bass fishing. Otherwise try near Mud Hen Lake near Harpers Ferry. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being reported being caught out of brush piles along Harpers Slough by New Albin and in Norwegian Lake by McGregor. Sauger - Good: Small fish are being caught in the tail water on jigs and minnow. Fishing is concentrated in near shore areas by pocket and dam as water levels are still quite high. Walleye - Good: A few nicer walleyes have been cough recently in the tail waters.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level at Guttenberg is 9.7 feet and is expected to remain near this level over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 40s and clarity is good. White Bass - Good: Some nice catches of white bass are being reported from around the Turkey River north to Ackermans Cut. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills and pumpkinseeds are being caught in Mud Lake and Zollicoffers Lake by Dubuque. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many bass are now beginning to concentrate at the mouths of backwater overwintering areas and they are feeding heavily. Use a slow presentation with live bait such as minnows or night crawlers for best results. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some nice yellow perch are being taken near the Marine area of Pool 11 by Guttenberg and from Mud Lake north of Dubuque. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger are being taken on jig and minnow in the tail water. Much of the fishing is taking place in the pocket and closer to shore then normal due to the high water levels. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes being caught along the Wisconsin shoreline.
Water levels remain high and temperatures have fallen into the lower 40s. Water clarity is very good in most locations.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 11.5 feet and is forecast to rise to 11.8 feet over the weekend, and then begin falling. Water temperature is in the low 40s and clarity is fair. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught in the backwaters and marinas around structure on small jigs and wax worms. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are being caught in the backwaters and marinas around structure on minnows. Sauger - Fair: Sauger are being caught in the tail waters on three-way rigs tipped with minnows or crankbaits and on sonars and one-eyes. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught in the tail waters and on wing dams on three-way rigs tipped with minnows and on crankbaits.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 10.1 feet and is forecast to rise to 10.4 feet over the weekend, and then begin falling. Water temperature is in the low 40s and clarity is fair. Sauger - Good: Sauger are biting in the tail waters on jigs or three-way rigs tipped with minnows. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught in the tail waters and on wing dams on three-way rigs tipped with minnows or crankbaits.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 12.34 feet and is forecast to rise to 12.6 feet over the weekend, and then begin falling. Water temperature is in the low 40s and clarity is fair. Sauger - Fair: Sauger are being caught in the tail waters on three-way rigs or jigs tipped with minnows. Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught on the wing dams and in the tail waters on three-way rigs or jigs tipped with minnows and crankbaits.
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 9.41 feet. Channel Catfish - Slow: Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on small minnows and jigs. There are reports of some crappies being caught in the Andalusia Island complex as well. Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing in the tail waters and Sylvan Slough has been slow. Most of the saugers being caught are on the small side. Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 7.9 feet. No tail water fishing information for saugers and walleyes was received this week. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs or floating minnows under a bobber around brush piles. Places to try are Big Timber, Eagle Fill, and Cleveland. Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 9.45 feet. Channel Catfish - Slow: Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs or floating small minnows under a bobber around brush piles. Places to try are Bell Pocket and Huron Island. Sauger - Slow: Anglers are starting to catch some saugers on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.00 feet. Channel Catfish - Slow: Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs or floating small minnows under a bobber around brush piles. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing has been slow. Some anglers have been out with limited success.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River levels are still higher than normal. Main channel water temperature is around 45 degrees. Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow. Crappies are being caught in the backwaters. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Belva Deer
Cold weather has led to lower angler numbers. Bluegill - Slow: The bluegills are out in 16 to 18 feet of water. Wax worms or fish worms are the best. Anglers are vertical jigging using ice fishing jigs.
Lake of the Hills
Recent cold weather has led to a drop in angler activity. Most of the fish being caught are in the shallow bays and along the face of the dam. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout continue to hit on spinners, jigs, corn, power bait, and worms. They are around the habitat in about 4 to 5 feet of water. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been steady. Try the shallow sun warmed bays with stink baits in the afternoons. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching some nice bass while they are using spinners trying to catch trout or slow rolling spinner baits.
Railroad Lake
Anglers continue to catch catfish when the sun is out to warm the shallow water on the North side. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remains good in Railroad Lake, producing good numbers of pan-sized fish. Fish cut bait or night crawlers around the stump fields along the north side. Dip baits are also catching some fish.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430
Iowa Lake
Little or no fishing is going on here.
Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be used at no-wake speed. Water temperature is around 50 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are doing well on crappies. Minnows under a bobber have been working best. Walleye - Good: Walleyes are being picked up on crankbaits. Evenings have been best.
Diamond Lake
Little to no fishing is going on here.
Otter Creek Lake
Little to no fishing is going on here.
Coralville Reservoir
As of November 17, the lake level is 685.8 feet and is projected to be drawn down to 683.2 feet by November 28. Crappie - Slow: A few nice fish are being caught on bright colored jigs in deeper brush piles.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
The lake has refilled after last year's fish population renovation. Red ear and channel catfish were stocked last fall and largemouth bass and bluegill this spring.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler. Try areas along the shoreline and around the aquatic vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try plastic worms fished around submerged structure or around the rock jetties. As the water continues to cool, slow down your retrieve.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake renovation project has begun and the lake is being drained. The boat ramps are not usable as the lake is approximately 20 feet low. Shore fishing is still allowed.
Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler fished along the shoreline and around submerged structure. Along the fishing piers can also be a good spot. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use rubber worms along the shoreline and around the jetties. Another spot to try is along the outside of the aquatic vegetation.
Albia (lower)
A boat ramp has been constructed on the lower reservoir. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler. Try areas along the dam between the upper and lower reservoirs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinner baits fished along the shoreline and around areas with submerged structures. Rubber worms can also be productive this time of year.
Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use plastic worms and spinner baits. A jig n' pig combo should also be tried this time of year. Crappie - Slow: Try small jigs along submerged structure. Fish have been suspended in 8 to 12 feet of water. Walleye - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow around the rocky shorelines. Walleyes have started to move shallow in the evenings.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.69 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is ranging in the upper 40s. Boat ramps are open at Honey Creek State Park, Bridgeview, South Fork, Buck Creek, and Island View. The Outlet Park area is closed due to a construction project. Crappie - Slow: Fish are starting to move shallow so try areas with submerged trees or other structure. Rocky shorelines have also been producing some fish. Using small jigs has been productive. Walleye - Slow: Try using baits that mimic gizzard shad. Jig and minnows can also be good this time of year. Please be wary of tagged walleyes and if these fish are harvested please call the hatchery with the tag number. The phone number for the hatchery is 641-647-2406.
For additional fishing information in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: A few fall walleye anglers have had some success on nicer fish, fishing areas out from the points in mid lake. Try trolling deeper diving crankbaits or Lindy rigging with a minnow.
Ankeny Lake (DMACC)
Rainbow Trout - Good: 1,400 rainbow trout were stocked at noon Thursday, Nov. 18.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout: Ada Hayden will become part of the cool weather urban trout stocking program on Friday, November 19. Approximately 2,100 rainbow trout will be stocked at noon in the north pit. The trout will be confined to the north pit through the winter.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: 1,400 rainbow trout will be stocked Tuesday, November 23 at noon.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers targeting walleyes on the Des Moines River below Saylorville and Red Rock are having decent success this fall. Some fish approaching 10 pounds have been caught. Jigs tipped with minnows are the most consistent.
Central Iowa water temperatures are in the low to mid 40s. Rains late last week have bumped the rivers up slightly, but they remain in fair fishing condition, especially the Middle and North Raccoon. Reports are few this late in the open water season; more information will be available once the ice-fishing season begins. For questions about central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Green Valley Lake
The lake has been lowered 12 feet for completion of a sediment removal project. Completion is expected around Feb. 2011. The lake has been restocked and several fish are keepers.
Summit Lake
The lake has been drained for spillway replacement and a shoreline protection project. Completion is expected by spring 2011
Water temperatures are in the middle 40s.
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