- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Not a lot of fishing activity. The water is fairly turbid right now from last weekend’s rain.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperature is around 53 degrees. The dredging operation on Storm Lake will begin next week. Anglers and boaters should use caution as there will be a hydraulic dredge and booster pump on the lake all night and day. Additionally, there is a pipeline running from the dredge to the east shoreline that can rise to surface. 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. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught in the marina with a small hair jig. Crappies are around 7 to 8 inches. Walleye - Excellent: Walleye fishing was red hot at Storm Lake this week. Anglers have reported that the bigger fish (over 15 inchers) are starting to bite more. Minnows under a bobber have been working extremely well. White twisters seem to be working better than chartreuse or fire tiger. Use a 1/16 ounce leadhead with the twisters for a slow retrieve with less of a chance of getting hung up on the bottom. The north shore, east shore, and the jetty off the north side of the marina.
North Twin Lake
Yellow bass fishing is starting to pick up.
Black Hawk Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the windward shorelines or look for currents. Fish on the bottom with gizzard shad guts or cut bait. A lot of 3 to 4 pound channel cats are being caught. Walleye - Slow: Some walleye are being caught from the east shore. Float a live minnow under a bobber and fish just off the bottom. Also, try casting a 2-inch white or fire tiger twister. Yellow Bass - Slow: Some nice yellow bass were caught last week, but fishing has slowed. Try casting a small, bright colored jig along the windward shorelines.
Arrowhead Lake
Nice sized bluegills have been biting in the north end.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Anglers have been catching a lot of nice walleye and northern pike at the Linn Grove Dam. However, fishing conditions in the river have degraded since last weekend’s rains.
Fishing is starting to pick up around the area. Water temperatures are in the low 50s 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.
Clear Lake
Walleye fishing has been fair while fishing on the rocky shorelines or reefs. The best times are early morning or at sunset, try using a jig with live bait or plastic tail. Yellow bass fishing remains slow, when the water temperature stays into the 50's and we have more sunny days they should become more active. A jig tipped with a minnow or plastic tail usually works best.
Crystal Lake
Shore anglers are catching a few panfish and largemouth bass while fishing from shore with live bait.
For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake station at 641-357-3517.
Walleye netting is underway at the Iowa Great Lakes. Walleye season is closed at Big Spirit Lake, East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake until May 7. For more information, call the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake temperature is around 56 degrees. Anglers are having some luck catching crappies. Crappie - Slow: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm over structure. Fish should be starting to hang around the shallower warmer water.
Lake Hendricks
A few anglers have been out but not much action is happening. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using wax worms with some luck.
Lake Meyer
A few anglers have been out. Anglers should be aware that an in-lake habitat project will again be occurring Monday, weather permitting.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is excellent.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Anglers have been reporting lots of activity from Hwy. 76 Bridge to the mouth. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike have been caught using crankbaits while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Perch - Excellent: Anglers are using a small chunk of worm on a jig and slowly retrieved. Walleye - Good: Anglers are reporting nice size walleyes are being caught using worms or crankbaits.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Walleye and northern activity has slowed this week. Water clarity has decreased recently due to some localized rain showers. Northern Pike - Fair: Many anglers are catching pike while fishing for walleye. Best bet for a pike is using live chubs. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are hitting dead chubs above the dam in Nashua. Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Blue Wing Olive and Dark Hendrickson mayflies continue to hatch heavily on northeast Iowa streams. #12, #14 and #16 Adams dry flies have recently taken many trout. On warmer afternoons, try a #14 or #16 Deer or Elk Hair caddis for the occasional caddis hatch. For the spin fisher, try using dark jigs. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736 or go to fishing.iowadnr.gov.
Area lakes are starting to warm but activity has been slow. Rivers are coming down and are fishable but action may slow with an anticipated cold front coming through over the weekend. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching some crappie in the shallow water bays. Most people have been targeting the east side of the lake and the area of the flooded timbers. Crappie - Good: Crappie minnows under a bobber fished in the shallow water bays has been most productive.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Current conditions on the Cedar River are unfavorable due to rising water levels and turbidity.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is starting to drop again after a slight rise; conditions should be favorable again with little or no major rainfall.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been good reports of walleye and northern pike being caught on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan and Bremer counties. Angling below low head dams can be productive this time of year. Northern Pike - Good: Casting spinner baits has been most productive for pike right now on the upper end of the Wapsi River. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition.
Some interior rivers are providing reports of walleye, northern pike, channel catfish and some occasional smallmouth bass. The Cedar River in Bremer and Black Hawk counties is turbid and rising; conditions may take a while to improve here. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers remain in good condition and are providing some good angling. Trout streams in the Manchester District remain in excellent condition. For more information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 16.6 feet and expected to rise to 17.4 feet by next week. The road to the New Albin ramp is under water. At these levels boaters may not be able to launch at Village Creek because of difficulty getting under the railroad bridge. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallmouth are being caught along rocky areas with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few anglers getting out are report some yellow perch at the bottom end of DeSoto bay in out of the current areas. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are beginning to move to spawning grounds and fishing has slowed down.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 27 feet and predicted to rise 28.2 feet by next week. Sny Magill, Marquette and McGregor, and Bussey Lake ramps are closed due to flooding. Boaters will still be able to access the river at the Harpers Ferry high water ramp. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth are beginning to bite along rocky areas with current. Yellow Perch - Good: Some nice yellow perch are being taken in the tail water on a three-way rig tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Fishing has begun to slow for sauger in the tail waters. Walleye - Slow: Some nice walleyes have been caught but fish will begin to move to spawning grounds and fishing will slow.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 16.6 feet and expected to rise to 17.4 feet by next week. The Guttenberg City ramp is closed due to flooding. The DNR ramp is now closed but boaters are still able to access the river at Landing 615 in Guttenberg. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallmouth are being caught along rocky areas with current. Yellow Perch - Good: Many 10 to 13-inch yellow perch are being caught on three-way rigs tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Fishing for sauger has begun to slow down as fish move to spawning grounds. Walleye - Slow: Some nice walleyes have been reported, but fishing has slowed as walleyes begin to move to spawning grounds.
River levels are at or near or above flood stage for most of the Upper Mississippi and expected to continue to rise over the next week. Water temperature is 48 degrees. Due to high water most boat ramps are inaccessible. Boaters should be cautious of floating debris and respectful of their boat wake and potential damage to private property and shorelines.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage in Dubuque is 20.03 feet and is forecast to rise to 22.2 feet by Tuesday. Major flood stage is 21.5 feet. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the low 50s. The ramps in Dubuque and East Dubuque are still usable. The campground and ramp at Massey Marina Park is underwater. The campground at Spruce Creek Park is underwater and closed, but the ramp is still usable. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught along catfish creek and in some of the marinas. Anglers are using a lot of weight to get to the bottom in the heavy currents.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage in Bellevue is 17.69 feet and is forecast to rise to 20.1 feet by next Wednesday. Major flood stage is 20 feet. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the low 50s. The Bellevue Municipal Ramp is still open. The ramps at Mill Creek and Pleasant Creek Parks are underwater at this time. South Sabula campground and ramp are closed due to flooding and the North Sabula Ramp will soon be unusable. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing has been slow so far in Middle and South Sabula Lakes. Fishing should improve as water temperature rises. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still being caught in the tail waters in the Illinois pocket and along the Iowa shoreline and along the cabins downstream of town.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage in Bellevue is 18.5 feet and is forecast to rise to 21 feet by next Wednesday. Major flood stage is 20.5 feet. Water clarity is poor and water temperatures are in the low 50s. The high water has closed many ramps or made those that are still open difficult to launch from. The high water and currents have made fishing difficult. With the high water, the sand pits downstream of Albany should have cleaner water and better fishing.
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
A few fish are being caught from the banks in Sunset Marina on the Illinois side of the river. River level at the tail water is 16.99 feet with flood stage at 15.0 feet. All of the gates are open at the dam. The river level is predicted to rise to 17.6 feet over night and this will continue for the next the next few days depending on precipitation. Most of the locks in the area are closed. Sunset Marina will be limited to boat owners only starting on April 15. Fish are being caught in the backwaters and tributaries.
Mississippi River Pool 17
The tail water level is 16.31 feet with flood stage at 15.0 feet the river is predicted to rise to 16.7 feet over night. All of the gates are out of the water at Lock and Dam 16. All the ramps in the pool are closed. There were a few fish reported caught in the backwaters and tributaries
Mississippi River Pool 18
The river level is 16.99 feet and predicted to rise to 17.4 feet over night at the tail water at Lock and Dam 17. Flood stage is 15.0 feet and all of the gates are out of the water. No fish were reported to be caught.
Mississippi River Pool 19
River level is 12.3 feet at the tail water and flood stage is 10.0 feet the river is predicted to rise to 12.4 feet over night. No fish were reported being caught.
All of the gates are now open at all locks and dams in the lower river except for Lock and Dam 19. Most of the locks in the area are closed to navigation. Pools 16 through 19 are all in flood stage and predicted to remain that way for at least a week. Rain in the forecast for the next few days will only increase the flood levels. Most of the boat ramps in the area are closed. Caution should be used while navigating on the river as most of the island is now covered by water and there is a considerable.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Channel Catfish - Good: Work the shoreline where the wind is blowing in. Minnows or cut baits will be the ticket. Largemouth Bass - Good: Hit the warm windy afternoons along the shoreline where the wind is blowing in to find the bass. Minnows or crankbaits would be my baits of choice.
Lake Belva Deer
Channel Catfish - Excellent: The catfish have been enjoying the recent warm weather. Target these guys along the windblown shorelines using cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass are coming in shallow to chase the little bluegills on the warmer afternoons. Your best chance is during the windier days when the fish can't see you. Crappie - Good: On the really warm windy afternoons the crappies have been coming into the shallow to feed.
Lake of the Hills
Rainbow Trout - Good: Worms on the bottom seem to be the biggest producing bait right now. Although on some days flies, spinners, and jigs can hold their own. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been picking up some catfish with the warmer weather, dead shad or other cut baits would be the go to bait. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Work the rocky areas when the wind is blowing in during a warm afternoon. I would start with a slow moving crankbait as the bass are in trying to catch small fish blown in by the wind.
Lambach Lake
This small, shallow sister lake to Lake of the Hills is warming up faster and the bluegills and crappies are more active. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Again small jigs are producing some nice fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs work the weed lines
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river level is fairly steady to slightly falling. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers have been out catching some catfish using shad or shad guts. A few nightcrawlers would also work.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries office at 319-694-2430.
Kent Park Lake
Some bass and bluegills are being caught in the ponds, but the lake has been pretty slow.
Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be used at no wake speed at this time. There will be bass tournaments on the lake April 16 and 17. Crappie - Fair: Fish in the 9 to 12-inch range are common. Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber/minnow or jig. The most productive area seems to be from the causeway to the east.
Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed here. Bluegill - Good: Fish around brush piles. Reports say that just a bobber and small worm has been producing well. Crappie - Good: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. During the warm weather, fish have been caught right along the shoreline on small jigs.
Coralville Reservoir
The current lake level is at 679.3 feet and is predicted to remain at this level. Boaters are reminded that areas above Jolly Rodgers are very shallow and even impassible at this level. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. The upper end of the lake has still been best.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride fisheries station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try using rubber worms 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 now starting to fill.
Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Try jig and minnow combos along the dam or any other riprapped shoreline.
Ottumwa Lagoon
A trout stocking event was held on March 19. Try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 904.01 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the low to mid 50s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water temperature. Warmer water will help improve fishing. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please take the time to look under the jaw of the walleye to check for a tag. Call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tag information.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using jigs in the cedar tree piles and along the dam. Crappie - Good: Crappies are hitting along the dam using small jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8 inches are being caught on the dam casting small jigs.
Lake Anita
Crappies are biting in the north arm around the pontoons on warm sunny days. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on jigs under a bobber.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish population is coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles.
Lake Manawa
Crappie fishing has been very good the past week. The canals and around docks have been producing the most fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using shad sides. Crappie - Good: Crappies up to 12 inches are on jigs and minnows in the canals and around docks.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Larger ponds with crappie populations are good now as crappies are close to shore preparing to spawn. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve. Crappie - Good: Cast small jigs alone dam for best success.
The crappie bite has been good especially on warm sunny days. Catfishing has also picked up in many areas. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is normal, water temperature is in the middle 50s, and clarity is good. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught from the dam and the south shore. Minnows are better than jigs.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down nine feet for a sediment removal project. The main concrete ramp is operational. The lake has a lot of nice sized fish of all species. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting well on shad bait and crawlers.
Three Mile Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 50s. Water clarity is good. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still biting along the dam. Some new activity is coming from the mounds at mid-lake. Minnows are a little better than plain jigs.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 50s and clarity is good. Bullhead - Good: The giant bullheads are biting well from above the upper silt dike. Crawlers are the best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish are being caught from the shallows on shad bait or dip baits. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are moving out to the mounds and creek channel edges. Minnows are a little better than plain jigs.
Water temperatures are in the middle 50s in the big lakes and warmer in the smaller lakes. Water clarity is above normal at most places. The walleye spawn in nearly over. Channel catfish are biting everywhere.
NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Not a lot of fishing activity. The water is fairly turbid right now from last weekend’s rain.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperature is around 53 degrees. The dredging operation on Storm Lake will begin next week. Anglers and boaters should use caution as there will be a hydraulic dredge and booster pump on the lake all night and day. Additionally, there is a pipeline running from the dredge to the east shoreline that can rise to surface. 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. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught in the marina with a small hair jig. Crappies are around 7 to 8 inches. Walleye - Excellent: Walleye fishing was red hot at Storm Lake this week. Anglers have reported that the bigger fish (over 15 inchers) are starting to bite more. Minnows under a bobber have been working extremely well. White twisters seem to be working better than chartreuse or fire tiger. Use a 1/16 ounce leadhead with the twisters for a slow retrieve with less of a chance of getting hung up on the bottom. The north shore, east shore, and the jetty off the north side of the marina.
North Twin Lake
Yellow bass fishing is starting to pick up.
Black Hawk Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Fish the windward shorelines or look for currents. Fish on the bottom with gizzard shad guts or cut bait. A lot of 3 to 4 pound channel cats are being caught. Walleye - Slow: Some walleye are being caught from the east shore. Float a live minnow under a bobber and fish just off the bottom. Also, try casting a 2-inch white or fire tiger twister. Yellow Bass - Slow: Some nice yellow bass were caught last week, but fishing has slowed. Try casting a small, bright colored jig along the windward shorelines.
Arrowhead Lake
Nice sized bluegills have been biting in the north end.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Anglers have been catching a lot of nice walleye and northern pike at the Linn Grove Dam. However, fishing conditions in the river have degraded since last weekend’s rains.
Fishing is starting to pick up around the area. Water temperatures are in the low 50s 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.
Clear Lake
Walleye fishing has been fair while fishing on the rocky shorelines or reefs. The best times are early morning or at sunset, try using a jig with live bait or plastic tail. Yellow bass fishing remains slow, when the water temperature stays into the 50's and we have more sunny days they should become more active. A jig tipped with a minnow or plastic tail usually works best.
Crystal Lake
Shore anglers are catching a few panfish and largemouth bass while fishing from shore with live bait.
For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake station at 641-357-3517.
Walleye netting is underway at the Iowa Great Lakes. Walleye season is closed at Big Spirit Lake, East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake until May 7. For more information, call the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake temperature is around 56 degrees. Anglers are having some luck catching crappies. Crappie - Slow: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm over structure. Fish should be starting to hang around the shallower warmer water.
Lake Hendricks
A few anglers have been out but not much action is happening. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using wax worms with some luck.
Lake Meyer
A few anglers have been out. Anglers should be aware that an in-lake habitat project will again be occurring Monday, weather permitting.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is excellent.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Anglers have been reporting lots of activity from Hwy. 76 Bridge to the mouth. Northern Pike - Fair: Pike have been caught using crankbaits while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Perch - Excellent: Anglers are using a small chunk of worm on a jig and slowly retrieved. Walleye - Good: Anglers are reporting nice size walleyes are being caught using worms or crankbaits.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Walleye and northern activity has slowed this week. Water clarity has decreased recently due to some localized rain showers. Northern Pike - Fair: Many anglers are catching pike while fishing for walleye. Best bet for a pike is using live chubs. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are hitting dead chubs above the dam in Nashua. Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Blue Wing Olive and Dark Hendrickson mayflies continue to hatch heavily on northeast Iowa streams. #12, #14 and #16 Adams dry flies have recently taken many trout. On warmer afternoons, try a #14 or #16 Deer or Elk Hair caddis for the occasional caddis hatch. For the spin fisher, try using dark jigs. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736 or go to fishing.iowadnr.gov.
Area lakes are starting to warm but activity has been slow. Rivers are coming down and are fishable but action may slow with an anticipated cold front coming through over the weekend. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching some crappie in the shallow water bays. Most people have been targeting the east side of the lake and the area of the flooded timbers. Crappie - Good: Crappie minnows under a bobber fished in the shallow water bays has been most productive.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Current conditions on the Cedar River are unfavorable due to rising water levels and turbidity.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is starting to drop again after a slight rise; conditions should be favorable again with little or no major rainfall.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been good reports of walleye and northern pike being caught on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan and Bremer counties. Angling below low head dams can be productive this time of year. Northern Pike - Good: Casting spinner baits has been most productive for pike right now on the upper end of the Wapsi River. Walleye - Good: A jig tipped with a large minnow has been the best combination for walleye right now.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition.
Some interior rivers are providing reports of walleye, northern pike, channel catfish and some occasional smallmouth bass. The Cedar River in Bremer and Black Hawk counties is turbid and rising; conditions may take a while to improve here. The Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers remain in good condition and are providing some good angling. Trout streams in the Manchester District remain in excellent condition. For more information contact the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 16.6 feet and expected to rise to 17.4 feet by next week. The road to the New Albin ramp is under water. At these levels boaters may not be able to launch at Village Creek because of difficulty getting under the railroad bridge. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallmouth are being caught along rocky areas with current. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few anglers getting out are report some yellow perch at the bottom end of DeSoto bay in out of the current areas. Walleye - Slow: Walleye are beginning to move to spawning grounds and fishing has slowed down.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Tail water stage at Lynxville is 27 feet and predicted to rise 28.2 feet by next week. Sny Magill, Marquette and McGregor, and Bussey Lake ramps are closed due to flooding. Boaters will still be able to access the river at the Harpers Ferry high water ramp. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth are beginning to bite along rocky areas with current. Yellow Perch - Good: Some nice yellow perch are being taken in the tail water on a three-way rig tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Fishing has begun to slow for sauger in the tail waters. Walleye - Slow: Some nice walleyes have been caught but fish will begin to move to spawning grounds and fishing will slow.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Guttenberg tail water stage is 16.6 feet and expected to rise to 17.4 feet by next week. The Guttenberg City ramp is closed due to flooding. The DNR ramp is now closed but boaters are still able to access the river at Landing 615 in Guttenberg. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallmouth are being caught along rocky areas with current. Yellow Perch - Good: Many 10 to 13-inch yellow perch are being caught on three-way rigs tipped with a small minnow. Sauger - Fair: Fishing for sauger has begun to slow down as fish move to spawning grounds. Walleye - Slow: Some nice walleyes have been reported, but fishing has slowed as walleyes begin to move to spawning grounds.
River levels are at or near or above flood stage for most of the Upper Mississippi and expected to continue to rise over the next week. Water temperature is 48 degrees. Due to high water most boat ramps are inaccessible. Boaters should be cautious of floating debris and respectful of their boat wake and potential damage to private property and shorelines.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage in Dubuque is 20.03 feet and is forecast to rise to 22.2 feet by Tuesday. Major flood stage is 21.5 feet. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the low 50s. The ramps in Dubuque and East Dubuque are still usable. The campground and ramp at Massey Marina Park is underwater. The campground at Spruce Creek Park is underwater and closed, but the ramp is still usable. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught along catfish creek and in some of the marinas. Anglers are using a lot of weight to get to the bottom in the heavy currents.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage in Bellevue is 17.69 feet and is forecast to rise to 20.1 feet by next Wednesday. Major flood stage is 20 feet. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the low 50s. The Bellevue Municipal Ramp is still open. The ramps at Mill Creek and Pleasant Creek Parks are underwater at this time. South Sabula campground and ramp are closed due to flooding and the North Sabula Ramp will soon be unusable. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing has been slow so far in Middle and South Sabula Lakes. Fishing should improve as water temperature rises. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still being caught in the tail waters in the Illinois pocket and along the Iowa shoreline and along the cabins downstream of town.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage in Bellevue is 18.5 feet and is forecast to rise to 21 feet by next Wednesday. Major flood stage is 20.5 feet. Water clarity is poor and water temperatures are in the low 50s. The high water has closed many ramps or made those that are still open difficult to launch from. The high water and currents have made fishing difficult. With the high water, the sand pits downstream of Albany should have cleaner water and better fishing.
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
A few fish are being caught from the banks in Sunset Marina on the Illinois side of the river. River level at the tail water is 16.99 feet with flood stage at 15.0 feet. All of the gates are open at the dam. The river level is predicted to rise to 17.6 feet over night and this will continue for the next the next few days depending on precipitation. Most of the locks in the area are closed. Sunset Marina will be limited to boat owners only starting on April 15. Fish are being caught in the backwaters and tributaries.
Mississippi River Pool 17
The tail water level is 16.31 feet with flood stage at 15.0 feet the river is predicted to rise to 16.7 feet over night. All of the gates are out of the water at Lock and Dam 16. All the ramps in the pool are closed. There were a few fish reported caught in the backwaters and tributaries
Mississippi River Pool 18
The river level is 16.99 feet and predicted to rise to 17.4 feet over night at the tail water at Lock and Dam 17. Flood stage is 15.0 feet and all of the gates are out of the water. No fish were reported to be caught.
Mississippi River Pool 19
River level is 12.3 feet at the tail water and flood stage is 10.0 feet the river is predicted to rise to 12.4 feet over night. No fish were reported being caught.
All of the gates are now open at all locks and dams in the lower river except for Lock and Dam 19. Most of the locks in the area are closed to navigation. Pools 16 through 19 are all in flood stage and predicted to remain that way for at least a week. Rain in the forecast for the next few days will only increase the flood levels. Most of the boat ramps in the area are closed. Caution should be used while navigating on the river as most of the island is now covered by water and there is a considerable.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Channel Catfish - Good: Work the shoreline where the wind is blowing in. Minnows or cut baits will be the ticket. Largemouth Bass - Good: Hit the warm windy afternoons along the shoreline where the wind is blowing in to find the bass. Minnows or crankbaits would be my baits of choice.
Lake Belva Deer
Channel Catfish - Excellent: The catfish have been enjoying the recent warm weather. Target these guys along the windblown shorelines using cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass are coming in shallow to chase the little bluegills on the warmer afternoons. Your best chance is during the windier days when the fish can't see you. Crappie - Good: On the really warm windy afternoons the crappies have been coming into the shallow to feed.
Lake of the Hills
Rainbow Trout - Good: Worms on the bottom seem to be the biggest producing bait right now. Although on some days flies, spinners, and jigs can hold their own. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been picking up some catfish with the warmer weather, dead shad or other cut baits would be the go to bait. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Work the rocky areas when the wind is blowing in during a warm afternoon. I would start with a slow moving crankbait as the bass are in trying to catch small fish blown in by the wind.
Lambach Lake
This small, shallow sister lake to Lake of the Hills is warming up faster and the bluegills and crappies are more active. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Again small jigs are producing some nice fish. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs work the weed lines
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river level is fairly steady to slightly falling. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers have been out catching some catfish using shad or shad guts. A few nightcrawlers would also work.
For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries office at 319-694-2430.
Kent Park Lake
Some bass and bluegills are being caught in the ponds, but the lake has been pretty slow.
Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be used at no wake speed at this time. There will be bass tournaments on the lake April 16 and 17. Crappie - Fair: Fish in the 9 to 12-inch range are common. Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber/minnow or jig. The most productive area seems to be from the causeway to the east.
Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed here. Bluegill - Good: Fish around brush piles. Reports say that just a bobber and small worm has been producing well. Crappie - Good: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. During the warm weather, fish have been caught right along the shoreline on small jigs.
Coralville Reservoir
The current lake level is at 679.3 feet and is predicted to remain at this level. Boaters are reminded that areas above Jolly Rodgers are very shallow and even impassible at this level. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and some on nightcrawlers. The upper end of the lake has still been best.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride fisheries station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along shoreline structure and around submerged structure in 6 to 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try using rubber worms 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 now starting to fill.
Lake Sugema
Walleye - Slow: Try jig and minnow combos along the dam or any other riprapped shoreline.
Ottumwa Lagoon
A trout stocking event was held on March 19. Try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 904.01 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the low to mid 50s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water temperature. Warmer water will help improve fishing. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please take the time to look under the jaw of the walleye to check for a tag. Call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with any tag information.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield has one concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using jigs in the cedar tree piles and along the dam. Crappie - Good: Crappies are hitting along the dam using small jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 8 inches are being caught on the dam casting small jigs.
Lake Anita
Crappies are biting in the north arm around the pontoons on warm sunny days. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches are being caught on jigs under a bobber.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish population is coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles.
Lake Manawa
Crappie fishing has been very good the past week. The canals and around docks have been producing the most fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using shad sides. Crappie - Good: Crappies up to 12 inches are on jigs and minnows in the canals and around docks.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Larger ponds with crappie populations are good now as crappies are close to shore preparing to spawn. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve. Crappie - Good: Cast small jigs alone dam for best success.
The crappie bite has been good especially on warm sunny days. Catfishing has also picked up in many areas. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is normal, water temperature is in the middle 50s, and clarity is good. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught from the dam and the south shore. Minnows are better than jigs.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down nine feet for a sediment removal project. The main concrete ramp is operational. The lake has a lot of nice sized fish of all species. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting well on shad bait and crawlers.
Three Mile Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 50s. Water clarity is good. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still biting along the dam. Some new activity is coming from the mounds at mid-lake. Minnows are a little better than plain jigs.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 50s and clarity is good. Bullhead - Good: The giant bullheads are biting well from above the upper silt dike. Crawlers are the best. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several channel catfish are being caught from the shallows on shad bait or dip baits. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are moving out to the mounds and creek channel edges. Minnows are a little better than plain jigs.
Water temperatures are in the middle 50s in the big lakes and warmer in the smaller lakes. Water clarity is above normal at most places. The walleye spawn in nearly over. Channel catfish are biting everywhere.