Iowa Fishing Report 4-28-2011

Basshawk

Iowa Fishing Report Officer
Joined
Jun 16, 2010
Location
North Liberty, Iowa
#1
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
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Fishing for bluegill and crappie has been slow. Anglers have been catching some bass from the south shore fishing in the old creek channel.

Brushy Creek Lake
Water levels are up. Docks are in. Not a lot of fishing activity yet.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are reporting a very light bite on minnows under a bobber. Give the fish time to take the bait before setting the hook. Fish with a slip bobber 15 to 20 feet out from shore set at about 3.5 feet. Some anglers are still catching their limit this way.

Swan Lake
A few small bluegills are being caught around the fish house.

Black Hawk Lake
Fishing is about the same as last week. Channel Catfish - Fair: 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.

Browns Lake
Navigational buoys are now in the lake.

Snyder Bend Lake
Navigational buoys are now in the lake.

Arrowhead Lake
Nice sized bluegills have been biting in the north end of Arrowhead. Some anglers have been targeting the south end of Arrowhead.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
A few walleye and northern pike have been caught below the Linn Grove Dam.

Fishing has remained slow, but the weather is looking better for this weekend. 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
This past weekend boat anglers were catching walleye on the reefs, around Dodge's Point and the island using live bait. Shore anglers have been having success catching walleye from the fishing club dock and at McIntosh State Park in the evenings. Remember the 14-inch minimum length limit on walleye. Yellow bass fishing remains slow yet, but a few have been caught in the little lake in the shallows.

Bluebill Lake
A few anglers have reported catching panfish and largemouth bass from shore with live bait.

For more fishing information contact the Clear Lake fish and wildlife station at 641-357-3517.

Lake Pahoja
Crappie - Good: Anglers are starting to catch crappies in shallow water.

Big Spirit Lake
Remember that walleye opener is next Saturday, May 7, at midnight. Bullhead - Fair: Some fish are starting to be caught along the North Grade. White Bass - Slow: Try fishing along rocky bottoms near Jackson Point. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Some fish were reported last week. Try fishing along rocky shorelines and points. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has picked up on warmer days in protected shallow areas on the lake.

East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching white bass on the north side of the lake, the Hwy. 9 Bridge, and along the west shoreline near Hwy. 71. Yellow Bass - Fair: Some yellow bass are being reported while fishing rocky shorelines for white bass.

Silver Lake (****inson)
Bullhead - Good: Anglers are reporting catches of bullhead at inlet areas of the lake.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Try fishing along docks in shallow bays.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye - Good: Try using a jig and minnow with slow presentation.

Area lakes are starting to pick up on sunny days, but water temperatures are still in the low to mid 40s in many lakes.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Recent weather has slowed some angling activity. Crappie - Slow: Try using a small jig tipped with a wax worm over structure. Fish should be starting to hang around the shallow, warmer water.

Lake Hendricks
A few anglers have been out but not much action is happening. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Anglers are using wax worms with some luck.

Lake Meyer
Water temperature is still cool and fish activity slow.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels around Decorah are about one foot high and running muddy. Fish activity is slow. Sucker - Slow: Anglers should try using a slip bobber and a hook tipped with a worm.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels on the Upper Iowa around Dorchester are up around 1.5 feet and muddy. Anglers continue reporting activity from Hwy. 76 Bridge to the mouth. Sucker - Slow: Northern Pike - Slow: Pike have been caught using crankbaits while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers are drifting a small chunk of worm on a hook with a slip bobber. Walleye - Slow:

Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
The Cedar River at Charles City is up about three feet. and muddy. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Walleye - No Report:

Decorah District Streams
Although the Dark Hendrickson hatches in northeast Iowa are dwindling and reaching their season's end, Blue Wing Olive hatches have remained very heavy. #16 and #18 Blue Wing Olive, Blue Wing Quill, Two-Feathered and Adams dry flies have all variously taken many trout. Blue Wing Olive hatches often begin mid-morning and last throughout the day. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736 or visit our website.

Area lakes are slowly warming and action is slow. Rivers are up about 1 to 3 feet depending on the river. They are also running muddy. Anglers on the Shell Rock River around Marble Rock have been doing well for walleyes. Trout streams are in good condition but flows and water conditions will vary at this time. For more information, contact the Decorah fish hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Water levels are dropping on the Cedar River. Anglers have been doing well for channel catfish on the Cedar in Bremer County. Channel Catfish - Good: Dead cut baits or minnows fished on the bottom in slack water areas has been productive on channel catfish.

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 events.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is dropping in Buchanan County and the river stage is currently 7.7 feet.

Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are clear once again and should be good by the weekend. Call the Manchester District Office for the most recent conditions at 563-927-3276.

The interior rivers are falling and should only improve with no additional heavy rains. Anglers are reporting good catfish angling on the Cedar River in Bremer County. Trout streams in the Manchester district are running clear and should be good for the upcoming weekend. For further information contact the Manchester district office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 13.2 feet and expected to stay near that level over the course of the next week. Village Creek ramp is open but Army Road Ramp at New Albin is still closed.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 23.6 feet and expected to stay near that level over the course of the next week. Boat ramp at Harpers Ferry is still open but Sny Magill and Bussey Lake ramps are still closed.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 15.1 feet and expected to stay near that level over the course of the next week. Guttenberg city ramp is still closed but the DNR ramp is open again. At the DNR ramp, if water levels rise at all it may be difficult to put in and parking is limited so those putting in will have to park on side streets.

River levels on the Upper Mississippi have fallen but are still near flood stage in most areas and expected to remain that way over the next week. Some boat ramps are beginning to open up but many others are still flooded or closed for clean up. Boaters should be cautious of floating debris. Water temperature is 50 degrees.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 18.65 feet and falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 18.94 feet and falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. 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 19.88 feet and falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 15.39 feet and falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Channel Catfish - No Report: White Bass - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Pools 16-19: River stage is still above flood stage throughout the pools. Boat ramps are under water throughout the pools. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Most fishing reports are coming from area lakes and ponds. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
The ramps at Odessa remain underwater as the water level has been brought up to help prevent damage to the levee from the rising Mississippi. The Toolesboro Road is also closed as water is going over the spillway. As the river level goes down so will the level in Odessa.

Lake Geode
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching some nice largemouth bass along the weed lines during the warmer afternoons.

Lake Belva Deer
Crappie - Fair: A few anglers are picking up crappies along the old creek channel in 8 to 10 feet of water using tube jigs tipped with minnows.

Pollmiller Park Lake
Crappie - Fair: During the warmer days there are few crappies being caught back in the coves. It might be worth a try later this week with warmer weather in the forecast.

Lake of the Hills
Rainbow Trout - Good: Look for where there is flow from the other lakes into the lake. They are still hitting on a variety of baits. Channel Catfish - Slow: Look for the catfishing to pick up with the return of warmer weather. Target the sunny bays with night crawlers as with all the recent rains the catfish should be looking for them now. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Look for bass to return to the shallows to feed when the water warms up.

Wilson Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout are being caught on small jigs, flies, and a variety of small spinners. A worm on a hook 2 to 3 feet below a bobber is also working. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of small bass are being caught while fishing for trout.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
Look for the river to come up within a couple of feet from bank full.

English River
The English River was expected to crest on April 27, before it slowly starts to fall.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river is expected to steadily rise to within a couple of feet from bank full.

Big Hollow Lake
This new lake down in Des Moines County is starting to get anglers’ attention. Go to the Des Moines County Conservation Board website for more details about its location and a contour map of the lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: Average size is 10 to 14 inches. Nightcrawlers fishing around the creek channel and gully bottoms are where I would start. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegills are being found around the jetties and shallow timber. Worm and bobber seem to be working the best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: While these fish are running just below the legal length they are lots of them and they're hungry. Work the abundant woody habitat and along the jetties. Night crawlers or top water baits to catch them.

For more information on the above rivers and lakes call the Lake Darling fisheries office at 319-694-2430.

Iowa Lake
Fishing has slowed during the colder weather. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Slow:

Kent Park Lake
Some bass and bluegills are being caught in the ponds, but the lake has been pretty slow yet.

Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be used at no wake speed at this time. Water temperature is right at 50 degrees in the main lake. Crappie - Fair: Fish in the 9 to 12-inch range are common. Fish around submerged brush/trees with a slip bobber and a minnow or jig. The upper ends of the lake have been the warmest and most productive. Walleye - Fair: Some fish have been caught jigging over structure, and some fish have been caught trolling crankbaits.

Central Park Lake
Fishing has been very slow due to the weather.

Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass - Good: Fish are starting to school up now and prepare for the spawn. Evening has been the most productive time. White or yellow jigs seem best, but small spinners or crankbaits can also be productive. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught now, but size has been smaller. Remember, largemouth bass have to be 18 inches here to keep.

Diamond Lake
Remember, minnows are not allowed in Diamond Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush piles. Reports say that just a bobber and small worm has been producing well. Crappie - Fair: Size has been a bit small (8 inches) but numbers are good. During the warm weather, fish have been caught right along the shoreline on small jigs.

Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station is now open. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush with small worms or jigs.

Union Grove Lake
There has been little or no fishing activity here since the poor weather. Fishing had been good for bluegills and crappies around brush and rock during the warmer weather.

Coralville Reservoir
The current lake level as of April 28 is 689.8 feet and still slowly rising. Current predictions show the lake cresting at 690.8 feet on May 2. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are still catching catfish on cut bait and nightcrawlers. The upper end of the lake has still been best. Anglers have also been trying in the feeder creeks and where creeks enter the lake.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Current flows coming out of Coralville Reservoir are 6,000 cubic feet per second and are predicted to remain at this flow for the foreseeable future. Channel Catfish - Slow: The bite has slowed a bit due to water temperature and changes in water flow.

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: Use rubber worms along the shoreline structure.

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake renovation 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
The water temperature is in the low 50s. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some nice bass are being caught. Use a jig n' pig combo or try slow rolling spinner baits. Fish areas with submerged structure.

Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked on March 19. Try using spinners, worms, or other trout bait.

Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 906.25 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the low to mid 50s. Fishing has been slow with the cool water. Warmer water will help improve fishing. Crappie anglers should try deeper water areas first and then move shallower as the water temperature rises. Anglers are reminded that walleyes have been tagged in Lake Rathbun and if tagged fish are caught please report the tag to the hatchery at 641-647-2406.

For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406

SOUTHWEST
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Just before the cool, wet weather set in crappies were starting to be caught near shore. Good crappie fishing should return as soon as we get a couple days of sun and warmer weather.

Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Walleye are being caught on jigs, soft swim baits, crankbaits and minnows. The fish are being caught in the east ramp bay, the dam, and any jetties on the south half of the lake. Most fish being caught are sublegal, but fish over 15 inches are coming in.

Saylorville Reservoir
White Bass - Fair: Increased flow over the Big Creek spillway is attracting white bass. An occasional crappie is also being caught.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers are still catching the rainbow trout that were stocked through the ice. The block net was lifted at ice out and trout are now spread to both pits. Small minnows under a bobber are working well.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
White Bass - Good: Anglers casting twister tails below the Saylorville spillway are catching some good size white bass up to 15 inches.

Little has changed since last week. Cool, wet weather continued, producing little fishing activity and few reports. Sunshine and warmer temps at the end of this week should begin to move panfish in for the spawn. Water temperatures are in the upper 40s, with smaller lakes and farm ponds a little warmer. 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. The lake is full. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using jigs in the cedar tree piles and along the dam. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have slowed but a few are being caught along the dam using small jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish.

Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one concrete boat ramp. Crappie bite should pickup with warmer weather. 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
The crappie bite should improve this week with warm sunny days in the forecast. Fish the north arm around the pontoons and around the jetties. 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.

Willow Lake
Willow lake has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Crappie - Fair: A few 9-inch crappies are being caught along the dam and around jetties.

Viking Lake
Viking Lake fish populations are coming back following the 2006 renovation. The lake has three concrete boat ramps and good water quality. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using dead minnows. Fish average 2 to 3 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are being caught around cedar tree piles.

Lake Manawa
Crappies fishing will improve this week. The canals and around docks have been producing the most fish. Catfish are biting on dead minnows. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the windy shorelines using dead minnows. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches are on jigs and minnows in the canals and around docks.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm quickly and can provide good early season fishing. Larger ponds with crappie populations are good now as crappies are close to shore preparing to spawn. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow with the cool water. Try fishing deep structure with small jigs and a slow retrieve. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are being caught next to shore on sunny days casting small spinner baits using a slow retrieve. Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs alone dam for best success.

Very little fishing has taken place last week because of cool wet weather. Warmer temperatures in the forecast will improve fishing. Water temperature is around 50 degrees. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria
The lake level is normal, the water temperature is 50 degrees and clarity is good.

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 50 degrees. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are biting on crawlers.

Three Mile Lake
The water temperature is back below 50 degrees. Water clarity is good. Walleye - Slow: Very few walleye are biting. The mounds and the base of the dam are the only areas producing fish.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is 50 degrees. Water clarity is very good. Bullhead - Fair: A few giant bullheads are biting from above the silt dike at the upper end of the lake. Crawlers on the bottom are the most effective. Walleye - Slow: The walleye have moved out to the mounds and creek channel edges.

Mt. Ayr District Farm Ponds
Several ponds are producing good panfish angling. Water in farm ponds is warmer than most lakes.