- 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
Nelson Park Lake
Nelson Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Fishing has been slow for all species.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Yellow Smoke has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Water clarity is excellent. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are still being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been picking up a few big bluegills around the submerged trees in 8 to 10 feet of water. Use a small piece of night crawler for bait.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Crawford Creek has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. A few anglers have been catching panfish from the dam.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Boaters use caution. The hydraulic dredge is in operation at Storm Lake. Stay clear of dredge barge, booster pump barge, and pipeline. 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. Fishing is fairly slow on Storm Lake now. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use the usual baits like stink bait, shrimp, cut bait, and minnows. Try fishing the inlet where Little Storm flows into Big Storm. White Bass - Slow: Cast white twisters or shad colored crankbaits. Look for white bass breaking the surface pursuing baitfish and cast into the school. Walleye - Slow: Boat anglers have been doing the best for walleye. Most anglers are drifting or trolling bottom bouncers with a crawler harness or a leech around the dredge cuts. The Mustad Slow Death hooks have been very popular with the anglers. Trolling small shad colored crankbaits has been working well.
North Twin Lake
Yellow bass, channel catfish, and freshwater drum continue to bite at North Twin Lake. Some decent crappies have been caught from the docks.
Swan Lake
Very few anglers have been out fishing Swan Lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have moved off shore and are lying along the dredge cuts in about 8 feet of water. Fish the deep edge of the drop-offs and use crawdads, cut bait, or gizzard shad guts.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is open to boat traffic. Anglers are still catching good numbers of channel catfish ranging 2 to 4 pounds each.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend is closed to boat traffic.
Great Western Park Lake
Great Western Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.
Little Sioux Park Lake
Water is very clear. Anglers have been catching some bluegill and catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fishermen have been catching some 2 to 3 pound cats mostly at night, using mainly nightcrawlers and liver. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching some hand-size bluegill fishing a piece of nightcrawler on a small hook under a bobber.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
The Little Sioux River has come down some and should be fishable.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 Bridge near Auburn)
The Raccoon River has come down and is now fishable.
North Raccoon River (Auburn to Perry)
Some anglers have had good success running bank lines for flathead catfish. Remember that you need to have your bank lines tagged and they need to be checked every 24 hours if you leave them unattended.
Black Hawk District Farm Ponds
Fish the mornings and evenings for bass with scum frogs near lilies and weeds and use hula poppers and other top water jigs out in the open water.
Water temperatures are starting to cool down. 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
Anglers are still catching some largemouth bass using spinner baits and plastic baits fishing the shoreline.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Try for channel catfish using crawlers, chicken liver, or stink bait fished off the bottom. Try for panfish with crawlers fished under a bobber or small plastic baits on a jig. Be aware that this lake contains brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before going to another water body.
Lake Smith
Panfish can still be caught using a piece of crawler on a small jig or hook fished under a bobber. Try for channel catfish using crawlers, chicken liver, or stink bait fished off the bottom.
Clear Lake
Yellow bass fishing has been fair with anglers catching them while drifting over the artificial reefs and rock reefs using jigs and live bait. Channel catfish have been biting on stink bait, crawlers, or chicken liver fishing the shore or on a dock in the morning and evening. Walleye fishing is fair and most fish are still being caught while trolling or drifting with crawlers or minnows. Clear Lake contains zebra mussels. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before going to another water body.
Crystal Lake
Try for largemouth bass using plastic tube baits, spinners, or just a jig and crawler. Bluegill of a variety of sizes can be caught on crawlers fishing from the jetties.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Dog Creek (Lake)
Bullhead - Good: Anglers have reported many large bullheads being caught in the past week on night crawler under a bobber.
Big Spirit Lake
White Bass - Good: Bass fisherman have reported good catches of white bass. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching bluegill on the edge of weed lines with slip bobbers and a piece of worm. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are still catching smallmouth while casting in the bulrushes and above the submerged vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many largemouth bass have been reported while using the same tactics as fishing for smallmouth. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are reporting a limited number of Yellow Perch being caught. Action will improve in the coming weeks. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has slowed down, but some anglers are still reporting limits. Fishing is best along the weed beds and Stoney Point with leeches and crawlers during early morning hours for best action.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing along the spillway or along tree falls with cut bait or other smelly baits. White Bass - Good: Watch for schooling fish breaking the water and use a minnow or minnow-like bait for best action. Fishing at the spillway in the early morning has been producing good numbers of fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye have been reported along rocky points and wader fisherman at the spillway early in the morning and before sunset. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are being caught while fishing for white bass.
Little Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Try fishing on the bottom with a night crawler near the outlet.
Silver Lake (****inson)
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing toward evening hours with a dead chub or stink bait. White Bass - Good: Watch for schooling fish chasing minnows and fish with minnow or minnow-like baits.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Pike have been reported using the same tactics as fishing for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: For the best action fish docks and weed lines associated with deep water vertical jigging with a small piece of night crawler or small crawdad. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are being picked up using crankbaits along the weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fishing is good along deep weed lines associated with inside turns using traditional baits. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch are being picked up while fishing for bluegills.
Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: As water levels drop, fishing will continue to pick up for channel cats.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and chicken livers as the river has been going down.
Area rivers are continuing to drop with the dry weather and catfish fishing is picking up. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Construction will occur on the road to the lake and new campground through Labor Day baring any delays. The lake and campground will be inaccessible during construction.
Lake Hendricks
Angling pressure has been slow this week. The new fishing jetty is nearing completion. Try angling with top water jigs and fishing in the upper water column for best luck.
Lake Meyer
Fish activity has picked up this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are using dead chubs and crawlers. Bluegill - Good: Fish can be found in deeper water off the weed lines. Try using a small jig or worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using top water jigs and plastics.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
River conditions are excellent. Try fishing the deeper pockets or where the coldwater tributaries empty into the river. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having best luck using jigs tipped with worm. Walleye - Good: Walleye have been hitting on crawdad crankbaits or orange Shad Raps.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are low but clarity is excellent. Sucker - Good: Anglers report catching good numbers of suckers while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good: Anglers are using three-ways tipped with a worm.
Turkey River (above Clermont)
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try using jigs tipped with two inch dark green or brown (pumpkin) colored twister tails. Walleye - Good: Try using crawdad imitating artificial lures.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are down but very fishable. Anglers have been doing well on walleye and crappie below the Nashua dam. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stink baits and dead chubs are working well. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Good: Anglers are using worms fished under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Try using minnows or worms fished under a bobber.
Decorah District Streams
A few trout are being taken on Trico mayflies between dawn and late morning. Try a #24 Thread Wrap, Griffith's Gnat or Trico pattern of choice on 7X or 8X tippet during this very early morning hatch. Hoppers, Crickets and other terrestrial patterns remain effective later in the day. For spin fishing, try using jigs or plastics that imitate crawfish. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736.
Area rivers and streams are in excellent condition and finally hit summer lows. Fish activity in lakes should pick up with the cooler weather. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Largemouth bass are biting well on Casey Lake. There is an 18-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass on this lake. Please check boat trailers for any presence of brittle naiad when leaving the boat ramp. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and rubber worms have been working excellent for largemouth bass.
Big Woods Lake
Largemouth bass are biting well around woody structures or sunken habitat mostly along the north shoreline. Reports of crappie being caught as well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and top water lures have been working well for largemouth bass.
George Wyth Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been good on George Wyth Lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water lures or spinner baits have been good during early morning or late evening hours.
South Prairie Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been good on South Prairie Lake during early morning or late evening hours. Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water lures or spinner baits have been good during early morning or late evening hours.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
River levels are in good condition. In Bremer County smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent. Anglers are also catching fish when targeting channel catfish and walleye also. Channel Catfish - Good: Most anything; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken livers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Crankbaits or live baits work well this time of year. Look for woody structure or rock shorelines for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up an occasional walleye, try using a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or casting crankbaits.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Walleye, channel catfish and smallmouth bass are being caught on the Shell Rock River. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and nightcrawler slowly retrieved off of the bottom or casting crankbaits can be productive this time of year. 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 river is once again in good condition for angling. Northern pike fishing has been good on the upper Wapsipinicon in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Good: Spoons and spinner baits have been the top lures of choice.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The river is in excellent condition. Channel Catfish - Fair: Most anything; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken livers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or live baits work well this time of year. Look for woody structure or rock shorelines for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Crankbaits seem to have been the most productive.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition, call the Manchester District Office for any additional information at 563-927-3276.
Interior river conditions have greatly improved with the run of dry weather. Smallmouth bass have been biting good to excellent on most of the interior rivers along with channel catfish and walleye. Largemouth bass fishing on area Black Hawk County lakes has been good during early morning and late evening hours. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition; call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
Plainfield
Largemouth bass fishing has been good on Plainfield Lake during the early evening hours. Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water baits have been good during the early evening hours.
Interior river conditions have greatly improved with the run of dry weather. Smallmouth bass have been biting good to excellent on most of the interior rivers along with channel catfish and walleye. Largemouth bass fishing on area Black Hawk County lakes has been good during early morning and late evening hours. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition; call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage in Dubuque is 12.03 feet and is forecast to drop over the next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the high 70s. Be aware that the Mississippi River is infested with zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait fished around snags in the sloughs and side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are biting on crawlers and small jigs in the backwaters around snags. Crappie - Fair: Anglers picking up a few crappie around wood in the backwaters. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are biting on crawlers or crayfish fished on the bottom in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage in Bellevue is 11.04 feet. River levels are forecast to begin dropping next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the high 70s. Be aware that the Mississippi River is infested with zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait fished around snags in the side channels. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage below Lock and Dam 13 is 10.4 feet. Water clarity is poor and water temperature is in the high 70s. Be aware that the Mississippi River is infested with zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are biting on stink bait fished around snags or along rip rap shorelines. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye are being caught on wing dams with less current. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom in areas of moderate current.
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 10.21 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Some channel catfish are being caught on stink baits and shad guts fished around snag piles along the main channel or in side channels. Some channel catfish are also being caught around the mouth of the Rock River. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on wax worms. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught in Sunset Marina and in the backwaters casting shallow diving crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on wax worms.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 9.05 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stink baits and shad guts. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 10.28 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stink baits and shad guts. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are being caught in the backwaters casting shallow diving crankbaits or soft plastics to structure.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.58 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on cut shad, stink baits, and crawlers. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught on a variety of baits. Try casting shallow diving crankbaits, spinner baits, or pitching plastics to structure. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try using jigs and minnows or small plastics around brush piles.
Pools 16-19: River level throughout the pools has been fairly steady over the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 79 degrees and water clarity is fair. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
The water temperature is cooling down with the cooler nights. Bluegill - Good: With a little work and knowledge of the lake anglers are catching some big bluegills. Work the deeper water of the sand run and Yankee chute areas. Crappie - Good: There are some slab crappies being caught along the trees dropped into deeper water. Also try Burris ditch near the outlet. Slip bobbers and minnows are working well as are jigs tipped with minnows.
Lake Geode
Make sure to clean off your boat and trailer after fishing, Geode does have brittle naiad. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remains good around the rocks along the dam face as well as the rip rap along the shore at the boat ramps. Chicken liver and stink baits remain the go to baits. Bluegill - Fair: Look for the bluegills to be hanging of the deeper ledges and weed beds in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Lake Belva Deer
The water temperature with all the heat is up to the low 80s. The thermocline is at 6 to 8 feet deep. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remained good during the evening hours. Chicken liver and cut bait are good things to try. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills have for the most part moved out to deeper water. Look for them to be around the trees in the old creek channel. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some nice crappies out in front of the beach. Slip bobbers and minnows are a good way to start.
Lake of the Hills
Look for the fishing to be best just ahead of a storm front. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish in the 2 to 4 pound range are common. Liver and various stink baits are working the best. Bluegill - Good: Once you find the right depth (they're out deep) and the habitat, you can do well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Last week's hot weather had been making the bass go deeper earlier. The recent cool weather should be bringing them up shallow for longer in the morning and evening.
Railroad Lake
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Fishing along the old creek channel with liver or stink baits should get you some nice eating size catfish. Bluegill - Good: Fish the north side around the stumps and logs or in the tree falls or by the recycling containers and you should catch some bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the flooded timber and along the riprap late in the day or early in the morning.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river continues to drop. Water temperature during the day is around 86 degrees. The river is getting low enough now that boating is getting a little harder. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good. Try a few freshly caught grass frogs as bait. Anglers are also catching them on stink baits.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river is starting to get low. Keep an eye out for the sand bars and gravel bars, not only as a navigational hazard but as a good place to look for flatheads and channel catfish feeding on small baits fish early and late. Channel Catfish - Good: Sitnkbaits and cut baits are putting fish on the stringer.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430
Kent Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken liver or dip bait for best results. Evenings have been the best time. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Lake Macbride
The 10 hp maximum motor restriction is in effect. The invasive plant brittle naiad is found here, so make sure to inspect and clean your boat/trailer when leaving the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a variety of lures around shallow rock or wood. Some fish have been caught on deeper rock/points using crankbaits. Early and late in the day are best.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Remember, there is an 18-inch minimum on largemouth bass here. The invasive plant brittle naiad is found here, so make sure to inspect and clean your boat/trailer when leaving the lake. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try fishing off the dam or jetties with stink bait. or crawlers. After dark has been prime time. White Bass - Fair: Try jigs, spinners, small spoons, or small crankbaits. Many fish have been small, but nice sized fish are available. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits, soft plastics, or crawlers. Walleye - Fair: Most fish have been small but they are being caught on live bait rigs and crankbaits. Target depths around 15 feet.
Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station was destroyed in the storms and is no longer available. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Bass - Good:
Union Grove Lake
Channel Catfish - Good:
Coralville Reservoir
The lake elevation on August 11 is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try crawlers or cut bait in areas with some flow.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: Chicken liver and stink bait. have been producing well.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been having success using small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler along the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try around the jetties and along the shoreline using rubber worms and spinner baits.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake was drained for a lake renovation last year but work is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is now full.
Albia (lower)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use prepared baits along the shorelines and areas with some rock. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler within 10 feet of the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try plastic worms fished along the shoreline and spinner baits along the dam and other rocky areas.
Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been having some success in the evenings using dead chubs or stink bait. Try areas along the east shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try rubber worms or crankbaits fished along the face of the dam or along the west side among the stumps.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with a piece of nightcrawler along the shoreline and areas of the lake with standing timber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Top water baits fished in the early morning or late evening hours can be productive this time of year. Fish areas with rip-rapped shorelines with a jig n' pig combo or a rubber worm.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 907.35 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperatures have been running in the mid 80s. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun). Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs fished in bays and coves. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are still being caught off docks and close to shore using a jig and a minnow. Look for areas with flooded woody structure like willow trees or stumps. Suspended crappies can be targeted using small chrome colored crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Some anglers have had some success in shallow areas using chrome colored crankbaits or blade baits. Nightcrawlers being drifted or trolled is also a good technique this time of year. 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
Big Creek Lake
White Bass - Good: White bass can be caught casting jigs or crankbaits. On calmer days they can be seen busting baitfish on the surface. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught drifting pieces of nightcrawler along the edge of the vegetation beds on the upper half of the lake and over the roadbeds and brush piles that are in 15 feet of water or less. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught on the upper third of the lake by drifting or jigging nightcrawlers, or casting and trolling crankbaits. Do not fish water deeper than 15 feet. Many fish being caught are sublegal, but fish over 15 inches are coming in. Check legal size fish for yellow tags near the tail. If one is caught follow the instructions on the signs at the boat ramps.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has been excellent drifting small pieces of crawler or still fishing over the pallet piles near the island and off the south shoreline across from the island. The bluegills are good size with some going over 9 inches.
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
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers drifting cut bait are doing very well on good sized channel cats. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of shad busting the surface then troll or cast lipless crankbaits or spoons in these areas. Try multiple colors to find their preference. Good starting colors are chrome or a blue/chrome combo. The Marina Point and west of the mile long bridge are good starting points.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Drifting cut creek chubs north of the mile long bridge is producing some excellent catfishing. Expect some healthy 5 pounds plus cats. White Bass - Fair: White bass action on Saylorville has been a little slower this week. The best activity has been in the Sandpiper point area. Cast or troll spoons and shad colored crankbaits.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Wipers are chasing shad and can be seen breaking the surface. Anglers are having fun casting into this action. The wipers are currently around 17 inches and it is recommended to turn most fish back. This will allow for some exciting fishing for large wipers in the near future.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish are being caught in good numbers on cut bait and stink bait. Stink bait is currently out fishing cut bait.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish - Good: Good numbers of 4 to 8 pound catfish are being caught on cut bait. White Bass - Fair: The white bass bite is fair below the Red Rock spillway casting jigs or drifting minnows under a bobber.
The best bites right now continue to be white bass on the reservoirs and channel catfish in the rivers and reservoirs. Crappies are being caught suspended by drifting in deeper water. Bluegills are being caught fishing near brush piles, pallets, and the edges of vegetation in lakes that have it. Don't fish too deep, most lakes now have a thermocline between 6 and 10 feet. 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. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught around jetties using shrimp. Fish average 2 pounds. Bluegill - Slow: 7 to 8-inch bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Many 12 to 15-inch largemouth are being caught casting around jetties and weed edges.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one small boat ramp. Water temperature is in the mid 80s and the lake has a slight algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught along the north shoreline and the dam with dip bait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are being caught around brush piles with nightcrawlers. Crappie - Slow: Crappies can be caught trolling jigs around brush piles in 10 to 12 feet of water. Fish average 9 inches with a few 11-inch fish being caught. Evenings seem to be best.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is in the mid 80s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on shrimp. Fish average 14 to 18 inches.
Cold Springs Lake
Cold Springs has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is 86 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught in less than 6 feet of water using cut bait. Fish average 2.5 pounds.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps. Water temperature has reached 80 degrees. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught drifting and around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Bass are all sizes up to 20 inches. Crappie - Slow: The crappies being caught are around brush piles and underwater reefs. Late afternoon is the best bite. Fish average 9 inches.
Willow Lake
Willow has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught along the campground shoreline and around jetties using blood bait or liver. Bluegill - Fair: The best bluegill bite is early in the morning using nightcrawlers under a bobber. Fish average 8 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth are being caught using power bait worms around sunken trees. Most fish are 12 to 14 inches.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake has four feet of water clarity. The lake has three concrete boat ramps. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been fair in the evenings around the jetties using liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass in the sunken cedar trees using plastic baits. Casting spinner baits along weed edges has also produced fish up to 20 inches.
Lake Manawa
Manawa is full and has a slight algal bloom. Water temperature is in the mid 80s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the west and south side of the lake using shrimp or Sonny's dip bait. Fish up to 6 pounds have been reported.
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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught using a variety of prepared baits in the summer. Fish in 3 to 6 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegills around deeper structure and outside edges of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are aggressive now and can be caught casting around structure and along the shoreline. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to target largemouth.
Catfishing is still the best bite and has been good early morning or late afternoon. Bluegills and crappies are around deep structure as water temperatures are in the mid 80s. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The water level is near normal. Water clarity is near 24 to 36 inches at the dam. Channel Catfish - Good: Several larger channel catfish are being picked up from the mounds and bays near shore.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake level is being lowered to allow a shoreline rip rap project to proceed. The lake is currently down 18 inches and will likely drop another 5 feet by Aug 15. The project is expected to continue through the winter months. Boat access will soon be limited.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water clarity is good but temperature is above 80 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies from 9 to 10 inches long are being caught from just off shore and suspended about 5 feet down.
Lake of Three Fires
The water level is near normal and the clarity is good.
Green Valley Lake
The lake has been lowered to allow the sediment removal project to continue. The lake is easily accessible through the main concrete.
Three Mile Lake
The water level is normal and water clarity is good.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water level is normal. Free-floating algae is starting to develop. Bullhead - Good: Several giant bullheads can be caught using crawlers or liver from most areas of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several big bluegills are being caught from near shore along rocky areas with flooded timber nearby.
Water temperatures are near 85 degrees. Water levels are normal and could be down slightly in some lakes. Most lakes have established thermo-clines ranging from 12 feet to as shallow as 5 feet. Water clarity is normal for mid-summer.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Nelson Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Fishing has been slow for all species.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Yellow Smoke has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Water clarity is excellent. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are still being caught. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been picking up a few big bluegills around the submerged trees in 8 to 10 feet of water. Use a small piece of night crawler for bait.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Crawford Creek has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. A few anglers have been catching panfish from the dam.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Boaters use caution. The hydraulic dredge is in operation at Storm Lake. Stay clear of dredge barge, booster pump barge, and pipeline. 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. Fishing is fairly slow on Storm Lake now. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use the usual baits like stink bait, shrimp, cut bait, and minnows. Try fishing the inlet where Little Storm flows into Big Storm. White Bass - Slow: Cast white twisters or shad colored crankbaits. Look for white bass breaking the surface pursuing baitfish and cast into the school. Walleye - Slow: Boat anglers have been doing the best for walleye. Most anglers are drifting or trolling bottom bouncers with a crawler harness or a leech around the dredge cuts. The Mustad Slow Death hooks have been very popular with the anglers. Trolling small shad colored crankbaits has been working well.
North Twin Lake
Yellow bass, channel catfish, and freshwater drum continue to bite at North Twin Lake. Some decent crappies have been caught from the docks.
Swan Lake
Very few anglers have been out fishing Swan Lake.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all fish must be at least 15 inches. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have moved off shore and are lying along the dredge cuts in about 8 feet of water. Fish the deep edge of the drop-offs and use crawdads, cut bait, or gizzard shad guts.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is open to boat traffic. Anglers are still catching good numbers of channel catfish ranging 2 to 4 pounds each.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend is closed to boat traffic.
Great Western Park Lake
Great Western Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.
Little Sioux Park Lake
Water is very clear. Anglers have been catching some bluegill and catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fishermen have been catching some 2 to 3 pound cats mostly at night, using mainly nightcrawlers and liver. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching some hand-size bluegill fishing a piece of nightcrawler on a small hook under a bobber.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
The Little Sioux River has come down some and should be fishable.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 Bridge near Auburn)
The Raccoon River has come down and is now fishable.
North Raccoon River (Auburn to Perry)
Some anglers have had good success running bank lines for flathead catfish. Remember that you need to have your bank lines tagged and they need to be checked every 24 hours if you leave them unattended.
Black Hawk District Farm Ponds
Fish the mornings and evenings for bass with scum frogs near lilies and weeds and use hula poppers and other top water jigs out in the open water.
Water temperatures are starting to cool down. 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
Anglers are still catching some largemouth bass using spinner baits and plastic baits fishing the shoreline.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Try for channel catfish using crawlers, chicken liver, or stink bait fished off the bottom. Try for panfish with crawlers fished under a bobber or small plastic baits on a jig. Be aware that this lake contains brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before going to another water body.
Lake Smith
Panfish can still be caught using a piece of crawler on a small jig or hook fished under a bobber. Try for channel catfish using crawlers, chicken liver, or stink bait fished off the bottom.
Clear Lake
Yellow bass fishing has been fair with anglers catching them while drifting over the artificial reefs and rock reefs using jigs and live bait. Channel catfish have been biting on stink bait, crawlers, or chicken liver fishing the shore or on a dock in the morning and evening. Walleye fishing is fair and most fish are still being caught while trolling or drifting with crawlers or minnows. Clear Lake contains zebra mussels. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before going to another water body.
Crystal Lake
Try for largemouth bass using plastic tube baits, spinners, or just a jig and crawler. Bluegill of a variety of sizes can be caught on crawlers fishing from the jetties.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Dog Creek (Lake)
Bullhead - Good: Anglers have reported many large bullheads being caught in the past week on night crawler under a bobber.
Big Spirit Lake
White Bass - Good: Bass fisherman have reported good catches of white bass. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching bluegill on the edge of weed lines with slip bobbers and a piece of worm. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are still catching smallmouth while casting in the bulrushes and above the submerged vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many largemouth bass have been reported while using the same tactics as fishing for smallmouth. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are reporting a limited number of Yellow Perch being caught. Action will improve in the coming weeks. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has slowed down, but some anglers are still reporting limits. Fishing is best along the weed beds and Stoney Point with leeches and crawlers during early morning hours for best action.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing along the spillway or along tree falls with cut bait or other smelly baits. White Bass - Good: Watch for schooling fish breaking the water and use a minnow or minnow-like bait for best action. Fishing at the spillway in the early morning has been producing good numbers of fish. Walleye - Good: Walleye have been reported along rocky points and wader fisherman at the spillway early in the morning and before sunset. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are being caught while fishing for white bass.
Little Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Try fishing on the bottom with a night crawler near the outlet.
Silver Lake (****inson)
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing toward evening hours with a dead chub or stink bait. White Bass - Good: Watch for schooling fish chasing minnows and fish with minnow or minnow-like baits.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Pike have been reported using the same tactics as fishing for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: For the best action fish docks and weed lines associated with deep water vertical jigging with a small piece of night crawler or small crawdad. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are being picked up using crankbaits along the weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fishing is good along deep weed lines associated with inside turns using traditional baits. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch are being picked up while fishing for bluegills.
Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: As water levels drop, fishing will continue to pick up for channel cats.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and chicken livers as the river has been going down.
Area rivers are continuing to drop with the dry weather and catfish fishing is picking up. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Construction will occur on the road to the lake and new campground through Labor Day baring any delays. The lake and campground will be inaccessible during construction.
Lake Hendricks
Angling pressure has been slow this week. The new fishing jetty is nearing completion. Try angling with top water jigs and fishing in the upper water column for best luck.
Lake Meyer
Fish activity has picked up this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are using dead chubs and crawlers. Bluegill - Good: Fish can be found in deeper water off the weed lines. Try using a small jig or worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are using top water jigs and plastics.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
River conditions are excellent. Try fishing the deeper pockets or where the coldwater tributaries empty into the river. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having best luck using jigs tipped with worm. Walleye - Good: Walleye have been hitting on crawdad crankbaits or orange Shad Raps.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are low but clarity is excellent. Sucker - Good: Anglers report catching good numbers of suckers while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good: Anglers are using three-ways tipped with a worm.
Turkey River (above Clermont)
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try using jigs tipped with two inch dark green or brown (pumpkin) colored twister tails. Walleye - Good: Try using crawdad imitating artificial lures.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are down but very fishable. Anglers have been doing well on walleye and crappie below the Nashua dam. Channel Catfish - Fair: Stink baits and dead chubs are working well. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Good: Anglers are using worms fished under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Try using minnows or worms fished under a bobber.
Decorah District Streams
A few trout are being taken on Trico mayflies between dawn and late morning. Try a #24 Thread Wrap, Griffith's Gnat or Trico pattern of choice on 7X or 8X tippet during this very early morning hatch. Hoppers, Crickets and other terrestrial patterns remain effective later in the day. For spin fishing, try using jigs or plastics that imitate crawfish. For stocking information, call 563-927-5736.
Area rivers and streams are in excellent condition and finally hit summer lows. Fish activity in lakes should pick up with the cooler weather. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Largemouth bass are biting well on Casey Lake. There is an 18-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass on this lake. Please check boat trailers for any presence of brittle naiad when leaving the boat ramp. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and rubber worms have been working excellent for largemouth bass.
Big Woods Lake
Largemouth bass are biting well around woody structures or sunken habitat mostly along the north shoreline. Reports of crappie being caught as well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits and top water lures have been working well for largemouth bass.
George Wyth Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been good on George Wyth Lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water lures or spinner baits have been good during early morning or late evening hours.
South Prairie Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been good on South Prairie Lake during early morning or late evening hours. Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water lures or spinner baits have been good during early morning or late evening hours.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
River levels are in good condition. In Bremer County smallmouth bass fishing has been excellent. Anglers are also catching fish when targeting channel catfish and walleye also. Channel Catfish - Good: Most anything; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken livers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Crankbaits or live baits work well this time of year. Look for woody structure or rock shorelines for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up an occasional walleye, try using a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or casting crankbaits.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Walleye, channel catfish and smallmouth bass are being caught on the Shell Rock River. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with a twister and nightcrawler slowly retrieved off of the bottom or casting crankbaits can be productive this time of year. 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 river is once again in good condition for angling. Northern pike fishing has been good on the upper Wapsipinicon in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Good: Spoons and spinner baits have been the top lures of choice.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The river is in excellent condition. Channel Catfish - Fair: Most anything; cut baits, nightcrawlers, chicken livers fished on the bottom in most areas of the river has been productive on channel catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or live baits work well this time of year. Look for woody structure or rock shorelines for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Crankbaits seem to have been the most productive.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition, call the Manchester District Office for any additional information at 563-927-3276.
Interior river conditions have greatly improved with the run of dry weather. Smallmouth bass have been biting good to excellent on most of the interior rivers along with channel catfish and walleye. Largemouth bass fishing on area Black Hawk County lakes has been good during early morning and late evening hours. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition; call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
Plainfield
Largemouth bass fishing has been good on Plainfield Lake during the early evening hours. Largemouth Bass - Good: Top water baits have been good during the early evening hours.
Interior river conditions have greatly improved with the run of dry weather. Smallmouth bass have been biting good to excellent on most of the interior rivers along with channel catfish and walleye. Largemouth bass fishing on area Black Hawk County lakes has been good during early morning and late evening hours. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition; call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage in Dubuque is 12.03 feet and is forecast to drop over the next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the high 70s. Be aware that the Mississippi River is infested with zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait fished around snags in the sloughs and side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are biting on crawlers and small jigs in the backwaters around snags. Crappie - Fair: Anglers picking up a few crappie around wood in the backwaters. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are biting on crawlers or crayfish fished on the bottom in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage in Bellevue is 11.04 feet. River levels are forecast to begin dropping next week. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is in the high 70s. Be aware that the Mississippi River is infested with zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait fished around snags in the side channels. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom in areas of moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage below Lock and Dam 13 is 10.4 feet. Water clarity is poor and water temperature is in the high 70s. Be aware that the Mississippi River is infested with zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed, and brittle naiad. Please clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment before transporting to another water body. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are biting on stink bait fished around snags or along rip rap shorelines. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye are being caught on wing dams with less current. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom in areas of moderate current.
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 10.21 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Some channel catfish are being caught on stink baits and shad guts fished around snag piles along the main channel or in side channels. Some channel catfish are also being caught around the mouth of the Rock River. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on wax worms. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught in Sunset Marina and in the backwaters casting shallow diving crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on wax worms.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 9.05 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stink baits and shad guts. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 10.28 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on stink baits and shad guts. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are being caught in the backwaters casting shallow diving crankbaits or soft plastics to structure.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.58 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on cut shad, stink baits, and crawlers. Try fishing above snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught on a variety of baits. Try casting shallow diving crankbaits, spinner baits, or pitching plastics to structure. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try using jigs and minnows or small plastics around brush piles.
Pools 16-19: River level throughout the pools has been fairly steady over the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 79 degrees and water clarity is fair. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
The water temperature is cooling down with the cooler nights. Bluegill - Good: With a little work and knowledge of the lake anglers are catching some big bluegills. Work the deeper water of the sand run and Yankee chute areas. Crappie - Good: There are some slab crappies being caught along the trees dropped into deeper water. Also try Burris ditch near the outlet. Slip bobbers and minnows are working well as are jigs tipped with minnows.
Lake Geode
Make sure to clean off your boat and trailer after fishing, Geode does have brittle naiad. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remains good around the rocks along the dam face as well as the rip rap along the shore at the boat ramps. Chicken liver and stink baits remain the go to baits. Bluegill - Fair: Look for the bluegills to be hanging of the deeper ledges and weed beds in 8 to 10 feet of water.
Lake Belva Deer
The water temperature with all the heat is up to the low 80s. The thermocline is at 6 to 8 feet deep. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing remained good during the evening hours. Chicken liver and cut bait are good things to try. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills have for the most part moved out to deeper water. Look for them to be around the trees in the old creek channel. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some nice crappies out in front of the beach. Slip bobbers and minnows are a good way to start.
Lake of the Hills
Look for the fishing to be best just ahead of a storm front. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish in the 2 to 4 pound range are common. Liver and various stink baits are working the best. Bluegill - Good: Once you find the right depth (they're out deep) and the habitat, you can do well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Last week's hot weather had been making the bass go deeper earlier. The recent cool weather should be bringing them up shallow for longer in the morning and evening.
Railroad Lake
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Fishing along the old creek channel with liver or stink baits should get you some nice eating size catfish. Bluegill - Good: Fish the north side around the stumps and logs or in the tree falls or by the recycling containers and you should catch some bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Work the flooded timber and along the riprap late in the day or early in the morning.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river continues to drop. Water temperature during the day is around 86 degrees. The river is getting low enough now that boating is getting a little harder. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good. Try a few freshly caught grass frogs as bait. Anglers are also catching them on stink baits.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river is starting to get low. Keep an eye out for the sand bars and gravel bars, not only as a navigational hazard but as a good place to look for flatheads and channel catfish feeding on small baits fish early and late. Channel Catfish - Good: Sitnkbaits and cut baits are putting fish on the stringer.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430
Kent Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try chicken liver or dip bait for best results. Evenings have been the best time. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Lake Macbride
The 10 hp maximum motor restriction is in effect. The invasive plant brittle naiad is found here, so make sure to inspect and clean your boat/trailer when leaving the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a variety of lures around shallow rock or wood. Some fish have been caught on deeper rock/points using crankbaits. Early and late in the day are best.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Remember, there is an 18-inch minimum on largemouth bass here. The invasive plant brittle naiad is found here, so make sure to inspect and clean your boat/trailer when leaving the lake. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try fishing off the dam or jetties with stink bait. or crawlers. After dark has been prime time. White Bass - Fair: Try jigs, spinners, small spoons, or small crankbaits. Many fish have been small, but nice sized fish are available. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits, soft plastics, or crawlers. Walleye - Fair: Most fish have been small but they are being caught on live bait rigs and crankbaits. Target depths around 15 feet.
Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station was destroyed in the storms and is no longer available. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Yellow Bass - Good:
Union Grove Lake
Channel Catfish - Good:
Coralville Reservoir
The lake elevation on August 11 is at normal summer pool of 683.3 feet. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try crawlers or cut bait in areas with some flow.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Good: Chicken liver and stink bait. have been producing well.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been having success using small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler along the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try around the jetties and along the shoreline using rubber worms and spinner baits.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake was drained for a lake renovation last year but work is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is now full.
Albia (lower)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use prepared baits along the shorelines and areas with some rock. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler within 10 feet of the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try plastic worms fished along the shoreline and spinner baits along the dam and other rocky areas.
Lake Miami
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been having some success in the evenings using dead chubs or stink bait. Try areas along the east shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try rubber worms or crankbaits fished along the face of the dam or along the west side among the stumps.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small jigs tipped with a piece of nightcrawler along the shoreline and areas of the lake with standing timber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Top water baits fished in the early morning or late evening hours can be productive this time of year. Fish areas with rip-rapped shorelines with a jig n' pig combo or a rubber worm.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 907.35 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperatures have been running in the mid 80s. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun). Channel Catfish - Fair: Use dead chubs fished in bays and coves. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are still being caught off docks and close to shore using a jig and a minnow. Look for areas with flooded woody structure like willow trees or stumps. Suspended crappies can be targeted using small chrome colored crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Some anglers have had some success in shallow areas using chrome colored crankbaits or blade baits. Nightcrawlers being drifted or trolled is also a good technique this time of year. 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
Big Creek Lake
White Bass - Good: White bass can be caught casting jigs or crankbaits. On calmer days they can be seen busting baitfish on the surface. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are being caught drifting pieces of nightcrawler along the edge of the vegetation beds on the upper half of the lake and over the roadbeds and brush piles that are in 15 feet of water or less. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught on the upper third of the lake by drifting or jigging nightcrawlers, or casting and trolling crankbaits. Do not fish water deeper than 15 feet. Many fish being caught are sublegal, but fish over 15 inches are coming in. Check legal size fish for yellow tags near the tail. If one is caught follow the instructions on the signs at the boat ramps.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has been excellent drifting small pieces of crawler or still fishing over the pallet piles near the island and off the south shoreline across from the island. The bluegills are good size with some going over 9 inches.
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
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers drifting cut bait are doing very well on good sized channel cats. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools of shad busting the surface then troll or cast lipless crankbaits or spoons in these areas. Try multiple colors to find their preference. Good starting colors are chrome or a blue/chrome combo. The Marina Point and west of the mile long bridge are good starting points.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Drifting cut creek chubs north of the mile long bridge is producing some excellent catfishing. Expect some healthy 5 pounds plus cats. White Bass - Fair: White bass action on Saylorville has been a little slower this week. The best activity has been in the Sandpiper point area. Cast or troll spoons and shad colored crankbaits.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Good: Wipers are chasing shad and can be seen breaking the surface. Anglers are having fun casting into this action. The wipers are currently around 17 inches and it is recommended to turn most fish back. This will allow for some exciting fishing for large wipers in the near future.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Channel catfish are being caught in good numbers on cut bait and stink bait. Stink bait is currently out fishing cut bait.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish - Good: Good numbers of 4 to 8 pound catfish are being caught on cut bait. White Bass - Fair: The white bass bite is fair below the Red Rock spillway casting jigs or drifting minnows under a bobber.
The best bites right now continue to be white bass on the reservoirs and channel catfish in the rivers and reservoirs. Crappies are being caught suspended by drifting in deeper water. Bluegills are being caught fishing near brush piles, pallets, and the edges of vegetation in lakes that have it. Don't fish too deep, most lakes now have a thermocline between 6 and 10 feet. 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. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught around jetties using shrimp. Fish average 2 pounds. Bluegill - Slow: 7 to 8-inch bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Many 12 to 15-inch largemouth are being caught casting around jetties and weed edges.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one small boat ramp. Water temperature is in the mid 80s and the lake has a slight algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught along the north shoreline and the dam with dip bait. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are being caught around brush piles with nightcrawlers. Crappie - Slow: Crappies can be caught trolling jigs around brush piles in 10 to 12 feet of water. Fish average 9 inches with a few 11-inch fish being caught. Evenings seem to be best.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is in the mid 80s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on shrimp. Fish average 14 to 18 inches.
Cold Springs Lake
Cold Springs has one concrete boat ramp. Water temperature is 86 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught in less than 6 feet of water using cut bait. Fish average 2.5 pounds.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps. Water temperature has reached 80 degrees. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught drifting and around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along the road beds and in brush piles. Bass are all sizes up to 20 inches. Crappie - Slow: The crappies being caught are around brush piles and underwater reefs. Late afternoon is the best bite. Fish average 9 inches.
Willow Lake
Willow has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught along the campground shoreline and around jetties using blood bait or liver. Bluegill - Fair: The best bluegill bite is early in the morning using nightcrawlers under a bobber. Fish average 8 inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth are being caught using power bait worms around sunken trees. Most fish are 12 to 14 inches.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake has four feet of water clarity. The lake has three concrete boat ramps. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been fair in the evenings around the jetties using liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass in the sunken cedar trees using plastic baits. Casting spinner baits along weed edges has also produced fish up to 20 inches.
Lake Manawa
Manawa is full and has a slight algal bloom. Water temperature is in the mid 80s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on the west and south side of the lake using shrimp or Sonny's dip bait. Fish up to 6 pounds have been reported.
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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught using a variety of prepared baits in the summer. Fish in 3 to 6 feet of water. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegills around deeper structure and outside edges of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are aggressive now and can be caught casting around structure and along the shoreline. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to target largemouth.
Catfishing is still the best bite and has been good early morning or late afternoon. Bluegills and crappies are around deep structure as water temperatures are in the mid 80s. For more information on fishing call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The water level is near normal. Water clarity is near 24 to 36 inches at the dam. Channel Catfish - Good: Several larger channel catfish are being picked up from the mounds and bays near shore.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake level is being lowered to allow a shoreline rip rap project to proceed. The lake is currently down 18 inches and will likely drop another 5 feet by Aug 15. The project is expected to continue through the winter months. Boat access will soon be limited.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water clarity is good but temperature is above 80 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies from 9 to 10 inches long are being caught from just off shore and suspended about 5 feet down.
Lake of Three Fires
The water level is near normal and the clarity is good.
Green Valley Lake
The lake has been lowered to allow the sediment removal project to continue. The lake is easily accessible through the main concrete.
Three Mile Lake
The water level is normal and water clarity is good.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water level is normal. Free-floating algae is starting to develop. Bullhead - Good: Several giant bullheads can be caught using crawlers or liver from most areas of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several big bluegills are being caught from near shore along rocky areas with flooded timber nearby.
Water temperatures are near 85 degrees. Water levels are normal and could be down slightly in some lakes. Most lakes have established thermo-clines ranging from 12 feet to as shallow as 5 feet. Water clarity is normal for mid-summer.