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
Oldham Lake
Anglers are catching some 7 to 8-inch bluegills.
Brushy Creek Lake
Fishing continues to be good. Crappie fishing has been excellent, especially in the south end. Largemouth bass and walleye are biting.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye fishing is continuing to pick up. Crappie - Fair: Fish the marina for crappie. Walleye - Good: Evening fishing has been the best. Anglers have been picking up walleye near the inlet, from the east shore, and in the marina. Fishing a live chub or minnow on the bottom has been working the best. Anglers from shore have been doing better than boat anglers. 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.
Swan Lake
Anglers are still catching some bluegill and crappie fishing along the south portion of the lake from the jetties. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are around 7.5 to 8 inches. Crappie - Good: Crappies are measuring around nine inches.
Black Hawk Lake
Fishing is picking up. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Bullhead - Good: Bullheads can be caught on nightcrawlers or leeches. The bullheads are around 8 to 9 inches and are abundant. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are still being caught close to shore. Try using leeches, minnows, or cut bait. Some are being caught on twisters while fishing for walleye. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been doing well for crappie in the Town Bay area. Fish along the shore at Ice House Point, from the handicapped accessible dock and the west stone pier. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few nice yellow perch while fishing for other species. Walleye - Fair: Some legal walleye are being caught from shore. Try fishing Ice House Point or the east shore or drifting with a minnow or a leech. Walleye must be at least 15 inches to keep and anglers are allowed three per day. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass fishing has really turned on this week. Anglers are catching good numbers of yellows with many over 10 inches. Cast a small bright colored lure close to shore where the wind is blowing in. The east shore north of the outlet is a good place to fish with a west wind.
Browns Lake
Crappies are biting at Browns Lake. Some are reaching 13 inches. Minnows, worms, and feathered jigs are working well.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Small catfish and suckers are being picked up on nightcrawlers along the river. Fishing around the Linn Grove Dam has been slow.
Black Hawk District Farm Ponds
Anglers are catching some crappie and bluegill on small feathered jigs baited with a piece of nightcrawler.
Water temperature is in the mid 60s at most of the lakes in the area. For information contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Crappies, from 7 to 9 inches, and largemouth bass are being caught on artificial lures and minnows. Consistent, warmer temperatures next week will bring crappies near shore. Target these fish in the shallows and near the causeway using small tube jigs or jigs tipped with bait.
Lower Pine Lake
Bluegill and crappie are biting on wax worms. Anglers are catching largemouth bass with crawlers and spinner baits.
Upper Pine Lake
Bluegill and crappie are being picked up using wax worms. Anglers are catching largemouth bass with crawlers and spinner baits.
Lake Smith
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie using small tube jigs and jigs tipped with bait. Largemouth bass fishing has also picked up – use a spinner or a crankbait.
Clear Lake
Walleye are biting on minnows and crankbaits. Yellow bass fishing is good. Use jigs tipped with small minnows, cut bait, or a piece of crawler in shallow, rocky areas - such as near the island, the outlet, Farmer’s Beach, and Dodge’s Point. Hair jigs and twister tail soft plastics have been effective in 2 to 5 feet of water near the island during mornings and evenings. Anticipate spawning crappies to show up in the rushes of the little lake and in the rocks along the jetties.
Lake Cornelia
Crappies are spawning and being caught along rocky shorelines, they are running in the 7 to 9-inch range. Bluegills are biting on tube jigs and crawlers. Yellow bass fishing is good, use jigs tipped with bait or soft plastic twister tail grubs.
Little Wall Lake
Yellow bass fishing is good. They are running in the 5 to 8-inch range. Use jigs tipped with bait and soft plastics fished along the shoreline. Bluegill fishing has been slow. Crappies have not yet moved into the shallows, but look for them to appear along the rocky shorelines with this next week’s warmer temperatures.
Crystal Lake
Largemouth bass fishing is good. Anglers are catching 8 to 16-inch largemouth bass using spinners and crankbaits. With warmer temperatures next week, look for bluegills to be next to spawning beds in the shallows. Fish these areas with a small tube jig or jigs tipped with bait.
Interstate Park Lake
Anglers reported catching bluegills from shore using tube jigs and jigs tipped with small minnows or a piece of crawler.
Winnebago River
Anglers are catching northern pike using artificial baits.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
Musky season is closed. A few panfish are being caught in Templar Park and the North Grade. Bullhead - Good: There were lots of bullheads being caught off the north grade as well as a few at Templar Park. Most were coming on worms but minnows and leaches also caught a few. Northern Pike - Fair: Try using spoons, and spinner baits around vegetation. Some pike are being caught trolling crankbaits for walleye around 10 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Locating an active school of white bass is the hard part. Once found, something resembling a minnow should get good results. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Most smallmouth bass have are being caught off rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: look for green weeds and bass should be nearby try using a slow presentation and long casts. Walleye - Fair: The opener was good with a fair number of limits coming in both Saturday and Sunday. Leaches and night crawlers seemed to be the choice bait by most fishermen with minnows bringing some success as well. Trolling crankbaits in the 10-20 feet range has been another good tactic.
Center Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. White Bass - No Report: The water is warming and the white bass are moving into the shallows to spawn. Try fishing with minnow baits along the shorelines.
East Okoboji Lake
Musky season is closed. Bullhead - Fair: Try using worms on bottom. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing near bottom with crawlers and leaches or trolling crankbaits. Twister tails can also be productive. Yellow Bass - Good: Many yellow bass are being caught try looking for rocks and wood and use small baits.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Bullhead - No Report: A healthy population of large bullheads inhabits the lake and with an abundance of public access they should be easy to target. White Bass - No Report: These strong fighting fish can be a lot of fun to catch and they can usually be caught on baits resembling minnows such twister tails and stick baits, top water baits can also be effective.
West Okoboji Lake
Musky season is closed. The canals seem to be where the most action is with bluegills and largemouth bass gaining the most attention but many of the fish are small. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few smallies have been caught off rock piles but with the clear water most fish are spooky. Walleye - Fair: A few fish were caught trolling crankbaits as well as live bait rigs with crawlers and leaches.
A reminder to bow fishermen please dispose of your fish properly and it is unlawful to sell fish. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake fish hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are beginning to see a few bluegills in their catch. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been finding nice sized fish in shallow water. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing along the rocks has been good using jigs with twistertails, wax worms or angleworms.
Lake Hendricks
Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are seeing a few nice size bluegills in their catch. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Anglers are throwing a variety of lures with some success. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being caught in the old creek channel and along the weed lines. Try using small, dark jigs. Chartreuse colored jigs are also working.
Lake Meyer
Water clarity is excellent and temperature is 64 degrees. Action continues to be hit or miss for crappies and largemouth. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: Small bluegill are being caught. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try angling with a rubber skirted jig for bass on beds. Crappie - Good: Crappies are hitting minnows this week. Anglers should try fishing around rocky or woody structure.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
The Upper Iowa River is coming down but is still really muddy after rains earlier in the week. Walleye - Slow:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
The Upper Iowa River is coming down but is still really muddy after rains earlier in the week. Sauger, perch and rock bass are showing up in the creel this week. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are using jigs tipped with worms, natural colored twistertails or ringworms.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
River is up and muddy but steadily falling. Few anglers have been out. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Although dry fly fishing has temporarily slowed, there are still good Blue Wing Olive hatches on northeast Iowa streams. #16 Blue Wing Quills, Quill Gordons or Adams are effective patterns. #18 Blue Wing patterns are in order for low, clear water. Strong caddis hatches have also been reported. Streamers, nymphs and wet flies have taken excellent trout when hatches are not occurring. A variety of spinners and jigs are also working well.
Rivers and streams are experiencing increased flows but water clarity is better after showers earlier this week. Trout fishing is excellent with large numbers of insect hatches occurring. Treat mother to a beautiful walk along a trout stream this weekend. Many wild flowers are out. The trees are lovely with fresh, green leaves and a morel or two may still be found in the woods. Contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Water clarity is excellent off the dam for sight fishing bluegill on the beds. Reports have been good for yellow perch and largemouth bass, too. Perch fishing has been good in the cove or off of jetties near structure. Bluegill - Excellent: Fish a small piece of worm or wax worm under a slip bobber around structure for female bluegill and on the beds for the males off of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: Plastics, spinner baits and crankbaits have all been good for largemouth bass. Yellow Perch - Good: Try fishing a minnow or small piece of worm under a slip bobber 5 feet or less near structure.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are catching some crappie and largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting spinnerbaits or plastics during early morning hours. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught around structure, try a minnow under a slip bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports have been slow for most species. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing dead cut bait, chubs and nightcrawlers on the bottom near logjams and during evening hours. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a crawler or plastic ringworms have been effective.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is slowly falling, reports have been challenging over the last week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing dead cut baits, chubs and nightcrawlers on the bottom near logjams and during evening hours. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow or crawler is good for walleye. Fish along the current breaks for actively feeding fish.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River received more than four inches of rain over the last week and more this week, it still remains high and is slowly falling.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition in Delaware County. With the extended forecast, this river offers good angling opportunities for many species this coming weekend. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing dead cut baits, chubs and nightcrawlers on the bottom near logjams and during evening hours. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Crankbaits or fishing live bait on a jig has been fair for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a crawler and crankbaits are productive this time of year for walleye.
Manchester District Streams
All trout streams in the Manchester District area are in excellent condition.
Fishing on the interior rivers has been challenging over the last week. Casey Lake is being reported as good for bluegill. Lakes in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area still remain slow but should improve as the weather warms. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Contact the Manchester district office for more information at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level at Lansing is 9.3 feet and expected to rise to 9.8 feet by the weekend then stabilizing through next week. Water temperature is gradually rising with warmer days ahead. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cat fishing should pick up soon as fish will be feeding heavily before the spawn. Try worms on the bottom or drifting minnows on a bobber near rocky areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved into the backwaters and are getting ready to spawn. Fish shallow flats with worm on a bobber and keep moving to find active fish. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fish are stacked in rocky areas with good current. Fish behind current breaks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Seeing more fish moving into the backwaters. Crappie - Good: Crappies are getting ready to spawn and fishing is good along backwater shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing good on main channel borders with worm on bottom.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level at Lynxville is 18.4 feet is expected to rise to 19.6 feet over the next week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cat fishing should pick up soon as fish will be feeding heavily before the spawn. Try worms on the bottom or drifting minnows on a bobber near rocky areas. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved into the backwaters and are getting ready to spawn. Fish shallow flats with worm on a bobber and keep moving to find active fish. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fish are stacked in rocky areas with good current. Fish behind current breaks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Seeing more fish moving into the backwaters. Crappie - Good: Crappies are getting ready to spawn and fishing is good along backwater shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing good on main channel borders with worm on bottom.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg is 10.0 feet and expected to rise to 11.4 feet over the next week. The rollers have been lifted at the lock and dam which may slow fishing in the tail water area. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats have been active using cut bait. Fish current eddies along deep rocky shoreline. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved into the backwaters and are getting ready to spawn. Fish shallow flats with worm on a bobber and keep moving to find active fish. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fish are stacked in rocky areas with good current. Fish behind current breaks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Seeing more fish moving into the backwaters. Crappie - Good: Crappies are getting ready to spawn and fishing is good along backwater shorelines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing good on main channel borders with worm on bottom.
With recent rains river levels are on the rise along with water temperatures. Temperatures have risen into the mid 60s. Many fish species are preparing to spawn and should be feeding actively.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water clarity is slightly stained to clear. Water level at Lock and Dam is going to raise one or two feet during the week. Levels in Dubuque are at 8.85 feet and expected to rise to 10.6 feet. Water temperature is around 55 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Cut bait usually taken from suckers seems to be the bait of choice for many channel catfish anglers. One angler reported stink bait to be hot, but another reports they can't catch fish on stink bait? Rising water though usually triggers good cat fishing. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are reporting catching decent numbers of largemouth bass off the rock piles and current eddy's in the tail waters and tree falls in the side channels. Freshwater Drum - Good: Egg sinker and worm rig along sand bars has been good for drum. When eaten fresh they can make fine table fare. Usually drum still can be taken in rising dirty water.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water clarity is slightly stained. Water level is going to raise one or two feet during the week. Levels in Bellevue are 9.2 feet and expected to rise to 11.5 feet. Water temperature is around 55 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Cat fishing has been good on cut bait and worms. The raising water levels should trigger better cat fishing conditions. White Bass - Fair: Schools of white bass have been seen feeding on Pool 13 but no reports of anglers catching them. Try white jigs or spinner baits when feeding schools are spotted. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Fish along exposed rock piles and behind fallen trees. Some bass are being caught in Spring Lake along the edges of the now early growing week lines. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum (also called sheepshead or perch) have been biting well along sandy current areas. Some are being taken by walleye fishing on jigs but an egg sinker and worm rig is the best bet for this fish.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water clarity is slightly stained. Water levels at Camanche is going to raise one or two feet during the week. Water stage is 12.2 feet and expected to rise to 13.2 feet this week. Water temperature is around 55 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Some nice catfish are being reported but as water levels rise the cat fishing should get better. Most catfish are being caught on cut bait but some are being taken on leaches. Crappie - No Report: Some nice crappies are being taken out of Sunfish and Cattail Slough last week but no report this week. A few are also being reported out of Rock Creek. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Some drum are being reported by walleye anglers on the wing dams. No real reports from bank anglers but drum remain one of the fish species that are commonly caught in tougher conditions. Try an egg sinker and worm rig for best results.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water levels at LeClaire Iowa is 6.8 feet and expected to rise to 8.1 feet. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats have been biting along the rocks in the tail water area on stink and cut bait.
Water levels rising in all locations in Pools 12, 13, 14 and 15. Water is stained to turbid in some areas.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.50 feet. Tail water stage is forecasted to rise steadily over the next few days. Main channel water temperature is around 66 degrees. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cat fishing has been hit or miss. Some fish are being caught on nightcrawlers, shad, and stink bait. Try fishing around snag piles in the backwater sloughs. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught in Sunset Marina and along the Davenport Riverfront. Try casting in-line spinners, small crankbaits, or jigs and plastics. White bass fishing in Sylvan Slough is being reported as slow. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on small minnows and wax worms. Try fishing around the docks. Bluegills are also being caught in the Andalusia Island complex. Try fishing around brush piles. Bluegills are also being caught in the Andalusia Harbor. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some largemouth bass are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try casting crankbaits or spinner baits. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on minnows. Try using bobbers or jigs around the docks. Crappies are also being caught in the Andalusia Island complex. Look for crappies around brush piles. Some crappies are also being caught in the Andalusia Harbor. Walleye - No Report: We have received no walleye fishing information for this pool.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 8.40 feet. Tail water stage is forecasted to rise steadily over the next few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Bluegill - No Report: Try fishing in Big Timber around stumps and brush piles with wax worms or pieces of nightcrawler under a bobber. Crappie - No Report: An area to try would be Big Timber. Look for crappies around stumps and brush piles. Try using small minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 10.21 feet. Tail water stage is forecasted to rise over the next few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Bluegill - No Report: Anglers may want to try fishing for bluegill in Huron Island and New Boston Bay/Sturgeon Bay. Look for bluegills around stumps, logs, and brush piles. Try using wax worms or pieces of nightcrawlers under a bobber. Crappie - No Report: Anglers may want to try crappie fishing in Huron Island or New Boston Bay/Sturgeon Bay. Look for crappies around stumps, logs, and brush piles. Try fishing with small minnows under a bobber or small jigs and plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.73 feet. Tail water stage is forecasted to rise steadily over the next few days. Most fishing reports are coming from lakes and farm ponds. Channel Catfish - Slow: Channel cat fishing has been spotty. Try fishing with nightcrawlers or shad guts. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing around stumps, logs, and brush piles with small minnows or jigs and plastics. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye are being caught on the wing dams. Try casting or trolling crankbaits.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages are forecasted to rise steadily over the next few days. Water clarity is fair to poor. Main channel water temperature is around 66 degrees. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Belva Deer
Bluegill - Fair: With the return of nice weather, anglers are catching a few bluegills in shallow with the crappies. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are picking up some really nice bass in shallow along the weed beds and in the flooded timber. Crappie - Fair: Crappies have moved shallow again. They are not spawning yet.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Bluegill - Good: Some daily limits have been caught. Fish 8 to 10 inches in length are caught routinely off the shallow flats. Wax worms have been the best. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of bass are near the shore feeding in the early morning and evenings. Soft plastics have produced fun fishing. Crappie - Fair: Some nice crappies up to 14 inches have been caught using minnows.
Lake of the Hills
Rainbow Trout - Good: The trout are hitting on minnows at the inflow from Lambach Lake and the gate 6 area. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where you can use minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching bluegills off the fishing dock near the main boat ramp using worm and bobber. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: White seems to be the color to use work the shallows as well as the underwater habitat. Crappie - Fair: Anglers continue to catch some nice crappies off the brush piles in the lake and around the fishing dock near the main boat ramp. Minnows can be used in Lake of the Hills but not in any of the other lakes in West Lake Park.
Railroad Lake
Bluegill - Good: When the sun is shining the bluegills are in the north side stump field. Crappie - Good: The crappies continue to spend their time out in the flooded timber on the outer edge where it's a little deeper. Look for them to stay in the timber but move a little shallower when the day is warm. Live minnows cannot be used in this lake.
Wilson Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Daily limits are fairly common using Powerbait, wax worms, or small jigs and spinners. Early morning and late evening the trout are feeding near the surface. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers using night crawlers have been catching some nice catfish.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The river level is dropping fairly fast it went from just under bank full to just over half bank full since last Friday. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few anglers have been out and caught some nice catfish using cut bait or night crawlers.
Big Hollow Lake
The weather has kept the angler numbers down. Just prior to the cold snap bluegill and bass fishing was good. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers had been finding the bluegills along the rock shorelines, around the islands and in 3-4 feet of water in flooded timber. Bobber and worms working the best. Crappie - Fair: Most of the crappies are about eight inches in this new lake. They are hitting on tube jigs and spinners in about three feet of water.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Fish a small jig or worm in shallow bays.
Kent Park Lake
The ponds around the park are producing bluegills and bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Crawlers and stink bait have been catching some fish. Bluegill - Good: Small jigs/waxies or worms fished along brush has been working. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try crawlers or artificial lures along rock or wood.
Lake Macbride
Crappie - Fair: Male fish are tight to the bank in preparation for the spawn. Use a small jig or minnow along rip rap or wood. The females are staging out just a bit deeper. Walleye - Fair: Trolling in 8-16 feet of water has been producing some fish. Many fish are 12-14 inches but larger fish are being caught as well.
Central Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: The fish are moving shallow to spawn. Use a small jig or worm around shallow brush.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Remember, minimum length to keep largemouth bass is 18 inches and for muskellunge is 40 inches. White Bass - Fair: Some white bass are being picked up by walleye fishermen using jigs. Bluegill - Fair: Some nicer bluegills are being picked by walleye fishermen using crawler rigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crawlers and a variety of artificial lures along the bottom have been working. Walleye - Good: Many fish are small but larger ones are available. Jigs or live bait rigs have been working best in 15-25 feet of water.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Good: Use a small jig tipped with a waxie around shoreline brush. Most fish are 5-6 inches. Crappie - Excellent: Fish right along the shore along any brush or overhanging branches with a small jig. Most fish are about eight inches but 10-12-inch fish are available. Walleye - Fair: Boat fishermen are picking up some smaller walleyes.
Otter Creek Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Fish shallow brush with a small jig or small worm. Crappie - Fair: Fish shallow brush with a small jig or minnow. Yellow Bass - Good: Fish with small jigs or spinners along the shoreline.
Union Grove Lake
If yellow bass are caught here, please keep it and report it to the park ranger. Bluegill - Fair: Fish shallow brush with a small jig or worm. Crappie - Good: Fishing deeper with a minnow under a bobber has been working. Also look for males in shallow water around brush.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 679.5 feet as of May 10. At this water level, boating is almost impossible above Scales Point. Channel Catfish - Fair: The bite has slowed some. Crawlers or cut bait have been working best.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the tube is 2,560 cubic feet per second as of May 10, and flows will be stair stepping up as the week continues. Channel Catfish - Fair: Flathead Catfish - Fair:
Maquoketa (Hopkinton to Canton)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers or cut bait. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use jigs or crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a crawler.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth bass have been hitting on spinner baits and plastic lizards. Focus on areas with rip rapped shorelines or areas that have trees laying in the water.
Red Haw Lake
Anglers have been catching some bluegills and crappies from shore using small jigs around structure. Largemouth bass have been hitting along the shoreline on rubber worms and spinner baits. Look for areas that have some rock, like along the dam or the jetties.
Lake Sugema
Try small jigs for crappies and bluegills. Anglers have been catching some largemouth bass using spinner baits or plastic lizards. Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure not to transport any plant fragments in your equipment.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Over 2,000 trout were stocked on March 24. A trout stamp is required to possess or fish for trout. Try using small spinners or other flashy lures. Prepared trout baits should also be tried.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 906.21 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 60 degrees. Crappie - Slow: The larger crappies are still in deeper water and scattered. Some smaller crappies being caught along the shoreline. Try depths ranging from 5-15 feet using jigs over submerged structure such as cedar trees or rock piles. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun).
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST
Don Williams Lake
As of May 8, the lake was roughly 2.5 feet low. The boat ramps are useable if caution is used. There are steep drops at the end of the concrete if the trailer is backed in too far. Crappie - Good: Crappie are spawning with many females still holding eggs. Anglers are doing well fishing near shallow stumps and large tree falls with minnows, especially on the upper half of the lake. Most crappie being caught are between 8 and 10 inches, but some white crappies are around 11 to 12 inches.
Beaver Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are beginning to spawn and are being caught shallow on the upper end and in the bays. Nice bluegill exist in Beaver Lake up to 8 inches. Crappie - Good: A good crappie population is present. Spawning crappie are being caught with minnows along the dam face and around the trees in the shallower water on the upper end.
Rock Creek Lake
Bullhead - Good: Any anglers looking for bullheads can try the upper end of the lake where a decent bite is occurring using nightcrawlers. Crappie - Good: The crappies and some bluegills are still hitting well using minnows under a bobber, or jigs with minnows mostly on the south end of the lake along the shore. The black crappie spawn is peaking and the white crappie are picking up. Fishing should be good to excellent this weekend.
Roberts Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Roberts Creek is consistently a good crappie fishery in central Iowa. The crappies are still spawning and can be caught shallow fishing minnows under a bobber near any of the brush piles and out from the old beach area across the lake from the main boat ramp.
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill spawn has begun and they are being caught shallow using crawlers and even small minnows. The west shoreline south of the 100th Street boat ramp and the shoreline across the lake from the 100th Street ramp are excellent areas to start. Big Creek bluegills are 7.5 to 9 inches. Crappie - Slow: The crappie spawn is occurring at Big Creek, but anglers are catching low numbers. The crappie population is currently low in Big Creek. Anglers seeking better crappie catches are encouraged to try the reservoirs and other central Iowa lakes.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Spawning crappies are being caught shallow around the riprap in the marina and up the Whitebreast arm using small jigs or live minnows. Fish up to 15 inches are coming out with most being 8 to 10 inches.
Saylorville Reservoir
Crappie - Excellent: Crappie are spawning in Saylorville with some good size fish being caught. Any areas with riprap extending into the water are good. These areas include along the shore in the marina, the rock jetty at Cherry Glen, along the dam face, Lakeview access and east side of the mile long bridge. Live minnows under a bobber or small tube jigs are working well.
Petersons Pit, West
Crappie - Excellent: West Peterson Pit holds a good crappie population. Anglers are catching them shallow using minnows. Most of the fish are 8 to 10 inches.
The crappie spawn is peaking in central Iowa. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s. The bluegill spawn is beginning in the lakes and should be excellent fishing for the next couple weeks. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Crappies are being picked up along the dam and around jetties. Water clarity is improving. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught using shrimp. Fish average two pounds. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are close to rock and can be caught using red tube jigs or white twister tails. Sorting is necessary. Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp.
Nodaway Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: A few 1-2 pound catfish are being caught on shrimp. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught along the dam and close to rock. Nodaway crappies average 10 inches. Nodaway Lake has one boat ramp. Water temperature is in the 70s.
Lake Anita
Crappies are being caught in the pontoon arm of the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing shallow coves with spinner baits and a slow retrieve. Many of the fish caught are in the 14 to 19-inch range. Crappie - Fair: 10-inch crappies have been caught in the north arm and around brush piles using small jigs. Anglers are sorting for the larger size fish. Lake Anita has two concrete boat ramps. The lake has good water clarity.
Willow Lake
Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfish are being caught along the campground shoreline using nightcrawlers. Fish are averaging one pound. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 8.5 inches are being caught with nightcrawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught using spinner baits around the shoreline and jetties. Willow Lake has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water quality.
Viking Lake
Crappies are being caught in the rocks. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and crankbaits. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches are being caught along the dam and around jetties on twister tails. Average size is 8-9 inches. Viking has three concrete boat ramps. Water temperature is 70 degrees.
Lake Manawa
Crappie - Fair: Minnows and small jigs have been the bait of choice on the west side of the lake and around docks. Lake Manawa water temperature is 70 degrees. The lake is 36 inches low.
Water temperatures are close to 70 degrees. The crappie spawn is winding down and th, e bluegills are now on the nests. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are biting on crawlers or bluegill sides. Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught from the sides or tops of fish mounds or the edges of the jetties using crawlers or small black jigs. Crappie - Slow: The crappie bite is tapering off from a week ago. A few mid-sized crappies are still being caught from fish mounds in deeper areas around the jetties. Water clarity if fairly good in the lower half of the lake and the temperature is in the upper 60s.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake level is down 10 feet to allow completion of the shoreline rip rap project. The lake will be down most of the summer. The fish are being restocked through the spring.
Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Crappie - Good: White tube jigs can be used to pick up a lot of crappies from just off the dam. Water clarity is very good with only slight areas of vegetation.
Lake of Three Fires
Bluegill - Good: Several bluegills are being caught from the area between the swimming beach and the dam. Water clarity is about three feet at the dam.
Green Valley Lake
The fish are ready to be caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Some really nice mid-sized channel catfish can be caught from just below the rock dikes in flowing water using crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of big bluegill can be caught from the rocky areas or the sides of the fish mounds about three feet below the surface. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught and released from shoreline. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are just off the dam and along the ends of the jetties. Their numbers are low but the size is good. The water level have refilled to within three feet of full. The main ramp is easily accessible. Clarity is good considering the recent heavy rains.
Three Mile Lake
Crappie - Fair: A few nice sized crappies remain in the spawning areas or just off-shore. The water clarity is fairly good at mid-lake and the dam. The upper end is murky. The temperature is in the upper 60s.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bullhead - Good: Crawlers and liver are working well to catch giant bullheads from the rock dike at the far upper end of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several bluegills are being caught using small jigs in the deeper areas around or on top of the fish mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught and released from the shoreline areas all around the lake. Crappie - Good: Crappies have moved off the spawning areas and can be found 10 feet down around the flooded trees. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye are being caught from 10 feet of water near sharp drop-offs with flooded timber. Water clarity exceeds 10 feet at the dam. Water temperature is in the upper 60s.
Walnut Creek Marsh
Water clarity is fairly good. Only moderate areas of vegetation are present. Bluegill - Good: Several bluegills are hanging just off the lily bed edges. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of largemouth bass are being caught from along the edges of the vegetation.
Most lakes have good water quality. Temperatures are in the upper 60s. The crappie spawn is winding down. The bluegill bite is heating up. cribe please send a blank email to: join-fishiowa@lists.ia.gov
