NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
An electrofishing survey was conducted on 5-29-15. Bluegill up to 9.5 inches and largemouth bass up to 15 inches were collected. Several crappies were also sampled. Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Good: With high water clarity, bluegill can be seen guarding nests along shore in 2-5 feet of water. Work these areas with a small jig tipped with crawler fished under a bobber.

Brushy Creek Lake
Walleye – Good: Anglers have had success fishing with leeches in about 15-20 feet of water. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are being caught on wax worms and leeches in about 5-10 feet of water. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are being picked up in 10 feet of water. Muskellunge – Good.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Boaters should use caution around the dredge barge, booster pump barge, and pipeline. Walleye regulations for Storm Lake are three fish per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released and only one over 22 inches may be kept. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up walleye trolling crankbaits in the dredge cuts between the islands on the east side of the lake. Others have had success fishing in 4-6 feet of water in near shore areas. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits and crawlers. They are having the best luck fishing the north shore areas, especially in the Circle Park area and the island near Circle Park. White Bass – Fair: White bass are being caught on spinners and crankbaits while fishing for walleyes. Anglers are also having luck fishing spinners and crankbaits in shallower areas near shore.

Swan Lake
An electrofishing survey conducted in May 2015 showed an abundant panfish population consisting of 6-8 inch bluegill and 6-9 inch crappie; 7-16 inch largemouth bass were also sampled. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up 7-8 inch bluegill. Fish for bluegills around the emergent vegetation with a small jig set about 2 feet under a bobber. Black Crappie – Fair: Some crappie are mixed in with the bluegills.

Black Hawk Lake
Lake level is 12 inches above crest. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are being caught in Town Bay along the shoreline and off the piers. Others are having success fishing with crawlers near the inlet fish barrier. This time of year bluegill can also be targeted on or near their nests, which are usually located in 3 to 5 feet of water where there is sandy/gravel substrate. Use a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of night crawler or red worm fished about a foot under a bobber. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being caught in Town Bay and near Ice House Point. A few have been caught in the State Marina. Most are fishing with twister tails, leeches, and crawlers. Mornings and evenings are most productive. Black Crappie – Slow: A few crappie are being picked up while bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass using spinners, crawlers, or minnows and jigs. Most fish are in the 7-8 inch range, which is below the 15 inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Bluegill – Good: Keeper size bluegill are being caught on spawning beds. Look for bluegill guarding nests near shore in 2-5 feet of water. Anglers are often successful targeting bluegills that are guarding these nests. Use a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of night crawler or red worm fished about a foot under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some catfish are being picked up using dip baits and crawlers.

Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills on nests along the east shoreline off the points. Cast small black jigs set 1 to 2 feet below a bobber into the nests.

Black Hawk Pits
Water clarity is good. An electrofishing survey conducted 6-8-15 collected 6-8 inch bluegill and 6-10 inch largemouth bass. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill nests can be found along shore in 2-4 feet of water and also on the submerged islands where there is gravel substrate in 3-5 feet of water. Anglers are often successful fishing in these areas where bluegills are guarding the nests. With high water clarity, try to avoid spooking fish by anchoring away from nesting areas where fish can be seen and cast into them.

Little Sioux Park Lake
Bluegill – Good: Keeper size bluegill are being caught on spawning beds. Look for bluegill guarding nests near shore in 2-5 feet of water. Anglers are often successful targeting bluegills that are guarding these nests. Use a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of night crawler or red worm fished about a foot under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass, but most are under the 15 inch minimum length limit for bass.

For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.

Lower Pine Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Lower Pine Lake has produced a few large largemouth bass with top water next to wood (downed trees).

Upper Pine Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are being caught on deep diving crank bait. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are biting on worms.

Lake Smith
Bluegill – Good: Look for Bluegills on beds on sandy bottom. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Clear Lake
Walleye – Slow: Some fish have been caught right at dark on the little lake near shorelines. Boat fishing has been ok in the main lake basin. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Bass – Slow: Yellow bass are done spawning. Look for some near the rock reefs in deeper water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching a few largemouths with plastic worms near the edges of vegetation in the little lake.

Lake Cornelia
White Bass – Fair: An occasional white bass have been caught near the culverts where water is flowing in.

Crystal Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are fishing with artificial worms or weedless presentations on the weed edges. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have had good luck but the spawn should be about done. Look for beds close to shore from the jetties or near the boat ramp. A bobber set about a foot down with a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of nightcrawler or red worm works well. Crappie – Slow: Some anglers have had success on plastic 1/16th ounce tube jigs by the first buoy in front of the boat launch in about 7 feet of water drifting/light casting. Also some action along the dredge line as the depth goes from 13 to 17 feet.

For lake updates and fishing information in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Lake Pahoja
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are schooled up off the jetties. Bluegills are very large with many in the 7-8 inch range. Fish a worm and bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are beginning to bed in the shallows along the south banks in shallower water. Throwing spinner baits or soft plastics for the aggressive males will produce bites.

Big Spirit Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass can be found near weed choked areas as they are protecting their fry. Fish are being caught in trickles using top water frogs. Anglers are also catching bass on boat hoists along the north banks in the deeper water. Try crankbaits or swimbaits to pull these bass out from under the hoists. Walleye – Good: Local anglers are catching walleye around 5:00 till dark at the North Grade. Fish above and below the slot are being caught and creeled. Successful anglers are using dark deer hair jigs tipped with leeches. Yellow Perch – Fair: The fishing pier at the grade is producing more 6-8 inch perch for anglers willing to sort through bullheads and bluegill. Successful anglers are using jig heads and wax worms. A hot bite has been reported near the Templar point in 16 feet of water. Anglers that were creeled were using wax worms and slip bobbers. These perch were 10 inches. Black Bullhead – Fair: The bullhead bite at the north grade is slowing. Creeled anglers are taking home single digits. These fish are 12-14 inches. Successful anglers are leaving the worm on the bottom and fishing around submerged vegetation. Northern Pike – Good: Fishermen fishing in Templar bar are catching large numbers of small northerns. Most fish are in the mid 20 inch range. Successful anglers are using Meps or small spinnerbaits. Johnson silver minnow tipped with a leech also has been proving to catch these fish.

Center Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 6-8 inch bluegill are being caught in low numbers along the north bank. Fish were being harvested using small lipstick jigs tipped with a nightcrawler. Crappie – Good: Smaller crappies are being caught on the north and east side of Center Lake. Anglers are using jigs tipped with wax worms.

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Large numbers of yellow bass are being caught near East Okoboji beach near the boat docks. Fish vary from small to a few larger 8-9 inch fish. Throw soft plastic shad for them. Anglers fishing under the highway 9 bridge are catching fair numbers of yellows using small plastic minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Numbers of smaller yellow perch are being caught while anglers are fishing for yellow bass. Pulling similar baits near the bottom will force more perch into your bucket. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish near the inlet to upper gar along the rocks to find a fast paced bass bite. Anglers are seeing bass bedding up in upper gar then swimming into East Okoboji. Walleye – Fair: Parks Marina and Lone Tree Point are reporting a hot bite for walleye. Anglers are drifting minnows along the bottom before dark. Larger walleye are being caught in 10-12 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching low numbers of 8 inch bluegills while fishing docks throughout East Okoboji. Anglers are fishing small jigs under docks tipped with wax worms.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching limits of walleye on Silver lake in Lake Park. Many anglers are catching limits using leeches and crankbaits while trolling or slip bobbers with minnows. Anglers are catching these fish throughout the water body.

West Okoboji Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth can be found under boat hoists, near weed lines, and on the drop offs. Fish these spots with football jigs, crankbaits, and Texas rigs. Bluegill – Good: The canals are loaded with bluegills. Large and small fish are being caught in good numbers. Pocahontas Point is holding a good bluegill population with anglers catching large fish with little sorting. Crappie – Fair: The trestle is still being reported to be a good bite. The canals are starting to fill with larger crappies. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouths have moved off beds and are now headed towards the rocky drop offs. Fish rock points that shoot out into the main basin of West Lake, Pillsbury, Fort Dodge, and Gull Point. Use jerk baits, football jigs, and swimbaits. Walleye – Good: Walleyes are being caught by shore anglers fishing the canal bridges after dark. Successful anglers are fishing darker crankbaits and bottom jigs with leeches. Fish being caught are in the 13-19 inch range. Yellow Bass – Good: In Smiths bay just north of the amusement park anglers are reporting a high catch rate of large yellow bass. Anglers using orange twister tails or plain hook with worm and split shot are catching yellows on every cast. Yellow Perch – Fair: Quality perch (8-10 inch) can be found in the shallows where substrate is exposed. Fish with wigglers and a small jig at Breezy point, Pillsbury, and Fort Dodge.

Five Island Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers fishing just north of town bay are catching 14-17 inch walleye. Anglers using bottom bouncers are stumbling upon numbers of walleyes as they approach the shallows.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Large yellow bass can be caught at the outlet of little lake. These fish are being seen and caught under the overhang of the outlet structure. A large number of smaller fish can be caught near the bridge where Lost Island dumps into little lake. Black Bullhead – Excellent: A very large number of bullheads are being seen while crews are electrofishing on Lost Island. These large numbers of bullhead are being seen at the mouth of little lake just west of the bridge. Crappie – Fair: Crappies are starting to group up in the shallow coves of little lake. These fish are swimming into the cattails in preparation for the spawn.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Lots of shoreline anglers are taking home nice catches of panfish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers have found bass suspended over brush piles. A jig tipped with a twister works well. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills can be found in shallow water guarding nests. Channel Catfish – Good: Use a hook tipped with a night crawler just off the bottom. Put a bobber on the line and wait for it to go under. Give it a quick jerk and reel it in. Crappie – Slow: Anglers are catching 7-8 inch crappies along the rip-rapped shoreline along the dam front. Use a small brightly colored tube jig.

Lake Hendricks
Panfishing remains slow but shoreline anglers are catching some nice catfish.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers fishing over the rock reefs are finding some nice bass. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Anglers fishing midday using a hook with a night crawler or stink bait are catching some nice catfish. Bluegill – Slow: Anglers using worms fished over structure in shallow bays are finding fish. Crappie – Slow: Crappie are hanging around rock mounds. Use a small jig for success.

Lake Meyer
As of 6-17, water levels have been drawn down. The lake is about down to the desired level. The boat ramp is unusable at this time and will remain so until water levels are allowed to return to normal. Mud flats and past habitat locations are becoming exposed. Water levels will remain low throughout the construction period. Construction should be completed by November 1, 2015 when water levels will be allowed to return to normal.  Largemouth Bass – No Report. Bluegill – Slow: Panfishing has been spotty but some anglers have picked up a few nice bluegills by the jetty. All other areas are difficult to access. Crappie – No Report.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
The water level is high and turbid due to recent rain. No fishing activity currently.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
The water level is high and turbid due to recent rain. No fishing activity currently.

Turkey River (below Clermont)
The water level is high and turbid due to recent rain. No fishing activity currently.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
The water level is high and turbid due to recent rain. No fishing activity currently.

Decorah District Streams
Trout stream condition is improving. Anglers have been taking trout on #16 or #18 March Browns, Adams, Griffiths gnat and mole hair leach. Match the size of the fly with the critter hatching. Spin fishers using small crankbaits or haired spinners fished through deeper holes continue to take nice catches. Brook Trout – Good: Brook trout are intolerant of siltation, turbidity, and elevated water temperatures. Brown Trout – Good: Fingerling brown trout have been stocked into all our put-and-grow streams. Rainbow Trout – Good: Rainbow trout have a broad pink stripe on both sides and spots covering sides, dorsal fin and tail.

For a schedule of trout stockings, go to iowa.dnr.gov and search trout stocking. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
There are reports of both bluegill and largemouth bass being caught on Casey Lake. There has also been a good night bite on channel catfish. Boat angling is ideal as the vegetation has set in around the shorelines. Bluegill – Good: Cast and retrieve small jigs or use a piece of worm on both a small hook and bobber casted along the out edges of weed beds. Use small tackle when fishing bluegills. Largemouth Bass – Good: Evening/mornings have been best. Try top water baits or weedless spinnerbaits for some good action. Channel Catfish – Good: Sunset or thereafter evening hours have been good. Fish on the bottom past weed beds using dead chubs, chicken liver or stink baits.

Big Woods Lake
There are fair reports of crappie being caught in Big Woods Lake. Crappie – Fair: Fish a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or cast colored tube jigs off of shore or in and around structure.

Brinker Lake
Brinker Lake has been producing fair catches of crappie and a recent fisheries survey produced good numbers and size as well. Crappie – Fair: Fish a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or cast colored tube jigs off of shore or in and around structure.

George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been successful in catching both bluegill and crappie. Crappie – Fair: Fish a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or cast colored tube jigs off of shore or in and around structure. Bluegill – Fair: Cast and retrieve small jigs or use a piece of worm on both a small hook and bobber casted from shore. Use small tackle when fishing bluegills.

Interior rivers are not offering angling opportunities at this time due to recent rainfalls. Black Hawk County lakes are providing bluegill and crappie opportunities as the weather warms. Trout streams in northeast Iowa remain in good condition as long as rain holds off, for further information contact the N.E. Iowa District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9 feet at Lansing and expected to remain near this level over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. The boat ramp at New Albin is now open. Walleye – Slow: Higher water levels will make it difficult to find walleyes on wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills near spawning beds in the upper ends of backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Many bass are in post spawn and beginning to scatter. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas. In high water, look for good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish spawn will be ending, but still worth it to float minnows by rocky areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 17.1 feet at Lynxville and expected to fall to 16 feet over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. Walleye – Slow: With stable water levels look for walleyes to start feeding on the top sides of wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills near spawning beds in the upper ends of backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Many bass are in post spawn and beginning to scatter. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas. In high water, look for good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish spawn will be ending, but still worth it to float minnows by rocky areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 9.1 feet at Guttenberg and expected to fall to 8 feet over the next week. The roller dams are back in at the lock and dam. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. Walleye – Slow: Higher water levels will make it difficult to find walleyes on wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills near spawning beds in the upper ends of backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Many bass are in post spawn and beginning to scatter. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas. In high water, look for good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish spawn will be ending, but still worth it to float minnows by rocky areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Fair: Some nice size white bass are being caught along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure.

River levels remain high on the Upper Mississippi but are expected to fall slowly over the next week. Recent heavy rains have left the river muddy and the turbidity is making fishing more difficult. Water temperatures have risen into the low 70’s.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 8.6 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 10.8 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge; both down over a foot from last week. Water temperature in the main channel remains at 75 degrees.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing is generally good but you have to find clearer water.  Frog imitations in the weeds have been somewhat effective. Walleye – Slow: Some walleyes were still caught.  Most are found in very shallow water and being caught by bluegill anglers. Bluegill – Fair: Gills were hitting well over the past few weeks but the bite has slowed as the water has risen. Some fish can be found in the back ends of marinas and backwaters in this high water. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot lines and pole anglers using worms. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot lines and pole anglers using worms

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is 10.1 feet at Bellevue down a foot from last week. The main channel temperature is 75 degrees. Water coming out of the Pools tributaries is quite turbid.  Avoid the dirty water in backwaters and sloughs above the major tributaries.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Look for clearer water especially in weed bed locations to catch bass.  The largemouths reported to us have been sizable.  The high water has made places like Spring Lake, Savanna Bay and Browns Lake quite accessible. Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Smallmouth bass are sight predators and have difficulty feeding when water gets so murky.  Look for this species along current rock lines once the water clears. Walleye – Slow: After the rise in water levels, walleye moved into shallower water along the shorelines and were being picked up by bass and bluegill anglers. Bluegill – Fair: Some nice bluegills are still being reported in the big backwater areas like Savannah Bay and Spring Lake but the bit has slowed considerably. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The channel catfish bite has really cranked in earnest.  Catfish are biting on worms and stink bait in side channels just above brush piles. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Lots of smaller eater flatheads are being caught in the tailwaters by anglers using worm rigs.  Some larger specimens are being taken on trot lines.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 9.8 feet at Fulton, 12.7 feet at Camanche, and 7.3 feet above the dam at LeClaire. All water levels are down considerably from last week and expected to drop further.  The main channel water temperature is around 75 degrees.   Largemouth Bass – Fair: Great populations of bass exist in Pool 14.  Some may have moved into the bigger backwater areas and clearer waters.  Anglers using frog imitations in the weed lines are catching some nice sized bass. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Lots of reports of channel catfish hitting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are being caught in the backwater areas on worm rigs.  Muddy water finally took its toll on the bluegill bite.  Expect good fishing to resume once the water clears. Walleye – Slow: Walleyes were reported in shallow water throughout the district this week.  Bass and bluegill anglers were catching them near shore. Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Use spinners or jigs and fish close to any exposed rocky areas. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Some nice flathead catfish are being caught by people crappie and walleye fishing.  Flatheads are live fish eating catfish and will readily hit on flashy lures. Northern Pike – No Report: The pike bite has been good this year on Pool 14. Backwaters such as Rock Creek and Cattail Slough have been some of the best target lakes.  Use gaudy white spinners for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 11.3 feet at Rock Island, which is over two foot lower than the previous week. The water temperature is around 76 degrees.  Eagles Landing and Leach park are two nice areas to put in and enjoy fishing on Pool 15.  Channel Catfish – Good: Launch at Eagles Landing in Bettendorf and fish near smaller tributary mouths above and below the park.  Use worms or stink bait but move often if you are not having success.  Catfish will bite immediately or not be there. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads were caught mixed in with the channel catfish by anglers using worms or live bait. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are a consistent biter this time of year.  A simple rig with worms and an egg sinker will prove best.
The Mississippi River in this reach is somewhat dirty but even with all the rains this week, very few showers were north of the district.  As a result, the Mississippi in Pools 12 to 15 will drop this week.  Some ramps may be out of commission but a boat still can be launched at most places.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 11.16 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and rising. Tailwater stage is forecasted to rise some over the next few days with the recent heavy rains. Water clarity is poor. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. The docks at the Fairport Recreational Area have been taken out. The ramp at Clark’s Ferry is open.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 10.66 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and forecasted to rise. Flood stage is 15 feet. River levels at Muscatine are 12.51 feet and forecasted to rise. Flood stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. The boat ramp at Kilpeck is being reported as open but conditions may change as water levels are forecasted to rise. The ramp at Big Timber (The Breaks) is still closed due to the high water. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.93 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and forecasted to rise. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.17 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and forecasted to rise. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. River level at Burlington is 14.33 feet and flood stage is 15 feet. As of June 23, the ramp at Burlington was useable but there is some debris on the ramp. As of June 23, the ramp at Fort Madison was also useable but there is some debris on the ramp. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. Ramp conditions may change as the river is forecasted to rise.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages have fallen some since last week but conditions are still high. River levels are forecasted to rise some over the next few days with the recent heavy rains. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. Main channel water temperature is 73-74 degrees. If you have questions on fishing pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
Both the Mississippi and Iowa Rivers are coming in through the levee breaks that the contractors were in the process of fixing. The Toolesboro Road remains closed. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Anglers are catching some really nice catfish.

Lake Geode
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching good numbers of bluegills but you have to do a little sorting. Channel Catfish – Good: Good numbers of catfish are in the rocks along the dam and around the boat ramp area.

Lake Belva Deer
Rains this week have kept angler pressure low. Bluegill – Good: Some are moving back into the spawning area for another go at it. Others can be found down by the dam and in deeper water taking a break. Redear Sunfish – Fair: Redears are mostly done and gone from the beds. Look for them in 6 to 7 feet of water in the weed beds. Crappie – Good: Crappies continue to hang around the underwater mounds at the upper end of the lake. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish the face of the dam, the males are in the rocks protecting the nests.

Lake Darling
The water is still in pretty good shape, we keep missing the really big rains. Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills have finished spawning but you can still find them in pretty shallow. Fish are 7- 8 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are in 8 to 10 feet of water around the willows and brush piles. You’ll catch a lot of little ones but the better ones are in the 10 to 11 inch range. Green sunfish – Good: Anglers are catching 9+ inch big green sunfish.

Lost Grove Lake
The rain continues to fill the lake but the filling is slowing. Lost Grove Lake has an 18 inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. Black Crappie – Slow: Most crappies have deeper water. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed above the causeway and on the main lake. Largemouth Bass – Good: Still too small to keep but they are very aggressive.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The skunk continues to rise, some minor flooding in the low areas. The water is really muddy.

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is running around 78 degrees. A lot of duckweed and algae especially in the upper end of the lake; not near as bad by the dam. Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegills are biting. Work your way through the flooded trees in one of the bays. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish the rock shorelines and down the face of the dam. They are spawning. Good numbers of pan sized fish.

For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Management station at (319) 694-2430.

Lake Macbride
The 9.9 horsepower maximum rule is in effect. These motors must also observe the 5 mph speed limit. Crappie – Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish in deeper water. Walleye – Fair: Trolling spinner rigs or crankbaits in 8-12 feet has been catching some fish. White Bass – Fair: There is a short window and dawn/dusk for schooling fish being caught on top waters. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish live bait around rocks or drift cut bait in mid-depth flats.

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Crappie – Fair: Fish around deeper brush or look for suspended fish in open water. Bluegill – Good: Small jigs fished around the jetties and brush is working well. Many fish are 7-9 inch. Channel Catfish – Good: Night crawlers, chicken livers, and stinkbait have been working.

Union Grove Lake
The drain valve was opened June 19 to begin drawdown for the renovation project; however, the drain is plugged. The lake is still at full capacity. There are relaxed fishing regulations; no length or bag limits for any species at this lake.  Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs or worms around shallow brush and pockets. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Crankbaits and soft plastics fished around shallow rock work well. Crappie – Fair: Some fish are being caught in shallow pockets or brush. Some fish are being caught drifting in open water.

Coralville Reservoir
As of June 25, the lake level is at 694 feet (normal summer pool is 683 feet) and still rising. It is now predicted to crest at 701.8 feet on July 1.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
This report was based off last weekend, before the last few rain events. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Spinnerbaits and crankbaits were producing some fish around rock and wood. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Crankbaits and jigs fished around rock has been effective. Channel Catfish – Fair. Northern Pike – Fair. Walleye – Slow.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Try rubber worms and crankbaits fished around the cedar trees. Spinnerbaits can be productive when fished along the shorelines and around the rock jetties. Top water lures can be productive this time of year when fished in the mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill along the shorelines. Use small jigs and try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cubit or night crawlers around the fishing jetties.

Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegills using small jigs or a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use spinner baits and rubber worms around the rock jetties and along the face of the dam. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish using night crawlers and cut bait. Target areas around rock jetties and the dam.

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
Hawthorn Lake has a slot length limit for largemouth bass and all 12 to 16-inch bass must be immediately released. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use rubber worms along the shoreline. Concentrate on areas with rock. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or chunks of night crawler fished under a bobber. Some sorting may be required for larger fish.

Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah State Park is undergoing a road construction project so access to the park is limited. The boat ramps are still accessible by using the entrance to the north and east of the park.

Lake Miami
Lake Miami is currently undergoing lake renovation. The lake is 4.5 feet below normal and the boat ramps are difficult to use. New jetties and cedar tree piles have been installed.

Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema has a 12-18 inch protected slot length limit for largemouth bass. Anglers are encouraged to harvest largemouth bass less than 12 inches in length to improve overall largemouth bass growth. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use spinner baits or crankbaits along rip-rapped shorelines and around fishing jetties. Rubber worms can also be a good choice along the shorelines and around any type of structure. Crappie – Slow: Use a bobber and a minnow or small jigs. Target areas with 6-10 feet of water. Walleye – Slow: Anglers are catching some walleyes using jigs along the dam. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have had some success using small jigs and fishing around spawning areas. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish along the fishing jetties using night crawlers or dead minnows.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 910.98. The water temperature is 70 degrees. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry boats 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 (5 days in the sun).  Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappies using small jigs. Try areas with rip-rapped shorelines. Sorting is required for larger fish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use night crawlers or dead chubs. Try areas with large rip-rap as the catfish are preparing to spawn. Areas around Bridgeview and the dam are good places to target. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching walleyes using live bait around submerged rocky areas. Try drifting or trolling through these areas.

Take your trash with you so your favorite fishing spot is clean and litter free. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions regarding angling in south central Iowa.

SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies are schooled around the standing timber broke off at the water’s surface mid-lake. They can be targeted fishing minnows under a bobber 3 to 5 feet down or pitching small panfish jigs.

Rock Creek Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting panfish jigs or minnows mid-lake on the lower portion of the lake. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are being caught in less than 5 feet of water, near the shoreline.

Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleyes are being caught in good numbers with a few fish over 15 inches. Troll spinning rigs with minnows in about 15 foot of water in the east ramp bay and around the point between the beach and the marina. Shore anglers can pick up walleye as well fishing minnows under slip bobbers off the jetties. Bluegill – Fair: The lake has become more turbid and bluegill fishing has slowed. Fish the outside edges of vegetation beds in shallow water with small hooks, crawler pieces and a bobber.

Hickory Grove Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies can be caught fishing minnows 2 to 6 feet deep tight to the fallen and overhanging trees in the coves. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught fishing crawlers over pallet piles in less than 10 feet of water as well as along the fallen and overhanging trees.

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill – Good: Good size bluegills are being caught fishing crawlers or small panfish jigs 2 to 6 feet deep on the lower portions of the lake where the vegetation is less dense.

Red Rock Reservoir
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish can be found this time of year near large rip rap and woody structure. Crayfish under a bobber and even crankbaits can entice these fish out of the cavities.

Saylorville Reservoir
Anglers should focus on the Big Creek spillway when water is flowing over this structure. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish crankbaits and cut bait should at the spillway. White Bass – Good: Spoons, spinners and crankbaits will entice these aggressive fish to bite at the spillway.

Heavy rains and stained water have made fishing more challenging in most central Iowa lakes and rivers, however, bluegill and crappie are still being caught drifting mid-lake in many areas. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Lake Icaria
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished on the fish mounds. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish up to 5 lbs. have been caught using night crawlers or liver fished near fish mounds and rocky shoreline areas.

West Lake (Osceola)
The marina is closed for improvements.

Little River Watershed Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the brush piles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish over 5 pounds have been caught using liver fished near the rock reefs.

Lake of Three Fires
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8.5 inches have been caught with worms near the cedar tree piles and fish mounds.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
Sands Timber Lake has been drained for the construction of a wetland structure in the west arm.

Green Valley Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the fishing jetties or near shallow brush piles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish up to 24 inches have been caught with night crawlers along the silt dikes.

Summit Lake
Yellow Perch – Good: Yellow perch up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a worm fished in 5-8 feet of water along weed lines. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a worm fished in 5-8 feet of water.

Three Mile Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish up to 5 lbs. have been caught using liver or night crawlers fished near rocky shoreline areas.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught on jigs fished near the flooded timber or the roadbed. Yellow Perch – Slow: Yellow perch up to 11 inches have been caught using jigs fished near cedar tree piles or the roadbed.

Walnut Creek Marsh
Walnut Creek Marsh has been drained for in-lake improvements.

Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes ranges from the upper 70’s to mid-80’s. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call: 641-464-3108.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are having success with worms, cut bait, and dip baits. Fishing has been good in the mouth of the tributaries-good reports in the mouth of the Floyd and Big Sioux Rivers. Flathead Catfish – Good: flathead catfishing is picking up on trotlines/rod and reel using chubs, bullheads, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish – Fair: A few blue cats have been caught in this stretch. Fresh cut bait works well. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: Shovelnose sturgeon have been caught in recent surveys north of the Big Sioux River area in good numbers. Look for shallow water with deep water nearby. Worms work. Be sure to know the difference between the endangered pallid sturgeon and the more common shovelnose sturgeon.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish are being caught on worms, dip baits, and cut bait in the Missouri River and mouth of the Little Sioux. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs and live baits. Blue Catfish – Fair: blue catfish are being caught on fresh cut bait. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: Shovelnose sturgeon have been caught in recent surveys in this area in good numbers. Look for shallow water with deep water nearby. Worms work well. Be sure to know the difference between the endangered pallid sturgeon and the more common shovelnose sturgeon.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers report the best success on dead shad, worms, cut bait, and dip baits. Flathead Catfish – Good: Anglers are having success on trotlines/rod and reel catching flatheads with chubs, bullheads, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching blue catfish on trotlines and rod and reel using cut bait and live baits.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 20.55 ft. /29,200 cfs./75 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River has dropped 0.31 feet from last week. Fishing has been good overall on the Missouri River.