NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers have had some luck using traditional catfish baits (e.g., dip baits, cut bait, chicken liver). Bluegill – Fair: Some keeper bluegills are being picked up near the dam. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are catching largemouth bass off spinners and crawlers; some are above the 15 inch minimum length limit.
Brushy Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Successful anglers are fishing with leeches in about 15-20 feet of water. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are being caught on wax worms and leeches in about 10-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are being picked up in 10 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some largemouth bass are being picked up.
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 and fishing leeches in the dredge cuts. Those fishing in 10-12 feet of water are having the best luck. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits, cut bait, and chicken liver fishing from boat and from shore. White Bass – Fair: White bass are being caught on crankbaits while fishing for walleyes.
Black Hawk Lake
Lake level is 11 inches above crest. Bluegill – Fair: Fish for bluegill along weed lines and out deeper near rock piles. Use crawlers or leeches. Walleye – Fair: 14-17 inch walleye have been picked up using leeches fished near rock piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass using spinners, crawlers, or minnows and jigs. Most fish are below the 15 inch minimum length limit. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish have been picked up with leeches. Fish the rock piles located offshore of Shotgun Hill and the rock pile located mid-lake straight north of Cottonwood Point.
Browns Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have caught a few bluegill with crawlers fished under a bobber.
Snyder Bend Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers have picked up some channel catfish using crawlers and stink bait. Shortnose gar – Good: Anglers are picking up gar fishing from shore.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Some catfish are being picked up using dip baits and crawlers.
Peters Park
Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers have had luck picking up largemouth bass over 15 inches.
For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Crappie – Good: Anglers have had success this week drift fishing or slow trolling with a light tube jig. Crappies (7-9 inch) are suspended in about 6-8 feet of water.
Briggs Woods Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are being caught on deep diving crankbaits.
Upper Pine Lake
Crappie – Good: Fish with small crank baits at/or around 8-10 feet of water.
Lake Smith
Bluegill – Good. Largemouth Bass – Good.
Clear Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers trolling are catching a few keepers. Shore fisherman have caught a few under docks or wading near the edges of reeds. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Bass – Good: Anglers fishing the main lake reefs, particularly the state artificial reef, are doing well. Larger sized ones are being caught (8-8.5 inches). Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching a few largemouths with plastic worms near the edges of vegetation in the little lake. Channel Catfish – Fair: A few catfish have been caught at dark or early morning on the little lake. Target the edges of the rushes/cattails with cut bait or stink bait.
Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)
Smallmouth Bass – Good: The Iowa River at Steamboat Rock is producing a few very nice smallmouth bass.
Shell Rock River (above Greene)
Smallmouth Bass – Good: River levels are good, smallmouth should be biting well.
Winnebago River
Smallmouth Bass – Good: River levels are good, smallmouth should be biting well.
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 7-8 inch fish. 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 at this time 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 jigging raps, bobber and leech, or just jigging a leech. Walleyes are also being caught along the weed line in Anglers bay in 16-17feet of water. This weed line runs east to west and larger walleyes are swimming along this edge. Fish jigs tipped with a leech. Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers being creeled are catching good numbers of 10+ inch perch. Most fish are coming from 20 feet of water along the north end of Big Spirit Lake. Fish are also coming off Templar point and also the south end of Spirit. Fish are being caught using lindy rigs, bottom bouncers, and small jigs. Black Bullhead – Fair: The bullhead bite at the north grade is slowing. Creeled anglers are taking home single. These fish are 12-14 inches. The most successful anglers are leaving the worm on the bottom and fishing around submerged vegetation. Northern Pike – Good: Anglers using weedless frogs or surface lures back in the north grade in the dense weeds are catching smaller northerns.
Center Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 6-8 inch bluegill are being caught in low numbers along the north bank of Center Lake. Fish were being harvested using small lipstick jigs tipped with night crawler. 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 the 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, crankbaits while trolling, or slip bobbers with minnows. Anglers are catching these fish throughout the water body. Yellow Perch – Fair: While setting hoop nets 10+ inch yellow perch were seen in the west end of Silver Lake. Higher numbers of 8-9 inch perch have been seen in nets in the north bay. Channel Catfish – Fair: While setting hoop nets over a dozen 5-6 pound channel catfish were caught. These fish were found along the west shore of the south bay.
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, or Texas rigs. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouths have moved off beds and are headed towards the rocky drop offs. Fish the rock points that shoot out into the main basin of West Lake, Pillsbury, Fort Dodge, and Gull Point. Try fishing with jerk baits, football jigs, or swimbaits. Walleye – Fair: A number of interviewed anglers fishing off Manhattan point after dark are reporting an increase in quality non-slot walleyes. Anglers are trolling deep diving crankbaits and as they come up the point they are picking up these walleyes. 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: A perch bite is going on in Millers and Emerson bays with most fish being 9-11 inches. These fish are being caught in 12-18 feet of water.
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. They 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 bullhead 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.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Panfish activity is slowing for the season but catfish activity is on the rise. Volga Lake is one of the best catfish lakes around. Bluegill – Slow: Anglers using a small piece of worm will find fish near brush piles along the dam and other rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Fish over brush piles or rock reefs. Crappie – Slow: Drift along open water using a small tube jig. Channel Catfish – Good: Use stink bait or worms fished off the bottom near submersed logs or along a rocky shore.
Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks has a lot of great shoreline access. Fishing for catfish is great on a hot summer day. Bait your hook with a piece of worm or stink bait and wait for the pole to bend. Stay hydrated while you wait. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills can be found spread out along the weed beds. Use a hook tipped with a small piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish have been active about mid-day around the jetties and rock reefs. Stink baits and night crawlers are working for finicky catfish. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Bass can be found along the weed edges and around the rock reefs. A jig tipped with a twister or worm will get some attention.
Lake Meyer
As of 7/23, water levels continue to be about 9 feet below normal. The boat ramp is unusable 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. Bluegill – Slow: Anglers willing to brave the rocks to get to water can find bluegills. Successful anglers are using a hook tipped with a small piece of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – No Report. Channel Catfish – Fair: Very little angling is being attempted due to low water levels but fish can still be caught.
New Hampton Pond (Garnant)
Garnant Pond has an abundance of small sunfish and carp. It is scheduled for renovation the middle of August. The pond will be drained and a fish toxicant will be applied to all wet areas to make sure no fish are left. The pond will then be restocked with bluegills, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. This combination assures an excellent fishery for all to enjoy.
Split Rock Lake
Split Rock Lake experienced a complete fish kill in 2014. It was stocked with 7000 one inch bluegill in the fall of 2014 and 700 two inch channel catfish and 490 two inch largemouth bass this spring. Bluegill – No Report.
Ringneck Haven
Ringneck Haven had a partial winterkill in 2014 and is now overpopulated with green sunfish. The Iowa DNR is currently in the process of rebuilding the fishery. This spring it was stocked with 200 fingerling northern pike, 400 two inch channel catfish, 280 two inch largemouth bass, 5,000 one inch yellow perch, and 100 eight to ten inch largemouth. Anglers are asked to release any bass, pike, perch, and catfish if caught until the sunfish population is under control. Green sunfish – Fair.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and visibility has greatly improved. Flows are up after recent rainfall so be mindful of new strainers, such as log jams, tree falls, and other obstructions. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouth bass are hitting jigs tipped with twister tails. Crankbaits imitating crawdads should turn a smallie head.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Be mindful of new snags, log jams, and other strainers when paddling in water with increased flows. Visibility is excellent. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Successful anglers are using a jig tipped with a dark twister tail with a flash of color or crankbait. Cast around log jams and other woody structure. Channel Catfish – Good: A jig tipped with a crawler or stink bait has been successful. Walleye – Fair: Successful anglers are using a jig with dark twister tails or leaches. Try running your jig just out from an undercut bank.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
New snags, log jams, submersed logs, and other debris may be observed. Use care when paddling around obstructions. Water temperatures are in the upper 70’s. Water clarity is excellent. Smallmouth Bass – Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail fished along seams and eddies will bring success.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have stabilized with improved clarity. Don’t let hot summer days keep you from fishing. Find a spot to dip your toes in the water and wet your line. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers using chubs, cut bait, and chicken liver fished on the bottom are finding success even in turbid water. Smallmouth Bass – Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail or night crawler fished in eddies below the dams and off current areas will produce fish.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Anglers should avoid touching the wild parsnip (yellow lacey flower) found along many of our streams. It reacts with sunlight and can cause the skin to blister. Spin fishers using common garden hackle fished under a bobber will catch trout. Look for more frequent Tricorythodes and Ephoron (mayfly species) hatches through July. Ants, beetles and grasshoppers will become more prevalent as summer progresses. Brown Trout – Good: Off color or slightly turbid water is a great time to catch brown trout. Use a flashy spinner to antagonize finicky browns. Rainbow Trout – Good: A good quality trout stream typically has trout, sculpins, and white suckers along with outstanding insect diversity. Brook Trout – Good: Seven coldwater streams in northeast Iowa have consistent brook trout natural reproduction.
Thunderstorms are possible over the weekend as temperatures reach the upper 80’s. River water levels in our area continue to stabilize. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in Casey Lake located within Hickory Hills County Park. Largemouth Bass – Good: Crankbaits, spinner baits and plastics have been good for largemouth bass. Bluegill – Good: Fish brush piles near the jetties and just off shore of the dam in 3-4 feet of water. Use a small piece of worm under a slip bobber or a light 1/64 oz. jig. Channel Catfish – Good: Stink baits, cut baits and chicken livers have been good fished on the bottom during all periods of the day.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers are reporting catches of bluegill and crappie with some selectivity required as some are small. Bluegill – Fair: Fish structure or near weed beds using a small piece of worm under a slip bobber or a light 1/64 oz. jig. Crappie – Fair: Drift a crappie minnow under a slip bobber near the edges of the weed beds.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River continues to fall and water clarity improves daily. There have been good reports of anglers taking walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and channel catfish from the river in both Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Channel Catfish – Fair: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom are producing the best results. Walleye – Good: Jig and crawler is a deadly combo this time of year for walleye. Concentrate on lower ends of riffle areas and drop offs near the lower ends of sandbars. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Spinner and crank baits are excellent mid-summer choices for smallmouth bass. Jig and plastic twister tipped with a crawler is also an excellent choice. Northern Pike – Fair: Large bucktail spinner baits or live chubs under a bobber has been productive for pike.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Anglers are catching smallmouth bass, northern pike and channel catfish on the Wapsipinicon River. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Spinner and crankbaits are excellent mid-summer choices for smallmouth bass. Jig and plastic twister tipped with a crawler is also an excellent choice. Northern Pike – Fair: Large bucktail spinner baits or live chubs under a bobber has been productive for pike. Channel Catfish – Fair: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom are producing the best results.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Fishing has been good on the Maquoketa River for walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve upstream a jig tipped with a half a night crawler slowly bouncing it off of the bottom of the river. Crankbaits work well this time of year. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Jig and crawler or crankbaits casted near rocky shorelines or tail ends of riffles can be deadly for smallmouth bass. Channel Catfish – Good: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom are producing the best results.
All interior river levels continue to fall with improved water clarity and angling. With stable water levels, it’s a good time to try fishing for catfish, walleye, and smallmouth. Black Hawk County lakes have slowed on panfish angling as we approach the mid-summer heat. Trout streams in N.E. Iowa remain in excellent condition and trout fishing has been good. For further information, contact the N.E. Iowa District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.1 feet at Lansing and expected to fall to 8.5 over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Walleye – Fair: Fish with a crawler on a three-way rig or crankbait trolled on the wigwams. Bluegill – Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Look for bass near woody structure in side channels and along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are biting well fishing a worm on the bottom along the main channel border. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for northern pike in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie – Fair: Fish a minnow under a bobber or a small tube jig in fallen trees or snags on side channels. Flathead Catfish – No Report.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 16.1 feet at Lynxville and expected to fall to 15 over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Walleye – Fair: With stable water levels look for walleyes to start feeding on the top sides of wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Look for bass near woody structure in side channels and along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are biting well fishing a worm on the bottom along the main channel border. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for northern pike in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie – Fair: Fish a minnow under a bobber or a small tube jig in fallen trees or snags on side channels. Flathead Catfish – No Report.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 7.4 feet at Guttenberg and expected to fall to 6 feet over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Walleye – Fair: Fish with a crawler on a three-way rig or crankbait trolled on the wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Look for bass near woody structure in side channels and along the main channel. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cats are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are biting well fishing a worm on the bottom along the main channel border. White Bass – Fair: Look for schools of jumping minnows and try pitching small silver spinners. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for northern pike in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie – Fair: Fish a minnow under a bobber or a small tube jig in fallen trees or snags on side channels.
Upper Mississippi River levels continue to fall slowly and are approaching normal summer levels. Look for fish seeking deeper holes as water temperatures rise. Water temperature is in the upper 70’s.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is near 7.0 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 9.5 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge. The river will be stable to falling all week. The water temperature in the main channel is 81 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth fishing is generally good; Frog imitations in the weeds have been somewhat effective. Walleye – Good: A little hit and miss but anglers that target this pool often are successful off the wing dams and rock lines. Bluegill – Fair: Some fish can be found in the back ends of marinas and backwaters snags but water level is slightly high for good angling along the main sloughs. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The spawn of catfish is over so you might want to try fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot lines and pole anglers using worms. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Lots of sub-legal smallmouth bass are being caught along the rock lines using spinners or floating worms. Northern Pike – Good: Lots of reports of pike, especially by anglers fishing for bass. The last few seasons the pike spawns have been fantastic and the fishery for pike is responding. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker rig fished in 6 to 10 feet of moving water is all that is needed to catch drum. Bait with crayfish or worms.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is around 7.9 feet at Bellevue and will slowly recede this week. The main channel temperature is at 81 degrees. The tributary streams like the Maquoketa River have cleared considerably. Largemouth Bass – Good: Look for clearer water especially in weed beds to catch bass. The largemouths reported to us have been quite sizable. High water has made places like Spring Lake, Savanna Bay and Browns Lake boat accessible. Some nice fish are also being caught in the tailwaters. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallies are biting along the rock shorelines by anglers using small spinners or crankbaits. Walleye – Good: Wing dams are accessible for walleye anglers using three ways but probably a bit too high for most people’s tastes. Levels are inching toward perfect conditions. Bluegill – Good: Some bluegills are making their way out to the channel border hiding in sloughs with brush piles or rock shorelines. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The spawn of catfish is over so you might want to fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some eating sized flatheads are being caught in the tailwaters using worm rigs. Some larger specimens are being taken on trot lines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker rig fished in 6 to 10 feet of moving water is all that is needed to catch drum. Bait with crayfish or worms. Northern Pike – Good: Strong northern pike populations are evident throughout Pool 13 as many pike were caught this week. Most came off of flashy spinners and crankbaits but some were caught off worms by bluegill anglers.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 7.2 feet at Fulton, 10.8 feet at Camanche, and 5.6 feet above the dam at LeClaire. All are nearly the same as last week. The water temperature in the main channel is unseasonably cool at 81 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Good: Good populations of bass exist in Pool 14. Some bass may have moved into the bigger backwater areas and clearer waters. Successful anglers are using frog imitations in the weed lines. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The spawn of catfish is nearly over so you might want to fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Move often if not catching channel catfish. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught in the backwater areas on worm rigs. Muddy water has taken its toll on the bluegill bite but is clearing nicely. Expect good fishing for bluegills to resume. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use spinners or jigs and fish close to any exposed rocky areas. Flathead Catfish – Good: Some nice flathead catfish are being caught by people mostly fishing other species such as bass. Flatheads are live fish eating catfish and will readily hit on flashy lures. Northern Pike – Good: Pike were caught this week in good numbers in Pool 14. Most people who catch pike are bass fishing throwing white spinners or crankbaits. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum can be caught easily in areas of modest current and depths of 6 to 10 feet of water. Often boat ramp areas have good access to freshwater drum fishing. Simple egg sinker and worm rigs work best.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is 7.8 feet at Rock Island. The water temperature is around 82 degrees. Eagles Landing and Leach park are two nice areas to put in and enjoy fishing on Pool 15. Channel Catfish – Excellent: 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 successful. Catfish will bite within the first 15 minutes or so. If you do not catch any in that amount of time, move on. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads were caught mixed in with the channel catfish using worms or live bait. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum are a consistent biter this time of year. A simple rig with worms and an egg sinker will prove best.
The River is stable to falling throughout the district. Fishing for many species is generally good.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
The lake is clearing but it’s still a little turbid. Water temperature is in the low 80’s. Best fishing is at first light and last light. Bluegill – Fair: Look for the bluegills to be on the outer edges of the weed beds and along the ledges going to deep water.
Lake Belva Deer
Bluegill – Good: With warm weather look for the bluegills to be out in 10 to 12 feet of water. You might find them in a little shallower just as the sun gets up but then they will head deep.
Lake Darling
Water temperature is around 84 degrees. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills and most other fish are about 7 to 8 feet down around the willow bats and other flooded habitat.
Lost Grove Lake
The lake filled up to going over the spillway last week. Lost Grove Lake has an 18 inch minimum size limit for bass. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has picked up a little but is still slow. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Look for bass near the causeway where the upper end of the lake comes through the culvert.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river is down to the level it normally is at during spring. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are doing well using cut bait and stink baits. There are a lot of grass frogs hopping around; catch a few of them for bait.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Lake Macbride
There is a 10 horsepower maximum in effect for boats on the lake. Walleye – Fair: Trolling crankbaits has been producing some fish. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Channel Catfish – Slow. White Bass – Slow. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Good. Channel Catfish – Good. Crappie – Fair: Fish deeper brush or drift the basin for suspended fish.
Otter Creek Lake
Yellow Bass – Fair: Fish spinners along shorelines. Bluegill – Fair: Fish worms or jigs around brush piles near the jetties.
Union Grove Lake
The lake has been drained for the renovation project.
Coralville Reservoir
As of July 23, the lake level is 689 feet (normal summer pool is 683.4 feet). It is falling about a foot a day and is predicted to reach normal pool on the 29th.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Flathead Catfish – Fair: Anglers are having luck on 5-15 pound fish caught on bullheads.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Walleye – Fair: Crankbaits were reported as working. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Crankbaits have also been working for smallmouth. Northern Pike – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Top water lures can be productive this time of year when fished in the mornings and evenings. Look for areas where the cedar trees are sticking out the water for the best action. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill along the shorelines. Tip small jigs with a chunk of night crawler. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try liver or night crawlers fished in about 8 feet of water.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try areas along the shoreline with structure. Fishing jetties and along the dam are also good areas. Use rubber worms or crankbaits in these areas. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish using night crawlers and cut bait.
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: Concentrate on areas with rock. Use spinner baits or crankbaits along these areas. Rubber worms should also be good this time of year. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or chunks of night crawler fished under a bobber. Some sorting may be required for larger fish. Black Bullhead – Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 9-11 inch bullheads. Try night crawlers fished on the bottom in about 6 feet of water.
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 now full. New jetties and cedar tree piles were installed during a lake renovation project. Anglers have reported catching largemouth bass and a few bluegills. Channel catfish have been stocked.
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: Top water lures should be tried in the early mornings and the evenings. Crankbaits can also be productive this time of year when fished along the jetties and along rocky shorelines. Walleye – Slow: Fish jig and minnow combos along the face of the dam. Try different depths until you find active fish. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs fished along the shoreline and underwater structure in 2-6 feet of water. Also try a chunk of night crawler fished about 12 inches below a bobber. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish using crawdads and liver.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 917.91 feet. The water temperature is 80 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 having some luck fishing around docks using minnows. Sorting may be required for larger fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try areas where water is flowing into the lake. Use cut bait or chicken liver. Walleye – Slow: Drifting or trolling live bait along submerged points and rock piles can be good this time of year. Crankbaits should also be tried in the same areas. Use a crankbait that mimics a gizzard shad.
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
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie – Good: Crappie are being caught drifting panfish jigs or minnows mid-lake on the lower portion of the lake.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being caught in good numbers with more fish over 15 inches. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake in less than 20 feet of water trolling crankbaits or spinner rigs with crawlers or minnows. Shore anglers can pick up walleye as well fishing minnows under slip bobbers off the jetties. Bluegill – Fair: Fish the outside edges of vegetation beds in shallow water with small hooks, crawler pieces and a bobber.
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
White Bass – Good: White bass action is good right now. Find areas where gizzard shad are concentrated and busting on the surface. Cast or troll spoons and shad imitating crankbaits. Shallow diving chrome or firetiger colored baits work well.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish – Good: Good summer channel catfishing can be found drifting cut bait above the mile long bridge. White Bass – Good: White bass are in their summer pattern and being caught trolling spoons and crankbaits. Good areas to start searching are out from Sandpiper beach and the Oak Grove Recreation Area.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish – Good: Good catches of channel catfish are coming out of the Des Moines River above Saylorville using stink baits.
Bluegill and crappie are being caught drift fishing in many lakes while hot weather has white bass fishing picking up in Red Rock and Saylorville. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Fish surveys indicate a large crappie population in Greenfield. Panfish can be caught drifting. Greenfield also has good largemouth bass and catfish numbers. Crappie – Fair: Crappies averaging 9 inches can be caught drifting twister tails. Bluegill – Fair: Drift with black jigs tipped with a night crawler or power bait. Fish will average 8 inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish can be caught around the jetties and close to rock with shrimp. Fish will average 2 pounds.
Nodaway Lake
Anglers can expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie. Crappie – Fair: Drift with white twister tails and cast to sunken trees to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Drift or slow troll small jigs tipped with a crawler. Fish are 6 feet deep. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish are being caught with cut bait in the upper end of the lake. Fish will average 18 to 20 inches.
Orient Lake
Catfishing is good at Orient. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are having success using shrimp or crawdads. Average size catfish is 18 to 20 inches.
Lake Anita
Anglers are catching panfish drifting mid lake. Largemouth bass fishing is good along vegetation edges. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass anglers are catching good numbers of bass casting the edges of vegetation and vertical jigging the roadbeds for larger fish. Black Crappie – Fair: Drift around the roadbeds and cast along vegetation edges to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs tipped with a crawler or power bait. Fish are in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Viking Lake
Viking has a good largemouth bass population. A few crappies can be caught drifting. Channel catfishing has been good this week. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting small spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve or plastics around the shoreline and jetties. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish can be caught in the campground arm of the lake and south of the beach using cut bait. Fish average 2 pounds. Crappie – Fair: Drift open water areas of the lake with small jigs or twister tails. Fish will average 9 inches.
Prairie Rose Lake
The fishery at Prairie Rose is doing well. Bluegill growth has been very good with fish over nine inches being caught this spring and summer. The crappie fishing is still a couple of years away as they were just stocked last fall. Largemouth bass are growing quickly with many 8 to 10 inch fish in the lake at this time. The initial stocking of catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching quality size bluegill off the ends of the jetties with night crawler and bobber. Boat anglers are drifting or slow trolling black jigs in open water areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Many 8 to 10 inch bass are being caught in the lake at this time. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range at this time.
Lake Manawa
The catfish bite is good in the canals and on the main lake in the evenings. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing has been good this week. The night bite has been best using Sonny’s dip bait or cut bait.
Hacklebarney East
Hacklebarney has good water clarity with a nice ring of aquatic vegetation. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills can be caught drifting or slow trolling the lake with black jigs tipped with a crawler. Fish average 8 inches. Black Crappie – No Report: Try fishing early morning or late afternoon for crappies averaging 10 inches.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Panfish are in deeper water during the summer. Bass fishing has been good this week early morning and in the afternoon. Catfish are close to structure. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. . Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast along vegetation and around structure to catch bass in their summer pattern. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have reported catching bluegills with small jigs and crawler 4 feet under a bobber with a very slow retrieve. Crappie – Fair: Crappie will be in 4 to 6 feet of water around structure. Cast jigs or minnows under a bobber to catch crappie in the summer. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish will associate themselves around sunken logs and along vegetation edges. Fish with cut bait around these habitat types for good summer catfishing.
Water temperatures remain around 80 degrees in the southwest district. Bluegills and crappie can be caught drifting open water. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587
Lake Icaria
Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught with minnows and jigs fished near the cedar tree piles. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught with worms and small jigs fished near the fish mounds. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish up to 20 inches have been caught with worms and liver fished near the fish mounds. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass up to 19 inches have been caught on crankbaits fished near cedar tree piles and rock structure.
West Lake (Osceola)
The marina is closed for improvements.
Little River Watershed Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish up to 22 inches have been caught with worms and cut bait fished along the jetties. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 19 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits along the weed lines. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught with worms fished near the cedar tree piles. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass up to 17 inches have been caught with crankbaits fished along weed lines and near rock reefs.
Lake of Three Fires
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass up to 18 inches have been caught with crankbaits and jigs fished along the dam and near cedar tree piles in the mornings.
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 – Slow: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught with worms fished along weed lines and near cedar tree piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass up to 18 inches have been caught with crankbaits and jigs fished near cedar tree piles and along rock structure.
Summit Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught with worms fished along the weed lines. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch up to 10 inches have been caught with worms and jigs fished along the weed lines.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch up to 11 inches have been caught on worms and jigs fished in 14 feet of water near the channel. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 19 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits along the weed lines. Crappie – Slow: Crappies up to 12 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits along the weed lines.
Walnut Creek Marsh
Walnut Creek Marsh has been drained for in-lake improvements.
Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is in the 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 catching channel catfish with worms, cut bait, and dip baits. Anglers have had success in the mouths of incoming rivers, creeks, around brush piles, and below wing dikes. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfishing is good 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.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are having the best success on stinkbait; for larger fish try cut bait. Fish below wing dikes and in slower portions of the Missouri. Catfish are also being caught in the mouth of tributary streams and rivers. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish continue to be caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs and live baits. Blue Catfish – Good: blue catfish are being caught on fresh cut bait.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers continue to have success on dead shad, worms, cut bait, and stink bait/dip bait. Flathead Catfish – Good: Anglers are having success on trotlines/rod and reel catching flatheads with chubs, bullheads, goldfish, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish – Good: 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 21.10 ft. /30,700 cfs./78 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is down 0.58 feet from last week. Fishing is good overall on the Missouri.
