Iowa DNR Fishing Report – April 28th

Iowa DNR Fishing Report – May 12th

May 5, 2016 Comments (0) Fishing Report

Iowa DNR Fishing Report – May 5th

NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Anglers are picking up good numbers of bluegill in 10-15 feet of water and crappie near shore in the north end of the lake. Try areas near structure.  Use a piece of crawler fished on a small jig under a bobber or small minnows.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
The dredge is in operation in the northeast portion of the lake. Boaters are encouraged to use extreme caution in this area and must maintain a 100 foot distance from the dredge, booster pump and all dredge pipe at all times. Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17 to 22-inch walleye must be released; and no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Fair: Those fishing near shore with a crawler or small minnow on a jig are having some luck picking up crappie. Anglers are having the most luck fishing in the marina and near the inlet. Walleye – Fair: Anglers fishing from shore and boat are picking up walleye. Most are fishing leeches, crawlers or crankbaits near shore and in the dredge cuts.

North Twin Lake
There are several reports of crappie being picked up near shore. Use minnows or crawlers on a jig suspended below a bobber.

Black Hawk Lake
Water levels are about 17 inches over the crest of the spillway. Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. Fish are biting well at Black Hawk Lake. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers continue to have luck picking up crappie in 2-4 feet of water along shore with a small jig fished below a bobber. Most action has been in Town Bay and near the inlet bridge. As water temperatures climb into the mid-60s crappie action will be best near shore. Bluegill – Good: Large numbers of bluegill are being caught on jigs tipped with a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber. They are biting in all areas of the lake in about 3-5 feet of water. The most popular areas are Town Bay and the inlet bridge. Walleye – Good: Anglers are having good success fishing for walleyes. People are having the most luck using leeches. If you’re using artificial, a white twister works well. Walleye are being picked up along the east side of the lake and near the outlet. Ice House Point has also been productive. For walleye at Black Hawk Lake there is no minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 5 fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing continues to be great; they are hitting almost anything thrown at them right now. Use crawlers, crankbaits, plastics or topwater lures. Those fishing near the inlet bridge and in 2-4 feet of water along shore are experiencing the most action. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake.

River levels are high in our district. Fish are biting well on most of our area lakes. Look for warming water temperatures to bring crappies in closer to shore to spawn; target crappies in areas containing rock or other structure near shore. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.

Eldred Sherwood Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are catching decent size bass in the mornings and evenings.

Upper Pine Lake
Bass are starting to hit on plastic worms and deep diving crankbaits.

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching a few bass at Smith Lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill and crappie are fair in rocks near dam at Smith Lake.

Clear Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Fish in the shallows in the evening or right after dark with cut bait, live bait or worms. Try the windward shorelines during the day. Muskellunge – Good: Muskie fishing has been decent and should continue to improve with this warm weather. Yellow Bass – Good: Yellow bass fishing has been improving this week. Yellow bass are staging for their spawn near the rocky areas of the lake. Fish near the island, Dodges Point, the rocky shoreline near the outlet or Billys Reef. Use a small 1/32 ounce hair jig tipped with a small piece of minnow or crawler under a bobber or with a couple split shot on bottom. Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing should continue to be good this week with the warm weather. Walleyes can be caught almost anywhere: north shore docks, docks on the east shoreline, rock reefs, island or weed edges. Boat anglers have had good luck trolling, drifting with lindy rigs or anchor fishing with bobbers and minnows. Shore fishermen have had good luck with minnows on a jig or a swimbait. Black Crappie – Fair: There have been a few crappies caught near the weed edges or in the canals.

Lake Cornelia
Walleye – Good: Smaller sized walleyes have been biting well on artificial bait. Yellow Bass – Good. Bluegill – Good: Panfish bite is good. Lots of smaller ones biting on live bait.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)
Northern Pike – Good: The Iowa River above Eldora: Northern pike are biting on spinner baits.

Winnebago River
Northern Pike – Fair: One report of some northerns being caught this week around Mason City.

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

Big Spirit Lake
Smallmouth Bass – Fair:  Cast jigs tipped with live bait into the shallow rock piles. Look for sunny warm days with calm conditions for the best action. Black Bullhead – Fair: Look for action at the north grade to improve as water temperatures warm. Fish crawlers on the bottom for the best action.

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers fishing after dark will catch angler acceptable size and larger fish. Use cut bait on the bottom for this hard fighting game fish. Bluegill – Good: Boat anglers fishing the north end docks on the east side of the lake will catch good numbers of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch. Cast a mini jig and swim it back to the boat slowly. Yellow Bass – Fair: Dock anglers casting a mini jig will result in numbers of fish caught. Best action will be in the early evening hours. Black Crappie – Good: Cast small jig lures tipped with bait on the wooden docks.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Shore and boat anglers have been harvesting good numbers of walleye with the additional “jumbo” yellow perch mixed in the catch.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Expect an upswing to the fishery once warmer weather returns; look for wooden docks for the best action.

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Black Bullhead – Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish are being caught.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
A few roads in the park are scheduled for maintenance this year, but the park will remain open during this time. Black Crappie – Good: Use a small jig tipped with a minnow or small plastic worm. Cast your line out with a bobber. Let it sit for a bit then give your line a tiny tug. Take up the slack and repeat very slowly.

Lake Hendricks
Fish activity remains slow, but should pick up with warmer temperatures. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are looking for shallower water to build their nests in silty sandy substrate; the nests look like baby elephants stomped in the lake bed. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a minnow fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are cruising the shallow rocky shoreline likely keying in on the little bluegills. Try using bait that imitates a small bluegill.

Lake Meyer
Lake Meyer has about 5 feet of water clarity. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie are moving into the rocky areas as temperatures are warmer there. Use a small jig tipped with a minnow.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
River water clarity is excellent and levels are stable. Walleye – Fair: Try around log jams or current breaks and under rock ledges for best luck. White Sucker – Fair: Anglers are still catching a few suckers. A worm on a hook fished off the bottom works best.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
River clarity is excellent and levels are stable. Lots of paddlers are taking advantage of this nice weather to fish the river. A few fly fishers this week reported taking nice smallmouth on streamers. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Use small crankbaits, spinnerbaits or bright colored jigs tipped with a minnow. Walleye – Slow. Brown Trout – Fair: Anglers continue to catch trout around the mouths of the tributaries. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers using stink baits are catching catfish.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
River levels are slowly falling this week. Anglers are reporting spotty catches of walleye and crappie. Water temperatures are in the upper 50’s. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. Walleye – Slow: A variety of baits are working for walleye. Be patient because when the bite is on, it’s on. Yellow Perch – Fair: Surprised crappie anglers are catching perch instead. Jigs tipped with a minnow or crawlers work best.

Decorah District Streams
Trout anglers should be aware it is turkey hunting season and hunters are highly camouflaged. Wear bright colors but NOT red, blue, brown or white. Morel mushrooms are also beginning to pop up. Our angler accesses on private property only allow for fishing. All other activities must be permitted by the landowner. Brook Trout – Good: Stream conditions are excellent and require a bit more stealth when approaching. Brown Trout – Good: Warmer temperatures are bringing out more insects in the afternoon. Caddis flies, small mayflies and gnats are becoming more numerous. Rainbow Trout – Good: All streams are being stocked with trout.

It looks like temperatures will range in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. Ideal weather to take your favorite mom fishing. Area lakes and streams are in good condition. Warmer temperatures should help motivate fish this week. Contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 9.7 at Lansing and is expected to remain stable at that level over the next week. The road to the boat ramp at New Albin is closed due to high water. Water temperatures have risen to 54 degrees. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing slowed a bit in the cool weather, but should pick up as water warms. Look for fish along backwater structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait or worms on the bottom are best for trying to find feeding cats. Walleye – Slow: Walleye should be moving towards wing dams but fishing has been slow with so much water.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level at Lynxville is in minor flood stage at 19.7 and is expected to drop to 19 feet over the next week. The gates are out of the water at the Lynxville dam. Water temperature has risen to 54 degrees. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing slowed a bit in the cool weather, but should pick up as water warms. Look for fish along backwater structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait or worms on the bottom are best for trying to find feeding cats. Walleye – Slow: Walleye should be moving towards wing dams but fishing has been slow with so much water.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is 10.9 at Guttenberg and is expected to fall to 10.2 over the next week. All boat ramps remain open, but work being done at the Turkey River makes launching there difficult. Water temperature has risen to 54 degrees. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing slowed a bit in the cool weather, but should pick up as the water warms. Look for fish along backwater structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait or worms on the bottom are best for trying to find feeding cats. Walleye – Slow: Walleye should be moving towards wing dams but fishing has been slow with so much water.

River levels are high but stable. Water temperature is rising. Recent temperature and water level changes have slowed fishing. As temperatures rise, fish will bite better but there is a lot of water to try to find them in. Some boat ramps may be difficult to access.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level is 10 feet at Dubuque tailwater and 12.1 feet at the RR bridge.  These levels are up from last week but water levels are expected to hold somewhat steady. Water temperature in the main channel is 55 degrees.  Northern Pike – Fair: The River has a good population of northern pike.  The northern pike spawn is underway and usually pike don’t do much during that time. Once the spawn is over, they immediately go into feeding mode. This should occur in the next few weeks. Walleye – Slow: Weather was not always favorable, but some slot walleyes were reported being taken off the wing dams on crawler rigs. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Last week we heard of some nice largemouths being caught in Pool 12.  The cool weather and water temperature drop may have slowed down the bite. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Lots of freshwater drum can be caught.  Cut out all the red meat when cleaning them and they are a fine eating fish. Black Crappie – Fair: Still getting a few crappie and bluegill reports but it is not great fishing yet.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 10.9 feet at Bellevue which is up from last week. Expect water to rise a bit and then hold steady. The weather and temperatures have been going up and down but when conditions are favorable, several species of fish are being caught. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes are on the wing dams. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of bass of all sizes reported this week.  Spring Lake has been producing some real nice sized bass for tournament anglers. Yellow Perch – Good: Try using a minnow head fished on the bottom. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Loads of freshwater drum are being caught, many from bank anglers.  Use large crayfish to catch really large drum. Channel Catfish – Good: Some catfish are beginning to show up in the creel.  Most anglers are using cut bait but hearing some reports of using stink bait as well. Northern Pike – Fair: Reports of northern pike cutting off lines of panfish anglers.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level was recorded at 9.9 feet at Fulton, 12.8 feet at Camanche and 7.2 feet at LeClaire.  These readings are all up from last week. Water is expected to rise slowly all week and then hold steady. Walleye – Fair: Conditions were not that conducive this week for walleye fishing but some were taken off the wing dams. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum have started biting in earnest. Simple sliding sinker and worms fished in current work best. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of small bass being taken in the tailwaters but some larger ones are coming out of bigger backwaters. Fish are in shallow water. Black Crappie – Fair: Not a lot of crappie reported but they are nice sized when caught.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is 10.4 feet at Rock Island, up substantially from last week. Expect water levels to rise during this week and then hold steady.  Not a lot of angling reported but that is mostly due to weather conditions. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Freshwater drum are abundant in Pool 15 and can easily be caught from shore. Try the eagles landing area with worm and egg sinkers. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are starting to show up in the creel. Many are being caught by anglers fishing night crawlers on the bottom.

Water temperature in the main channel is still below what it was two weeks ago, but has climbed back to 55 degrees. Most of the major predators such as walleyes and pike are done spawning, but the panfish and bass spawn will begin soon.  Water levels are predicted for to slightly rise and then hold steady.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.91 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and has risen the past few days. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught around Sunset Marina in the main channel. Use dip baits or crawlers. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Some smallmouth bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough on the lower end around the bridges. Try casting jigs and white twister tails. Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with stick baits. White Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing has been hit or miss in Sunset Marina. Some crappies are being caught in the Andalusia Island complex. Try the Sunfish Slough backwater using minnows under a bobber.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.80 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Fishing has been slow with the rising water levels and cooler temperatures. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Try casting crankbaits or trolling three-way rigs with stick baits. Some walleyes can be caught trolling crankbaits around GPC. White Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.44 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has risen close to 3 feet the past few days. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.73 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 16-19: Tailwater stages have risen close to 3 feet in the past few days due to the recent rains. Main channel water temperature is around 56 degrees. Fishing has been slow with the rising river levels. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Water temperature was 58 degrees earlier this week. The weather has been keeping most anglers away. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies seem to be just off the ledges waiting to come into spawn.

Lake Belva Deer
Water is still around 56 degrees on a warm day; Wednesday didn’t help much when it was followed by a 42 degree night. Largemouth Bass – Good: Work the flooded timber and the underwater mounds at the upper end of the lake when the sun is out in the afternoons. Bluegill – Fair: Very few anglers were out this week. Weather just isn’t cooperating. Black Crappie – Fair: About the same as the bluegills, expect the next nice weather to bring them in to spawn as it’s just about that time.

Lake Darling
Water temperature dropped to 56 degree on Thursday morning. Forecasted warmer weather seems to be a little slow getting here. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are picking up some nice fat 7.5 to 8.5 inch bluegills while fishing for crappies. Black Crappie – Good: Mostly smaller crappies out a little deeper than last week, now out at about 5 to 6 feet deep. No signs of spawning crappies yet. Largemouth Bass – Good: The cool down didn’t seem to bother the bass as they were actively hunting the little crappies Thursday morning.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Last weekend’s rains brought the river level up some more but still not too bad as far for boating conditions. Channel Catfish – Fair: A few more anglers are getting out lately. Look to the mouths of the feeder creeks to find catfish. Night crawlers and minnows work best this time of year.

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperatures remain in the mid-50’s. Need some warm nights to get that to change. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing is a little bit hit and miss right now. Find the sunlit bays out of the wind and they should be there. Black Crappie – Fair: You can catch crappies in about 4 feet of water around the trees. When it warms back up, expect them to head right back in shallow.

Deep Lakes
The water has cooled into the upper to mid-50’s. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies got pushed out a little deeper with the cooler weather. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

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

Hannen Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Lake Macbride
Surface temperatures dropped to the mid-50’s this week. The water has gotten very clear with visibility in the main lake up to 18 feet. Black Crappie – Fair: The cool down slowed the bite a bit. It should improve as the week goes on. Try fishing around rock and wood. Walleye – Fair: Anglers trolling spinner rigs and crankbaits are having some success. Most fish are 13-18 inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is 9′ low due to the upcoming lake restoration project. The main 4 lane ramps have been extended with rock to allow smaller boats to still get in. The farthest east ramp is the deepest, but caution still should be used. 4×4 vehicles only. Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair. White Bass – Fair.

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Black Crappie – Excellent: Look for crappies around shallow rock and brush. There are two age classes of crappies being caught, which are about 7 and 9 inches. Tube jigs have been the most productive. Bluegill – Fair: Some 7-8″ inch fish are being caught on worms and small jigs.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679′. Boating above Bobbers Marina is not recommended. Channel Catfish – Fair. White Crappie – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Sand Lake
This is the quarry on the east end of Marshalltown. Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout were stocked here on April 23rd. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish of all sizes are being caught on minnows under slip bobbers. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

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

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass have been hitting on spinner baits or crankbaits fished around the cedar tree piles or shorelines.

Red Haw Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows fished under a bobber. Try areas with underwater structure or around trees in the water. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have been catching bluegills with a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass have been hitting on rubber worms or lizards and spinner baits.

Lake Keomah
The road construction project at Lake Keomah State Park is ongoing, but the roads to get to the lake are now open. Try spinnerbaits to catch largemouth bass around the shoreline. Bluegills and crappies will begin to move shallow and should be targeted with small jigs or a small jig tipped with a minnow.

Lake Sugema
Last weekend’s cooler temperatures has slowed fishing a bit. This late week warm-up should help the fish become more active. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Target shorelines or rock jetties with crankbaits or spinner baits. Try also jig and pig combos. Black Crappie – Slow: Last weekend’s cooler temperatures has slowed the crappie bite. The warmer week should help. Use jigs or jig and minnow combinations. Try areas in the flooded timber or rocky shorelines. Walleye – Fair: Use jigs tipped with a minnow along the dam or other rip-rapped shorelines.

Bob White Lake
A complete fisheries renovation was completed in September. Fingerlings were stocked in the fall.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.69. The current surface water temperature is 58 °F. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie fishing has remained slow. This week’s warmer temperatures should help. Crappies are scattered out in deeper water waiting to come shallow to spawn. Try jig and minnows combinations or minnows fished under a slip bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and cut bait. Look for areas with water flowing into the lake or windblown shorelines. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing remains slow. Very few anglers have been targeting walleye this spring. Troll or drift night crawlers around underwater islands or submerged points for walleye.

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
Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Crappies can be found in high numbers in Don Williams this spring. Their sizes are not large yet, but with selection a decent bag can be caught. Most fish are not tight to shore spawning yet. Slowly troll or drift 1/8 ounce jigs with small white or chartreuse twister tails out from shore in 15-20 feet of water. Crappies are suspended from 5 to 10 feet down. As the water temperature climbs into the mid to upper 60s, crappie will be more catchable near the shore with minnows under a bobber.

Beaver Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are not shallow yet at Beaver Lake. They are being caught with minnows under a bobber in the submerged trees northwest of the boat ramp. Fish in 3 to 6 feet deep water.

Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing is good. Anglers fishing in 2 to 6 feet of water with jigs tipped with live minnows or minnows under a bobber are doing well. The jetties around the southeast boat ramp are good areas for shore anglers to target first. Another good area during the crappie spawn is along the face of the dam, especially the western half.

Hickory Grove Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: A fair to good pre-spawn crappie bite has been going at Hickory Grove. Some crappies are still being caught along the shore at the tubes on the upper end of the lake. Better catches will start to come from the wood habitat, especially in the bays. Cast bright colored chartreuse panfish jigs or live minnows under a bobber close to treefalls and alongside the shoreline shrubbery that hangs out into the water.

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are beginning to be caught shallow. They are being found in open pockets in the vegetation around the rock jetties, along the west shoreline and along the dam. Cast minnows under a bobber into these open pockets.

Red Rock Reservoir 
Black Crappie – Fair: A good crappie bite was starting at Red Rock, but rising water levels will cause anglers to search out the fish again. Start by fishing minnows near any flooded rock, willows or shoreline vegetation in bays off the main lake and Whitebreast arm. The spawn is not near peak yet, so drifting or trolling minnows and panfish jigs in these bays may help locate fish.

Crappie fishing will be the best bite in Central Iowa lakes through mid-May. The return of warm weather should move crappies from pre-spawn closer to shore for the spawn. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake is a good spot to try early spring catfishing and crappie fishing. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are moving close to shore along the dam and around jetties. Fish will average 9 inches. Channel Catfish – Slow: Greenfield is a good lake for early spring catfishing. Cast shad sides or cut bait around jetties to catch fish averaging 2 pounds.

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has a good bluegill and crappie population and is a good spot for early spring fishing. White Crappie – Slow: Meadow has a small population of large white crappie. Try around the jetties and underwater reefs to catch fish up to 14 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish surveys indicate a large year class of black crappie in Meadow. They will average 8.5 inches. Concentrate on rocky shorelines and underwater reefs for spawning fish. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught around the underwater reefs. Fish will average 8.5 inches.

Mormon Trail Lake
There is a big year class of 9 inch black crappies in Mormon Trail Lake that is expected to provide some good spring fishing. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers reported catching crappies around the jetties and along the dam. Bluegill – Slow: A few 8 inch bluegills are being caught.

Littlefield Lake
Littlefield is a good spot for early spring catfishing action. Crappies will move close to shore to spawn soon. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish in the upper ends of the lake where water warms first. Use cut bait or shad sides. Black Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught with minnows. Fish will average 10 inches.

Lake Anita
Anglers are beginning to catch crappies and bluegills in the east arm of the lake. Forecasted warm temperatures will move crappies in to spawn this weekend. Black Crappie – Good: Fish in the pontoon area of the lake with jigs and minnows 2 feet under a bobber. Sorting is necessary for 10 inch fish. Bluegill – Fair: Cast small jigs tipped with power bait to catch bluegills up to 9.5 inches.

Viking Lake
Viking Lake water clarity is surprisingly good after last week’s flooding rains. Warm weather over the weekend should move crappies close to shore. Channel Catfish – No Report: Cast shad sides around structure to catch early spring catfish. Fish will average 2 pounds. Black Crappie – Fair: The crappie bite should pick up this week behind the pontoons and in the campground arm.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose water clarity is good. Bluegills are being caught around brush piles and jetties. Bluegill – Fair: Quality size bluegills can be caught around brush piles and jetties.

DeSoto Bend at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Anglers report catching walleye and crappie at Desoto Bend. White Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught around rocky shorelines with minnow. Fish are 10 inches. Walleye – Fair: Anglers report catching walleye slow trolling minnows in 5 feet of water on sand bars.

Lake Manawa
Anglers are catching crappies in the canals on the north side of the lake on warm sunny days. Sorting is necessary for larger fish. A few catfish are being caught on the south side of the lake. White Crappie – Fair: Cast jigs or minnows under a bobber on warm sunny days to catch crappies in the canals. Fish will range in size up to 12 inches. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes can be caught drifting crawlers or slow trolling crankbaits on the south side of the lake. Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers are catching catfish with cut bait.

Anderson Area Pond 1
Anglers have reported good catches of crappie along the dam. Water clarity at Anderson was affected by heavy rain last week. Black Crappie – Fair: Cast jigs 2 feet under a bobber along the dam or in the upper end by the parking area to catch crappie averaging 10 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Some ponds in the southwest district are still turbid from last week’s heavy rains. Always get permission before fishing private ponds. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers reported large catches of crappies using jigs and minnows under a bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Cast tear drops or very small jigs with wax worms or power bait under a slip bobber to find spring bluegills. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cast shad sides or cut bait in the upper ends of ponds for best success. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are hitting a variety of lures and soft plastics.

Water clarity is good after last week’s heavy rains. Concentrate close to rocky shorelines for spawning crappies this week in the southwest district. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587

Lake Icaria
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught with jigs or minnows fished near shallow rocky areas or cedar tree brush piles.

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Good: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught on minnows and twister tail jigs fished along the dam in the evening or leeches under a bobber along weed lines. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught with jigs and minnows fished along rocky areas in the campground cove. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8.5 inches have been caught with night crawlers under a bobber fished along the weed line.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 19 inches have been caught using crankbaits fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Three Mile Lake
Black Crappie – Slow: Crappies up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with wax worms fished near shallow flooded timber in coves. Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes have been caught using leeches or earthworms fished along the roadbed.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 10 inches have been caught with earthworms fished near shallow flooded timber in coves. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm or earthworms fished near cedar tree brush piles. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch up to 12 inches have been caught with earthworms fished near shallow flooded timber in coves.

Water temperature in Mount Ayr district lakes is approximately 60 degrees. For more information, please contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait or crawlers fished on the bottom. Common Carp – Fair: Use crawlers fished on the bottom.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait or crawlers fished on the bottom.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
No Report

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 22.92 ft. /37,800cfs./ 56 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri is up 1.65 feet from last week and is on a slow fall. The weather has improved but the Missouri River is a little high, so not may anglers have been getting out.

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