NORTHWEST
Beeds Lake
Some catfish have taken after ice-out from the shore.

Lower Pine Lake
Both lakes are open, angler activity is slow.

Lake Smith
Open, no fishing report.

Lake Catherine
Open, no fishing report.

Clear Lake
Ice is out. Docks are in at Lynne Lorenson in Ventura, McIntosh State Park, and the ramp at the Island. Crappie – No Report: Crappies are starting to use the edges of the north shore rushes. Walleye – Good: Wader fisherman and boat fisherman near the outlet on the east shoreline have had some success on these warm days. An occasional walleye has been taken near the jetty near Ventura. Channel Catfish – Slow. Muskellunge – Good: Wader fisherman are reporting being bitten off occasionally by the outlet, so muskies are active.

Lake Cornelia
Cornelia is ice-free.

Winnebago River
Winnebago River is ice-free. Water levels have not raised much and should provide some action near the Fertile dam for pike, smallmouth, and bullheads. Try a 1/8 ounce jig tipped with a worm or minnow.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)
Anglers are catching a few walleyes.

Lakes and rivers in north central Iowa are ice-free.

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
Northern Pike – Good: Anglers fishing at buffalo run, Hales slough, and at the north grade have reported quality catch rates for northern pike. Use hollow body 4-8 inch swimbaits. Drag and lift them along the bottom slowly. Anglers are also using black spinnerbaits with varied success. Black Crappie – Fair: Buffalo run is holding small crappie 30 feet straight out from the mouth of buffalo run. Slip bobbers tipped with crappie bites. Allow the rig to drift along the rocks.

West Okoboji Lake
We received no information regarding fishing on this water body. Channel Catfish – Fair: Large channel catfish are being caught in gill nets at night. Three were caught Monday night that were 10lbs. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gill nets Monday night.

Diamond Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: The north bank is holding a few 10 inch perch. These fish are located on the bank in the exposed rocks. An angler reported these fish were caught using ice jigs and crappie bites.

West Fork Des Moines (Emmetsburg to Humboldt)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish are being caught in fair numbers at any of the bridge access points in Emmetsburg. Anglers are having success using stinkbait. Walleye – Slow: Persistent anglers willing to walk to find fish have been successful. Anglers are using yellow or green twister tails with white or pink heads. Cast parallel to the bank alongside of snags and dead fall.

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Fishing channel catfish after dark will produce excellent opportunities for pole bending activity.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Wader anglers fishing after dark have excellent opportunities for nice fish. Fish slow for these pre-spawn fish.

Very little fishing activity reported in the Spirit Lake District. Water temperatures are 40 degrees.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Lake sediments are resuspending from windy conditions. Now might be a good time to target catfish. Crappie – No Report. Bluegill – No Report. Channel Catfish – Slow: Catfish are beginning to bite. Try using dead chubs or a squish a minnow on a hook and let it sit on the bottom, especially along a windblown shoreline.

Lake Hendricks
Bluegill – Slow. Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass are beginning to bite. Crankbaits and spinners work well in the shallow bays. Channel Catfish – Fair: Look for catfish to be hanging out along the windblown shoreline.

Lake Meyer
A silt retention structure and in-lake habitat are planned to be constructed this year. In order for the silt retention structure to be built, a 10 foot drawdown is planned. The boat ramp will be temporarily closed as a result. More information about this exciting improvement activity will be shared soon. Bluegill – No Report. Crappie – No Report. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass anglers are fishing along the jetties and shallower bays.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
The river is up about a foot and has stabilized at that level. It is running clear. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are starting to bite. Walleye are pretty scattered. Crankbaits and spinners work well from shore.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Fish activity below Decorah on the Upper Iowa River remains spotty. Suckers are starting to show up in the creel. Water clarity is good. Walleye – Slow: Anglers using a jig tipped with a long piece of worm are having luck finding walleyes. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouth activity has picked up. Anglers using a jig tipped with piece of nightcrawler are getting fish.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity has improved. Few anglers have been out. Walleye – No Report.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Few anglers have been on the river. Water levels are stable and clarity is good. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s. Sucker – Slow: The sucker bite is spotty, but should pick up with warmer temperatures. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: The cold front slowed the smallmouth bite. Try a jig tipped with a worm for best luck. Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes are beginning to be picked up. Walleye seem to be scattered.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are low and clarity is excellent. Anglers may have to resort to sneak tactics to get fish to bite due to water clarity.  Walleye – Slow: Anglers are using a jig tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler with luck. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: The best place to find smallmouth bass is in the holes. Anglers are using jigs with a long piece of nightcrawler. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers using dead chubs are catching catfish. Fish in the 3 to 5 pound range are common.

Decorah District Streams
Many of the gravel roads and accesses are very soft. Insect hatches are taking off with warmer temperatures. Gnats and small black flies are common. Streams are in excellent condition. Anglers have been taking trout on yellow nymphs, brown wholly buggers, blue wing olives and streamers. Files with a flash of red are also working well. Spin fishers using spinners or hair jigs fished through riffles are taking nice catches. Brook Trout – Good: Brook trout spawn from October to November with fry emerging from the streambed in March and April. Brown Trout – Excellent: This time of year lends itself to great brown trout fishing. Off colored water and top water insect hatches in the afternoon can really spur a feeding frenzy. Rainbow Trout – Good: Scientific name for rainbow trout is Oncorhynchus mykiss. Oncorhynchus is Greek for hooked snout and mykiss is what this species is commonly called in Kamchatka, Russia.
Area lakes and rivers are in good condition. This year’s catchable trout stocking schedule is available on-line at http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx. Hatchery staff are attempting to stock all streams. Some favorite holes may not get stocked due to ground conditions. For local information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There have been good reports of walleye and northern pike fishing on the Cedar River. Walleye fishing should heat up as they move out of overwintering areas in preparation for the spawning season. Walleye – Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail and minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year. Concentrate below low head dams and shallow pool areas below riffles and off current breaks. Northern Pike – Good: Artificial lures, crankbaits and or live baits below a bobber have been good for pike during the spawn. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some anglers have been taking a few catfish using dead cut baits fished on the bottom.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been good reports of northern pike being caught on the Shell Rock River. Walleye fishing should pick up with the upcoming spawning season. Northern Pike – Good: Artificial lures, crankbaits and/or live baits below a bobber have been good for pike during the spawn. Walleye – Fair: A jig tipped with a twister tail and minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year. Concentrate below low head dams and shallow pool areas below riffles and off current breaks.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Walleye, northern pike and smallmouth bass have been reported being caught out of the Wapsipinicon River. Reports have been good for northern pike with a few nice walleye being taken as well. Walleye – Fair: A jig tipped with a twister tail and minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year. Concentrate below low head dams and shallow pool areas below riffles and off current breaks. Northern Pike – Good: Artificial lures, crankbaits and or live baits below a bobber have been good for pike during the spawn. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: A jig tipped with a twister tail and minnow is a good combination for smallmouth bass this time of year.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been no reports on the Maquoketa River this past week, but anglers can expect good walleye fishing in upcoming weeks. Boat ramp access to the Maquoketa River through Bailey’s Ford Park is not currently available; a replacement is scheduled for this coming 2015 season.

Anglers are preparing for the upcoming open interior river walleye fishing with the recent onset of spring like temps. 2015 trout stream stocking calendars are available online at the following link: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/TroutFishing.aspx. North Prairie Lake in Cedar Falls will be stocked with trout on Saturday, April 11th. For more information, call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 5.6 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.6 feet at the Dubuque RR. Water is expected to be stable this week.  Sauger – Good: Sauger and walleye fishing has been good, but both species will move to the spawning areas soon and generally bite poorly.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at Bellevue is at 6.5 feet and falling slowly. Paddlefish season is still underway. Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water. Anglers must know if they are fishing on the Iowa or Illinois side of the river.  Sauger – Fair: Anglers are reporting fair to good fishing for sauger mostly on three-way rigs or a jig and minnow.  Both sauger and walleye will move toward their spawning locations soon and bite may slow. Walleye – Fair: Some nicer walleye are being taken on jigs and minnows. Anglers are targeting 18 to 24 feet of water. Northern Pike – Fair: Some northern pike have been reported. Pike, unlike walleye, bite soon after they are done spawning.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 6.1 feet at Fulton, 10.3 feet at Camanche, and 5.1 feet above the dam at LeClaire. Levels are generally stable in all locations.  Paddlefish season is underway.  Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water. Anglers must know if they are fishing on the Iowa or Illinois side of the river.  Sauger – Fair: Sauger are being reported by anglers using a jig and minnow or three-way rig. Walleye – Fair: Big female walleyes will move to the spawning areas shortly.  Males have been running for several weeks, but females are just now beginning the spawning process.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is at 6.1 feet and falling.  No fishing was reported to us on Pool 15 this week.

Backwaters are mostly free of ice.  Northern pike are spawning now and yellow perch are soon to follow.  Walleye and Sauger spawn next at water temperatures between 42 and 55 degrees. Paddlefish season is still underway. Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 7.23 feet and falling. The Marquette St. ramp is open.  Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough, but fishing has been hit or miss. Sauger – Slow: A few saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough, but fishing has been hit or miss. Bluegill – Fair: Some bluegills are being caught fishing in Sunset Marina. Look for bluegills down by the public docks fishing with small minnows under a bobber. Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 4.60 feet. The ramps at Muscatine are open and there is a dock in the water at the upper ramps. Sauger – Slow: Look for saugers in the tailwater. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows. There has not been much tailwater fishing the past few days. Walleye – Slow: Some walleyes are being caught by the dam. Try vertical jigging or pulling three-way rigs with minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 5.57 feet. There has not been much fishing activity the past few days below the dam. Sauger – Slow: Fishing has been slow the past few days for saugers.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 2.92 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Tailwater stages have fallen since last week. Main channel water temperature is around 47-49 degrees. Water clarity has been good, but with this recent rain it may muddy up. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Macbride
There have been a few anglers fishing, but no reports are available. The main lake water temperature is about 41 degrees. The boat docks at the ramps are not in yet.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4′ and the water is very turbid. There are no boat docks in at the ramps at this time. Channel Catfish – Fair: A few catfish are being caught on shad in the upper ends of the lake.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is currently 1400 cubic feet per second. Flows are predicted to gradually decrease and match inflow to the lake above. Walleye – Fair. Northern Pike – Slow.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Anglers have been fishing below the dams in Cedar Rapids.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Anglers are fishing below the dams. Walleye – Fair. Northern Pike – Slow.

Prairie Park Fishery
Trout were stocked on March 28th. Anglers are reminded to have a valid 2015 fishing license (age 16 and older) and a trout stamp.

Terry Trueblood Lake
Trout were stocked on March 28th. Anglers are reminded to have a valid 2015 fishing license (age 16 and older) and a trout stamp.
All water bodies are free of ice. There has been little activity on the lakes to this point. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Wapello
Try sunny shallow areas as they are the first to warm up and hold active fish. Bass anglers have been catching some bass near the cedar tree piles.

Red Haw Lake
Bass anglers have been catching bass along the face of the dam. Look for shallow areas that will warm up first.

Lake Miami
Lake Miami is currently undergoing lake renovation. The lake is 6-8 feet below normal and the boat ramps are difficult to use. New jetties and cedar tree piles have been installed.

East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond
Trout were stocked on March 28th. Anglers are reminded to have a valid 2015 fishing license (age 16 and older) and a trout stamp. Try small spinners or prepared baits that resemble trout eggs.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.20. 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). Target areas that are shallow and sunny; they will warm up first and hold active fish.

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
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being caught in the evenings fishing jigs with twisters or minnows near rock and gravel habitat in the lower half of the lake at depths of 10 feet or less.

Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie – Good: Crappies are being caught around the docks in the marina. Minnows are working best, but small panfish jigs will work. Respect the marina docks as private property. Best access is by boat.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Flows are excellent for spring walleye fishing. Anglers fishing around Boone and Fraser are catching a mixed bag of walleye, white bass, and an occasional northern pike. Fish jigs tipped with minnows or twister tails very slow.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye – Good: Walleye are being caught below the Saylorville spillway and from Scott Avenue dam to the Highway 65 bypass. Anglers should practice slow retrieval of jigs and minnows.

Water temperatures are warming to near 50 degrees. The best bites right now are for white bass and walleyes in the Des Moines River. 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. Fish will average 9 inches. Bluegill – No Report. Crappie – No Report. Largemouth Bass – No Report. Channel Catfish – Slow. Anglers are beginning to catch channel catfish around the jetties with shad sides.

Nodaway Lake
Anglers can expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie at Nodaway this spring. Bluegill – No Report. Crappie – No Report.

Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has a good panfish population. Bluegill – No Report. Black Crappie – No Report.

Lake Anita
Crappies have moved into the pontoon arm of the lake. Cast small two feet under a bobber to catch panfish. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are being caught in the pontoon arm of the lake casting small jigs. Warm sunny days are best. Bluegill – No Report. Largemouth Bass – No Report.

Lake Manawa
Crappies are being caught in the canals. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappie in the canals casting minnows or jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Good: Wipers up to 5 pounds can be caught slow trolling rapalas.

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek will provide good fishing this spring for all fish species. Bluegill – No Report. Black Crappie – No Report. Largemouth Bass – No Report.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds typically warm sooner than larger bodies of water making them a good choice for early spring fishing. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Crappie – Fair: Anglers can find crappies in the corners of the dam or upper ends of ponds where water warms first. Bluegill – No Report.

Springtime fishing has begun in the Southwest District. Anglers are targeting panfish in shallow bays that warm sooner than deeper parts of a lake. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587