NORTHWEST
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching a few walleye near shore in the evenings. Those with the most luck have been fishing the north shore areas of the lake.

Black Hawk Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching 6-8 inch bluegills in Town Bay along the shoreline and off the piers. Those having the best luck are using crawlers fished under a bobber. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being picked up in the Town Bay and near Ice House Point. Fish are being caught on twisters and crawlers. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are catching perch on crawlers.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching walleye in the evenings using twisters.

Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching walleye on twisters fished in the evening.
Anglers are targeting panfish in bays and shallower areas that warm up faster than deeper areas of the lake. For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.

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

Lower Pine Lake
Angler activity is slow.

Clear Lake
Ice is out. Docks are in at Lynne Lorenson in Ventura, McIntosh State Park, and the ramp at the Island. Crappie – Fair: Crappies are starting to use the edges of the north shore rushes and canals. Walleye – Good: Wader and boat fisherman near the outlet on the east shoreline are catching fish on jigs and a minnow or artificials. An occasional walleye has been taken near the jetty near Ventura. Channel Catfish – Fair: No reports, but catfish should be biting near any inflows of water or a windy shoreline. Fish with cut bait, worms or minnows. Muskellunge – Good: Wader fisherman are reporting being bitten off occasionally by the outlet, so muskies are active. White Bass – Fair: Some nice white bass have been taken near the Ventura jetties and in the shallow shoreline water of the little lake.

Bluebill Lake
Anglers have started to have success fishing for largemouth bass with artificial baits. Work the shoreline, casting around submerged structures.

Winnebago River
Winnebago River is ice-free. Water levels have not raised much and should provide 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.

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 work best. Allow the rig to drift along the rocks. Bullhead – Good: A fair number of keeper bullhead are being caught in gillnets on big stoney. They will bite on anything, which makes for a great fishing experience for younger kids.

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish have been seen in good numbers at Lone Tree Point, Little Stoney, and near parks marina. These fish are being caught in gillnets and are getting larger as the water temperature increases. Yellow Bass – Slow: Some large yellow bass have been seen in gillnets at Lone Tree Point and parks marina. These fish are not being seen in great numbers. Northern Pike – Fair: Many northern pike are being caught in gillnets. On East they can be found just about everywhere.

West Okoboji Lake
We received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish – Fair: Large channel catfish are being caught in gillnets at night. Three caught Monday night were 10lbs. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gillnets Monday night. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are reporting an increase in smallmouth bass catch on sunny calm days. These fish are being caught over sand flats near rocks. Pulling a crankbait slow at this time will be your best bet.

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. 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.

NORTHEAST
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 begin to 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 as being caught out of the Wapsipinicon River this past week. 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 the 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 temperatures. 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 9
River level at Lansing is at 8.0 and expected to remain stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 40’s. Walleye – Fair: Walleye will spawn soon so the bite may drop. Yellow Perch – Fair: some nice yellow perch have been reported in the upper end of Pool 9. The bite slowed recently as perch are finishing spawning. Bluegill – Fair: There is still plenty of bluegill in backwater overwintering areas, but they are beginning to move out. The bite will pick up as temperatures warm. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Largemouth bass are beginning to move and feed, but bite will be slow until temperatures warm a bit more. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Look for smallmouth to become active as water temperatures warm into the 50s.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 15.2 at Lynxville and is expected to raise another foot and a half to 16.6 over the next week. Water temperature is in the upper 40’s. Walleye – Fair: Although a few nice walleye are still being caught in the tailwaters, bite is beginning to slow as fish head towards spawning areas. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some nice yellow perch have been reported in the upper end of Pool 10. The bite slowed recently as perch are finishing spawning. Bluegill – Fair: There is still plenty of bluegill in backwater overwintering areas, but they are beginning to move out. The bite will pick up as temperatures warm. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Largemouth bass are beginning to move and feed, but the bite will be slow until temperatures warm a bit more. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Look for smallmouth bass to become active as water temperatures warm into the 50s. Sauger – Fair: A few saugers are still being caught in the tailwaters. Sauger will spawn soon and the bite may slow.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 6.75 at Guttenberg and expected to rise to near 8ft by this week then slowly fall. Water temperature is in the upper 40’s. Walleye – Fair: Although a few nice walleye are still being caught in the tailwaters, bite is beginning to slow as fish head towards spawning areas. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some nice yellow perch have been reported in the Mud Lake area, but the bite slowed recently as perch are finishing spawning. Bluegill – Fair: There is still plenty of bluegill in backwater overwintering areas, but they are beginning to move out. The bite will pick up as temperatures warm. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Largemouth bass are beginning to move and feed, but the bite will be slow until temperatures warm a bit more. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Look for smallmouth bass to become active as water temperatures warm into the 50s. Sauger – Fair: A few saugers are still being caught in the tailwaters. Sauger will spawn soon and the bite may slow.

River levels and temperatures are on a slight rise and we are about to have some of the better fishing days of spring.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 6.2 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.7 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge. Water temperature in the main channel is 50 degrees and it is around 59 in the backwaters.  This is up slightly from last week. Water is expected to be stable. Sauger – Fair: Sauger and walleye fishing has been good, but both species will move into spawning areas soon and generally bite poorly during that time.  Some males of both species are being reported. Northern Pike – Fair: A couple nice sized northern pike were reported this week.  They are mostly done spawning and are now in the feeding mode. Lots of anglers are targeting pike. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some yellow perch are showing up in the tailwater and are being caught mainly by sauger anglers.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is 6.6 feet at Bellevue and predicted to be stable. Main channel temperatures are at 50 degrees and backwaters are around 59 degrees.  Paddlefish season is still underway through the end of the day on April 15. 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 the 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 immediately after spawning. Crappie – No Report: Crappies are on the move from their overwintering sites and moving toward their spawning areas.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 5.8 feet at Fulton, 10.1 feet at Camanche, and 4.8 feet above the dam at LeClaire. Main channel water temperature is around 50 degrees with backwaters being closer to 60 degrees. Levels are generally stable in all locations. Paddlefish season is still underway through the end of the day on April 15.  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 begin moving to the spawning areas soon.  Males have been running for several weeks, but females are just beginning to spawn. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some bass are showing up in the creel. Angling for both smallmouth and largemouth is only expected to get better.

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

Northern pike and yellow perch are mostly spawned out. Walleye and sauger are spawning presently in the Mississippi River. Paddlefish snagging is still open through the end of the day on April 15. Paddlefish rules are fairly complicated; review them before heading on the water.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 6.50 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities. 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. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows. Bluegill – Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina. Look for bluegills by the public docks; fish with small minnows under a bobber. Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Northern Pike – Fair: A few northern pike are being caught in Sylvan Slough while fishing for walleyes and saugers. Try pulling three-way rigs around with a floating jighead and minnow.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.86 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine.  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 – Fair: Some walleyes are being caught by the dam. Try vertical jigging or pulling three-way rigs with minnows. Look for walleyes around the outfalls; use GPC cast jigs and minnows or crankbaits. Crappie – No Report: We have not received any reports on crappie fishing in Big Timber.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 5.96 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and has risen slightly the past few days.  Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching some catfish on shad guts. Sauger – Slow: Fishing for saugers at the dam has been slow.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 3.08 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Tailwater stages have risen slightly the past couple days. Main channel water temperature is around 51-53 degrees. Water clarity has been good, but may muddy due to recent rains. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Start working the north side of the lake where the sun is warming the shallow water on that side of the lake. Soft plastics worked around the rocks and ledges work best.

Lake Belva Deer
The water temperature is in the upper 40’s to low 50’s depending on the day. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Pick the right sunny day and you can do well on some nice sized bass.

Lake Darling
Water temperature is in the low 50’s. No fishing activity yet.

Wilson Lake
Rainbow Trout – Good: Anglers are catching trout using small jigs or spinners. A little ball of power bait fished under a bobber works well. Hit the cedar tree or culvert piles to find where these fish are hiding.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Still plenty of trout left to catch. Rainbow Trout – Good: Pick a nice warm sunny day and take the kids out to catch some trout. Wax worms or power bait and bobbers, or small jigs and spinners worked in 3 to 4 feet deep water should catch you some of these fish.

Deep Lakes
These old gravel pit lakes are very clear; use small baits and bobbers and sneak around from spot to spot to catch the most fish. The fish can see you, so loud noises and big baits will fool many fish. Bluegill – Good: Fish the bays that are catching the most sunshine and use wax worms fished at a depth of 2 to 3 feet. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are picking up some nice bass. Work soft plastics or crankbaits slowly through the shallow bays where the bass will be hunting the small fish drawn in by the warmer water.

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

Lake Macbride
A few anglers have been out fishing, but few reports are available. The main lake water temperature is about 50 degrees. The boat docks are in with the exception of the 4 lane sailboat ramp. Crappie – Slow. Walleye – Slow.

Pleasant Creek Lake
There have not been many reports from here. Muskellunge – Fair: Remember, Muskellunge must be 40″ to keep.

Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie – Good: Some days are better than others. Fish the brush around the jetties with a small jig. Most fish are about 9″. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or worms. Channel Catfish – Slow: Night crawlers are catching a few channel catfish.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679.4′ and the water is very turbid. The boat dock in Lake Macbride State Park is in, but status of the ACOE docks is unknown. Channel Catfish – Slow.

Sand Lake
This quarry is located in Marshalltown. A trout release will be held here on April 18. Crappie – Fair.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is currently 1100 cubic feet per second. Flows are predicted to jump to 1300 over the weekend then gradually decrease. Walleye – Fair. Northern Pike – Slow.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Most anglers are targeting areas below the dams. Walleye – Fair. Northern Pike – Fair.

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

Maquoketa (Hopkinton to Canton)
Most anglers are targeting the areas below the dams. Smallmouth Bass – Fair.

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. Rainbow Trout – Good. Brook Trout – Fair.

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. Rainbow Trout – Good. Brook Trout – Fair.

Cedar Lake
Crappie – Fair.

All water bodies are ice free. 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
Bass anglers have been catching some bass near the cedar tree piles. Look for areas where the trees are sticking out of the water. Try cut bait for channel catfish off the jetties.

Red Haw Lake
Bass anglers have been catching bass along the face of the dam. Try shallow areas for active bluegills and crappies using small jigs.

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 904.28. The water temperature is 48 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).  Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait along shore in areas where the wind has been blowing in.

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
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappie up to 11 inches have been caught on jigs and minnows fished near brush piles. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch up to 12 inches have been caught on jigs fished near brush piles. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught on jigs fished near brush piles.

West Lake (Osceola)
The marina parking lot will be closed beginning Monday, April 13 for improvements. Please use the boat access on the south side of the lake.

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 17 inches have been caught using crankbaits fished along the dam.

Green Valley Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught on jigs fished near the stake bed. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught on crankbaits fished near the dam.

Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is approximately 53 degrees. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call: 641-464-3108.

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.

Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout – Good: Rainbow trout will be stocked around noon on Saturday, April 11th. Cast small inline spinners, small jigs, or artificial trout baits under a bobber.

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 Hwy 65 bypass. Anglers should practice slow retrieval of jigs and minnows.

Water temperatures in central Iowa are 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. Greenfield also has good catfish numbers which makes it a good choice for early spring catfishing. Bluegill – No Report. Crappie – Fair: Crappies averaging nine inches are being caught casting twister tails from the jetties. 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 this spring. Bluegill – No Report. Crappie – Slow: A few crappies are being caught along the dam casting minnows under a bobber.

Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has a good panfish population. The lake is also a good choice for early spring catfishing. Bluegill – No Report. Black Crappie – No Report. Channel Catfish – No Report.

Lake Anita
Crappies have moved into the pontoon arm of the lake. Cast small jigs 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 – Slow: Anglers have reported catching quality size bluegills with wax worms. Largemouth Bass – No Report.

Viking Lake
Viking has a good largemouth bass population. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes are being caught casting small spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve around the shoreline and jetties. Crappie – No Report.

Lake Manawa
The walleye bite has been good on the south and west shorelines. 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 with red worms. Walleye – Fair: Walleye can be caught on the south and west side of the lake trolling crankbaits.

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 – Fair: Bluegills are reported to be biting on wax worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are being caught casting small spinners with a slow retrieve.

Catfishing has picked up on area lakes. 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.