NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Anglers have reported catching bluegill in about 10-15 feet of water using waxworms and crawlers.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching walleye using plastics, crank baits, leaches, and minnows fished along the east and south sides of the lake. Anglers are doing well fishing along the dredge cuts between Chautauqua Point and the big island. Fishing the dredge cuts between the big island and Shorty’s Island has also been productive for walleye. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch have been picked up with minnows along the east side of the lake. White Bass – Good: White bass are being caught along the east side of the lake and around the dredge cuts; they are biting on plastics, leaches, and minnows.
Black Hawk Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers continue to catch bluegills in Town Bay along the shoreline and off the piers. Try using a piece of crawler on a lead head jig fished under a bobber. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being picked up in Town Bay and near Ice House Point. Anglers are having success using twisters, small minnows, and crawlers. Mornings and evenings are most productive. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few perch are being picked up in Town Bay and around the Ice House Point area on crawlers fished under a bobber.
Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Anglers have reported catching a few bluegill using crawlers fished on a lead head jig.
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.
Water temperatures in the Black Hawk District are in the upper 50’s. Look for the pre-spawn crappie bite to pick up in areas with wood or rock structure near shore. For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.
Blue Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappie near the shore by vegetation and a few brush piles on the lake. Jigs and minnows and slip bobber rigs.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 19.37ft. /25,500 cfs./ 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River dropped .03 feet from last week. The river level is lower than normal for this time of year. Fishing has been slow to fair overall on the Missouri River.
Beeds Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish in the afternoons or late evenings with worms, stinkbait, or cut bait.
Clear Lake
Fishing activity has been slow the past weekend due to colder weather. Crappie – Fair: Anglers have had success in the canals on minnows. Walleye – Excellent: Anglers have caught fish near the outlet on the east end, Dodges Point, Billys Reef, the north shore docks and the city seawall. Anglers have been using jigs/minnows, twister tails, and crankbaits. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish the windy shoreline and shallows with cut bait, worms, stink bait, or minnows. Muskellunge – Good: Anglers have had good success on muskies this past weekend. Yellow Bass – Good: A few anglers have had good catches of yellow bass in the shallows of the little lake or the channel and farmers beach; an occasional yellow bass has been caught near the outlet. Fish medium depths on the windward side of the lake.
Bluebill Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are biting well on artificial lures along the shorelines. The minimum size limit for largemouth bass is 15 inches.
Winnebago River
Northern Pike – Good: Northern pike (2-3 lbs.) are biting well in the deeper pools on artificial lures.
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.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill – Excellent: Fish the jetties that are placed around the lake; bluegills are thick around all the jetties and in great numbers. Average size ranges between 7.5-8 inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are being caught around the standing cattails and off the jetties. Fish with small jigs or worm and bobbers.
Big Spirit Lake
Northern Pike – Good: Anglers along the grade are still catching northerns; water temperatures are still in the 60s which is holding more fish with this cool down. Fish spinner or large jerk baits. Black Crappie – Fair: The old foot bridge rock piles are holding good numbers of crappie. Anglers are pulling feather jigs along the rocks and catching small 7-10 inch crappie. Larger fish should become more available as water temperatures warm again. Bullhead – Good: A fair number of keeper bullhead are being caught at the Little spirit tube. Many anglers are having to leave to buy more worms. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouth are being seen along rocky shores and being caught pulling slow deep diving crankbait. Bullhead – Good: The north grade is producing many bullheads. Anglers are reporting good numbers using worms weighted to the bottom. The little spirit outlet is beginning to see more fish. Largemouth Bass – Fair: More and more largemouth bass have been seen around Rednose and Cottonwood Point but not caught. Anglers are having success throwing jerk baits far away from the boat where fish can’t see anglers and working jerk baits slow.
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 gill nets and are getting larger as the water temperature increases. Northern Pike – Fair: Fish black spinner baits around docks just before dark. Many anglers are reporting that fish are coming in shallow to warmer water around dark. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up more bluegill at the trestle bridge. Fish size range from 4-9 inch. Anglers are using small jigs, worm and bobber. Crappie – Fair: More and more crappies are being seen and caught at the trestle bridge. Larger fish are not being caught; most fish caught are 7-8 inch. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are reporting more bass around the trestle bridge while they are fishing. These fish are being seen under boat hoists and around the bridge structures.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike – Fair: Northerns are becoming more abundant in the shallows. Few large females were caught in gill nets 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 is your best bet. Bluegill – Good: Many anglers are having success fishing the canals. Water temperatures are 4 to 5 degrees warmer in the canals which is bringing fish in from the cooler waters. Fish using worm and bobber or small feather jigs. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie are being seen around Gull Point out from the point and out of the canals and back waters. Largemouth Bass – Good: A good number of largemouth have been seen roaming the banks around rock piles and existing weed lines at Gull Point, trestle bridge, Smiths Bay, Manhattan, Omaha, and Pikes Point. Yellow Perch – Fair: Schools of perch are being seen by local anglers at the trestle bridge. These perch are not large but there are very high numbers of them schooling up in the warmer waters between east and west Okoboji.
Five Island Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Anglers throwing soft plastic minnow baits in 8 feet of water are seeing a steady bite from yellows.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers are seeing many walleyes at the south end of the lake using yellow twister tails. These fish are swimming slowly; persistence will get them in the boat. Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers throwing soft plastic minnow baits are catching 8-10 inch yellows.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cats are being caught using any kind of stink bait. Find a deep hole on the outside bend of the river or fish above a riffle. Fish range from 1 to 12 pounds.
West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)
Walleye – Fair: More and more anglers are reporting increased walleye catch along the Hwy. 18 bridge. Fish are being caught using twister tails and shad raps. Fish the snags parallel to the bank. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use stink bait upstream of any snags or deeper pools. Anglers are catching many fish per outing.
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 stink bait. 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.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Anglers should focus their efforts along the shoreline; temperatures will warm quicker drawing fish into this area. Largemouth Bass – Slow: A jig tipped with a twister has been working for bass. Bluegill – Slow. Channel Catfish – Slow: Use a hook tipped with a nightcrawler just off the bottom. Put a bobber on the line and wait for it to go under water. Give it a quick jerk and reel it in.
Lake Hendricks
Warmer air temperatures are slowly warming water temperatures but they remain cool. Concentrate efforts along the shoreline. Water clarity is excellent. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a brightly colored twister and a slow retrieve. Channel Catfish – Slow: A few catfish are running the shoreline. Use a hook with a nightcrawler.
Lake Meyer
Quite a few anglers have been out but the fish are slow on the take. A drawdown is scheduled later this spring into the summer to construct a wetland in the east arm. Repairs to the dam will take place at this time. While the water is down, the Iowa DNR and Winneshiek County personnel will install stake beds, brush piles and other fish habitat. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Anglers using a jig with a twister tail are having the best luck.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
A variety of fish, including channel catfish, redhorse and carp, are being caught on jigs tipped with night crawlers. Sucker – Excellent: Suckers and redhorse are taking a hook tipped with a worm bounced along the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Anglers are finding success using either a spinner or crank bait. A jig tipped with a night crawler will also work. Walleye – Slow: A few anglers are catching an occasional walleye using a jig tipped with a crawler; more have been caught using a small crankbait.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water levels have dropped and clarity continues to improve. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 60’s. Fish activity should improve with warmer water temperatures. Sucker – Good: The sucker bite is on. Use a hook drifted along the bottom of the river. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are beginning to bite on jigs tipped with a minnow. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Trout can be caught in the river at the Big Spring Hatchery.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels continue to drop and clarity has improved. Warmer temperatures predicted for the weekend should improve both fish and people activity. Walleye – Slow: Anglers are starting to catch a few walleye using a jig tipped with a minnow. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouth activity should pick up with warmer temperatures. Use a jig tipped with a twister. Channel Catfish – Fair: Hooks tipped with dead chubs or night crawlers work well.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Increased hatches of caddis flies, Hendrickson’s, and blue wing olives have been observed. Anglers have been taking trout on #14 caddis flies and #16 or #18 Hendrickson or Adams. Match the size of the fly with the critter hatching. Spin fishers using spinners or hair jigs fished through riffles are taking nice catches. Brook Trout – Good: Water temperatures 65 degrees or less are a brookies favorite temperature. Brown Trout – Good: Brown trout spawn from October to November with fry emerging from the streambed in March and April. Rainbow Trout – Good: Rainbow trout tolerate slightly higher temperatures than brook trout but do best in waters that remain below 70 degrees.
Temperatures will be in the 70’s to low 80’s by Sunday with an increased chance of a thunderstorm on Sunday. Water temperatures should be on the rise increasing chances for more fish activity. Area stream levels continue to drop. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake (Delaware) A new boat ramp is in place at Silver Lake. There are a good number of 8- 9 inch largemouth bass from last year’s stocking. A fair number of northern pike are also available in this lake.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are beginning to catch bluegill in the shallow bays and cove areas. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small piece of red worm or night crawler under a bobber.
Big Woods Lake
Anglers are catching a few 9-10 inch crappies as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Target the shallow water bay areas on warm sunny days and deeper water on cloudy days.
Harold Getty Lake
Anglers are catching a few crappies as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Crappie – Fair: Most success has come from floating a crappie minnow underneath a slip bobber.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
There have been fair reports of smallmouth bass fishing on the Cedar River. Walleye fishing has slowed. Channel catfish angling has been fair. 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. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Artificial baits and lures have been the most productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There have been good reports of smallmouth bass being caught. Anglers are doing fair on walleye and northern pike with an occasional musky being caught. 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. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Artificial baits and lures have been the most. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast and retrieve spoons or larger bucktail spinnerbaits near structure.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsi River is currently at 5.80 feet and falling. There have been a few reports for walleye and smallmouth bass. Water clarity is really good and should be even better by the upcoming weekend. 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. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Artificial baits and lures have been the most productive.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been a few reports of anglers catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River. Recent sampling efforts have shown good numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass in the river. 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. 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. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Artificial baits and lures have been the most productive.
Anglers are catching primarily smallmouth bass and some walleye on the interior rivers. Lakes and ponds are beginning to warm in preparation for crappie to begin spawning. Trout streams are in excellent condition in the Manchester District. For more information, call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 7.8 at Lansing and expected to remain stable. Water temperature is in the upper 50’s. Walleye – Slow: Now that the spawn is over, fish will be scattered and begin feeding again slowly. Yellow Perch – Slow: The spring perch bite has slowed slightly, but some are still being caught fishing minnows offshore and in backwater structure. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing is expected to pick up. Check the lower end of backwaters and structure in sloughs near backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth are spread out using a lot of different areas. Bass activity is picking up using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Look for smallmouth to become active as water temperatures warm back into the 50s. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cat are biting on crawlers in tailwaters of the dams and deeper side channels. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Good: There are reports of nice size white bass caught jig fishing along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Sauger – Fair: Sauger spawn is over and a few may start feeding again in the tailwaters. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike have been on the feed post-spawn. Try fishing flashy spoons with a leader along shore for some trophy northerns.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 15.0 at Lynxville and expected to continue falling slightly over the next week. Water temperature continues to rise into the upper 50’s. Walleye – Slow: Now that the spawn is over, fish will be scattered and begin feeding again slowly. Yellow Perch – Slow: The spring perch bite has slowed slightly, but some are still being caught fishing minnows offshore and in backwater structure. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing is expected to pick up. Check the lower end of backwaters and structure in sloughs near backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth are spread out using a lot of different areas. Bass activity is picking up using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Look for smallmouth to become active as water temperatures warm into the 50s. Sauger – Slow: Sauger spawn is over and a few may start feeding again in the tailwaters. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cat are biting on crawlers in tailwaters of the dams and deeper side channels. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Good: Reports are coming in of nice size white bass caught jig fishing along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike have been on the feed post-spawn. Try fishing flashy spoons with a leader along shore for some trophy northerns.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level at Guttenberg has fallen to 6.7 and is expected to fall over the next week. Water temperatures continue to rise into the upper 50s. Walleye – Slow: Now that the spawn is over, fish will be scattered and begin feeding again slowly. Yellow Perch – Slow: The spring perch bite has slowed slightly, but some are still being caught fishing minnows offshore and in backwater structure. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing is expected to pick up. Check the lower end of backwaters and structure in sloughs near backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth are spread out using a lot of different areas. Bass activity is picking up using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Look for smallmouth to become active as water temperatures warm back into the 50s. Sauger – Fair: Sauger spawn is over and a few may start feeding again in the tailwaters. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cat are biting on crawlers in tailwaters of the dams and deeper side channels. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum are actively feeding. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Good: Reports are coming in of nice size white bass caught jig fishing along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike have been on the feed post-spawn. Try fishing flashy spoons with a leader along shore for some trophy northerns.
River levels on the Upper Mississippi are on a slow fall this week and low water conditions have made it difficult to navigate many backwaters. Warmer weather has turned the spring bite back and many anglers are taking advantage of the warm weather.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 6.4 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 8.9 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge. These readings are down nearly a foot from last week. Water temperature in the main channel is 55 degrees. Temperatures were nearly 60 degrees prior to the last major cold front. Water levels are expected to slowly recede all week. Expect good fishing condition this week. Northern Pike – Fair: A couple nice sized northern pike were reported this week. Pike are mostly done spawning and are now in the feeding mode. Lots of anglers are targeting pike using gaudy spinners or large chubs for bait. Crappie – Fair: Some nice sized crappies were reported before the cold front. Many males are being found in shallow water, while some of the females are being reported from various spots including the tailwaters. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth fishing is generally good with many nice sized fish reported this week. Cranks and larger spinners seem to do the trick. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallies are setting up along rip rap shorelines. Use spinners or slow falling jigs.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is 7.2 feet at Bellevue and predicted to slowly recede. Water level is down about 1/2 foot from last week. The main channel temperature is 55 degrees; this is up three degrees from last week. Paddlefish snagging season is closed. Conditions for angling are excellent on the Mississippi River. Northern Pike – Fair: Some northern pike have been reported. Pike are done spawning and unlike walleye they tend to bite immediately. Crappie – Fair: Crappies have moved into their spawning areas. These are shallow areas along the shorelines in various backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of bass were reported from various locations in Pool 13 before the cold snap. A banner year is predicted for largemouth on the Big River. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Some nice smallmouth bass were reported hitting cranks and spinners along rock piles.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 6.8 feet at Fulton, 10.6 feet at Camanche and 5.2 feet above the dam at LeClaire. All readings are nearly a half foot lower than last week. Levels are generally falling in all locations. Main channel water temperature is around 55 degrees. Paddlefish season is closed. Largemouth Bass – Good: Some bass are showing up in the creel; angling for both smallmouth and largemouth is only expected to get better. Populations of bass on Pool 14 are excellent. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies can be found in shallow waters in the backwater lakes initiating spawning activity. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some reports of channel catfish hitting on stink bait and worms.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.2 feet at Rock Island and falling. Water temperature is around 55 degrees. No fishing was reported to us on Pool 15 this week. Channel Catfish – No Report: Pool 15 can be an excellent catfishing pool. They should start biting soon as water warms up. There are reports from other pools of catfish beginning to bite on stink baits.
Many of the sunfishes are moving into their spawning behavior. These fish can often be found in shallow areas along the banks in backwater lakes.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 7.19 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Some smallmouth bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Cast crankbaits or jigs with twister tails. Some smallmouth bass are also being caught in Sunset Marina. White Bass – Slow: White bass fishing in Sylvan Slough has been slow. Cast crankbaits or jigs with twister tails. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the shallow backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or vertical jigging with minnows or plastics. Fish Sunset Marina or the Andalusia Island Complex.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 5.58 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or vertical jigging with minnows or plastics. Areas to try are Big Timber, Eagle Fill, or Cleveland Slough. White Bass – Good: Look for white bass by the spillway. Cast jigs with twister tail or crankbaits.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 7.66 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Crappie – No Report: Look for fish in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or vertical jigging with minnows or plastics. Places to try are the Huron Island complex or the Campbell Chute/Burnt Pocket area.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 4.44 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the shallow backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or vertical jigging with minnows or plastics. Fish the Burlington Island Complex.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tailwater stages have been falling the past few days. Main channel water temperatures are 56-57 degrees. Water clarity has been good on the river this past week. If you have questions on fishing pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Warmer weather has brought out the anglers; fishing remains fairly slow. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Don’t expect the bass to be in the shallows much this weekend. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish are in the upper end of the bays and lake working on what is coming down with the water from above.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperatures are in the middle 50’s. The water is very clear. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few bluegills in the shallow water where the sun is warming the water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Look for bass along the edges of the shallow water where it drops off into the deeper water like around the creek channel.
Lake of the Hills
Trout are still active and biting. Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows as bait is allowed. Fishing seems to be about the same as last week. Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout are active and hitting on a variety of baits and lures. Try jigs, spinners, corn under a bobber, and worms. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are hitting on stink baits and worms off the jetty and in the Gate 6 area. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies using worms around the brush piles near the boat ramp.
Railroad Lake
The use of Live Minnows as bait is not allowed on Railroad Lake. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up a few bluegills using worms. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few crappies. Look around the stump field along the north side.
Lake Darling
Water temperatures remain around 56-57. No reports of crappies staging yet. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching smaller bluegills along the riprap were the water is a warmer.
Big Hollow Lake
Fishing is still slow. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing had picked up with the warmer weather. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills remain in the shallow water. Anglers were catching good number using worm and bobber. Crappie – Fair: Anglers were starting to pick up a few crappies.
Deep Lakes
The Muscatine County Conservation Board has a nice contour map of Lake Chester, the bigger one with the boat ramp, on their website. Bluegill – Good: Fish the bays that are catching the most sunshine. Use wax worms fished at a depth of 2 to 3 foot down. 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 small fish drawn in by warmer water. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Iowa Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or worms in 8 feet of water or less. Many fish are 7-9 inches. Crappie – Good: Fish in 8 feet of water or less with a small jig. Most fish are about 10 inches long.
Kent Park Lake
Fishing is reported as getting better by the day. All species should be moving shallower as the water warms. Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Crappie – Fair.
Lake Macbride
The main lake water temperature is in the mid to upper 50’s. Water clarity has improved the last 2 weeks. Crappie – Good: Some fish are starting to move shallower. Most fish are 8-9 inches; some larger fish are also being caught. Walleye – Slow: Some fish are being caught trolling along rock structures.
Central Park Lake
Bluegill – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Slow.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie – Good: Most fish are about 9 inches, but 10-12 inch fish are also being caught. Use small jigs around jetties and brush piles. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Chicken livers work best. Yellow Bass – Fair: Try small jigs or spinners.
Sand Lake
This quarry is located in Marshalltown. 2000 trout were stocked on April 18. Anglers are reminded to have a valid 2015 fishing license (age 16 and older) and a trout stamp. Rainbow Trout – Fair. Crappie – Good: Fish are moving shallower. Most fish are about 10 inches, but fish up to 17 inches have been reported. Yellow Bass – Fair: Most fish are about 10 inches.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from Coralville Reservoir is currently 3500 cubic feet per second and decreasing slowly. Walleye – Fair. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Most anglers are targeting areas below the dams. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Fair. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Walleye – Fair. Northern Pike – Fair. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Maquoketa (Hopkinton to Canton)
Walleye – Fair: Jigs and crankbaits are catching fish below the dams.
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
Bass anglers have been catching some bass near the cedar tree piles. Look for areas where the trees are sticking out of the water. Use cut bait for channel catfish in areas where water may be flowing into the lake.
Red Haw Lake
Anglers have started to catch a few bluegills along the shorelines using a chunk of nightcrawler on a small jig. Anglers have also been catching a few crappies using tube jigs. Largemouth bass can be caught using small crankbaits and twister tails on a lead head.
Lake Miami
Lake Miami is currently undergoing lake renovation. The lake is 6 feet below normal and the boat ramps are difficult to use. New jetties and cedar tree piles have been installed.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema has a 12-18 inch protected slot length limit for largemouth bass. Anglers are encouraged to harvest largemouth bass less than 12 inches in length to improve overall largemouth bass growth. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Try areas along the rock jetties and shorelines with rip rap. Use crankbaits or spinner baits. Crappie – Slow: Anglers have started to catch a few small crappies. Fishing should improve as the water warms up. Use a bobber and a minnow. Walleye – Slow: Anglers should use a jig and minnow in areas of the lake with rocked shores. Concentrate in areas along the dam and other rip-rapped shorelines.
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 905.39. The water temperature is 53 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 – Slow: Anglers have started to catch a few crappies using a bobber and a minnow. Crappie are still out in 6-12 feet of water. Channel Catfish – Slow: Use cut bait in areas where some water is flowing in or where the wind is blowing into the shore.
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 – Fair: The crappie bite is picking up fishing around the rock jetties, the southeast boat ramp area and along the dam.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Good: Walleye are being caught in good numbers with a few fish over 15 inches in the evenings vertical jigging, trolling minnow rigs, and using minnows under a lighted bobber in depths of 15 feet and less in the East ramp bay, between the beach and the marina, around the 100th street jetty and along the dam. Crappie – Fair: Pre-spawn crappies that are staging in wood structure at the mouths of the coves are being caught using minnows under a slip bobber or vertical jigging panfish jigs. Fish the wood structure in 10 feet of water or more.
Lake Ahquabi
Crappie – Fair: Pre-spawn crappies can be caught fishing minnows near rock on the shoreline and jetties.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie – Fair: Now is a good time to catch pre-spawn crappie staging in areas with rock. Areas to try are around the Elk Rock boat ramp, the Hwy 14 Teter Creek bridge, rock cliffs in the Whitebreast arm and the back portion of the marina.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
White Bass – Good: White bass and wipers are being caught in decent numbers below the Scott Street dam and at the Red Rock spillway.
Water temperatures in central Iowa are now in the upper 50’s to low 60’s. The pre-spawn crappie bite has picked up again near shallow rock and wood structure that warms quickly. 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 – Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches are being caught just off shore with small jigs. Crappie – Fair: Crappies averaging 9 inches are being caught casting jigs around the jetties and along the dam. Largemouth Bass – No Report. Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers are beginning to catch channel cats around the jetties with shad sides.
Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has quality size panfish. Bluegill – No Report. Crappie – Fair: Large white crappies can be caught around the two underwater reefs.
Mormon Trail Lake
Mormon Trail has a large year class of crappies that are 8 to 9 inches long. Largemouth Bass – No Report. Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappies with jigs and minnows 2 feet under a bobber.
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 and on the south side of the lake around rock 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. Sorting is necessary for larger fish. 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. Crappies are close to shore. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting small spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve around the shoreline and jetties. Crappie – Fair: Sorting is necessary but anglers are having success in the campground arm and behind the pontoon area.
Lake Manawa
The walleye bite has slowed this week. Crappies are being caught in the canals. Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappie in the canals casting minnows or jigs. Sorting is necessary for larger fish. Walleye – Slow: Walleye can be caught on the south and west side of the lake trolling crankbaits.
Anderson Area Pond 1
The lake is full and crappies are beginning to spawn. Crappie – Fair: Crappies can be caught close to shore along the dam and in the upper arm of the lake with tube jigs or rubber shad sides. Fish average 9 inches. Bluegill – No Report.
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 being caught with small jigs along weed lines and around structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are being caught casting small spinners with a slow retrieve. Channel Catfish – No Report.
Water temperatures have climbed to 60 degrees in the southwest district. Crappies can be caught close to shore. 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 using jigs or minnows fished along the fishing jetties. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 29 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the fish mounds.
West Lake (Osceola)
The marina will be closed beginning Monday, April 13, 2015 for improvements. Crappie – Excellent: Crappies up to 9 inches have been caught on jigs and minnows fished along the dam or near the casino.
Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 17 inches have been caught using crankbaits or minnows fished near points. Crappie – Good: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs fished along the fishing jetties or brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the brush piles.
Badger Creek Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches have been caught using tube jigs fished near rocky shoreline areas or near brush piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs fished near brush piles.
Wilson Park Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 9 inches have been caught using tube jigs fished along the dam or along the fishing jetties.
Green Valley Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near stake beds. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs fished near brush piles.
Three Mile Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using crankbaits or jigs fished in the flooded timber. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished along the fishing jetties. Crappie – Good: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs fished along the fishing jetties or other rocky shoreline areas.
Criss Cove County Park Pond
1,300 trout were stocked by Madison County Conservation Board on April 11th. Anglers are reminded to have a valid 2015 fishing license (age 16 and older) and a trout stamp.
Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is approximately 60 degrees. 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)
Sauger – Slow: Sauger and walleye fishing has been slow. A few fish have been caught on jigs tipped with minnows. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Anglers are catching drum while fishing for sauger. Worms work well. If cleaned and prepared correctly, drum are decent eating. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: Anglers are catching a few shovelnose worms on slide sinker rigs in slack water near current. Channel Catfish – Slow: Channel catfish reports have been slow. Patience using worms and fresh cut bait can yield a few fish.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Sauger – Slow: Sauger and walleye fishing has been slow. A few fish are being caught on jigs tipped with minnows and worms. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Anglers are catching drum on worms. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: A few shovelnose are being caught on worms with sinker rigs in slack water near the current. Channel Catfish – Slow: Not much of a report on channel catfish. Fishing should improve with warmer water conditions.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Sauger – Slow: Sauger and walleye fishing has been slow. A few fish are being caught on jigs tipped with minnows and worms. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Fishing has been fair for drum using live bait rigs tipped with worms. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair: A few shovelnose have been caught on sinker rigs tipped with worms. Fish the slack water near the current break. Channel Catfish – Slow: Fishing has been slow for channel catfish. Try worms and cut baits this time of year.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 19.37ft. /25,500 cfs./ 57 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River dropped .03 feet from last week. The river level is lower than normal for this time of year. Fishing has been slow to fair overall on the Missouri River.
