NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
An electrofishing survey was conducted on 5-29-15. Bluegill up to 9.5 inches and largemouth bass up to 15 inches were collected. Several crappies were also sampled. Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Good: With high water clarity, bluegill can be seen guarding nests along shore in 1-4 feet of water. Work these areas with a small jig tipped with crawler fished under a bobber. Anchor the boat away from bluegill nests and cast into them to avoid spooking fish. If fish are spooked, continue fishing the shorelines and work your way back after the fish have had time to return to the nests. Expect to catch 8-9 inch bluegill using this method.

Brushy Creek Lake
Walleye – Good: Anglers are having success fishing with leeches and live minnows with a slip bobber. Leeches have been most productive. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are being caught in 10-15 feet of water on crawlers and minnows. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are spawning and can be caught near shore in 4-5 feet of water using minnows and crawlers.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Boaters should use caution around the dredge barge, booster pump barge, and pipeline. Walleye regulations for Storm Lake are three fish per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released and only one over 22 inches may be kept. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up 11 to 13 inch and 17 to 20 inch walleye. Most are having success trolling crankbaits in the dredge cuts between the islands on the east side of the lake. Others have had success fishing in 4-6 feet of water along the south shore using crankbaits and leeches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Successful anglers are using dip baits and crawlers. Fish the north shore areas, especially in the Circle Park area and the island near Circle Park. White Bass – Fair: White bass are being caught on spinners and crankbaits while fishing for walleyes. Anglers are also having luck fishing spinners and crankbaits in shallower areas near shore.

Swan Lake
An electrofishing survey conducted in May 2015 showed an abundant panfish population consisting of 6-8 inch bluegills and 6-9 inch crappies. 7-16 inch largemouth bass were also sampled. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up 7-8 inch bluegill. Fish around the emergent vegetation with a small jig set about 2 feet under a bobber. Black Crappie – Fair: Some crappie are mixed in with the bluegills.

Black Hawk Lake
Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers continue to catch bluegills in Town Bay along the shoreline and off the piers. Use a piece of crawler on a lead head jig fished under a bobber. Try a small black jig worked closely along docks and structure. This time of year bluegill can be targeted on or near their nests, which are usually located in 3 to 5 feet of water where there is sandy/gravel substrate. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being caught in Town Bay and near Ice House Point. Anglers are using twister tails, jigs/minnows, leeches, and crawlers. Mornings and evenings are most productive. Black Crappie – Slow: A few crappie are being picked up while bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass using spinners, crawlers, or minnows and jigs. Most fish are 7-8 inches, which is below the 15 inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass.

Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills on nests along the east shoreline off the points. Cast small black jigs set 1 to 2 feet below a bobber into the nests.

Black Hawk Pits
Water clarity is good. An electrofishing survey conducted 6-8-15 collected 6-8 inch bluegill and 6-10 inch largemouth bass. One 22 pound flathead catfish was also sampled. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill nests can be found along shore in 2-4 feet of water and also on the submerged islands where there is gravel substrate in 3-5 feet of water. Anglers are often successful fishing in these areas where bluegills are guarding the nests. With high water clarity, try to avoid spooking fish by anchoring away from nesting areas where fish can be seen and cast into them.

For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.

Lower Pine Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Lower Pine Lake has produced a few large largemouth bass with top water next to wood (downed trees).

Upper Pine Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are being caught on deep diving crankbait. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are biting on worms.

Lake Smith
Bluegill – Good: Look for bluegills on beds on sandy bottom. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Clear Lake
Crappie – Good: Crappies can be caught near the edges of the reed beds with bobber and minnow or light weedless jig tipped with a piece of crawler. Fish the last hour of the day or early morning. Walleye – Good: Fishing is still good but getting a little tougher. Fish have started to move to the main lake basin. Rock reefs in deeper water should still produce as well as the edges of the weed beds at dark. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cats should be close to spawning. Fish around the state rock reef or the island. Muskellunge – Good. Bluegill – Look for spawning activity in the rushes on sandy bottom. Yellow Perch – Slow: A few nice perch have been caught in or near edges of rushes with a bobber and minnow. Yellow Bass – Slow: Yellow bass are done spawning. Look for some near the rock reefs in deeper water.

Little Wall Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: The action has picked up. Fish near any rock shoreline for spawning cats. Use cut bait or worms below a bobber set near the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

Crystal Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers are fishing with artificial worms or weedless presentations on the weed edges. Bluegill – Good: Lots of bluegills are still on beds. Look for beds close to shore from the jetties or near the boat ramp. Use a bobber set about a foot down with a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of night crawler or red worm. Crappie – Good: Crappies are biting well on plastic 1/16th ounce red/neon tube jigs by the first buoy in front of the boat launch in about 7 feet of water drifting/light casting. Also some action along the dredge line as the depth goes from 13 to 17 feet.

Black Pit
Black Pit and Blue Pit in Mason City are worth a try for bluegills. Bluegills should be close to shoreline setting up nests for spawning. Try a bobber and worm or a small (1/16 ounce) jig and worm.

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. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish from the jetty or the windward side of the lake, if fishing from a boat. Try cut bait or worms. Bluegill – Fair: Lots of activity from the jetties. Bite has been good.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)
Smallmouth Bass – Good: Fish are being caught with a jig and minnow.

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: Bluegills are schooled off the jetties. Bluegills are very large with many 7-8 inch fish. Fish a worm and bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are beginning to bed in the shallows along the south banks in shallower water. Throw spinner baits or soft plastics for the aggressive males.

Big Spirit Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish are bedding along the north banks. Fish that are bedding can be caught using drop shots placed around the bed or larger Texas rigged baits. Use a lighter color to keep your bait visible. Walleye – Good: Local anglers are catching walleye around 5:00 till dark at the North Grade. Fish above and below the slot are being caught and creeled. Successful anglers are using dark deer hair jigs tipped with. Yellow Perch – Fair: The fishing pier at the grade is producing more 6-8 inch perch for anglers willing to sort through bullheads and bluegill. Successful anglers are using jig heads and wax worms. Crappie – Fair: Crappies over 10 inches are becoming a common catch at the north grade. Anglers are using minnows below bobbers anywhere along the grade. The old footbridge site is turning on as well. Anglers are pulling minnows parallel with the rocks to bring crappies into their baskets. Anglers fishing this location are catching larger numbers but less respective in size. These fish are 8-10 inches. Black Bullhead – Fair: The bullhead bite at the north grade is slowing. Creeled anglers are taking home single digits. These fish are 12-14 inches. Successful anglers are leaving the worm on the bottom and fishing around submerged vegetation. Northern Pike – Fair: Creeled anglers are catching northerns while trolling around vegetation just before dark. Most creeled northerns are in the 30 inch range but in low numbers.

Center Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 6-8 inch bluegill are being caught in low numbers along the north. Use small lipstick jigs tipped with a night crawler. Crappie – Good: Smaller crappies are being caught on the north and east side of the lake. Anglers are using jigs tipped with wax worms.

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Large numbers of yellow bass are being caught near East Okoboji beach near the boat docks. Fish vary from small to a few larger 8-9 inch fish. Throw soft plastic shad. Anglers fishing under the Highway 9 bridge are catching fair numbers of yellows using small plastic minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Smaller yellow perch are being caught while anglers are fishing for yellow bass. Pulling similar baits near the bottom will force more perch into your bucket. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish near the inlet to upper gar along the rocks. Anglers are seeing bass bedding up in upper gar then swimming into East Okoboji. Walleye – Fair: Parks Marina and Lone Tree Point are reporting a hot bite for walleye. Anglers are drifting minnows along the bottom before dark. Larger walleye are being caught in 10-12 feet of water.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching limits of walleye on Silver Lake in Lake Park. Many anglers are catching limits using leeches, crankbaits while trolling, or slip bobbers with minnows. Anglers are catching these fish throughout the water body.

West Okoboji Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are schooled in the warm water of the canals and harbors as they enter their pre-spawn. Many male bass are already on beds while females are still out swimming the depths. Males are being caught on trick worms, wacky rigs, and drop shots. Females are enjoying jig, and deep diving cranks. Bluegill – Good: The canals are loaded with bluegills. Good numbers of large and small fish are being. Pocahontas Point is holding a good population of bluegills with anglers catching large fish with little sorting. Crappie – Fair: The trestle is reported to be a good bite. The canals are starting to fill with larger crappies. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouths are on beds in bays with sandy cobble and larger boulders. These fish will be bedded near the larger rocks. Placing any soft plastics near the bed will result in a strike. Northern Pike – Good: Little Emerson and Little Millers are filled with northerns. Throw anything at this time and catch a few. Walleye – Good: Walleyes are being caught by shore anglers fishing the canal bridges after dark. Successful anglers are fishing darker crankbaits and bottom jigs with leeches. 13-19 inch fish are being caught. Yellow Bass – Good: Anglers are reporting a high catch rate of large yellow bass in Smiths bay just north of the amusement park. Use orange twister tails or a plain hook with worm and split shot.

Five Island Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers fishing just north of town bay are catching 14-17 inch walleye. Anglers using bottom bouncers are stumbling upon numbers of walleyes as they approach the shallows.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Large yellow bass can be caught at the outlet of little lake. They are being seen and caught under the overhang of the outlet structure. A large number of smaller fish can be caught near the bridge where Lost Island dumps into little lake. Black Bullhead – Excellent: A very large number of bullhead are being seen while crews are electrofishing on Lost Island. These large numbers of bullhead are being seen at the mouth of little lake just west of the bridge. Crappie – Fair: Crappies are starting to group in the shallow coves of little lake. They are swimming into the cattails in preparation for the spawn.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Lots of shoreline anglers have been taking home nice catches of panfish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers have found bass suspended over brush piles. A jig tipped with a twister works well. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills can be found in shallow water guarding nests. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use a hook tipped with a night crawler just off the bottom. Put a bobber on the line and wait for it to go under. Give it a quick jerk and reel it in. Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching 7-8 inch crappies along the rip-rapped shoreline along the dam front. Use a small brightly colored tube jig.

Lake Hendricks
Anglers are beginning to see fish along the shoreline.  Largemouth Bass – Try using a jig tipped with a brightly colored twister and a slow retrieve. Channel Catfish – Anglers using a hook with a night crawler may find some action. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers using worms fished over structure in shallow bays are finding fish. Crappie – Fair: Crappie are hanging around rock mounds. Use a small jig for success.

Lake Meyer
Water levels have been drawn down 38 inches. The boat ramp is unusable and will remain so until water levels are allowed to return to normal. Mud flats and past habitat locations are becoming exposed. Water levels will remain low throughout the construction period. Construction should be completed by November 1, 2015 when water levels will be allowed to return to normal.  Largemouth Bass – Slow: Successful anglers are using a jig with a twister tail. Bluegill – Slow: Panfishing has been spotty but some anglers have picked up a few nice bluegills. Crappie – Slow: Anglers are catching a few crappie using small jigs.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity has greatly improved on the Upper Iowa River above Decorah.  Walleye – Fair: Walleye activity has picked up. Anglers using crankbaits and a jig tipped with a crawler are catching fish.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Temperatures are running in the mid 70’s. Water clarity has improved but may change depending on rainfall events the next few days. Anglers, both floating and fishing from shore, are reporting increased activity. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are finding success using a variety of tackle this week. Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching walleye using a jig tipped with a night crawler or small crankbaits. Sucker – Fair: Anglers continue catching suckers using a hook tipped with a night crawler bounced on the bottom.

Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water levels are dropping and clarity is excellent. Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s. Sucker – Slow: Use a hooked drifted along the bottom of the river. Walleye – Good: Walleye are biting on jigs tipped with a night crawler. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Trout can be caught in the river at Big Spring Hatchery.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity remains good. Anglers have been catching a variety of gamefish but patience is key. Walleye – Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or dark colored twister tails. Smallmouth Bass – Good: A jig tipped with a natural colored twister or crankbait works well. Channel Catfish – Good: With warmer water temperatures, catfish will be more active. Try using chicken liver, dead chubs and stink bait.

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in excellent condition. Incredible hatches of mayflies have been observed this week. Anglers are taking trout on #16 or #18 Hendrickson, Adams or Griffiths gnat. Match the size of the fly with the critter hatching. Spin fishers using small crankbaits fished through deeper holes continue to take nice catches. Brook Trout – Good: Brook trout are intolerant of siltation, turbidity, and elevated water temperatures. Brown Trout – Good: Fingerling brown trout have been stocked into all our put-and-grow streams. Rainbow Trout – Good: Rainbow trout have a broad pink stripe on both sides and spots covering sides, dorsal fin and tail.
Storms are predicted for most of the weekend but temperatures will be in the 70’s. Rivers and streams are in excellent condition but could change depending on rainfall amounts. It’s still spring and weather conditions can change rapidly.

For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Brinker Lake
Brinker Lake has been producing good catches of crappie and a recent fisheries survey produced good numbers and size as well. Crappie – Good: Fish a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or cast colored tube jigs off shore or in and around structure.

George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been successful in catching both bluegill and crappie. Crappie – Fair: Fish a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or cast colored tube jigs off shore or in and around structure. Bluegill – Fair: Cast and retrieve small jigs or use a piece of worm on a small hook and bobber casted from shore. Use small tackle when fishing bluegills.

Harold Getty Lake
Anglers are catching crappie, bluegill, northern pike and largemouth bass. Crappie – Good: Fish a crappie minnow under a slip bobber or cast colored tube jigs off shore or in and around structure. Bluegill – Good: Cast and retrieve small jigs or use a piece of worm on a small hook and bobber casted from shore. Use small tackle when fishing bluegills. Largemouth Bass – Good: Artificial crankbaits or spinner baits work well casted and retrieved along the shorelines. Northern Pike – Fair: Try trolling in 8-10 feet of water using crankbaits.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Channel catfish are biting well on the Cedar River in Black Hawk County as the river recedes. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are doing well using night crawlers, cut baits and chubs fished on the bottom or near snags.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River levels continue to fall and there have been good reports of smallmouth bass fishing. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Crankbaits or other artificial baits worked near rocky shorelines or woody debris work well this time of year.

River levels have continued to fall with improved water clarity. Channel catfish and smallmouth bass are biting well on the rivers. Black Hawk County lakes are providing bluegill and crappie opportunities as the weather warms. For further information, contact the Northeast Iowa District Office at 563-927-3276.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is running about 77 degrees. Water clarity is about 9 feet.  Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills have moved off the nest. Look for them along the edges of the weed beds and along the mounds at the upper end of the lake. Redear Sunfish – Good: Redears are moving onto the beds. Look for cleared spots in the curlyleaf beds. Crappie – Good: Crappies seem to be out deeper; look for them around the mounds at the upper end of the lake and along the creek channel.

Lake Odessa
The water remains fairly turbid. The inlet and outlet remain closed. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching some nice catfish in Burris Ditch and along the upper end of Sand Run.

Lake Geode
The lake has cleared and the heavy rains that made the lake muddy last week also swept out most of the planktonic algae. Water temperature is running around 78 degrees. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching good numbers of bluegills but you have to do a little sorting.

Lake Darling
The hot weather has jumped the water temperature up to 77 degrees. The water got a little muddier after last weekend’s rains but you can still see down 3 to 4 feet. Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills have finished spawning but you can still find them in pretty shallow. Fish are between 7 and 8 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are in 8 to 10 feet of water around the willows and brush piles. You’ll catch a lot of little ones but the better ones are 10 to 11 inches.

Lost Grove Lake
All three boat ramps are now open; be careful around the middle (red barn) ramp, the water might still be a little shallow for the deeper drafting boats. Lost Grove Lake has an 18 inch minimum size limit on the largemouth bass. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are starting to trend towards the smaller sizes in the shallow waters near the spillway and the shallow bays. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed above the causeway and on the main lake.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The Skunk River has spent most of this week rising from the rains. The water is really muddy.  Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are picking up some nice catfish on cut bait and chicken liver.

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is running around 78 degrees. There is a lot of algae around the flooded timber as the bark on the trees continues to decay. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Bass fishing is doing well. With the calm near windless evenings we’ve been having lately, I would be tempted to run some top water plugs along the edges of the flooded timber. Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegills have been biting. Work your way through the flooded trees in one of the bays. Channel Catfish – Good: Find the rock shorelines and down the face of the dam. They are starting to spawn.

For more information on the above lakes/ call the Lake Darling Fisheries Management station at 319-694-2430.

Iowa Lake
Water temperature is about 80 degrees. Bluegill – Fair: Fish with small jigs or worms along the bank. Overhanging brush tends to up your odds. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish around shallow rock for catfish looking to spawn. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

Lake Macbride
The 9.9 horsepower maximum rule is in effect. These motors must also observe the 5 mph speed limit. Water temperatures are in the low 80’s. Crappie – Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish in deeper water. Walleye – Fair: Troll spinner rigs off shore and cast crankbaits to windblown shores. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish live bait around rocks or drift cut bait in mid-depth flats.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Fish around overhanging brush along the shorelines. White Bass – Fair: White bass and wipers can be caught along windblown shorelines on crankbaits and twisters. Channel Catfish – Fair: Chicken livers work well. Target these fish around rock.

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Crappie – Fair: Fish around deeper brush or look for suspended fish in open water. Bluegill – Good: Fish small jigs around the jetties and brush. Many fish are 7-9 inches. Channel Catfish – Good: Night crawlers, chicken livers, and stinkbait work well.

Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Cut bait works best in the evenings. Yellow Bass – Good: Use small jigs or worms. Crappie – Fair.

Union Grove Lake
The drain valve is scheduled to be opened Friday, June 12, to begin drawdown for the renovation project. There are relaxed fishing regulations; no length or bag limits for any species at this lake. Bluegill – Good: Use small jigs or worms around shallow brush and pockets. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish crankbaits and soft plastics around shallow. Crappie – Fair: Some fish are being caught in shallow pockets or brush. Some fish are being caught drifting in open water.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is holding at summer pool of 683.4 feet. Water temperatures are in the low 80’s. Crappie – Slow: Some crappies are being caught on the rock banks. Channel Catfish – Good: Spawning fish are being caught on the rocks; post-spawn fish are being caught drifting/trolling the channel.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Channel Catfish – Fair. Flathead Catfish – Good: Bank pole fishermen are doing well. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Channel Catfish – Fair.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Fair. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair.

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

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish rubber worms and crankbaits around the cedar trees. Spinnerbaits can be productive when fished along the shorelines and around the rock jetties. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill along the shorelines. Use small jigs and try different depths until you find active fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait or night crawlers around the fishing jetties.

Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegills using small jigs or a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Crappie – Fair: Use minnows fished under a bobber or small tube jigs. Concentrate on areas with submerged structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use spinner baits and crankbaits around the rock jetties and along the face of the dam. Rubber worms should also be tried around any submerged structure. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish using night crawlers and cut bait. Target areas around rock jetties and the dam.

Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
Hawthorn Lake has a slot length limit for largemouth bass and all 12 to 16-inch bass must be immediately released. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try rubber worms along the shoreline. Concentrate on areas with rock or stumps. Bluegill – Fair: Fish small jigs around spawning areas. Some sorting may be required for larger fish.

Lake Keomah
Lake Keomah State Park is undergoing a road construction project so access to the park is limited. The boat ramps are still accessible by using the entrance to the north and east of the park.

Lake Miami
Lake Miami is currently undergoing a lake renovation project. The lake is 4.5 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 – Fair: Use spinnerbaits or crankbaits along rip-rapped shorelines and around fishing jetties. Rubber worms can also be a good choice along the shorelines and around any type of structure. Crappie – Slow: Use a bobber and a minnow or small jigs. Change locations until you find active fish. Walleye – Slow: Use a jig and minnow combos in areas of the lake with rip-rapped shorelines. Concentrate in areas along the dam. Bluegill – Fair: Successful anglers are fishing small jigs around spawning areas.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 907.69. The water temperature is 68 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 – Good: Anglers are catching crappies using small jigs fished around structure. Sorting is required for larger fish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use night crawlers or dead chubs. Try areas with large rip-rap as the catfish are preparing to spawn. Areas around Bridgeview and the dam are good places to target. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching walleyes using crawlers harnesses around submerged rocky areas. They are also catching some walleye while crappie fishing in 3-6 feet of water using crappie jigs.

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.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is 9.7 feet at Lansing and expected to remain steady. Water temperature is 68 degrees. The boat ramp at New Albin is closed due to flooding. Walleye – Slow: Higher water levels makes it difficult to find walleyes on wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: High water has bluegills scattered but many should be preparing to spawn in shallow backwater areas. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are beginning to move in to backwater areas and may be preparing to spawn. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas. Look for good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cat will spawn soon. Float a minnow on a bobber along rocky shorelines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Fair: Some nice size white bass are being caught along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Sauger – Slow: A few saugers are being picked up in the tailwaters. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 18.7 ft. at Lynxville and expected to remain steady over the next week and begin to gradually fall.  Water temperature is 68 degrees. Walleye – Slow: With stable water levels look for walleyes to start feeding on the top sides of wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: High water has bluegills scattered but many should be preparing to spawn in shallow backwater areas. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are beginning to move to backwater areas and may be preparing to spawn. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas. Look for good current breaks. Sauger – Slow: A few saugers are being picked up in the tailwaters. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cat will spawn soon. Float a minnow on a bobber along rocky shorelines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Fair: Some nice size white bass are being caught along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 10.2 feet at Guttenberg and will rise over a foot before beginning a gradual fall next week. Water temperature is 68 degrees. Walleye – Slow: Higher water levels makes it difficult to find walleyes on wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: High water has bluegills scattered but many should be preparing to spawn in shallow backwater areas. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are beginning to move to backwater areas and may be preparing to spawn. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas. Look for good current breaks. Sauger – Slow:  A few saugers are being picked up in the tailwaters. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel cat will spawn soon. Float a minnow on a bobber along rocky shorelines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. White Bass – Fair: Some nice size white bass are being caught along the main channel and tailwaters of the dams. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure.

River levels remain high on the Upper Mississippi which is affecting river access at some areas. High water and floating debris can make fishing difficult. Levels are expected to bump up slightly before gradually falling late next week. As the river falls active fish may be harder to find as they pull back to deep water. Water temperatures have risen into the upper 60’s and many fish are spawning.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 9.6 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and 11.8 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge, down a foot or so from last week. Water temperature in the main channel is near 75 degrees.  Northern Pike – Fair: Pike are in the feeding mode.  Lots of anglers are targeting pike using gaudy spinners or large chubs. Crappie – Fair: The crappie bite has slowed.  They are mostly done spawning and are moving out in the sloughs and deeper water habitats. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Largemouth fishing is generally good with many nice sized fish reported this week.  Cranks and larger spinners work well. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallies are setting up along rip rap shorelines.  Use spinners or slow falling jigs. Walleye – Good: Many walleye were found in shallower habitat this week. Bluegill – Fair: Gills were hitting well over the past few weeks but the bite has slowed as the water has risen. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Both channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot line and pole anglers using worms for bait. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Both channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot line and pole anglers using worms for bait.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is 11.0 feet at Bellevue, down near a foot from last week. The main channel temperature is 75 degrees. Runoff clouded the water a bit but fishing remained good for some species.  Northern Pike – Good: Northern pike are feeding in a variety of places throughout Pool 13.  Use a gaudy white spinner bait. Crappie – Fair: The crappie bite has slowed as they move out of the spawning habitat and into deeper sloughs. Largemouth Bass – Good: We are expecting a banner year for largemouth on the Mississippi and fishing has been good for both bass species. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Find rock piles in the current areas and you will find smallmouth bass. Spinners and jigs work best. Walleye – Good: After the rise in water levels, walleye moved into shallower water along the shorelines and are being picked up by bass and bluegill anglers. Bluegill – Fair: Some nice bluegills are being reported in the big backwater areas like Savannah Bay and Spring Lake but the bit has slowed considerably. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The channel catfish bite has really cranked up in earnest. Catfish are biting on worms and stink bait in side channels just above brush piles! Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Lots of smaller eater flatheads are being caught in the tailwaters by anglers using worm rigs.  Some are also being taken on trot lines.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 10.5 feet at Fulton, 13.2 feet at Camanche, and 7.4 feet above the dam at LeClaire. Nearly the same water levels as last week.  The main channel water temperature is around 75 degrees.   Largemouth Bass – Good: Great populations of bass exist in Pool 14.  Some may have moved into the bigger backwater areas and clearer waters.  Some anglers report using frog imitations in the weed lines and they are catching some nice sized bass. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Lots of reports of channel catfish hitting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being caught in the backwater areas on worm rigs. Walleye – Good: Walleyes were reported in shallow water throughout the district.  Bass and bluegill anglers are catching them near shore. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Some nice smallmouths are being reported on the rock piles in Pool 14.  Use spinners or jigs and fish close to any exposed rocky areas. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Some nice flathead catfish are being caught by crappie and walleye anglers.  Flatheads are live fish eating catfish and will readily hit on flashy lures. Northern Pike – Good: The pike bite has been good this year on Pool 14. Backwaters such as Rock Creek and Cattail Slough have been some of the best target lakes.  Use gaudy white spinners for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 10.6 feet at Rock Island and will remain this high or may drop slightly. Water temperature is around 75 degrees.  Catfishing was reported as excellent in Pool 15.  Eagles Landing and Leach park are two nice areas to put in and enjoy fishing on Pool 15.  Channel Catfish – Good: Try launching at Eagles Landing in Bettendorf and fish near smaller tributary mouths above and below the park.  Use worms or stink bait but move often if you are not having success.  Catfish will bite immediately or not be there.

Fishing has slowed a bit but good conditions still exist on the Mississippi River.  The water levels are beginning to drop some throughout the district.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 10.14 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and falling. Water clarity is poor. 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. Look for smallmouth bass on the wing dams or rocky shore lines with current. White Bass – Fair: Some white bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough up by the outflow at the power dam. Cast crankbaits, jigs and twister tails, or in-line spinners. Fishing has been hit or miss. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills in the shallow backwaters. Fish with pieces of worm under a bobber along the shorelines. Channel Catfish – Good: Look for channel catfish along rocky shorelines this time of year. Float leeches or crawlers under a bobber along the rocks. Sauger – Fair: There have been reports of some saugers being caught trolling out from the mouth of the Rock River up to Sunset Marina. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some largemouth bass are being caught in the Andalusia Island backwaters. Try pitching plastics or jigs to the shoreline around brush piles. Walleye – Fair: Some walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits along the main channel from the mouth of the Rock River up to the mouth of Sunset Marina.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.08 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and falling. Water clarity has been poor on Pool 17. There is some water over the ramp at Big Timber that may make launching a boat difficult. Walleye – Slow: Wing dam fishing for walleyes has been slow with the rise in river stages and poor water clarity. Fishing for walleyes around GPC has also been slow. Bluegill – Look for bluegill close to shore around brush piles and logs. Fish with a piece of worm under a bobber along the shore at Big Timber. Channel Catfish – Good: Look for channel catfish around rocky shorelines. Fish with leeches or crawlers under a bobber along the rocks. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing for largemouth bass in the backwaters pitching plastics or jigs to the shoreline around brush piles and logs.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.90 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and falling. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters close to shore. Fish with pieces of worms under a bobber. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish along rocky shorelines. Drift leeches or crawlers under a bobber along the rocky shorelines.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.37 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and falling. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters along the shore. Fish with pieces of worm under a bobber. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish along the rocky shorelines. Drift leeches or crawlers under a bobber along the rocky shorelines.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tailwater stages have been falling the past few days. Fishing has
slowed with the muddy water conditions. Main channel water temperature has been around 76-77 degrees. If you have questions on fishing pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies are moving off the shallows after spawning; the abundant crappie congregate around the standing timber broke off at the water’s surface mid-lake. They can be targeted fishing minnows under a bobber 3 to 5 feet down or pitching small panfish jigs. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught shallow off beds throughout the lake. 7-8 inch fish are common.

Rock Creek Lake
Crappie – Fair: Focus on the tips of any trees in the lake and around the rock jetties. Crappies are beginning to move out into the main lake and are being caught drifting panfish jigs or minnows mid-lake on the lower portion of the lake. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are still being caught in less than 5 feet of water, near the shoreline.

Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being caught in good numbers with a few fish over 15 inches. Troll spinning rigs with minnows in about 15 feet of water in the East ramp bay and around the point between the beach and the marina. Shore anglers can pick up walleye as well fishing minnows under slip bobbers off the jetties. Bluegill – Fair: The lake has become more turbid and bluegill fishing has slowed. Fish near shore in shallow water with small hooks, crawler pieces and a bobber.

Hickory Grove Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappie can be caught fishing minnows 2 to 6 feet deep tight to the fallen and overhanging trees in the coves. Bluegill – Fair: Spawning bluegill are being caught fishing crawlers and small plastics close to shore, especially where overhanging tree branches are dipping into the water.

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill – Good: Good size bluegills are being caught fishing crawlers or small panfish jigs 2 to 6 feet deep on the lower portions of the lake where the vegetation is less dense.

Red Rock Reservoir
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish can be found this time of year near large rip rap and woody structure. Crayfish under a bobber and even crankbaits can entice these fish out of the cavities.

Saylorville Reservoir
Anglers should focus on the Big Creek spillway when water is flowing over this structure. Channel Catfish – Good: Crankbaits and cut bait should be tried at the spillway. White Bass – Good: Spoons, spinners and crankbaits will entice these aggressive fish to bite at the spillway.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish – Good: The channel catfish bite is picking up in the rivers using crawlers or prepared stink baits.
Heavy rains have made fishing more challenging at most lakes; however the bluegill are still in shallow as they wrap up their initial spawning run. 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. Bluegills will move into shore this week. Greenfield also has good largemouth bass and catfish numbers.  Bluegill – Good: Bluegills up to 8 inches are being caught just off shore with small jigs. Crappie – Slow: A few crappies averaging 9 inches can be caught casting jigs around the jetties and along the dam. Try fishing cedar tree piles for post spawn fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass can be caught around the shoreline casting a variety of plugs and lures. Fish are all sizes. Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers are beginning to catch channel cats around the jetties with shad sides.

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has quality size panfish. Bluegills are moving on top of the reefs. A few crappies are being caught close to shore. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills will move on top of underwater reefs to spawn. Cast small jigs to catch fish up to 9 inches. Crappie – Slow: Meadow has large white crappies that can be caught around the two underwater reefs in the lake. Also cast along the jetties and dam.

Mormon Trail Lake
Mormon Trail has a large year class of 8 to 9 inch crappies. Bluegills are on the beds in numerous locations around the shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Good: The lake has a good number of 13 to 16 inch fish. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappies with jigs or minnows 2 feet under a bobber. Fish around the jetties and along the dam. Bluegill – Good: Cast small jigs in the corner of the jetties to find spawning fish.

Nodaway Lake
Anglers can expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are coming close to shore to spawn. Work the shoreline casting small jigs to find nesting fish. Crappie – Slow: Crappies are being caught along the dam and on the south side of the lake around rock casting minnows under a bobber. Channel Catfish – No Report: Nodaway has a good population of channel catfish.

Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has a good panfish population. The water clarity has improved this week. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills will move close to shore soon. Cast small jigs to catch fish up to 9 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie spawn is winding down. Cast minnows under a bobber or small jigs to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Channel Catfish – No Report.

Cold Springs Lake
Bluegill fishing has responded at Cold Springs after the 2012 partial renovation of the fishery. Issues with excessive vegetation have also been addressed at the lake. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8.5 inches can be caught close to shore in the south cove and east of the beach. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cold Springs has a good bass population. Channel Catfish – No Report.

Lake Anita
Crappie can still be caught around underwater reefs. Bluegills will move close to shore and on top of underwater reefs. Anglers have reported catching bluegills on the roadbeds.  Black Crappie – Fair: The crappie spawn is winding down but anglers are still catching them along the underwater reefs. Fish will average 9 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills have begun to spawn and fishing will improve. Cast small jigs or night crawlers under a bobber to catch quality size bluegills. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are being caught all over the lake casting a variety of lures. Fish are all sizes up to 20 inches.

Viking Lake
Viking has a good largemouth bass population. Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting small spinner baits with a slow retrieve or plastics around the shoreline and jetties. Crappie – Slow: Crappies have moved off shore. Fish around cedar tree piles with minnows to catch post spawn fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish can be caught in the campground arm of the lake using cut bait. Fish average 2 pounds. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills at Viking have grown to an acceptable size and anglers are beginning to harvest 8 inch fish.

Prairie Rose Lake
The fishery at Prairie Rose is back. Large bluegills are being caught on spawning beds that were placed in the lake during the renovation. The crappie fishing is still a couple of years away as they were just stocked last fall. Largemouth bass are growing quickly with many 8 to 10 inch fish in the lake. The initial stocking of catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range. Bluegill – Fair: Find the pea gravel spawning beds placed in the lake during the renovation. Cast small jigs to catch bluegills that are up to 9 plus inches. Channel Catfish – No Report. Largemouth Bass – Good: Many 8 to 10 inch bass are being caught.

Lake Manawa
The catfish bite is good in the canals and on the main lake. Crappie – Fair: A few crappies have been caught in the main lake on the west shore. Sorting is necessary for larger fish. Walleye – Slow: Walleye can be caught on the south and west side of the lake trolling crankbaits. Channel Catfish – Fair: A few catfish in the 2 pound range are being caught on cut bait.

Anderson Area Pond 1
The lake is full and bluegills are close to shore. Crappie – Slow: The crappie bite has slowed. Cast small jigs or minnows to catch 10 inch fish. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills at Anderson will average 7.5 inches.

Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek will provide good fishing this spring for all fish species.  Bluegill – Fair: Cast small jigs close to shore in the upper end up the lake to catch spawning bluegills. Farm Creek bluegills will average 9 inches. Black Crappie – No Report. Largemouth Bass – Good: The lake has a good bass population with all sizes up to 20 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds have been good this week for panfish. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Crappie – Fair: Anglers can find crappies around structure and along weed lines. Fish minnows under a bobber or smaller jigs to catch post spawn crappies. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning in ponds. Cast small jigs or worms under a bobber close to shore. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are being caught casting small spinners with a slow retrieve. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait is a good choice this time of year. Catfish will feed close to shore and along weed edges.

Water temperatures in the southwest district have climbed into the mid 70’s. Crappie spawn is coming to an end but a few are still being caught around rocky shorelines. Bluegills have moved close to shore and this week should be good for catching them on beds. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at (712) 769-2587

Lake Icaria
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches ha