NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers have had some luck using traditional catfish baits (e.g., dip baits, cut bait, chicken liver). Bluegill – Fair: Some keeper bluegills are being picked up near the dam. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass but most are below the 15 inch minimum length limit.

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 2-5 feet of water. Work these areas with a small jig tipped with crawler fished under a bobber.

Brushy Creek Lake
Walleye – Good: Anglers have had success fishing with leeches in about 15-20 feet of water. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being caught on wax worms and leeches in about 10-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are being picked up in 10 feet of water. Muskellunge – Good: Yellow Perch – Good: Perch are being picked up along weed lines in anywhere from 5-15 feet of water.

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 walleye trolling crankbaits in the dredge cuts between the islands on the east side of the lake. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits, cut bait, and chicken liver. They are having the best luck fishing the north shore areas. 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 bluegill and 6-9 inch crappie. Largemouth bass 7-16 inches were also sampled. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up 7-8 inch bluegill. Fish for bluegills around the emergent vegetation with a small jig set about 2 feet under a bobber. Black Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are mixed in with the bluegills.

Black Hawk Lake
Lake level is 12 inches above crest. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are being caught along weed lines in the Town Bay and Ice House Point areas. Others are having success fishing with crawlers near the inlet fish barrier. This time of year bluegill can also be targeted on or near their nests, which are usually found in 3 to 5 feet of water where there is sandy/gravel substrate. Walleye – Fair: A few walleye are being picked up with twister tails and leeches fished in mornings and evenings along the Ice House Point area. 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. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught on leeches fished near the floating dock in Town Bay.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Bluegill – Good: Keeper size bluegill are being caught on spawning beds. Look for bluegill guarding nests near shore in 2-5 feet of water. Anglers are often successful targeting bluegills that are guarding these nests. Use a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of night crawler or red worm fished about a foot under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some catfish are being picked up using dip baits and crawlers.

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. 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.

Little Sioux Park Lake
Bluegill – Good: Keeper size bluegills are being caught on spawning beds. Look for bluegill guarding nests near shore in 2-5 feet of water. Anglers are often successful targeting bluegills that are guarding these nests. Use a 1/16 ounce jig tipped with a piece of night crawler or red worm fished about a foot under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass, but most are under the 15 inch minimum length limit for bass.

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

Beeds Lake
Crappie – Good: Anglers have had success this week by drift fishing or slow trolling with a light tube jig. Crappies (7-9 inch) are suspended in about 6-8 feet of water.

Lake Smith
Bluegill – Good. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Clear Lake
Walleye – Slow: Some fish have been caught right at dark on the little lake near shorelines. Wader fishermen have caught an occasional walleye in pockets of the rushes. Boat fishing has slowed, fish are scattered in the main basin. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass have been caught drift fishing in the main basin. Larger sized ones caught (8-8.5 inches) are being. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers have been catching a few largemouth bass with plastic worms near the edges of vegetation in the little lake.

Lake Cornelia
White Bass – Fair: An occasional white bass have been caught near the culverts where water is flowing in.

Crystal Lake
The curlyleaf pondweed is dying back somewhat; some algae is blooming and clouding the water in portions of the lake. Largemouth Bass – Good: Successful anglers are fishing with artificial worms or weedless presentations on the weed edges. Bluegill – Good: There have been reports of a few bluegills still on spawning beds. Most of the bluegills should be deeper. Fish off the edges of the weeds on the dredge cut with a small jig and a piece of night crawler or leech.

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 – Good: Bluegills are schooled up 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. Throwing spinner baits or soft plastics for the aggressive males will produce bites.

Big Spirit Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass can be found near weed choked areas at this time as they are protecting their fry. Fish are being caught in trickles using top water frogs. Anglers are also catching bass on boat hoists along the north banks in the deeper water. Try crankbaits or swimbaits to pull these bass out from under the hoists. 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 leeches. Yellow Perch – Good: A majority of anglers creeled are catching yellow perch. Most anglers are keeping around 6-9 inch fish. Numbers are still low but perch are biting up at the grade. 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 – Good: Fishermen fishing in Templar bar are catching large numbers of small northerns. Most fish are in the mid-20 inch range. Successful anglers are using Meps or small spinnerbaits. Johnson silver minnow tipped with a leech also been catching these fish.

Center Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 6-8 inch bluegill are being caught in low numbers along the north bank of. Fish were being harvested using small lipstick jigs tipped with night crawler. Crappie – Good: Smaller crappies are being caught on the north and east side of Center 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 for them. Anglers fishing under the highway 9 bridge are catching fair numbers of yellows using small plastic minnows. Yellow Perch – Fair: Numbers of 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 to find a fast paced bass bite. 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. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching low numbers of 8 inch bluegills while fishing docks throughout East Okoboji. Anglers are fishing small jigs under docks tipped with wax worms.

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 can be found under boat hoists, near weed lines, and on the drop offs. Fish these spots with football jigs, crankbaits or Texas rigs. Bluegill – Good: The canals are loaded with bluegills. Large and small fish are being caught in good numbers. Pocahontas point is holding a good population of bluegills with anglers catching large fish with little sorting. Crappie – Fair: The trestle is being reported to be a good bite. The canals are starting to fill with larger crappies. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouths have moved off beds and are headed towards the rocky drop offs. Areas to fish include rock points that shoot out into the main basin of West Lake, Pillsbury, Fort Dodge, and Gull Point. Fish with jerk baits, football jigs, or swimbaits. 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. 13-19inch fish are being caught. Yellow Bass – Good: In Smiths bay just north of the amusement park anglers are reporting a high catch rate of large yellow bass. Anglers using orange twister tails or plain hook with worm and split shot are catching yellows on every cast. Yellow Perch – Fair: Quality perch (8-10 inch) can be found in the shallows where substrate is exposed. Fish Breezy point, Pillsbury and Fort Dodge with wigglers and a small jig.

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. These fish 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 bullheads are being seen while crews are electrofishing on Lost Island. These large numbers of bullheads 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. These fish are swimming into the cattails in preparation for the spawn.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Bluegill – Good: Fish a small piece of worm near brush piles along the dam and other rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish over brush piles or rock reefs. Crappie – Fair: Drift a small tube jig along open water.

Lake Hendricks
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills can be found spread out along the weed beds. Use a hook tipped with a small piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish have been active about mid-day around the jetties and rock reefs. Stink baits and night crawlers work well for finicky catfish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass can be found along the weed edges and around the rock reefs. A jig tipped with a twister or worm will get some attention.

Lake Meyer
As of 7/2, water levels have been drawn down about 7 feet and are about down to the desired level. The boat ramp is unusable at this time 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. Bluegill – Good: Anglers willing to brave the rocks to get to water can find bluegills. Successful anglers are using a hook tipped with a small piece of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are actively taking bait while fishing for bluegills.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized but visibility is about 6 inches. Flows are up after recent rainfall events so be mindful of new strainers, such as log jams, tree falls, and other obstructions.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Be mindful of new snags, log jams, and other strainers when paddling in water with increased flows. The river is very muddy but a few anglers have been finding fish. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Successful anglers are using a brightly colored jig tipped with a worm floated just off the bottom.

Turkey River (below Clermont)
New snags, log jams, submersed logs and other debris may be observed. Use care when paddling around obstructions. Water temperatures are in the mid 70’s this week. Water clarity is very limited.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have stabilized but clarity remains limited.  Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers using chubs, cut bait, and chicken liver fished on the bottom are finding success even in turbid water.

Decorah District Streams
All streams are fishable and have been stocked. High water events from last week may have changed your favorite fishing hole a bit but don’t be afraid to try a new spot. Look for more frequent Tricorythodes and Ephoron (mayfly species) hatches through July. Also ants, beetles and grasshoppers will become more prevalent as summer progresses. Brown Trout – Good: Off color or slightly turbid water is a great time to catch brown trout. Use a flashy spinner to antagonize finicky browns. Rainbow Trout – Good: Only three coldwater streams in Iowa have limited natural reproduction of rainbow trout. Brook Trout – Good: Brook trout are, technically, a char and not a trout. It is a close relative of the lake trout.

Mild weather will be around through the holiday weekend so sunscreen up and head outside. Water levels on many rivers in our area have stabilized but remain muddy due to last week’s rainfall. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish in Casey Lake located within Hickory Hills County Park. Largemouth Bass – Good: Crankbaits, spinner baits and plastics have been good for largemouth bass. Bluegill – Good: Fish brush piles near the jetties and just off shore of the dam in 3-4 feet of water. Use a small piece of worm under a slip bobber or a light 1/64 ounce jig. Channel Catfish – Good: Stink baits, cut baits and chicken livers have been good fished on the bottom during all periods of the day.

George Wyth Lake
Anglers are reporting catches of bluegill and crappie with some selectivity required as some tend to run on the small side. Bluegill – Fair: Fish structure or near weed beds using a small piece of worm under a slip bobber or a light 1/64 ounce jig. Crappie – Fair: Try drifting a crappie minnow under a slip bobber near the edges of the weed beds.

River levels continue to fall with improved water clarity. There have not been many reports due to poor conditions on the interior rivers; channel catfish may provide the best river opportunities. Black Hawk County lakes are providing catches of bluegill, crappie and channel catfish, especially Casey Lake located in Hickory Hills Park. Trout streams in N.E. Iowa remain in good condition, for further information contact the N.E. Iowa District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level is at 9 feet at Lansing and expected to remain near this level over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. The boat ramp at New Albin is open again. Walleye – Fair: Fish with a crawler on a three-way rig or crankbait trolled on the wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills near spawning beds in the upper ends of backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Many bass are in post spawn and beginning to scatter. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish spawn will end, but still worth it to float minnows by rocky areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pikes are being picked up fishing for bass along structure. Crappie – Good: Minnesota Slough areas have been productive for nice size crappies. Try a light colored tube jig fished in fallen trees. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flatheads are biting on minnows or shiners fished near the tailwaters of dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River level is 16.5 feet at Lynxville and expected to fall over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. Walleye – Slow: With stable water levels look for walleyes to start feeding on the top sides of wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills near spawning beds in the upper ends of backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Many bass are in post spawn and beginning to scatter. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish spawn will end, but still worth it to float minnows by rocky areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding just about everywhere. Fish with a worm on the bottom. Northern Pike – Fair: Occasional northern pike are being picked up fishing for bass along structure. Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing has picked up with the stable water levels. Fish a light colored tube jig in fallen trees. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flatheads are biting on minnows or shiners fished near the tailwaters of dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 8.1 feet at Guttenberg and expected to fall slightly over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. Walleye – Fair: Fish with a crawler on a three-way rig or crankbait trolled on the wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills near spawning beds in the upper ends of backwaters. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Many bass are in post spawn and beginning to scatter. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouths are feeding along rocky areas with good current breaks. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish spawn will end, but still worth it to float minnows by rocky areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: 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. Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing has picked up with the stable water levels. Fish a light colored tube jig in fallen trees. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flatheads are biting on minnows or shiners fished near the tailwaters of dams.

Upper Mississippi River levels are near normal and expected to fall slightly over the next week. Water clarity is improving and fishing has picked up.  Water temperature is near 70 degrees.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 7.7 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and10 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge, both down nearly a foot from last week. The temperature in the main channel is slightly warmer at 76 degrees.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing is generally good but you have to find clearer water. Frog imitations in the weeds have been somewhat effective. Walleye – Slow: Some walleyes were still caught.  Most are found in very shallow water and are being caught by bluegill anglers. Bluegill – Fair: Gills were hitting well over the past few weeks but the bite has slowed as the water has risen. Some fish can be found in the back ends of marinas and backwaters in this high water. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot lines and pole anglers using worms. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Channel and flathead catfish are being caught by trot lines and pole anglers using worms. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Lots of sub-legal smallmouth bass are being caught along the rock lines by people using spinners or floating worms.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is 8.8 feet at Bellevue, down over a foot from last week. The main channel temperature is 76 degrees. The tributary streams like the Maquoketa River are quite turbid. If fishing bass or sight feeding fish you may want to avoid downstream areas of our major tributaries. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Look for clearer water especially in weed bed locations.  The largemouths reported to us have been quite sizable. The high water has made places like Spring Lake, Savanna Bay and Browns Lake quite accessible. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallies are biting along the rock shorelines by anglers using small spinners or crankbaits. Walleye – Slow: After the rise in water levels, walleye moved into shallower water along the shorelines and were being picked up by bass and bluegill anglers. Bluegill – Fair: Some nice bluegills are still being reported in the big backwater areas like Savannah Bay and Spring Lake but the bite has slowed considerably. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The channel catfish bite has 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 larger specimens are being taken on trot lines.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 8.3 feet at Fulton , 11.6 feet at Camanche, and 6.5 feet above the dam at LeClaire. All water levels are down considerably from last week and expected to drop further.  The main channel water temperature is around 77 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 are using frog imitations in the weed lines and are catching nice sized bass. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Lots of reports of channel catfish hitting on stink bait and worms. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are being caught in the backwater areas on worm rigs.  Muddy water finally took its toll on the bluegill bite.  Expect good fishing to resume once the water clears. Walleye – Slow: Walleyes are in shallow water throughout the district.  Bass and bluegill anglers were catching them near shore. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use spinners or jigs and fish close to any exposed rocky areas. Flathead Catfish – Excellent: Some nice flathead catfish are being caught by people crappie and walleye fishing.  Flatheads are live fish eating catfish and will readily hit on flashy lures. Northern Pike – No Report: 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 9.3 feet at Rock Island, which is over two foot lower than the previous week. The water temperature is around 77 degrees.  Eagles Landing and Leach park are two nice areas to put in and enjoy fishing on Pool 15.  Channel Catfish – Good: Launch 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 either bite within the first 15 minutes or so.  If you do not catch any in that amount of time, then move on. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads were caught mixed in with channel catfish by anglers using worms or live bait. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are a consistent biter this time of year.  A simple rig with worms and an egg sinker will prove best.

It was a stormy week but much of the rain fell on or downstream of the district.  The water levels in Mississippi Pools 12 to 15 will drop this week.  The main river is still a bit murky but if you avoid the tributary streams such as the Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon you should find enough clarity to find fish.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.94 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and falling. Water clarity is poor. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. The docks at the Fairport Recreational Area have been taken out. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish in the flowing side channels around brush piles and snags. Fish above the brush piles with night crawlers, stinkbait, or cut bait. Look for channel catfish along rocky shorelines. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions. White Bass – No Report: Look for white bass along rocky shorelines with current. Cast crankbaits, jigs with twister tail, or in-line spinners. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try floating pieces of worm under a bobber.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 8.50 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and falling. River levels are forecasted to continue to fall. The ramp at Big Timber (The Breaks) is open. We have not received much for fishing reports with the recent high and muddy water.  Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish in the flowing side channels or along the main channel around brush piles and snags. Fish above the snags with night crawlers, cut bait, or stink bait. Look for channel catfish along the rocky shorelines as well. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles and flooded vegetation. Try fishing with a piece of worm under a bobber at Big Timber, Eagle Fill, and Cleveland Slough. Largemouth Bass – No Report: Look for largemouth bass in the backwaters around brush piles and logs. Pitch plastics or cast spinnerbaits to the brush piles and logs.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 11.51 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and falling. River levels are forecasted to continue to fall. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 15 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. Water is still over the road at Toolsboro. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.  Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along or along the flooded islands. Try fishing with stinkbait, night crawlers, or cut bait. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with a piece of worm under a bobber.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 8.22 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and falling. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. River conditions are still high. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags or along flooded islands. Try fishing with night crawlers, stinkbait, or cut bait.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages have been falling steadily the past week. River levels are forecasted to continue to fall. River levels are still high. We have not received much for fishing reports with the recent high and muddy water conditions. Main channel water temperature is around 75 degrees. If you have questions on fishing pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
Both the Mississippi and Iowa Rivers are coming in through the levee breaks that the contractors were in the process of fixing. The Toolesboro Road remains closed. Boat ramps are still useable. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Anglers are catching some really nice catfish.

Lake Geode
The water is muddy. Bluegill – Good Anglers are catching good numbers of bluegills along the edge of the weed lines in 10-12 feet of water. Channel Catfish – Good: Good numbers of catfish are in the rocks along the dam and around the boat ramp area.

Lake Belva Deer
The lake is clearing from last week’s rains. Bluegill – Excellent: Some are moving back into the spawning area for another go at it. Redear Sunfish – Fair: Redears are mostly done and gone from the beds. Look for them in 6 to 7 feet of water in the weed beds. Crappie – Good: Crappies continue to hang around the underwater mounds at the upper end of the lake. Anglers are also catching some in 10-12 feet of water in the flooded timber. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish the face of the dam, the males are in the rocks protecting the nests.

Lake Darling
The water is still in pretty good shape. Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills have finished spawning but you can still find them in 4-5 feet of water. Fish are 7- 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 in the 10 to 11 inch range. Green sunfish – Good: Anglers are catching 9+ inch big green sunfish in the rocks.

Lost Grove Lake
The lake is almost full. Lost Grove Lake has an 18 inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass. Black Crappie – Fair: Most crappies have deeper water. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed above the causeway and on the main lake. Largemouth Bass – Good: Still too small to keep but they are very aggressive.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
The skunk remains flooded in the low areas. The water is really muddy.

Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is running around 78 degrees. A lot of duckweed and algae especially in the upper end of the lake; not near as bad by the dam. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are biting. Work your way through the flooded trees in one of the bays. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish the rock shorelines and down the face of the dam. They are spawning. Good numbers of pan sized fish.

Iowa River (lower section)
There is minor flooding on the Iowa River. The water is muddy and fast flowing. A lot of the boat ramps are underwater.

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

Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegills using small jigs or a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try areas along the shoreline with structure. Fishing jetties and along the dam are also good areas. Use rubber worms or crankbaits in these areas. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish using night crawlers and cut bait.

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Spinnerbaits can be productive when fished along the shorelines and around the rock jetties. Top water lures can be productive this time of year when fished in the mornings and evenings. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegill along the shorelines. Use small jigs and tip with a chunk of night crawler. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait or night crawlers around the fishing jetties.

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: Concentrate on areas with rock. Use spinner baits or crankbaits along these areas. Rubber worms should also be good this time of year. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or chunks of night crawler fished under a bobber. 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 now full. New jetties and cedar tree piles were installed during a lake renovation project. Anglers have reported catching largemouth bass and a few bluegills. Channel catfish have already been stocked.

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 inch in length to improve overall largemouth bass growth. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers should try spinner baits 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: Anglers should try using a bobber and a minnow or small jigs. Target areas with 6-10 feet of water. Walleye – Slow: Use jig and minnow combos along the face of the dam. Try different depths until you find active fish. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs fished along the shoreline and underwater structure in 2-6 feet of water. Add a chunk of night crawler to get the fish’s attention. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish along the fishing jetties using night crawlers or cut bait.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 914.83. The water temperature is 76 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 – Fair: Anglers are catching crappies using small jigs. Try areas with rip-rapped shorelines. 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 spawning. Areas around Bridgeview and the dam are good places to target. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching walleyes using live bait around submerged rocky areas. Try drifting or trolling points and rock piles also.
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.

Lake Macbride
The 9.9 horsepower maximum rule is in effect. These motors must also observe the 5 mph speed limit. Crappie – Slow: Fish deeper brush or look for suspended fish in deeper water. Walleye – Slow: Trolling spinner rigs or crankbaits in 8-12 feet of water has been catching some fish. White Bass – Fair: There is a short window and dawn/dusk for schooling fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish live bait around rocks or drift cut bait in mid-depth flats.

Central Park Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Some nice sized fish are being caught on wax worms.

Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass – Fair: Evenings have been the best for action. Walleye – Fair: Most fish have been caught on live bait and are smaller. Yellow Perch – Fair: Size has been small.

Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Fair: Small jigs or worms fished around the jetties and brush is working well. Many fish are 7-9 inch. Channel Catfish – Good: night crawlers, chicken livers, and stink bait has been working.

Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair. Bluegill – Slow. Yellow Bass – Slow.

Union Grove Lake
The lake valve has been opened and the lake is slowly beginning to drain. There are relaxed fishing regulations; no length or bag limits for any species at this lake. Bluegill – Slow: Use small jigs or worms around brush. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Crankbaits and soft plastics fished around shallow rock has been working. Crappie – Slow: Some fish are being caught drifting in open water.

Coralville Reservoir
As of July 2, the lake level is at 698.2 feet (normal summer pool is 683 feet) and crested. It is now predicted to begin dropping, barring any major rains. The ramps at Macbride, Mehaffey, and West Overlook are still usable. Crappie – Slow. Freshwater Drum – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair. Walleye – Slow. Common Carp – Good: Bow fishermen are taking advantage of the high water and flooded vegetation. They are also getting some buffalo and grass carp in areas.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Some larger tributaries, including Indian Creek, are holding fish with the higher water. Walleye – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair. Sucker – Fair.

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

SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies are schooled 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.

Rock Creek Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting panfish jigs or minnows mid-lake on the lower portion of the lake.

Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleyes are being caught in good numbers with more fish over 15 inches showing up. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake in less than 20 feet of water trolling crank baits or spinner rigs with crawlers or minnows. Shore anglers can pick up walleye as well fishing minnows under slip bobbers off the jetties. Bluegill – Fair: Fish the outside edges of vegetation beds in shallow water with small hooks, crawler pieces and a bobber.

Hickory Grove Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies are being caught drifting panfish jigs. A good area to start is out from the Oriole Ridge Lodge shoreline. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are being caught fishing crawlers over pallet piles in less than 10 feet of water as well as along the fallen and overhanging trees.

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. White Bass – Fair: Even with the elevated water levels, summer white bass fishing is beginning to pick up. Find areas where gizzard shad are concentrated and busting on the surface. Cast or troll spoons and shad imitating crank baits. Shallow diving chrome or firetiger colored baits work well.

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

Bluegill and crappie are being caught drift fishing in many lakes while white bass fishing is picking up in Red Rock. 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. Panfish can be caught drifting. Greenfield also has good largemouth bass and catfish numbers. Crappie – Fair: Crappies averaging 9 inches can be caught drifting twister tails. Bluegill – Fair: Drift with black jigs tipped with night crawler or power bait. Fish will average 8 inches. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish can be caught around the jetties and close to rock with shrimp. Fish will average 2 pounds.

Nodaway Lake
Anglers can expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie. Catfish are close to shore. Crappie – Fair: Drift with white twister tails and cast to sunken trees to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill – Slow: A few bluegills are being caught around structure with bobber and worm. Fish are 6 feet deep. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are being caught with cut bait on the north end of the dam and in the upper end of the lake. Fish will average 18 to 20 inches.

Orient Lake
Catfishing is good at Orient. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are having success using shrimp or cut bait. Average size catfish will be 18 to 20 inches.

Lake Anita
Anglers are catching panfish drifting mid lake. Largemouth bass fishing is good along vegetation edges. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass anglers are catching good numbers of bass casting the edges of vegetation. Also, vertical jigging the roadbeds for larger fish. Black Crappie – Fair: Drift around the roadbeds and cast along vegetation edges to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill can be caught on the roadbed in both arms of the lake. Drift small jigs to catch quality size bluegills.

Viking Lake
Viking has a good largemouth bass population. Channel catfish have picked up this week and are close to shore and underwater reefs. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting small spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve or plastics around the shoreline and jetties. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish can be caught in the campground arm of the lake and around underwater reefs. Fish average 2 pounds. Crappie – No Report: Try drifting open water areas of the lake with small jigs or twister tails.

Prairie Rose Lake
The fishery at Prairie Rose is back. Bluegill growth has been very good with fish over nine inches being caught this spring. 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 at this time. The initial stocking of catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are catching quality size bluegill off the ends of the jetties with night crawler and bobber. Boat anglers are drifting or slow trolling black jigs in open water areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Many 8 to 10 inch bass are being caught in the lake at this time. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range at this time.

Lake Manawa
The catfish bite is good in the canals and on the main lake. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing has been good this week. Anglers are catching fish in the 2 pound range on shrimp or cut bait.

Bluegills and crappie can be caught drifting open water. Channel catfish are close to shore on many lakes. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at (712) 769-2587

Lake Icaria
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished on the fish mounds. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish up to 5 pounds have been caught using night crawlers or liver fished near fish mounds and rocky shoreline areas.

West Lake (Osceola)
The marina is closed for improvements. Crappie – Fair: Crappie up to 9 inches have been caught using tube jigs fished near the casino.

Little River Watershed Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the brush piles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish over 5 pounds have been caught using liver fished near the rock reefs. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 17 inches have been caught using leeches under a slip bobber fished near rock reefs.

Lake of Three Fires
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 20 inches have been caught using jigs fished near brush piles or along the weed line. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the fish mounds.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
Sands Timber Lake has been drained for the construction of a wetland structure in the west arm.

Green Valley Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs or night crawlers fished along weed lines or near shallow brush piles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish up to 5 pounds have been caught using liver or night crawlers fished along the silt dike or other rocky shoreline areas.

Summit Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a worm fished in 5-8 feet of water along weed lines. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a worm fished in 5-8 feet of water.

Three Mile Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish up to 5 pounds have been caught using liver or night crawlers fished near rocky shoreline areas.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught on jigs fished along flats in 10-15 feet of water. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch up to 11 inches have been caught using jigs fished near weed beds. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 18 inches have been caught using leeches fished along the road bed.

Walnut Creek Marsh
Walnut Creek Marsh has been drained for in-lake improvements.

Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes ranges from the upper 70’s to mid-80’s. 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)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers continue to have success with worms, cut bait, and dip baits. Flathead Catfish – Good: flathead catfishing is good on trotlines/rod and reel using live baits. Chubs, bullheads, and green sunfish are good baits. Blue Catfish – Fair: A few blue cats have been caught in this stretch. Fresh cut bait works well.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Good: channel catfish are being caught on worms, dip baits, and cut bait in the Missouri River and in the mouth of tributary streams and rivers. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs and live baits. Blue Catfish – Fair: blue catfish are being caught on fresh cut bait.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers report the best success on dead shad, worms, cut bait, and dip baits. Flathead Catfish – Good: Anglers are having success on trotlines/rod and reel catching flatheads with live baits-chubs, bullheads, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching blue catfish on trotlines and rod and reel using cut bait and live baits.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 20.89 ft. /29,600 cfs./73 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is up 0.55 feet from last week. Fishing continues to be good overall on the Missouri River.