NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are having 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 – Good: Anglers are catching largemouth bass off spinners and crawlers, some are above the 15 inch minimum length limit.
Brushy Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Successful anglers are fishing with leeches in about 15-20 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are being caught on wax worms and leeches in about 10-15 feet of water. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are being picked up in 10 feet of water. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: 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 and fishing leeches in the dredge cuts. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits, cut bait, and chicken liver; some have been picked up with leeches. 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
Surface water temperature is 72 degrees. Water levels are about 2 inches over crest. Bluegill – Fair: Expect to catch 7-8 inch bluegills beyond the emergent vegetation with wax worms or a piece of crawler on a small jig set about 2 feet under a bobber.
Black Hawk Lake
Water is 73 degrees and lake level is 9 inches above crest. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill are being caught along weed lines in Town Bay, Ice House Point, and at the inlet fish barrier. Keeper size bluegills have also been picked up with leeches fished deeper. Walleye – Fair: 14-17 inch walleye have been picked up using leeches fished on top of rock piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass using spinners, crawlers, or minnows and jigs. Most fish are below the 15 inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass. Channel Catfish – Fair: 2-3 pound channel catfish have been picked up with leeches fished on top of rock piles. Fish the rock piles offshore of Shotgun Hill and the rock pile located mid-lake straight north of Cottonwood Point. Anglers have also caught catfish with leeches fished off the floating dock in Town Bay.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Some catfish are being picked up using dip baits and crawlers.
Little Sioux Park Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Keeper size bluegill have been caught from shore. Fish with a crawler or wax worm 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: Successful anglers are 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 – Fair: A few anglers have reported good success on docks in the early morning. Anglers fishing docks may want to fish right under and in the shade of the docks for fish using docks for cover. Some keeper size walleyes have still been caught in open water pockets of the reed beds. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Bass – Fair. Yellow bass have been caught drift fishing in the main basin. Larger sized fish are being caught (8-8.5 inches). Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching a few largemouths with plastic worms near the edges of vegetation in the little lake. Crappie – Fair: Anglers have pulled some crappies off of the hauled out state rock reef.
Lake Cornelia
White Bass – Fair: An occasional white bass have been caught near the culverts where water is flowing in.
Crystal Lake
Fishing poor – summer fish kill occurred this week due to low dissolved oxygen conditions.
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 jigging raps, bobber and leech, or just jigging a leech. Walleyes are also being caught along the weed line in Anglers bay in 16-17 feet of water. This weed line runs east to west and larger walleyes are swimming along this edge. Try fishing jigs tipped with a leech. Yellow Perch – Good: A majority of anglers creeled are catching yellow perch at this time. Most fish are coming from Anglers Bay from the weed edge in 16-17 feet of water. Anglers are drifting small jigs tipped with wax worms or wigglers. 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. The most successful anglers are leaving the worm on the bottom and fishing around submerged vegetation. Northern Pike – Good: Anglers using weedless frogs or surface lures back in the north grade in the dense weeds are catching smaller northerns.
Center Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 6-8 inch bluegills are being caught in low numbers along the north bank as of Saturday. Fish were being harvested using small lipstick jigs tipped with a nightcrawler. 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. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouths have moved off beds and are now headed towards the rocky drop offs. Fish rock points that shoot out into the main basin of West Lake, Pillsbury, Fort Dodge, or Gull Point. Try fishing 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. Fish being caught are in the 13-19 inch range. 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 8-10 inch perch can be found in the shallows where substrate is exposed. Fish Breezy point, Pillsbury, or 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 bullhead are being seen at the mouth of little lake just west of the bridge.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Water clarity is excellent. Bluegill – Good: Anglers using a small piece of worm will find fish near brush piles along the dam and other rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Fish over brush piles or rock reefs. Crappie – Slow: Drift along open water using a small tube jig. Channel Catfish – Good: Use stink bait or worms fished off the bottom near submersed logs or along a rocky shore.
Lake Hendricks
Bluegill – Slow: 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 – Good: Fish have been active about mid-day around the jetties and rock reefs. Stink baits and night crawlers are working well for finicky catfish. Largemouth Bass – Slow: 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 7/9, water levels continue to be about 7 feet below normal. 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. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers willing to brave the rocks to get to water can find bluegills. A hook tipped with a small piece of nightcrawler under a bobber has been successful. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Bass are actively taking bait while fishing for bluegills.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and visibility has greatly improved. Water temperature is in the mid 60’s this week. Flows are up after recent rainfall events so be mindful of new strainers, such as log jams, tree falls, and other obstructions. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouth bass are hitting jigs tipped with twister tails; silvery spinnerbaits will attract fish.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Be mindful of new snags, log jams, and other strainers when paddling in water with increased flows. Visibility is much improved. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Successful anglers are using a brightly colored jig tipped with a worm floated just off the bottom. Channel Catfish – Good: A jig tipped with a crawler or stink bait has been successful.
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 60’s this week. Water clarity is improving. Smallmouth Bass – Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail fished along seams and eddies will bring success.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have stabilized with improved clarity. Channel Catfish – Good: Successful anglers are using chubs, cut bait, and chicken liver fished on the bottom even in turbid water. Smallmouth Bass – Good: A jig tipped with a twister tail or night crawler fished in eddies below the dams and off current areas will produce fish.
Decorah District Streams
Recent high water events may have changed your favorite fishing hole but don’t be afraid to try a new spot. Spin fishers using common garden hackle fished under a bobber will catch trout. Look for more frequent Tricorythodes and Ephoron (mayfly species) hatches through July. 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.
There is a chance of thunderstorms over the weekend as temperatures climb into the mid 80’s. Water levels on many rivers in our area continue to stabilize and clear. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are doing well 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.
Big Woods Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been productive in Big Woods Lake. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast and retrieve spinner baits or crankbaits near the shorelines or structure for some good action.
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 slip bobber or a light 1/64 ounce jig. Crappie – Fair: Drift a crappie minnow under a slip bobber near the edges of the weed beds.
South Prairie Lake
There have been fair reports of anglers catching crappie in South Prairie Lake. Crappie – Fair: Cast a crappie minnow under a slip bobber just to the outer edges of the weed beds. Set your bait only a couple of feet under the slip bobber.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River continues to fall and water clarity improves daily. There have been fair reports of anglers taking channel catfish from the river. Channel Catfish – Fair: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom has been producing the best results.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been reports of anglers catching northern pike on the upper reaches of the Wapsipinicon River. Northern Pike – Good: Cast bucktail spinners or spoons near structure or drift a live chub under a bobber in the deeper pools or holes.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Fishing has been good on the Maquoketa River for walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve upstream a jig tipped with half a night crawler slowly bouncing it off of the bottom of the river. Crankbaits work well this time of year. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Jig and crawler or crankbaits casted near rocky shorelines or tail ends of riffles can be deadly for smallmouth bass. Channel Catfish – Good: Stink baits, dead chubs and chicken livers fished on the bottom has been producing the best results.
River levels continue to fall with improved water clarity. There is potential for heavy rainfall through the coming weekend so take the open opportunities to avoid the rain. 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 8.7 feet at Lansing with a slight rise 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: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. 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 are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are spawning now. Fish the post spawn using crawlers fished off sandbar areas. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for northern pike to be hanging out in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie – No Report. Flathead Catfish – No Report.
Mississippi River Pool 10
River level 15.3 feet at Lynxville and is expected to rise to 16.9 over the next week. Water temperature is in the lower 70’s. Walleye – Fair: With stable water levels look for walleyes to start feeding on the top sides of wing dams. Bluegill – Fair: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. 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 are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are spawning now. Fish the post spawn using crawlers fished off sandbar areas. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for northern pike to be hanging out in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie – No Report. Flathead Catfish – No Report.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level is 6.7 feet at Guttenberg and expected to rise slightly over the next week to 8.1. 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: Larger bluegills have been reported on side channel areas near tree or rock structure. 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 cats are starting to bite on stink baits fished in deeper side channel holes. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are spawning now. Fish the post spawn using crawlers fished off sandbar areas. White Bass – No Report. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for northern pike to be hanging out in cooler water sources such as springs and mouths of streams. Fish spoons using a leader. Crappie – No Report. Flathead Catfish – No Report.
Upper Mississippi River levels are at normal summertime levels with a slight rise expected this week. Large mayfly hatches have slowed the bite on many fish species this week. Water temperature is near 70 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is 6.2 feet at Dubuque Lock and Dam and is 8.7 feet at the Dubuque RR bridge, both down nearly a foot from last week. The river however, may rise a foot or so due to recent rains. The temperature in the main channel is unseasonably cool at 73 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth fishing is generally good but you have to find clearer water. Frog imitations in the weeds have been somewhat effective. Walleye – Fair: Some nice walleyes are occasionally reported to us. Anglers that target this pool often have good success at times off the wing dams and rock lines. Bluegill – Fair: Some fish can be found in the back ends of marinas and backwaters snags but water level is slightly high for good angling along the main sloughs. Channel Catfish – Good: The spawn of catfish is now nearly over so you might want to try fish stink bait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Flathead Catfish – Fair: 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. Northern Pike – Good: Lots of reports of pike, especially by folks fishing for bass. The last few seasons the pike spawns have been fantastic and the fishery for pike is responding. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker rig fished in 6 to 10 feet of moving water is all that is needed to catch drum. Bait with crayfish or worms.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is 7.2 feet at Bellevue down over foot from last week. The main channel temperature is 73 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 to catch bass. The largemouths reported to us this year have been quite sizable. The high water has made places like Spring Lake, Savanna Bay and Browns Lake quite accessible. Some nice fish are being taken in the tailwaters. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallies are biting along the rock shorelines by anglers using small spinners or crankbaits. Walleye – Fair: Wing dams are accessible for walleye anglers using three ways but probably a bit too high for most people’s taste. 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 – Good: The spawn of catfish is nearly over so you might want to fish stinkbait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some eating sized flatheads are still being caught in the tailwaters by anglers using worm rigs. Some larger specimens are being taken on trot lines. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker rig fished in 6 to 10 feet of moving water is all that is needed to catch drum! Bait with crayfish or worms. Northern Pike – Good: Strong northern pike populations are evident throughout Pool 13 as many pike were caught this week. Most came off of flashy spinners and crankbaits but some were caught off worms by bluegill anglers.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is 7.2 feet at Fulton, 10.7 feet at Camanche, and 5.8 feet above the dam at LeClaire. All water levels are down considerably from last week and expected to hold somewhat steady. The water temperature in the main channel is unseasonably cool at 73 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Good: Good populations of bass exist in Pool 14. Some bass may have moved into the bigger backwater areas and clearer waters. Successful anglers are using frog imitations in the weed lines. Channel Catfish – Good: The spawn of catfish is nearly over so you might want to fish stinkbait above the wing dams or on big fallen trees in the major side channels. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are being caught in the backwater areas on worm rigs. Muddy water has taken its toll on the bluegill bite. Expect good fishing to resume once the water clears. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use spinners or jigs and fish close to any exposed rocky areas. Flathead Catfish – Good: Some nice flathead catfish are still being caught by people mostly fishing other species such as bass. Flatheads are live fish eating catfish and will readily hit on flashy lures. Northern Pike – Good: Pike were caught in good numbers in Pool 14. Most people who catch pike are generally bass fishing throwing white spinners or crankbaits. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum can be caught easily in areas of modest current and depths in the 6 to 10 foot ranges. Often boat ramp areas have good access to freshwater drum fishing. Simple egg sinker and worm rigs work best.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.3 feet at Rock Island, which is over two foot lower than the previous week. The water temperature is around 73 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 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 – Excellent: Drum are a consistent biter this time of year. A simple rig with worms and an egg sinker will prove best.
A few rains passed north of the district and as a result the water levels in Mississippi in Pools 12 to 15 will rise a bit 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 for good fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.34 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, stink bait, or cut bait. Look for channel catfish along rocky shorelines. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow with 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. Float pieces of worm under a bobber.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 7.65 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. Fish with a piece of worm under a bobber. Places to try are 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 spinner baits to the brush piles and logs.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 10.39 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and falling. River levels are forecasted to continue to fall. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 17. The Toolsboro landing is closed due to high water. There is still water over portions of 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 or along the flooded islands. Fish with stinkbait, night crawlers, or cut bait. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters around brush piles. Fish with a piece of worm under a bobber.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 7.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and falling. Flood stage is 10 feet at Lock and Dam 18. 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. Fish with night crawlers, stink bait, or cut bait.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River levels rose again earlier this week with the heavy rains but have been falling steadily the past few days. River levels are forecasted to continue to fall. Water clarity is poor with recent heavy rains and water temperature is around 74 degrees. We have not received much for fishing reports with the recent high and muddy water conditions. If you have questions on fishing pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
The water is down some but is still pretty high. Both Sand Run and Schafer Ramps are useable. The Toolesboro road is still underwater in about four spots and remains closed.
Lake Geode
The heavy rains have turned the lake muddy again. Very little angler activity.
Lake Belva Deer
A little turbid from the heavy rains. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is still good despite the recent rains. They have moved out a little deeper; look for them at about 6 feet of water.
Lake Darling
Monday’s heavy rains brought the lake up about 1.5 feet above normal pool; the lake has already returned to near normal levels and the water stayed fairly clear. Bluegill – Fair: Only a few anglers have been out this week but they are catching bluegills around the willow bats in 8 + feet of water.
Lost Grove Lake
The recent rains have nearly filled the lake, only about 6-8 inches to go. Fishing has been slow as the fish adjust and spread out into a much bigger lake than they have been used to. Lost Grove Lake has an 18 inch minimum size limit for bass. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has picked up a little but is still pretty slow.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk is starting to come down after Monday’s rains but is still fast, high, and muddy.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river should go down below bank full stage later today (Thursday) at least that is until Saturday’s forecasted rains.
Big Hollow Lake
The rains Monday have made the lake pretty muddy. Very few anglers have been out since then.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Hannen Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair. Channel Catfish – Fair.
Iowa Lake Bluegill – Slow. Crappie – Slow. Channel Catfish – Good. Largemouth Bass – Fair.
Lake Macbride
The 9.9 horsepower maximum rule is in effect. These motors must also observe the 5 mph speed limit. Walleye – Fair: Trolling spinner rigs or crankbaits in 8-12 feet of water has been catching some fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Crawlers have been producing some fish, especially towards evening.
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. Bluegill – Fair: Small leeches work best.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Fair: Small jigs or worms fished around the jetties and brush is working. Many fish are 7-9 inches. Channel Catfish – Good: Night crawlers, chicken livers, and stink bait has been working. Crappie – Fair: Fish jigs around deeper brush or drift the basin. Some nicer 9-11 inch fish are being caught.
Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Fish towards evening with cut bait for best results. Bluegill – Good: Fish around jetties with small worms or jigs. Yellow Bass – Fair: Spinners or worms are producing fish.
Union Grove Lake
The lake valve has been opened and the lake is about 5 feet low. There are relaxed fishing regulations; no length or bag limits for any species at this lake.
Coralville Reservoir
As of July 9, the lake level is at 696.7 feet (normal summer pool is 683 feet) and falling. The ramps at Macbride, Mehaffey, and West Overlook are still usable. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Fish around rock with crawlers. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some fish are being caught around flooded vegetation in the bays. 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.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Spinner baits 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 have been catching bluegill along the shorelines. Use small jigs and tip with a chunk of nightcrawler. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait or night crawlers around the fishing jetties.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try areas along the shoreline with structure. Fish jetties and along the dam using rubber worms or crankbaits. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers have been catching catfish using night crawlers and cut bait.
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 also 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 inches in length to improve overall largemouth bass growth. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish 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: Use a bobber and a minnow or small jigs. Walleye – Slow: Use jig and minnow combos along the face of the dam. Try different depths until finding active fish. Bluegill – Fair: Fish small jigs 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 have been catching catfish along the fishing jetties using night crawlers or cut bait.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 913.72. 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 have been catching crappies using small jigs. Anglers have also been having some luck fishing around docks using minnows. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try areas with large rip-rap as the catfish are spawning. Use cut bait or large minnows or suckers. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have reported catching walleyes using live bait around submerged rocky areas. Try drifting or trolling points and rock piles.
Take your trash with you so your favorite fishing spot is clean and litter free. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions regarding angling in south central Iowa.
SOUTHWEST
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 – Good: Crappies are being caught drifting panfish jigs or minnows mid-lake on the lower portion of the lake.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being caught in good numbers with more fish over 15 inches. 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.
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: With more summer-like weather returning for the weekend the white bass bite should 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.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish – Good: Good catches of channel catfish have been coming out of the Des Moines River above Saylorville using stink baits.
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: Drift or slow troll small jigs tipped with a crawler. Fish are 6 feet deep. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are being caught with cut bait close to rocky shorelines. 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. Try 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 – Good: Bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs tipped with crawler or power bait. Fish are in 6 to 8 feet of water.
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 spinner baits 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 – Fair: Drift 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 a 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. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range.
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.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Panfish are in deeper water during the summer. Bass fishing has been good this week early morning and in the afternoon. Catfish are close to structure. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. . Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast along vegetation and around structure to catch bass in their summer pattern. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have reported catching bluegills with small jigs and a crawler 4 feet under a bobber with a very slow retrieve. Crappie – Fair: Crappie will be in 4 to 6 feet of water around structure. Cast jigs or minnows under a bobber to catch crappie in the summer. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish will associate themselves around sunken logs and along vegetation edges. Fish with cut bait around these habitat types for good summer catfishing.
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.
Little River Watershed Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish over 5 pounds have been caught using liver fished near rocky shoreline areas. Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 17 inches have been caught using leeches under a slip bobber fished near rock reefs.
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 along weed lines. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a worm fished along the weed line.
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. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a worm fished near the dirt mounds.
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 along flats in 10-15 feet of water. 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. Anglers report catching channel catfish at the mouth of the Floyd River. Flathead Catfish – Good: flathead catfishing is good on trotlines/rod and reel using live baits, chubs, bullheads, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish – Fair: A few blue cats have been caught in this stretch. Fresh cut bait works well. Walleye – Good: Fishing has been good for walleye at the mouth of the Floyd River. Use jigs tipped with minnows.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Excellent: channel catfish are being caught on stink bait and cut bait below wing dikes and slower portions of the Missouri. Catfish are also being caught in the mouth of tributary streams and rivers. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish continue to be caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs and live baits. Blue Catfish – Good: 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, goldfish, and green sunfish. Blue Catfish – Good: 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 21.40 ft. /31,400 cfs./73 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is up 0.51 feet from last week. The weather has somewhat stabilized and anglers have been out on the Missouri it’s time to get out after catfish; channel catfish, flatheads, and a fair amount of blues are being caught along the Iowa stretch of the Missouri. Fishing continues to be good to excellent overall on the Missouri River.
