NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Expect panfish angling opportunities to increase in shallower areas as temperatures cool down this season. Fish for bluegills using crawlers, minnows, or leeches in 3-10 feet of water.
Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Fish areas 10-20 feet deep with drop-offs and submerged structure. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow lately but several have been picked up in about 25 feet of water. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are picking up crappie in 12-20 feet of water and also near structure located in 35 feet of water. Most are having luck using a minnow and spoon. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch have been picked up while fishing for crappie near submerged structure. Minnow and spoon have been productive.
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 having success trolling crankbaits in the dredge cuts and also in the shallower areas near east shore. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish using dip baits, cut bait, and chicken liver. White Bass – Fair: White bass are being caught on shad, crawlers, and crankbaits.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake experienced a substantial fish kill in August. The fish kill was likely caused by a large diurnal swing in dissolved oxygen levels that dropped to lethal levels during the night or early morning. A netting survey conducted 9-9-15 showed that a notable population of catchable-sized bluegills, crappies, and bullheads has persisted.
Black Hawk Lake
Lake level is 8 inches above crest. Bluegill – Fair: A few have been picked up around the rock piles and also in Town Bay. Walleye – Fair: 14-19 inch walleye have been picked up in the east end of the lake, in Town Bay, and along the shoreline near Ice House Point. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass using spinners, twister tails, crawlers, or minnows and jigs. There is a 15 inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
As of Thursday, discharge around Linn Grove is 189 cfs (58th percentile) and around Correctionville is 796 cfs (80th percentile).
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
As of Thursday, discharge around Sac City is 434 cfs (82nd percentile).
Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Thursday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 1180 cfs (71st percentile) and 1410 cfs (66th percentile) in the Stratford area.
For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.
Lake Catherine
Bluegill – Good: Up to 7-8 inch bluegills are being caught. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are being caught in the evenings.
Clear Lake
Walleye – Good: Anglers are picking up a few walleyes when targeting yellow bass. Some walleyes are being caught while trolling the main lake basin. Rock reefs just near the channel of the little lake have held some walleyes this week. Muskellunge – Good. Yellow Bass – Excellent: Yellow bass action continues to be excellent with anglers taking some full buckets off the lake. Docks from the city park dock to the outlet have been doing ok on yellows. Anglers are catching some in the pockets of open water in the rushes off MacIntosh Point. Size has been good with many 8.5 to 9 inches. Most anglers are using a light lead head tipped with worms or cut bait. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers have had good luck drifting along the weed edges on the little lake. Boat fishing near the outlet on the east end has been catching a few; anglers near Ventura grade have been catching a few. Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching medium numbers of crappies on Billy’s Reef and Fisherman’s Reef.
Lake Cornelia
Channel Catfish – Good: A few catfish are being caught.
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: Throwing spinner baits or soft plastics for the aggressive males will produce bites.
Big Spirit Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish are being caught under boat hoists around the lake using jigs, wacky worms, or spinner baits. Fish the inside and outside edge of weed lines with Texas rigs, drop shots, swimbaits, or crankbaits in 8-9 feet of water. Smallmouths are hitting top-water along the west shore in the evening. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch bite has slowed with only a few anglers coming in with more than 20 fish. More fish are starting to reach the 10 inch mark. Successful anglers are using blue and silver pilkies. Fish the north and south ends of the lake.
Center Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Smaller crappies are being caught on the north and east sides of Center Lake 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. Walleye – Good: Anglers fishing the south end are reporting a hot bite for walleye. Drift minnows along the bottom before dark. Larger walleye are being caught in 10-12 feet of water.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: A new walleye bite is going at Silver Lake. Anglers are catching many smaller 15-18 inch fish.
West Okoboji Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish jigs, crankbaits, or Texas rigs under boat hoists, near weed lines, and on the drop offs. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouth have moved off beds and are headed towards the rocky drop offs. Fish the rock points that shoot out into the main basin of West Lake, Pillsbury, Fort Dodge, or Gull Point. Use jerk baits, football jigs, or swimbaits. 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.
Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Northern pike are biting on spinner baits in Millers bay. Fish the north bank of Millers with a black spinner bait in 7 feet of water. Fish range from mid-20s to 30 inches. Also try top water for these fish. Black Bullhead – Excellent: A large number of bullhead are being seen at the mouth of little lake just west of the bridge while crews are electrofishing on Lost Island.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye – Good: Deep holes comprised of rock/gravel bottom will result in excellent walleye fishing. Fish early morning for the best results casting twister baits.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake has miles of multi-use trails ready for all to partake. Be aware that hunters may be out as hunting seasons have opened. Crappie – Good: Anglers drifting a minnow or small crankbait across the lake have been having luck. Shore anglers fishing brush piles should find fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are becoming more active and will attack spinner baits or jigs tipped with twister tails.
Lake Hendricks
Park users should be aware that shower and restroom facilities will close for the season the second week of October. The campground and boat ramp will remain open. Crappie – Fair: Anglers have to work to find fish but with cooler weather around the corner, fish should become more active.
Lake Meyer
As of 10/8, construction of the wetland and upper catch basin are complete. The leak in the dam should be fixed by the weekend. Additionally, sediment around the boat ramp will be removed. The boat ramp will be unusable until water levels return. This is an excellent time of year to get a kayak or canoe on the water to drift fish for largemouth or crappie. Bluegill – Fair: Midday bite is best. Gills can be caught from shore using a small hook tipped with a small piece of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use a mid-sized crankbait. Bass have also been hitting grasshoppers and other terrestrials.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Anglers floating the river have enjoyed watching migrations of ducks and geese. Fly fishers interested in fishing the river for smallmouth or trout should try using a #10 or 12 grey/brown mayfly for the late afternoon hatch. After that hatch, the white flies come out. Use a #12 Leukin or Miller fly. Walleye – Good: Nice sized walleyes have been caught using smaller crankbaits and jigs tipped with soft plastics. Anchoring a canoe downstream of a riffle and fishing upstream is yielding fish. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Smaller rooster tail spinner baits have been popular. Anglers are finding fish around log jams and other woody debris.
Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water temperatures on the Turkey River are in the low 60’s. Water levels are getting low so fish will be in the deeper holes and around log jams. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Lots of 14 to 15 inch smallies and a few near 18 inches have been caught using crankbaits or jigs tipped with a variety of soft plastics. Rock Bass – Good: Quite a few nice sized rock bass have been caught while fishing for smallmouth bass. Walleye – Slow: A few walleye have been caught using jigs tipped with worms.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is in excellent condition. Falling water temperatures and shorter daylight hours should get fish interested in finding food. Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers have been catching a few catfish below the Charles City dam. Worms have been bait of choice. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Smallies have been hitting a variety of lures including jigs tipped with minnow or soft plastics. Walleye – Fair: Walleye action has picked up. Anglers using a jig tipped with a night crawler or twister tail are finding success. Most fish are caught while drifting. Crappie – Good: Anglers fishing the backwaters are finding crappies. Find a submersed stump or log. Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber to catch a 12 incher.
Decorah District Streams
With temperatures cooling, blue wing olive hatches will become more prevalent. For these hatches, use #18 or 20 emergers or nymphs; also try small pheasant tails or prince nymphs. Terrestrial patterns, such as crickets, hoppers and beetles, will continue to work midday. Anglers using night crawlers, crankbaits and spinner baits will catch fish. Brown Trout – Good: Brown trout are beginning to build nests or redds. Walk around these small cleared depressions in the stream bottom. Brook Trout – Good: Brook trout are fall spawners also. Spawning usually takes place in October and November with fry emerging from the streambed in March and April. Rainbow Trout – Good: Rainbow trout spawn in the spring, usually from March to May in riffles and gravel runs.
Get ready for another beautiful fall weekend in Northeast Iowa. Leaves have just started to hit their stride with color improving every day. River and stream clarity is excellent but levels are getting low. Daytime temperatures will be in the 70’s with nighttime temperatures in the upper 50’s. Just a reminder, as of October 1, all trout stream stockings are unannounced. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
There have been good reports of anglers catching some quality sized pike. Anglers have also been catching some crappie as well. Northern Pike – Good: Cast a live chub under a bobber allowing it to swim and bob along weed beds. Crappie – Fair: Cast colored tube jigs or tip a minnow under a slip bobber fished near structure in 8-12 feet of water.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is in good condition for the upcoming weekend. There have been good reports of both walleye and smallmouth bass being caught. Walleye – Fair: With cooler temperatures ahead, switch to a jig tipped with a minnow or crankbaits retrieved in deeper water as the fall season approaches. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast rocky shorelines or near woody debris with crankbaits for some great smallmouth bass action this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Recent electrofishing survey results showed many quality sized walleye on the Shell Rock River. Reports are good for walleye fishing on the river. Walleye – Good: With cooler temperatures ahead, switch to a jig tipped with a minnow or crankbaits retrieved in deeper water as the fall season approaches.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports on the Wapsipinicon River have been fair to good for walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Walleye – Fair: With cooler temperatures ahead, switch to a jig tipped with a minnow or crankbaits retrieved in deeper water as the fall season approaches. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow this time of year for some good smallmouth bass action. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast spoons or spinner baits covering a lot of water: riffles, woody habitat and deeper holes for some great pike action. Floating a live chub under a bobber has been productive.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Anglers have had success fishing the Maquoketa River for walleye and smallmouth bass. Fishing should only improve as water temperatures decline with the onset of the fall season. Walleye – Good: With cooler temperatures ahead, switch to a jig tipped with a minnow or crankbaits retrieved in deeper water as the fall season approaches. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast and retrieve a jig tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow this time of year for some good smallmouth bass action.
The upcoming weekend forecast looks fabulous and the month of October offers some fantastic fishing. There have been good fishing reports for all of the interior rivers in northeast Iowa this past week. Trout streams are in excellent shape with un-announced stockings taking place throughout October. North Prairie Lake will be stocked with trout on Friday October, 9th. For further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Pool 9 is 8.0 feet at Lansing and expected to remain steady this week. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50’s. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum fishing has slowed. Try a slower presentation with a night crawler fished in current of main channel borders. Northern Pike – No Report: Fish the cool water at mouths of streams entering the Mississippi or cast wing dam areas with flashy colored spoons and crankbaits. Walleye – Slow: Walleye are transitioning from their summer haunts. Live minnows or a light jig tipped with crawler may entice some bites. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The best success for largemouth fishing has been backwater vegetation beds in early morning. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfishing has been a staple for several weeks. Stink baits and cut baits are producing big cats fished along down trees in eddies in the large side channels. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed some, but some nicer size fish are being caught in slack water in the deeper channels. Crappie – Fair: Look for crappie to settle into backwaters as the river levels stabilize. Fish with minnows in larger brush piles off side channels and in the backwaters. Sauger – Slow: Sauger are beginning to move toward tailwater areas. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures drop.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Pool 10 is 13.2 feet at Lynxville and stable over the next week. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50’s. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum fishing has slowed. Try a slower presentation with a night crawler fished in current of main channel borders. Northern Pike – No Report: Fish the cool water at mouths of streams entering the Mississippi or cast wing dam areas with flashy colored spoons and crankbaits. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are transitioning from their summer haunts. Live minnows or a light jig tipped with crawler may entice some bites. Largemouth Bass – No Report: The best success for largemouth fishing has been backwater vegetation beds in early morning. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfishing has been a staple for several weeks. Stink baits and cut baits are producing big cats fished along down trees in eddies in the large side channels. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed some, but some nicer size fish are being caught in slack water in the deeper channels. Crappie – Slow: Look for crappie to settle into backwaters as the river levels stabilize. Fish with minnows in larger brush piles off side channels and in the backwaters. Sauger – Slow: Sauger are beginning to move toward tailwater areas. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures drop.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Pool 11 is 4.7 feet at Guttenberg and remaining stable this week. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 50’s. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum fishing has slowed. Try a slower presentation with a night crawler fished in current of main channel borders. Northern Pike – No Report: Fish the cool water at mouths of streams entering the Mississippi or cast wing dam areas with flashy colored spoons and crankbaits. Walleye – Slow: Walleye are transitioning from their summer haunts. Live minnows or a light jig tipped with crawler may entice some bites. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfishing has been a staple for several weeks. Stink baits and cut baits are producing big cats fished along down trees in eddies in the large side channels. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed some, but some nicer size fish are being caught in slack water in the deeper channels. Largemouth Bass – No Report: The best success for largemouth fishing has been backwater vegetation beds in early morning. Crappie – Slow: Look for crappie to settle into backwaters as the river levels stabilize. Fish with minnows in larger brush piles off side channels and in the backwaters. Sauger – Slow: Sauger are beginning to move toward tailwater areas. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures drop.
The Upper Mississippi River levels are low and cooler weather has brought water temperatures down into the 50’s. Look for fish to be moving up to the dams into deeper over-wintering holes.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 is around 64 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and extremely low. Water level was reported at 4.5 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 7.3 feet at the railroad bridge. Largemouth Bass – Good: Some nicer bass were reported out of the backwater areas this week mostly taken on spinners. Low water may concentrate the bass in the mouths of many of the bigger backwater areas. Bluegill – Slow: Some bluegills were reported but fishing for Gills lately in this reach has been slow. Expect a good fall bit to start. Walleye – Fair: Some walleyes were being taken off the wigwams but many anglers reported slow fishing this week. Some real nice walleyes were also reported. Some walleyes were taken off the wing dams and some are in the brush piles. Crappie – Slow: Crappie fishing was reported as slow but it is expected to pick up soon. Fish fallen brush piles and snags in slower current areas.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 65 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and extremely low. Water level was reported at 4.0 feet at Lock and Dam 12. Be careful when backing off of ramps in this low water as you can back right off the ends of the ramps and cause damage to your boat trailer. Crappie – Good: Some solid reports of crappies being taken out of Pool 13, mostly from brush piles in areas of slight to modest current. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have moved to the wing dams and some very nice fish were reported. Some people struggled this week on walleyes so move around often. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass fishing has not always been on this summer. Populations of bass are very high and expecting a good fall catch. White Bass – No Report: Rumors of white bass chasing minnows were received this week at the Fisheries office but did not hear of anyone targeting white bass. We can have some very good runs of white bass in the fall.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 65 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and extremely low. Water level was reported at 4.0 feet at Fulton, 8.9 feet at Camanche and 4.0 feet above the dam at LeClaire. Be careful when backing off the boat ramps as it is very easy to back off the ends of the ramps during low water. Crappie – Good: Some nice stringers of crappie were reported this week from Pool 14. Try snags in Rock Creek backwater and Cattail Sloughs for the best action. Largemouth Bass – Good: Some good catches of bass were reported out of Pool 14 this week on spinners. Bass will concentrate in the mouths of the major backwater areas as fall progresses. Walleye – Good: Some very nice walleye were taken off the wing dams this week using three-way rigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 65 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and extremely low. Water level was reported at 4.6 feet at Rock Island. Be careful when backing off the ramps like at Pigeon Creek during this low water. It is easy to back off the ends of the ramps and cause damage to your boat trailer. Walleye – No Report: We have not received any reports on fishing on Pool 15 but do not overlook some fine walleye fishing that can be had here. It is generally not fished as hard as some of the pools but seems each fall we hear of some very nice catches of walleyes in this reach.
Fall fishing is upon us and the Mississippi River can provide some high quality fall fishing. Right now rumors are beginning about crappies being taken off the snags and the walleyes are moving on the wing dams. Whatever species you like to chase on the Mississippi River it will start going on a feeding frenzy before winter sets in.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 3.65 feet and has fallen the past few days. We have not received much for fishing report information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some channel catfish are still being caught on the wing dams. Fish with dip baits, cut shad, or night crawlers. Walleye – Fair: A few walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Troll crankbaits or vertical jig with minnows. Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.16 feet and has fallen since last week. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters and sloughs around brush piles and logs. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some largemouth bass are being caught on jigs fished around brush piles and logs. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits, troll three-way rigs, or cast jigs to the upstream side on the wing dam. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish on the wing dams or around brush piles and snags in side channels or along the main channel. Try fishing with cut shad, stink baits, chicken liver, or crawlers.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.64 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies around brush piles and logs in the backwaters and side channels. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish on the wing dams or around brush piles and logs in the main channel or side channels. Try fishing with dip baits or cut shad.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.80 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters and side channels around brush piles and logs. Try fishing with a minnow under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish on the wing dams or around brush piles and snags. Try fishing with dip baits or cut shad.
Mississippi River Pool2 16-19- River stages are low. Main channel water clarity has improved. Main channel water temperature is around 65 degrees. We have not received much for fishing reports this week. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Macbride
The lake is no wake speed (5 mph) of any size motor. Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 60’s. Walleye – Fair: Trolling crankbaits over rock in 7-12 of water has been producing some fish. Early and late day have been best. Crappie – Fair: Fish jigs or minnows around brush. White Bass – Fair: Look for surface activity early and late day.
Hannen Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Some nice catfish are still being caught. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Reports are showing that the nicer bass are a bit deeper. There are many fish less than 12 inches but there are a fair number of 14-18 inch fish as well.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is now lowering 6 inches a day and as of the morning of October 8, it is 42 inches low. Caution should be used if using the boat ramps at this time. All but the main ramp may be closed soon. The lake will be lowered 15′ for the restoration project that will be done this winter.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed. Bluegill – Fair: Fish around brush or jetties with jigs or worms. Crappie – Fair: Early and late day has been best. Try around brush with jigs.
Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair: Some nice 20-26 inch fish are being caught on cut bait and stink bait. Yellow Bass – Fair: Try spinners or live bait.
Union Grove Lake
The lake and pond are currently de-watered for the lake restoration project.
Coralville Reservoir
As of 10/8, the lake level is 685.5′. The lake is predicted to raise a few inches, then drop about a foot over the next week. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are having luck drifting cut bait in the channel. Crappie – Fair: Fish the steep rock banks or over deeper brush with jigs/minnows. Most fish have been smaller.
Sand Lake
This is the quarry in Marshalltown. 2000 trout will be released on Friday, October 9th. Walleye – Fair. Crappie – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Good.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Walleye – Fair: Walleye fishing is picking up. Fish the deeper holes below the dams, under bridges, and on outside bends. Jigs, crankbaits, and live bait work well. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try crankbaits or tubes along rock.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Odessa
Odessa is up to 534.8; which is just a little under the normal fall pool level. Crappie – Good: As the water level comes up into the millet, look for crappies to cruise the edges of the vegetation hunting for shad.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature has been in the mid 60’s this week but the low 80’s are forecast for this weekend which will keep the water from cooling down anymore for a while. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill fishing is starting to pick up with the fish still out in about 6 feet of water. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfishing is very good right now. Work the face of the dam and where water enters the upper end of the lake. Crappie – Slow: Crappie fishing remains fairly slow, with anglers just picking up a few here and there.
Lake Darling
Water temperatures this week were in the low to mid 60’s. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are refusing to come in shallow. Look for them around the fish habitat in 4 to 6 feet of water. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are now in the pound to pound and half range. Anglers are catching some nice batches of these fish in the mornings. Chicken liver always seemed to be the bait to use on Darling. Largemouth Bass – Good: Some nice fish are around the larger snags in 5 to 6 feet of water.
Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature was running right around 64-65 degrees on Wednesday. Crappie – Fair: Anglers were picking up crappies around the flooded trees at about 6 feet down. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The bass are in shallow water around the riprap.
Big Hollow Lake
Fishing remains steady. Bluegill – Good: Work the shallow areas in the sun during the early morning where the light will bring out the insects to feed on phytoplankton. Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers have been picking up good numbers of bass using soft plastics around the flooded timber in 3 to 4 feet of water. Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few more crappies now, still look for them to be suspended out in a little deeper water.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have reported catching bluegills using a chunk of night crawler on a small hook fished under a bobber. Concentrate on areas with structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use a rubber worm or spinner bait along the fishing jetties. Work the face of the dam with the same presentations. Other good areas include areas with structure near the shoreline.
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: Fish spinner baits or crankbaits along the shorelines. Bluegill – Fair: Fish small jigs or chunks of night crawler under a bobber. Sorting is required for larger fish. Black Bullhead – Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 9-11 inch bullheads. Fish night crawlers on the bottom in about 6 feet of water.
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 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 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: Target the fishing jetties and the rocks along the dam. Use jig and pig combos or crankbaits fished down to about 8 feet. Bluegill – Fair: Fishing has started to pick up with the cooler weather. Fish a small jig around points and fishing jetties. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use liver or crawdads. Walleye – Slow: As the water cools, try areas along rip-rapped shorelines with a jig and minnow combination.
Bob White Lake
Bob White Lake has recently undergone a complete fisheries renovation. Fingerlings will be stocked later this fall.
East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond
A trout stocking is planned for Thursday, October 22.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 914.04. The water temperature is 65 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). Walleye – Slow: Troll crankbaits around areas with submerged points and underwater rock piles. Drifting or trolling night crawlers in these same areas can also produce some fish. Crappie – Slow: Anglers are starting to catch a few more crappies. Look for areas with underwater habitat. Sorting is required for larger fish.
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
Mariposa Lake
Crappie – Good: Decent catches of crappies are being caught by shore anglers casting 1/8 ounce jigs with twister tails and 1 to 2 inch crappie tube jigs.
Rock Creek Lake
Crappie – Good: Crappie 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 crankbaits or spinner rigs with crawlers or minnows. Shore anglers can pick up walleye as well fishing minnows under slip bobbers off the jetties.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass – Good: Continued warm weather is creating a good fall white bass bite, with good numbers of larger 13-15 inch fish being caught. Cast or troll spoons and shad imitating crank baits over shallow flats of 15 feet of water or less. Shallow diving chrome or firetiger colored baits work well. Crappie – Fair: The fall crappie bite is beginning. Fish live minnows or vertical jig near rock bluffs and the marina docks.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish – Good: Drift cut bait above the mile long bridge.
Bluegill and crappie are being caught drift fishing in many lakes while white bass and crappie action is good 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. Target the ends of jetties and along the dam to catch crappies averaging 9 inches. Greenfield also has good largemouth bass and catfish numbers. Crappie – Good: Crappies averaging 9 inches can be caught along the dam and around jetties casting jigs tipped with power bait. Bluegill – Slow: Drift or cast around brush piles with black jigs tipped with a night crawler or power bait. Fish will average 8 inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: 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. Crappie – Fair: Target the many tree piles in the lake to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Late afternoon bite is best. Bluegill – Slow: Drift or slow troll small jigs tipped with a crawler to catch 8 inch fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish are being caught with cut bait in the upper end of the lake. Fish will average 18 to 20 inches.
Orient Lake
Anglers are catching catfish from the east shore picnic area and along the rock sediment dyke. Channel Catfish – Fair: Successful anglers are using shrimp or crawdads. Average size catfish is 18 to 20 inches.
Lake Anita
Anglers need to use a fall fishing pattern as fish are not concentrated at this time. Target the roadbeds and deeper structure. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching good numbers of bass casting the shoreline and around the underwater roadbeds. Fish are all sizes. Black Crappie – Slow: Drift around the roadbeds and cast around tree piles or reefs to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Anita has a large year class of 5 to 7 inch crappies. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill can be caught vertical jigging the roadbeds using small jigs tipped with a crawler or power bait. Fish can also be found in the upper ends of the lake around jetties and sunken trees.
Viking Lake
Viking has a good largemouth bass population. Target the many cedar tree piles in the lake to find fall crappie. Anglers have reported catching channel catfish north of the beach. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting small spinner baits with a slow retrieve or plastics around the shoreline and jetties. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish can be caught in the campground arm of the lake and south of the beach using cut bait. Fish average 2 pounds. Crappie – Fair: Vertical jig or cast to the many tree piles in the lake to find crappie up to 10 inches.
Prairie Rose Lake
The fishery at Prairie Rose is doing well. Bluegill growth has been good with fish over 9 inches being caught this spring and summer. The crappie fishing is still a couple of years away as they were just stocked last fall. Largemouth bass are growing quickly with many 8 to 10 inch fish in the lake. The initial stocking of catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching quality size bluegill around the underwater reefs casting small jigs tipped with power bait. Boat anglers are drifting or slow trolling in open water areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Many 8 to 10 inch bass are being caught. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range.
Lake Manawa
Fishery surveys found good numbers of walleye on the west side of the main lake. Walleye – Slow: Slow troll night crawlers or leeches on the west side of the lake. Channel Catfish – Slow. Crappie – Slow.
Hacklebarney East
Hacklebarney East has a new concrete boat ramp. Panfish are scattered throughout the lake in 6 to 8 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Drift open water with small jigs tipped with a crawler or power bait to catch 8 inch bluegill. Black Crappie – No Report: Drift or cast to structure to catch 10 inch black crappie.
Middle Raccoon River (above Van Meter)
River levels are still above base flow but crappie fishing is good below the Lennon Mills dam. Crappie – Good: Anglers are casting small spinners or minnow under a bobber to catch 8 to 10 inch crappie. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8 inches can be caught drifting a crawler under a bobber or casting 64th ounce jigs tipped with power bait.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Panfish are in deeper water going into fall. Largemouth bass and channel catfish hang around structure and along weed edges. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Cast along vegetation and around structure. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have reported catching bluegills with small jigs and 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. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish cut bait around sunken logs and along vegetation edges.
With water temperatures below 70 degrees fish have moved into a fall pattern associating themselves around deeper structure and brush piles. Interior river levels are high but crappie fishing is good below the Lennon Mills dam on the Middle Raccoon River. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at (712) 769-2587
Lake Icaria
Campground and cabins are closed for the season, but all boat ramps are open. Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using minnows fished near brush piles or along the edge of the channel. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using crankbaits or spinner baits fished near brush piles. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 8.5 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the fish mounds.
West Lake (Osceola)
The marina has re-opened to the public.
Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits near main lake points. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs or night crawlers fished near brush piles. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs or crankbaits fished near brush piles or near the flooded timber.
Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using crankbaits or jigs fished near the cedar tree piles. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using jigs or night crawlers fished near brush piles.
Three Mile Lake
Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs or minnows fished near the flooded timber.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught using night crawlers or jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the flooded timber or near brush piles. Yellow Perch – Fair: Yellow perch up to 11 inches have been caught using night crawlers or jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the roadbed. Crappie – Good: Crappie up to 11 inches have been caught using minnows fished near the flooded timber or near brush piles.
Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is approximately 65 degrees. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call 641-464-3108.
Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers continue to catch channel catfish with worms, cut bait, and stink bait. Anglers have had success in the mouths of incoming rivers, creeks, along the revetment, around brush piles, and below wing dikes. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Live baits work well for flatheads; chubs, bluegills, green sunfish, and bullheads are all good bait. Blue Catfish – Fair: A few blue cats have been caught in this stretch. Fresh cut bait or crawdads work well. Sauger – Fair: Anglers report catching a few sauger and walleye on jigs and live bait rigs tipped with minnows.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are having the best success on stink bait and worms. Try cut bait for larger fish. Fish below the wing dikes and in slower portions of the Missouri. Catfish are also being caught in the mouth of tributary streams and rivers. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Flathead catfish continue to be caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs, green sunfish and live baits. Blue Catfish – Fair: A few blue catfish are being caught on fresh cut bait and live bait. Sauger – Fair: Anglers are catching a few sauger and walleye on jigs and live bait rigs tipped with minnows.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers continue to have success on worms, cut bait, and stink bait/dip bait. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Anglers are having success on trotlines/rod and reel catching flatheads with 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 21.70 ft. /31,500 cfs./ 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is up 0.37 feet and the water temperature dropped four degrees Fahrenheit from last week on the Decatur, NE gage. Fishing has improved, with the nicer weather anglers are fishing on the Missouri. Angler success should continue for some species with a drop in water temperatures on the Missouri River.
