NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Bluegill – Fair: A few bluegill have been picked up from shore. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers have had some luck along shore and near the dam.

Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Panfish and catfish angling activity has picked up lately as water temperatures decrease. Target mid-water depths as well as shallower areas containing structure. Channel Catfish – Good. Bluegill – Good.

Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Fish areas 10-20 feet deep with drop-offs and submerged structure. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow but several have been picked up in about 25 feet of water. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are picking up crappie in depths of 12-20 feet of water and also near structure located in 35 feet of water. Use 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 in the shallower areas near east shore. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish near shore. 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 7 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. Yellow Perch – Fair: Expect perch fishing near shore to get better with cooling water temperatures. Use a small minnow, piece of crawler, or wax worm on a small jig.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
As of Thursday, discharge around Linn Grove is 137 cfs (43rd percentile) and around Correctionville is 664 cfs (79th percentile). A few walleye are being caught around the Correctionville area.

North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
As of Thursday, discharge around Sac City is 302 cfs (80th percentile).

Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Thursday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 802 cfs (65th percentile) and 923 cfs (55th percentile) in the Stratford area.

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

Lake Catherine
Channel Catfish – Slow: Catfish may be worth a shot yet these last few warm days. Use a small piece of cut bait or worms on bottom.

Clear Lake
Yellow Bass – Excellent: Yellow bass action has been good to excellent. A good percentage of the catch is from 8.5 to 9.3 inches. Boat anglers are catching fish near the Baptist camp area, mid-lake by the island, out from the swim beach on the little lake, and near the two canal openings on the main lake. Shore anglers have been doing well many days on the tips of the jetties at Ventura, or by the two boat ramps on the little lake. White Bass – Fair: Anglers have been catching an occasional white bass on the Ventura jetties. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been picking up a few more walleyes with the yellow bass this week. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish have been caught on minnows on the Ventura jetties. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch have been caught near the south Ventura jetty.

Shell Rock River (above Greene)
Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Smallmouth bass should be biting well. October is a great time to fish the small rivers. Try a small spoon, spinner, or a twister tail.

Winnebago River
Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Smallmouth bass should be biting well. October is a great time to fish the small rivers. Try a small spoon, spinner, or a twister tail.

For lake updates and fishing information in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers have been catching a few perch on the on the south end of the lake near Triggs resort. Mini tube jigs tipped with maggots has been the hot bait. Yellow Bass – Good: Large numbers of yellow bass are being caught near East Okoboji beach near the boat docks. Fish vary in size. Throw soft plastic shad for them. Anglers fishing under the Highway 9 bridge and the narrows are also catching numbers of yellows using small jigs tipped with soft plastics. Walleye – Good: Fishing near the bridges in late evening/night with jigs tipped with plastic or minnows has been producing walleyes above and below the slot. Casting crankbaits has also been producing fish.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Anglers have been catching decent numbers of fish in Smiths and Haywards bay along the weed line. Pilkie style lures tipped with Belgium worms or maggots work best. Yellow Perch – Good: 9-10 inch perch have been caught in Smiths bay in the weeds. Move around to find active schools.

Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been catching a few walleyes using minnows fished on jigs or lindy rigs.

Big Spirit Lake
Yellow Perch – Good: Perch bite has slowed the past week. Successful anglers are moving around to find active schools on the west side of the lake in 17-19 feet of water. More fish are starting to reach the 10 inch mark. Successful anglers are using pilkies and mini tube jigs tipped with maggots. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Top water bite on the west side of the lake has been reported in 8-10 feet of water. Anglers casting suspending crankbaits have also been having some success. Walleye – Good: Evening bite from shore has been producing fish above and below the slot. Use jigs tipped with plastics or minnows. Casting small crankbaits has also been producing.

NORTHEAST
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is in good condition for the upcoming weekend. There have been good reports of walleye and smallmouth bass being caught. 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 – Good: Cast rocky shorelines or near woody debris with crankbaits.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Recent electrofishing survey results show many quality sized walleye on the Shell Rock River. Reports are good to excellent 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 good for walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. 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 – Good: Cast and retrieve a jig tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast spoons or spinner baits covering a lot of water; riffles, woody habitat and deeper holes. Floating a live chub under a bobber has been productive as well.

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.

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. Heritage Pond will be stocked this coming Saturday October, 24th with the Dubuque County Conservation Board hosting an event. For further information, contact the N.E. District Office @ 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Pool 9 at Lansing is 7.8 feet and expected to remain steady this week. Water temperatures are in the lower 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 – Good: Walleyes are moving into tailwaters of the lock and dams. Fish jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are actively feeding along openings to backwater lakes and in the vegetation beds. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfishing has been a staple for several weeks. Stinkbait and cut baits are producing big cats fished along down trees in eddies in the large side channels. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill fishing has slowed, but some nicer size fish are being caught in slack water in the deeper channels. Crappie – Good: Look for crappie to settle into backwaters as the river levels stabilize. Use minnows in larger brush piles off side channels and in the backwaters. Sauger – Good: Sauger are beginning to move toward tailwater areas. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures drop. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Many reports of smallmouth bass being caught on main channel and side channel areas off the riprap.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Pool 10 at Lynxville is at 12.8 feet and stable over the next week. Water temperatures are in the lower 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 – Good: Walleyes are moving into tailwaters of the lock and dams. Fish jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are actively feeding along openings to backwater lakes and in the vegetation beds. 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, but some nicer size fish are being caught in slack water in the deeper channels. Crappie – Good: Look for crappie to settle into backwaters as the river levels stabilize. Use minnows in larger brush piles off side channels and in the backwaters. Sauger – Good: Sauger are beginning to move toward tailwater areas. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures drop. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Many reports of smallmouth bass being caught on main channel and side channel areas off the riprap.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Pool 11 at Guttenberg has fallen to 4.5 feet and remaining stable this week. Water temperatures are in the lower 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 – Good: Walleyes are moving into tailwaters of the lock and dams. Fish jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters. 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, but some nicer size fish are being caught in slack water in the deeper channels. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Largemouth are actively feeding along openings to backwater lakes and in the vegetation beds. Crappie – Good: Look for crappie to settle into backwaters as the river levels stabilize. Use minnows in larger brush piles off side channels and in the backwaters. Sauger – Good: Sauger are beginning to move toward tailwater areas. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures drop. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Many reports of smallmouth bass being caught on main channel and side channel areas off the riprap.

Low and stable water levels make for some successful fall fishing. Fish are actively feeding in preparation for colder weather and they are staging nearby their over-wintering holes.  Water temperatures are in the lower 50’s.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 is around 60 degrees in the main channel.  Water is very clear and extremely low and has dropped slightly from last week. Water level was reported at 4.7 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 7.4 feet at the railroad bridge.  Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are being taken out of backwater areas on large plastic baits and spinners. Low water will concentrate the bass in the mouths of many of the bigger backwater areas. Bluegill – Slow: Some bluegills were reported but fishing for Gills in this reach has been slow. Walleye – Fair: Some walleyes were being taken off the wing dams. Crappie – Fair: Some report good crappie fishing while others report poor fishing.  Move often and use minnows for best results.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 60 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear.  Water level was reported at 4.6 feet at Lock and Dam 12 which is down slightly from last week.  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: Crappies are 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 has not always been on this summer.  Populations of bass are very high; expect a good fall catch of bass. White Bass – Good: White bass can be seen chasing minnows in many areas.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 60 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and has receded slightly from last week. Water level was reported at 4.7 feet at Fulton, 9.3 feet at Camanche and at 4.2 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: 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: Walleye are biting off the wing dams; some days have been great and some not so good. White Bass – Good: White bass are being reported in the tailwaters biting on white spinners and jigs.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 60 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 each fall we hear of some very nice catches of walleyes in this reach. White Bass – Good: Try white bass fishing in the tailwater using small white spinners.

Fall fishing is upon us and the Mississippi River can provide some high quality fall fishing.  Colors are looking fantastic on the bluffs and crappie and walleye fishing is good at times. Take some time and fish the Mississippi yet this fall.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.51 feet and has been fairly steady the past few days. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some channel catfish are still being caught on the wing dams. Use dip baits, cut shad, or night crawlers. Walleye – Fair: A few walleyes are being caught in the Sylvan Slough. Troll crankbaits or vertical jig with minnows. Look for walleyes on the wing dams casting jigs and plastics. A few walleyes are also being caught along the wall above the casino in Davenport. Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Look for crappies in the backwater around brush piles and logs. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.67 feet and has been fairly steady the past few days.  Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies in the backwaters and sloughs around brush piles and logs. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows at Eagle Fill, Big Timber, and Cleveland Slough. 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. Use cut shad, stink bait, chicken liver, or crawlers. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers up by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-ways rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.05 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. Use dip baits or cut shad. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers up by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.82 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. Use dip baits or cut shad. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers up by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19- River stages are low. Main channel water clarity has been good. Main channel water temperature is around 58 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 Odessa
Odessa is up to 535.4 which is just about normal fall pool. Duck Season is now open. 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 is bouncing around in the upper 50’s to low 60’s. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill have moved in shallow. Anglers are catching good numbers of them in the timber using long poles. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfishing continues to be hot. Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing is improving; look for them to be suspended down 8 to 12 feet out around the habitat. Not much in shallow yet.

Lake of the Hills
The Fall Trout Release last Saturday went well with the first trout being caught before we had half the stocking truck unloaded. A lot of limits of trout left before the end of the afternoon. Still plenty left to catch. Water temperature was in the upper 50’s. Lake Of The Hills is the only lake in west lake park where the use of live minnows for bait is allowed. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The go-to-baits were either black or white jigs tipped with wax worms. Crappie – Good: Anglers have been picking up crappie around the deeper brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Good numbers of bluegills were caught near shore while people were fishing for trout.

Lake Darling
Last weekend’s cold temperatures dropped the water temperature down to 58-59 degrees. Water clarity is about 5.5-6 feet. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills have moved in shallow; a little sorting and you can get a nice batch of 7-8 inch fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Work the area of shoreline with riprap and tree falls in the sunlight.

Wilson Lake
The Fall Trout Release is scheduled for October 24th, this Saturday. 1000 rainbows will be released starting at noon. Since it takes us a while to get all the way around the lake stocking fish the trout fishing won’t start until 1 pm so everyone will have an equal chance of catching a tagged trout for a prize. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The trout will be biting the afternoon of the 24th.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The Fall Trout Release will be on October 24th, this Saturday, at 10 am. 1000 rainbow trout will be released at that time. 100 of the rainbows will be tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Trout fishing will really pick up shortly after 10 am on the 24th of October.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish – Fair.

Lake Macbride
The lake is no wake speed (5 mph) of any size motor. Water temperatures are in the upper 50’s. The fish cleaning station at the primitive campground ramp is now closed. Walleye – Fair: Trolling crankbaits over rock in 7-12 feet of water has been producing some fish. Casting to windblown rock can also be effective. Early and late in the day have been best. Crappie – Fair: Try fishing jigs or minnows around brush. White Bass – Fair: Look for surface activity early and late day.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is now lowering about 6-8″ a day and it should be down close to 15′ by the weekend. Boat ramps are unusable for boat trailers. The lake will end up being lowered 15′ for the restoration project that will be done this winter.

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Fair: Fish around brush or jetties with jigs or worms. Many fish are 7-8 inches. Crappie – Good: Early and late day has been best. Try tube jigs fished around brush or jetties. Most fish are 8-10 inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some 2-4 pound fish are being picked up.

Otter Creek Lake
Yellow Bass – Slow: Try spinners or live bait.

Union Grove Lake
The lake and pond are currently de-watered for the lake restoration project.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is holding steady at 685.3′. Water temperatures are in the mid 50’s and the water is murky. Crappie – Fair: Fish the steep rock banks or over deeper brush with jigs/minnows.

Sand Lake
This is the quarry in Marshalltown. 2000 trout were released on Friday, October 9th. Walleye – Fair. Crappie – Fair. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Walleye – Good: Twisters and minnows have been producing fish in the Marshalltown area.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Northern Pike – Fair. Crappie – Fair.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing is picking up. Fish the deeper holes below the dams, under bridges, and on outside bends. Use jigs, crankbaits, or live bait. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try crankbaits or tubes along rock. Channel Catfish – Fair: Crawlers have been working. Bluegill – Fair: Try small worms in the backwater areas.

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

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try areas around the submerged cedar tree piles with a spinnerbait or crankbait. Black Bullhead – Slow: Try a chunk of night crawler on the bottom in about 6 feet of water.

Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have reported catching bluegills using a chunk of night crawler on a small hook fished under a bobber. 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 anyplace 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 released immediately. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish spinner baits or crankbaits along the shorelines. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs or chunks of night crawler fished under a bobber. Sorting will be required for larger fish. Black Bullhead – Fair: Recent surveys show good numbers of 9-11 inch bullheads. Try night crawlers fished 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 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 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 rocks along the dam and shorelines with rip-rap. Use jig and pig combos or crankbaits fished down to about 8 feet. Walleye – Slow: As the water cools try areas along rip-rapped shorelines with a jig and minnow combination. Crappie – Slow: Look for crappies suspended around standing timber. Try different depths until finding active fish.

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. Use small spinners or baits that mimic trout eggs.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 912.37. The water temperature is 62 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: Try trolling 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 and around structure such as downed trees or boat docks. 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
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 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.

Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass – Good: There has been 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: Fall is a good time to target crappies on Red Rock. Fish live minnows or vertical jig near rock bluffs and the marina docks.

Saylorville Reservoir
Crappie – Fair: Fair to good crappie fishing can be found on Saylorville in the fall. Fish jigs, jigs tipped with minnows, or live minnows under a bobber near the marina docks and along the rock forming the Cherry Glen wave break.

Lake Petoka
Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout were stocked on Friday, October 16th. They are being caught on a variety of methods including small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons, and live minnows under a bobber.

Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout were stocked on Thursday, October 15th. They are being caught on a variety of methods including small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons, and live minnows under a bobber.

The fall crappie bite is good 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 in Greenfield. 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 – Slow: 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 at Nodaway. Crappie – Fair: Target the many tree piles in the lake to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Late afternoon bite is best. Bluegill – Fair: Cast small jigs tipped with a crawler along the south shore 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: Anglers are having success using shrimp or crawdads. Average size catfish will be 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 for successful fall fishing.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass 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.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth of all sizes are being caught casting plastics around deep structure. 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 very 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 in the lake. Channel Catfish – No Report: Channel catfish are in the 14 to 16 inch range.

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.

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 to catch largemouth bass. Bluegill – Fair: 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. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish cut bait around sunken logs and along vegetation edges.

Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. Fish have moved into a fall pattern associating themselves around deeper structure and brush piles. 1000 rainbow trout were stocked into Big Lake on October 15th. 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. Largemouth Bass – Fair: 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 or brush piles.

West Lake (Osceola)
The marina has re-opened to the public.

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Good: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught using night crawlers or minnows fished near main lake points or rock fields. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs fished near brush piles.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Slow: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using 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. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using liver fished near rocky areas.

Three Mile Lake
Crappie – Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs or minnows fished near the flooded timber. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs or night crawlers fished near the flooded timber.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught using night crawlers or jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the flooded timber. Crappie – Slow: Crappies up to 11 inches have been caught using minnows fished near rock piles.

Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is approximately 60 degrees. The district includes Page, Taylor, Adams, Union, Ringgold, Decatur, Clarke and Madison counties. For more information, call 641-464-3108.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers continue to catch a few 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 – Slow: Live baits work well for flatheads- chubs, bluegills, green sunfish, and bullheads. Sauger – Fair: Anglers report catching a few sauger and walleye on jigs and live bait rigs tipped with minnows. White Bass – Fair: Anglers fishing for sauger and walleye are catching a few white bass on jigs and spinners around wing dikes and incoming tributaries.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers are having the best success on stink bait and worms. Try cut bait for larger fish. Fish below wing dikes and in slower portions of the Missouri. Catfish are also being caught in the mouth of tributary streams and rivers. Flathead Catfish – Slow: Flathead catfish continue to be caught on trotlines and rod and reel using chubs, green sunfish and live baits. Blue Catfish – No Report. Sauger – Fair: Anglers are catching a few sauger and walleye on jigs and live bait rigs tipped with minnows. White Bass – Fair: Anglers fishing for sauger and walleye are picking up a few white bass along current breaks and incoming tributaries.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers continue to have success on worms, cut bait, and stink bait/dip bait. Flathead Catfish – Slow: Anglers are having the best success on trotlines using live chubs. A few flatheads are also being caught on rod and reel. Blue Catfish – No Report. Sauger – Fair: Anglers are catching a few sauger on jigs and live bait rigs.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 21.11 ft. /31,000 cfs./ 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is down 0.09 feet from last week and the water temperature has remained consistent. Fall fishing should be good for some species; the report, however, has been slow from local bait shops this week.