NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Panfish and catfish angling activity has picked up 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 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
Despite the partial fish kill in August from low dissolved oxygen related to algal blooms, a notable population of bluegill and crappie were seen during a netting survey in September. Anglers have reported good catches of bluegill and crappie this week.
Black Hawk Lake
Lake level is 7 inches above crest. Water temperature is 45 degrees. 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 – Good: Perch fishing near shore has improved with cooling water temperatures. Use a small minnow, piece of crawler, or wax worm on a small jig. Anglers are having luck around the inlet bridge, Ice House Point, and Town Bay.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
As of Thursday, discharge around Linn Grove is 415 cfs (70th percentile) and around Correctionville is 792 cfs (82nd 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 661 cfs.
Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Thursday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 1140 cfs (73rd percentile) and 1270 cfs (58th percentile) in the Stratford area.
For more information on the Black Hawk District, call 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Anglers have been having action near the Baptist Camp area and the MacIntosh swim beach fishing with cut bait. The rock humps by the State Dock area on the north shore have been producing yellows and an occasional walleye. Yellows seem to want a slow moving bait rather than a still bait. Walleye – Fair: A few walleyes are being caught while slow drifting for yellows bass. 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.
Big Spirit Lake
Walleye – Fair: Evening bite from shore is producing walleyes, but it has slowed the past week. Jigs tipped with minnows work best.
East Okoboji Lake
Walleye – Fair: 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. 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.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair: A few walleye have been picked up on the north side of the lake. Use jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Fair: 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 seems to work the best.
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 spinnerbaits or jigs tipped with twister tails.
Lake Hendricks
Park users should be aware that shower and restroom facilities are closed for the season. The campground and boat ramp are open. Crappie – Slow: Anglers have to work to find fish. Bluegill – Slow: Shoreline anglers are finding a few fish using a small piece of worm fished under a bobber.
Lake Meyer
As of 10/29, all construction is complete and the lake is being allowed to refill. The boat ramp is not accessible.
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 – Slow: Walleye slowed quite a bit this week. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: 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 mid 50’s. Water levels are getting pretty 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 – Good: Walleye have been caught using jigs tipped with worms or dark colored twister tails.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water clarity on the Turkey River below Clermont is excellent. Anglers should find deep pools to fish. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Smallies are actively taking a variety of baits. Jigs tipped with dark colored twister tails or worms work well. Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching walleye using dark colored jigs and twister tails.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is in excellent condition. Anglers fishing the backwaters and deeper holes are finding fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers have been catching catfish in the off channel areas using chub chunks fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Smallies have been hitting a variety of lures including jigs tipped with minnow or soft plastics. Walleye – Good: Walleye action continues to be strong. Successful anglers are using a jig tipped with a night crawler or twister tail. Most fish are caught while drifting over deep holes. Crappie – Good: Anglers fishing the backwaters are finding crappies. Try finding a submersed stump or log. Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber to catch a 12 incher. Northern Pike – Fair: Anglers using chunks of dead chubs fished on the bottom are catching northerns.
Decorah District Streams
With cooling temperatures, 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.
River and stream clarity is excellent but levels continue to be low. This is the last week for catchable trout stockings. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
There have been good reports of anglers catching quality bluegill and channel catfish from shore and off of the jetties. Bluegill – Good: Use very small tackle tipped with a wax worm under a bobber in 3-4 feet of water off of the beach area or jetties. Channel Catfish – Fair:
Use very small tackle tipped with a wax worm under a bobber in 3-4 feet of water off of the beach area or jetties.
George Wyth Lake
There have been reports of anglers fishing George Wyth Lake for crappie. Late summer fisheries surveys proved some quality size crappie in the lake. Crappie – No Report: Try fishing a crappie minnow under a bobber along the vegetation edges or structure placed within the lake.
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. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast rocky shorelines or near woody debris with crankbaits.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Recent electrofishing survey results showed 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.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Anglers have been reporting fair success on the Upper Wapsipinicon River for northern pike.
There have been no reports on walleye in Buchanan County this past week. Walleye – Fair: With cooler temperatures ahead, switch to a jig tipped with a minnow or crankbaits retrieved in deeper water. 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 the past few weeks, especially for walleye. Walleye – Good: With cooler temperatures ahead, switch to a jig tipped with a minnow or crankbaits retrieved in deeper water. 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. For further information, contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Pool 9 is 8.3 feet at Lansing and expected to remain fairly 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. 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 10
Pool 10 at Lynxville has risen to 14.5 feet and is expected to rise over a foot 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 risen to 5.5 feet and is expected to rise over a foot 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.
Fall fishing will pick up as fish are actively feeding in preparation for colder weather. Fish are staging nearby their over-wintering holes. Water temperatures are falling into the lower 50’s.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 is around 56 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and extremely low but is on the rise. Water level was reported at 5.5 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 8.1 feet at the railroad bridge. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: 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. Bass are also biting in the remains of the lily pad beds. Cranks and worms can pull them out yet. Bluegill – Slow: Some bluegills were reported but fishing in this reach has been slow. Walleye – Good: Nice walleye are being taken off the wing dams. Use a crankbait or a worm rig on a three way swivel. Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing is good in brush piles in large side channel sloughs. Concentrate efforts in areas of very slight current. A small jig tipped with a minnow works best. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Schools of smallies are roaming the edges of rocky shorelines. Spinners remain the best bet but floating weeds can cause some problems getting to the fish.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 56 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear. Water level was reported at 5.1 feet at Lock and Dam 12 which is up slightly from last week. Expect water to rise all week. Be very 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 – Excellent: Crappies are being taken out of Pool 13, mostly from brush piles in areas of slight to modest current. Walleye – Good: Walleye have moved to the wing dams and some very nice fish were reported. 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. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouth bass are found tight to the rock piles and rocky shorelines in areas with considerable current.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 56 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and has risen slightly from last week. Expect water levels to rise all week. Water level was reported at 5.3 feet at Fulton, 9.6 feet at Camanche and 4.4 feet above the dam at LeClaire. Please 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. Use three way rigs either with a small chuck of night crawler or a floating crankbait. 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 58 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and extremely low. Water level was reported at 5.0 feet at Rock Island. Be very careful when backing off the ramps like at Pigeon Creek during this low water. It is very 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. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try the areas around Crow Creek and the rip rap shorelines that have modest to heavy current.
Fall fishing is upon us and the Mississippi River can provide some high quality fall fishing. Colors are still looking fantastic on the bluffs and crappie and walleye fishing remains good. Winter is at hand, take some time off this fall and enjoy the Mississippi River and all it has to offer.
Mississippi River Pool 16 Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.69 feet and has been rising the past few days. 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. Use minnows under a bobber. Look for crappies in the backwater around brush piles and logs. Use jigs and minnows or minnows under a bobber. Sauger – Fair: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough. Fish are being caught on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.17 feet and rising the past couple of days with the recent rains. Crappie – Fair: Look for crappies in the backwaters and sloughs around brush piles and logs. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Places to try are 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. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers 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 4.67 and has been rising the past few days. 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. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers 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 2.41 feet and rising. 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. Use a minnow under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers by the dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.
Mississippi River Pool2 16-19. Tailwater stages have been rising the past few days with recent rains. Main channel water clarity has been good. Main channel water temperature is around 54 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 Belva Deer
Water temperature is down to 55-56 degrees. Not a lot of angler activity this week. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills have moved in shallow. Anglers are catching good numbers of them in the timber using long poles. 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
Trout continue to be a majority of the fish caught. 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: Worm and bobber work best. Also try a small jig tipped with a wax worm. Crappie – Good: Anglers have been picking up crappie around the deeper brush piles. Bluegill – Good: Good numbers of bluegills were caught near shore while fishing for trout.
Lake Darling
Last weekend’s cold temperatures dropped the water temperature to 56 degrees. Water clarity remains good. 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 trout release last Saturday brought out 70+ anglers and they caught plenty of trout, but plenty of the 1000 trout stocked are still in Wilson. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Work the corners of the lake as well as the cedar trees and culvert piles 3-4 feet down.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
Last Saturday’s trout release was well attended and the trout were biting; 23 of the tagged trout were caught during the contest time period. There are still plenty of the 1000 trout stocked left to be caught. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Lots of stuff is catching trout. A couple of the hottest on Saturday were super dupers and worm and bobber.
Lost Grove Lake
The water temperature on Monday was 56 degrees and water clarity was 52 inches. Bluegill – Good: Look for them around the around the flooded weeds in about 4 feet of water. Crappie – Fair: Look for bigger crappies in shallow hunting around the edges of the flooded reed canary grass. Run a small spinner and jig down the edge of that grass to mimic a small prey fish fleeing along the edge of the grass. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are hanging around the trees and brush piles in 4 to 6 feet of water.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
The lake is no wake speed (5 mph) of any size motor. Water temperatures are in the mid 50’s. The fish cleaning station at the primitive campground ramp is 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 day have been best. Crappie – Fair: Fish jigs or minnows around brush.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is 15′ low and at the level it will remain for the restoration project taking place this fall/winter/spring. Boat ramps are unusable for boat trailers.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Crappie – Fair: 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
No fishing report is available; the fish cleaning station is closed and boat docks have been removed.
Union Grove Lake
The lake and pond are currently de-watered for the lake restoration project.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is at fall pool of 686.4′. Crappie – Fair: Fish the steep rock banks or over deeper brush with jigs/minnows.
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)
Most of the better reports are coming from the Benton County area. Walleye – Fair: Jigs and crankbaits in deeper holes work best. Crappie – Fair: Try jigs or live bait in the backwater areas.
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. Jigs, crankbaits, and live bait work well. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try crankbaits or tubes along rock.
Terry Trueblood Lake
There will be 2000 trout released here on Friday, October 30th. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Good.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try areas around the lily pads and around the submerged cedar tree piles with a spinner bait 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: Use small jigs fished around any underwater structure. Try openings in the lily pads with a small hook tipped with a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use a rubber worm or a 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 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: Use jig and pig combos in areas with rip-rap. Crankbaits can also be used around the rock jetties and submerged flats. 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 have been stocked this fall.
East Greater Ottumwa Central Park Pond
Trout were stocked on Thursday, October 22. Use small spinners or baits that mimic trout eggs.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 911.68. The water temperature is 58 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 have been catching a few more crappies but sorting is required for larger fish. Look for areas with underwater habitat and around structure such as downed trees or boat docks.
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
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
Crappie – Fair: Fall is 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.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Mid fall is a great time to target actively feeding walleyes in the rivers. Use slow presentations of 1/16 to 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with minnows or twister tails. Slow retrieves on diving crank baits is another good option. Target areas greater than 4 feet out of or on the edge of the main current.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye – Fair: Mid fall is a great time to target actively feeding walleyes in the rivers. Use slow presentations of 1/16 to 1/4 oz. jigs tipped with minnows or twister tails. Slow retrieves on diving crank baits is another good option. Target areas greater than 4 feet out of or on the edge of the main current.
The fall crappie bite is good in many lakes and now is an excellent time to target river walleyes. 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 vertical jigging deep structure. 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 – No Report: Channel catfish can be caught around brush piles. Fish will average 2 pounds.
Nodaway Lake
Expect to catch 8 inch bluegills and 9 inch crappie ay. Crappie – Fair: Target the many tree piles in the lake to catch crappie up to 12 inches. Bluegill – Slow: 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.
Lake Anita
Target the roadbeds and deeper structure for successful fall fishing. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass anglers are catching fish 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 crawler or power bait. Fish can also be found in the upper ends of the lake around jetties and sunken trees.
Viking Lake
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 deep water. Bluegill – Fair: Drift open water with small jigs tipped with a crawler or power bait to catch 8 inch bluegill. Black Crappie – Slow: Drift or vertical jig in 20 feet of water to catch crappie up to 12 inches.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Panfish are in deeper water during the fall. Always get permission to fish privately owned ponds. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Cast along deeper structure with a slow retrieve to catch largemouth bass. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have reported catching bluegills with small jigs and a crawler under a bobber with a very slow retrieve. Crappie – Fair: Crappie are in deep water during the fall. Vertical jig around deep structure to catch fall crappies. Channel Catfish – No Report.
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 – Fair: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught using night crawlers or minnows fished near main lake points or rock fields. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs fished near brush piles.
Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs fished near the cedar tree piles.
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 – Slow: 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 58 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 are good baits. 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: Successful anglers are using 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 – 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 21.25 ft. /31,300 cfs./ 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is down 0.14 feet from last week and the water temperature has dropped five degrees. Fall fishing should be good for some species; the fishing has been fair to slow this week on the Missouri River.
