NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Very few reports of fishing activity are available at this time. Skim ice is forming but melts during the day. Bluegill – No Report: Fish areas 10-20 feet deep with drop-offs and submerged structure. Try drifting or casting these areas with black jigs tipped with a night crawler, wax worm, or power bait. Black Crappie – No Report: Fish in 12-20 feet of water and near structure located in 35 feet of water. Try vertical jigging over deep structure.
Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on November 3rd. Use anything that will get their attention, such as a small tube and twister jig, spinners, casting spoons, or live minnows under a bobber.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Parts of the lake are starting to ice over. Few anglers have been out this last week, but some crappie and a few perch have been picked up in the marina. 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.
Black Hawk Lake
Lake level is 10 inches above crest and water temperatures are in the mid 30’s. A few anglers have picked up bluegill in Town Bay from the floating dock. Parts of the lake are starting to ice over. No other reports of fishing activity are available at this time.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on November 4th. Use anything that will get their attention, such as a small tube and twister jig, spinners, casting spoons, or live minnows fished under a bobber.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
As of Thursday, discharge around Linn Grove is 1830 cfs (97th percentile) and around Correctionville is 3590 cfs (98th percentile). Although late fall can be a great time to target walleyes in rivers, anglers should use caution and be selective as to where they go due to the high river levels.
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
As of Thursday, discharge around Sac City is 1620 cfs (98th percentile).
Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Thursday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 5300 cfs (98th percentile) and 7080 cfs (97th percentile) in the Stratford area. Although late fall can be a great time to target walleyes in rivers, anglers should use caution and be selective as to where they go due to the high river levels.
The open water season is beginning to wind down in western Iowa. Water temperatures in most Black Hawk District lakes are in the mid 30’s and many have skim ice in the morning that melts midday. River levels remain high. The Black Hawk District includes Cherokee, Buena Vista, Pocahontas, Woodbury, Ida, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Monona, Crawford, Carroll, and Greene Counties. For more information, call 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
The west part of the lake has had some ice forming but with the warm weather it will not gain much thickness very soon. No fisherman activity this week to report.
Blue Pit
1,500 Rainbow trout were stocked at Blue Pit in Mason City on November 25. Blue Pit is located at S Pierce Avenue in Mason City. Anglers using small spinners have been doing the best. Anglers are reminded to have a 2015 fishing license (age 16 and older) and trout stamp.
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
The north grade has a thin layer of ice, but the main lake is still open. Ice conditions are unsafe. Walleye – Fair: Wader fishing on the old foot bridge has been producing a few walleyes.
East Okoboji Lake
Much of the southern shoreline has opened up the past week. Ice travel is not recommended at this time due to unsafe ice conditions. With limited fishable water, fishing activity has been low.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
The lake is covered with a thin layer of ice. Fishing activity has been low due to unsafe ice conditions.
West Okoboji Lake
West Lake is mostly open. Fishing activity has been minimal.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
A reminder to anglers and park users, deer hunters will be out so be sure to wear hunter orange if you’re fishing or walking trails.
Lake Hendricks
The lake has no ice, yet. Howard County Conservation Board does not allow permanent shacks or motorized vehicles on the ice. Bluegill – No Report: Few anglers have been out. Fish have moved to deeper water.
Lake Meyer
As of 12/10, water levels continue to slowly raise enough to cover most of the habitat that was placed in the lake this summer. The boat ramp remains unusable. Few anglers have been out.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water clarity is excellent so try fishing at dawn or toward dusk when the sun is not directly on the water. Fly fishers should fish during the warmest part of day and use streamers such as white wholly buggers. Casting downstream using the current to pull the line out toward current breaks will produce fish. Walleye – Slow: Try fishing at or near dusk. Use a jig tipped with a twister tail bounced on the bottom or crankbaits fished with a slow return in deeper pools.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels have risen due to snow melt from up north but clarity is excellent. Rain is forecast for the weekend and may muddy the water. Anglers are finding fish below the dams in off channel areas and around current breaks. Walleye – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or a ring worm with a slow jerky retrieve. Northern Pike – Slow: Anglers are finding pike in the off channel areas while walleye fishing. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Anglers are catching a few bass in eddies and current breaks.
Decorah District Streams
Look for sporadic midge hatches on warmer days. For these hatches, use #18 or 20 emergers or nymphs with a #22 or #24 drop hook gnarly midge. Now is the time of year to switch gear and use more streamers or scuds as prey availability has changed. Use night crawlers, crankbaits and spinner baits. Brook Trout – Good: According to a report regarding stocking submitted by E.D. Carlton, Fish Commissioner of Iowa, to the State Fish Commission in 1887, “Iowa has not many trout streams, but has some that are as good as the best, and should have a liberal supply next season.” Brown Trout – Good: Brown trout are building nests or redds. Anglers can find fish guarding these areas. Please walk around these small cleared depressions in the stream bottom. Rainbow Trout – Good: Rainbow trout spawn in the spring, usually from March to May in riffles and gravel runs.
Second shotgun season for deer begins Saturday. Be aware there will be lots of hunters out. If you’re fishing, make sure you can be seen. Wear hunter orange. Ice has all but disappeared on area waters. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Brinker Lake
There have been reports of anglers catching crappie in Brinker Lake. Crappie – Fair: Try dropping jigs or drifting a minnow under a slip bobber near 12 feet of water.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports have been fair for walleye and northern pike on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer Counties. Concentrate efforts near the deep overwintering holes for walleye this time of year. Walleye – Fair: Use a lead head jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow. Northern Pike – Fair: Use a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Reports on the Shell Rock River have been fair for walleye this past week. Walleye – Fair: Use a lead head jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Walleye – Fair: Use a lead head jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow. Northern Pike – Fair: Use a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Walleye fishing reports have picked up this past week along with some northern pike being caught. Interior river levels have stabilized and water clarity has improved. The extended forecast looks wet for the upcoming weekend but warmer temperatures remain. Concentrate efforts for walleye in the deeper overwintering holes. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Mississippi River level at Lansing is has dropped to 8.2 feet and is stable this week. Water temperature is 37 degrees. Crappie – Good: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – Excellent: Walleye fishing has been excellent again this week as more fish move into the tailwaters of the lock and dams. Use vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – Excellent: Sauger continue to feed actively going into winter. Fish heavy jigs tipped with minnows in the tailwaters and along deeper side channels.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Mississippi River level at Lynxville has dropped to 16.3 feet and is stable over the next week. Water temperature is 37 degrees. Crappie – Good: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – Excellent: Walleye fishing has been excellent again this week as more fish move into the tailwaters of the lock and dams. Use Vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – Excellent: Sauger continue to feed actively going into winter. Fish heavy jigs tipped with minnows in the tailwaters and along deeper side channels.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Mississippi River level at Guttenberg has fallen to 7.8 feet and is forecasted to stabilize around 7.5 next week. Water temperature is 37 degrees. Crappie – Good: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – Excellent: Walleye fishing has been excellent again this week as more fish move into the tailwaters of the lock and dams. Use vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – Excellent: Sauger continue to feed actively going into winter. Fish heavy jigs tipped with minnows in the tailwaters and along deeper side channels.
Upper Mississippi River levels have fallen and are stabilizing this week. Open water fishing is still occurring with no ice forming on the backwaters yet. Fish are active but may be harder to find until conditions stabilize. Water temperatures have dipped into the upper 30’s. Fish prefer a slower presentation using live bait.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 is around 39 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear and receding slowly. Water level was reported at 7.2 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 9.6 feet at the railroad bridge. Water levels are down slightly from last week. Walleye – Good: Some walleyes are being found in the tailwaters but some are still located on wing dams especially on the upper portions of the Pools. Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing is good in brush piles in large side channel sloughs. Concentrate your efforts in the backwaters of your favorite ice fishing locations. Sauger – Good: Sauger fishing is up and down. Some anglers report the fishing as excellent while others are not catching much. The last water rise seemed to cause a push of sauger into the tailwater.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 40 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear. Water level was reported at 8.1 feet at Bellevue which is down over a foot from last week. Expect water to recede slightly all week. Crappie – No Report: Crappie fishing has been very good at times this fall but we received no reports this week. Crappies were being taken out of Pool 13, mostly from brush piles located in areas of slight current. Use minnows and fish slowly. Fish near your favorite winter backwaters. Walleye – Good: Walleye have moved to the tailwaters and wing dams in the upper portions of the pools. Sauger – Good: Up and down fishing for sauger but some nice catches were reported last week. Use minnows for bait. Yellow Perch – Good: Many yellow perch are being caught out of the tailwater in 3 to 20 feet of water. Most are small but some fish up to 12 inches are being reported.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 40 degrees in the main channel. Water levels are at 7.7 feet at Fulton, 11.4 feet at Camanche and 6.0 feet above the dam at LeClaire. These are all down significantly from last week. Crappie – Good: Try snags in Rock Creek backwater and Cattail Sloughs. The lower sections of Beaver Island across from Clinton have also been good at times. Walleye – No Report: Some angler are enjoying the nice weather and catching some walleye and sauger in the tailwaters. Use jigs or three way rigs with a minnow. Sauger – Good: A three way swivel rig is catching some decent sauger in the tailwater.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water temperature in Pool 15 is around 40 degrees in the main channel. Water is very clear. Water level was reported at 8.6 feet at Rock Island which is down significantly from last week. It should fall very slowly most of this week. 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.
Unseasonably warm temperatures have extended fishing time on the Mississippi River. Crappies, sauger, yellow perch and walleyes are still regularly biting. Sauger, walleye and yellow perch are mostly being caught out of the tailwaters. Crappies are in or near their backwater lake winter homes.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 8.60 feet and has been falling the past couple days. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters and Sunset Marina. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics around brush piles. Look for crappies in the backwaters like the Andalusia Islands around brush piles. Sauger – No Report: There have been some boats out fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and Sylvan Slough in the Quad Cities. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine is 7.29 feet and falling. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics at Eagle Fill, Big Timber, or Cleveland Slough. The ramp at Big Timber is closed due to high water. Sauger – Fair: There have been some boats out fishing below Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine catching some saugers. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 9.41 feet and is falling. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week. Sauger – No Report: We have not received any information on sauger fishing below Lock and Dam 17 this week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics at Huron Island and the Campbell’s Island Complexes.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 6.36 feet and falling. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Sauger – No Report: We have not received any information for tailwater fishing this week. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows or stick baits. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics around the Burlington Island Complex.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages have been falling the past few days. Main channel water clarity is fair. Main channel water temperature is around 39-40 degrees. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake of the Hills
Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where the use of live minnows as bait is allowed. The unseasonably warm weather lately has brought out a few anglers. Rainbow Trout – Good: Anglers are finding trout around the gate 6 area of the lake. This is a fairly shallow area of the lake so it is a little warmer and is bringing up some insects out of hibernation from the bottom and the trout are taking advantage.
Lake Darling
The water continues to clear. Water temperature is staying in the low 40’s. Last night, Wednesday (9th), the air temperature didn’t drop below 50 degrees.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river level continues to drop slowly but the current is still moving pretty fast.
For more information about the conditions on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature is in the low 40’s. All docks have been removed for the season. Crappie – Fair: Look for suspended fish over brush or stumps in 15-20 feet of water. Use jigs with minnows. Many fish are around 10 inches. Walleye – Slow: Things have slowed and the walleyes have moved off the rocks and into deeper water.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is currently about 15′ low for the upcoming restoration project.
Union Grove Lake
The lake is currently drained for the renovation project that will start this winter.
There has not been a lot of fishing activity on the lakes and many of the rivers are still somewhat high. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Fishing activity has been low. Try small jigs fished around submerged structure or along the rocky shorelines.
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 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 – Slow: Use a jig and pig combo or other slower moving baits in areas along the shoreline with rip-rap. Crappie – Slow: Fishing activity has been low. Try minnows around the standing timber in different depths until you find active fish.
Bob White Lake
A complete fisheries renovation was completed in September. Fingerlings were stocked this fall.
East Greater Ottumwa Park Pond (Trout Pond)
Trout were stocked on October 22. Use small spinners or other baits that will grab the trout’s attention. A trout stamp is required to fish for or possess trout.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 910.81. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in the sun). Crappie – Slow: Fishing activity has been very low. Use minnows fished under a bobber in areas known to have submerged trees. Areas around docks should also be tried this late in the season.
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
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield will be a good destination this winter for ice fishing. The lake has a good panfish population.
Mormon Trail Lake
Mormon Trail has a large year class of 8 to 9 inch crappies.
Lake Anita
Anita will provide good bluegill fishing this winter with fish up to 10 inches. The crappie population has fewer 9 to 10 inch fish but a large year class of 7 to 8 inch fish.
Viking Lake
Fish surveys indicate a good crappie population ranging from 8 to 11 inches.
Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has quality size panfish and will provide good ice fishing this winter.
Very few reports of fishing activity are available at this time. 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 – Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using minnows fished near brush piles.
West Lake (Osceola)
The marina has re-opened to the public.
Little River Watershed Lake
Crappie – Slow: Crappie up to 10 inches have been caught using jigs or minnows fished near brush piles.
Green Valley Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near the deep cedar tree piles.
Three Mile Lake
Crappie – Slow: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught using minnows fished along the creek channel.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught using jigs fished near cedar tree piles. Crappie – Slow: Crappies up to 11 inches have been caught using minnows fished near cedar tree piles.
Water temperature in most Mount Ayr District lakes is approximately 42 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)
Sauger – Fair: Fishing has been fair to slow for sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Sauger – Fair: Fishing has been fair to slow for sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Sauger – Fair: Fishing has been fair to slow for sauger and walleye on the Missouri. Use jigs tipped with minnows.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 18.34 ft. /22,500 cfs./ 39 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is unseasonably warm for this time of year allowing the opportunity to get out on the Missouri River. River levels are managed at lower levels during the winter period, boat ramps may not be accessible. The fishing has been fair to slow this week on the Missouri River.
