NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Very few reports of fishing activity are available. High water levels and turbidity present difficult conditions for fishing.
Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on November 3rd. Try using 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)
Water levels are high. 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
Water levels are very high (22 inches above crest). There has not been much fishing activity this last week. Anglers continue to wait for ice.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on November 4th. Try using 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)
River levels are very high, as of Thursday, discharge around Linn Grove is 4130 cfs (97th percentile) and around Correctionville is 6560 cfs (98th percentile).
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
River levels are high. As of Thursday, discharge around Sac City is 5350 cfs (98th percentile).
Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Thursday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 16600 cfs (98th percentile) and 24000 cfs (97th percentile) in the Stratford area.
There has been little fishing activity on lakes in our district this last week. Anglers continue to wait for ice. River levels are high, presenting unfavorable conditions for fishing. 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 lake is still ice-free as of December 17.
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. The bite has slowed but is still worth a try with a small spinner or a small jig tipped a wax worm. Anglers are reminded to have a 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 lake is still open at this time. Walleye – Fair: Wader fishing on the old foot bridge has been producing a few walleyes.
East Okoboji Lake
With the warm weather and windy conditions the past week, the lake has become completely open.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Most of 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 completely open. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Scharnberg Pond
Scharnberg Pond will be stocked with trout around noon on January 9th.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
A reminder to anglers and park users, deer hunters will be out so wear hunter orange if you’re fishing or walking trails.
Lake Hendricks
The lake remains ice free. A reminder to ice anglers, Howard County Conservation Board does not allow permanent shacks or motorized vehicles on the ice. Bluegill – No Report: Not many anglers have been out. Fish have moved to deeper water.
Lake Meyer
As of 12/16, the lake is about 4.5 feet down and quickly filling. All installed habitat is under water. The boat ramp remains unusable. Few anglers have been out.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have crested and clarity is limited. Walleye – Slow: Fish 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)
Water levels will crest soon and clarity is limited. Prior to high water anglers were catching a variety of fish including pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, suckers, and catfish. Walleye – Slow: Prior to the high water, anglers were using jigs tipped with a twister tail in deeper holes. Northern Pike – Slow: Anglers were catching pike up to 30 inches from the Hwy 76 bridge downstream while fishing for walleye before the high water.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels crested about 5 feet above what it was before the heavy rainfall. Clarity is poor.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are off color due to recent rains. 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: With this high, off color water, use larger jigs or streamers that imitate minnows or small trout. Rainbow Trout – Good: Larger rainbows will start to move upstream in preparation for spawning. Use baits imitating minnows and small trout.
It looks like it will be a nice but more seasonal weekend. Second shotgun season for deer continues through Sunday. Be aware there will be lots of hunters out. If you’re fishing, make sure you can be seen. Wear hunter orange. Most area rivers have crested after last week’s rain. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Heritage Pond
Reports have been good for open water trout fishing in Heritage Pond in Dubuque County. Rainbow Trout – Good: Cast small jigs or spinner baits that are flashy in color.
Interior rivers remain high and in poor condition. Lakes have yet to receive any ice due to mild weather conditions. Trout streams have receded from the recent rainfall and should be in excellent condition for the upcoming weekend, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Mississippi River level at Lansing has risen to 8.7 feet and will level off this week. Water temperature is in the mid 30’s. Crappie – No Report: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – Fair: High water has made finding walleyes more difficult. Fish the tailwaters of the lock and dams with vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – Fair: 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 risen to 17.8 and is expected to reach 20 feet over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid 30’s. Crappie – No Report: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – Fair: High water has made finding walleyes more difficult. Fish the tailwaters of the lock and dams with vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – Fair: 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 risen to 9.8 feet and is forecasted to reach 13 feet next week. Water temperature is in the mid 30’s. Crappie – No Report: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – Fair: High water has made finding walleyes more difficult. Fish the tailwaters of the lock and dams with vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – Fair: Sauger continue to feed actively going into winter. Fish heavy jigs tipped with minnows in the tailwaters and along deeper side channels.
Recent rains have the Upper Mississippi River levels on the rise. Due to high water very limited open water fishing is occurring. No ice has formed on backwaters. Fish will be harder to find until conditions stabilize. Water temperatures have dipped into the upper 30’s.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 has shot up and is back to 42 degrees in the main channel. Generally the water is turbid. Water level was reported at 9.8 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 12.2 feet at the railroad bridge. Water levels are high and getting higher, expect them to raise two to three feet this week. Crappie – No Report: Check out the marinas and other clearer water places and you might be able to find some crappies that will bite. Water is very high and turbid in most spots.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 42 degrees in the main channel. Water is very turbid from recent rains. Water level was reported at 13.6 feet at Bellevue which is up over three feet from last week. Expect water to rise over two feet during the week. No fishing was reported in these conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 43 degrees in the main channel. This is unseasonably warm. Water levels are at 11.1 feet at Fulton, 13.6 feet at Camanche and 8.3 feet above the dam at LeClaire. These are all up significantly from last week. Expect water levels to rise at least two feet during the week. No fishing was reported in these conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water temperature in Pool 15 is around 43 degrees in the main channel which is unseasonably warm. Water level was reported at 12.3 feet at Rock Island which is up around 4 feet from last week. Water level will rise another couple feet during this upcoming week. No fishing was reported in these conditions.
The river remains unfrozen very late into the year; water temperatures in the main channel are still in the low 40’s and rising. Expect the river water level to rise at least 2 feet in many areas up and down the river. Fishing on the river is nearly non-existent.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 12.5 feet and rising. Tailwater stage has risen close to 4 feet since last week. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters and Sunset Marina. Try fishing around brush piles with minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics. Look for crappies in the backwaters like the Andalusia Islands around brush piles. Sauger – Fair: Fishing below the dam has been slow with the high and rising river conditions. Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough by the Arsenal. Try vertical jigging with minnows or pulling three-way rigs with minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine is 11.84 feet and rising. Fishing has been slow with the high and rising river conditions. The ramp at Big Timber is closed due to high water. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics at Eagle Fill, Big Timber, or Cleveland Slough. Sauger – No Report: Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 13.99 feet and rising. Flood stage is 15 feet. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 15 feet on December 19th. The Toolsboro Landing is closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee ramp most likely has water over the ramp and into the parking lot. Sauger – No Report: Fishing for saugers below lock and dam 17 is slow due to the high water conditions. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with 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 9.80 feet and rising. Flood stage at lock and dam 18 is 10 feet. Some of the lower lying ramps like Tama Beach will most likely have water over them due to the high water. River stage at Burlington is 14.96 feet and flood stage is 15 feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Sauger – No Report: Tailwater fishing will be tough due to the high water conditions. Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics around the Burlington Island Complex.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages have been on the rise with the recent rains. Some boat ramps will be closed due to the high water conditions. Main channel water clarity is poor. Main channel water temperature is around 42-44 degrees. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Iowa Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Some nice bluegills have been caught on jigs tipped with waxies. Crappie – Fair: Some nice crappies are being caught around structure on jigs.
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. Jigs with minnows work best. Many fish are around 10 inches. Walleye – Slow: walleyes have moved off the rocks and into deeper water.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is currently about 12′ 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 very high. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Belva Deer
If next week’s forecast of temperatures in the 40’s comes true, nobody will be ice fishing Belva Deer until next year. Water temperatures remain in the low 40’s. When the ice finally shows up expect the usual 8+ inch bluegills, 10-12 inch crappies, and if you can get them to bite some really big redears.
Lake Darling
Last weekend’s very heavy rains brought the lake up nearly 1.5 feet. While the lake is back to normal levels, it’s still pretty muddy but that is improving also. Water temperature remains in the low 40’s, so still plenty of time to organize your ice fishing gear before the ice fishing begins around here.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
Last weekend’s rains brought the Skunk well out of its banks. The North up at Sigourney and the South at Oskaloosa crested last night (12/16). Expect the Skunk to continue to rise here for a couple more days before starting to drop.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Red Haw Lake
Fishing activity has been low. Try 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. Crappie – Slow: Fishing activity has been low. Try minnows around the standing timber at different depths until you find active fish. Walleye – Slow: Fishing activity has been low. Use minnows near structure such as rock piles in the main lake.
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. A trout stamp is required to fish for or possess trout.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 913.83. 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. Fish minnows under a bobber in areas known to have deep structure. Try also areas around docks 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
Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Trout remain to be caught from the fall stocking. They are a little more challenging to catch this time of year from shore compared to ice fishing, but they can be caught on a variety of methods including small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons, and live minnows under a bobber.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Trout from the November stocking remain to be caught. They can be caught on a variety of methods including small tube and twisters jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons, and live minnows under a bobber.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Trout remain to be caught from the fall stocking. They can be caught on a variety of methods including small tube and twisters jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons, and live minnows under a bobber.
Central Iowa anglers continue to wait for ice. More fishing reports will be added when ice fishing begins. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
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 ten inches. The crappie population has fewer fish in the 9 to 10 inch range 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. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587
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 19.34 ft. /25,100 cfs./ 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri is up one foot from last week due to recent rains. Cold weather may ice in some boat ramps. River levels are managed at lower levels during the winter period, boat ramps may not be accessible. The fishing continues to be fair to slow this week on the Missouri River.
