NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Very few reports of fishing activity are available. High water levels and turbidity present difficult fishing conditions.

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)
Several anglers have picked up some crappie in the Marina; little other fishing information is available. Anglers continue to wait for suitable ice. 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 13 inches above crest. Skim ice covers portions of the lake, but anglers continue to wait for suitable ice. Several anglers have fished off the inlet bridge and picked up a few bluegills and bass. There has not been much fishing activity this last week.

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 remain high, as of Thursday, discharge around Linn Grove is 2630 cfs (97th percentile) and around Correctionville is 5040 cfs (98th percentile).

North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
As of Thursday, discharge around Sac City is 1670 cfs (98th percentile).

Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Thursday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 7810 cfs (98th percentile) and 10900 cfs (97th percentile) in the Stratford area.

Anglers continue to wait for ice in our district; reports will be added as we receive them. 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
Clear Lake has some ice forming, but it will not likely form much thickness this week.

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 with 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
As of the 21st there was 2 inches of ice on the north grade, trickles, and hails. The main lake was covered with an inch of ice or less. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change rapidly due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Fishing activity has been minimal.

East Okoboji Lake
As of the 21st there was 2 inches of ice on the north side of the lake. The south end of the lake was covered with skim ice. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change rapidly due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Fishing activity has been minimal.

Minnewashta Lake
As of the 21st there was 1.5-2 inches of ice. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change rapidly due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Fishing activity has been minimal.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
As of the 21st there was 2.5-3 inches of ice. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change rapidly due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Fishing activity has been minimal.

West Okoboji Lake
As of the 21st there was 2 inches of ice in the canals and Smith’s bay was covered with skim ice. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change rapidly due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Fishing activity has been minimal.

Upper Gar Lake
As of the 21st there was 2.5 inches of ice. Use extreme caution as ice conditions can change rapidly due to unseasonably warm temperatures. 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 12/23, the lake is about 2.5 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 improving. 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)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels crested but may rise again with expected rainfall this week. Clarity is poor.

Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition with improved flows and clarity. 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 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 to be a rainy overcast weekend with temperatures in the 30’s. Flows continue to be up on area rivers and streams. Various deer hunting seasons are open. Be aware of hunters, if you’re fishing. Make sure you can be seen.  Resident anglers can now buy fishing licenses and trout privileges. These make for great gifts that last all year long.  For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

North Prairie Lake
There have been reports of anglers catching trout out of North Prairie Lake. Rainbow Trout – Good: Try casting small jigs or spinner baits that are flashy in color.

Heritage Pond
Reports have been good for open water trout fishing in Heritage Pond in Dubuque County. Rainbow Trout – Good: Try casting 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 events 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 remains high at 10.8 feet. Water temperature is in the low 30’s. Crappie – No Report: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – No Report: High water has made finding walleyes more difficult. Fish the tailwaters of the lock and dams with vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – No Report: Saugers 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 21 feet and is expected to fall slowly over the next week. Water temperature is in the low 30’s. Crappie – No Report: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – No Report: High water has made finding walleyes more difficult. Fish the tailwaters of the lock and dams with vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – No Report: Saugers 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 12.7 feet with a gradual fall expected next week. Water temperature is in the low 30’s. Crappie – No Report: Fish side channels with slight current using small jigs with minnows. Vertically jig in larger brush piles. Walleye – No Report: High water has made finding walleyes more difficult. Fish the tailwaters of the lock and dams with vertical jigs tipped with minnows. Sauger – No Report: Saugers continue to feed actively going into winter. Fish heavy jigs tipped with minnows in the tailwaters and along deeper side channels.

Upper Mississippi River stages are high creating hazardous navigation due to large trees and floating debris.  Due to high water, very limited open water fishing is occurring. Unseasonably warm weather is preventing ice formation on backwaters. Fish will be harder to find until conditions stabilize. Water temperature has fallen to the low 30’s.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 is unseasonably warm in the main channel at 37 degrees.     Generally the water is high and turbid from recent rains. Water level was reported at 12.4 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and at 14.4 feet at the railroad bridge. Water levels are high and getting higher, but should level off by this weekend.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 37 degrees in the main channel. Water is very turbid from recent rains. Water level was reported at 13.1 feet at Bellevue. Expect water to rise until this weekend. A few hardy anglers attempted to catch some sauger in the tailwaters this week but it was generally slow.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 37 degrees in the main channel; this is unseasonably warm. Water levels are at 13.0 feet at Fulton, 14.49 feet at Camanche and 8.9 feet above the dam at LeClaire. These are all up significantly from last week. Expect high water levels until Saturday. No fishing was reported in these conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water temperature in Pool 15 is around 37 degrees in the main channel which is unseasonably warm. Water level was reported at 13.2 feet at Rock Island which is up from last week.     Water levels will rise this upcoming week. No fishing was reported in these conditions.
The river remains unfrozen very late into the year. Water temperatures are in the upper 30’s in the main channel throughout the district. Expect the river water level to rise slightly and then begin to fall by the weekend. Fishing on the river is nearly non-existent except for the most hardy anglers.

Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Rock Island is 13.2 feet and rising. River stage is forecasted to reach 14.6 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. Fishing has been slow with the high water. Sauger – No Report: Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Muscatine is 14.63 feet and rising. River stage is forecasted to reach 16.1 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 16 feet. Fishing has been slow with high and rising river conditions. The ramp at Big Timber is closed due to high water. The Kilpeck Landing is closed.     Sauger – No Report: Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at New Boston is 15.05 feet and rising. River stage is forecasted to reach 16.3 feet over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Toolsboro road and landing are closed due to high water conditions. The Hawkeye Dolbee ramp most likely has water over the ramp and into the parking lot as well.  Sauger – No Report: Fishing for saugers below lock and dam 17 is slow due to the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Burlington is 15.89 feet and rising. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to reach 16.7 feet over the weekend. Some of the lower lying ramps like Tama Beach will most likely have water over them due to the high water. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages are still 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. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Darling
The lake is trying to clear up after last week’s rains but it’s raining again today. Water temperatures have dropped into the upper 30’s but are nowhere near making ice.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk is still well above flood stage and it doesn’t look like it will be going down soon.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The Iowa is at moderate flood stage at Wapello right now and doesn’t look to be below flood stage until the middle of next week.

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

Lake Macbride
Water temperature is still 39/40 degrees. All docks have been removed for the season. Crappie – Slow: Look for suspended fish over brush or stumps in 10-20 feet of water. Jigs with minnows work best. Many fish are around 10 inches. Walleye – Slow: A few walleyes are still being caught. Fish jigs around rock and drop-offs. White Bass – Slow: A few fish are being caught on jigs in 15-20 feet of 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.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on 12/23 is 698′ (normal is 683′) and is predicted to crest this weekend at 698.6′.

There has not been much 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.

Red Haw Lake
Few anglers have been out.  Some anglers with boats have been vertically jigging over submerged trees or other structure and catching some bluegills using ice fishing jigs.

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 vertically jigging minnows around submerged structure. 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 in late October. Try a variety of methods using small tube and twister jigs or casting spoons. A trout stamp is required to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 913.40. 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. Try areas known to have deep structure and vertically jig.

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 from the fall stocking remain to be caught. They are a little more challenging to catch at Petocka 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.

Anglers in Central Iowa 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 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.

Lakes in the southwest district have open water. Fishing reports will continue as reports come available. A trout stocking is planned for Big Lake on January 22 pending safe ice. 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 18.35 ft. /22,600 cfs./ 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri dropped one foot from last week. Cold weather may ice in some boat ramps. River levels are managed at lower levels during the winter, boat ramps may not be accessible. Few anglers are out; fishing has been slow this week on the Missouri River.