NORTHWEST
Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked 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. Roughly 1,500 additional rainbow trout will be stocked on January 16, 2016.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Several anglers have picked up some crappie in the Marina; little other fishing information is available at this time. Ice is unsafe; 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 11 inches above crest. Most of the lake is covered with very thin, unsafe ice. Anglers continue to wait for suitable ice. There has not been much fishing activity this last week, reports will be available as they are received.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 1,500 rainbow trout were stocked 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. Roughly 1,500 additional rainbow trout will be stocked on January 23, 2016.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
River levels remain high, as of Wednesday, discharge around Linn Grove is 1060 cfs (97th percentile) and around Correctionville is 2900 cfs (98th percentile).
North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 bridge near Auburn)
As of Wednesday, discharge around Sac City is 1070 cfs (98th percentile).
Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
As of Wednesday, discharge in the Fort Dodge area is 4610 cfs (98th percentile) and 7000 cfs (97th percentile) in the Stratford area.
Anglers continue to wait for safe 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.
Beeds Lake
Lake froze over on Dec. 30th.
Lake Smith
Lake froze over on Dec 30th. With a few cold nights, it might be possible to fish this weekend. Use caution and check ice depths often.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake had about 3.5-4 inches of ice near Ventura boat ramp and 3.5-4 inches at farmer’s beach on Dec. 29th. There is about 8 inches of snow covering the entire lake which could make ice growth slow and unpredictable. The ice is somewhat honeycombed due to conditions. Anglers should use caution and check ice depth often when crossing the ice. Yellow Bass – Good: Yellows have been caught near Farmers Beach. Walleye – Good: The few anglers that have been out have reported an occasional walleye at Farmers Beach or near the dredged boat channels of MacIntosh or Ventura boat ramps. Crappie – Good: Crappie and an occasional northern pike have been caught near the MacIntosh or Ventura boat ramps.
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
Ice conditions: 3-5 inches of snow covered the ice. Use caution while on the ice.
Center Lake
Ice conditions: 2-4 inches of snow covered the ice. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
East Okoboji Lake
Ice condition: 3-5 inches of snow covered the ice. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Minnewashta Lake
Ice conditions: 3-4 Inches of snow covered the ice. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Reports of 4 inches of ice this week. Ice thickness varied. Use extreme caution during ice activities. The aeration system is in use.
West Okoboji Lake
Ice conditions: 1-2 inches of snow covered the ice on millers and smiths bay. Use caution while checking for safe ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Ingham Lake
Ice conditions: 3-5 inches of snow covered the ice. The aeration system is in use. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Five Island Lake
Ice conditions: 2-4 inches of snow covered the ice. The geese have kept a small pocket of the lake open. Use caution while on the ice. Fishing activity has been minimal.
Upper Gar Lake
Ice conditions: 3-5 inches of snow covered the ice. Use caution while on the ice. Bluegill – Fair: A few nice bluegills are being caught on the north end of the lake. Yellow Perch – Slow: Some nice perch have been picked up while bluegill fishing.
Scharnberg Pond
Scharnberg Pond will be stocked with trout around noon on January 9th.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
With colder temperatures, ice will form quickly. Use caution when going out on newly formed ice. 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
Ice will form quickly with colder temperatures. Use care when going out on new ice. 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 12/30, the lake is about 2.5 feet down. All installed habitat is under water. The boat ramp is useable. Few anglers have been out.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have crested and clarity is improving. 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)
Ice is forming on the river and some areas are covered with snow. Use extreme caution when going on ice especially with increased flows.
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 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. Try using baits imitating minnows and small trout.
Water levels and clarity on area rivers and streams are slowly improving. 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. Be safe and have a great new year. For more information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water temperature in Pool 12 is around 35 degrees. The water is high but has cleaned up rapidly. Water level was reported at 10 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and at 12.2 feet at the railroad bridge. These levels are down at least two feet from last week. Expect the river to continue to drop rapidly.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water temperature in Pool 13 is around 35 degrees in the main channel. Water was turbid but has cleaned up nicely. Water level was reported at 11.3 feet at Bellevue. Expect levels to recede all week. Sauger – Good: Some nice sauger were reported on three way rigs even during the high water. Yellow Perch – Good: Yellow perch have been a consistent biter in the shallow waters in the tailwater areas.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water temperature in Pool 14 is around 35 degrees in the main channel. No ice is reported anywhere on Pool 14. Water levels are at 10.9 feet at Fulton, 13.5 feet at Camanche and 8.1 feet above the dam at LeClaire. These are down significantly from last week. Expect water levels to continue to fall all week.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water temperature in Pool 15 is around 35 degrees in the main channel. Water level was reported at 12.6 feet at Rock Island down a foot or so from last week. Water level will continue to recede this upcoming week. No fishing was reported in these conditions.
The river remains unfrozen very late into the year. Water temperatures are in the mid 30’s in the main channel throughout the district. Expect the river water level to drop consistently throughout the week.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 12.72 feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to continue to fall. Flood stage is 15 feet. Sauger – No Report: Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 12.75 feet and falling. River level is forecasted to continue to fall. Fishing has been slow with the high water and recent poor weather 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
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 14.92 feet and falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level is forecasted to continue to fall. 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. Sauger – No Report: Fishing for saugers below lock and dam 17 is slow due to the high water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 upstream of Burlington is 11.56 feet and falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. 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 high but have been falling the past few days. Some boat ramps will be closed due to the high water conditions. Fishing has been slow with the high water and recent poor weather conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Belva Deer
Almost all open water yet. Most of the ice you can find is on the ground from the freezing rain on Monday.
Lake Darling
Even with the cold weather that came with the sleet/snow on Monday, there is very little ice on the lake, just a little in a couple of the most protected bays.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk is finally back to mostly within its banks except in some of the lowest spots.
For more information conditions on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
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 is 699′ (normal is 683′) and is predicted to slowly begin to fall. Outflow from the dam is 10,000 CFS (maximum allowed) and will continue to be so through the 8th.
There has not been much fishing activity on the lakes this week. There are still no reports of ice formation. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Fishing activity has been low. 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 or ice fishing jigs 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 913.23. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. 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
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.
Ice conditions in Central Iowa are still unsuitable for ice fishing. Small ponds are just beginning to freeze over. With the cold temperatures coming over the New Year’s holiday some smaller waters may freeze enough to support ice fishing. Use caution and check ice thickness frequently. 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.
Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose is a lake to try this winter for 7 to 9 inch bluegill.
Farm Creek Lake
Farm Creek has quality size panfish and will provide good ice fishing this winter.
Lakes in the southwest district are beginning to form skim ice. Fishing reports will continue when ice is safe. 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 – Slow: 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 – Slow: 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 – Slow: 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 17.48 ft. /20,100 cfs./ 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri dropped .87 feet from last week. There are ice chunks flowing on much of the Missouri River. 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.
