NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Anglers are picking up bluegill and crappie near shore. Try areas near structure and closer to shore in 4-8 feet of water. Use a piece of crawler fished on a small jig under a bobber or small minnows.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Black Crappie – Fair: Fish near shore with a crawler or small minnow on a jig. Anglers are having the most luck fishing in the marina and near the inlet. Walleye – Fair: Anglers fishing from shore and boat are picking up walleye. Use crawlers or crankbaits near shore on the north and south areas of the lake. Best bite is evening into dark.

North Twin Lake
There are several reports of crappie being picked up near shore. Try near shore with minnows or crawlers on a jig suspended below a bobber.

Black Hawk Lake
Water level is 10 inches over the crest of the spillway. Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers continue to have luck picking up crappie near shore with a small jig fished below a bobber. Most action has been in Town Bay and near the inlet bridge. As water temperatures climb into the mid-60s, crappie action will be best near shore. Bluegill – Good: Large numbers of bluegill are being caught on jigs and a small piece of crawler fished under a bobber. They are biting in all areas of the lake but most are having luck in Town Bay along shore and especially on the stone piers. Lots of 6 inch fish, but some anglers are picking up good numbers of 8 inch fish so some sorting is required. Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing continues to be good. Increasing catches have been seen along Ice House Point; fish are still being picked up along the east shore near the outlet. Anglers are having luck fishing evening and into the dark. Use mid-sized twister tails, leeches and crawlers near shore. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing continues to be great; they are hitting almost anything thrown at them right now in efforts to beef up before their spawning season. Use crawlers, crankbaits, plastics and topwater lures. Try near the inlet bridge and in 1-3 feet of water along shore. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake. Muskellunge – Fair: Some fish over 30 inches have been picked up. Those fishing crankbaits from a boat in 3-5 feet of water have had the most luck. There is a 40 inch minimum length limit on muskellunge.

For more information contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.

Upper Pine Lake
Bass are starting to hit on plastic worm and deep diving crankbaits.

Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching a few bass. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill and crappie are fair in rocks near dam at Smith Lake.

Clear Lake
Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing continues to be good. Boat anglers have been catching fish near Dodges Point and Billys Reef on minnows with leadheads or on slip bobbers. Trolling has also started to produce. Shore fishermen have been catching fish near the island, the east outlet, Ventura grade or on the State Dock on the north shore. The State Reef and Dollar dock point have seen some action from boat anglers this week. Use minnows or a twister or swimbait. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish near inlets and windblown shorelines in the early season with cut bait, worms or minnows. The water is still very clear in the shallows, so fish a little deeper on the calm days. Muskellunge – Fair: Some muskies have been caught near the Ventura grade, the east outlet and the state dock area. Yellow Bass – Good: Yellow bass fishing has been good to excellent on certain days and locations. Good numbers of yellows have been caught this week off of the state dock on the north shore and also by the Ventura grade with minnows or crawlers. Boats and a few wader fishermen have started to catch some yellows by the island. It’s not fast yet but some are being caught there. White Bass – Fair: A few white bass have been caught on the Ventura grade with minnows or twisters.

Lake Cornelia
Walleye – Good: Smaller sized walleyes have been biting well on artificial bait. Yellow Bass – Good. Bluegill – Good: Panfish bite is good. Lots of smaller ones are biting on live bait.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)
Northern Pike – Good: The Iowa River above Eldora: Northern pike are biting on spinner baits.

Winnebago River
Northern Pike – Fair: One report of some northerns being caught this week around Mason City.

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
Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Casting jigs tipped with live bait into shallow rock piles. Look for sunny warm days with calm conditions. Black Bullhead – Fair: Look for action at the north grade to improve as water temperature’s warm. Fish crawlers on the bottom for the best action.

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers fishing after dark will catch angler acceptable and larger fish. Use cut bait on the bottom for this hard fighting game fish. Black Crappie – Fair: Dock anglers casting a mini jig tipped with bait have had good results; swim the jig slowly back for the best action. Yellow Bass – Good: Good action during the late afternoon casting a jig tipped with wigglers or wax worms under a bobber. Bluegill – Good: Boat anglers fishing the north end docks on the east side of the lake will catch good numbers of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch. Cast a mini-jig and swim it back to the boat slowly.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Shore anglers fishing after dark have been hit or miss; good numbers are being caught when the fish are active. Cast slowing moving lures such as a modified minnow imitation lure.

West Okoboji Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Look for action to pick up as the water warms. Bluegill – Fair: Expect an upswing to the fishery once warmer weather returns. Look for wooden docks for the best action.

Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Black Bullhead – Good: Good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish are being caught.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Last week, DNR personnel and a small group of volunteers installed 50 cedar tree clusters in 8 locations around the south side of the lake. Many of these sites are within casting distance of the shoreline. Black Crappie – Good: Use a small jig tipped with a minnow or small plastic worm. Cast your line out with a bobber. Let it sit for a bit then give your line a tiny tug. Take up the slack and repeat very slowly.

Lake Hendricks
Fish activity slowed this week with cooler temperatures and fewer anglers have been out. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are looking for shallower water to build their nests. Their nests are usually in silty sandy substrate and look like baby elephants stomped in the lake bed. Black Crappie – Fair: A few anglers are catching crappies with a small jig tipped with a minnow fished under a bobber.

Lake Meyer
Crappies were beginning to bite but cooler temperatures have slowed them up a bit.  Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are moving into the rocky areas as temperatures are warmer there. Use a small jig tipped with a minnow.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
River water clarity is excellent and levels are stable. Walleye – Fair: Try around log jams or current breaks and under rock ledges. White Sucker – Fair: Anglers are still catching a few suckers. A worm on a hook fished off the bottom works best.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
River clarity is excellent and levels are stable. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Use small crankbaits, spinner baits and bright colored jigs tipped with a minnow. Walleye – Fair. Brown Trout – Fair: Anglers continue to catch trout around the mouths of tributaries.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Cooler temperatures slowed the bite and fewer anglers have been out. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. Walleye – Slow.

Decorah District Streams
Trout anglers should be aware it is turkey hunting season and hunters are highly camouflaged. Wear bright colors but NOT red, blue, brown, or white. Morel mushrooms are also beginning to pop up. Our angler accesses on private property only allow for fishing. All other activities must be permitted by the landowner. Brook Trout – Good. Brown Trout – Good: Caddis flies have been hatching in mid-afternoon. Rainbow Trout – Good.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Vernon Springs impoundment has been busy with anglers but fish are slow to take the bait. Walleye – Slow.

Temperatures will range in the mid-50’s to mid-60’s with rain showers likely. Area lakes and streams are in good condition. Cooler temperatures this past week have slowed fish activity. Contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
Anglers are catching crappie in Silver Lake in Delaware County near the town of Delhi.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Smallmouth bass fishing has really picked up with the onset of warmer water temperatures. Walleye fishing has slowed a bit but still remains fair to good. Walleye – Good: Jig and plastics or bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow has been dynamite for walleye. Slowly bounce and retrieve while keeping contact with the river bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Apply the same techniques you would use while fishing for walleye for some great smallie action. Spinners and crankbaits work well as water temperatures increase.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Reports have been good for walleye and smallmouth bass on the Shell Rock River. Walleye – Good: Jig and plastics or bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow has been dynamite for walleye. Slowly bounce and retrieve while keeping contact with the river bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Apply the same techniques you would use while fishing for walleye for some great smallie action. Spinners and crankbaits work well as water temperatures increase.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There have been reports of anglers targeting the Upper Wapsipinicon River for northern pike; also good reports of anglers catching walleye on the river. Northern Pike – Good: Drift a live chub or shiner under a bobber near deep off-current areas. Use spoons and spinners. Walleye – Good: Jig and plastics or bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow has been dynamite for walleye. Slowly bounce and retrieve while keeping contact with the river bottom.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been reports of anglers doing well on walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River. Walleye – Good: Jig and plastics or bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow has been dynamite for walleye. Slowly bounce and retrieve while keeping contact with the river bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Apply the same techniques you would use while fishing for walleye for some great smallie action. Spinners and crankbaits work well as water temperatures increase.

The interior rivers remain in excellent condition. Fishing continues to be good on catches of walleye and smallmouth bass on the interior rivers. Trout stocking season is in full swing with the streams remaining in excellent condition. For further information, contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level is 7.0 feet at Dubuque tailwater and 9.4 feet at the RR bridge. These levels are down from last week but water levels are expected to rise after recent rains. Water temperature in the main channel is 56 degrees.  Angling was reported by many as slow but the weather was not the most conducive to fishing this week. Northern Pike – Fair: The River has a good population of northern pike.  The northern pike spawn is underway and usually pike don’t do much during that time. Once the spawn is over, they immediately go into feeding mode. This should occur in the next few weeks. Walleye – Slow: Loads of small walleye were caught this spring and continue to be persistent in the creel. The 2015 year class measures one of the largest ever.  It should bode well for the future of walleye fishing in the Mississippi River. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Last week we heard of some nice largemouths being caught in Pool 12.  The cool weather and water temperature drop may have slowed the bite. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Lots of freshwater drum can be caught.  Cut out all the red meat when cleaning them and they are a fine eating fish. Black Crappie – Slow: Just a few crappie reports starting to come in.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 7.8 feet at Bellevue which is down from last week. Expect water to rise slowly all week. Paddlefish season is closed. Lots of species of fish were reported caught this week but nothing substantial was reported.  The cold weather snap hindered anglers. Walleye – Fair: The walleye spawn is nearly done. Some males still reported on the spawning beds.  Catch can get difficult immediately post spawn. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of bass of all sizes reported this week.  Spring Lake has been producing some real nice sized bass. Yellow Perch – Good: The yellow perch spawn is done and they have reappeared in the creel. Use a minnow head fished on the bottom. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Loads of freshwater drum are being caught, many from bank anglers. Use large crayfish to catch really large drum. Channel Catfish – Good: Some catfish are beginning to show up in the creel.  Most anglers are using cut bait but hearing some reports of using stink bait as well. Northern Pike – Fair: Some northern pike have reported cutting off lines of panfish anglers.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level was recorded at 7.2 feet at Fulton, 11.0 feet at Camanche and 5.8 feet at Le Claire.  These readings are all down a bit from last week. Water is expected to rise slowly all week. Paddlefish season is closed. Walleye – Slow: Walleye spawning is done; the walleye bite can be difficult during the spawn and post spawn. Soon they will move onto the wing dams. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum have started biting in earnest. Simple sliding sinkers and worms fished in current work best. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of small bass are being taken in the tailwaters but some larger ones are coming out of bigger backwaters. Fish are in shallow water. Black Crappie – Fair: Not a lot of crappie reported but they are quite nice sized when caught.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is 7.9 feet at Rock Island, down slightly from last week. Expect water levels to rise this week. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Freshwater drum are abundant in Pool 15 and can easily be caught from shore. Try fishing the eagles landing area with worm and egg sinkers. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are starting to show up in the creel.  Many are being caught with night crawlers fished on the bottom.

Water temperature in the main channel was up to 62 degrees but has fallen to 57 with the cold snap. Most of the major predators such as walleyes and pike are done spawning, but panfish and bass spawning will begin soon. Water levels are predicted for a rise throughout the week.  Paddlefish snagging season is over for the year.

SOUTHEAST
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
There have been good numbers of anglers out catching trout during the nicer days. Rainbow Trout – Good: Plenty of trout are still left from the trout release. Use power bait or wax worms fished beneath bobbers or small jigs.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is around 56-58 degrees, a little warmer on the sunny warm days. Largemouth Bass – Good: Work the flooded timber and the underwater mounds at the upper end of the lake when the sun is out in the afternoons. Bluegill – Fair: Last weekend was slow for bluegills. Black Crappie – Fair: Expect the next nice weather to bring them in to spawn as it’s just about time for them to spawn.

Lake Darling
Water temperature on Tuesday morning was 64 degrees. After a cold rain Wednesday and nighttime temperature of 46 degrees, Thursday morning’s water temperature was back down to 58 degrees. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are picking up some nice fat 7.5 to 8.5 inch bluegills while fishing for crappies. Black Crappie – Good: Tuesday the crappies were in next to shore, Thursday morning even the little pre-spawners were back out to 3 to 4 feet of water. No females are releasing eggs yet. Largemouth Bass – Good: The cool down didn’t seem to bother the bass any as they were actively hunting the little crappies Thursday morning.

Wilson Lake
Still plenty of trout are left for the catching. Rainbow Trout – Good: Look for the trout around the cedar tree and culvert piles. Bluegill – Good: Anglers are picking up a few bluegills while fishing for trout.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Water level is at a nice level for getting around with a boat. Not much fishing activity lately. Look for some catfish lurking around the mouths of the feeder streams after the recent rains.

Big Hollow Lake
The rain and cool night time temperatures have pushed the fish back out a little ways to deeper 4-5 feet water. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are in shallow feeding on insects. Look for them in the bays on the north side of the lake and the islands where the sun can warm the water. Black Crappie – Good: Catch crappies in about 4 feet of water around the trees. Expect them to head right back in shallow when it warms back up.

Deep Lakes
Water is as always very clear, water temperatures earlier this week was in the mid-60’s in most of the ponds. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies were in shallow; a few were spawning. Largemouth Bass – Good: A few males were in shallow building nests last weekend. The drop in water temperature the last couple of days most likely slowed this work down.

For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.

Hannen Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair.

Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Lake Macbride
Surface temperatures are about 60 degrees. The water has become very clear with visibility in the main lake up to 15 feet. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are starting to move shallower with the warming weather and water temperatures. Try fishing around rock and wood. Walleye – Fair: Anglers trolling spinner rigs and crankbaits are having some success. Most fish are 13-18 inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is 9′ low due to the upcoming lake restoration project. The main 4 lane ramps have been extended with rock to allow smaller boats to still get in. The farthest east ramp is the deepest, but caution still should be used. 4×4 vehicles only. Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair. White Bass – Fair.

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Black Crappie – Excellent: Look for crappies around shallow rock and brush. Two age classes of crappies are being caught, which are about 7 and 9 inches. Tube jigs have been the most productive. Bluegill – Fair: Some 7-8 inch fish are being caught on worms and small jigs.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at normal spring pool of 679′. Boating above Bobbers Marina is not recommended. Channel Catfish – Fair. White Crappie – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.

Sand Lake
This is the quarry on the east end of Marshalltown. Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout were stocked here on April 23rd. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish of all sizes are being caught on minnows under slip bobbers. Rainbow Trout – Fair.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Reports are from Tama County. Channel Catfish – Fair: Many typical catfish baits have been working.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Red Haw Lake
Anglers have been doing good using a minnow and bobber for crappies. Channel catfish have been biting on liver or nightcrawler. Target largemouth bass with crankbaits. Use a chunk of nightcrawler under a bobber for bluegills.

Lake Keomah
The road construction project at Lake Keomah State Park is ongoing but the roads are now open to get to the lake. Anglers have been catching bluegills and crappies on small jigs and largemouth bass with spinnerbaits.

Lake Sugema
Target largemouth bass with crankbaits or spinner baits. Try a jig tipped with a minnow along the rocky shorelines for walleye. Anglers have been catching crappie using small jigs or jigs and minnows. Try areas around the flooded timber for crappies. Keep moving until you find active fish.

Bob White Lake
A complete fisheries renovation was completed in September. Fingerlings were stocked in the fall.

Ottumwa Park Pond East (Trout Pond)
2000 trout were stocked in late March. A trout stamp is required to fish for or possess trout. Try spinners or other baits that will catch the trout’s attention.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.76. The current surface water temperature is 57 °F. Anglers have been catching channel catfish using cut bait or shad sides. Target areas where the wind blows into the shoreline or around rocky shorelines. Crappie fishing has remained slow and should improve with warmer weather. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

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
Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Crappies can be found in high numbers in Don Williams this spring. Their sizes are not large yet, but with selection a decent bag can be caught. Most fish are not tight to shore spawning yet. Slowly troll or drift 1/8 ounce jigs with small white or chartreuse twister tails out from shore in 15-20 feet of water. Crappies are suspended from 5 to 10 feet down. As the water temperature climbs into the mid to upper 60s, crappie will be more catchable near the shore using minnows under a bobber.

Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing has picked up. Fish in 4 to 6 feet of water with jigs tipped with live minnows or minnows under a bobber. The jetties around the SE boat ramp are good areas for shore anglers to target first.

Hickory Grove Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: A fair to good pre-spawn crappie bite has been going at Hickory Grove. Some crappies are still being caught along the shore at the tubes on the upper end of the lake. Better catches will start to come from the wood habitat, especially in the bays. Cast bright colored chartreuse panfish jigs or live minnows under a bobber close to treefalls and alongside the shoreline shrubbery that hangs out into the water.

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are beginning to be caught shallow. They are being found in open pockets in the vegetation around the rock jetties, along the west shoreline and along the dam. Cast minnows under a bobber into these open pockets.

Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie – Good: Anglers looking for some of the largest crappies in Central Iowa should consider trying Red Rock. Numbers of large 11-14 inch crappies are the highest they’ve been in recent years, which should make for an excellent spring of crappie fishing as long as water levels cooperate. Start by fishing minnows near rock and wood in bays off the main lake and Whitebreast arm. Drifting or trolling minnows and panfish jigs in these bays prior to the spawn can produce fish also.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers fishing between Saylorville and Birdland and below Center Street dam in Des Moines have been doing well catching channel catfish slowly retrieving large plastic swim baits or still fishing with dead gizzard shad. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Anglers fishing large plastic swim baits for catfish and walleyes below the dams in Des Moines are occasionally hooking into some good size hybrid striped bass. White Bass – Good: White bass are being caught below the dams in Des Moines casting twister tails and shad imitating plastic swim baits.

Crappie fishing will be the best bite in Central Iowa lakes through mid-May. The cool, wet weather is a temporary setback until warmer temperatures return for the first week of May. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake is a good spot to try early spring catfishing and crappie fishing. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies can be caught along the dam and around jetties on warm days during early spring. Fish will average 9 inches. Channel Catfish – Slow: Greenfield is a good lake for early spring catfishing. Cast shad sides or cut bait around jetties to catch fish averaging 2 pounds.

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has a good bluegill and crappie population and is a good spot for early spring fishing. White Crappie – Slow: Meadow has a small population of large white crappie. Try around the jetties and underwater reefs to catch fish up to 14 inches. Black Crappie – Slow: Fish surveys indicate a large year class of black crappies. They will average 8.5 inches. Bluegill – Slow: Meadow bluegill will average 8.5 inches.

Mormon Trail Lake
There is a big year class of 9 inch black crappies in Mormon Trail Lake that is expected to provide some good spring fishing. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers reported catching crappies around the jetties and along the dam. Bluegill – Slow: A few 8 inch bluegills are being caught.

Littlefield Lake
Littlefield is a good spot for early spring catfishing action. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish in the upper ends of the lake where water warms first. Use cut bait or shad sides. Black Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught with minnows. Fish will average 10 inches.

Lake Anita
Fishing starts early at Lake Anita as crappies and bluegills move into the east arm on the warm sunny days. Black Crappie – Good: Fish in the pontoon area of the lake with jigs and minnows 2 feet under a bobber. Sorting is necessary for 10 inch fish. Bluegill – Fair: Cast small jigs tipped with power bait to catch bluegills up to 9.5 inches.

Viking Lake
Viking Lake is flooded after heavy rains on Wednesday.  Channel Catfish – No Report: Cast shad sides around structure to catch early spring catfish. Fish will average 2 pounds. Black Crappie – No Report: The crappie bite has picked up in the campground arm.

Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose water clarity is good. Bluegills are being caught around brush piles and jetties. Bluegill – Fair: Quality size bluegills can be caught around brush piles and jetties.

DeSoto Bend at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
Anglers report catching walleye and crappie at Desoto Bend. White Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught around rocky shorelines with minnow. Fish are 10 inches. Walleye – Fair: Anglers report catching walleye slow trolling minnows in 5 feet of water on sand bars.

Lake Manawa
Anglers are catching crappies in the canals on the north side of the lake on warm sunny days. Sorting is necessary for larger fish. A few catfish are being caught on the south side of the lake. White Crappie – Fair: Cast jigs or minnows under a bobber on warm sunny days to catch crappies in the canals. Fish will range in size up to 12 inches. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes can be caught drifting crawlers or slow trolling crankbaits on the south side of the lake. Channel Catfish – Slow: Anglers are catching catfish with cut bait.

Anderson Area Pond 1
Anglers have reported good catches of crappie along the dam on warm sunny days. Water clarity at Anderson was affected by heavy rain. Black Crappie – Good: Cast jigs 2 feet under a bobber along the dam or in the upper end by the parking area to catch crappie averaging 10 inches.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Farm ponds warm before lakes and provide good spring fishing. Always get permission before fishing private ponds. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers reported large catches of crappies with jigs and minnows under a bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Cast tear drops or very small jigs with wax worms or power bait under a slip bobber to find early spring bluegills. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cast shad sides or cut bait in the upper ends of ponds.

Heavy rains and flooding will slow fishing in some locations in the southwest district. Anglers should concentrate close to rocky shorelines for spawning crappies. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.

Lake Icaria
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught with jigs or minnows fished near shallow rocky areas or the flooded timber.

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught on minnows and twister tail jigs fished along the dam and rock fields in the evening. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches have been caught with jigs and minnows fished along rocky areas in the campground cove.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught with jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Three Mile Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 9 inches have been caught with minnows fished near the flooded timber. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes up to 18 inches have been caught with jigs tipped with a leech fished along the roadbed or dam.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches have been caught with jigs tipped with a wax worm or earthworms fished near flooded timber in coves. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 11 inches have been caught using jigs tipped with a wax worm or earthworms fished near flooded timber in coves.

Water temperature in the Mount Ayr district lakes is approximately 60 degrees. For more information, please contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 21.27 ft. /31,000cfs./ 53 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri is up .57 feet from last week and is continuing to rise. The weather has not been cooperative for fishing on the Missouri River. Several recent rains and storms have prevented anglers from getting out on the Missouri River.