NORTHWEST
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Look for bluegill spawning beds near shore in 2-6 feet of water in areas containing sandy or gravel substrate. Fish are usually visible as they guard these nests; try throwing a small jig fished under a bobber. Use a small piece of crawler or wax worm. This lake has good numbers of 8+ inch bluegills; this is a great time of year to target these fish.

Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are on beds. Fish these areas (4-10 feet of water) near shore with a small jig tipped with a crawler under a bobber. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are spawning. Fish areas near shore in 3-8 feet of water with a jig fished under a bobber. Use a small piece of crawler or minnow. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch have been picked up in areas near shore with crawlers and minnows. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are being picked up in 10-20 feet of water.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
The dredge is in operation in the northeast portion of the lake. Boaters should use extreme caution in this area of the lake and must maintain a 100 foot distance from the dredge, booster pump and all dredge pipes at all times. Storm Lake has a daily limit of 3 walleye and all 17 to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are picking up crappies in the marina with a small jig fished under a bobber. Use a small piece of crawler or minnow. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes are being picked up using crankbaits fished in the dredge cuts and also from shore with leeches or crankbaits. Those fishing from shore are having the best luck in early morning and around sunset. White Bass – Slow: The white bass bite has been slow. A few have been picked up with crawlers and crankbaits. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers have reported catching catfish from shore with stink bait or cut bait fished off the bottom.

Swan Lake
Bluegill – Good: Anglers are picking up bluegill near shore in areas with 2-5 feet of water. Expect to see bluegills guarding nests this time of year near shore in areas with sandy or gravel substrate. Use a small jig under a bobber with a small piece of crawler, wax worm or minnow. Black Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are being picked up with minnows or crappie candy baits fished under a bobber in 2-5 feet of water

Black Hawk Lake
Water levels are about 10 inches over the crest of the spillway. Water temperature is in the low 70’s. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are picking up spawning crappie near shore. Throw a jig tipped with crawler or crappie candy bait fished under a bobber in 2-3 feet of water. Bluegill – Good: Large numbers of bluegill are being caught on small jigs tipped with small piece of crawler fished under a bobber near shore. They are biting in all areas of the lake in about 2-4 feet of water. Bluegill nests can be seen in some areas near shore containing sandy and gravel substrate. Target the fish guarding these nests with a small jig tipped with crawler fished under a bobber. Walleye – Fair: Anglers continue to pick up good numbers of walleye. The bite is best after sunset. Leeches, white twisters and crankbaits are effective. Shore along Ice House Point and the North Shore Picnic area of the lake have been productive. Fish are being picked up anywhere with rocky structure and also near the inlet bridge. There is no minimum length limit for walleye at Black Hawk Lake and a daily bag limit of 5 fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing continues to be great. Most are being caught on plastics and minnows fished in 1-5 feet of water. Top water baits and twisters work well. They are biting any time of day. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)
Water is clear. Bluegills are on beds. Curlyleaf Pondweed (an aquatic invasive plant) is present. Anglers must clean all visible aquatic plant material from their boat before leaving any water body. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have picked up bluegills. Bluegills are on beds, especially towards the north end in 1-5 feet of water. A recent electrofishing survey documented 9+ inch bluegills. Black Crappie – Fair: Several crappies have been picked up recently. Fish near shore with a minnow or crawler on a jig fished below a bobber.

Arrowhead Lake
Expect to see bluegill spawning beds near shore in areas 2-6 feet deep with sand or gravel substrate. With the clear water the males guarding the nests are often visible and can be targeted using a small jig fished under a bobber. Try a small black colored jig tipped with a small piece of crawler or wax worm fished under a bobber. Spawning crappie can also be picked up near shore this time of year with a jig and minnow or crawler.

Black Hawk Pits
Expect to see bluegill spawning beds near shore in areas 2-6 feet deep with sand or gravel substrate. With the clear water the males guarding the nests are often visible and can be targeted using a small jig fished under a bobber. Try a small black colored jig tipped with a small piece of crawler or wax worm fished under a bobber. Spawning crappie can also be picked up near shore this time of year with a jig and minnow or crawler.

Water temperatures in western Iowa are in the low 70’s. Bluegill and crappie fishing near shore is good in most of our area lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.

Blue Lake
Water levels in the lake are high but fishing has been good.  Largemouth Bass – Good: With the water levels up there is a lot of shoreline vegetation submerged. Concentrate on these areas with weedless lures. Bluegill – Fair: Fish a worm under a bobber near vegetation.

Lower Pine Lake
Some anglers are catching decent sized crappies with minnows and artificial lures. Bluegills are slow and small on bother upper and lower lakes. There have been a few reports of big largemouth being caught in both upper and lower pine lakes lately.

Lake Smith
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are biting well and should be in pre-spawn and making nests. Size varies. Largemouth Bass – Good. Channel Catfish – Good: Try fishing near the rocks with cut bait or worms under a bobber. Black Crappie – Slow: Slow to fair. Use small jigs in and around rocks where they might be spawning.

Lake Catherine
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are biting on plastic worms jigged along the bottom.

Clear Lake
Water temperature is about 70 degrees. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are starting to use the shallows in the pockets of the cattails and rushes. Use a bobber and cut bait, worms or minnows. Yellow Bass – Good: Action has slowed for the spawn but is not done yet. Best times are from 5-7 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. Fish near the island, Dodges Point, the rocky shoreline near the outlet or Billy’s Reef. Northshore docks have also been good on a south wind day. Use a small 1/32 ounce hair jig tipped with a small piece of minnow or crawler under a bobber or with a couple split shot on bottom. Walleye – Fair: Action for keeper size walleyes has been slower this week. Fish are generally still using shallow water since it is fairly turbid from wind and rain. Fish have been caught close to docks, in the rushes or edges of them and trolling shallow. Black Crappie – Good: The crappie spawn is almost finished. Use a small jig and cane pole and dip it in pockets in the cattail beds on the little lake. Also check around the north shore docks. Muskellunge – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Target perch inside the rushes on the north shore or near Farmer’s Beach.

Bluebill Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Fish the shorelines with a plastic worm on a Carolina rig or a real worm on a bobber. Bluegill – Good: Some nice bluegills are being caught wading the shoreline and drifting live baits or flies. A few largemouth, crappie and perch are also biting while bluegill fishing. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies have been hit or miss this week, with a few bigger days for nice sized crappies.

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
Walleye – Good: Numbers of small angler acceptable size fish are being caught. Fish the aquatic vegetation for best results. Black Bullhead – Good: Bullhead action has slowed; best action has been during the evening hours.

Center Lake
Black Crappie – Excellent: Good numbers of black crappie are being caught by the Center Lake boat ramp. Anglers fishing the pier are also having success.

East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers fishing after dark will catch angler acceptable size and larger fish. Use cut bait on the bottom for this hard fighting game fish. Bluegill – Good: Fish are currently on beds; fish shallow with small jigs. Black Crappie – Good: Cast small jig lures tipped with bait on the wooden docks.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: Shore and boat anglers have been harvesting good numbers of walleye with the additional “jumbo” yellow perch mixed in the catch.

Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Boat anglers are catching good numbers; fish vertically with a jig tipped with wigglers. Dock anglers casting jigs will produce numbers; fish evening hours for the best action.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
A few roads in the park are scheduled for maintenance this year, but the park will remain open. The recreation area is in excellent condition with quite a bit of activity. 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. Bluegill – Good: Try a worm threaded on a hook fished under a bobber to catch bluegills moving into shallow water. Largemouth Bass – Good: Crankbaits work well. Bass are also hitting a jig tipped with a night crawler. Make sure to leave a long tail for the bass to nibble on.

Lake Hendricks
Fish activity has increased and anglers are beginning to take a few fish home. Live baits are working well for all fish. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are on spawning beds. Black Crappie – Slow: Crappie activity has slowed this week. Try trolling over structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass activity has picked up. Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or crankbait.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity on Lake Meyer is excellent at 10 feet. A good cast into habitat will do better than sitting on top of habitat. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning. Use a small piece of worm fished under a bobber. Black Crappie – Slow: Focus efforts on crappies around the submerged habitat. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try fishing in evening with a shallow water crankbait from shore. Bass will also take a top water lure.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Recent rainfall events have brought the river up, but it has stabilized. Water temperatures are in the low 70’s. Water levels and clarity may change depending on rainfall amounts over the next several days. The bite should improve with spawning ending. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing 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. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Use small crankbaits or a hook tipped with a worm.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
River clarity is off and levels are slowly rising due to recent rainfall events. Clarity should improve quickly. Water temperatures are in the low 70’s. Anglers are catching a nice variety of fish. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Anglers are using small spinner baits fished off current breaks. Walleye – Good: Use crankbaits fished off current breaks. Northern Pike – Fair: Look for pike in brush piles and undercut banks or rock ledges. Channel Catfish – Fair: A hook tipped with worm fished along a brush pile works well.

Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is in excellent condition but this may change depending on where the storms go and how much rain falls. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Use a jig tipped with a minnow. Walleye – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a twister tail or minnow. Switch between the two when the action slows. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish activity has picked up with recent rains. Try baiting the hook with a chunked up piece of chub and fish off the bottom.

Decorah District Streams
Water clarity is off color on many area streams, but streams with better watersheds should clear up quickly. Increasing numbers of mayfly hatches in the evenings have been observed. Our angler accesses on private property only allow for fishing. All other activities must be permitted by the landowner.  Brook Trout – Good: Brook trout may be a bit more difficult to catch when the water is cloudy. Try using a spinner to catch its eye. Brown Trout – Good: Caddis flies, small mayflies, midges and gnats are becoming more numerous. Dry fly angling has been excellent. Use a #16 or 18 for the pale evening dun hatches. Try a blue wing olive with a gnarly midge dropper. Be prepared to change flies often. ,Rainbow Trout – Good: All streams are being stocked with trout. Use a hook tipped with a worm, cheese or dough ball.

This weekend’s weather appears to be a repeat of last week’s with a chance of scattered thunderstorms throughout the weekend and temperatures in the low 80’s during the day to mid-50’s at night. Our area received 0.3 to 1.5 inches of rain. This last round of storms may have turned area streams off color, but most are fishable or will be fishable by the weekend. Please contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
Bluegills have moved into the shallows along the weedy edges of vegetation; catch has been good but some sorting may be required. Bluegill – Good: Cast light jigs near the edges of vegetation or a small piece of worm under a bobber. Black Crappie – Fair: Try casting or vertical fishing small colored jigs near the weed edges. Northern Pike – Good: Try vertical jigging near the edges of weed lines or casting and retrieving weedless spoons through the curly leaf pondweed.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are doing well on largemouth bass and fair on bluegill in Casey Lake. Bluegills are moving in shallow in preparation for the spring spawn. Bluegill – Fair: Slowly drift and retrieve small 1/32 or 1/16 oz. jigs over the spawning beds. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try casting topwater baits early morning or late evening. Spinner baits or crankbaits work well during the daytime hours.

Big Woods Lake
Anglers are having success catching crappie in Big Woods Lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Try casting hair jigs or various colored tube jigs near the shallows.

George Wyth Lake
There have been good reports of quality size crappie being taken from George Wyth Lake. Concentrate efforts near the fishing dock or off of the jetties. Black Crappie – Fair: Try casting hair jigs or various colored tube jigs near the shallows.

South Prairie Lake
Reports have been fair for crappie and bluegill on South Prairie Lake, but quality has been on the smaller side. Black Crappie – Fair: Try casting hair jigs or various colored tube jigs near the shallows and along submerged vegetation. Bluegill – Fair: Try casting light jigs near the edges of vegetation or small piece of worm under a bobber.

Plainfield Lake
Plainfield Lake has provided some quality sized bluegill, but anglers have had to work for them. Bluegill – Fair: Present the lightest oz. jig possible allowing the jig to slowly fall in the water column.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is currently falling and the catfish are biting. Conditions by the weekend could be favorable for walleye as well. Walleye – Fair: A jig tipped with a night crawler this time of year is a deadly combination or casting crankbaits for walleye. Channel Catfish – Good: Cut baits, stink baits and crawlers fished on the bottom have been producing some nice catches of channel catfish.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is currently falling and the catfish are biting. Conditions by the weekend could be favorable for walleye as well. Channel Catfish – Good: Cut baits, stink baits and crawlers fished on the bottom have been producing some nice catches of channel catfish. Walleye – Fair: A jig tipped with a night crawler this time of year is a deadly combination or casting crankbaits for walleye.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River remains fairly high but is falling; conditions for the upcoming weekend do not look ideal at this time. Walleye – Slow: Casting crankbaits has been hot this past week as water temperatures warm. A jig tipped with half a crawler is a deadly combination this time of year. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Cast & retrieve crankbaits, spinner baits or topwater plugs near and along rocky shorelines or woody debris.

Channel catfish may be an angler’s best choice heading into the upcoming weekend. Interior rivers have risen and are beginning to fall. Trout streams remain in excellent condition in Northeast Iowa, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 8.8 feet at Lansing and will level off over the next week. Water temperature is 74 degrees. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing slowed a bit in the cool weather, but should pick up as the water warms. Look for fish along backwater structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait or worms on the bottom work best for trying to find feeding cats. Walleye – Slow: Walleye should be moving towards wing dams, but fishing has been slow with so much water. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Flathead catfish are getting more active as they prepare for the spawn. Try deep holes along the main channel or side channel closing dams using live bait. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish backwater area shorelines with small tackle tipped with a worm. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have scattered to the wing dams and deep closing dams. Try slow trolling a crawler rig along the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level at Lynxville has risen to 17.3 feet and is expected to level off over the next week. Water temperature is at 74 degrees. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing slowed a bit in the cool weather, but should pick up as the water warms. Look for fish along backwater structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait or worms on the bottom work best for trying to find feeding cats. Walleye – Slow: Walleye should be moving towards wing dams, but fishing has been slow with so much water. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish are getting more active as they prepare for the spawn. Try deep holes along the main channel or side channel closing dams using live bait. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish backwater area shorelines with small tackle tipped with a worm. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have scattered to the wing dams and deep closing dams. Try slow trolling a crawler rig along the wing dams.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level at Guttenberg has risen to is 8.9 feet and is expected to level off this week. Water temp is 74 degrees. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth fishing slowed a bit in the cool weather, but should pick up as the water warms. Look for fish along backwater structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait or worms on the bottom work best for trying to find feeding cats. Walleye – Slow: Walleye should be moving towards wing dams, but fishing has been slow with so much water. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Flathead catfish are getting more active as they prepare for the spawn. Try deep holes along the main channel or side channel closing dams using live bait. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish backwater area shorelines with small tackle tipped with worm. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have scattered to the wing dams and deep closing dams. Try slow trolling a crawler rig along the wing dams.

The Upper Mississippi River levels have risen a foot and are expected to level off this week. Fishing action continues to improve with rising water temperatures. Water temperatures have risen into the mid-70’s.

Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level is 7.9 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and 10.3 feet at the RR bridge. These levels are up from last week and water levels are expected to continue to gradually rise. Water temperature in the main channel is 74 degrees which is up from last week.  Northern Pike – Fair: The River has a good population of northern pike. Walleye – Good: Reports on walleye angling in Pool 12 were mixed, but some nice walleyes are being caught. Anglers using crawlers seem to have the best results. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The bass bite has been off the past few weeks, but anglers are starting to report many small bass along rock piles and in the tailwater rip rap. Freshwater Drum – Good: Lots of freshwater drum can be caught. Cut out all the red meat when cleaning them and they are a fine eating fish. Throw them immediately on ice if you plan on eating them.

Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 8.8 feet at Bellevue which is up from last week. Expect water levels to slowly rise all week. Fishing picked up this week along with the water temperatures. Walleye – Good: Walleyes were reported back on the wing dams. Use a small crawler rig. Largemouth Bass – Good: Spring Lake has been producing some real nice sized bass for tournament anglers. Smaller bass are being caught in the upper tailwater reaches. Yellow Perch – Fair: No reports this week, but we have had a great spring with many nice yellow perch being caught. 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: Catfish angling picked up this week. Most anglers are using stink bait in flowing sloughs, especially above log jams. Northern Pike – Fair: Not a lot of pike reported this week, but the populations of pike are excellent and even Green Island is producing some pike.

Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level was recorded at 7.9 feet at Fulton, 11.3 feet at Camanche and 6.2 feet at LeClaire.  These readings are all up a bit from last week. Water is expected to rise slowly all week. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: The drum bite is on. Simple sliding sinker and worms fished in current work best. Largemouth Bass – Good: Lots of small bass are being taken in the tailwaters; some larger ones are coming out of bigger backwaters. Females have been reported nesting in the backwater areas. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are back in the report. Few in numbers, but they are nice sized. Channel Catfish – Good: The catfish bite has started. Most are using crawlers when drum fishing but also some stink bait.

Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is 8.6 feet at Rock Island, which up a foot from last week. Expect water levels to slowly rise this upcoming week. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Freshwater drum are abundant in Pool 15 and can easily be caught from shore. Try fishing the eagles landing area a with worm and egg sinkers. Channel Catfish – Fair: Many cats are being caught with night crawlers fished on the bottom.

The river warmed up this week. Temps rose around 8 degrees this week and now are now in the upper 60’s in the main channel.  Water is predicted to recede all week.  Many panfish species and bass have started spawning.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.55 feet at Lock and Dam 16 and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen a little over a foot the past few days with the recent rains. Channel Catfish – Fair: Float crawlers or leeches under a bobber along areas with riprap. Walleye – Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams casting crankbaits or pulling three-way rigs with crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 7.28 feet at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen a little over a foot the past couple days with the recent rains. Walleye – Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams casting crankbaits or pulling three-way rigs with crawlers. Trolling crankbaits out from GPC can work too. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish along areas of riprap/rock. Try floating crawlers or leeches under a bobber along the shore.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.95 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage has risen a little over a foot with the recent rains. Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish are being caught along the rock chevrons out from Oquawka. Try floating crawlers or leeches under a bobber along the rocks. White Bass – Good: White bass are being caught by Lock and Dam 17. Cast jigs/twisters, small spinners or crankbaits. Some white bass are also being caught at the outlet of Odessa.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.62 feet at Lock and Dam 19 above Burlington. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish along riprap/rocky areas. Try floating crawlers or leeches under a bobber along the riprap. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Try casting crankbaits or pulling three-ways rigs with crawlers.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tailwater stages have risen a little over a foot throughout the pools the past couple days with the recent rains. Water clarity is fair. Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams. Channel catfish are being caught fishing along rock. Clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another waterbody. If you have questions on fishing Pools16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Water temperature Tuesday afternoon was 79 degrees. Water clarity is 11 feet. Bluegill – Good: Males are in the bedding areas still waiting for the females. Females are close but not yet ready to spawn. That should change in a few more days. Largemouth Bass – Good: The bass are in fairly shallow. Work the edges of the water willow beds. Black Crappie – Fair: Still a few crappies swimming around in the shallow water; the spawn is over. They just haven’t all left for deeper water yet.

Lake Belva Deer
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are in fairly shallow getting ready for the spawn. You’ll be catching mostly males. Females are out in deeper water staging for the spawn. Black Crappie – Slow: Anglers seemed to have one last shot at the spawn last Friday, but since then the crappies have moved back out to deeper water. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing remains good; with the curly leaf pondweed beds developing, work those edges and overtop the weed beds.

Lake Darling
Water temperature is up to 75 degrees. Even after the rain Tuesday night, water clarity remains fairly good. Bluegill – Good: Male bluegills are in building nests, females have yet to spawn and are out a little deeper and full of eggs. The nicer ones are a little over 8 inches. Use small jigs tipped with a piece of worm. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing remains good; work the shallow water habitat to find some nice bass.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
River levels are rising with the recent rains, but not too much. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are doing well using stink bait; try also a grass frog.

Big Hollow Lake
Water clarity is good. The duckweed is back, but anglers can work around it without too much trouble. Water temperature has climbed to the low 70’s. Bluegill – Good: Male bluegills are in shallow staging for the spawn. Worm and bobber will catch them. They will be on guard duty at the nests by the weekend. Females are out just on the outside edges of the nest areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Males are in shallow water.

Deep Lakes
Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing remains fairly good, although most are smaller fish. A cloudy day with a light evening breeze to put a little ripple on the water helps. Bluegill – Good: With the clear water, look for the bedding areas that male bluegills are setting up; they’re not actively guarding nets yet, but they still don’t want to abandon their territories.

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

Rodgers Park Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Some nice sized fish are being caught. Redear Sunfish – Fair: Some 9-10 inch fish are being picked up in the shallows.

Lake Macbride
The curlyleaf pondweed (vegetation) is dying off and there is a big algae bloom. The water is very green and clarity is less than two feet. Black Crappie – Fair: Most fish are done spawning and are pulling off the bank. Look for fish on deeper brush. Walleye – Slow: Anglers trolling spinner rigs and crankbaits are having some success. Most fish are 13-18 inches. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Look for fish around shallow rock and wood. Some fish are on beds while others are done spawning. Channel Catfish – Good: Stink bait or worms work best. Best reports were coming from east of the causeway.

Central Park Lake
Bluegill – Good: Some nice bluegills are being caught on small jigs or worms in shallow pockets.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is 8′ 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. Walleye – Fair: Crawlers or jig/twisters work best. White Bass – Fair: Jig/twister has been producing fish. Bluegill – Good: Try small worms in shallow pockets for spawning fish. Muskellunge – Fair: Several fish have been caught lately, although most have been unintentional.

Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed as the fish have pulled off the bank. Try around brush piles or suspended in open water. Bluegill – Good: Some 7-9 inch fish are being caught on worms and small jigs. Look for fish in shallow pockets as they are spawning now. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing is picking up on all types of baits. Most fish were 1-3 pounds.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake is at summer pool of 683.4′. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish are moving to shallow rock for the spawn. Pitch jigs or live bait along the rocks. White Crappie – Fair: Most fish are moving off the shorelines. Try steeper banks or offshore brush. Black Crappie – Fair: Most fish are moving off the shorelines. Try steeper banks or offshore brush. Walleye – Fair: A few fish are being caught on crankbaits and jigs.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Channel Catfish – Good.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Channel Catfish – Good. Shovelnose sturgeon – Fair.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Crawlers work best.

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

Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Target areas along the shorelines and around the cedar tree piles with crankbaits. Try also rubber worms or lizards in the same areas. Bluegill – Slow: Use a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Keep moving until you find active fish.

Red Haw Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows fished under a bobber or jigs tipped with a minnow. Try areas with structure such as trees in the water. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have been catching bluegills with a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Try shorelines and areas near structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass have been hitting on rubber worms or lizards and spinner baits. Try rocky shorelines and along the fishing jetties.

Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Use crankbaits or spinner baits around brush piles and other underwater structure. Try also rip-rapped shorelines with rubber worms or crawdad imitating lures. Black Bullhead – Fair: Use night crawlers fished on the bottom. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs or a jig and a minnow at different depths until you find active fish. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are biting on small jigs. Sorting is needed for larger fish with most fish running about 7 inches.

Lake Keomah
Try crankbaits and spinner baits around the end of the rock jetties and along the shorelines. Use a small jig tipped with a minnow along the shoreline for bluegills and crappies. Try different depths until you find active fish.

Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Target shorelines or rock jetties using crankbaits or spinnerbaits. Try also jig and pig combos. Black Crappie – Fair: Use jigs or jig and minnow combinations. Try areas in 4-8 feet of water. Try different colors and different depths until you find active fish. Walleye – Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or a night crawler along the dam or other rip-rapped shorelines. Minnows fished under a bobber can also be productive.

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

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.96. The current surface water temperature is 70 degrees. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels, so make sure you properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing has started to pick up. Honey Creek and Buck Creek have been the best areas. Target areas along the shoreline with structure as the fish are moving into these areas. Crappies are moving shallow to spawn. Try jig and minnows combinations or minnows fished under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish are biting on night crawlers and cut bait. Channel catfish are in the shallows spawning, so try areas with big rocks such as the dam or around the bridge at Bridgeview. Walleye – Fair: Troll or drift night crawlers around underwater islands or submerged points. Casting jigs in the shallows can also produce catches of walleye.

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 being caught tight to shore. Slowly troll or drift 1/8 ounce jigs tipped with minnows or small white or chartreuse twister tails out from shore in 15-20 feet of water in the upper half of the lake. Crappies are suspended from 5 to 10 feet down.

Mariposa Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Good catches of crappies and bluegills are being caught shore fishing off of the face of the dam with small panfish jigs tipped with crawlers.

Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Crappie fishing is good. The crappie spawn is winding down, but anglers fishing in 2 to 6 feet of water with jigs tipped with live minnows or minnows under a bobber are still catching fish. The jetties around the SE boat ramp are good areas for shore anglers to target first. Another good area during the crappie and bluegill spawn is along the face of the dam, especially the western half.

Roberts Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Crappie anglers are doing well on Roberts Creek. Crappies have moved shallow into the flooded vegetation and willows and are being caught mostly on live minnow presentations in 2-4 feet of water.

Big Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Slow: The crappie spawn bite has been slow. Anglers are picking up a few crappies in the back of the small bays near wood with minnows under a bobber. Walleye – Good: Walleye are being caught trolling spinner rigs with minnows in 10-20 feet of water and jigging tipped with crawlers or minnows. Try the perimeter of the East boat ramp bay and the stretch between the marina ramp and beach. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are up shallow right now in Big Creek. 8- 9 inch fish are being caught on small jigs tipped with crawlers fished under bobbers in 2 to 4 feet of water.

Hickory Grove Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: A fair to good crappie bite has been going on at Hickory Grove. They are being caught near 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. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being caught shallow fishing small jigs tipped with wax worms or small pieces of crawler. Hickory Grove can produce some nice 7 to 8.5 inch bluegills.

Lake Ahquabi
Black Crappie – Fair: Few crappies are being caught shallow. Suspended fish are being picked up drifting or slow trolling 1/16 or 1/8 ounce jigs with twister tails in 10 feet of water or deeper. Start out from the west shoreline or the face of the dam. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill have moved shallow and can be caught with small jigs tipped with a crawler under a bobber near treefalls on any of the rip-rap banks and in open pockets in the vegetation close to shore in 2-4 feet of water.

Ankeny Lake (DMACC)
Bluegill – Good: The high numbers of 6-7.5 inch bluegills spawning close to shore right now can provide a good opportunity for young anglers to be introduced to fishing. Cast small pieces of crawler under a bobber just past the narrow band of vegetation around the edge.

Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie – Fair: High water levels are giving anglers a challenge to locate crappies. Start by fishing minnows near any flooded rock and riprap, willows or shoreline vegetation in bays off the main lake and especially the Whitebreast arm. Try drifting or trolling minnows and panfish jigs in these bays to target fish not spawning. White Bass – Good: Anglers casting jigs with spinners below at the Roberts Creek outlet are doing well on white bass and are also catching the occasional crappie.

Bluegill fishing is good to excellent in Central Iowa lakes right now. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a good panfish population. Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Crappies can be caught drifting. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies can be caught drifting. Fish will average 9 inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Greenfield is a good lake for catfishing. Cast shad sides or cut bait around jetties to catch fish averaging 2 pounds. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning and can be caught on small jigs tipped with a crawler. Fish are 8 inches.

Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has good bluegill and crappie populations. Bluegills have moved up on underwater reefs to spawn. 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 – Fair: Fish surveys indicate a large year class of black crappie in Meadow. They will average 8.5 inches. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are moving up on the reefs to spawn. Fish will average 8 inches.

Mormon Trail Lake
There is a big year class of 9 inch black crappies in Mormon Trail Lake that is expected to provide good fishing this year. The Lake also has a good largemouth bass and catfish population. Black Crappie – Fair: Try deeper brush piles for post spawn crappies. Fish will average 9 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills will spawn on the south side of the lake. Fish will average 8 inches. Largemouth Bass – No Report: The lake has a good bass population.

Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has a good catfish population. Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching catfish along the dam. Use cut bait or shrimp. Black Crappie – Fair: A few crappies are being caught drifting and casting cedar tree piles. Fish will average 10 inches. Bluegill – Good: Cast the shoreline to find spawning bluegills. Fish will average 8.5 inches.

Cold Springs Lake
Bluegills are spawning and largemouth bass are being caught around the lake. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are being caught next to the pump house and along the bluff. Fish will average 8 inches. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Cold Springs has a good bass population of all sizes. The Lake has an 18 inch length limit on largemouth bass.

Lake Anita
Anglers are catching crappies on the vegetation edges all around the lake. Bluegills are spawning and close to shore. Black Crappie – Good: Cast jigs along vegetation edges and around underwater reefs. There is a large year class of 8 to 9 inch fish at this time. Bluegill – Good: Cast small jigs tipped with power bait to catch bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Anglers report good catches on the road bed. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass can be caught along vegetation line all around the lake. Fish are all sizes.

Willow Lake
Bluegills and redears are spawning at Willow. The lake has excellent water clarity. Bluegill – Fair: With such good water clarity, spawning fish are hard to get close to. Find beds and cast from a long distance to catch bluegills averaging 8.5 inches. Redear Sunfish – Fair: Fish with a whole crawler under a bobber to catch redear up to 12 inches.

Viking Lake
Largemouth bass fish is good at Viking. Crappies can be caught around the underwater reefs and in brush piles. Water clarity is good. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cast shad sides or cut bait on the edge of vegetation. Fish will average 2 pounds. Black Crappie – Fair: Drift or cast to brush piles with jigs tipped with a crawler or power bait to catch 8 to 10 inch crappies. Largemouth Bass – Good: Viking has a good bass population. Cast swim baits or plastics along vegetation and around structure to catch fish of all sizes.

Prairie Rose Lake
Anglers report catching spawning bluegills on the underwater reefs and gravel spawning beds placed in the lake. Prairie Rose water clarity is good. Bluegill – Good: Quality size bluegills can be caught on top of underwater reefs and pea gravel spawning beds placed in the lake during the renovation. Tip small black jigs with power bait or a crawler for best success. ,Largemouth Bass – Good: Prairie Rose has many 10 to 12 inch bass in the lake at this time.

Lake Manawa
Anglers are still catching a few crappies. Catfish are picking up on the south and west side of the lake.  White Crappie – Slow: Crappies have moved off shore at Manawa. Cast jigs or minnows under a bobber on the lake side of 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 – Good: Anglers are catching catfish with cut bait and Sonny’s dip bait on the west side of the lake close to shore. Fish will average 2 pounds.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Heavy spring rains have affected water clarity in many ponds. Always get permission before fishing private ponds. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers reported large catches of crappies using jigs and minnows under a bobber. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning and close to shore in many ponds. Channel Catfish – Fair: Cast shad sides or cut bait in the upper ends of ponds. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are hitting a variety of lures and soft plastics.

This is a good time to get out and fish in the southwest district. Bluegills have moved close to shore and anglers report good bass and catfishing. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587

Lake Icaria
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught with jigs fished near the fishing jetties or fish mounds. Walleye – Fair: Walleye of all sizes have been caught with minnows fished near main lake points. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught with night crawlers fished near rocky shoreline areas.

Little River Watershed Lake
Walleye – Fair: Walleye up to 20 inches have been caught trolling crankbaits or night crawler harnesses along main lake points. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill up to 9 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near cedar tree brush piles or shallow rock/sandy areas.

Lake of Three Fires
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 19 inches have been caught with spinners or jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas and fishing jetties. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8 inches have been caught using jigs fished near rocky shoreline areas.

Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 19 inches have been caught with crankbaits fished near the cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using night crawlers or jigs tipped with a wax worm fished near cedar tree brush piles.

Three Mile Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 13 inches have been caught with minnows or jigs fished near shallow flooded timber. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill up to 7 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near shallow flooded timber.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills up to 10 inches have been caught with night crawlers fished near cedar tree brush piles. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies up to 12 inches have been caught using minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles. Walleye – Fair: Walleye of all sizes have been caught with spinners fished near the roadbed.

Water temperature in Mount Ayr district lakes is in the upper 60’s to low 70’s. For more information, please contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on the bottom. Shovelnose sturgeon – Slow: Crawlers fished on the bottom work well. Flathead Catfish – Fair.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on the bottom has been the most effective. Flathead Catfish – Slow: Chubs and goldfish work well. Shovelnose sturgeon – Slow: Use crawlers fished on the bottom.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Slow: Try cut bait, stink bait, or worms fished on the bottom. Blue Catfish –