The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
Stay Where You Play
Make your next fishing trip an overnight stay. Take advantage of state park cabins and campgrounds near many of these bodies of water. Some of Iowa’s best fishing is happening this spring. Make your reservation now. For more information on availability and rates, visit iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
NORTHWEST
Brushy Creek Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Fish in areas (4-10 feet of water) near shore with a small jig tipped with a crawler under a bobber. Black Crappie – Fair: Try areas near shore in 3-8 feet of water with a jig fished under a bobber. Use a small piece of crawler or minnow. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes 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 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. Walleye – Fair: Most of the walleye action has been on crankbaits fished in the dredge cuts. A few have been picked up from shore with leeches and crankbaits. 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 using stink bait or cut bait fished off the bottom.
North Twin Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers have picked up crappie near shore with minnows and crawlers fished on a jig under a bobber.
Swan Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills near shore along weed lines. Use a small jig under a bobber with a small piece of crawler, wax worm or minnow. A recent electrofishing survey showed bluegill up to 9 inches. 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 7 inches over the crest of the spillway. Surface water temperature is in the lower 80’s. Black Crappie – Slow: A few have been picked up in 2-4 feet of water with small tube jigs. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is good in 1-4 feet of water. Use a small jig tipped with live bait, small piece of crawler or wax worms fished below a bobber. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up some walleye in deeper water near rock piles and dredge cuts. Boat anglers have recently had success fishing the rock piles off of Cottonwood Point. Other good areas to try this time of year include: shore off Ice House Point, the dredge cut out from Denison Beach and the rock piles near Gunshot Hill and in the east basin of the lake. Boat anglers are having the best luck. Also try throwing crankbaits and twisters along the weed lines. Largemouth Bass – Good: Topwater and weedless baits work well. Anglers are also having luck fishing plastic worms near cover and drop offs. Town Bay and the inlet bridge are popular spots right now. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers have picked up catfish on stink bait, leeches and worms all fished off the bottom. Anglers are having success in Town Bay, especially on either side of the floating dock. Fish are 17-20 inches.
Great Western Park Lake
A recent electrofishing survey showed good numbers of catchable sized largemouth bass. Bluegill up to 8 inches and channel catfish up to 30 inches in length are also present. Fish the weed lines to target bass and bluegill and fish off the bottom for catfish. Spawning catfish can also be targeted near shore.
Black Hawk Pits
Bluegill – Fair: Some bluegill are being picked up in near shore areas with a jig fished under a bobber. If no luck near shore, move deeper; bluegills may be starting to move away from spawning areas to seek deeper habitats.
Surface water temperatures in western Iowa are in the lower 80’s. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.
Blue Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Largemouth Bass – No Report: With the water levels up, there is a lot of shoreline vegetation submerged. Concentrate on these areas with weedless lures. Bluegill – No Report: Fish a worm under a bobber near vegetation. Some sorting is required because there are a lot of smaller fish.
Beeds Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills and a few yellows are being caught drift fishing/trolling small jigs. This is a good summer technique for beds.
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.
Lake Smith
Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish have been on the rocks on the south end. Use bobbers and a piece of cut bait or worms. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth fishing has been good in the weeds and on deeper water structure. Use an artificial bait that works well in weeds and fish pockets in the weeds or edges. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills have been caught off docks early in the morning.
Lake Catherine
Channel Catfish – Good: Fish near the rocks along the jetties or shoreline with worms, minnows or cut bait.
Clear Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are spawning near rocks along the shoreline and deeper rock reefs. The island, Billy’s reef, State Reef and the Ventura jetties are good places to look. Use cut bait on the bottom with a slip sinker or on a float in the shallows. Jig fish with a piece of cut bait, minnows or leeches if trying near the rocks. Yellow Bass – Fair: Yellow bass are scattered after the spawn, move until you find them. Walleye – Fair: Some legal size fish are using the longleaf pondweed just outside of the rush beds in Farmer’s Beach and the Baptist camp. Try fishing small pockets with a bobber and minnows or leeches. Wader fishing may be a better option in this area. Fish have also been caught close to docks (early morning) in two to three feet. A few keepers have been caught around the reefs with lots of sublegal sized fish also being caught. Muskellunge – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Target perch inside the rushes on the north shore or near Farmer’s Beach. Bluegill – No Report: Look for sunfish in the reeds on the west side of MacIntosh point. Use bobbers and worms or small minnows.
Lake Cornelia
Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait, worms or minnows near rocks as they are in their spawning season. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Fair: A few smaller walleyes have been caught with live bait.
Little Wall Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing has been good in the early mornings and evenings. Try near the rocks or by the jetties.
Bluebill Lake
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish are biting well on the jetty.
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: Walleye fishing has improved. Try along the weed lines for good numbers of acceptable sized fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught; best areas are Hales Slough, Anglers Bay and Buffalo Run.
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. Black Crappie – Good: Cast small jig lures tipped with bait on the wooden docks. Yellow Perch – Good: Good numbers of fish are being caught. Walleye – Fair: Some angler acceptable fish are being caught on the south end of the lake.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Good: The walleye bite has slowed; boat anglers are harvesting nice fish along with large yellow perch. Best action is early morning and evening.
West Okoboji Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Good bluegill and crappie action reported fishing the deeper wooden docks; best action is during the evening hours.
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 catch numbers; fish evening hours for the best action.
NORTHEAST
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are doing excellent on channel catfish and good on bluegill and largemouth. Bluegills have moved off of the spawning beds; concentrate efforts near structure. Target channel catfish off of the middle jetty and the west end of the lake. Bluegill – Good: Slowly drift and retrieve small 1/32 or 1/16 oz. jigs near submerged structure two to three feet below the surface. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Try also weedless baits such as frogs and rubber worms. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Use stink baits and cut baits fished on the bottom off of the middle jetty and west end of the lake.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River is currently falling; there are no good reports at this time.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is currently falling; there are no good reports at this time.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is currently falling; there are no good reports at this time.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River is in excellent angling condition for the upcoming weekend. Walleye – Good: A jig tipped with a crawler is a deadly combination this time of year. Look for current breaks and woody structure. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try a jig and crawler, crankbaits or spinner baits fished near rocky habitat. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish chicken livers or stink baits near the upstream end of logjams.
Interior rivers continue to fall after this past week’s rainfall; angling opportunities will be marginal at best for this upcoming weekend. Channel catfish or trout are an angler’s best option on most rivers and streams. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For further information, contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level at Lansing remains stable around 9.7 feet over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid-70’s. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bite is expected to pick up as they come off the spawn. Fish the backwaters around edge of lily pads with topwater lures. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Channel catfish are in spawning mode. Float a minnow or a worm on a bobber along rip rap with current. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish coming off the spawn are still feeding. Fish deep holes along main channel or side channel closing dams with live bait. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish backwater area shorelines using small tackle tipped with worm. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have scattered to 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 fallen to 17.8 feet and is expected to remain fairly stable over the next week. Water temperature is in the mid-70’s. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bite is expected to pick up as they come off the spawn. Fish the backwaters around edge of lily pads with topwater lures. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Channel catfish are in spawning mode. Float a minnow or a worm on a bobber along rip rap with current. Flathead Catfish – Good: Flathead catfish coming off the spawn are still feeding. Fish deep holes along main channel or side channel closing dams using live bait. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish backwater area shorelines with small tackle tipped with a worm. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have scattered to wing dams and deep closing dams. Try slow trolling a crawler rig along the wing dams.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level at Lock and Dam 10 at Guttenberg has fallen a foot this week to 9.4 and continues to recede this week. Water temperature is in the mid-70’s. Freshwater Drum – Fair: Drum continue to bite well on worms on the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bite is expected to pick up as they come off the spawn. Fish the backwaters around edge of lily pads with topwater lures. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Channel catfish are in spawning mode. Float a minnow or a worm on a bobber along rip rap with current. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Flathead catfish coming off the spawn are still feeding. Fish deep holes along main channel or side channel closing dams using live bait. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills are on the spawning beds. Fish backwater area shorelines with small tackle tipped with a worm. Walleye – Fair: Walleye have scattered to wing dams and deep closing dams. Try slow trolling a crawler rig along the wing dams.
The Upper Mississippi River water clarity is improving slightly. Water temperature has risen into the mid-70’s over the past week. Anglers and boaters will have to work around debris and vegetation on the ramps; expect fishing to improve after conditions stabilize.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level is 8.9 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and 11.2 feet at the RR bridge. These levels are down from last week; water levels are expected to fall all week. Water temperature in the main channel is 77 degrees which is up slightly from last week. Northern Pike – No Report: The River has a good population of northern pike; they have been biting in numerous locations. Spinners work best. Dirty water makes sight predators hard to catch as fish have difficulty feeding. Walleye – Fair: Despite the high water, some walleyes were reported being caught on worm rigs. Walleyes will move back on the wing dams when water levels are lower. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The bass bite seemed to be off the past few weeks. Bass populations are very good in the river; expect them to pick up once the water clears. 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. If you plan on eating drum, throw them immediately on ice after catching them. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Lots of catfish are being caught off of rock lines and piles. Those bluish looking catfish are NOT blue catfish, rather the male channel cat in spawning colors. Catfish do very well in muddy water; the bite has been very good. Common Carp – Excellent: Bowfishing in the shallow backwaters should be excellent this weekend. Many carp have already spawned, but they are being found in newly flooded waters. Bluegill – Fair: A few bluegills were caught out of the marina areas in Dubuque and by Massey Station.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is 10.1 feet at Bellevue which is down one foot from last week. Expect water to slowly fall all week. Runoff has caused the river to be somewhat turbid, but it is clearing up. Walleye – No Report: Walleyes were reported back on the wing dams. Use a small crawler rig. High and dirty water curtailed walleye fishing this week. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Go way back in large backwater complexes to find cleaner water. This is where the bass will be. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Loads of freshwater drum are being caught, many from bank anglers. Use large crayfish to catch really large drum. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Catfish angling has picked up the last few weeks. Use stink bait in flowing sloughs, especially above log jams or along rock piles. Northern Pike – Fair: Try the clean waters of Green Island. Expect pike to move into the cooler water tributary stream areas soon. Common Carp – Excellent: The time is now to go bowfishing for carp. Green Island and Sabula Lakes should be excellent.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level was recorded at 9.6 feet at Fulton, 12.7 feet at Camanche and 7.4 feet at LeClaire. These readings are all down from last week. Water is expected to slowly recede all week. Water clarity is turbid from runoff. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: The drum bite is on. Use a simple sliding sinker and worms fished in current. Channel Catfish – Excellent: The catfish bite is very good. Most anglers are using crawlers when drum fishing, but some are using stink bait. The Rock Creek area is a good place to find channel cats. Walleye – No Report: Walleye have been biting on leeches on the wing dams. Dirty water has curtailed fishing for walleye and all predatory fish.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is 10.1 feet at Rock Island, which is down from last week. Expect water levels to slowly recede this upcoming week. Water temperature is around 78 degrees in the main channel. Water is extremely turbid due to recent rains. 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 – Good: Many cats are being caught with night crawlers on the bottom. This bite should remain decent in the muddy water.
Water temperatures are in the upper 70’s throughout the district. Water levels fell during the week, but are still quite high. The River is turbid after the rains, but is slowly clearing up. Angling was down this week, mostly due to the muddy water.
Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage is 10.1 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Water clarity is poor. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some channel catfish are being caught around the mouth of the Rock River. Use worms or dip baits. Sauger – Slow: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough, but fishing has slow.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 9.43 feet at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine and is falling. Water clarity is poor. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish along areas of riprap/rock. Float crawlers or leeches under a bobber along the shore. Also try fishing above snags alongside channels and the main channel with dip baits.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 12.16 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Flood stage is 15 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 8.53 feet at Lock and Dam 19 above Burlington and is rising. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any fishing information for this pool this week.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: With the recent heavy rains, river levels have risen especially in the lower pools. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temperature is around 79 degrees. Remember to 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 Odessa
The water temperature is in the mid-80’s. Water clarity is good. The level of the lake is still boat able. The inlet and outlet are closed to protect against flooding from the rising level of the Mississippi. Channel Catfish – Good: Lots of nice sized catfish can be found near any of the riprap from Snively on down to the outlet. Use a nice piece of chicken liver or stink bait to coax them out of the rocks. Bluegill – Good: Sandy shoreline + tree falls = bluegills. Good numbers of 8+ inch bluegills are on the beds at the lower end of Odessa. White Bass – Fair: Some nice white bass are being caught; you just have to locate a school. Look for fish chasing shad out of the water down stream of Sand Run near or after sunset.
Lake Geode
Water temperatures are 84 to 86 degrees. Bluegill – Good: With the heat, most bluegills have moved to deeper water; work the ledges near deeper water. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing remains pretty good. Look for them along the face of the dam and around the brush piles.
Lake Belva Deer
Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is fairly good in the early morning, but slows down after about 10 am. Most bluegills being caught are out in deeper water and over the mounds at the upper end of the lake. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are hiding around the rock along the shorelines and on the mounds. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in deeper water while fishing for bluegills. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Bass fishing is very good early in the morning and late in the evening. Evening anglers are using topwater baits.
Lake Darling
Water temperatures remain in the low 80’s. Water clarity is pretty good. Bluegill – Good: Most bluegills have moved out to the deeper habitat around 8 feet deep. Black Crappie – Fair: There are still plenty of smaller crappies in shallower water feeding on small fry; larger fish have moved out to their summer haunts in deeper water. Largemouth Bass – Good: There are still some nice bass working the shallows in the early morning hours and just before dark. Work the rock piles and brush piles in deeper water later morning.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
River levels are holding their own right now. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfishing remains good. Anglers are using a variety of baits from stink baits to minnows. Not hearing too much as far as flatheads.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
The river level is heading up with the rains upstream. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are hanging around the upper ends of the log jams and the cut banks, especially the males guarding the nests and the young.
Big Hollow Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills have moved to deeper water in the flooded timber. Look for them in 5-6 feet of water.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass – Good: Use rubber lizards or plastic crawdads around the cedar tree piles and along the shoreline. Try also crankbaits in the same areas. The tops of the trees are slightly out of the water, making them easy to find. Bluegill – Slow: Use a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Keep moving until you find active fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching some channel catfish with cut bait or night crawlers fished along the shorelines with larger rocks.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Use a chunk of night crawler fished under a bobber along the shorelines. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are hitting on rubber worms or lizards. Try areas with rock on the shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait or night crawlers along the shorelines. Look for areas with rocks such as along the dam or around the fishing jetties.
Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass fishing has been good. Use crankbaits or spinner baits around brush piles and other underwater structure. Try rubber worms or crawdad imitations around the rock jetties and along the dam. Black Bullhead – Fair: Use night crawlers fished on the bottom. Black Crappie – Fair: Use small jigs or a jig and a minnow. Try different depths until you find active fish. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are biting on small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler. Sorting is needed for larger fish; most fish are about 7 inches.
Lake Keomah
Try crankbaits and spinner baits fished around the end of the rock jetties and along the shorelines for largemouth bass. Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler for bluegill. Try areas around the aquatic vegetation.
Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use jig and pig combos around the rock jetties and along the dam. Try also crankbaits and spinner baits. All 12 -18 inch largemouth bass must be immediately released. Black Crappie – Fair: Use jigs or jig and minnow combinations. Try different colors and different depths until you find active fish. Walleye – Slow: Fishing has slowed with the hotter weather. Try drifting night crawlers or minnows along the dam and other rip-rapped shorelines.
Bob White Lake
A complete fisheries renovation was completed in September of 2015. Fingerlings were stocked last fall.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.71. The current surface water temperature is in the upper 70’s. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels, so make sure to properly drain, clean, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. Black Crappie – Fair: Target areas with structure. Most fish have spawned and have moved out from the shorelines. 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; try areas with big rocks such as the dam or around the bridge at Bridgeview. Walleye – Fair: Troll crankbaits around underwater islands or submerged points. Some anglers are casting jigs in the shallows. White Bass – Good: Use chrome colored crankbaits or lead heads and white jigs. Rathbun also contains hybrid striped bass (wipers); wipers are being caught using the same techniques used for white bass.
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: The crappie population is strong at Don Williams this year. Most fish are 8-9 inches. They are not being caught close 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.
Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie fishing is good. The crappie spawn is winding down; move out into the main lake and find offshore habitat or drift the main lake with small jigs and minnows.
Roberts Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are moving back off of the shore and the post spawn pattern should emerge. Drift small jigs or spinners in the main lake.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Good: Walleyes are being caught trolling spinner rigs with minnows in 5-15 feet of water and jigging tipped with crawlers or minnows. Focus on the upper/shallow 1/3rd of the lake. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are shallow right now < 4 feet of water. Good size fish (8 and 9 inches) are being caught on small jigs tipped with crawlers fished under bobber. Target aquatic vegetation or rip rap; don’t be afraid to cast right next to shore.
Hickory Grove Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: A fair to good crappie bite is going 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 water 10 feet or deeper. Start out from the west shoreline or out from the face of the dam. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills can be caught near shore 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. Keep moving if you aren’t catching fish.
Ankeny Lake (DMACC)
Bluegill – Good: High numbers of 6-7.5 inch bluegills spawning close to shore right now can provide a good opportunity to introduce young anglers to fishing. Cast small pieces of crawler under a bobber just past the narrow band of vegetation around the edge.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass – Good: Hot weather will likely kick off a good white bass bite. Start by trolling points and windblown shorelines with spoons and lipless crankbaits. Popular color patterns include chrome, chrome/blue and firetiger. Anglers casting jigs with spinners below the Roberts Creek outlet are doing well on white bass and are also catching the occasional crappie.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish – Good: The channel catfish bite is very good right now in the Des Moines river using stink baits and cut bait. The river flows are still good for small boats to navigate.
Catfishing is good on Central Iowa rivers. White bass fishing on the reservoirs is picking up with the hot summer weather. 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 and crappies can be caught drifting. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies can be caught drifting. Fish will average 9 inches. Channel Catfish – Good: Greenfield is a good lake for catfishing. Cast shad sides or cut bait around jetties to catch fish averaging 2 pounds. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills can be caught drifting small jigs tipped with crawler. Fish are 8 inches.
Meadow Lake
Meadow Lake has good bluegill and crappie populations. 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 – Fair: Try drifting or casting to brush piles to catch bluegills that 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 good largemouth bass and catfish populations. Black Crappie – Fair: Try deeper brush piles for crappies. Fish will average 9 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills will be mid lake and around brush piles. Cast or drift jigs to catch fish averaging 8 inches. Largemouth Bass – No Report: The lake has a good bass population.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield has a good catfish population. Water clarity is three feet. 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 – Fair: Cast to cedar tree piles or drift to find bluegills. Fish will average 8.5 inches.
Cold Springs Lake
Catfishing is good at Cold Springs. Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Fair: 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. Channel Catfish – Good: Cast shrimp or cut bait in less than 6 feet of water to catch channel catfish up to 6 pounds.
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. Bluegill – Good: Drift small jigs tipped with power bait to catch bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Anglers report good catches close to the road bed. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass can be caught along vegetation line all around the lake. Fish are all sizes.
Willow Lake
Willow Lake has excellent water clarity. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are suspended around structure. Drift or vertical jig to catch fish averaging 8 inches. Redear Sunfish – Fair: Use a whole crawler under a bobber to catch redear up to 12 inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish are being caught late afternoon and after dark on cut bait.
Viking Lake
Largemouth bass fish is good at Viking. Crappies can be caught around the underwater reefs and in brush piles. Water clarity is three feet. Channel Catfish – Good: Cast shad sides or cut bait around jetties and rocky shorelines to catch spawning catfish. 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 are catching bluegills around underwater reefs and vegetation edges. Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Fair: Quality size bluegills can be caught drifting or casting around underwater reefs. Tip small black jigs with power bait or crawler. Largemouth Bass – Good: Prairie Rose has many 10 to 12 inch bass. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are beginning to pick up 12 to 14 inch channel catfish on night crawlers under a bobber.
Lake Manawa
Anglers are catching crappies in the late afternoon. Catfish are picking up on the south and west side of the lake. White Crappie – Fair: 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: Try 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
Water clarity has improved in most ponds after heavy rains in May. Always get permission before fishing private ponds. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers reported large catches of crappies using jigs and minnows under a bobber. Bluegill – Fair: Use a nightcrawler under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Good: Catfish are spawning at this time. Cast cut bait around structure that is close to shore. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass are hitting on a variety of lures and soft plastics.
Catfish are close to shore spawning. Bluegills have moved off their spawning beds and can be caught drifting. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish – Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught with night crawlers or liver fished near the fish mounds and other rocky structure.
Little River Watershed Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 18 inches have been caught using jigs fished near cedar tree brush piles or along weed lines.
Lake of Three Fires
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 19 inches have been caught with jigs fished along rocky structure. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills up to 8 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near cedar tree brush piles.
Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass – Fair: Largemouth bass up to 19 inches have been caught with finesse plastics fished near cedar tree brush piles. Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 8.5 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near cedar tree brush piles. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught with liver fished near rocky structure.
Three Mile Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill up to 7 inches have been caught using night crawlers fished near the flooded timber.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Bluegill – Slow: Bluegills up to 10 inches have been caught with night crawlers fished along weed lines. Walleye – Fair: Walleyes of all sizes have been caught using lindy rigs fished along wind swept points.
Water temperature in Mount Ayr district lakes is in the low to mid 80’s. For more information, 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. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Try live chubs fished in current breaks near deeper water.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on the bottom. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Try live chubs fished in current breaks near deeper water. Shovelnose sturgeon – Slow: Use crawlers fished on the bottom.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait, stink bait or worms fished on the bottom. Blue Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Try live chubs fished in current breaks near deeper water.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 22.10 ft. /34,000 cfs./ 79 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri has fallen 0.18 feet from last week. Missouri River levels and water conditions are looking very good to get out and fish. The water temperature increased 1 degree from last week with the warmer weather.
