NORTHWEST
Bacon Creek Lake
Approximately 1700 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on November 8th. Catch trout with a variety of methods including small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons and live minnows under a bobber.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperature is in the low 50’s. Water level is about 5 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill can be caught anywhere, but best luck may be in Town Bay, the floating dock, near the inlet bridge and the outlet. Use a small hook tipped with a worm suspended from a bobber fished about 2 feet deep near shore. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish areas with rock and structure along shore, such as the north side of Ice House Point. Use crankbaits, plastics and spinner baits. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit for largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish are 8-10 inches. Use live minnows below a bobber or a small tube jig. Try Town Bay, Ice House Point, and near the inlet bridge. Walleye – Fair: Try along the east shoreline and around the outlet. Some have also been picked up near the rock piles in the east basin.
Black Hawk Pits
Black Crappie – Fair: Try minnows or a small tube jig in areas along shore and in areas with contour and structure 5-10 feet deep. Bluegill – Fair: Drift in deeper areas or fish near shore with a small black jig tipped with bait suspended below a bobber.
Brushy Creek Lake
Surface water temperatures are in the low 50’s. Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are picking up some bluegill in 10-15 feet of water. Use small jigs tipped with bait. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish plastics and spinners near structure in 4-10 feet of water. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being picked up near structure in 10-15 feet of water along the creek channel.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 2000 rainbow trout were stocked into Moorland Pond on November 9th. Use small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons and live minnows under a bobber. Most are having the best luck with small spinners and anything that will grab the trout’s attention.
Nelson Park Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have picked up nice sized bluegills near the dam and along the shoreline with jigs tipped with bait fished below a bobber. Drift jigs along submerged trees and structure.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
There is a daily limit of 3 walleye at Storm Lake and all 17 to 22-inch walleye must be released; and no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye – Fair: Use crankbaits, leeches or minnows and a slip bobber. Fish the dredge cuts as well as from shore to find fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Storm Lake has a good catfish population; target catfish from shore using stink bait or cut bait fished off the bottom.
Water temperatures in the Black Hawk District are around 50 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Water temperature is around 50 degrees. All courtesy docks have been removed for the season. Yellow bass and walleyes are still biting. Yellow Bass – Good: Try small jigs tipped with cut bait or a piece of crawler. Walleye – Fair: Use live bait in the rock reefs.
Rice Lake
The walleye and perch bite has slowed some but fish are still being caught. Walleye – Fair: Use live bait in the weed edge early morning or late evening. Yellow Perch – Slow: Try a slip bobber and a minnow near the weed edge.
For lake updates and fishing information in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake
As of 11/15- All docks at boat ramps have been removed except Templar Park. Yellow Perch – Good: Fishing activity has heated up with excellent numbers of fish being caught. Try along the weed lines; best action is early morning and evening, but perch have been caught throughout the day. Walleye – Good: Walleye action picked up last week. Reports of fish being caught at the north grade; early morning and evening hours are best. Dock and wader anglers are also catching fish; best bite is early morning and evening hours. Yellow perch anglers fishing the weed lines are also catching walleye. Black Crappie – Good: Reports of bluegill and crappie being caught at the north grade; morning and evening hours are best.
Center Lake
The dock at the Center Lake ramp has been removed.
Dog Creek (Lake)
Bluegill – Good: Recent survey shows good numbers of quality sized fish up to 8 inches.
East Okoboji Lake
As of 11/15 – Boat ramp dock at East Okoboji Beach is still in the lake; this dock is expected to be removed soon. All other boat ramp docks have been removed. Yellow Bass – Good: Good action early morning and evening hours; fish bridge sites for the best action. Fish are also being caught in the East Okoboji Beach area from a boat. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish early morning and evening for the best action. Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers are catching fish off the public dock located at the Elinor Bedell State Park and in boats in the shallow bay.
Five Island Lake
Bluegill – Good: Anglers are catching bluegill in Town Bay; sorting is needed. Patience and persistence will bring in good numbers of angler acceptable sized fish.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Good: Recent surveys show numbers of 1.5 – 3.5 pound walleyes. Black Crappie – Good: Black crappies will provide an upswing for anglers and will sustain the fishery for the next couple of years.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye – Good: Good walleye bite reported from the river.
Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass – Good: Catch good numbers of yellow bass from shore; sorting is needed. Persistence will be rewarded with good numbers of fish harvested. Yellow Perch – Good: Yellow perch has been reported caught from the lake. Black Crappie – Good: Shore anglers report numbers of fish caught; best action is during the morning hours.
Scharnberg Pond
Rainbow Trout – Good: Scharnberg Pond was stocked with rainbow trout on November 5th.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
As of 11/15 – All docks at the three ramps have been removed. Walleye – Good: Use crank baits for the best action. Wader fishing has heated up; this is when trophy size fish are caught from Silver Lake. Day fishing has been reported as slow.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Yellow Perch – Good: Anglers are catching fish from Silver Lake. Walleye – Good: Walleye action has improved with the cooler water temperatures.
West Fork Des Moines (Emmetsburg to Humboldt)
Walleye – Good: Good walleye bite reported from the river.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are moving inshore as the water cools; fish weed lines for the best action. Yellow Perch – Good: Fish are being caught in 10 feet; fish traditional baits for the best action.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Spirit Lake Fisheries Station at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Cedar River water levels have stabilized with much improved clarity. Visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition and continue fishing well. Thank you to all our faithful anglers who took advantage of our catchable trout stocking program this year. It is hunting season; be courteous to other recreational users. Spinnerbaits have been successful with rainbows and browns. There have been good hatches of small mayflies and caddis flies midday. Brook Trout – Good: Use flies or lures that look like sculpins, dace or suckers. Brookies are spawning and really colored up well. Brown Trout – Good: Avoid stepping in the small indentations in the stream bottom called redds. Rainbow Trout – Good: Find rainbow trout hiding in the upper and lower ends of pools. Dance a meaty looking fly or lure in these areas and wait.
Lake Hendricks
A fishing jetty project is complete; anglers are asked to wait to fish from it. Fish when the sun is overhead and along the shoreline for best luck. Bluegill – Fair: Try a small jig tipped with a wax worm fished under a slip bobber about 2 feet off the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Lake Meyer
The lake is in good condition and anglers are catching fish. Look for fish in the shallow bays in the afternoons and evenings. Bluegill – Good: Tip a small jig with a wax worm then cast out and slowly reel in. Anglers are catching a variety of sizes. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels on the Turkey River have stabilized with improved clarity. Flows remain high so find fish in areas with little current. Smallmouth Bass – Slow: Use rubber skirted jigs. Black Crappie – Slow: Try fishing along the brushy edges for best luck. Walleye – Slow: Use live baits in off channel areas.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is improving. Visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is about 5 feet. Flows are still up so fish in slack water areas. Visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is good. Water temperatures are in the mid 40’s. Walleye – Slow: Anglers bank fishing and floating were having success using a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or light colored plastic twister tail. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try a jig tipped with a nightcrawler. Sauger – Good: Anglers using light colored jigs and plastics are doing well fishing from shore.
Volga Lake
The docks have been removed for the winter. Water clarity is good. Fish along the rocky shoreline in the afternoon and evenings. Bluegill – Good: Use red worms or wax worms fished under a bobber from rocky shoreline. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Decorah area rivers and streams are in good condition. November weather is finally here. Be prepared for rain/snow Friday and into Saturday. Temperature highs will be in the low 40’s during the day to low 30’s and into the 20’s at night. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports on the Cedar River have been fair for walleye in Black Hawk County, good in Bremer County and good for smallmouth bass in both. Most smallmouth catches have been incidental while fishing for walleye. Walleye – Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Jig and twister tipped with a minnow is a deadly combination for smallmouth bass this time of year.
Lake Delhi
Anglers were catching crappie on Lake Delhi as of last week, but it has slowed down. Black Crappie – Fair: Vertical jig various colored tube jigs within different depths to find fish.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been fair to good reports of walleye being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye – Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Much like the Cedar River, reports on the Shell Rock River have been fair for walleye and good for smallmouth bass. Most smallmouth catches have been incidental while fishing for walleye. Walleye – Fair: Jig and twister tipped with a minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is in the best condition it has been in months as far as clarity and water levels. Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing should be fair to good and reports for northern pike fishing have been good. Northern Pike – Good: Float a live chub under a bobber.
Reports are fair to good on the interior rivers for walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Panfish reports have been very limited as we approach late fall and early winter water temperatures. Trout streams remain full of trout for anglers to get out and harvest. There have been good reports of brown and rainbow trout being caught within the Manchester District streams. For further information, call the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level has fallen to 8.4 feet at Lansing and is predicted to stay stable over the next week. A lot of vegetation and debris is still in the river after multiple high water events. New Albin ramp has reopened. Black Crappie – Fair: Some anglers are reporting a few crappies this week as the river has returned to its banks. Use minnows under a bobber in the tree piles in backwater areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are holding tight up in vegetation beds near overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Lots of current in the river right now makes for great smallmouth fishing. Fish crankbaits along exposed riprap on main channel borders. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is picking up in backwaters and side sloughs. Use crawlers under a bobber fished tight up against tree lines out of the current. Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing is picking up below the tailwaters and on wing dams. Sauger – Good: Sauger are making the move toward the tailwaters of the lock and dam. Use jigs tipped with minnows fished over deep-water structures. Yellow Perch – Good: Perch are gathering in the vegetation in backwater lakes. Fish a minnow under a bobber in the lily-pads or tree piles.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level has fallen to 16.1 feet at Lynxville and is predicted to stay stable over the next week. The gates at Lock and Dam 9 are lowered; expect tailwater fishing to pick up as the water stabilizes. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 50’s. Black Crappie – Fair: Some anglers are reporting a few crappies this week as the river has returned to its banks. Use minnows under a bobber in the tree piles in backwater areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are holding tight up in vegetation beds near overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Lots of current in the river right now makes for great smallmouth fishing. Fish crankbaits along exposed riprap on main channel borders. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is picking up in backwaters and side sloughs. Use crawlers under a bobber fished tight up against tree lines out of the current. Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing is picking up below the tailwaters and on wing dams. Sauger – Good: Sauger are making the move toward the tailwaters of the lock and dam. Try jigs tipped with minnows fished over deep-water structures. Yellow Perch – Good: Perch are gathering in the vegetation in backwater lakes. Fish a minnow under a bobber in the lily-pads or tree piles.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level has fallen to 7.8 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to fall slightly over the next week. The gates at Lock and Dam 10 are down; expect tailwater fishing to pick up as the water stabilizes. Water temperatures are in the mid to lower 50’s. Black Crappie – Fair: Some anglers are reporting a few crappies this week as the river has returned to its banks. Use minnows under a bobber in the tree piles in backwater areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth are holding tight up in vegetation beds near overwintering holes. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Lots of current in the river right now makes for great smallmouth fishing. Fish crankbaits along exposed riprap on main channel borders. Walleye – Good: Walleye fishing is picking up below the tailwaters and on wing dams. Sauger – Good: Sauger are making the move toward the tailwaters of the lock and dam. Use jigs tipped with minnows fished over deep-water structures. Yellow Perch – Good: Perch are gathering in the vegetation in backwater lakes. Fish a minnow under a bobber in the lily-pads or tree piles. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill fishing is picking up in backwaters and side sloughs. Use crawlers under a bobber fished tight up against tree lines out of the current.
Fall fishing on the Upper Mississippi has been excellent for numerous species. Fish are actively feeding to prepare for overwintering as most species are moving into deeper overwintering holes. Water levels are predicted to remain stable adding to successful fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is near 7.8 feet at Dubuque tailwater and near 10.1 feet at the RR bridge. These levels are down from last week and are expected to recede. The main channel is near 52 degrees. Fishing has been excellent for numerous species. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Catch huge numbers of bass near the higher quality backwaters where they plan to spend the winter. Use spinner baits and scatter shads. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Cut out all the red meat and they are a fine eating fish. If you plan on eating drum throw them immediately on ice after catching them and try to avoid freezing them. Bluegill – Good: Lots of bluegills are coming out the better backwater areas. Some places are non-stop action but size tends to be smaller. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Smallmouth bass are doing very well in the Mississippi River with numerous year classes present. The combination of rock and current are a must to catch smallmouth bass, which often hold very tight to the rocks. Action is fast when they are found. Black Crappie – Fair: Expect good fishing for crappies to return this fall. Lots of nice crappies are in the Mississippi River. Walleye – Good: Use a jig and minnow in the tailwater. Some larger walleye are still coming off the wing dams. White Bass – Good: These fish can school up and action can be fast. Use spinners or small crank baits. Rock Bass – Good: Lots of rock bass are being reported from the backwaters and shallow areas in the tailwater. Yellow Perch – Good: Looks to be another excellent perch year; another year class is present which bodes well for the future. Most ring perch have been caught by anglers targeting bluegills. Sauger – Good: Lots of tailwater angling going on with most anglers using some form of a three way minnow and jig.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is near 8.7 feet at Bellevue, down from last week. The water temperature is around 52 degrees. Water levels are expected to recede slowly all week. Fishing has been very good during this nice fall weather. Walleye – Good: Use jigs and minnows or three way minnow rigs in the tailwater. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Many good catches of bass were reported this week. Bass are feeding on shad as their primary food. Try larger silver colored crank baits; try to keep vegetation off your line. Smallmouth Bass – Excellent: Smallmouth bass are doing very well in the Mississippi River with numerous year classes present. The combination of rock and current are a must to find smallmouth bass. Smallies often hold very tight to the rocks. Black Crappie – Good: Some crappies are being taken mostly by anglers catching bluegills. Those targeting specifically for crappies are moving from brush pile to brush pile. White Bass – Good: White bass schools are being reported in the tailwater area in the shallow areas. Try a spinner or minnow imitation lure. Bluegill – Excellent: They are starting to move into their winter backwater homes. Size has been an issue but some anglers reporting large numbers being caught. Sauger – Excellent: Lots of sauger are being caught with the walleyes in the tailwater area. Rock Bass – Good: Anglers are catching rock bass in the tailwaters at 5 feet and in backwater slough while crappie fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The level is near 8.2 feet at Fulton, 11.6 feet at Camanche and 6.1 feet at Le Claire. The water temperature is near 53 degrees. Fishing has been excellent for many species. Freshwater Drum – Good: Use a simple sliding sinker and worm fished in current. Worms are the best bait. Walleye – Good: Anglers are returning to the tailwaters for a chance at walleyes and sauger. Use a jig and minnow. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Smallmouth bass are doing very well in the Mississippi River with numerous year classes present. The combination of rock and current are a must to find smallmouth bass, which often hold very tight to the rocks. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Bass are biting again. They are still out in the edges of the main channels and side sloughs, but you need to fish out of the high current areas. Pockets and eddies give you the best shot at quality bass. White Bass – Fair: White bass and an occasional hybrid striped bass are being reported in the tailwater area. Use minnow imitations such as spinners in the tailwater this fall. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie bite is gearing up; the receding water should help people find crappies. Sauger – Good: Use jigs and minnow rigs in the tailwater. Yellow Perch – Good: Some anglers reporting catching yellow perch in the backwaters while fishing for bluegills. A few are being taken in the tailwaters by sauger anglers, especially when they are in more shallow water less than 10 feet deep.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.4 feet at Rock Island, which is down from last week. Water will fall more this week. Water temperature is around 53 degrees in the main channel. Freshwater Drum – Good: Freshwater drum are abundant in Pool 15. Try fishing the eagles landing area or the outside channel south of I 74 with a with worm and egg sinkers. Channel Catfish – Good: Fish close to the shorelines for best success; even in the cool temperatures many catfish are still along the shorelines, especially in higher water levels. White Bass – Good: Some white bass are being reported in the tailwater and along the bank in the City of Bettendorf and near the Duck Creek mouth.
Water temperatures are still in the low 50’s throughout the district. The water levels are still a bit higher than most anglers are used to this time of year, but water levels are receding. Expect water to recede slowly again this week. If you have an fishing question, please contact Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-872-4976.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.15 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is falling. Main channel water temperature is around 50 degree. Walleye – Good: Some walleyes are being caught in Sylvan slough up by the dams. Troll stick baits on three-way rigs. Try also jigging and trolling from the opening at Sunset Marina to the mouth of the Rock River. Sauger – Good: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan slough up by the dams. Troll stick baits on three-way rigs. Try also jigging and trolling from the opening at Sunset Marina to the mouth of the Rock River. White Bass – Fair: Cast jigs and twister tails in Sylvan Slough. White Crappie – No Report: We have not received any reports for crappie fishing; look for fish in the backwaters around brush piles. Try jigs and minnows, minnows under a bobber, or jigs and plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 17
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Sauger – Slow: There have been a few boats below the dam fishing for saugers but fishing has been slow. Vertical jig or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing below the dam has been slow. White Crappie – No Report: We have not received any crappie fishing reports; look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try jigs and minnows, minnows under a bobber, or jigs and plastics at Big Timber and Cleveland Slough.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.45 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. The gates on the dam are being reported as open. Fishing below the dam has been slow. The Toolsboro access is now open. Main channel water temperature is around 50 degrees. Sauger – Slow: Sauger fishing below the dam has been slow. Vertical jig or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. White Crappie – Good: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try jigs and minnows, minnows under a bobber, or jigs and plastics at Huron Island.
Tailwater stage is 5.30 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Main channel water temperature is 50 degrees. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Sauger – No Report: Look for saugers up by the dam. Vertical jig or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. White Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try minnows under a bobber, jigs and minnows, or jigs and plastics.
River stages have been falling. Main channel water temperature is 50 degrees. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Walleye – Fair.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on 11/17 is at fall pool of 686.4′ and is holding steady. The only dock in now is at the Macbride ramp. Black Crappie – Fair: Use minnows or bright jigs over brush or along steeper rock banks.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station and restroom is closed for the season. The boat dock remains in all year. Black Crappie – Fair: Drift/troll for suspended fish in deeper water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish around brush and rip rap.
Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Bluegill – Fair: Fish wax worms around brush to catch bluegill up to 9 inches. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish wax worms around brush. Many fish are 9-11 inches.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Walleye – Good: Most anglers are using likebait. Target deeper wintering holes and where creeks dump in.
Kent Park Lake
The boat dock has been taken out for the season. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Slow.
Lake Macbride
Any size motor may be operated at no wake (5 mph). The fish cleaning station is shut down and most boat docks are out. The fish cleaning dock at the main ramp is still in along with the dock in the bay by the Sailboat ramp. Black Crappie – Fair: Use jigs or minnows over brush/stumps in 10-15 feet of water. Walleye – Slow: Vertical jig over structure in 14-18 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Try spinnerbaits and crankbaits fished along rip rap. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow: Fish are hit and miss. Most fish are smaller, but some bigger fish have been reported in the past week. Most fish are deeper during the day and shallower towards evening.
Otter Creek Lake
The boat dock has been taken out and the fish cleaning station is closed for the season. Bluegill – Slow.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is currently down 15′ for the restoration project. Much of the dirt work has been done and rock work has begun. The main boat ramp is being replaced and the concession stand ramp will be replaced soon. There are no fishing reports at this time.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
The river conditions look great and water temperatures are around 50 degrees. Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615
