NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Courtesy docks are in. Water temperatures are in the low 60s. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, and in the fish house. The inlet bridge area has also been productive. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up crappie along Ice House Point shoreline and from the fish house using small jigs. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Fish are being picked up along Ice House Point shoreline and from the Inlet Bridge area.

Brushy Creek Lake
Boat ramp courtesy docks are in at all ramps.

North Twin Lake
Water levels remain low; use caution when loading boats at the ramps.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are around 60 degrees. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; and no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up some crappie in the marina. Walleye – Fair: Anglers have picked up a few from shore in the evenings; the bite is slow to fair. Yellow Bass – Fair: Most fish are 5- to 7-inches. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are being picked up in the marina with small jigs and minnows. Bite is hit-or-miss.

Water temperatures have warmed quickly over the last week and are now around 60 degrees in most area lakes.  For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Clear Lake
Water temperature is in the mid-50s. Lake level is 2.5 inches above crest. The courtesy docks are in at the Island, McIntosh and Ventura boat ramps. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Good: Best bite is in the morning. Channel Catfish – Good: It’s time to target catfish; use cut bait on the bottom from the wind-swept shore. Walleye – Excellent: Anglers are having success fishing from the jetties and wader fishing along the east shore after sunset. The bite will continue to improve as the water temperature rises over the next several days. White Bass – Good.  Yellow Perch – Good: Angles are catching perch from the jetties.

Winnebago River
Water levels are dropping to 6.0 feet. Northern Pike – Fair. Walleye – Good: Use a jig head and minnow along current breaks.

For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji Lake
The lake is open; no courtesy docks are in place. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. Bluegill – Good: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Northern Pike – Good: Tip-ups are working well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Minnows are working well; some sorting may be needed.

Ingham Lake
The lake is ice-free. Walleye – Fair.

Lost Island Lake
Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.

Minnewashta Lake
Black Crappie – Fair.  Bluegill – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair.

Spirit Lake
A large portion of the lake is still covered with a thin layer of brash ice. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Perch – Good: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji Lake
Most of the lake is still covered with a thin layer of brash ice. The walleye season is closed. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Fair: Use tube jigs, plastics, or other small jigs. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.

All lakes are open or starting to open up. Most courtesy docks are not yet in place.  The walleye season on the Iowa Great Lakes is closed until May 6th.  For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is up about 2 feet and is steady. Clarity is excellent. . Fish are more active as water temperatures rise to near 50 degrees. Black Crappie – Slow: Use a minnow fished in a backwater or near current breaks. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a dead chub, dips or stink baits fished near bottom near current breaks. Walleye – Good: Use jig tipped with a minnow or worm below dams or eddies. Try using a 3-way with just enough weight to keep the weight on the bottom or use a worm harness for nightcrawlers.

Decorah District Streams
Area streams are in good condition. Stocking catchable rainbow trout continues. When on private property open to fishing, the only activity allowed is fishing. Be mindful of turkey hunting seasons. Second season runs through April 18th. Do not wear red, white, or blue clothing at this time. Brook Trout – Fair: Use midge caddis fly or mayfly patterns for insects hatching streamside. Brown Trout – Good: Try fishing near or around logs or undercut banks. Spinner or crankbaits work well. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Use small spinnerbaits, hair jigs or hooks tipped with imitation eggs floating past structure. Freshly stocked fish are waiting to take your bait.

Lake Hendricks
Find warmer water along the shoreline in evening from days heating. Try fishing in the afternoon to dusk for best luck.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is fair. Bite picked up with warmer weather, but will slow with the upcoming temperature drop. Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few anglers are picking up bass along the shoreline in the evening.

Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water levels are steady with temperatures nearing the 50s. Good to excellent clarity. Walleye – Good: Try a jig tipped with a plastic tail bounced off the bottom. White Sucker – Fair: The sucker bite is picking to prepare for spawning. Use a hook tipped with a nightcrawler fished on the bottom under a bobber.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are steady with good to excellent clarity. Water temperatures are near the 50s. Walleye – Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow fished in an eddy or off a current break.

Volga Lake
Fish activity is slow. Choppy conditions due to winds. Water clarity is declining with resuspension of sediment. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Find bass near shore in the evenings as shallower water warms.

Temperatures drop dramatically over the weekend from the upper 70s Friday to mid-40s for highs Sunday and breezy. Rain also forecast for the weekend. This cooler weather may slow the bite for many fish species. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Manchester District Streams
Anglers have had success catching brown trout on Spring Branch Creek. There has been some good insect hatches with the recent warmer temperatures. Brook Trout – Fair: Try matching insect hatches using a flyrod or casting small flashy spinners with a spincast rod.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Reports of anglers catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River this past week. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Good: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics tipped with a minnow.

North Prairie Lake
Rainbow trout will be stocked this coming weekend on April 15th. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Good: Cast and retrieve small and flashy jigs or lures.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – No Report: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics tipped with a minnow.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Smallmouth Bass – No Report: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – No Report: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics tipped with a minnow.

Interior rivers have fallen and are producing catches of walleye and smallmouth bass. No reports of panfish on lakes yet as temperatures continue to warm. Trout streams are in excellent condition; stocking season kicked off on April 3rd. Contact your local bait shop for the most recent angling opportunities. For more information, contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 11.4 feet at Lansing and is expected to reach 14 feet this week. New Albin Army Road is closed due to water over the road. Gates are all out of the water at the dam. Fish are biting, but it’s harder to find them with high water conditions. Water temperature is near 54 degrees. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a crawler in the current seams as water temperatures rise this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try fishing a weighted crawler anywhere with current. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are spawning. The bite is picking up, but fish are scattered with high water. Expect the bite to pick up post-spawn. Sauger – Good: Try vertical jigging with a minnow in the Lock and Dam tailwaters and from shore. Shorthead redhorse – Excellent: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are spawning. Bottom bounce a jig with twister tails near shore in the current breaks. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a jig tipped with with a minnow or a bit of crawler fished in the tailwaters and side channels.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level is near 622 feet at Lynxville and is expected to reach 624 feet this week. The road to Sny Magill ramp is under water and closed. Gates are all out of the water at the dam. Fish are biting, but it’s harder to find them with high water conditions. Water temperature is 55 degrees. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a crawler in the current seams as water temperatures rise this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try fishing a weighted crawler anywhere with current. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are spawning. The bite is picking up, but fish are scattered with high water. Expect the bite to pick up post-spawn. Sauger – Slow: Bottom bounce a jig with twister tails in the Lock and Dam tailwaters. Shorthead redhorse – Excellent: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Fair: Walleye are spawning. Fishing in Lock and Dam tailwaters has slowed some. Bottom bounce a jig with twister tails in the Lock and Dam tailwaters. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow or a bit of crawler fished in the tailwaters and side channels.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is near 13.4 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to rise to over 15 feet over the next week. Gates are all out of the water at the dam. Fish are biting, but it’s harder to find them with high water conditions. Water temperature is near 55 degrees. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a crawler in the current seams as water temperatures rise this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try fishing a weighted crawler anywhere with current. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike are spawning. The bite is picking up, but fish are scattered with high water. Expect the bite to pick up post-spawn. Sauger – Slow: Bottom bounce a jig with twister tails in the Lock and Dam tailwaters.  Shorthead redhorse – Excellent: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Slow: Walleye are spawning. Fishing in Lock and Dam tailwaters has slowed some. Bottom bounce a jig with twister tails in the Lock and Dam tailwaters. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a jig tipped with a minnow or a bit of crawler fished in the tailwaters and side channels.

Upper Mississippi River water levels are approaching minor flood stage. Many ramps are under water. Call ahead for conditions. Fish are biting everywhere. Water temperatures are in the mid-50s. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is rising to 13 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and near 15 feet at the RR bridge. Water temperature is around 48 degrees; the water is stained. Levels are approaching action flood stage. Bluegill – No Report:  As usual, this year’s ice fishing catch was all over the board, but in general the catch of bluegills this winter was good. Northern Pike – No Report: Early spring northern pike action usually kicks off in places like O’Leary’s Lake. Try floating large shiners on bobber rigs. Pike are spawning. Sauger – No Report: Still receiving some nice reports on catching walleye and sauger. Most anglers are using a jig and minnow rig. Yellow Perch – No Report: Lots of smaller yellow perch are in the system; this is a good indicator for yellow perch fishing this upcoming year. Tailwater anglers are catching a few perch.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is rising to near 13 feet at Lock and Dam 12 at Bellevue. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is around 49 degrees. The City of Bellevue boat ramp and the Iowa DNR ramp are open. At the DNR ramp, water is up on the parking lot making it difficult to launch. Bluegill – No Report: We received many good reports on bluegills this ice fishing season, but many small fish were reported. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season is open through April 15th. Check the paddlefish regulations (page 11 of the Iowa Fishing Regulations) before you go out snagging. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The Bellevue kids trout pond is open and relatively vegetation free. It is a nice safe place to fish with kids on warmer days. If you plan on keeping fish please only keep two fish per child. This pond will be covered in vegetation in a month or so; now is the time to fish it. Sauger – No Report: Conditions have been good this spring. Most anglers are using jigs and minnow rigs or three-way-weights with a crankbait. Fishing has been temperamental the past few weeks with some poor days sprinkled in with good catches. Seems to be a nice upcoming year class of 10- to 13-inch walleye and sauger. Shorthead redhorse – Excellent: Redhorse are running up the tributary rivers like the Maquoketa; will make some fun action on a egg sinker worm rig. Walleye – No Report: Small walleye and an occasional keeper are being reported. Better fish are taken on a three-way crankbait rig. Walleye will spawn over the next coming weeks. Yellow Perch – No Report: Smaller yellow perch are in the system; this is a good indicator for yellow perch fishing this upcoming year.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is near 12 feet at Fulton, 14.5 feet at Camanche, and 8.8 feet at LeClaire. The river is rising. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is near 49 degrees. Bluegill – No Report: Many good reports in general on all panfish species in Pool 14 over the winter season. Hope this translates into a good open water season. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season is open through April 15th. Check the paddlefish regulations (page 11 of the Iowa Fishing Regulations) before you go out snagging. Sauger – No Report: Small walleye and small sauger are being reported with an occasional keeper reported. Most anglers are using a jig and minnow rig. Shorthead redhorse – Good: Redhorse will soon start to bite and will run up rivers like the Wapsipinicon. They can provide good early season fishing action. Walleye – No Report: Walleye spawning season has started; high water and winds have hampered any attempts to angle for them.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 13 feet and rising at Rock Island. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is 50 degrees.

Many game species (walleye, sauger, yellow perch and pike) are starting to spawn. The river continues to rise from the melting massive ice pack in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Water levels are at or soon to hit the low action flood stage over the coming week in many locations. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 13.78 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising.
River stage is forecast to reach 14.7 feet by next Wednesday. Flood stage is 15 feet. The boat ramp at Clark’s Ferry Landing is closed due to high water. Sauger – Slow: Look for saugers below the Lock and Dam or in Sylvan Slough. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye – Slow: Look for walleyes below the Lock and Dam or in Sylvan Slough. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. White Bass – Good: Some white bass are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try jigs and twister tails or in-line spinners. White Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are starting to be caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 12.97 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to keep rising over the weekend and reach 13.8 feet by Wednesday. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. The ramps at Big Timber and Kilpeck are closed due to high water. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week due to high water conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 13.90 feet at Lock and Dam 17 and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to rise over the weekend and reach 14.8 feet by Wednesday. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. The Toolsboro ramp is closed due to high water. The Ferry Landing is also closed due to high water. White Bass – Fair: Some white bass are being caught in Belle Pocket. Try jigs and twister tails or inline spinners.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 9.60 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 9.9 feet by Tuesday. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week. Some boat ramps may be under water due to high river conditions.

Tailwater stages have been on the rise this. River stages are forecast to rise over the weekend. Main channel water clarity has been fair to poor. Water temperature is around 53 degrees. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Some boat ramps may be under water due to high water conditions. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST

Big Hollow Lake
The water is in the upper 50s; occasionally rising to 60 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching a few bass; bass are still adjusting to the rapidly warming water and are a little timid. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are starting to catch some bass as the water warms.  Mostly working soft plastics slowly along the bottom in 3-4 feet of water.

Discovery Park Pond
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching some bluegills when they are using small jigs or worm and bobber for trout. Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few bass are  being caught by anglers looking for trout now that the water is warming up. Rainbow Trout – Good: Still some trout left from the spring release a couple of weeks ago. They have found their hiding spots and have settled down. Bait and bobber or small jigs work well; don’t hesitate to put on a spinner to see if there is a more aggressive one around looking for some action. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Jefferson Co. Park New Pond
Bluegill – Fair: Znglers using bait and bobber are catching some bluegills while fishing for trout. Rainbow Trout – Good: This pond in Jefferson County Park south of Fairfield has lots of places for the trout to hide. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Still good numbers of rainbows left from the stocking earlier this spring. At the upper end, work the flooded stumps by the foot bridge. Most of the rest of the pond also has some nice stumps and tree to look for trout to catch.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is in the upper 50s. Water clarity is about 5-6 feet. Largemouth Bass – Fair: They should get back to feeding once they get use to the quickly rising water temperatures. Mostly just a few small bass being caught.

Lake Darling
Water temperature is 60 degrees. Water clarity is improving to a little over 3 feet. The dock is in at the main ramp. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few bluegills in shallow feeding in the warm water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass have turned a little timid. The water temperature went up pretty quick and they’re just not sure yet. Work some soft plastics slow along the rock and brush piles and you should be able to find a few.

Lake Geode
The lake is fully stocked with bass, redears, bluegills, crappies, and catfish.  While still growing to size, it’s a good place to take kids fishing. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are getting close to a keeper-size. Try fishing the sunny bays that are a little warmer and you should be able to catch enough to keep it interesting. Largemouth Bass – Fair: While still below the 15 inch size limit, these fish are more than eager to hit your bait on warmer days.

Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is in the mid to upper 50s. Water is fairly clear with a little green cast. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait on the bottom near the rocky shorelines. Nightcrawlers will also work. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up a few bass that have been working the rocks along the north shore of the lake. Try a slow retrieved crankbait or jig bounced off the underwater rocks.

Wilson Lake
Water temperature is in the upper 50s to low 60s. Rainbow Trout – Good: Plenty of places for trout to hide in this lake. Work the cedar trees and brush piles near shore and you should be able to find them. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

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