NORTHWEST

Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-50s. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and near the outlet. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are picking up crappie along the Ice House Point shoreline, from the fish house in Town Bay, and in the marina with small jigs. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are picking up walleye along shore near Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and the outlet. Boat anglers have had success fishing the rock piles. Use leeches under a bobber or throw twisters and crankbaits. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up perch up along Ice House Point shoreline, the Inlet Bridge area, and the marina.

Brushy Creek Lake
Boat ramp courtesy docks are in at all ramps. Black Crappie – Fair.  Walleye – Fair.

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

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are in the low to mid-50s. 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: Try fishing from shore in the evenings. Yellow Bass – Fair: Most fish are 5- to 7-inches. Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers are picking up perch in the marina with small jigs and minnows.

Water temperatures are in the mid-50s 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-40s. Lake level is 2.4 inches above crest. 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 – Fair: Anglers are catching crappies from the jetties. Best bite is in the morning. Channel Catfish – Fair: It’s time to target catfish; use cut bait on the bottom from the wind-swept shore. Walleye – Fair: Anglers are having success fishing from the jetties and wader fishing along the east shore and at the island after sunset. White Bass – Fair.  Yellow Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Crystal Lake
Water temperature is in the mid-40s. Lake level is 4 inches above crest.

Rice Lake
Water temperature is in the mid-40s. Lake level is one inch above crest. The courtesy dock is in at the south ramp. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth)
Water temperature is in the mid-4’s. Lake level is one inch above crest. The courtesy dock is in at the boat ramp. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Winnebago River
Water levels are dropping to 6.3 feet. Northern Pike – Fair. Walleye – Fair: 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 water temperature is in the upper 40s. All courtesy docks are in place. The walleye season is closed until May 6. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.

Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair.

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

Minnewashta Lake
Black Crappie – Fair.  Bluegill – Fair.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Courtesy docks are in place. Walleye – Fair.

Spirit Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 40s. All courtesy docks are in place. The walleye season is closed until May 6. Black Crappie – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40s. All courtesy docks are in place. The walleye season is closed until May 6. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.

Most courtesy docks are in for the season.  Water temperatures are still low in most lakes; most fish are still out in deeper water. 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)
River levels are steady. Water clarity is good. 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. Northern Pike – Fair: Anglers are finding pike while fishing for other species. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing eddies and current breaks. Walleye – Good: Use a 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. All stocked streams are announced at least once a month. Stocking continues at traditional rates, weekly or bimonthly. When on private property open to fishing, fishing is the only activity allowed. Fourth season turkey hunting runs through May 14th. 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. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Find fish around rock reefs and the shoreline. Use spinnerbaits with a slow retrieve.

Lake Meyer
Water clarity is about 2 feet. Water temperature is in the upper 40s. Find a majority of fish at 2 to 10 feet. Largemouth Bass – Fair: A few anglers are picking up bass along the shoreline in the evening. Use a spinnerbait imitating smaller fish. Northern Pike – Fair: Find pike in shallow bays. Use a steel leader to avoid line cuts from sharp teeth.

Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water levels are stable with temperatures nearing the 50s. Good to water clarity. Walleye – Good: Try a jig tipped with a plastic tail bounced off the bottom. White Sucker – Good: 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 stable with good clarity. Water temperatures are nearing the 50s. Walleye – Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow or plastic tail fished in an eddy or off a current break.

Volga Lake
Fish activity is slow. Water temperatures is in the low 50s. Black Crappie – Slow: Find fish on the bottom near habitat. A patient angler can catch a sluggish fish. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Find bass near shore in the evenings as shallower water warms.

Temperatures warm slightly over the weekend from mid-60s to 30s; breezy with a chance of showers. Cooler weather slowed the bite for many fish species. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports of anglers catching walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics tipped with a minnow.

Heritage Pond
Rainbow trout were recently stocked. 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.

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. Brown 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 this past week. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: 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 were recently stocked. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Cast and retrieve small and flashy jigs or lures.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Good reports on the Shell Rock this past week; anglers should be able to pick up a few walleye and smallmouth bass with the current river conditions. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Good: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics tipped with a minnow.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Few reports on the Wapsipinicon River. The river remains steady and in good condition. Expect a good walleye and smallmouth bass bite. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Cast jigs and ringworm plastics tipped with a minnow.

Interior rivers remain fairly stable and are producing catches of walleye and smallmouth bass. No reports of panfish on lakes yet; water temperatures are in the mid-50s and continue to warm. Trout streams are in excellent condition; stocking season is in full swing. 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 19.56 feet at Lansing  and is expected to crest near 20 feet this week.

Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level is 630.20 feet at Lynxville and is expected to crest around 630.5 feet.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is 20.85 feet at Guttenberg and will crest at near 21 feet.

Upper Mississippi River water levels are at or approaching major flood stage and expected to crest this week. Boat ramps are under water and are closed, as well as many roads. 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 near 23.2 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and around 24.6 feet at the RR bridge. It may crest sometime this weekend. Water temperature is around 48 degrees; the water is stained. Some fishing is still taking place in parking lots and along hard banks.  Bluegill – No Report: Bluegills will follow along the shorelines, even in flooded water. White Bass – Good: You can still find fish in flooded conditions; most fish will be along the shorelines.  Try minnows or small spinners to catch white bass feeding in these locations. 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. It is still possible to catch yellow perch along hard shoreline banks, even during the flooding conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at Lock and Dam 12 at Bellevue is rising and is expected to crest near 22.1 feet. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is around 49 degrees. Many boat ramps are flooded out. Water levels are  in major flood stage and should potentially crest over the weekend. Bluegill – No Report: Bluegills will follow along the shorelines, even in flooded water. Channel Catfish – Good: Try to catch channel catfish in places like Middle Sabula Lake, which should not be affected by flood conditions. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season is closed. Flooding conditions are optimal for successful paddlefish spawns; hopefully this flood will create another strong year class. Rainbow Trout – No Report: The Bellevue kids trout pond is completely flooded out and unfishable. Shorthead Redhorse – Excellent: Redhorse are running up the tributary rivers like the Maquoketa; will make some fun action on an egg sinker worm rig. 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 at Fulton will peak near 22.4 feet, over 23 feet at Camanche, and near 16 feet at LeClaire. The river is rising. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is near 50 degrees. Water levels are in major flood stage and will be in that stage for the foreseeable future. Bluegill – No Report: Many good reports 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 closed. Flooding conditions are optimal for successful paddlefish spawns; hopefully this flood will create another strong year class. 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.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is expected to peak over 21.3 feet. Water clarity is stained. Water temperature is 50 degrees. Water level is in major flood stage. Nearly all boat ramps are flooded out.

We are still climbing up towards a top 5 flood stage throughout the district. The Mississippi River is in major flood stage and will start to crest late this week or into next week. Water levels are still rising. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 19.80 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is rising.
River stage is forecast to crest at 21.6 feet by next Monday or Tuesday. Flood stage is 15 feet. The boat ramps at Marquette St, Credit Island, Buffalo Shores, Clark’s Ferry Landing, Shady Creek and the Fairport Recreational Area are closed due to high water. No fishing reports have been received for this Pool this week.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 19.27 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 21.4 feet on Monday or Tuesday. 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. Mississippi Drive in downtown Muscatine is also 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 19.13 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 21.6 feet by Tuesday. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. The Toolsboro ramp and Ferry Landing  are closed due to high water. The Hawkeye Dolbee ramp is under water. We have not received any fishing reports for this Pool this week due to flooding conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 14.06 feet at Lock and Dam 18 and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 16.2 feet by Tuesday. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 18.30 feet and forecast to reach 20.2 by Tuesday. Flood stage at Burlington is 15 feet. River stage at Fort Madison is 529.45 feet and flood stage is 528 feet. We have not received any fishing report information for this pool this week.

River stages have been on the rise this week. River stages are above major flood stage throughout Pools 16-19 and forecast to keep rising. Main channel water clarity has been poor. Water temperature is around 48 degrees. Fishing has been slow due to high water conditions. Most boat ramps are closed 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 temperature is back to the mid-50s after last weekend and some cool nights since then. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies in the trees int 5 feet of water vertically jigging or with minnow and bobber.  The fish are getting into bigger, more organized schools. Anglers are getting more fish per site before the school moves off. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are moving into shallow water in the afternoons and back to deeper water in the early morning and evenings. Work soft plastics slowly along the bottom in 3-4 feet of water during the afternoon.

Lake Belva Deer
Water temperatures have dropped back to the mid-50s with the cool nights. Black Crappie – Fair: Picking up a little bit and getting a little bit more consistent. Try slow trolling or vertically jigging while drifting along the edge of the flooded timber to find a school; stop and work that school before they move off. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The bass bite is improving with the more stable weather pattern since the weekend. Pick a warm sunny afternoon and head to the upper end of the lake. Try fishing the rock bottom sections of the shoreline and the tops of the mounds with jigs or soft plastics worked slowly.

Lake Darling
The water temperature is 54 degrees. Water clarity is 6-7 feet. Black Crappie – Fair:  Crappies are coming into the rock piles to feed on the warmer afternoons. They stay out in 8-10 feet of water earlier in the day, waiting for it to warm up. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill bite has improved and is more consistent. Look for them around the rock piles and tree falls in 5-7 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: The bass bite is improving with the more stable weather. Work the shallow water habitat with soft plastics and slow moving crankbaits on the warmer afternoons.

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. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up some crappies. Try jigs tipped with minnows; they are out over the habitat in 7-8 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are getting close to a keeper-size. Try fishing the sunny bays that are a little warmer; 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 low to mid-50s. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are getting organized with the more stable weather pattern. Schools are starting to move into the trees in 5-8 feet of water to feed before the spawn starts. Bluegill – Fair: Pick a warm afternoon without the wind. Find a chunk of shoreline where the sun is really hitting the water and you should find bluegills. Worm and bobber work well; try also a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Work the shallow water in the flooded trees and around the rocky shorelines in the sun. Use soft plastics or jigs tipped with a trailer worked slowly.

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

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level is 683.5 feet. Water temperature is in the 50s. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait in the channel or on wind-blown flats. White Crappie – Fair: Use bright jigs or minnows in brush piles or rock banks near spawning coves.

Diamond Lake
All facilities are open. Black Crappie – Fair: A few fish are being caught on jigs tipped with waxies in 4-6 feet of water off the jetties. Most fish are 8- to 9-inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Some fish have been caught in the shallows and inlet areas. White Crappie – Slow: A few bigger white crappies have been caught.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
Water temperature is around 50 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Fish are suspended in 5-10 feet of water. Cast or troll jigs over these depths. Bluegill – Fair: Look for fish in 4-8 feet of water; use a worm. Some fish are on the bottom while some are suspended.

Lake Macbride
The docks are in. Water temperatures dropped to the low 50s. Any sized motor may be used at 5 mph. The fish cleaning station should be open this week. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are not shallow yet. Try jigs or minnows in 10-15 feet of water.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Fish are moving to shallower structure and areas adjacent to spawning flats. Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Some fish are on shallow rock at night and the rest have moved to back to post-spawn feeding areas. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Most fish are deeper, but some have been feeding shallow or on the surface at sunrise/sunset.

Liberty Centre Pond
Rainbow trout were recently stocked. Rainbow Trout – Fair: Try small jigs, spinners, scented baits or live bait. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is drained for the ongoing renovation project.

Pleasant Creek Lake
The docks are in. Water temperatures have dropped to the low 50s. Pit toilets are available; the modern bathroom and fish cleaning station won’t be available until May. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing over brush in 10-15 feet of water. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing in rock in 10-20 feet of water during the day and shallower rock towards evening.