NORTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Nelson Park Lake Fishing is very slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment Fishing has been very slow.
Brushy Creek Lake All docks are in and fishing is beginning to pick up a bit.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake) Anglers are starting to catch walleye in the main lake. Special walleye regulations at Storm Lake are three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released, and only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleye using a split shot about eight inches above a bare hook with a minnow. They usually use a bobber unless it's windy, then they put on more weight and don't use a bobber. Best location has been the east side near the boat ramp.
North Twin Lake Fishing is starting to pick up. Anglers are catching a few nice walleye. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching some 1 to 2-pound catfish using various baits. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching some yellow bass using various techniques. Fish are about 7 to 8 inches, but in good condition.
Swan Lake Anglers are catching some 8 to 9-inch crappies; minnows seem to be best, but Berkley baits and twister tails work well also.
Black Hawk Lake Fishing is starting to pick up. A day or two of bad weather slows things down. Anglers have been catching a few walleyes, and catfishing has been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting all over the lake. Anglers are having good luck with various baits; you don't even have to use stink bait. Walleye - Slow: Anglers have been catching some walleye using minnows and Berkley Powerbait. The twister tails or worms have been working better than niblets.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east) Angers have been catching a few bluegill and crappie.
Moorland Pond Anglers are still catching trout from the November stocking. The next trout stocking is March 24 around 1 p.m. Make sure to have a trout stamp.
Little Sioux Park Lake Anglers are catching some big bluegill using worms and a bobber; best spot is in north end near fence.
Badger Lake Fishing has been slow.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville) Anglers are catching a few walleye and channel catfish, and some northern pike below the Linn Grove Dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are catching some 18 to 24-inch northern pike below the Linn Grove Dam. Use a two ounce sinker with a 3 to 4-inch chub and fish where the river narrows and the current picks up near the boat ramp. Regular chubs work better than suckers; hook them through the head.
Fishing has been picking up in our area. The water is far warmer than normal for this time of year. Cold fronts and unsettled weather will slow things down for a few days, but it bounces back quickly. For more information, contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake Crappies are biting on minnows fished off the causeway.
Lower Pine Lake Northern pike are being caught on spinner baits.
Clear Lake Fishing has picked up. Walleyes are biting on jigs tipped with a minnows fished near the outlet and the rock reefs. Crappies are biting on minnows and small jigs fished near the rushes in the little lake. Yellow bass are biting on jigs tipped with bait in 6 to 10 feet of water. The docks are in at the McIntosh boat ramp.
Little Wall Lake Crappie and yellow bass fishing is good. The best bite is fishing on the jetty on the north end using small crappie jigs tipped with wax worms.
Blue Pit Trout are biting on spinners and small jigs. Anglers are required to have a trout stamp, in addition to having a valid fishing license, to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit for trout is five with a possession limit of 10.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake Walleye season is closed. For ice out action try targeting the North Grade and Templar Park for crappie. A few smallmouth bass along with white bass may be caught on rock piles in various parts of the lake.
West Okoboji Lake Try targeting protected shallow areas for bluegills and crappie using a slow presentation and small offerings should come with good results.
As water temperature warms, fishing should improve. A few walleye and catfish have been reported on the rivers in the area. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Volga Lake Ice went out on March 10-11. Angling has been slow but people have been out.
Lake Hendricks Ice went out last March 15. Anglers have been out but fish activity has been slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass are being caught but remember water temperature is still cold so try throwing spinner baits but use a slow retrieve.
Lake Meyer Ice went out last week. Water clarity is about one foot and temperature is 57 degrees. The boat dock is in and anglers have been out. Water is still cold so when fishing use small ice jig tipped with waxworm or small plastic skirt. Use a slow retrieve.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Sucker - Good: Suckers are beginning to run. Try using a worm bounced along the bottom or under a bobber. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Turkey River (above Clermont) Ice just went out at Mill Pond above Vernon Springs Dam this past week. The water is still cold so use a slow retrieve for slow moving fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using crankbaits with a very slow retrieve.
Turkey River (below Clermont) Sucker - Good: Anglers are beginning to report nice catches of suckers. Suckers are biting on a worm fished off the bottom.
Cedar River (above Nashua) Fish activity below the Nashua Dam has picked up this week and a variety of fish are being caught. Northern Pike - Fair: Northerns are hitting on dead chubs or spoons. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dead chubs are working well for catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallies are hitting on a jig tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Good: Walleye are hitting on a jig tipped with a minnow or a minnow under a bobber. Lots of small ones are being caught with a few 3-4 pounders in the mix.
Decorah District Streams Unseasonably warm March weather has precipitated excellent early season dry fly hatches. Dark Hendricksons have been hatching heavily early afternoons on most northeast Iowa streams since late last week. Try a #14 or #12 Adams for trout rising to Hendricksons. For morning Blue Wing Olive hatches, try your favorite #16 Blue Wing pattern. Stonefly hatches have been heavy. A #16 Black Elk Hair Caddis works well for these. Nymph patterns have produced good fish for all three hatches.
Rivers and streams are in excellent condition and lakes are ice free as of last week. Scattered thunderstorms and showers are predicted through Saturday for the area. Contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information or if you have been out fishing.
Martens Lake Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent over the last week. Fishing from a boat has been the preference of most bass anglers. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Try casting and slowly retrieving plastics or spinner baits near the shoreline. There is a 15-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass on this lake.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and northern pike has been very good on the Cedar River in both Black Hawk and Bremer counties. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting spinner baits or fishing a chub under a bobber near woody debris and backwater areas. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try fishing dead cut baits on the bottom as water temperature rises. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Most anglers have been catching smallmouth while fishing for walleye. Use a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow or drifting a nightcrawler under a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Walleye fishing on the Shell Rock River is being reported as good. Smallmouth bass have become more active with the increase in water temperature. Northern pike fishing has been good below the low head dams. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting spinner baits or fishing a chub under a bobber near woody debris and backwater areas. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Most anglers have been catching smallmouth while fishing for walleye. Use a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow or drifting a nightcrawler under a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) Anglers have been reporting some catches of walleye, northern pike and channel catfish on the Upper and Lower Wapsipinicon River. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting spinner baits or fishing a chub under a bobber near woody debris and backwater areas. Fishing below low head dams has also been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing dead cut baits on the bottom as water temperature rises. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) The Maquoketa River is falling; rain is in the forecast. Fishing may be better on the upper portion of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County for the weekend. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits on the bottom as water temperature rises. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try drifting a nightcrawler on a small hook with a split shot on the bottom or under a bobber. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Manchester District Streams Trout streams remain in excellent condition here in the N.E. District. There have been some good hatches occurring with the recent warm weather.
The Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa rivers have been reporting catches of walleye, channel catfish, smallmouth bass and northern pike as water temperatures rise. Heritage Pond was stocked with trout two weeks ago; a second open water stocking (with kids fishing event) is scheduled for Heritage Pond on April 21. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER - IOWA SIDE
Mississippi River Pool 9 Warm weather has quickly raised water temperature and fish are becoming active. River level at Lansing is 25.2 feet and receding over the next week. Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting on a jig and minnows fished in the flooded trees. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye being caught trolling in Minnesota Slough. Yellow Bass - Good: Fishing has picked up lately in backwater areas and main channel shorelines.
Mississippi River Pool 10 Warm weather is raising water temperature and fish are becoming active. River level at Lynxville is 19.2 feet and receding. Yellow Perch - Good: Some nice yellow perch being caught below the emergency dam above Harpers Ferry. Sauger - Good: Anglers at Lynxville have reported good catches of sauger over the past week. Walleye - Good: Walleyes have been biting on jig and minnows in the tail waters with some reports of large walleyes caught in the shallows.
Mississippi River Pool 11 Warm weather is raising water temperature and fish are becoming active. Lock and Dam 10 gates are open and river level at Guttenberg tail water is 10.3 feet and expected to peak over this weekend. Yellow Perch - Good: Nice perch being caught below the DNR boat ramp in Guttenberg. Sauger - Good: Decent catches of sauger lately with a lot of sorting. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes being caught below the wing dams and the lower end of Ackermen's cut. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing is picking up on side channel sandbar areas drifting a nightcrawler.
Warm weather is raising water temperature quickly and fishing is picking up. Water temperature is nearing 60 degrees. Water levels have been rising and are expected to level off over the next week.
Mississippi River Pool 12 Tail water stage is 6.8 feet and rising at Dubuque. Water slightly stained to clear. Water expected to raise one foot over the week. Northern Pike - Good: A few nice sized pike were caught in the tail water and lakes close to the tail water such as O?Leary?s. Pike are undergoing the spawning this week. Yellow perch are soon to follow. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some real nice perch were caught last week, expect to see a few more although the perch are spawning during this time and will slightly harder to catch during the spawn. Sauger - Good: Fishing is occurring in Lock 11 tail water. Many small saugers are being caught with a few larger ones being taken on larger plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 13 Tail water stage at Bellevue is rising and is at 7.6 feet. Water clarity is clear-to-slightly stained. Some tail water paddle fish snagging is occurring. Please review recent rule changes regarding number kept, size and type of treble hooks allowed. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are starting to be caught in good numbers. Fish cut-bait along wind-swept shorelines for best results. The wind brings in food and warmer water. Yellow Perch - No Report: A couple yellow perch were reported being caught last week but no report this week. These reported were not the best of size but some real nice perch can be found in Pool 13. Sauger - Good: Angers are catching small sauger in the tail waters using a three-way rig with a minnow or a jig and minnow. A lot of fish are being caught but many are small.
Mississippi River Pool 14 Tail water stage at Camanche is around 12.3 feet by Thursday and expected to stabilize. Water clarity is clear-to-slightly stained. Channel Catfish - No Report: Although not reported, it is expected the channel catfishing bite to be real good in Pool 14 the next few weeks. Try using cut bait off a sucker or carp, and cast bait into windswept shorelines for best results. Sauger - Good: Anglers catching many small sauger and an occasional walleye below Lock and Dam 13. Many using three-ways with a minnow. Some also using ring worms on a jig.
Mississippi River Pool 15 We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
The river is waking up and a few more species are being reported in the creel. Generally the river is low but expecting to slowly rise one foot this week.
Mississippi River Pool 16 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.4 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple days. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts fished on shallow mud flats. Some fish are also being caught around the mouth of the Rock River. White Bass - Fair: There have been reports of some white bass being caught in Sylvan Slough and along the Davenport River front. Try casting small crankbaits, in-line spinners, or jigs and twister tails. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and small minnows or on jigs and plastics. Try vertical jigging around the docks. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and minnows or on jigs and plastics. Try fishing around the docks. Sauger - Fair: Saugers are being caught in the tail waters on jigs and minnows. Try fishing above the casino and in Sylvan Slough. Most of the fish have been on the small side.
Mississippi River Pool 17 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 7.95 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple of days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught in the tail waters on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 9.32 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple of days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts. Try fishing shallow mudflats. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Sauger - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 5.50 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple of days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts and nightcrawlers. Try fishing shallow mudflats. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Sauger - No Report:
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have risen over the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 58-62 degrees. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Lake Belva Deer The warmer weather has brought out the anglers. The water temperature in the shallow bays is getting up to 50 degrees on the warmer sunny afternoons. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is very good right now. Look for them to be along the shoreline where the wind is blowing in. Use night crawlers and cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing has really taken off. Look for them in flooded timber in the shallow bays. Some in the five pound range have been caught recently. Crappie - Good: Look for these fish to be in the west end of the lake in the shallow bays where the sun can warm the water.
Pollmiller Park Lake The park roads past the boat ramp will remain closed a little longer. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few bluegills on small jigs tipped with wax worms or small fish worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Smaller bass have moved into shallow bay areas. Target the shallow habitat with soft plastics.
Lake of the Hills The spring trout release will be March 23 at 10 a.m. Numerous winter trout stockings were moved to spring because of unsafe ice conditions. Rainbow Trout - Fair: A few trout are being caught on small spinners. Look for the bite to pick up tomorrow. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up a few crappies. The fish seem to be moving around a lot but I would work the rocky shorelines around the stumps. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use minnows.
Railroad Lake Remember you cannot use minnows in Railroad Lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching some nice bass around the timber and other woody structure in the shallow waters of the lake. Crappie - Good: Look for the crappies along the stump field on the North side of the lake. Use tube jigs.
Wilson Lake The spring trout stocking is March 23 around 1 p.m. Most of the winter trout stockings were delayed to spring by poor ice conditions. Park roads are expected to be open by Friday. Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers are catching trout around the Christmas tree piles and other habitat in the shallow water.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond The trout stocking for Discovery Park pond will be March 23 around 10:30 a.m. Most of the winter stocking were moved to spring due to unsafe ice conditions. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Anglers are still catching trout from last fall's stocking. They will be joined on Friday by another thousand.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock) The river level is high enough to run Jon boats, but is low for this time of year. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are catching a lot of catfish using cut bait and night crawlers. Not much in the way of flatheads yet.
Big Hollow Lake Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are running about 12-15 inches. Anglers are catching them along the rocky shorelines. Crappie - Good: Most of these fish are about eight inches. There are bigger ones in the lake.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Kent Park Lake Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught in the ponds around the park.
Lake Macbride Walleyes should be spawning soon. The docks should all be in by the weekend. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are pushing shallow and some are hanging out deeper yet. Crappie - Fair: Look for areas of warmer water with brush. The area east of the causeway has been productive. Walleye - Slow: Some fish are being caught in 20 feet plus of water, still staging before the spawn. Try vertically jigging for these fish.
Pleasant Creek Lake Remember, largemouth bass have to be 18 inches and muskellunge have to be 40 inches to keep. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair: Try fishing along the dam. Many fish are small but larger ones are available.
Diamond Lake The courtesy dock is in. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Good: Use a small tube jig for best results. Limits of fish have been reported. Most fish are about eight inches but some 10-12-inch fish are being caught as well.
Union Grove Lake Crappie - Good: Use a jig/minnow around brush. Most fish are on the small side.
Coralville Reservoir The water level is 679.4 feet as of March 22. At this level, boating is almost impossible above Lake Macbride State Park. Channel Catfish - Good: The upper end, around the Hwy. 965/I-380 bridges, has been the best, but the main lake has been good for catfish as well. Shad or cut bait have been working best.
Sand Lake This lake is on South Gilbert Street in Iowa City. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for and possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. The DNR will release 2,000 trout on March 31 at 10 a.m. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Small spinners have been working best here. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) Outflow from the tube is 1,290 cubic feet per second as of March 22. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some catfish are being caught below the dams as well. Walleye - Slow: Use a jig/minnow for best results. Most fish have been 11-14 inches, but an occasional bigger fish is being caught.
Prairie Park Fishery The DNR will release 2,000 trout on March 24 at 10 a.m. There will be 200 tagged fish and prizes will be given for those fish caught until 1 pm. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines. Brook Trout - Excellent: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake Anglers have been having some luck for bluegill and crappies using small jigs tipped with a minnow or waxworm. Bass anglers might want to try slow rolling a spinner bait or using plastic worms.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake) The lake renovation work is complete and the lake is full. New fish habitat areas and new jetties have been built. Fingerlings were stocked in May of 2011.
Albia (lower) Try small jigs fished at different depths until active fish are found.
Lake Sugema Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure not to transport any plant fragments in your equipment. Try small jigs fished around structure for active fish. Bass anglers might want to try a jig and pig combo fished along the rocky shorelines of the lake.
Ottumwa Lagoon Trout will be stocked between 10 and 11 a.m., on March 24. Don't forget a trout stamp is needed to possess or fish for trout. Plan on using flashy types of spinners or jigs rigged with small white twister tails.
Rathbun Reservoir The lake level is 904.41 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 51 degrees. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun). Channel Catfish - Slow: Use shad guts or cut bait along shorelines with the wind blowing into them. Crappie - Slow: Try using jig and minnow combinations. Start shallow and fish out into deeper water to find active fish.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Big Creek Lake Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill are being caught near shallow brush piles with small pieces of crawler or wax worms. Big Creek bluegills are nice sized from 7.5 to 9 inches. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are still moving shallow in the evenings and overnight anywhere there is rocky structure. Cast jigs with twisters or minnows.
Red Rock Reservoir Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught around the docks and riprap in the marina using small jigs or live minnows. Some fish up to 15 inches are coming out.
Saylorville Reservoir Crappie - Fair: Prespawn crappie are being caught around the docks in the marina. The docks are private property. The best approach is to fish from shore between the shore and docks, and by boat. Fish small panfish jigs or live minnows.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers continue to do well on the trout casting small crankbaits, spoons, in-line spinners and small plastics. Gold or silver colors are working best. The trout are now dispersed between both segments of the lake, but the best fishing seems to be the south shorelines of each segment.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed at the Boone Waterworks Dam and Fraser Dam, but some walleye are still being caught. Jig and twister or jig and minnow are the preferred bait.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock) Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleyes in the Des Moines River from Saylorville Dam through Des Moines, and below Red Rock Dam. Most activity in Des Moines is occurring at the Scott Street Dam. Walleye fishing below Red Rock has been good to very good this week. Slow fish a jig with minnow or just a jig and twister tail.
Boone District Farm Ponds Farm ponds and all the urban storm water retention ponds in many newer developments are warming much quicker than the larger lakes. Anglers are experiencing good bass, bluegill, and crappie fishing right now.
Central Iowa water temperature is climbing through the 50s and into the 60s. Walleye fishing in the rivers is still good in areas below Saylorville. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Crappies have been biting along the dam and around jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught using shrimp. Fish average two pounds. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are close to rock and can be caught using red tube jigs or white twister tails. Sorting is necessary.
Nodaway Lake Nodaway Lake has one boat ramp. Anglers are starting to pick up crappies and catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish in the 1 to 2-pound range are being caught on shrimp. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught on warm sunny days close to rock. Nodaway crappies average 10 inches.
Lake Anita Lake Anita has two concrete boat ramps. Anglers are beginning to catch crappies in the upper arms of the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing deep structure for largemouth bass. Many of the fish caught are 14 to 19 inches. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-inch crappies have been caught in the upper arms of the lake on warm sunny days. The bite should improve with warming water temperature.
Viking Lake Viking has three concrete boat ramps. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and jigs. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported.
Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond) Big Lake was stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout on March 9. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers have been catching trout on wax worms. Red and white twister tails have also been a good choice.
Lake Manawa Lake Manawa water temperature has warmed quickly. Crappies have moved to the main lake. Catfish are picking up. Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish bite is picking up using dead minnows on the windy shoreline. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has slowed with last week?s rain but should pick up again this week. Wax worms and minnows have been the bait of choice on the west side of the lake.
Anderson Area Pond 1 Anglers are catching crappies with the warmer spring temperatures. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappie around the dam casting twister tails. Fish are 8-10 inches.
Anglers were having success fishing for crappies, largemouth bass, and/or channel catfish throughout the district. Smaller water bodies warm up faster and provide the best early spring fishing. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria Water temperature ranges from 42 to 53 degrees and clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught near shore in the shallow bays. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few largemouth bass can be found near shore on warm afternoons and evenings. Crappie - Fair: The crappies bite pretty well over the weekend but the rainy weather has driven them back out. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye can be caught on twister tails or crankbaits from the dam.
Little River Watershed Lake The water level has been lowered 15 feet and the fishery has been renovated. Fish will be stocked in the spring. The construction projects are progressing but are expected to slow if the weather turns wet.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir) The lake has been drained to allow placement of rip rap and construction of water quality structures. Completion is expected by late spring.
Green Valley Lake The sediment removal project is complete and the lake is beginning to refill. It is approximately seven feet low. The main ramp is usable. Fish are starting to bite. Spring anglers will find a lot of keeper bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several large channel catfish can be caught from the warm bays using shad bait or cut bluegill sides. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie can be caught from the deeper shore areas of the dam.
Summitt Lake The lake has been drained to replace the lake's concrete spillway. Completion is expected in June. fish will be restocked when water is available.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake Water temperature is in the mid 40s at the dam and above 50 degrees at the north end. Water clarity is very good. The bite is getting better. Bullhead - Fair: A few giant bullheads are being caught from the warmer bays of the upper end. Channel Catfish - Fair: The channel catfish are starting to bite at the upper end. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye is being caught out from the dam in 10 feet of water.
Water temperature is above 40 degrees in the big lakes and above 50 degrees in the smaller ones. Some success catching walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish has been seen. A lot of panfish are being caught from farm ponds.
Nelson Park Lake Fishing is very slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment Fishing has been very slow.
Brushy Creek Lake All docks are in and fishing is beginning to pick up a bit.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake) Anglers are starting to catch walleye in the main lake. Special walleye regulations at Storm Lake are three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released, and only one walleye over 22 inches may be kept. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleye using a split shot about eight inches above a bare hook with a minnow. They usually use a bobber unless it's windy, then they put on more weight and don't use a bobber. Best location has been the east side near the boat ramp.
North Twin Lake Fishing is starting to pick up. Anglers are catching a few nice walleye. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching some 1 to 2-pound catfish using various baits. Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching some yellow bass using various techniques. Fish are about 7 to 8 inches, but in good condition.
Swan Lake Anglers are catching some 8 to 9-inch crappies; minnows seem to be best, but Berkley baits and twister tails work well also.
Black Hawk Lake Fishing is starting to pick up. A day or two of bad weather slows things down. Anglers have been catching a few walleyes, and catfishing has been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting all over the lake. Anglers are having good luck with various baits; you don't even have to use stink bait. Walleye - Slow: Anglers have been catching some walleye using minnows and Berkley Powerbait. The twister tails or worms have been working better than niblets.
Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east) Angers have been catching a few bluegill and crappie.
Moorland Pond Anglers are still catching trout from the November stocking. The next trout stocking is March 24 around 1 p.m. Make sure to have a trout stamp.
Little Sioux Park Lake Anglers are catching some big bluegill using worms and a bobber; best spot is in north end near fence.
Badger Lake Fishing has been slow.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville) Anglers are catching a few walleye and channel catfish, and some northern pike below the Linn Grove Dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Anglers are catching some 18 to 24-inch northern pike below the Linn Grove Dam. Use a two ounce sinker with a 3 to 4-inch chub and fish where the river narrows and the current picks up near the boat ramp. Regular chubs work better than suckers; hook them through the head.
Fishing has been picking up in our area. The water is far warmer than normal for this time of year. Cold fronts and unsettled weather will slow things down for a few days, but it bounces back quickly. For more information, contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake Crappies are biting on minnows fished off the causeway.
Lower Pine Lake Northern pike are being caught on spinner baits.
Clear Lake Fishing has picked up. Walleyes are biting on jigs tipped with a minnows fished near the outlet and the rock reefs. Crappies are biting on minnows and small jigs fished near the rushes in the little lake. Yellow bass are biting on jigs tipped with bait in 6 to 10 feet of water. The docks are in at the McIntosh boat ramp.
Little Wall Lake Crappie and yellow bass fishing is good. The best bite is fishing on the jetty on the north end using small crappie jigs tipped with wax worms.
Blue Pit Trout are biting on spinners and small jigs. Anglers are required to have a trout stamp, in addition to having a valid fishing license, to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit for trout is five with a possession limit of 10.
For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Big Spirit Lake Walleye season is closed. For ice out action try targeting the North Grade and Templar Park for crappie. A few smallmouth bass along with white bass may be caught on rock piles in various parts of the lake.
West Okoboji Lake Try targeting protected shallow areas for bluegills and crappie using a slow presentation and small offerings should come with good results.
As water temperature warms, fishing should improve. A few walleye and catfish have been reported on the rivers in the area. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Volga Lake Ice went out on March 10-11. Angling has been slow but people have been out.
Lake Hendricks Ice went out last March 15. Anglers have been out but fish activity has been slow. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few bass are being caught but remember water temperature is still cold so try throwing spinner baits but use a slow retrieve.
Lake Meyer Ice went out last week. Water clarity is about one foot and temperature is 57 degrees. The boat dock is in and anglers have been out. Water is still cold so when fishing use small ice jig tipped with waxworm or small plastic skirt. Use a slow retrieve.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Sucker - Good: Suckers are beginning to run. Try using a worm bounced along the bottom or under a bobber. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Turkey River (above Clermont) Ice just went out at Mill Pond above Vernon Springs Dam this past week. The water is still cold so use a slow retrieve for slow moving fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using crankbaits with a very slow retrieve.
Turkey River (below Clermont) Sucker - Good: Anglers are beginning to report nice catches of suckers. Suckers are biting on a worm fished off the bottom.
Cedar River (above Nashua) Fish activity below the Nashua Dam has picked up this week and a variety of fish are being caught. Northern Pike - Fair: Northerns are hitting on dead chubs or spoons. Channel Catfish - Fair: Dead chubs are working well for catfish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallies are hitting on a jig tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Good: Walleye are hitting on a jig tipped with a minnow or a minnow under a bobber. Lots of small ones are being caught with a few 3-4 pounders in the mix.
Decorah District Streams Unseasonably warm March weather has precipitated excellent early season dry fly hatches. Dark Hendricksons have been hatching heavily early afternoons on most northeast Iowa streams since late last week. Try a #14 or #12 Adams for trout rising to Hendricksons. For morning Blue Wing Olive hatches, try your favorite #16 Blue Wing pattern. Stonefly hatches have been heavy. A #16 Black Elk Hair Caddis works well for these. Nymph patterns have produced good fish for all three hatches.
Rivers and streams are in excellent condition and lakes are ice free as of last week. Scattered thunderstorms and showers are predicted through Saturday for the area. Contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 for more information or if you have been out fishing.
Martens Lake Largemouth bass fishing has been excellent over the last week. Fishing from a boat has been the preference of most bass anglers. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Try casting and slowly retrieving plastics or spinner baits near the shoreline. There is a 15-inch minimum size limit on largemouth bass on this lake.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Fishing for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and northern pike has been very good on the Cedar River in both Black Hawk and Bremer counties. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting spinner baits or fishing a chub under a bobber near woody debris and backwater areas. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try fishing dead cut baits on the bottom as water temperature rises. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Most anglers have been catching smallmouth while fishing for walleye. Use a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow or drifting a nightcrawler under a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Walleye fishing on the Shell Rock River is being reported as good. Smallmouth bass have become more active with the increase in water temperature. Northern pike fishing has been good below the low head dams. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting spinner baits or fishing a chub under a bobber near woody debris and backwater areas. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Most anglers have been catching smallmouth while fishing for walleye. Use a jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow or drifting a nightcrawler under a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) Anglers have been reporting some catches of walleye, northern pike and channel catfish on the Upper and Lower Wapsipinicon River. Northern Pike - Good: Try casting spinner baits or fishing a chub under a bobber near woody debris and backwater areas. Fishing below low head dams has also been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing dead cut baits on the bottom as water temperature rises. Walleye - Good: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) The Maquoketa River is falling; rain is in the forecast. Fishing may be better on the upper portion of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County for the weekend. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try fishing cut baits on the bottom as water temperature rises. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Try drifting a nightcrawler on a small hook with a split shot on the bottom or under a bobber. Walleye - Fair: Jig tipped with a minnow is a good combination for walleye. Walleye are moving out of overwintering holes in preparation for the upcoming spawn.
Manchester District Streams Trout streams remain in excellent condition here in the N.E. District. There have been some good hatches occurring with the recent warm weather.
The Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa rivers have been reporting catches of walleye, channel catfish, smallmouth bass and northern pike as water temperatures rise. Heritage Pond was stocked with trout two weeks ago; a second open water stocking (with kids fishing event) is scheduled for Heritage Pond on April 21. Trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information contact the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER - IOWA SIDE
Mississippi River Pool 9 Warm weather has quickly raised water temperature and fish are becoming active. River level at Lansing is 25.2 feet and receding over the next week. Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting on a jig and minnows fished in the flooded trees. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye being caught trolling in Minnesota Slough. Yellow Bass - Good: Fishing has picked up lately in backwater areas and main channel shorelines.
Mississippi River Pool 10 Warm weather is raising water temperature and fish are becoming active. River level at Lynxville is 19.2 feet and receding. Yellow Perch - Good: Some nice yellow perch being caught below the emergency dam above Harpers Ferry. Sauger - Good: Anglers at Lynxville have reported good catches of sauger over the past week. Walleye - Good: Walleyes have been biting on jig and minnows in the tail waters with some reports of large walleyes caught in the shallows.
Mississippi River Pool 11 Warm weather is raising water temperature and fish are becoming active. Lock and Dam 10 gates are open and river level at Guttenberg tail water is 10.3 feet and expected to peak over this weekend. Yellow Perch - Good: Nice perch being caught below the DNR boat ramp in Guttenberg. Sauger - Good: Decent catches of sauger lately with a lot of sorting. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes being caught below the wing dams and the lower end of Ackermen's cut. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum fishing is picking up on side channel sandbar areas drifting a nightcrawler.
Warm weather is raising water temperature quickly and fishing is picking up. Water temperature is nearing 60 degrees. Water levels have been rising and are expected to level off over the next week.
Mississippi River Pool 12 Tail water stage is 6.8 feet and rising at Dubuque. Water slightly stained to clear. Water expected to raise one foot over the week. Northern Pike - Good: A few nice sized pike were caught in the tail water and lakes close to the tail water such as O?Leary?s. Pike are undergoing the spawning this week. Yellow perch are soon to follow. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some real nice perch were caught last week, expect to see a few more although the perch are spawning during this time and will slightly harder to catch during the spawn. Sauger - Good: Fishing is occurring in Lock 11 tail water. Many small saugers are being caught with a few larger ones being taken on larger plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 13 Tail water stage at Bellevue is rising and is at 7.6 feet. Water clarity is clear-to-slightly stained. Some tail water paddle fish snagging is occurring. Please review recent rule changes regarding number kept, size and type of treble hooks allowed. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are starting to be caught in good numbers. Fish cut-bait along wind-swept shorelines for best results. The wind brings in food and warmer water. Yellow Perch - No Report: A couple yellow perch were reported being caught last week but no report this week. These reported were not the best of size but some real nice perch can be found in Pool 13. Sauger - Good: Angers are catching small sauger in the tail waters using a three-way rig with a minnow or a jig and minnow. A lot of fish are being caught but many are small.
Mississippi River Pool 14 Tail water stage at Camanche is around 12.3 feet by Thursday and expected to stabilize. Water clarity is clear-to-slightly stained. Channel Catfish - No Report: Although not reported, it is expected the channel catfishing bite to be real good in Pool 14 the next few weeks. Try using cut bait off a sucker or carp, and cast bait into windswept shorelines for best results. Sauger - Good: Anglers catching many small sauger and an occasional walleye below Lock and Dam 13. Many using three-ways with a minnow. Some also using ring worms on a jig.
Mississippi River Pool 15 We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
The river is waking up and a few more species are being reported in the creel. Generally the river is low but expecting to slowly rise one foot this week.
Mississippi River Pool 16 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 9.4 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple days. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts fished on shallow mud flats. Some fish are also being caught around the mouth of the Rock River. White Bass - Fair: There have been reports of some white bass being caught in Sylvan Slough and along the Davenport River front. Try casting small crankbaits, in-line spinners, or jigs and twister tails. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and small minnows or on jigs and plastics. Try vertical jigging around the docks. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina on jigs and minnows or on jigs and plastics. Try fishing around the docks. Sauger - Fair: Saugers are being caught in the tail waters on jigs and minnows. Try fishing above the casino and in Sylvan Slough. Most of the fish have been on the small side.
Mississippi River Pool 17 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 7.95 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple of days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to be caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught in the tail waters on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 9.32 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple of days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts. Try fishing shallow mudflats. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Sauger - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19 Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 5.50 feet. Tail water stage has risen over the past couple of days. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught on shad guts and nightcrawlers. Try fishing shallow mudflats. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Sauger - No Report:
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Tail water stages have risen over the past few days. Main channel water temperature is around 58-62 degrees. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Lake Belva Deer The warmer weather has brought out the anglers. The water temperature in the shallow bays is getting up to 50 degrees on the warmer sunny afternoons. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Catfishing is very good right now. Look for them to be along the shoreline where the wind is blowing in. Use night crawlers and cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass fishing has really taken off. Look for them in flooded timber in the shallow bays. Some in the five pound range have been caught recently. Crappie - Good: Look for these fish to be in the west end of the lake in the shallow bays where the sun can warm the water.
Pollmiller Park Lake The park roads past the boat ramp will remain closed a little longer. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are starting to catch a few bluegills on small jigs tipped with wax worms or small fish worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Smaller bass have moved into shallow bay areas. Target the shallow habitat with soft plastics.
Lake of the Hills The spring trout release will be March 23 at 10 a.m. Numerous winter trout stockings were moved to spring because of unsafe ice conditions. Rainbow Trout - Fair: A few trout are being caught on small spinners. Look for the bite to pick up tomorrow. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are starting to pick up a few crappies. The fish seem to be moving around a lot but I would work the rocky shorelines around the stumps. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use minnows.
Railroad Lake Remember you cannot use minnows in Railroad Lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching some nice bass around the timber and other woody structure in the shallow waters of the lake. Crappie - Good: Look for the crappies along the stump field on the North side of the lake. Use tube jigs.
Wilson Lake The spring trout stocking is March 23 around 1 p.m. Most of the winter trout stockings were delayed to spring by poor ice conditions. Park roads are expected to be open by Friday. Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers are catching trout around the Christmas tree piles and other habitat in the shallow water.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond The trout stocking for Discovery Park pond will be March 23 around 10:30 a.m. Most of the winter stocking were moved to spring due to unsafe ice conditions. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Anglers are still catching trout from last fall's stocking. They will be joined on Friday by another thousand.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock) The river level is high enough to run Jon boats, but is low for this time of year. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are catching a lot of catfish using cut bait and night crawlers. Not much in the way of flatheads yet.
Big Hollow Lake Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are running about 12-15 inches. Anglers are catching them along the rocky shorelines. Crappie - Good: Most of these fish are about eight inches. There are bigger ones in the lake.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Kent Park Lake Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught in the ponds around the park.
Lake Macbride Walleyes should be spawning soon. The docks should all be in by the weekend. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are pushing shallow and some are hanging out deeper yet. Crappie - Fair: Look for areas of warmer water with brush. The area east of the causeway has been productive. Walleye - Slow: Some fish are being caught in 20 feet plus of water, still staging before the spawn. Try vertically jigging for these fish.
Pleasant Creek Lake Remember, largemouth bass have to be 18 inches and muskellunge have to be 40 inches to keep. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Fair: Try fishing along the dam. Many fish are small but larger ones are available.
Diamond Lake The courtesy dock is in. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Good: Use a small tube jig for best results. Limits of fish have been reported. Most fish are about eight inches but some 10-12-inch fish are being caught as well.
Union Grove Lake Crappie - Good: Use a jig/minnow around brush. Most fish are on the small side.
Coralville Reservoir The water level is 679.4 feet as of March 22. At this level, boating is almost impossible above Lake Macbride State Park. Channel Catfish - Good: The upper end, around the Hwy. 965/I-380 bridges, has been the best, but the main lake has been good for catfish as well. Shad or cut bait have been working best.
Sand Lake This lake is on South Gilbert Street in Iowa City. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for and possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. The DNR will release 2,000 trout on March 31 at 10 a.m. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Small spinners have been working best here. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) Outflow from the tube is 1,290 cubic feet per second as of March 22. Channel Catfish - Slow: Some catfish are being caught below the dams as well. Walleye - Slow: Use a jig/minnow for best results. Most fish have been 11-14 inches, but an occasional bigger fish is being caught.
Prairie Park Fishery The DNR will release 2,000 trout on March 24 at 10 a.m. There will be 200 tagged fish and prizes will be given for those fish caught until 1 pm. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for or possess trout, in addition to a fishing license. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines. Brook Trout - Excellent: Use a small spinner or jig around the shorelines.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake Anglers have been having some luck for bluegill and crappies using small jigs tipped with a minnow or waxworm. Bass anglers might want to try slow rolling a spinner bait or using plastic worms.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake) The lake renovation work is complete and the lake is full. New fish habitat areas and new jetties have been built. Fingerlings were stocked in May of 2011.
Albia (lower) Try small jigs fished at different depths until active fish are found.
Lake Sugema Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure not to transport any plant fragments in your equipment. Try small jigs fished around structure for active fish. Bass anglers might want to try a jig and pig combo fished along the rocky shorelines of the lake.
Ottumwa Lagoon Trout will be stocked between 10 and 11 a.m., on March 24. Don't forget a trout stamp is needed to possess or fish for trout. Plan on using flashy types of spinners or jigs rigged with small white twister tails.
Rathbun Reservoir The lake level is 904.41 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 51 degrees. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats and equipment before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun). Channel Catfish - Slow: Use shad guts or cut bait along shorelines with the wind blowing into them. Crappie - Slow: Try using jig and minnow combinations. Start shallow and fish out into deeper water to find active fish.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406
SOUTHWEST IOWA FISHING REPORT
Big Creek Lake Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill are being caught near shallow brush piles with small pieces of crawler or wax worms. Big Creek bluegills are nice sized from 7.5 to 9 inches. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are still moving shallow in the evenings and overnight anywhere there is rocky structure. Cast jigs with twisters or minnows.
Red Rock Reservoir Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught around the docks and riprap in the marina using small jigs or live minnows. Some fish up to 15 inches are coming out.
Saylorville Reservoir Crappie - Fair: Prespawn crappie are being caught around the docks in the marina. The docks are private property. The best approach is to fish from shore between the shore and docks, and by boat. Fish small panfish jigs or live minnows.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers continue to do well on the trout casting small crankbaits, spoons, in-line spinners and small plastics. Gold or silver colors are working best. The trout are now dispersed between both segments of the lake, but the best fishing seems to be the south shorelines of each segment.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed at the Boone Waterworks Dam and Fraser Dam, but some walleye are still being caught. Jig and twister or jig and minnow are the preferred bait.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock) Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching walleyes in the Des Moines River from Saylorville Dam through Des Moines, and below Red Rock Dam. Most activity in Des Moines is occurring at the Scott Street Dam. Walleye fishing below Red Rock has been good to very good this week. Slow fish a jig with minnow or just a jig and twister tail.
Boone District Farm Ponds Farm ponds and all the urban storm water retention ponds in many newer developments are warming much quicker than the larger lakes. Anglers are experiencing good bass, bluegill, and crappie fishing right now.
Central Iowa water temperature is climbing through the 50s and into the 60s. Walleye fishing in the rivers is still good in areas below Saylorville. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake Greenfield Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Crappies have been biting along the dam and around jetties. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught using shrimp. Fish average two pounds. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are close to rock and can be caught using red tube jigs or white twister tails. Sorting is necessary.
Nodaway Lake Nodaway Lake has one boat ramp. Anglers are starting to pick up crappies and catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few catfish in the 1 to 2-pound range are being caught on shrimp. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught on warm sunny days close to rock. Nodaway crappies average 10 inches.
Lake Anita Lake Anita has two concrete boat ramps. Anglers are beginning to catch crappies in the upper arms of the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are having success fishing deep structure for largemouth bass. Many of the fish caught are 14 to 19 inches. Crappie - Slow: A few 10-inch crappies have been caught in the upper arms of the lake on warm sunny days. The bite should improve with warming water temperature.
Viking Lake Viking has three concrete boat ramps. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught around rock piles and sunken trees using a variety of plastic baits and jigs. Fish up to 19 inches have been reported.
Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond) Big Lake was stocked with 1,000 rainbow trout on March 9. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Anglers have been catching trout on wax worms. Red and white twister tails have also been a good choice.
Lake Manawa Lake Manawa water temperature has warmed quickly. Crappies have moved to the main lake. Catfish are picking up. Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfish bite is picking up using dead minnows on the windy shoreline. Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite has slowed with last week?s rain but should pick up again this week. Wax worms and minnows have been the bait of choice on the west side of the lake.
Anderson Area Pond 1 Anglers are catching crappies with the warmer spring temperatures. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappie around the dam casting twister tails. Fish are 8-10 inches.
Anglers were having success fishing for crappies, largemouth bass, and/or channel catfish throughout the district. Smaller water bodies warm up faster and provide the best early spring fishing. For more information call the district office in Lewis at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria Water temperature ranges from 42 to 53 degrees and clarity is good. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish are being caught near shore in the shallow bays. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few largemouth bass can be found near shore on warm afternoons and evenings. Crappie - Fair: The crappies bite pretty well over the weekend but the rainy weather has driven them back out. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye can be caught on twister tails or crankbaits from the dam.
Little River Watershed Lake The water level has been lowered 15 feet and the fishery has been renovated. Fish will be stocked in the spring. The construction projects are progressing but are expected to slow if the weather turns wet.
Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir) The lake has been drained to allow placement of rip rap and construction of water quality structures. Completion is expected by late spring.
Green Valley Lake The sediment removal project is complete and the lake is beginning to refill. It is approximately seven feet low. The main ramp is usable. Fish are starting to bite. Spring anglers will find a lot of keeper bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Several large channel catfish can be caught from the warm bays using shad bait or cut bluegill sides. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie can be caught from the deeper shore areas of the dam.
Summitt Lake The lake has been drained to replace the lake's concrete spillway. Completion is expected in June. fish will be restocked when water is available.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake Water temperature is in the mid 40s at the dam and above 50 degrees at the north end. Water clarity is very good. The bite is getting better. Bullhead - Fair: A few giant bullheads are being caught from the warmer bays of the upper end. Channel Catfish - Fair: The channel catfish are starting to bite at the upper end. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye is being caught out from the dam in 10 feet of water.
Water temperature is above 40 degrees in the big lakes and above 50 degrees in the smaller ones. Some success catching walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish has been seen. A lot of panfish are being caught from farm ponds.