Iowa fishing report for June 13

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdayscompiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

NORTHWEST

Nelson Park Lake

Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching good numbers of catfish in the cove east of the dam. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to move onto nests. Bluegills are 8.5 to 9.5 inches.

Crawford Creek Impoundment

Anglers should look for bluegills to move onto the nests. Recent surveys show good numbers in the 8.5 to 9-inch bluegills. There are good numbers of sublegal largemouth bass. Anglers looking for some catch and release largemouth bass fishing should target the face of the dam.

Moorhead Park Pond

Bluegill and crappie fishing has been good. Crappies are hitting on the west side around the stumps.

Brushy Creek Lake

Water clarity is excellent and aquatic vegetation is present in many areas. Bluegill - Good: Good sized bluegill were being caught close to shore earlier this week. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are picking up a lot of nice bass while fishing for muskie. Crappie - Good: Live minnows are working a lot better than plastics. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being picked up casting crankbaits. Muskellunge - Good: Muskies are in post-spawn mode and there has been an increase in muskie activity. Anglers have been reporting good catch rates and lots of follows. Anglers need to be persistent as much of the action comes in a small window of opportunity. If you get a muskie to follow, but can't get it to bite, return to that area later that day and try again.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Storm Lake is at full pool. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are catching good numbers of 18 to 22-inch channel catfish from shore using nightcrawlers and cut bait. White Bass - Good: White bass are being picked up trolling crankbaits and fishing with nightcrawlers from shore. Walleye - Good: Boat anglers have been catching quite a few walleye trolling crankbaits, but many are slot fish. Anglers should also try crawler harnesses or bright colored jigs. Shore anglers should try fishing with a night crawler on the bottom near the return flow from the dredge machine (on the east side) or along the high banks on the north shore. Boaters should use caution on Storm Lake. The hydraulic dredge is in operation in the east basin of the lake. There is a pipeline running from the dredge to the shoreline and may rise to the surface at times. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released, and only one fish over 22 inches may be kept.

North Twin Lake

Water levels have reached crest elevation. Water clarity is poor. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some anglers are catching catfish from shore; try nightcrawlers on the bottom. Crappie - Fair: Decent sized crappie are being picked up around the docks. Walleye - Fair: Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers having been catching decent numbers of yellow bass, but sorting is required.

Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake was renovated last fall. Although fish have been restocked, there are no catchable size fish in the lake. Black Hawk Lake is now flowing over the spillway.

Browns Lake

Catfish are biting on shrimp and crawlers.

Snyder Bend Lake

White bass and catfish are biting. Some anglers are picking crappie.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (east)

Bluegills are hitting on leeches and worms under a bobber.

Southwood Conservation Area Pond (west)
Bass are hitting spinner baits, purple plastic worms with a slow retrieve, and worms under a bobber.

Arrowhead Lake
Water clarity is good. Water levels are around two feet low. Bluegill - Fair: A few larger males are starting to move onto the beds. Expect more to move into the shallows over the next few weeks. Use a 1/32 ounce black feather jig. It helps to tip it with a small piece of nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are biting on small hair jigs near shore and around downed trees. They are biting aggressively, but are on the small side. Most are 8 to 12 inches. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies can be picked up while targeting bluegill. Try drifting and jigging for crappie.

Black Hawk Pits
Water clarity is excellent. Water levels have returned to near normal. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Some nice largemouth bass can be caught using minnows or casting twisters. Walleye - Slow: A few smaller walleye have been caught with fire tiger colored twisters. The water is very clear so anglers may have to try fishing in the early morning, late evening, or at night.

Little Sioux Park Lake
Fishing for bass has been good. Use a worm or leech under a bobber or try a slow retrieve with a plastic worm. Target the north part of the lake near the fork or between the catfish cages and the swim beach.

Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
The Little Sioux is flowing fast and the water is turbid. Fishing is difficult at this time.

Des Moines River (Humboldt to Stratford)
Channel catfishing has been good from south of Lehigh to Skillet Creek boat ramp.

For more information on lakes and rivers in the Black Hawk District contact the Black Hawk Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake
Water is high and muddy due to rainfall. Water temperature is around 61 degrees. Sucker - Fair: There are lots of white suckers in Beed's. A worm and sinker on the bottom should entice them to bite. Channel Catfish - Good: No reports, yet, but catfish should be feeding in the shallower west end. Try fishing along the causeway when the wind is from the south or southwest. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are near shore and should be biting well. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some crappies near the cuts of the causeway.

Upper Pine Lake
Not many fishing this week. Water is high and dirty due to the large rainfall and continuing runoff. Crappies, bluegill and largemouth bass are biting on both lakes and Pine Creek (between the lakes), mostly on grub-type baits. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning in 4 to 5 feet of water. A bobber and small jig with a piece of worm should work. Small grub-style baits are also working. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are near shore and close to spawning. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught near structure.

Lake Smith
Channel Catfish - Good: Try cutbait, worms, or stinkbait. Fish are probably biting best the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are near the shorelines and should be biting well. There are some 19-20 inch bass.

Lake Catherine
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting.

Clear Lake
The lake is full (at crest). Water temperature is 66-67 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is good right now as they are close to prespawn mode. If you find the fish, action is fast and aggressive. Try with some cutbait, worms, or stinkbait on a windward shoreline or near some of the water sources coming in. Anglers are picking some catfish up when fishing for yellow bass with cutbait. White Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching some white bass when they're fishing for yellows. Try around the island or Dodge's Point. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Some largemouth have been caught near the reeds with live bait. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some crappie and bluegill in the reeds with small jigs. Yellow Perch - Slow: Anglers might catch a few perch when fishing near the reed edges. Size is mostly small along with a few up to 10 inches. Walleye - Good: A few bigger fish have been caught but most anglers are catching a mix of sublegals and small legal walleyes. Most are caught on jig and a minnow. Some are catching walleyes drifting or trolling. Action on the Rock reefs and rock piles is picking up; anglers are using live bait and bobbers or jigging right on bottom. Muskellunge - Good: Anglers are catching some muskies while fishing for walleye with minnows. Anglers are also catching some muskies while fishing for yellows (island and Dodge's). Anglers fishing the edges of the weeds are also picking up some fish. Yellow Bass - Good: Waders near the island are picking up large numbers of yellows. Most are using bobbers and minnows or a small jig with a piece of crawler on bottom. Anglers are also catching yellows on the north shore docks fishing shallow on the edge of the reeds. Use a split shot and small hook with a worm on the bottom. The best fishing seems to be right at dawn to an hour after or right at sunset. Anglers can catch large numbers of yellows on some of the rock reefs.

Lake Cornelia
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish should be biting on cutbait or stinkbait. Fish the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset, or, during the day, on a windward side of the lake. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are keeper sized. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are around 8 inches. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are small 7-7.25 inches.

Little Wall Lake
Little Wall is full; at crest. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel Catfish: try using chicken liver or stink bait in the shallow areas of the lake in the evenings. There was a 30 pound flathead caught and released recently. If you're after flatheads, use a live fish for bait and fish after dark. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are also biting along the shorelines. Bass have been biting fairly well the last week. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies (7-8 inches) and gills off the north fishing jetty and other shorelines.

Crystal Lake
There is lots of curly leaf growing in the lake. Try fishing on the edge of weeds near the deeper dredged water for bass, walleyes, and pike. Northern Pike - Slow: Northerns have been caught up to the mid 30-inch range. Anglers may have success using presentations such as weedless spoons or bobbers with chubs. Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Excellent: Great population of 7-8 inch bluegills. Bluegills are spawning on the shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have reported catching lots of largemouth. Fish the outside edges with a bobber and live bait or a weedless spoon. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are catching some 16-18 inch fish.

Bluebill Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting well along shorelines. Remember the 15-inch minimum length limit on bass. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are biting on minnows under a bobber.

Fin and Feather Lake
There has been some activity for panfish. There was a partial fish kill this winter but there are still some bluegills and largemouth bass left to provide some action. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth are near shore. Remember the 15-inch minimum length limit.

Interstate Park Lake
There was a partial fish kill this winter on this lake but anglers have been reporting catching a variety of fish this past week. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are cruising the shorelines. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are a nice size and should be biting off the boat ramp point or off the east rock side.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)
Iowa River is flooding from recent local rains. There is some activity below Steamboat Rock for walleye and northern pike.

Shell Rock River (above Greene)
Water levels are high. Northern Pike - Slow: A few northern pike are being caught with a chub and bobber, or slow artificial presentations. Between Northwood and Nora Springs below dams, backwater areas and anywhere a creek feeds into the river. Walleye - Slow: A few small walleye being caught on jig/twister.

Winnebago River
Water level is still high. Try fishing any slower water areas or backwater areas you can find. Northern Pike - Slow: Northern pike are being caught in Fertile by the dam and the park point east of the dam. Anglers are using a slow retrieval with Mepps number 4 and 5 spinner baits or a Rapala three inch Countdown Minnow. Some pike are also hitting chubs presented below bobbers. Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers should try below the dams or in backwater areas using cutbait, stinkbait, or minnows.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)
The East Fork is running high right now. Fishing is marginal. Walleye - No Report:

For lake updates and fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

Big Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Action on the Grade is still hot. Throw a worm on the bottom and be ready. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Sight fishing in the bull rushes is starting to pick up look for nesting fish but the big females may yet be out deeper. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing deep during the day and moving shallow during dawn and dusk. Drifting and trolling leeches, crawlers, and minnows has produced a few fish. Wader fishing is still producing a few fish. Try casting twister tails or live bait under a bobber.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
White Bass - Good: Location can be key, but once locate the bite can be good try using crankbaits, twister tails, and don't overlook top waters. Walleye - Fair: Fishing has been fair but the bite is day to day; try trolling crankbaits or live bait rigs. The early morning and late afternoon bite has been best.

West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill action has slowed in the canals but may still be found in the bays. Try in the back corners and look for beds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Look for bass in the canals and other shallow areas.

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try drifting Lindy rigs and bottom bouncers during low light periods. Walleye - Fair: Try drifting Lindy rigs and bottom bouncers during low light periods.

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Drifting live bait with Lindy rigs and bottom bouncers has been producing a few fish some days are better than others.

For more information contact the Spirit Lake Hatchery at 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Volga Lake fish activity has picked up with warming water temperatures. Shoreline angling will be your best bet as many panfish species are beginning to spawn or will be soon. Channel Catfish - Fair: With warmer temperatures, the cats are starting to move. Use a hook baited with a dead chub or minnow and let it set near the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Try in the shallow flats with a small jig tipped with a worm under a bobber. Females are about ready to spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are in the shallow water nibbling on bluegill bait. Crappie - Slow: Fish are suspended in the middle of the lake. Fish around submersed brush piles. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows. Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers are catching perch while fishing for bluegills. They have been caught in about 8 feet of water on the bottom.

Lake Hendricks
Water temperature is 62 degrees and clarity has improved. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting on night crawlers or dead chubs fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to move into shore and are biting on ice fishing jigs tipped with worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass along the sandy beach using a jig and plastic worm. Crappie - Good: Crappies are biting on jigs tipped with rubber skirt or minnow.

Lake Meyer
Water temperature is 62 degrees and clarity is improving. Bullhead - Excellent: A hook tipped with a worm under a bobber is catching fish. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are hitting plugs and spoons fished along the weed edges. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use a worm fished on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills along the weed beds. Bluegills are beginning to spawn. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been picking up quite a few 14 to 15 inch bass with jigs and plastic twister tails, or crankbaits fished slowly along the shoreline. Crappie - Fair: Anglers continue to pick up quite a few small ones off the jetty using jigs with artificial baits.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Sucker - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Sucker - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Yellow River
Fishing out of a canoe or kayak is allowed without landowner permission. Wading or fishing from the bank requires landowner permission.

Turkey River (above Clermont)
Water levels are up and very muddy. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Smallmouth Bass - No Report:

Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are up and very muddy due to recent rains. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Channel Catfish - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Decorah District Streams
Turtle Creek has several bridges washed out and sustained quite a bit of damage. March Browns, various Sulphurs and caddisflies are all hatching on better northeast Iowa streams, mainly from late morning to dusk. These hatches should continue through the first week of July. Late evening mayfly spinner falls and caddis hatches can be heavy. As has been the case all spring, further rains may affect water clarity on all northeast Iowa streams.

River and stream water levels bumped up with last night's heavy downpour in several watersheds. Keep your fingers crossed for minimal rain showers through the weekend. For more on water levels, visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt Lake.s and ponds are your best bet for the weekend. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. Decorah area trout streams up and muddy. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Silver Lake (Delaware)
Anglers have been doing well catching bluegill, largemouth bass and northern pike. Northern Pike - Fair: Weedless spoons work really well near vegetation beds. Bluegill - Good: Fishing a piece of nightcrawler under a bobber is always productive, or smaller jigs retrieved over spawning beds works well. Largemouth Bass - Good: Lots of 7 to 10-inch bass are being caught. Cast spinner baits or weedless baits around vegetation beds.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Bluegill and largemouth bass fishing has been good to excellent. Clarity still remains good with all of the recent rainfall. Sight fishing bluegill on the spawning beds can be really good. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill are moving onto beds for spawn, try casting small jig with or without slip bobber over beds. Small piece of worm under bobber works well, too. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been doing well on largemouth bass fishing near structure with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.

George Wyth Lake
George Wyth State Park will close the campground, George Wyth Lake and Brinker Lake Access at noon on Friday due to flooding from the Cedar River. The park will remain open for day use at Fisher and Alice Wyth lakes, and the beach.

Plainfield
Anglers are catching good numbers of bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Good: Small piece of crawler on a small hook under a bobber or black 1/16 ounce jig always works well. Crappie - Good: Try casting small colored tube jigs or minnow fished under a slip bobber.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Flood conditions no report

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
River is rising, access may be limited.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is currently at 6.44 feet and slowly falling, there have been no reports. Water clarity is improving with each day. Walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish angling should only improve.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River remains steady to slightly rising in Delaware County. There have been many anglers with reports of fish being caught. Walleye - Good: Try a jig tipped with a crawler or crankbaits for larger fish.

Manchester District Streams
Area Manchester District trout streams are currently in excellent condition.

For more information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 10.9 feet and a gradual drop over the next week. Army Road near New Albin is closed due to high water. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in the eddies just off main channel borders and side sloughs. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on live chubs and shiners. Try fishing the side channel areas below the dams. White Bass - Good: Fish for white bass along the flooded shorelines just off the current. Nice sized fish are striking on larger in-line spinner baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Fish the shorelines close to the dams or rock structure out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth are feeding more actively along rocky shorelines this week. Try small crankbaits or inline spinners along the riprap. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats.

Mississippi River Pool 10
River stage at Lynxville is 20.9 feet and levels expected to level off and gradually fall. The Sny Magill boat ramp access is closed. Many anglers are catching bluegills from the Bussey Lake fishing pier and at the boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in the eddies just off main channel borders and side sloughs. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead catfish are being caught on live chubs and shiners. Try fishing the side channel areas below the dams. White Bass - Good: Fish for white bass along the flooded shorelines just off the current. Nice size fish are striking on larger in-line spinner baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills have been active in almost all areas. Try backwater areas with wood or rock structure out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth are feeding more actively along rocky shorelines this week. Try small crankbaits or inline spinners along the riprap. Yellow Perch - Excellent: This spring has been one of the best perch fishing seasons in years. Many large perch are being caught on minnows or jigs with worm. Sauger - Fair: Sauger have spawned and have been actively feeding. Try jigs or minnows in the side channel areas of the locks and dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are actively biting on worms or small bits of crawler fishing along the main channel drop offs and sand flats.

Mississippi River Pool 11
River stage at Guttenberg is 12.6 feet. Levels expected to gradually recede in the next week. Fish are becoming more active as the water temperature rises into the 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in the eddies just off main channel borders and side sloughs. White Bass - Good: Fish for white bass along the flooded shorelines just off the current. Nice size fish are striking on larger in-line spinner baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegills have been active in almost all areas. Try backwater areas with wood or rock structure out of the current. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are active along the current areas. Try casting in-line spinners or a small crankbait near the rocky shorelines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are biting on spinner baits. Walleye - No Report:

Mississippi River water clarity is poor. River levels are beginning to recede slowly this week. Many boat ramps are still inaccessible, although shoreline fishing has been excellent. Fish are actively feeding as the water temperature has risen to mid 60s.

Mississippi River Pool 12
The river level at the Lock and Dam is 13.3 feet and water level at the railroad bridge is 15.3 feet. Water levels are dropping. Water clarity improving but some debris is coming down the river. Use caution when venturing out. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some cats are being caught on nightcrawlers and worms. A few very large individuals have been reported. Fish around log piles and current eddies or rock lines. Trot lines on flooded areas have produced some cats this year. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught even in the stained water. Try using bright colored lures and even lures that rattle to make noise.

Mississippi River Pool 13
The river level near Lock and Dam 12 is at 14.1 feet and receding. Water clarity is poor and but improving. Use caution if venturing out. Many ramps are flooded and inaccessible. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish on trotlines fished along flooded shores may produce some descent catches on crawlers or leeches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught in this dirty water. Spring Lake has been decent all year. Other big backwater areas where the silt might be settled out might produce some nice bass. Crappie - No Report: A few Crappie are being caught in clearer water areas such as Spring Lake and Green Island last week. Little fishing pressure for these species this week.

Mississippi River Pool 14
The river level is at Fulton is 14.3 feet and falling slightly. Levels are expected to decrease but are still high. Water clarity is poor and there is some debris coming down the river. Use caution when venturing out. Many ramps are flooded. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish on trotlines fished along flooded shores may produce some descent catches on crawlers or leeches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being reported caught in the tail waters along rock lines. Dirty high water is hindering bass fishing but populations are high. Use bright colored lures or lures that rattle to help the fish locate you lure.

Mississippi River Pool 15
The river level is at 10.0 feet at LeClaire. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of debris coming down the river. Use caution when venturing out. No reports of catches were available. Many ramps are flooded and inaccessible.

Water levels have been high most of this spring and it has hampered fishing. However, water levels are going down right now and water clarity is improving. If you can get to the river some fish are biting but many boat ramps are still unusable or under water. Please call ahead to check if boat ramps are open before taking a long trip to the River.

Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has fallen to 14.20 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Water clarity is poor and there is debris floating in the river. Fishing has been slow with the high water conditions. Many of the ramps are inaccessible throughout the pool. As of June 12, the Marquette St. ramp in Davenport was still reported as closed. The ramp at Buffalo Shores is usable but there is no dock. The lower ramp at the Fairport Recreational area is still underwater.

Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has fallen to 14.25 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The ramp at Muscatine is open. Many of the other ramps are not accessible due to the high water. Big Timber (The Breaks) is closed. Water clarity is poor and there is debris floating in the river. Fishing has been slow on the river due to the recent high water conditions. Most fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston has fallen to 16.59 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Many of the ramps are not accessible due to the high water. Toolesboro is closed. Water clarity is poor and there is debris floating in the river. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Most fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington has fallen to 12.82 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. Water clarity is poor and there is debris floating in the river. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Most of the fishing reports have been from area lakes and farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Most of the boat ramps throughout the pools are not usable due to the high water. Water clarity is poor and there is debris floating in the river. Main channel water temperature is around 70 degrees. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. If you have questions about fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

SOUTHEAST
Lake Odessa
Odessa ramps remained flooded.

Lake Belva Deer
The water is fairly clear. The recent warm weather is finally getting the water temps back into the 70s. Bluegill - Good: There are still some active spawning beds where you can catch some nice sized males. The first spawn was very successful with lots of young of the year bluegills now swimming around. Largemouth Bass - Good: Some bass are in shallow around the trees and other habitat. Also look for bass around the mounds at the upper end of the lake.

Pollmiller Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been catching some really nice 1 to 3 pound catfish. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has been very good lately. They are hitting on almost anything: small baits, lures, and wax worms have all been producing limits.

Lake of the Hills
Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that allows the use of live minnows as bait. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing is starting to pick up. Chicken liver, worms, and stinkbait all are working at one time or the other. Bluegill - Fair: Worm and bobber is still the best way to catch the bluegills. Work the shallow water habitat and tree falls. Largemouth Bass - Fair: If you're looking to catch some bass work the deeper brush piles with plastic worms.

Railroad Lake
Remember the use of live minnows as bait is not allowed in Railroad Lake. The outflow from Bluegrass Lake remains the best place to fish on this lake. Channel Catfish - Slow: The recent cool nights have slowed the bite down some. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills along the area around the inflow from Bluegrass. Float a bobber a little further out in the flow for the bigger ones. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass are getting active along the rocks as well as around the trees on the west side. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are also picking up crappies in the same area as the bluegills.

Wilson Lake
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Anglers are still catching a lot of trout. Try the cooler parts of the day using small feather or hair jigs or wax worms. Work the 3 to 5 feet down zone.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river level continues to drop.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Still above flood level. Starting to drop slowly.

Big Hollow Lake
The lake remains muddy. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good down around the terrace around the overflow box down at the dam.

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

Hannen Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are in the shallows, especially under overhanging brush. Many fish are 7-9 inches. Use a small worm or small jig. Crappie - Fair: Some fish are shallow; some have pulled off the bank. Most fish are about 9 inches. Try small jigs tipped with waxies.

Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is starting to pick up. Rocky areas will continue to improve. Bluegill - Good: Look for bluegills in the shallows, especially around overhanging brush. Crappie - Fair: Most fish are 8-9 inches. Some fish are still shallow, while some have pulled off the bank. Redear Sunfish - Slow: A few large redears are being caught in the shallows.

Lake Macbride
Water temperature is in the low 70s for the most part. The 10 h.p. motor restriction and 5 mph speed limit is in effect. Water clarity in much of the lake is poor due to an algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for catfish around shallow rock. Live bait is usually best now. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are up shallow to spawn. Size is marginal with fish over 7 inches very rare. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught shallow on sand and rock. Some fish are being caught trolling flats. Many fish are 13-14 inches, with some 16-20 inches.

Pleasant Creek Lake
Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is around 70 degrees. Remember, largemouth bass must be 18 inches to keep and musky must be 40 inches to keep. White Bass - Good: Fish shallow, wind-blown shorelines with small crankbaits or jigs. Bluegill - Good: Fish around overhanging brush with a jig and waxie. Largemouth Bass - Good: Some bass are being caught on rocky banks and flooded weeds. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught by trolling cranks or live bait rigs.

Diamond Lake
The lake is still murky. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Channel Catfish - Good: A few fish are being caught on worms or stinkbait. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved shallow and many are around 8 inches. Small jigs and/or worms are working best.

Otter Creek Lake
The lake is dirty from recent rains. Mornings seem to be the most productive fishing time. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are starting to be caught around rock. Crawlers are working well. Bluegill - Good: The fish are very shallow now. Look for them under overhanging brush. Yellow Bass - Fair: Look for fish roaming the shallows.

Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on June 12 is 704.4 feet (normal 683 feet) and falling. Many boat ramps are still flooded.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the Coralville Dam is 18,000 CFS. Flows are expected to be cut to 10,000 CFS this weekend.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Lake Wapello
Anglers have had some luck catching channel catfish using nightcrawlers or liver. Use spinnerbaits and plastic worms to catch largemouth bass along the submerged structures along the shoreline. The crappies and bluegills have been hitting small jigs.

Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been having success fishing small jigs along the shoreline. If the bluegill get picky, try adding a chunk of nightcrawler or a wax worm to the jig. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use plastic worms and spinnerbaits around the fishing jetties and in the artificial structures that were placed in the past. Don't forget to try along the face of the dam.

Lake Keomah
Try spinnerbaits or rubber worms along the fishing jetties and around the submerged structure along the shoreline.

Lake Sugema
Bluegill - Fair: Try using jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Try shallow areas with some submerged structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use rubber worms or crankbaits along the rip rapped shorelines. Also try areas with submerged trees close to shore.

Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 918.20 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. Water temperature is 68 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappies. Try jigs or jigs and minnows. With the high water the crappies are spread out so try different areas if the fish aren't hitting. Sorting is required for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow. Try trolling or drifting nightcrawlers around submerged points and underwater rock reefs. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats 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 the sun).

If you have other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.

SOUTHWEST
Beaver Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill can be caught fishing small jigs tipped with crawlers 2 to 4 feet below the surface around much of the standing timber. Crappie - Fair: Drifting panfish jigs around the standing timber mid lake is producing crappie.

Rock Creek Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are present throughout the lake in less than four feet of water. The bluegill are spawning and catchable. Use small jigs and pieces of crawlers and fish shallow.

Big Creek Lake
White Bass - Good: A large white bass population is present in Big Creek with many fish up to 13 inches. They are providing some active fishing near windswept points and in the canal when water is going over the spillway and there is current. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill spawn is winding down, but some spawning bluegill are still being caught in less than four feet of water close to shore throughout the lake, especially in the back of the protected bays. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches. If fish aren't found shallow start drift fishing small jigs with crawler, especially over the old road beds.

Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Better bluegill catches are now coming from drift fishing or fishing near pallet and brush piles in 6 to 10 feet of water. Fish with small jigs or pieces of crawler under a bobber.

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill spawn is ending and fish are now being caught drifting or casting crawlers under a bobber along the vegetation edges. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are suspended along the northwest shoreline just outside the vegetation line. Cast or drift small panfish jigs out from the vegetation.

Red Rock Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfishing is also picking up below the spillway at Saylorville. Anglers should use cut or live bait. White Bass - Good: White bass and wiper fishing is picking up below the spillway at Saylorville. Minnows or shiny/white lures are a good choice for white bass. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers need to use caution due to floating debris in the lake. However, bass fishing in the flooded bays over vegetation can be good.

Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Fair: The catfishing is starting to pick up below the spillway. Cut or live bait should be fished in the slack water or in current seams. White Bass - Good: The white bass fishing is good below the spillway. Use white/shiny lure or spoons to attract these fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers should use caution due to floating debris on the lake. However, bass fishing in the flooded bays over vegetation can be good.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish - Fair: River levels are still elevated, but more summer like temperatures is picking up the channel cat bite using stink baits and cutbaits.

The bluegill spawn in central Iowa is nearing the end and summer panfishing patterns are beginning. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake
Bluegills are close to shore. Largemouth bass can be caught around the jetties and around structure. Greenfield also has a good channel catfish population with many 2 to 3 pound fish. The boat ramp is usable. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish have been caught around the jetties using shrimp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Cast small jigs to catch 7 to 8-inch fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Spinner baits and crankbaits are catching bass around structure and close to shore.

Meadow Lake
Bluegills are spawning on the underwater reefs. The lake is full. Bluegill - Good: Cast small jigs on top of underwater reefs to catch 8 to 9-inch bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting plastic baits to shore and around cedar tree piles. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught around underwater reefs. Meadow has large crappie that range from 10 to 14 inches.

Nodaway Lake
Crappies are being caught around submerged trees. Bluegills are close to shore. Catfish are being caught in the upper end of the lake. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing has been good using shad sides and liver. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill in the 7 to 8-inch size range are being caught casting small jigs close to shore. Crappie - Slow: Small jigs and minnows are catching crappie around trees.

Orient Lake
Bluegill and catfish can be caught at Orient. Channel Catfish - Good: Many two pound catfish are being caught on cutbait. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning along the dam at Orient. Cast small black jigs to catch 7 to 8-inch fish. Crappie - Slow: Minnows under a bobber around sunken cedar trees will catch crappie up to 10 inches.

Littlefield Lake
Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Bluegill - Good: Fish small jigs on the rocky point north of boat ramp and southeast shoreline to catch spawning bluegills. Fish are 7 to 8 inches.

Lake Anita
Bluegills can be caught close to shore on their spawning beds. Largemouth bass fishing has been good. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are reported to be caught close to shore and around jetties with small black jigs. Fish are 8 to 9 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are reported to be caught close to shore and around structure casting spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Fish are all sizes. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught around underwater reefs and the jetties using minnows.

Willow Lake
Largemouth bass fishing is been good. Bluegills can be caught close to shore. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill and being picked up with small jigs close to shore. Willow bluegill are in the 7 to 8-inch range. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has been good in the upper end of the lake using a variety of spinners and plugs.

Mile Hill Lake
Mile Hill has a gravel boat ramp. Crappie - Fair: Fish minnows under a bobber to catch 10-inch crappie.

Viking Lake
Largemouth bass fishing was good this week at Viking. Channel catfish is another species to target while at the lake. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught around underwater reefs and rock fields using cutbait. Many fish are 2 to 4 pounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting the shoreline with spinnerbaits and slow trolling crankbaits. Fish are all sizes.

DeSoto Bend
The middle boat ramp is the only place to launch at Desoto Bend. Largemouth bass fishing is good. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes are being caught casting plastic baits to shore.

Lake Manawa
Crappie fishing was slow this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish the windy shoreline for catfish of all sizes. Crappie - Slow: Fish minnows under a bobber around structure and in the canals.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Bluegill fishing has been good in ponds. Largemouth bass are aggressive and easily caught this time of year. Remember to always get permission before fishing private farm ponds. Bluegill - Good: Cast small jigs close to shore to catch spawning bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Casting small spinners and jigs around structure has been good for bass. Crappie - Fair: Fish minnows and small jigs around structure to catch crappies.

Largemouth bass fishing has been good this week and bluegills are close to shore spawning. For more information on lakes in southwest Iowa, call the district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587

Lake Icaria
Water clarity remains fairly good. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of bullheads can be caught from shore in three feet of water using a crawler on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Excellent: The channel catfish are biting on and crawlers, crayfish, or cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught just off-shore or from the cedar tree piles. Crappie - Slow: A few mid-sized crappies can still be caught from deeper areas off-shore. The shoreline along the north side of the campground and the south end of the dam are very good spots. Walleye - Fair: Casting and trolling crawlers or leeches along the north bank and the campground point is working to catch a few walleyes.

East Lake (Osceola)
Water clarity is fairly good. Bluegill - Excellent: Several bluegills can be caught from shore using a crawler suspended about two feet down.

Grade Lake
Water clarity is good and the fish are biting. Bluegill - Good: Some real nice bluegills are being caught from the east end of the dam using crawler pieces suspended two feet down.

Q Pond City Park
Water levels and water clarity is typical for late spring. Channel Catfish - Good: Crawlers or cut bait is working well for channel catfish. Bluegill - Good: A lot of nice bluegills are being caught from shore using crawlers suspended two feet down.

West Lake (Osceola)
The water level is normal and the clarity is good. Crappie - Slow: The crappies are suspended about 6 to 10 feet down.

Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has filled. All ramps are accessible. All fish have been restocked but they are small. Channel Catfish - Good: Several two pound channel catfish are being caught from the shoreline access areas using crawlers on the bottom.

Badger Creek Lake
Water levels are near full and clarity is average for spring. Bluegill - Fair: A few very large bluegills can be caught from the structure in 4 to 6 feet of water.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The lake is full. Clarity is good. Crappie - Fair: Some mid-sized to large crappies are being caught from along the dam and off the flooded trees.

Lake of Three Fires
Water levels are full and clarity is good. Bluegill - Excellent: Several mid-sized and bigger bluegills are being caught from some of the coves and the east end of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized and big largemouth bass can be caught from the near-shore structure. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are moving off-shore but a few are still being caught.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)
The lake has been drained to allow completion of shoreline work and a wetland at the upper end.

Green Valley Lake
The lake has filled. Clarity is good. The fish are biting. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Several channel catfish can be caught from shoreline areas using crawlers suspended just off the bottom, crayfish, or cut baits. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegills are on the spawning areas during the mornings and evenings. Small jigs tipped with crawlers seem to be working well. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass are being caught from the shoreline structure. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is winding down but several can be caught from the flooded tree piles 8 feet down.

Summitt Lake
Water levels are full. Boat access is easy from the main ramp. The fishery has been restocked.

Three Mile Lake
The water level is full. Water clarity at mid lake and the dam is good. Crappie - Fair: A few crappie are moving off-shore to the deeper structure. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught trolling crawlers or leeches over the mounds and steep points.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water levels are full and boat access is easy. Bullhead - Good: Some real big bullheads can be caught from shoreline areas using crawlers on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Good: Some real nice channel catfish are biting on crayfish, cut baits, or crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: The bluegill bite is on. Small jigs or bits of crawlers seem to be working well. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several largemouth bass are being caught from structure near shore and the flooded cedar tree piles. Crappie - Fair: A few suspended crappies can still be caught from deep rock and rubble areas around the jetties, or armored points. Walleye - Fair: Leeches or crawlers are starting to work for walleye. The mounds and steep banks seem to be the better areas.

The water temperatures are in the near 70 degrees. The water levels at most lakes are full but not overflowing excessively. Water clarity remains average at most lakes.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching catfish on dip bait/stinkbait and worms. Try the side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing dykes and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Slow: Anglers have been catching a few flathead catfish. Water temperatures need to warm up yet for better fishing. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught on jigs and minnows.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have had some success catching mostly smaller channel catfish mainly on worms. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Bait shops report that flathead bait sales are up. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are reporting catching a few walleye.

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have had some success with worms, dip bait/stinkbait. Try the side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing dykes and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Fishing has been fair for flatheads. Bait shops are selling a lot of flathead bait. Temperatures will need to rise for better flathead fishing. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are being caught in the lower Missouri River.

The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 22.25 feet / 34,500 cfs. Water levels have risen 3.27 feet from last week. Water temperature is around 69 degrees.

Prairie State Outdoors Fishing Forum