Iowa fishing report 5-14-09

NORTHWEST

Nelson Park Lake
Some pan fish and catfish are being taken. It’s slow.

Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Fishing is starting to pick up. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching medium-size (7 inch) fish. Crappie - Slow: A few 8.5 inch crappies have been taken.

Crawford Creek Impoundment
Fishing has slowed. Shore anglers are beginning to catch a few panfish.

Badger Lake
North of Ft. Dodge. Fishing has been improving as the weather warms. Crappie - Fair: Some 9 – 10-inch fish have been caught on small twister.

Brushy Creek Lake
Fishing has picked up. Brushy Creek has a lot of deep water and takes some time to warm. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are biting on a small worm on a plain hook. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching some fish on small minnows. Walleye - Slow: A few nice walleye have been caught on leeches.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Fishing is starting to pick up. Remember that Storm Lake has a 17-22-inch slot length limit. All walleye in that range must be released. White Bass - Slow: Crappie - Fair: People are catching some 8 to 10-inch crappies in marina. Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm or piece of night crawler. Walleye - Good: Anglers are having best luck while trolling slowly with Shad Raps. Good colors are: blue, silver, tiger and purple. People are starting to have luck casting with live bait.

North Twin Lake
Fishing is improving. People are starting to be successful catching several species of pan fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been having good luck using night crawlers or liver. Most fish are 1 to 2 pounds.  Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are having best luck with small jigs tipped with a piece of night crawler. Crappie - Slow: Small to medium sized crappie are starting to bite on small jigs Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass are being caught small jigs and a piece of night crawler.

Swan Lake
Fishing has been improving. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching some small bluegill; use small jigs tipped with a piece of night crawler or wax worm. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching some small (6 – 7-inch) fish. Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm or piece of night crawler.

Black Hawk Lake
Fishing is improving. Anglers are catching a few more catfish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having good luck using various baits. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are having good luck casting leeches.

Browns Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Arrowhead Lake
Fishing is improving. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching some bluegill using small jigs tipped with a wax worm or small piece of night crawler.

North Raccoon River (above State Highway 175 Bridge near Auburn)
Fishing has slowed down. Channel Catfish - Good: Various baits have been successful.

Fishing is improving, especially on warm, sunny days. For more information about these lakes and rivers call Lannie Miller (712-657-2638) at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View.
 
Beeds Lake
Crappies are biting fishing the jetty in the morning and evening. Drifting tube jigs during the day works for catching suspended crappies.

Lower Pine Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Upper Pine Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Little Wall Lake
Small crappies (6 to 8 inch) are biting.

Crystal Lake
The lake was renovated last fall, and only fish fry have been restocked thus far.

West Twin Lake
Bullhead fishing is good using a night crawler on the bottom.

East Fork Des Moines (state line to Algona)
Walleye fishing has been good using a jig and minnow. Channel Catfish are biting on dead chubs and night crawlers fished off the bottom. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting on dead chubs and night crawlers fished off the bottom Walleye - Good: use a jig and minnow

Winnebago River
Northern pike and smallmouth bass fishing has been good.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)
Walleye fishing has been good using a jig and minnow. Channel Catfish are biting on dead chubs and night crawlers fished off the bottom.
 
Clear Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: A few catfish are being caught with night crawlers fished on the bottom at the Ventura grade and McIntosh State Park shoreline. Walleye - Slow: Anglers are picking up a few walleyes while fishing on the reefs for yellow bass using live bait. A few walleyes are also being caught on crankbaits trolling the north shore by the pump house and in the little lake. Yellow Bass - Excellent: Yellow bass fishing has been great. Try using small jigs tipped with cut bait or minnows or a jig and twister tail combo. Billy’s reef, dodges point, the island, and the McIntosh sandbar have all been producing fish. Mornings and evenings are best but they will continue to bite throughout the day. The fishing club dock on the north side and the public docks on the east shoreline have also been good for yellow bass. 

Lake Cornelia
Bullhead fishing is good.

Rice Lake
Bullhead fishing is good

Silver Lake (Worth)
Yellow Perch and Bullhead fishing is good. Bullheads are biting on night crawlers fished off the bottom.

For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call us at the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at (641) 357-3517.
 
Lake Pahoja
Crappie - Good: Fish at the pier using small jigs or a bobber and minnow.

Big Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Fair: Use night crawlers on the bottom at the Grade. Northern Pike - Good: Use white twister tails or jerk baits from Big Stoney Point east towards the Hales Slough Fish trap and North towards the Sand Bar. Bluegill - Good: Use a pink and white ice jig tipped with a wax worm around boat docks in Templar Lagoon or use a small slip bobber and leach on the North end of Angler’s Bay. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use jerk baits or blade baits along rock reefs. Crappie - Fair: Use a small jig or minnow under a slip bobber at Templar Lagoon and the Grade. Walleye - Good: Troll with crankbaits or back troll with a lindy rig along rock reefs in the evenings. Use a twister tail and lead head at the Footbridge and Little Spirit Outlet at sunset. Fish are also being caught off docks using a lighted slip bobber and leach or a jig and shiner at night.

East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Fair: Fish at the Highway 9 Bridge at sunset or at the spillway near the fish hatchery with a lead head and shiner. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs tipped with wax worms at the Trestle or at the fishing pier along Highway 9. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with wax worms or minnows at the Trestle and at the fishing pier along Highway 9. Walleye - Good: Drift or troll in the Parks Marina and Stoney Point areas with lindy rigs baited with night crawlers, leaches, or minnows. Fish from shore at the Highway 9 bridge using a lead head and shiner at sunset.

Minnewashta Lake
Bluegill - Good: Use ice jigs tipped with live bait around boat docks. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics and pitch to boat docks.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Use a jig and minnow, twister tail, or crankbaits in the evenings.

West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Use white spinner baits or jerk baits in Miller’s and North Bay along remaining weed beds. Bluegill - Good: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms along the docks at Triboji or along docks and downed trees in Turtle Lake. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Use jerk-baits in North Bay along remaining weed beds.

Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait fished on the bottom or while drifting on the north end of the lake.

Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Use jig and minnow, twister tail, or small crankbaits after sunset.

Upper Gar Lake
Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs along boat docks. Crappie - Good: Use small jigs along boat docks.

Tuttle Lake
Crappie - Good: Use small jigs or a minnow and bobber at the inlet.

Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers or cut bait in deep holes with brush piles.

For more fishing report information on Spirit Lake area rivers and lakes, call 712-336-1840.

NORTHEAST

Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 9.83 feet. As of Wednesday, river levels are forecast to rise to 10.2 feet then continue to fall. Water clarity is fair. Water temperatures are in the low 60s. Northern Pike - Fair: Some fish being caught in the marinas on crankbaits and stick baits. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish being caught in backwaters and side channels. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills in marinas or backwaters around structure. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A few reports of smallmouth starting to bite. Largemouth Bass - Good: Reports of bass being caught just about everywhere: in backwaters and side channels around woody structure and/or rock and rocky shorelines along the main channel. Crappie - Fair: Crappie are starting to be caught in the marinas around docks on minnows or jigs under bobbers. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on the wind dams and flats on three way rigs tipped with night crawlers and leeches or crankbaits. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Fish night crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 8.08 feet. As of Wednesday, river levels are forecast to rise to 8.4 feet then continue to fall. Water clarity is fair and water temperatures are in the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Many reports of a lot of catfish being caught on trotlines. Fish with night crawlers or dead minnows on the bottom in moderate current or in backwaters. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Fair: The bite has slowed some from last week. Bass are biting on spinner baits and soft plastics in the backwaters or on crankbaits along rock in side channels. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught in Brown’s Lake, Spring Lake, and Middle Sabula Lake. Fish are biting on minnows or jigs under a stick bobber. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being caught on wing dams. Stable weather should improve the bite. Freshwater Drum - Fair: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current.

Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 11.19. As of Wednesday river levels were forecast to rise to 11.6 feet then continue to fall. Water temps are in the mid 60s and water clarity is fair. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few bass are being caught in backwaters that have better water clarity, but the bite has slowed from last week. Crappie - Slow: Reports of a few fish in the Rock Creek area. Walleye - Slow: Fishing has been slow as walleye are transitioning from the shallows and spawning areas to wing dams along the main channel.

Mississippi River Pool 15
No reports received from Pool 15.

For information about fishing Pools 12 - 15 of the Mississippi River, call the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976.
 
Volga Lake
Angling has picked up this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: A few nice ones are being caught while angling for crappies. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are becoming more active with warmer water temperatures. Crappie - Excellent: Try fishing for bigger crappies in deeper water and around brush piles.

Lake Hendricks
Water temperature is running about 60 degrees and fairly clear. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try angling for catfish using dead chubs fished on the bottom near wind-blown shores. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers have had limited success with small pieces of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been catching bass using jigs tossed along the shoreline. Crappie - Good: Nice-sized fish are being caught using minnows under bobber by submerged structure.

Lake Meyer
More anglers are using the lake. Folks have been boating and fishing along the shoreline but primarily at the jetty. Northern Pike - Slow: An occasional pike is caught while fishing for other game fish. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill bite is starting to pick up. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass of all sizes are being caught on crankbaits and spinners. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are more spread out this week but have been actively hitting minnows, imitation crawdads and black and chartreuse plastic grubs. 

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water temperatures are running about 60 degrees and very fishable. The slow spring is causing the smallmouth spawn to occur late this year. Sucker - Slow: Rainbow Trout - Slow: Nice rainbows are being caught throughout the Upper Iowa, especially near the mouths of trout streams. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Angling for smallies should pick up as water temperatures warm. Try using a slow presentation with crankbaits or jointed shad raps. Walleye - Slow: A few walleye are being caught on a jig tipped with a twister tail or minnow.

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water temperature is slowly warming but is still in the low 60s. Water is a little off color but still fishable. Sucker - No Report: Rainbow Trout - Slow: Anglers report catching nice trout while smallmouth fishing. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth angling has been slow but is picking up. Anglers reported success using panther martins, Mepps and small Rapalas. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are starting to bite. Try drifting a night crawler over rapids for best luck. 

Yellow River
Angling for trout has been good in the deeper holes and around log jams. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try using a wooly bugger. Brown Trout - Good: 

Turkey River (above Clermont)
The river is a bit higher with recent rains but still fishable. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Anglers report smallies being caught on small imitation crawdad plastics and crankbaits. 

Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water temperatures are running between 55-60 degrees. Trout fishing is fair from Elkader upstream. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Try using a 1/32 ounce jig tipped with a twister tail. Walleye - Slow: 

Cedar River (above Nashua)
After the recent rains, the river has been running a little high and turbid. Fishing in general is slow. Anglers have been out with limited success. Northern Pike - No Report: Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers should try using dead chubs, cut baits or minnows. Try going early evening for those 3 to 3.5 pounders. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - Slow: Anglers report spotty catches of walleye occurring.

Decorah District Streams
As of 5/14, hatchery folks are reporting fishable stream conditions. Water clarity after recent rains will differ from stream to stream depending upon watershed size, amount of work done in the fields in the watershed, amount of rainfall in the area, etc. As the water clears, it is even more important to not cast a shadow over the hole in which you are fishing. Trout in general are spooked very easily. A few small mayflies have been emerging.
Rainbow Trout - Good: Use more natural looking jigs and spinners with clearer water. Brown Trout - Good: Try casting upstream and let your lure float down along rocks or bank hides to the bottom end of the riffle. Try using beaded black nymphs for those elusive browns.

Many of our rivers and streams are experiencing higher flows due to recent rains but are still fishable. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 60s and slowly warming. As of 5/14, all of our trout streams are fishable. Input from recent fishing trips is important in keeping our reports accurate and up to date. If you would like to comment/report on any river, trout stream (hatches, etc.), or lake, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 563.382.8324.
 
Mississippi River Pool 9
Northern Pike - Excellent: Many pike are being reported. Anglers even catching them off the banks in the city of Lansing and up in Minnesota Slough by New Albin Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouths have been small but plentiful. Catching them on spinners and small jigs along rock piles Largemouth Bass - Good: Many sizable largemouths are being reported. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being caught on wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers using a simple worm and sliding egg sinker in current areas for best results

Mississippi River Pool 10
Northern Pike - Good: anglers catching fish in various spots using large flashy spinners and spoons Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Beginning to catch some fish in the backwaters on jig and night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Catching fish in the Harpers Spillway tube and tailwaters Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been slow for a while but this is our first decent report of at least some being taken Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught in the tailwater drifting a night crawler.

Mississippi River Pool 11
Tailwaters Northern Pike - Excellent: Population size is excellent, several large pike reported this week caught on jigs and spinners Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish can be caught along rocky shorelines using night crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads have moved into current areas near tailwaters White Bass - Good: A lot of white bass being caught on small spinners and jigs on the Wisconsin side of the dam. Many small fish but some nice sized. Also fish being caught on the Iowa side. Bluegill - Fair: Catching small bluegills near boat ramp on bobbers and worms Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fishing near the dam and in the spillway. Other rocky shorelines are also producing some fish. Sauger - Slow: A few small sauger are still being caught. Walleye - Slow: Walleye bite has shut down with only a few fish being caught Freshwater Drum - Good: Anglers are using a simple hook baited with a night crawler and an egg sinker for weight. 

River gauges: Lansing- 8.3, Lynxville - 15.8, Guttenberg- 7.3. Water temperature at Guttenberg- 62 degrees. The water levels in pools 9-11 steady to falling. Gates are in operation at Lynxville and Guttenberg. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at (563) 252-1156.
 
Silver Lake (Delaware)
Fishing has been good for bluegill. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching bluegills in the 6-7 inch size using small jigs, flies or a piece of worm under a bobber next to the vegetation line.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching crappie, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few catfish but quality in size. Try using cut baits or stink baits fished off of the bottom. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinner baits or rubber plastics for largemouth bass. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has slowed some, try casting small jigs or a minnow under a bobber.

Big Woods Lake
Good for crappie fishing near-shore out to about 12 feet depending on time of day and weather. Crappie - Good: Minnows have been good along with small plastics.

Brinker Lake
Fishing has been good for crappie. Crappie - Good: Try fishing minnows under a bobber or casting small jigs.

Mitchell
Good for crappie. Crappie - Good: Anglers have had success fishing minnows under a bobber.

Avenue of the Saints Pond
Anglers have been catching both crappie and bass from shore out of this lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinner baits and rubber worms for largemouth bass. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has been good casting small plastics or minnows fished under a bobber.

Plainfield
Anglers are catching both bluegill and bass. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is good using flies or piece of night crawler fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting plastics for largemouth bass.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers have been having the best success on channel catfish with recent bumps in river levels. Walleye fishing has been more difficult with current post spawn conditions. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish activity has been good on the rising river with the best success reported using night crawlers and chubs.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Catfish and smallmouth bass are being caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on cut baits, stink baits and night crawlers. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth bass are biting on slow presentations.

Crappie fishing has remained good due to recent spawning activities in area lakes. Rivers conditions are still favorable with anglers catching channel catfish and smallmouth bass, walleye fishing has slowed because of current post spawn conditions. Please contact the Manchester District Office for any further information at; (563) 927-3276.

George Wyth Lake
There have been reports of anglers catching bluegills in George Wyth Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing around sunken trees along the shoreline using small tackle tipped with a wax worm or piece of night crawler.

South Prairie Lake
Anglers are beginning to catch some crappies out of this lake.

Martens Lake
Crappie fishing has slowed over the last few weeks but anglers are still catching a few. Crappie - Fair: Most anglers fish the canal area of Martens Lake where water temperatures warm faster than the main lake. Try using a minnow under a slip bobber or casting small tube jigs.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Anglers are having success on the Wapsipinicon River fishing for channel catfish, crappies, smallmouth bass and walleyes in Buchanan County. Channel Catfish - Good: From the town of Littleton down to Independence there have been good catches of channel catfish using cut baits or dip baits fished off of the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass angling has been good using crankbaits and spinner baits. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught using crappie minnows fished under a bobber in three to four foot of water.

Crappies are currently spawning on most area lakes in northeast Ia. River levels are steadily falling and fishing has improved again on most of the interior rivers. Anglers should be reminded that the daily bag limit for crappie and bluegill is 25 for each species on public waters in the state. There is no possession limit. Contact Manchester Field Office at 563-927-3276 for more info.

SOUTHEAST

Lake Odessa
The water level in Odessa is higher than normal for this time of year. And since the Mississippi River is up Wildlife won’t be starting their annual drawdown for a while. Crappie - Slow: The extra water is flooding a lot of timber right now so while the crappies are spawning they are spread out over a very large area and will be hard to find.

Lake Geode
Crappie - Good: Anglers are still catching some good numbers of crappies. Look for these fish around the brush piles and other habitat in the bays.

Belva Deer Lake
The road crews are making good progress on the road project but it is still a work in progress. This year they are preparing the road bed and the paving will occur next year after the road bed has had a winter to settle. The surface will remain gravel this year. Bluegill - Good: While they are not nesting yet, they are in shallow to take advantage of the abundant insect live that is attracted to the warmer water. The water remains clear and the fish are very spooky. Largemouth Bass - Fair: With the recent rains look to the upper end of the lake where the marsh dumps into the lake through the tubes to locate some nice fish. Crappie - Excellent: Anglers are still catching some very nice crappies in two to three feet of water. Belva Deer is very clear right now so use a little stealth or if you scare them, remain quite for a few minutes and they should come back.

Pollmiller Park Lake
The water temp is in the mid 60s. Bluegill - Good: Good numbers are being caught using pieces of night crawlers or wax worms fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Good numbers of bass are being caught near structure close to the shore. Plastic baits are being used. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are still catching crappies around the structure using bobber and minnows.

Lake of the Hills
Changing weather patterns has kept fishing slow and success spotty. Bluegill - Good: Try in the shallow water around the stumps and logs, Use worm and bobber. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught on minnows or small jigs. Fish around brush piles and the fishing dock.

Lake Darling
The lake is drained.

Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Expect water levels to rise as the North Skunk near Sigourney is up about 2.5 ft and the South Skunk up by Oskaloosa is up about 4 feet.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Recent rains have added about another foot to the already high water level.

For more information on the above lakes call us at the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
 
Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 8.95 feet. River stage is forecasted to stay steady throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being picked up around Sunset Marina, the riprap along the Moline Riverfront (Pool 15), and off the ends of the wing dams on night crawlers and cut bait. White Bass - Fair: A few white bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough and on the wing dams on in-line spinners or casting jigs and twisters. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been good in Sunset Marina on small worms and minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: A few smallmouth bass are being caught in Sylvan Slough Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few largemouth bass are being caught in Sunset Marina on crankbaits and spinner baits. They are also being caught in the Andalusia Island backwater complex. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the Andalusia Island backwater complex on jigs and minnows or floating minnows under a bobber. Larger crappies are being caught in deeper water off brush piles while smaller fish are being caught up shallow. Crappies are also being caught in Sunset Marina fishing minnows under bobbers around the public docks. Sauger - Fair: A few saugers are being caught on jigs and minnows in Sylvan Slough. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows.

Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 8.04 feet and forecasted to stay steady over the weekend. The ramp at Big Timber is open. Most fishing reports are coming from area lakes and farm ponds. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report: 

Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 10.38 feet and forecasted to stay steady over the weekend. Channel Catfish - Slow: White Bass - Fair: A few white bass are being caught in the side channels on jigs and twisters with a minnow. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught in the backwaters on small worms. Crappie - Good: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or floating minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow: 

Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 6.96 feet. Most fishing reports are coming from area lakes and ponds. Channel Catfish - Slow: Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow: 

Mississippi River Pools 16-20: With recent rains, river levels are forecasted to stay steady over the weekend. Main channel water temperature is around 64 degrees. For more information on fishing Pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
 
Hannen Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Iowa Lake
Bluegill - Fair: The bluegills are starting to move in shallower for the upcoming spawn. Fish around shallow structure with a small jig or worm. Crappie - Good: Some catches of 8-9-inch crappies are being reported. Fish around shallow brush/rock or in and around the stake beds.

Kent Park Lake
Anglers are also catching fish in some of their ponds as well. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been picking up around shallow brush. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are also cruising the shallows in preparation for the spawn. Crankbaits and soft plastics have been producing best. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being picked up around the brush piles on jigs or minnows.

Lake Macbride
Surface temps will hit mid 60s during midday. The water clarity continues to improve and some fish are visible in the shallows. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are moving up to find nesting spots for the spawn. Fish shallow with fast moving baits to trigger a reaction bite, or fish slow with plastics for bedding fish. Crappie - Excellent: Spawning fish can be found on many shallow rock banks. The best banks contain brush. Cast small jigs with or without minnows around the structure.

Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass - Fair: Some white bass have been picked along the dam on crankbaits. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being picked up on small worms around rock and brush. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try a variety of artificials and even night crawlers around the jetties, dam, and brush. Remember, largemouth have to be 18 inches to keep.

Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Good: MANY small crappies (6-7-inch) are being caught in the shallows. Some 9-inch crappies are also being caught as well. 

Otter Creek Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are showing up in the fish cleaning station, so some are being caught. Bluegill - Good: Some nice sized bluegill are being caught. Look for them around downed trees and spawning flats. Yellow Bass - Excellent: The yellow bass bite has been good, however, size is marginal. Expect many 6-8-inch fish with some larger ones possible. Fish jigs or spinners around the shallow rock for best results.

Union Grove Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Coralville Reservoir
The reservoir is projected to fall about 3 feet in the next week. Water clarity has been decent, but the drop in water may stir it up. No catches have been reported.

Most lakes have water temps in the low to mid 60s. This has resulted in crappies up shallow spawning, and bass/bluegill moving up in preparation for their spawn. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
 
Lake Wapello
The lake was completely drained during the summer of 2008. Repairs have been made and the gate is now shut so the lake can start re-filling. Now would be a good opportunity to check out the new fish habitat that was added while the lake was drained.

Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Night crawlers have been the best bait for catching channel catfish. Bluegill - Fair: Small jigs have been catching fish along with a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. The best areas have been along the shorelines and around submerged structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics along the shoreline and around submerged structure. As water temperatures continue to rise, try crankbaits and spinner baits.

Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs fished along the shoreline. Look for areas with structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics or jigs fished along submerged structure. Also try areas with rocks.

Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs along the shorelines. Most fish have been running between 7-8 inches.

Lake Miami
Starting May 15, the lake will be drawn down 6 feet. Anglers may still use the lake during this time and the boat docks and boat ramps will be usable. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or dead minnows. Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs along the shorelines and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use soft plastics or spinner baits around structure for the most action. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or jig/minnow combinations around structure.

Lake Sugema
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a night crawler. Try a variety of depths. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics around weed lines and other structure. Try using spinner baits and top waters as the water temperature rises. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow or wax worm. Try different colors and locations until you find active fish. Walleye - Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow along the rocky shorelines.

Rathbun Reservoir

Lake Rathbun water temperature is in the upper 50s. The lake level is currently at 908.2 which is four feet above normal pool. Some boat ramps are being repaired so they will be closed. Currently work is being done at the Dedication site high water ramp. County Road J5T is now open going across the dam. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use night crawlers or cut bait to catch channel catfish back in the coves and bays. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught using small jigs tipped with a minnow fished around areas with structure in 10-12 feet of water.

Rathbun District Farm Ponds
Crappies and bluegills have been hitting in area farm ponds. Largemouth bass are also being caught. Be sure to ask permission before fishing private farm ponds.

For further fishing reports in southeast Iowa, please contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.

SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake
Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning. They are being caught best using minnows under a bobber. The fish are around 10 to 11 inches.

Beaver Lake
No fishing information reported for this location.

Rock Creek Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught with cut bait and night crawlers. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is good on jigs tipped with minnows. The rains may slow the bite, but if the weather remains warm they should move back in quickly. 

Roberts Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Big Creek Lake
White Bass - Good: White bass are biting well below the Big Creek spillway fishing small jigs, minnows, and spinners. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has been good fishing crankbaits near any woody structure in the lake. Crappie - Good: The crappies are beginning to spawn. Minnows under a bobber fished near shallow wood in the bays are producing the most fish. The crappies are 9 to 11 inches.

Easter Lake
Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills are being caught using pieces of night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass bite is starting to pick up fishing near woody structure. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishermen are successful right now using chartreuse twisters. 

Hickory Grove Lake
Crappie - Good: Crappies are spawning. Anglers are doing well on crappies using small tube jigs, or minnows under a bobber. The fish are being caught anywhere there is wood or rock riprap in shallow water.

Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Excellent: Good sized bluegills are being caught using night crawlers under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing is good using weed-less rigs in the curly leaf beds. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has started to pick up in shallow water near wood structure using small tube jigs or minnows under a bobber.

Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is good in the Whitebreast area and at the Roberts Creek spillway. Fish are good sized at 12 to 14 inches.

Blue Heron Lake (Raccoon River Park)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait or night crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Flathead catfish are moving and some nice sized fish have been caught below the Fraser dam.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Boone District Farm Ponds
The crappie and bluegill bite has been very good. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are being caught by simply using a small piece of crawler under a bobber. Crappie - Good: Farm ponds containing crappies have been producing good catches using small tube jigs or minnows under a bobber.

Contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at (515) 432-2823 for information on the above area lakes and rivers.
 
Greenfield Lake
Lake is full and good water clarity. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been good around jetties and corners of the dam casting worms under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching largemouth bass casting plastic baits in the cedar tree piles.

Lake Anita
Water temperature is 64 degrees and lake is full. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are scattered along shoreline spawning. Anglers need to find “pockets” of fish by casting small jigs along shore.

DeSoto Bend
Lake is full. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth casting spinner baits around shoreline structure. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye up to 22 inches drifting night crawlers around the outside bend of the lake. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit.

Lake Manawa
Lake is full and water temperature is in the high 60s and in the canals 70 degrees. Walleye - Good: Walleyes up to 6 pounds are being caught on the west side of lake casting red colored jigs. Reports of night crawlers on a lindy rig are also successful.

East Nishnabotna
Water is above base flow and moderately turbid. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching channel catfish on cut bait as river was rising below the Highway 48 Bridge west of Elliott.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
With water temperatures in the upper 60s crappies are close to shore spawning and readily caught using small jigs. Bluegills are moving to shore in small ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are now moving close to shore in smaller ponds. Cast worms under a bobber for best success. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting jigs and spinner baits using a slow retrieve. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing is good in the larger ponds now that fish are close to shore spawning. Cast small jigs close to shore to catch spawning fish. 

Water temperatures on many lakes in SW Iowa are in the mid 60s. Conditions are right for crappies to move close to shore and spawn. Contact Bryan Hayes (712)769-2587 for information on SW Iowa Lakes. For more information on general fishing in Southwest Iowa, call the SW Regional Office in Lewis at (712)769-2587. 
 
Mormon Trail Lake
Mormon trail has one concrete boat ramp. Very good water quality. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinner baits along the dam or vertical jig tree piles for best success. Crappie - Slow: Crappies in the 10-12 inch range have been caught vertical jigging cedar tree piles with small jigs.

Nodaway Lake
Lake is full. Gravel boat ramp. Crappie - Good: 9 inch crappies can be caught alone the dam casting small jigs.

Big Lake (Including Gilbert’s Pond)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Saganaush Pond
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Water temperatures on many lakes in SW Iowa are in the low 60s. Crappies are beginning to move close to shore to spawn. Contact Bryan Hayes (712)769-2587 for information on SW Iowa Lakes. For more information on general fishing in Southwest Iowa, call the SW Regional Office in Lewis at (712)769-2587. 
 
Binder Lake
Water quality is good and some rooted vegetation is growing in the bays Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth can be caught near shore. Crappie - Good: A few nice sized crappies have been caught from the dam on white jigs.

Lake Icaria
The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. The far upper end is a little cloudy. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of real nice fish can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on night crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several mid-sized fish have been caught near-shore and from the fish mounds. Crappie - Good: Several fish can be picked up off of rocky areas. Walleye - Fair: Several fish are still being caught from the mounds and big points. Night crawlers and leeches are showing a lot of success.

West Lake (Osceola)
Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish can be caught from near-shore structure. Crappie - Excellent: Fishing is excellent along the dam for 7.5 to 8.5 inch crappie.

Nine Eagles Lake
Water quality is good. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish of all sizes can be caught from the shallow coves or from the dam. Crappie - Fair: A few nice fish have been caught from the rocks of the dam.

Slip Bluff Lake
Water quality is fair. Crappie - Good: A few fish can be caught from the shore near the south access of the lake.

Badger Creek Lake
Panfish angling is getting better and anglers are using the west road and jetties. Water quality is good. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegill angling success has been found around the jetties and nearby coves. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of fish are along shore on spinners and shallow diving crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies of all sizes are being caught from the shallow rocky areas.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.
Water quality is good and fish of all species are biting. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are near-shore and can be caught on spinners. Crappie - Excellent: The rocks of the dam are holding a lot of 8 to 10 inch crappie. White jigs work well but the clear water can make the fish a little shy.

East Lake (Lenox)
Water quality is fair but the shallow coves are producing fish. Crappie - Fair: Several fish have been caught from the southeast shore and along the dam.

Lake of Three Fires
Water quality is good and the fishing has picked up a lot over the past week. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using night crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several real nice fish have been caught using night crawlers over the fish mounds or near the dam. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure. Crappie - Good: A lot of 8 to 11 inch fish have been caught from the fish mounds or off the dam.

Windmill Lake
Water quality is fair. Bluegill - Good: Several nice fish can be picked up near shore and from around the jetty. Crappie - Fair: Some nice fish can be caught from the dam. They are a little finicky but worth the effort.

Green Valley Lake

The lake level has been lowered for construction projects and water quality improvements to be completed.

Three Mile Lake
Most fish species present in the lake are biting. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting near-shore on spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Fish of all sizes are being caught from the near-shore rocky areas. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are still being caught from steep shoreline areas. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Small crankbaits have been working fairly well on wipers.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice slicks can be caught using night crawlers. Bluegill - Good: A lot of nice fish have been picked up using night crawlers from the near shore areas just about anywhere around the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught near-shore. Walleye - Fair: A few walleye are still biting from the big open points.

The pace of angling has picked up a lot. Several species are biting well at most lakes. Water temps are usually in the mid 60s and water quality at most lakes is good or better.
 
Little River Watershed Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir
Water clarity is good. Crappie - Excellent: A crappie can be caught almost every cast from the dam on a very small white jig.

Mt. Ayr District Farm Ponds
Water is warming up, and the fishing is turning on. Be sure to ask permission before fishing private farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Good: 

Water temps are in the mid 60s at most lakes. Small lakes are a little warmer. Water clarity at most lakes is good or very good but some locally heavy rains may have affected the upper ends of some lakes. Crappies are starting to spawn. Walleye are in a post spawning pattern. Largemouth bass are starting to spawn. Some bluegills are starting to move shallow and are in the early stages of the spawn. For more information, contact the Mt. Ayr Fisheries Station at 641-464-3108.
 
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Water conditions are good right now.
Channel Catfish - Good: The action is fast with night crawlers and stink bait with a weight on the bottom. Lots of smaller fish biting on the sand between wing dikes. To catch bigger cats use large hooks and large pieces of cut bait like shad, chubs or dead minnows. Flathead Catfish - Slow: A few smaller flatheads are being caught using live bait. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting on night crawlers with a weight on the bottom. The pools just above wing dikes are great areas to catch drum. 

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on cut bait, night crawlers and stink bait with weight on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Slow: A few smaller flatheads are being caught using live bait or night crawlers. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are biting on night crawlers with a weight on the bottom. 

Shovelnose sturgeon are biting well on a night crawler weighted on the bottom. Thousands of sturgeon have been tagged by fisheries crews working on the Missouri River. If you catch a tagged sturgeon please call the toll free number listed on the tag and report it. Anglers need to be able to identify the endangered pallid sturgeon and release them immediately if caught. For sturgeon ID go to: http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/iafish/sturgeon.html or call DNR Fisheries in Onawa at 712-433-4706