Iowans May Fish Free June 7-9
Iowa residents may fish without a license on June 7, 8 and 9 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources free fishing weekend.
Free fishing weekend is the first weekend in June each year. It allows Iowans an opportunity to try fishing without purchasing a license. All other regulations remain in place.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Anglers should try fishing bluegill along the face of the dam. Use a small black hair jig with a small piece of bait. 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 the nests. Bluegills are ranging from 8.5 to 9.5 inches.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Bluegills should be moving onto the nests soon. Recent surveys show good numbers of 8.5 to 9-inch bluegills. There are good numbers of sublegal largemouth bass in the lake. 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 - Fair: Crappie are hanging around submerged trees and deadfalls. 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 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 not 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 nightcrawlers from shore. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers have been catching quite a few walleye trolling crankbaits, but many are slot fish. Anglers should also try crawler harnesses or brightly colored jigs. Shore anglers should try 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. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleye were caught earlier this week. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers having been catching decent numbers of yellow bass, but they are pretty small.
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.
Arrowhead Lake
Water clarity is good. Water level is 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 put a small piece of nightcrawler on the jig. 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.
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 River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
The Little Sioux is flowing fast and the water is turbid. Fishing is difficult at this time.
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 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 out fishing this week. Water is high and dirty due to the large rainfall and continuing runoff. Crappies, bluegill and largemouth bass were biting on Pine Creek between the lakes, mostly on grub-type baits. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are staged in 4 to 5 feet of water and are close to spawning. A bobber and small jig with a piece of worm should work. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are near shore and are close to spawning. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught near structure.
Lake Smith
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try with some cutbait, worms, or stinkbait. Fish are probably biting best the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are near shore and should be biting well, including some 19 to 20 inchers.
Lake Catherine
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting.
Clear Lake
The lake is full (at crest). Water temperature is 62-64 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. 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). Yellow Bass - Good: Waders near the island are picking up large numbers of yellows. Some fish are spawning. Most anglers 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.
Lake Cornelia
Fishing has been good. Lots of fish are being caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats should be biting on cutbait or stinkbait. Fish from the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset, or on a windward side of the lake during the day. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are keeper size. 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: Use chicken liver or stink bait in shallow areas in the evenings. There was a 30 pound flathead caught and released last week. If you're after flatheads, use a live fish for bait and fish after dark. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the shorelines, fairly well over the last week. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching 7 to 8-inch crappies and gills off the north fishing jetty and other shorelines.
Crystal Lake
Northern Pike - Good: 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 - Good: Bluegill - Good: Great population of 7 to 8-inch fish. Bluegills are starting to stage in the shallows to spawn. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers reported catching lots of largemouth. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching some 16 to 17-inch walleyes.
Bluebill Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting well along shorelines at Bluebill. 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 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 Shell Rock River on jig/twister.
Winnebago River
Water level is high/ flooding. 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. 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 be out deeper yet. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing deep during the day and 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.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill action has slowed in the canals but may still be found in the bays. Try in 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 using cut bait around downed trees and drop offs. 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
Water levels are back to normal and clear. Fish activity should pick up with warming water. Shoreline angling will be best as many panfish species are beginning to spawn or will be soon. Channel Catfish - Fair: With warmer temperatures, the cats are starting to move. Try a dead chub or minnow set near the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Fish are starting to come in to the rocky shoreline. Try a small hook and piece of worm under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: Fish are in shallower water especially to the north of the boat ramp and around the fishing pier. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows.
Lake Hendricks
Water temperature is 62 degrees. Water levels have dropped and water is clearing. 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 poor due to recent rains. Fishing had been excellent until the rainfall. Bullhead - Excellent: A hook tipped with a worm under a bobber is catching fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been catching fish on worm fished on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills along the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been picking up bass with jigs and plastic twister tails fished slowly along the shoreline. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been picking quite a few small ones off the jetty using jigs with artificial baits.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are dropping but still muddy. Sucker - Slow: Sucker fishing had been excellent earlier in the week before the river went out of its banks. Walleye - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are dropping but remain muddy. Sucker - No Report: Sucker fishing had been excellent before water levels rose. 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 dropping and clearing. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Smallmouth Bass - No Report:
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are beginning to drop but river is still high and starting to clear. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Slow: Until this recent rainfall, catfishing had been excellent on dead chubs and liver. 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 Brown mayflies began hatching over the weekend and should continue through the end of June. For dry fly fishing, try your favorite #12 Brown Drake pattern. Trout are also hitting Red Badgers and other wet flies fished down and across. Further heavy rains may make water clarity unpredictable.
River and stream water levels are beginning to drop and clearing very slowly. For more on water levels, visit this website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. Lakes and ponds will be your best bet for the weekend. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. Decorah area trout streams off color and flows are elevated. Fish higher up in the watershed for best luck. 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 for pike 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. Clarity remains good with all of the recent rainfall. Sight fishing bluegill on the spawning beds can be really good. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are moving onto beds for spawn, cast small jig with or without slip bobber over beds. Small piece of worm under bobber works well also. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been doing well fishing near structure with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.
George Wyth Lake
George Wyth Lake Park will re-open Thursday. Access to Brinker lake will remain closed in the park until the Cedar River further recedes.
Plainfield
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Slow: Small piece of crawler on a small hook under a bobber always works well for bluegill. Crappie - Slow: Try casting small colored tube jigs or minnow fished under a slip bobber for crappie as they move shallow to spawn.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River remains high in Black Hawk County but is falling fast in Bremer County. Anglers may want to target channel catfish as the Cedar recedes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cutbaits and night crawlers fished on the bottom.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River at Shell Rock is currently 10.82 feet and holding steady.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is at 8.64 feet and slowly falling. There have been no fishing reports.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River remains steady in Delaware County. There have been reports of fish being caught.
Manchester District Streams
Area Manchester District trout streams are currently in excellent condition.
Interior river levels remain high but are receding over northeast Iowa. The Maquoketa River in Delaware County is providing the best angling opportunities. Most area lakes in Black Hawk County have been negatively impacted by the high river levels and there have been no reports. Manchester District trout streams are all in excellent condition, for further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 12.3 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 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 22.4 feet and levels excepted 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 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 13.8 feet and levels expected to gradually recede in the next week. Fish are becoming more active as water temperature rises into the 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in 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 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 levels remain high after recent rainfalls. Many boat ramps are still inaccessible, although shoreline fishing has been excellent. Water temperature is 60 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The river level at the Lock and Dam is 14.7 feet and water level at the railroad bridge is 16.4 feet. Water levels are expecting to drop. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of debris 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. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught even in the stained water. Try using bright colored lures and even lures that make noise to help locate fish.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The river level is at 14.9 feet and receding. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of debris coming down the river. 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 - Fair: A few crappies are being caught in clearer water areas such as Spring Lake and Green Island. Fishing is just fair and you have to work to find fish.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The river level is at 15.9 feet and still rising slightly. Levels are expected to stay high for the next week. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of 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 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 11.0 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.
Due to recent rains the River has risen near flood stage for pools 12-15. Water clarity is poor and lots of debris is coming down the river. Use extreme caution if venturing out. Water levels are starting to drop.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has reached 16.30 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin falling on Friday. 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.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has reached 17.12 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin falling on Friday. Many of the 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 reached 19.97 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin falling on Friday. 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 reached 15.85 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. Many of the ramps are not usable 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 67 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 continues to flood as the Iowa River gets higher.
Lake Geode
The water level is near normal and the water is clearing. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing is picking back up as the water continues to clear.
Lake Belva Deer
The lake is down to normal level; water is still a little cloudy. The water temperature is in the mid 60s. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are still catching bluegills in shallow but the bite has slowed. Anglers have to do a little sorting.
Lake of the Hills
There's been plenty of boats on the lake with the Mississippi River conditions being what they are. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that allows the use of minnows as bait. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are moving in shallow to spawn. If the weather would calm down, a worm and bobber would work. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing has slowed with the unstable weather. If you fish the rocks you might have the best chance.
Railroad Lake
The use of live minnows is not allowed in Railroad Lake. Channel Catfish - Slow: Recent cool nights have slowed the bite. 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 fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk is at flood stage, but starting to drop slowly. Most boat ramps are under water.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Major flood level.
Big Hollow Lake
The lake level is getting back to normal but the water remains turbid. Not much angler activity lately but expect to change as the weather gets nicer and the lake clears up.
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 while some have pulled off the bank. Most fish are about 9 inches. Try small jigs tipped with waxies.
Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: 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 - Good: 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 mid to upper 60s. 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 - Fair: 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 and some caught trolling the flats. Many fish are 13-14 inches, with some 16-20 inches.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is around 65 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 - Fair: 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 6 is 708.2 feet. Normal level is 683 feet. Barring a major rain event, the lake level has crested and will slowly begin to fall.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the Coralville Dam is 18,000 CFS. There is a boating ban on the Iowa River from the Coralville Dam down to the Johnson County line.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth bass fishing has been good using spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Crappies and bluegills have been hitting small jigs.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been having success fishing small jigs along the shoreline. Try adding a chunk of nightcrawler to the jig. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try areas with any type of structure such as the fishing jetties or downed trees. Use plastic worms and spinnerbaits in these areas. Don't forget to try along the face of the dam. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been using small jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the rock jetties and around the underwater structures.
Albia (lower)
Use small jigs for bluegills and yellow bass. Target areas along the dam and under the bridge.
Lake Sugema
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been having some success using small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try areas along the shorelines with some vegetation or woody structure. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or jig and minnow combos around areas with structure. Try different depths until you find active fish.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 920.28 feet with normal pool being 904. The water temperature is 64 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappies. Try jigs or jigs and minnows. With the high water, crappies are spread out so try different areas if the fish aren't hitting. Sorting is required for larger fish. 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 are spawning and some good size bluegill are being caught in two feet of water in the small bays and next to shallow flooded wood on the upper end.
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 - Excellent: Spawning bluegills are being caught in good numbers close to shore (less than four feet of water) throughout the lake, especially in the back of the protected bays. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills are currently spawning near shore. Fish with small jigs or pieces of crawler under a bobber close to shallow brushy or wood habitat.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill spawn is going and anglers are catching fair numbers. Fish small pieces of crawler in openings of the vegetation.
Red Rock Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfishing is 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: 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: White bass fishing is good below the spillway. Use white/shiny lure or spoons to attract 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.
The bluegill spawn is going central Iowa. Even with the recent high and stained waters anglers are having success. 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 pounders. The boat ramp is usable. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish have been caught around the jetties using shrimp. Bluegill - Good: 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. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught around underwater reefs. Meadow has large crappie that range from 10 to 14 inches.
Nodaway Lake
A few crappies are being caught along the dam on the north side of lake around rock. Bluegills are also being caught 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, 7 to 8 inches, are being caught casting small jigs close to shore. Crappie - Slow: Small jigs and minnows are catching crappie around trees.
Orient Lake
Bluegill and crappie fishing has been good. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning along the dam. Cast small black jigs to catch 7 to 8-inch fish. Crappie - Fair: 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. Fish are all sizes.
Willow Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has 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. 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 in the 2 to 4 pound range. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting the shoreline with spinnerbaits and slow trolling crankbaits. Fish are all sizes.
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 southwest Iowa lakes, call district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.
Binder Lake
The lake is full and the clarity is fair. Some of the rooted vegetation is creeping into the shallows. Crappie - Slow: The crappies are moving out but a few can be caught from the dam in deeper water during the evening hours.
Lake Icaria
Water clarity remains fairly good. The crappies are still biting but off-shore in a little deeper water. 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. Largemouth Bass - Good: A largemouth bass are being caught near shore around tree piles. Crappie - Fair: A few mid-sized crappies can still be caught from off-shore. The big cove on the south side of the campground, the shoreline along the campground, and the south end of the dam are very good spots. Walleye - Fair: Casting and trolling jigs or small crank baits in 5 to 7 feet of water along the north bank and the campground point is working to catch a few walleyes.
East Lake (Osceola)
Water clarity is fairly good. Bluegill - Good: 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 - Excellent: 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. 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 - Fair: A few mid-sized crappies are being caught from along the face of the dam.
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. Crappie - Slow: A few very large crappies can still be caught from deeper gravel areas surrounding the jetties and the roadway.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The lake is full. Clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several largemouth bass are moving to structure near shore. Crappie - Fair: Some mid-sized to large crappies are being caught from along the dam and gravel areas surrounding the jetties.
Lake of Three Fires
Water levels are full and clarity is good. Bluegill - Good: Several mid-sized and bigger bluegills are being caught from some of the coves and the east end of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several mid-sized and big largemouth bass can be caught from near-shore. 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 - Good: Several channel catfish can be caught from shoreline areas using crawlers suspended just off the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to move shallower. Some are being caught on jigs tipped with crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass are being caught from shoreline structure. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is winding down but several can be caught from the spawning areas or deeper areas nearby.
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 crappies are moving off-shore to the deeper structure. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits or crawlers across the face of the dam and some of the larger points or mounds.
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 crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: A few anglers are catching a lot of bluegills on small black jigs. The flooded trees close to spawning areas seem to be the best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several largemouth bass are being caught from the structure near shore and the flooded cedar tree piles. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies can still be caught from the deep rock and rubble areas around the jetties, or armored points. Walleye - Fair: An occasional walleye is being caught by trolling jigs or crawlers over gravel and rip rap areas.
The water temperatures are in the upper 60s. The water levels at most lakes full but not overflowing excessively. Water clarity remains average at most lakes.
Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching catfish on dip bait/stinkbait and worms. Try fishing the side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing ***** and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been catching a few flathead catfish on chubs.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have had some success with worms, shiners, and stinkbait in side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing ***** and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few flathead catfish on chubs.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have had some success with worms, dip bait/stinkbait. Try the side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing ***** and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Fishing has been fair for flatheads on chubs.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 18.98 feet / 26,528 cfs. Water levels have dropped 5.65 feet from last week. Water temperature is around 65 degrees.
Iowa residents may fish without a license on June 7, 8 and 9 as part of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources free fishing weekend.
Free fishing weekend is the first weekend in June each year. It allows Iowans an opportunity to try fishing without purchasing a license. All other regulations remain in place.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Anglers should try fishing bluegill along the face of the dam. Use a small black hair jig with a small piece of bait. 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 the nests. Bluegills are ranging from 8.5 to 9.5 inches.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Bluegills should be moving onto the nests soon. Recent surveys show good numbers of 8.5 to 9-inch bluegills. There are good numbers of sublegal largemouth bass in the lake. 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 - Fair: Crappie are hanging around submerged trees and deadfalls. 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 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 not 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 nightcrawlers from shore. Walleye - Fair: Boat anglers have been catching quite a few walleye trolling crankbaits, but many are slot fish. Anglers should also try crawler harnesses or brightly colored jigs. Shore anglers should try 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. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleye were caught earlier this week. Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers having been catching decent numbers of yellow bass, but they are pretty small.
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.
Arrowhead Lake
Water clarity is good. Water level is 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 put a small piece of nightcrawler on the jig. 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.
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 River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
The Little Sioux is flowing fast and the water is turbid. Fishing is difficult at this time.
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 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 out fishing this week. Water is high and dirty due to the large rainfall and continuing runoff. Crappies, bluegill and largemouth bass were biting on Pine Creek between the lakes, mostly on grub-type baits. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are staged in 4 to 5 feet of water and are close to spawning. A bobber and small jig with a piece of worm should work. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are near shore and are close to spawning. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught near structure.
Lake Smith
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try with some cutbait, worms, or stinkbait. Fish are probably biting best the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are near shore and should be biting well, including some 19 to 20 inchers.
Lake Catherine
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting.
Clear Lake
The lake is full (at crest). Water temperature is 62-64 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. 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). Yellow Bass - Good: Waders near the island are picking up large numbers of yellows. Some fish are spawning. Most anglers 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.
Lake Cornelia
Fishing has been good. Lots of fish are being caught. Channel Catfish - Good: Cats should be biting on cutbait or stinkbait. Fish from the last hour of sunlight to an hour after sunset, or on a windward side of the lake during the day. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are keeper size. 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: Use chicken liver or stink bait in shallow areas in the evenings. There was a 30 pound flathead caught and released last week. If you're after flatheads, use a live fish for bait and fish after dark. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting along the shorelines, fairly well over the last week. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching 7 to 8-inch crappies and gills off the north fishing jetty and other shorelines.
Crystal Lake
Northern Pike - Good: 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 - Good: Bluegill - Good: Great population of 7 to 8-inch fish. Bluegills are starting to stage in the shallows to spawn. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers reported catching lots of largemouth. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching some 16 to 17-inch walleyes.
Bluebill Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting well along shorelines at Bluebill. 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 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 Shell Rock River on jig/twister.
Winnebago River
Water level is high/ flooding. 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. 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 be out deeper yet. Walleye - Fair: Try fishing deep during the day and 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.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Slow: The bluegill action has slowed in the canals but may still be found in the bays. Try in 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 using cut bait around downed trees and drop offs. 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
Water levels are back to normal and clear. Fish activity should pick up with warming water. Shoreline angling will be best as many panfish species are beginning to spawn or will be soon. Channel Catfish - Fair: With warmer temperatures, the cats are starting to move. Try a dead chub or minnow set near the bottom. Bluegill - Slow: Fish are starting to come in to the rocky shoreline. Try a small hook and piece of worm under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: Fish are in shallower water especially to the north of the boat ramp and around the fishing pier. Try a jig tipped with imitation minnows.
Lake Hendricks
Water temperature is 62 degrees. Water levels have dropped and water is clearing. 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 poor due to recent rains. Fishing had been excellent until the rainfall. Bullhead - Excellent: A hook tipped with a worm under a bobber is catching fish. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been catching fish on worm fished on the bottom under a bobber. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up a lot of small bluegills along the shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers have been picking up bass with jigs and plastic twister tails fished slowly along the shoreline. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been picking quite a few small ones off the jetty using jigs with artificial baits.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are dropping but still muddy. Sucker - Slow: Sucker fishing had been excellent earlier in the week before the river went out of its banks. Walleye - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are dropping but remain muddy. Sucker - No Report: Sucker fishing had been excellent before water levels rose. 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 dropping and clearing. Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Smallmouth Bass - No Report:
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are beginning to drop but river is still high and starting to clear. Water temperature is in the low 60s. Channel Catfish - Slow: Until this recent rainfall, catfishing had been excellent on dead chubs and liver. 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 Brown mayflies began hatching over the weekend and should continue through the end of June. For dry fly fishing, try your favorite #12 Brown Drake pattern. Trout are also hitting Red Badgers and other wet flies fished down and across. Further heavy rains may make water clarity unpredictable.
River and stream water levels are beginning to drop and clearing very slowly. For more on water levels, visit this website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. Lakes and ponds will be your best bet for the weekend. For trout stocking information, call 563-927-5736. Decorah area trout streams off color and flows are elevated. Fish higher up in the watershed for best luck. 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 for pike 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. Clarity remains good with all of the recent rainfall. Sight fishing bluegill on the spawning beds can be really good. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill are moving onto beds for spawn, cast small jig with or without slip bobber over beds. Small piece of worm under bobber works well also. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been doing well fishing near structure with crankbaits or spinnerbaits.
George Wyth Lake
George Wyth Lake Park will re-open Thursday. Access to Brinker lake will remain closed in the park until the Cedar River further recedes.
Plainfield
Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Bluegill - Slow: Small piece of crawler on a small hook under a bobber always works well for bluegill. Crappie - Slow: Try casting small colored tube jigs or minnow fished under a slip bobber for crappie as they move shallow to spawn.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River remains high in Black Hawk County but is falling fast in Bremer County. Anglers may want to target channel catfish as the Cedar recedes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cutbaits and night crawlers fished on the bottom.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River at Shell Rock is currently 10.82 feet and holding steady.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is at 8.64 feet and slowly falling. There have been no fishing reports.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River remains steady in Delaware County. There have been reports of fish being caught.
Manchester District Streams
Area Manchester District trout streams are currently in excellent condition.
Interior river levels remain high but are receding over northeast Iowa. The Maquoketa River in Delaware County is providing the best angling opportunities. Most area lakes in Black Hawk County have been negatively impacted by the high river levels and there have been no reports. Manchester District trout streams are all in excellent condition, for further information call the district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level at Lansing is 12.3 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 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 22.4 feet and levels excepted 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 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 13.8 feet and levels expected to gradually recede in the next week. Fish are becoming more active as water temperature rises into the 60s. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in 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 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 levels remain high after recent rainfalls. Many boat ramps are still inaccessible, although shoreline fishing has been excellent. Water temperature is 60 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The river level at the Lock and Dam is 14.7 feet and water level at the railroad bridge is 16.4 feet. Water levels are expecting to drop. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of debris 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. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught even in the stained water. Try using bright colored lures and even lures that make noise to help locate fish.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The river level is at 14.9 feet and receding. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of debris coming down the river. 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 - Fair: A few crappies are being caught in clearer water areas such as Spring Lake and Green Island. Fishing is just fair and you have to work to find fish.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The river level is at 15.9 feet and still rising slightly. Levels are expected to stay high for the next week. Water clarity is poor and there is a lot of 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 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 11.0 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.
Due to recent rains the River has risen near flood stage for pools 12-15. Water clarity is poor and lots of debris is coming down the river. Use extreme caution if venturing out. Water levels are starting to drop.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has reached 16.30 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin falling on Friday. 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.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has reached 17.12 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin falling on Friday. Many of the 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 reached 19.97 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is forecasted to begin falling on Friday. 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 reached 15.85 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. Many of the ramps are not usable 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 67 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 continues to flood as the Iowa River gets higher.
Lake Geode
The water level is near normal and the water is clearing. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing is picking back up as the water continues to clear.
Lake Belva Deer
The lake is down to normal level; water is still a little cloudy. The water temperature is in the mid 60s. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are still catching bluegills in shallow but the bite has slowed. Anglers have to do a little sorting.
Lake of the Hills
There's been plenty of boats on the lake with the Mississippi River conditions being what they are. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that allows the use of minnows as bait. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are moving in shallow to spawn. If the weather would calm down, a worm and bobber would work. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing has slowed with the unstable weather. If you fish the rocks you might have the best chance.
Railroad Lake
The use of live minnows is not allowed in Railroad Lake. Channel Catfish - Slow: Recent cool nights have slowed the bite. 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 fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: 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.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)
The Skunk is at flood stage, but starting to drop slowly. Most boat ramps are under water.
Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Major flood level.
Big Hollow Lake
The lake level is getting back to normal but the water remains turbid. Not much angler activity lately but expect to change as the weather gets nicer and the lake clears up.
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 while some have pulled off the bank. Most fish are about 9 inches. Try small jigs tipped with waxies.
Iowa Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: 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 - Good: 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 mid to upper 60s. 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 - Fair: 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 and some caught trolling the flats. Many fish are 13-14 inches, with some 16-20 inches.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is around 65 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 - Fair: 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 6 is 708.2 feet. Normal level is 683 feet. Barring a major rain event, the lake level has crested and will slowly begin to fall.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the Coralville Dam is 18,000 CFS. There is a boating ban on the Iowa River from the Coralville Dam down to the Johnson County line.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth bass fishing has been good using spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Crappies and bluegills have been hitting small jigs.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers have been having success fishing small jigs along the shoreline. Try adding a chunk of nightcrawler to the jig. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try areas with any type of structure such as the fishing jetties or downed trees. Use plastic worms and spinnerbaits in these areas. Don't forget to try along the face of the dam. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been using small jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the rock jetties and around the underwater structures.
Albia (lower)
Use small jigs for bluegills and yellow bass. Target areas along the dam and under the bridge.
Lake Sugema
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been having some success using small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try areas along the shorelines with some vegetation or woody structure. Use rubber worms or crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or jig and minnow combos around areas with structure. Try different depths until you find active fish.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 920.28 feet with normal pool being 904. The water temperature is 64 degrees. Crappie - Fair: Anglers have been catching crappies. Try jigs or jigs and minnows. With the high water, crappies are spread out so try different areas if the fish aren't hitting. Sorting is required for larger fish. 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 are spawning and some good size bluegill are being caught in two feet of water in the small bays and next to shallow flooded wood on the upper end.
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 - Excellent: Spawning bluegills are being caught in good numbers close to shore (less than four feet of water) throughout the lake, especially in the back of the protected bays. Big Creek bluegills are good size with many fish over 8 inches.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Good size bluegills are currently spawning near shore. Fish with small jigs or pieces of crawler under a bobber close to shallow brushy or wood habitat.
Lake Ahquabi
Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill spawn is going and anglers are catching fair numbers. Fish small pieces of crawler in openings of the vegetation.
Red Rock Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfishing is 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: 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: White bass fishing is good below the spillway. Use white/shiny lure or spoons to attract 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.
The bluegill spawn is going central Iowa. Even with the recent high and stained waters anglers are having success. 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 pounders. The boat ramp is usable. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few channel catfish have been caught around the jetties using shrimp. Bluegill - Good: 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. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are being caught around underwater reefs. Meadow has large crappie that range from 10 to 14 inches.
Nodaway Lake
A few crappies are being caught along the dam on the north side of lake around rock. Bluegills are also being caught 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, 7 to 8 inches, are being caught casting small jigs close to shore. Crappie - Slow: Small jigs and minnows are catching crappie around trees.
Orient Lake
Bluegill and crappie fishing has been good. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are spawning along the dam. Cast small black jigs to catch 7 to 8-inch fish. Crappie - Fair: 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. Fish are all sizes.
Willow Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has 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. 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 in the 2 to 4 pound range. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are being caught casting the shoreline with spinnerbaits and slow trolling crankbaits. Fish are all sizes.
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 southwest Iowa lakes, call district office at Cold Springs at 712-769-2587.
Binder Lake
The lake is full and the clarity is fair. Some of the rooted vegetation is creeping into the shallows. Crappie - Slow: The crappies are moving out but a few can be caught from the dam in deeper water during the evening hours.
Lake Icaria
Water clarity remains fairly good. The crappies are still biting but off-shore in a little deeper water. 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. Largemouth Bass - Good: A largemouth bass are being caught near shore around tree piles. Crappie - Fair: A few mid-sized crappies can still be caught from off-shore. The big cove on the south side of the campground, the shoreline along the campground, and the south end of the dam are very good spots. Walleye - Fair: Casting and trolling jigs or small crank baits in 5 to 7 feet of water along the north bank and the campground point is working to catch a few walleyes.
East Lake (Osceola)
Water clarity is fairly good. Bluegill - Good: 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 - Excellent: 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. 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 - Fair: A few mid-sized crappies are being caught from along the face of the dam.
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. Crappie - Slow: A few very large crappies can still be caught from deeper gravel areas surrounding the jetties and the roadway.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The lake is full. Clarity is good. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several largemouth bass are moving to structure near shore. Crappie - Fair: Some mid-sized to large crappies are being caught from along the dam and gravel areas surrounding the jetties.
Lake of Three Fires
Water levels are full and clarity is good. Bluegill - Good: Several mid-sized and bigger bluegills are being caught from some of the coves and the east end of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several mid-sized and big largemouth bass can be caught from near-shore. 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 - Good: Several channel catfish can be caught from shoreline areas using crawlers suspended just off the bottom. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to move shallower. Some are being caught on jigs tipped with crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass are being caught from shoreline structure. Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is winding down but several can be caught from the spawning areas or deeper areas nearby.
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 crappies are moving off-shore to the deeper structure. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits or crawlers across the face of the dam and some of the larger points or mounds.
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 crawlers. Bluegill - Excellent: A few anglers are catching a lot of bluegills on small black jigs. The flooded trees close to spawning areas seem to be the best. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Several largemouth bass are being caught from the structure near shore and the flooded cedar tree piles. Crappie - Fair: Several crappies can still be caught from the deep rock and rubble areas around the jetties, or armored points. Walleye - Fair: An occasional walleye is being caught by trolling jigs or crawlers over gravel and rip rap areas.
The water temperatures are in the upper 60s. The water levels at most lakes full but not overflowing excessively. Water clarity remains average at most lakes.
Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching catfish on dip bait/stinkbait and worms. Try fishing the side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing ***** and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been catching a few flathead catfish on chubs.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have had some success with worms, shiners, and stinkbait in side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing ***** and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few flathead catfish on chubs.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have had some success with worms, dip bait/stinkbait. Try the side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing ***** and revetments. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Fishing has been fair for flatheads on chubs.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 18.98 feet / 26,528 cfs. Water levels have dropped 5.65 feet from last week. Water temperature is around 65 degrees.
