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Iowa Fishing Report
www.iowadnr.gov
July 1, 2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Fishing has slowed. Anglers are catching a few catfish on stink bait.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Anglers are catching some panfish. It has been fairly slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Fishing has slowed somewhat. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been catching some catfish at night using various baits. Bluegill - Good: Shore and boat anglers are catching a few good-sized bluegills with small hooks and jigs. Try from boat ramp to the dam, or any place that's easy to get to from the ramp parking lot. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some nice crappie using small hooks and jigs with small minnows. Fish have moved into deeper water; try from boat ramp to dam, or anywhere in between.
Badger Lake
North of Ft. Dodge. Fishing has slowed as mid summer weather conditions have arrived. Bluegill and catfish have moved into deeper water. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is picking up; try cut bait and chicken liver. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching some hand-size bluegill off shore. Crappie - Fair: Some 9 - 10 inch fish have been caught on small jigs and minnows.
Brushy Creek Lake
Warmer weather and rains have slowed fishing. Water clarity is still good. Nice bluegill, crappie and a few walleye are being caught. Please clean your fish at the floating fish cleaning platform at the west ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are hitting on liver, stink bait and night crawlers along the shore line. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved out from shore; try fishing just off the bottom in 8 to 12 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are in the trees; try a small jig or minnow rig and fish in 10 to 14 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have been biting on minnows.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake )
Fishing has slowed. Remember that Storm Lake has a 17-22 inch slot length limit. All walleye in that range must be immediately released. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Still catching cats with various baits; try drifting a night crawler, under a bobber, along the rocks. White Bass - Fair: White bass are still being caught with mini-jigs tipped with night crawlers or minnows; try casting along the rocks. Walleye - Fair: Walleye catch has slowed considerably.
North Twin Lake
Fishing has slowed; anglers are catching some nice bullheads. Bullhead - Good: Fair numbers of big bullhead are being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few catfish on liver.
Black Hawk Lake
Bullhead and catfish fishing have been very good. Water has warmed considerably the last week. Bullhead - Excellent: Anglers are doing well for 8 to 9 inch bullheads. Channel Catfish - Good: Shore anglers are having good luck catching 1.5 to 2 pound catfish on various baits including liver, leeches, night crawlers and stink bait.
Fishing has slowed this week across district. Water clarity has been relatively good in most lakes. 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 and Bluegill fishing is fair.
Briggs Woods Lake
Crappie and bluegill fishing is good. Channel catfish are biting on liver.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Bluegill fishing has been good using a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber near the weed edge. Channel Catfish - Good: biting on cut bait.
Lower Pine Lake
Bluegill fishing is fair using a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber near the shoreline brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: using liver
Upper Pine Lake
Largemouth bass fishing is fair using a Lindy rig or Carolina rig with a worm or minnow. Channel catfish are biting on liver. Bluegill - Fair: Fish the shoreline with a small piece of worm.
Lake Smith
Bluegill fishing has been good, try a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber near the weed edge. Channel Catfish - Good: biting on cut bait.
Lake Catherine
Bluegill fishing has been slow. Largemouth bass fishing is good using jigs and plastic baits.
Clear Lake
Yellow bass fishing is slow, try drift fishing the reefs with live bait until you find the fish. Channel Catfish - Good: A few catfish are being caught with night crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom at the Ventura grade and McIntosh State Park shoreline. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes (mostly sub-legal) are being caught off the jetty using minnows.
Lake Cornelia
Bullhead - Good: Bullhead fishing is fair using a night crawler fished on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are biting cut bait and liver. White Bass - Fair: Biting on small white twister tails. Walleye - Slow: A few Walleyes are being caught on trolled crankbaits.
Little Wall Lake
Small crappies, largemouth bass and Channel catfish fishing is good.
West Twin Lake
Bullhead fishing is good using a night crawler fished on the bottom.
Rice Lake
Bullhead fishing is good fishing with a crawler off the bottom.
Bluebill Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been fair fishing the weed edges. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are biting on crankbaits and plastic baits.
Shell Rock River (above Greene)
Channel Catfish - Fair: using cut bait or liver. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: using jigs and crankbaits.
Winnebago River
Channel Catfish and Smallmouth bass fishing is fair.
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call us at the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at (641) 357-3517.
Mill Creek ( Lake )
Bullhead - Fair: Use worms near the swimming area. Channel Catfish - Good: Use worms, stink bait, or live bait fished on the bottom around brush piles or rocks. Bluegill - Fair: Use small micro jigs around docks and weed beds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish with soft plastics around weed beds and rocks. Use weedless surface lures over weed beds in the evening
Big Spirit Lake
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use twister tails or a slip bobber and leech along rock bars that connect with weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use soft plastics around weed beds and boat docks. Yellow Perch - Good: Drift fish while using bottom bouncers or anchor and vertical jig with small jigging spoons tipped with worms in 20-22 foot of water. Walleye - Fair: Drift fish with Lindy rigs, vertical jig with leeches, or slip bobber fish around weed beds. Fish are also being caught trolling with crankbaits along weed lines.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chubs around the bridges or off the docks. Yellow Bass - Good: Drift fish along boat docks with jigging spoons tipped with worms or slip bobber fish from docks.
Silver Lake ( Dickinson )
Walleye - Good: Troll with crankbaits on the north shore and around the island.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Troll crankbaits or spoons along weed lines. White Bass - Good: Fish along points with jigs at sunset. Bluegill - Excellent: Fish with small hair jigs or a split shot and hook with live bait around boat docks or along weed bed edges. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish the rock bars at Fort Dodge and Gull Points with jerk baits or a lead head and leech. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics around boat docks and weed lines. Walleye - Fair: Use slip bobber and leech around weed beds at sunset.
Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chubs at the railroad bridge. Walleye - Fair: Troll with crankbaits along drop-offs.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Trolling with crankbaits.
Willow Creek
Bluegill - Good: Fish along edge of weed beds with small jigs or a bobber and small hook with a piece of worm. Large Pumpkinseed sunfish are also being caught.
Swan Lake
Bullhead - Good: Use worms along the north shore.
Tuttle Lake
Crappie - Fair: Fish the south shore along boat docks with small jigs. Walleye - Good: Troll with planer boards using crankbaits.
Silver Lake ( Palo Alto )
Bullhead - Good: Use worms on the east shore.
Big Sioux River
Blue catfish have also been caught using large cut bait in deep holes, current seams, and brush piles near its confluence with the Missouri River . Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use cut bait, chubs, or stink bait in deep holes and brush piles. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use large live bait along brush piles, cut banks, and rock shorelines.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Use large minnow or stink bait in holes and above brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Use twister tails around holes and riffles.
West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use chubs or stink bait in holes and around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Use twister tails or crankbaits along current breaks and holes.
Kids Corner: If you are looking for a place to take a child fishing then take them to Scharnburg Park located 5 miles west of Spencer on B24. Use a small bobber and piece of night crawler on the fishing jetty located on the west shore. Expect to catch bluegill, green sunfish, bullheads, and bass along the rocks or willows located along the shore. For more fishing report information on the Spirit Lake area call 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Water levels are normal clarity has been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish activity has increased with the warming temperatures. Right now large numbers of catfish are congregating along the rip rap in 3 to 5 feet of water. Try floating a worm 3 feet under a bobber, and stay close to shore. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Good: Fishing crankbait along rip rap shores. Crappie - Slow:
Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks still has very good water clarity. Channel Catfish - No Report: Now is a good time to try fishing for catfish especially with warmer water temperatures. Try using chicken liver or dead chub on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small twistertails tipped with a small piece of worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing the weed edges near drop-offs with weedless plastic worms. Crappie - No Report:
Lake Meyer
Channel Catfish - Good: Nice size cats are being caught on fish guts. Bluegill - Fair: Smaller bluegill are being caught near the jetty. Worms fished under a bobber continues to be your best bet. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try looking for bass along weed edges using plastic worms. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved to deeper water.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling and the river is clearing. Angling has been slow with the muddy water but should improve. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling and the river is clearing. Angling has been slow with the muddy water but should improve. Sucker - Fair: Suckers are being caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish have been caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Try using chicken liver or dead chubs to weed out sucker bits. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - No Report:
Volga River
Water conditions are good. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Black or white twistertails seem to be working the best.
Cedar River (above Nashua )
The river is muddy but is clearing. Fishing has slowed due to river conditions. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having the best success using night crawlers, chicken liver and dead minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good to excellent condition. Trout streams continue to be regularly stocked and trout are waiting to be caught. For trout stocking information, please call 563-927-5736 or to check the schedule on-line, go to www.iowadnr.gov/fish/news/stockrep/trout.html. Brown Trout - Good: There are reports of good hatches of both terrestrial and aquatic insects, especially flying ants and crickets.
The Upper Iowa, Turkey and Cedar River water levels have been dropping and water clarity is fair but fishable. If you have any questions, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake ( Delaware )
Anglers are reporting good action fishing for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Fair: Most bluegills have moved off of the spawning beds but some are still available for the taking. Try using artificial flies or piece of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting weed less baits for bass in the 10-12 inch size range.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake )
Bluegill fishing has slowed in Casey Lake but channel catfish have been biting well. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut baits, night crawlers or stink baits fished on bottom of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Fish from shoreline in 3-6 feet of water using a piece of night crawler under a bobber for remaining bluegill on the beds. The bite has slowed as the main spawning push is nearing an end. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits or plastics near the dam and around jetties.
Lake Delhi
Anglers are catching bluegills and channel catfish in Lake Delhi . Channel Catfish - Good: Try using slip bobbers or fish off of the bottom with night crawlers for good catfish action. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are still catching bluegills, but fish have moved off of their beds into deeper water around structure.
Avenue of the Saints Pond
Largemouth bass fishing has picked up on this lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a piece of night crawler underneath a bobber fished from shore. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastics along the shoreline.
Plainfield
Largemouth bass are biting well in Plainfield Lake . Bluegill - Fair: Try using small piece of night crawler underneath a bobber in 3-5 feet of water off of shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastics along the shoreline.
Cedar River ( Nashua to La Porte City )
The Cedar River is currently on a steady decline from recent rainfall events and anglers are reporting good action for smallmouth bass and a few catches of channel catfish and walleye, especially in Bremer County . Channel Catfish - Fair: Cut baits and stink baits are working well for channel catfish on the Cedar. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits or jigs with a twister tail along rocky shoreline areas. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are reporting occasional catches of walleye casting crankbaits near and along current breaks or drop-offs.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Good catches of channel catfish have been reported out of the Shell Rock River. Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing cut baits, night crawlers or stink baits fished on the bottom of the river.
Wapsipinicon River ( Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Water levels continue to slowly fall on the Wapsipinicon River . Conditions are improving and anglers are reporting good catches of channel catfish and a few walleye. Channel Catfish - Good: Post-spawn action is starting to take shape using night crawlers, liver and dead baits. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes have been caught on the Wapsi using jigs tipped with a minnow or night crawler or try casting crankbaits for these elusive fish.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello )
Conditions remain excellent for angling on the Maquoketa River . Channel Catfish - Good: Fish night crawlers or stink baits near logjams or fallen trees. Fish the area from Delhi down to Maquoketa for the best action. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Conditions are excellent for fishing in the Maquoketa River and some nice bass have been caught with artificial baits. Walleye - Fair: Try casting small jigs tipped with half of a night crawler or casting crankbaits along current breaks or rocky shoreline areas.
Lake fishing has slowed in most area lakes as the main spawning push for fish has come to an end. River fishing is beginning to really pick up as we head into stable water flows and good summer conditions. Channel Catfish and smallmouth bass have been biting well on the interior rivers of the Shell Rock, Cedar, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa. For further information contact the N.E. Ia. District Fisheries Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing rocky shorelines with minnows and night crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead can be caught along the channel fishing small bullheads on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are being caught by the power plant at Lansing . Use a night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish rocky shorelines and backwater areas with top-waters and crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has been fair trolling the faces of wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are being caught in many areas using a night crawler on the bottom
Mississippi River Pool 10
Bullhead - Fair: a few bullhead a being caught below the Lynxville dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Some anglers catching pike fishing for bass in flat weedy areas. Also try fishing nears the mouths of any springs or cold water streams. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Many catfish are being caught in some of the rocky shorelines above Lock and Dam number 10 by floating a bobber and night crawler along the shores. White Bass - Good: Fish are being caught on the wing dams using small inline spinners. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish are being caught in the Sny Magill and Bussey lake areas. Use a night crawler and bobber. You may also want to try fishing a small popper in some of the shallower areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass can be caught using tube jigs around some of the woody structures along the side channels. Also try fishing spinnerbaits along the wing dams and rocky shorelines. Walleye - Fair: Fish the wing dams trolling a three-way jig tipped with night crawlers or tipped with leaches. Freshwater Drum - Good: use a night crawler on sand flats or side channels
Mississippi River Pool 11
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish can be caught along the channel using stink bait rigs. Flathead Catfish - Fair: A few flathead are still being caught below the dam using small bluegill. A few are being caught below the spillway. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish are being caught on wing dams and rocky shorelines using tube jigs or small spinners. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few fish are being caught in the backwaters using tube jigs or spinnerbaits. Walleye - Fair: Some fish are being caught on the wing dams trolling three-way rigs. Fish are also being caught trolling crankbaits along the edge of the channel. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a night crawler on the bottom along sand flats or side channels.
River gauges: Lansing 7.89; Lynxville 13.7; Guttenberg 5.3. Water temperature at Guttenberg has fallen to 72 degrees. The water levels in pools 9-11 steady to starting to fall. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at (563) 252-1156.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 8.07 feet and is forecast to remain stable. Water clarity is fair. Water temperatures are in the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Good number being caught on stink bait fished in 10-12 feet of water in side channels and around wing dams. Leeches along rocks are also producing but mostly male fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have been coming on crawlers fished around rocks on wing dams with slow current in 6-9 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Shallow crankbaits along the floodwall up by the dam. Also cranks on rocks along the channel. A few fish also being caught in the harbors. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been very slow with very few reports of any being caught. Walleye - Fair: Fish are being caught on the wind dams on three way rigs tipped with leeches or crankbaits with a lot of reports of fish over 20 inches. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 5.62 feet and is forecast to slowly fall. Water clarity is fair. Water temperatures are in the mid 70s. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are biting on spinners and crankbaits at the mouth of Mill Creek in Bellevue . Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are starting to bite on stink bait or leeches under a bobber along rip rap. Bluegill - Fair: Reports of a few bluegill coming out of Middle and South Sabula Lake . Largemouth Bass - Good: Throw crankbaits along rocky shorelines or below the dam in Bellevue . Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on wing dams. Three-way rigs tipped with leeches are producing, as well as crankbaits. Good numbers of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot reported. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current. There is good shoreline access at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area south of Bellevue .
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 9.82 feet and is forecast to slowly fall over the next week. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temps are in the high 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Good numbers being caught on stink bait. A few fish coming on leeches along rocky shorelines, too, but are mostly male fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are coming off rocks and woody structure around current. Crankbaits have been working well. Walleye - Fair: The bite has been slow with the muddy water, but a few fish are being caught on wing dams or mussel beds on leeches and crankbaits. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler on the bottom in areas with moderate current.
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.
Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 6.54 feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, leeches, and dip baits around wing dams. Some channel catfish are also being caught floating leeches under a bobber along rocky shorelines. Some channel catfish are being picked up along the Davenport Riverfront. Fishing has also been good for catfish in Andalusia Slough and Velie Chute fishing brush piles. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing in Sylvan Slough has been slow. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on pieces of worm fished under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: Fishing for crappies in Sunset marina and the Andalusia Island complex has been slow. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being picked up on the wing dams trolling crankbaits or on three-way rigs with half a night crawler or leech. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits on wing dams. Some fish are being picked up on three-way rigs with half a night crawler or leech fished on the front side of wing dams.
Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 5.32feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on crawlers, leeches, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams or log jams. Some channel catfish are being caught along the Muscatine Riverfront on night crawlers. Some channel catfish are starting to be caught fishing leeches under a bobber along riprap shorelines. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been hit or miss. Some fish are being caught up by the dam and on the wing dams on crankbaits and jigs/twister combinations. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits along the fronts of wing dams. Anchoring above wing dams and casting crankbaits has been producing some fish as well.
Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 7.65 feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are being caught on night crawlers, leeches, dip baits, and chicken liver. Some channel catfish are starting to be picked up floating leeches under a bobber along rocky shorelines. White Bass - Slow: A few white bass are being picked up by the dam fishing jig and twisters and small crankbaits. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 4.63feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, leeches, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log jams. Some channel catfish are starting to be picked up floating leeches and night crawlers under a bobber along the riprap shoreline at Ft. Madison . White Bass - Slow: Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Mississippi River Pools 16-20: River levels are forecasted to continue to fall throughout pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River . Main channel water temperature is around 77 degrees and water clarity has improved. For more information on fishing Pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Water conditions have returned to normal. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing is picking up again with the improving water conditions. I would start looking for the bluegills and redears to move out to the edge of the weed beds very soon.
Lake Belva Deer
Work on the road paving project continues. Next week they are planning on closing 250th Ave , the road across the dam, to start the grading work on it. A detour map is available at the Keokuk CCB website. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish have been biting. Try chicken liver or stink bait along the dam face or around the rocky faces of the jetties. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are seeing the bluegills on the beds but they can't get them to bite. The storms rolling through aren't helping the fishing.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Water conditions have improved greatly since last week. Bluegill - Fair: With the clearing water the bluegills are starting to bite again. Use light tackle around the fish habitat. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The bass are liking the return of the clear water. Look for these fish to be out a little deeper with the coming of summer.
Lake Darling
The lake is drained. The lake has filled back up with the heavy rains. It will drain all back out.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River )
The river has finally returned to within its banks. Not much angling activity yet as it just got back to the almost bank full level this last week end.
Iowa River ( Columbus Junction to Mississippi River )
The river is steadily dropping and looks to be going to continue that trend. Water temps range in the low 80s. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for the channel cats along the edges of the sand bars and in the mouths of any feeder creeks. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Setting bank lines with the dropping water levels is constantly dropping water levels is going to be tough.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Lake Wapello
The lake was completely drained during the summer of 2008. Repairs have been made and the gate is now shut and the lake is re-filling.
Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Night crawlers have been the best bait for catching channel catfish. Bluegill - Good: 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. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also a good choice to use around these same areas.
Lake Keomah
Channel Catfish - Slow: Use night crawlers or dead minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler fished along the shoreline. Look for areas with structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics or jigs fished along submerged structure. Try off the ends of the rock jetties and also where the jetties meet the shoreline.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs along the shorelines. Try using a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try areas with some rip rap or areas with submerged structure. There are also areas marked with habitat buoys where cedars trees have been placed.
Lake Miami
The lake drawdown started May 15. Anglers may still use the lake during this time and the boat docks and boat ramps are usable. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers, chicken liver or dead minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs along the shorelines and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use soft plastics or spinnerbaits around structure. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or jig/minnow combinations along the shoreline or other 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 spinnerbaits in the same areas. Top-waters are also a good choice for mornings and evenings. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow or wax worm. Try different colors and locations until you find active fish.
Rathbun Reservoir
Lake Rathbun water temperature is in the upper 70s. The lake level is currently at 909.23 feet which is just over five feet above normal pool. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers or cut bait to catch channel catfish around the rip rapped areas around the South Fork and Bridgeview bridges. Some channel catfish are also being caught by walleye anglers trolling crankbaits. White Bass - Good: Use flashy blade baits or chrome colored baits to mimic shad. Try areas with some underwater structure or a change in depth. The area around Island View has been productive. Crappie - Slow: Crappies are being caught around flooded vegetation along the shoreline. A lot of crappies are being caught but most of them are less than 8 inches, with an occasional fish over 10 inches. Tube jigs with minnows have been working the best. Walleye - Fair: Try drifting night crawlers or trolling crankbaits around underwater islands and ridges. Large numbers of smaller walleye are being caught with an occasional keeper. The South Fork flats and the area around Island View have been producing some catches of keepers.
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 any additional fishing information in southeast Iowa , please contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Don Williams Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can still be caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber or by drifting in 8- 10 feet of water with a split shot and small piece of crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are hitting using plastics or spinner baits fished near wood structure. There are good fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Drift fishing mid lake on the upper half with small tube jigs or minnows has produced is producing some fish.
Beaver Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Rock Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Roberts Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Big Creek Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Large catfish are being caught in deeper water using leeches. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill bite is good using small pieces of crawler under a bobber or small tube jigs fished near sunken brush piles or drifting near the mouths of the bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms. The most success is on the north end. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught drifting deeper water out from the West boat ramp and near the handicap dock using small jigs. Pink, white, and green twisters work well.
Easter Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can still be caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber or drifting deeper water with just a split shot and small piece of crawler. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught near wood or riprap in shallow water. Crappies are also being caught drifting in the middle of the lake using small jigs or minnows.
Hooper Area Pond
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Lake Ahquabi
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught on liver and stink baits. Bluegill - Good: Good sized bluegills are being caught using crawlers fished near the bottom at the edge of the weed beds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on small plastics fished on the edges of the vegetation. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught at the fishing pier throwing 1/32 ounce jigs with twister tails.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Excellent: The white bass bite is excellent trolling crankbaits with black/silver color combinations to imitate shad. The better fish are 15 to 17 inches.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is good in the mornings and late evenings fishing in 1 to 5 foot of water with minnows, cut bait, and especially shrimp.
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 )
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait, liver, or night crawlers fished near any wood cover. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Catching drum is no problem right now using night crawlers fished on the bottom.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish biting on small live sunfish, cut bait, liver, or night crawlers. Fish near any logjam, eddy, or riprap. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught below the Saylorville spillway on jigs, spoons, or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: A few wipers have been caught below the Saylorville spillway using large jigs tipped with minnows.
Contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at (515) 432-2823 for information on the above area lakes and rivers.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are being caught close to shore around rock. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught drifting small black jigs tipped with night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Greenfield Lake has a good population of 12 to 15 inch fish. Cast spinnerbaits or plastic baits along weed edges and in cedar tree piles.
Mormon Trail Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Orient Lake
Orient has a large watershed and is vulnerable to large sediment loads. Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching channel catfish along the campground shoreline using red dip worms. Fish are averaging 15-18 inches.
Littlefield Lake
Lake is full and has concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1-3 pound range are being caught in the corners of the dam and along campground arm using liver.
Lake Anita
Lake is full with good water clarity. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Fishing has slowed for largemouth bass since last week but fish are being caught in 6-8 feet of water along road bed. Crappie - Fair: Crappies has slowed since last week but anglers are still having success drifting small jigs in 6-8 feet of water in the main part of the lake.
Lake Manawa
Lake is full with a slight algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success using cut bait and shrimp on the south and west side of the lake. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on west side of lake drifting night crawlers.
Anderson Area Pond 1
Pond 1 is north of Montgomery County office building. There is no boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught along dam casting small jigs or night crawlers under a bobber.
Hacklebarney East
Hacklebarney East has excellent water quality being able to see down 15 feet. Lake has one small gravel boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Lake has a good channel catfish population with fish averaging 2-3 pounds. Cast bait past weed line using a slip bobber.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Most farm ponds are full and support good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught close to shore and around structure using cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: Try casting small jigs along weed edges and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting spinners or plastic baits around structure and close to shore.
Water temperatures have been averaging in the upper 70s. Successful anglers are vertical jigging or drift fishing for panfish. Channel catfish can be found close to shore. Contact Bryan Hayes or Mark Boucher at the Southwest District Office for more information on area lakes at 712-769-2587.
Binder Lake
Water quality is good and the rooted vegetation is starting to recede a little.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. Water temps are above 70. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of fish 6 to 10 inches can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Some fair sized bluegills are biting from the tops of the fish mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish up to 20 inches have been caught near-shore, the fish mounds, and the woody structure. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being caught from the mounds and big points.
West Lake Corning
Water quality is good. Bluegill - Good: A few fish up to 7.5 inches can be caught from shore near the west roadway.
West Lake (Osceola)
Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal.
Little River Watershed Lake
Water clarity is less than 12 inches.
Slip Bluff Lake
Water quality is fair.
Badger Creek Lake
Water clarity is around 2 to 3 feet near the dam. Algae is developing.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
Water quality is good. Bluegill - Good: A few fish can be caught from spawning beds at various places around the shoreline and others just off-shore near structure. Most fish are from 6 to 7.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several fish are just off-shore near structure and can be caught on spinners and crankbaits.
Lake of Three Fires
Water clarity is about 2.5 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several real nice fish have been caught using crawlers over the fish mounds or near the east corner of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure.
Wilson Park Lake
Water quality is fair.
Windmill Lake
Water levels are near normal.
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 a little. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Water temps are above 70. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill are biting on crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting from structure just off-shore on spinners and crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are biting from steep shoreline areas and dirt mounds on crankbaits.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice bullheads can be caught using crawlers. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill fishing is still good. A lot of nice fish from 6 to 8 inches can be picked up using crawlers from the near shore rocky areas. The areas near the jetties and west shore have been very successful. The rock fields hold a lot of bigger sized fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught from the near-shore structure and rock covered areas. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting better from the open points, steep drop-off areas, and near the dike at the upper end on crankbaits. Some anglers are seeing success by trolling crankbaits over the rock fields.
The bluegills are still biting fairly well at a lot of lakes near shore. Some walleye activity is happening on the mounds. Largemouth bass are biting at several lakes. Water temps are usually in the mid 70s and water quality at most lakes is fair or good.
Missouri River ( Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are biting on live baits, fresh cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smally fishing has slowed down with increased turbidity and higher river levels. Fish with crankbaits and jigs on revet banks and wing dike tips. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs )
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are biting on live bait, fresh cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.
Missouri River ( Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channels are biting on stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are biting on live baits, fresh cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.
For more information on fishing in the Missouri River contact Fisheries in Onawa at 712-433-4706
www.iowadnr.gov
July 1, 2009
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Fishing has slowed. Anglers are catching a few catfish on stink bait.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Anglers are catching some panfish. It has been fairly slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Fishing has slowed somewhat. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers have been catching some catfish at night using various baits. Bluegill - Good: Shore and boat anglers are catching a few good-sized bluegills with small hooks and jigs. Try from boat ramp to the dam, or any place that's easy to get to from the ramp parking lot. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching some nice crappie using small hooks and jigs with small minnows. Fish have moved into deeper water; try from boat ramp to dam, or anywhere in between.
Badger Lake
North of Ft. Dodge. Fishing has slowed as mid summer weather conditions have arrived. Bluegill and catfish have moved into deeper water. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is picking up; try cut bait and chicken liver. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching some hand-size bluegill off shore. Crappie - Fair: Some 9 - 10 inch fish have been caught on small jigs and minnows.
Brushy Creek Lake
Warmer weather and rains have slowed fishing. Water clarity is still good. Nice bluegill, crappie and a few walleye are being caught. Please clean your fish at the floating fish cleaning platform at the west ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are hitting on liver, stink bait and night crawlers along the shore line. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved out from shore; try fishing just off the bottom in 8 to 12 feet of water. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are in the trees; try a small jig or minnow rig and fish in 10 to 14 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have been biting on minnows.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake )
Fishing has slowed. Remember that Storm Lake has a 17-22 inch slot length limit. All walleye in that range must be immediately released. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Still catching cats with various baits; try drifting a night crawler, under a bobber, along the rocks. White Bass - Fair: White bass are still being caught with mini-jigs tipped with night crawlers or minnows; try casting along the rocks. Walleye - Fair: Walleye catch has slowed considerably.
North Twin Lake
Fishing has slowed; anglers are catching some nice bullheads. Bullhead - Good: Fair numbers of big bullhead are being caught. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching a few catfish on liver.
Black Hawk Lake
Bullhead and catfish fishing have been very good. Water has warmed considerably the last week. Bullhead - Excellent: Anglers are doing well for 8 to 9 inch bullheads. Channel Catfish - Good: Shore anglers are having good luck catching 1.5 to 2 pound catfish on various baits including liver, leeches, night crawlers and stink bait.
Fishing has slowed this week across district. Water clarity has been relatively good in most lakes. 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 and Bluegill fishing is fair.
Briggs Woods Lake
Crappie and bluegill fishing is good. Channel catfish are biting on liver.
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Bluegill fishing has been good using a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber near the weed edge. Channel Catfish - Good: biting on cut bait.
Lower Pine Lake
Bluegill fishing is fair using a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber near the shoreline brush piles. Channel Catfish - Good: using liver
Upper Pine Lake
Largemouth bass fishing is fair using a Lindy rig or Carolina rig with a worm or minnow. Channel catfish are biting on liver. Bluegill - Fair: Fish the shoreline with a small piece of worm.
Lake Smith
Bluegill fishing has been good, try a piece of night crawler fished under a bobber near the weed edge. Channel Catfish - Good: biting on cut bait.
Lake Catherine
Bluegill fishing has been slow. Largemouth bass fishing is good using jigs and plastic baits.
Clear Lake
Yellow bass fishing is slow, try drift fishing the reefs with live bait until you find the fish. Channel Catfish - Good: A few catfish are being caught with night crawlers or cut bait fished on the bottom at the Ventura grade and McIntosh State Park shoreline. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes (mostly sub-legal) are being caught off the jetty using minnows.
Lake Cornelia
Bullhead - Good: Bullhead fishing is fair using a night crawler fished on the bottom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are biting cut bait and liver. White Bass - Fair: Biting on small white twister tails. Walleye - Slow: A few Walleyes are being caught on trolled crankbaits.
Little Wall Lake
Small crappies, largemouth bass and Channel catfish fishing is good.
West Twin Lake
Bullhead fishing is good using a night crawler fished on the bottom.
Rice Lake
Bullhead fishing is good fishing with a crawler off the bottom.
Bluebill Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been fair fishing the weed edges. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are biting on crankbaits and plastic baits.
Shell Rock River (above Greene)
Channel Catfish - Fair: using cut bait or liver. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: using jigs and crankbaits.
Winnebago River
Channel Catfish and Smallmouth bass fishing is fair.
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call us at the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at (641) 357-3517.
Mill Creek ( Lake )
Bullhead - Fair: Use worms near the swimming area. Channel Catfish - Good: Use worms, stink bait, or live bait fished on the bottom around brush piles or rocks. Bluegill - Fair: Use small micro jigs around docks and weed beds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish with soft plastics around weed beds and rocks. Use weedless surface lures over weed beds in the evening
Big Spirit Lake
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Use twister tails or a slip bobber and leech along rock bars that connect with weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use soft plastics around weed beds and boat docks. Yellow Perch - Good: Drift fish while using bottom bouncers or anchor and vertical jig with small jigging spoons tipped with worms in 20-22 foot of water. Walleye - Fair: Drift fish with Lindy rigs, vertical jig with leeches, or slip bobber fish around weed beds. Fish are also being caught trolling with crankbaits along weed lines.
East Okoboji Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait or chubs around the bridges or off the docks. Yellow Bass - Good: Drift fish along boat docks with jigging spoons tipped with worms or slip bobber fish from docks.
Silver Lake ( Dickinson )
Walleye - Good: Troll with crankbaits on the north shore and around the island.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Troll crankbaits or spoons along weed lines. White Bass - Good: Fish along points with jigs at sunset. Bluegill - Excellent: Fish with small hair jigs or a split shot and hook with live bait around boat docks or along weed bed edges. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish the rock bars at Fort Dodge and Gull Points with jerk baits or a lead head and leech. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics around boat docks and weed lines. Walleye - Fair: Use slip bobber and leech around weed beds at sunset.
Five Island Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink bait or chubs at the railroad bridge. Walleye - Fair: Troll with crankbaits along drop-offs.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Good: Trolling with crankbaits.
Willow Creek
Bluegill - Good: Fish along edge of weed beds with small jigs or a bobber and small hook with a piece of worm. Large Pumpkinseed sunfish are also being caught.
Swan Lake
Bullhead - Good: Use worms along the north shore.
Tuttle Lake
Crappie - Fair: Fish the south shore along boat docks with small jigs. Walleye - Good: Troll with planer boards using crankbaits.
Silver Lake ( Palo Alto )
Bullhead - Good: Use worms on the east shore.
Big Sioux River
Blue catfish have also been caught using large cut bait in deep holes, current seams, and brush piles near its confluence with the Missouri River . Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use cut bait, chubs, or stink bait in deep holes and brush piles. Flathead Catfish - Good: Use large live bait along brush piles, cut banks, and rock shorelines.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Use large minnow or stink bait in holes and above brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Use twister tails around holes and riffles.
West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Use chubs or stink bait in holes and around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Use twister tails or crankbaits along current breaks and holes.
Kids Corner: If you are looking for a place to take a child fishing then take them to Scharnburg Park located 5 miles west of Spencer on B24. Use a small bobber and piece of night crawler on the fishing jetty located on the west shore. Expect to catch bluegill, green sunfish, bullheads, and bass along the rocks or willows located along the shore. For more fishing report information on the Spirit Lake area call 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Water levels are normal clarity has been good. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish activity has increased with the warming temperatures. Right now large numbers of catfish are congregating along the rip rap in 3 to 5 feet of water. Try floating a worm 3 feet under a bobber, and stay close to shore. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Good: Fishing crankbait along rip rap shores. Crappie - Slow:
Lake Hendricks
Lake Hendricks still has very good water clarity. Channel Catfish - No Report: Now is a good time to try fishing for catfish especially with warmer water temperatures. Try using chicken liver or dead chub on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Try using small twistertails tipped with a small piece of worm. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try fishing the weed edges near drop-offs with weedless plastic worms. Crappie - No Report:
Lake Meyer
Channel Catfish - Good: Nice size cats are being caught on fish guts. Bluegill - Fair: Smaller bluegill are being caught near the jetty. Worms fished under a bobber continues to be your best bet. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try looking for bass along weed edges using plastic worms. Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved to deeper water.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels are falling and the river is clearing. Angling has been slow with the muddy water but should improve. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels are falling and the river is clearing. Angling has been slow with the muddy water but should improve. Sucker - Fair: Suckers are being caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish have been caught in the back eddies of the river fished off the bottom using night crawlers. Try using chicken liver or dead chubs to weed out sucker bits. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - No Report:
Volga River
Water conditions are good. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Black or white twistertails seem to be working the best.
Cedar River (above Nashua )
The river is muddy but is clearing. Fishing has slowed due to river conditions. Northern Pike - Slow: Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having the best success using night crawlers, chicken liver and dead minnows. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good to excellent condition. Trout streams continue to be regularly stocked and trout are waiting to be caught. For trout stocking information, please call 563-927-5736 or to check the schedule on-line, go to www.iowadnr.gov/fish/news/stockrep/trout.html. Brown Trout - Good: There are reports of good hatches of both terrestrial and aquatic insects, especially flying ants and crickets.
The Upper Iowa, Turkey and Cedar River water levels have been dropping and water clarity is fair but fishable. If you have any questions, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake ( Delaware )
Anglers are reporting good action fishing for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Fair: Most bluegills have moved off of the spawning beds but some are still available for the taking. Try using artificial flies or piece of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting weed less baits for bass in the 10-12 inch size range.
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake )
Bluegill fishing has slowed in Casey Lake but channel catfish have been biting well. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut baits, night crawlers or stink baits fished on bottom of the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Fish from shoreline in 3-6 feet of water using a piece of night crawler under a bobber for remaining bluegill on the beds. The bite has slowed as the main spawning push is nearing an end. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits or plastics near the dam and around jetties.
Lake Delhi
Anglers are catching bluegills and channel catfish in Lake Delhi . Channel Catfish - Good: Try using slip bobbers or fish off of the bottom with night crawlers for good catfish action. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are still catching bluegills, but fish have moved off of their beds into deeper water around structure.
Avenue of the Saints Pond
Largemouth bass fishing has picked up on this lake. Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a piece of night crawler underneath a bobber fished from shore. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastics along the shoreline.
Plainfield
Largemouth bass are biting well in Plainfield Lake . Bluegill - Fair: Try using small piece of night crawler underneath a bobber in 3-5 feet of water off of shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plastics along the shoreline.
Cedar River ( Nashua to La Porte City )
The Cedar River is currently on a steady decline from recent rainfall events and anglers are reporting good action for smallmouth bass and a few catches of channel catfish and walleye, especially in Bremer County . Channel Catfish - Fair: Cut baits and stink baits are working well for channel catfish on the Cedar. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits or jigs with a twister tail along rocky shoreline areas. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are reporting occasional catches of walleye casting crankbaits near and along current breaks or drop-offs.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Good catches of channel catfish have been reported out of the Shell Rock River. Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing cut baits, night crawlers or stink baits fished on the bottom of the river.
Wapsipinicon River ( Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Water levels continue to slowly fall on the Wapsipinicon River . Conditions are improving and anglers are reporting good catches of channel catfish and a few walleye. Channel Catfish - Good: Post-spawn action is starting to take shape using night crawlers, liver and dead baits. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes have been caught on the Wapsi using jigs tipped with a minnow or night crawler or try casting crankbaits for these elusive fish.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello )
Conditions remain excellent for angling on the Maquoketa River . Channel Catfish - Good: Fish night crawlers or stink baits near logjams or fallen trees. Fish the area from Delhi down to Maquoketa for the best action. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Conditions are excellent for fishing in the Maquoketa River and some nice bass have been caught with artificial baits. Walleye - Fair: Try casting small jigs tipped with half of a night crawler or casting crankbaits along current breaks or rocky shoreline areas.
Lake fishing has slowed in most area lakes as the main spawning push for fish has come to an end. River fishing is beginning to really pick up as we head into stable water flows and good summer conditions. Channel Catfish and smallmouth bass have been biting well on the interior rivers of the Shell Rock, Cedar, Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa. For further information contact the N.E. Ia. District Fisheries Office at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing rocky shorelines with minnows and night crawlers. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flathead can be caught along the channel fishing small bullheads on the bottom. Bluegill - Fair: Some fish are being caught by the power plant at Lansing . Use a night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Fish rocky shorelines and backwater areas with top-waters and crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing has been fair trolling the faces of wing dams. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are being caught in many areas using a night crawler on the bottom
Mississippi River Pool 10
Bullhead - Fair: a few bullhead a being caught below the Lynxville dam. Northern Pike - Fair: Some anglers catching pike fishing for bass in flat weedy areas. Also try fishing nears the mouths of any springs or cold water streams. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Many catfish are being caught in some of the rocky shorelines above Lock and Dam number 10 by floating a bobber and night crawler along the shores. White Bass - Good: Fish are being caught on the wing dams using small inline spinners. Bluegill - Fair: A few fish are being caught in the Sny Magill and Bussey lake areas. Use a night crawler and bobber. You may also want to try fishing a small popper in some of the shallower areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass can be caught using tube jigs around some of the woody structures along the side channels. Also try fishing spinnerbaits along the wing dams and rocky shorelines. Walleye - Fair: Fish the wing dams trolling a three-way jig tipped with night crawlers or tipped with leaches. Freshwater Drum - Good: use a night crawler on sand flats or side channels
Mississippi River Pool 11
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish can be caught along the channel using stink bait rigs. Flathead Catfish - Fair: A few flathead are still being caught below the dam using small bluegill. A few are being caught below the spillway. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Fish are being caught on wing dams and rocky shorelines using tube jigs or small spinners. Largemouth Bass - Slow: A few fish are being caught in the backwaters using tube jigs or spinnerbaits. Walleye - Fair: Some fish are being caught on the wing dams trolling three-way rigs. Fish are also being caught trolling crankbaits along the edge of the channel. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use a night crawler on the bottom along sand flats or side channels.
River gauges: Lansing 7.89; Lynxville 13.7; Guttenberg 5.3. Water temperature at Guttenberg has fallen to 72 degrees. The water levels in pools 9-11 steady to starting to fall. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at (563) 252-1156.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River stage at Dubuque is 8.07 feet and is forecast to remain stable. Water clarity is fair. Water temperatures are in the mid 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Good number being caught on stink bait fished in 10-12 feet of water in side channels and around wing dams. Leeches along rocks are also producing but mostly male fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills have been coming on crawlers fished around rocks on wing dams with slow current in 6-9 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Shallow crankbaits along the floodwall up by the dam. Also cranks on rocks along the channel. A few fish also being caught in the harbors. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing has been very slow with very few reports of any being caught. Walleye - Fair: Fish are being caught on the wind dams on three way rigs tipped with leeches or crankbaits with a lot of reports of fish over 20 inches. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish crawlers on the bottom in areas with moderate current.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River stage at Bellevue is 5.62 feet and is forecast to slowly fall. Water clarity is fair. Water temperatures are in the mid 70s. Northern Pike - Good: Pike are biting on spinners and crankbaits at the mouth of Mill Creek in Bellevue . Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are starting to bite on stink bait or leeches under a bobber along rip rap. Bluegill - Fair: Reports of a few bluegill coming out of Middle and South Sabula Lake . Largemouth Bass - Good: Throw crankbaits along rocky shorelines or below the dam in Bellevue . Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught on wing dams. Three-way rigs tipped with leeches are producing, as well as crankbaits. Good numbers of fish in the 20-27 inch protected slot reported. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a night crawler on the bottom in areas of moderate current. There is good shoreline access at Pleasant Creek Recreation Area south of Bellevue .
Mississippi River Pool 14
River stage at Camanche is 9.82 feet and is forecast to slowly fall over the next week. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temps are in the high 70s. Channel Catfish - Good: Good numbers being caught on stink bait. A few fish coming on leeches along rocky shorelines, too, but are mostly male fish. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are coming off rocks and woody structure around current. Crankbaits have been working well. Walleye - Fair: The bite has been slow with the muddy water, but a few fish are being caught on wing dams or mussel beds on leeches and crankbaits. Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler on the bottom in areas with moderate current.
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.
Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 6.54 feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, leeches, and dip baits around wing dams. Some channel catfish are also being caught floating leeches under a bobber along rocky shorelines. Some channel catfish are being picked up along the Davenport Riverfront. Fishing has also been good for catfish in Andalusia Slough and Velie Chute fishing brush piles. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing in Sylvan Slough has been slow. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina on pieces of worm fished under a bobber. Crappie - Slow: Fishing for crappies in Sunset marina and the Andalusia Island complex has been slow. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being picked up on the wing dams trolling crankbaits or on three-way rigs with half a night crawler or leech. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits on wing dams. Some fish are being picked up on three-way rigs with half a night crawler or leech fished on the front side of wing dams.
Mississippi River Pool 17
River stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 5.32feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on crawlers, leeches, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams or log jams. Some channel catfish are being caught along the Muscatine Riverfront on night crawlers. Some channel catfish are starting to be caught fishing leeches under a bobber along riprap shorelines. White Bass - Slow: White bass fishing has been hit or miss. Some fish are being caught up by the dam and on the wing dams on crankbaits and jigs/twister combinations. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught trolling crankbaits along the fronts of wing dams. Anchoring above wing dams and casting crankbaits has been producing some fish as well.
Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 7.65 feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are being caught on night crawlers, leeches, dip baits, and chicken liver. Some channel catfish are starting to be picked up floating leeches under a bobber along rocky shorelines. White Bass - Slow: A few white bass are being picked up by the dam fishing jig and twisters and small crankbaits. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 4.63feet and falling. River levels are forecasted to fall throughout the weekend. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on night crawlers, leeches, dip baits, and chicken liver fished around wing dams and log jams. Some channel catfish are starting to be picked up floating leeches and night crawlers under a bobber along the riprap shoreline at Ft. Madison . White Bass - Slow: Bluegill - Slow: Crappie - Slow: Sauger - Slow: Walleye - Slow:
Mississippi River Pools 16-20: River levels are forecasted to continue to fall throughout pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River . Main channel water temperature is around 77 degrees and water clarity has improved. For more information on fishing Pools 16-20 of the Mississippi River contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Water conditions have returned to normal. Bluegill - Fair: Fishing is picking up again with the improving water conditions. I would start looking for the bluegills and redears to move out to the edge of the weed beds very soon.
Lake Belva Deer
Work on the road paving project continues. Next week they are planning on closing 250th Ave , the road across the dam, to start the grading work on it. A detour map is available at the Keokuk CCB website. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish have been biting. Try chicken liver or stink bait along the dam face or around the rocky faces of the jetties. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are seeing the bluegills on the beds but they can't get them to bite. The storms rolling through aren't helping the fishing.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Water conditions have improved greatly since last week. Bluegill - Fair: With the clearing water the bluegills are starting to bite again. Use light tackle around the fish habitat. Largemouth Bass - Fair: The bass are liking the return of the clear water. Look for these fish to be out a little deeper with the coming of summer.
Lake Darling
The lake is drained. The lake has filled back up with the heavy rains. It will drain all back out.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River )
The river has finally returned to within its banks. Not much angling activity yet as it just got back to the almost bank full level this last week end.
Iowa River ( Columbus Junction to Mississippi River )
The river is steadily dropping and looks to be going to continue that trend. Water temps range in the low 80s. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for the channel cats along the edges of the sand bars and in the mouths of any feeder creeks. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Setting bank lines with the dropping water levels is constantly dropping water levels is going to be tough.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.
Lake Wapello
The lake was completely drained during the summer of 2008. Repairs have been made and the gate is now shut and the lake is re-filling.
Red Haw Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Night crawlers have been the best bait for catching channel catfish. Bluegill - Good: 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. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are also a good choice to use around these same areas.
Lake Keomah
Channel Catfish - Slow: Use night crawlers or dead minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a chunk of night crawler fished along the shoreline. Look for areas with structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Use soft plastics or jigs fished along submerged structure. Try off the ends of the rock jetties and also where the jetties meet the shoreline.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Good: Use small jigs along the shorelines. Try using a chunk of night crawler under a bobber. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try areas with some rip rap or areas with submerged structure. There are also areas marked with habitat buoys where cedars trees have been placed.
Lake Miami
The lake drawdown started May 15. Anglers may still use the lake during this time and the boat docks and boat ramps are usable. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers, chicken liver or dead minnows. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs along the shorelines and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use soft plastics or spinnerbaits around structure. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs or jig/minnow combinations along the shoreline or other 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 spinnerbaits in the same areas. Top-waters are also a good choice for mornings and evenings. Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow or wax worm. Try different colors and locations until you find active fish.
Rathbun Reservoir
Lake Rathbun water temperature is in the upper 70s. The lake level is currently at 909.23 feet which is just over five feet above normal pool. Channel Catfish - Good: Use night crawlers or cut bait to catch channel catfish around the rip rapped areas around the South Fork and Bridgeview bridges. Some channel catfish are also being caught by walleye anglers trolling crankbaits. White Bass - Good: Use flashy blade baits or chrome colored baits to mimic shad. Try areas with some underwater structure or a change in depth. The area around Island View has been productive. Crappie - Slow: Crappies are being caught around flooded vegetation along the shoreline. A lot of crappies are being caught but most of them are less than 8 inches, with an occasional fish over 10 inches. Tube jigs with minnows have been working the best. Walleye - Fair: Try drifting night crawlers or trolling crankbaits around underwater islands and ridges. Large numbers of smaller walleye are being caught with an occasional keeper. The South Fork flats and the area around Island View have been producing some catches of keepers.
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 any additional fishing information in southeast Iowa , please contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Don Williams Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can still be caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber or by drifting in 8- 10 feet of water with a split shot and small piece of crawler. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are hitting using plastics or spinner baits fished near wood structure. There are good fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Drift fishing mid lake on the upper half with small tube jigs or minnows has produced is producing some fish.
Beaver Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Jacob Krumm Nature Preserver Lake (west)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Rock Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Roberts Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Big Creek Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Large catfish are being caught in deeper water using leeches. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill bite is good using small pieces of crawler under a bobber or small tube jigs fished near sunken brush piles or drifting near the mouths of the bays. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are hitting good on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and plastic worms. The most success is on the north end. Crappie - Fair: Crappies can be caught drifting deeper water out from the West boat ramp and near the handicap dock using small jigs. Pink, white, and green twisters work well.
Easter Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills can still be caught shallow using crawlers under a bobber or drifting deeper water with just a split shot and small piece of crawler. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught near wood or riprap in shallow water. Crappies are also being caught drifting in the middle of the lake using small jigs or minnows.
Hooper Area Pond
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Lake Ahquabi
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are being caught on liver and stink baits. Bluegill - Good: Good sized bluegills are being caught using crawlers fished near the bottom at the edge of the weed beds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass are biting on small plastics fished on the edges of the vegetation. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught at the fishing pier throwing 1/32 ounce jigs with twister tails.
Red Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Excellent: The white bass bite is excellent trolling crankbaits with black/silver color combinations to imitate shad. The better fish are 15 to 17 inches.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is good in the mornings and late evenings fishing in 1 to 5 foot of water with minnows, cut bait, and especially shrimp.
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 )
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught using cut bait, liver, or night crawlers fished near any wood cover. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Catching drum is no problem right now using night crawlers fished on the bottom.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish biting on small live sunfish, cut bait, liver, or night crawlers. Fish near any logjam, eddy, or riprap. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught below the Saylorville spillway on jigs, spoons, or minnows. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: A few wipers have been caught below the Saylorville spillway using large jigs tipped with minnows.
Contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at (515) 432-2823 for information on the above area lakes and rivers.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a concrete boat ramp and is trolling motor only. Channel Catfish - Fair: Fish are being caught close to shore around rock. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to 9 inches are being caught drifting small black jigs tipped with night crawler. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Greenfield Lake has a good population of 12 to 15 inch fish. Cast spinnerbaits or plastic baits along weed edges and in cedar tree piles.
Mormon Trail Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Orient Lake
Orient has a large watershed and is vulnerable to large sediment loads. Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers are catching channel catfish along the campground shoreline using red dip worms. Fish are averaging 15-18 inches.
Littlefield Lake
Lake is full and has concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish in the 1-3 pound range are being caught in the corners of the dam and along campground arm using liver.
Lake Anita
Lake is full with good water clarity. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Fishing has slowed for largemouth bass since last week but fish are being caught in 6-8 feet of water along road bed. Crappie - Fair: Crappies has slowed since last week but anglers are still having success drifting small jigs in 6-8 feet of water in the main part of the lake.
Lake Manawa
Lake is full with a slight algae bloom. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are having success using cut bait and shrimp on the south and west side of the lake. Fish are averaging 1-3 pounds. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught on west side of lake drifting night crawlers.
Anderson Area Pond 1
Pond 1 is north of Montgomery County office building. There is no boat ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are being caught along dam casting small jigs or night crawlers under a bobber.
Hacklebarney East
Hacklebarney East has excellent water quality being able to see down 15 feet. Lake has one small gravel boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Lake has a good channel catfish population with fish averaging 2-3 pounds. Cast bait past weed line using a slip bobber.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Most farm ponds are full and support good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Remember to always ask permission before fishing private ponds. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel cats are being caught close to shore and around structure using cut bait. Bluegill - Fair: Try casting small jigs along weed edges and around structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass can be caught casting spinners or plastic baits around structure and close to shore.
Water temperatures have been averaging in the upper 70s. Successful anglers are vertical jigging or drift fishing for panfish. Channel catfish can be found close to shore. Contact Bryan Hayes or Mark Boucher at the Southwest District Office for more information on area lakes at 712-769-2587.
Binder Lake
Water quality is good and the rooted vegetation is starting to recede a little.
Lake Icaria
The lake level is near normal and the water quality near the dam is good. Water temps are above 70. Bullhead - Excellent: A lot of fish 6 to 10 inches can be caught from shore just about anywhere in the lake on crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Some fair sized bluegills are biting from the tops of the fish mounds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish up to 20 inches have been caught near-shore, the fish mounds, and the woody structure. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are being caught from the mounds and big points.
West Lake Corning
Water quality is good. Bluegill - Good: A few fish up to 7.5 inches can be caught from shore near the west roadway.
West Lake (Osceola)
Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal.
Little River Watershed Lake
Water clarity is less than 12 inches.
Slip Bluff Lake
Water quality is fair.
Badger Creek Lake
Water clarity is around 2 to 3 feet near the dam. Algae is developing.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
Water quality is good. Bluegill - Good: A few fish can be caught from spawning beds at various places around the shoreline and others just off-shore near structure. Most fish are from 6 to 7.5 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several fish are just off-shore near structure and can be caught on spinners and crankbaits.
Lake of Three Fires
Water clarity is about 2.5 feet. Bullhead - Good: A lot of real nice fish have been caught using crawlers from shore just about anywhere around the lake. Bluegill - Good: Several real nice fish have been caught using crawlers over the fish mounds or near the east corner of the dam. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A lot of mid-sized fish have been caught from the near-shore structure.
Wilson Park Lake
Water quality is fair.
Windmill Lake
Water levels are near normal.
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 a little. Water quality is good and water levels are normal. Water temps are above 70. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill are biting on crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: Several fish are biting from structure just off-shore on spinners and crankbaits. Walleye - Fair: Some walleye are biting from steep shoreline areas and dirt mounds on crankbaits.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Water quality is good and the lake level is near normal. Bullhead - Good: A lot of nice bullheads can be caught using crawlers. Bluegill - Good: The bluegill fishing is still good. A lot of nice fish from 6 to 8 inches can be picked up using crawlers from the near shore rocky areas. The areas near the jetties and west shore have been very successful. The rock fields hold a lot of bigger sized fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized fish can be caught from the near-shore structure and rock covered areas. Walleye - Fair: The walleye are biting better from the open points, steep drop-off areas, and near the dike at the upper end on crankbaits. Some anglers are seeing success by trolling crankbaits over the rock fields.
The bluegills are still biting fairly well at a lot of lakes near shore. Some walleye activity is happening on the mounds. Largemouth bass are biting at several lakes. Water temps are usually in the mid 70s and water quality at most lakes is fair or good.
Missouri River ( Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are biting on live baits, fresh cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smally fishing has slowed down with increased turbidity and higher river levels. Fish with crankbaits and jigs on revet banks and wing dike tips. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs )
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel cats are biting on stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are biting on live bait, fresh cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.
Missouri River ( Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channels are biting on stink bait, cut bait, chicken liver and crawlers on the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Good: Flatheads are biting on live baits, fresh cut bait and crawlers on the bottom. Freshwater Drum - Good: Drum are biting on crawlers on the bottom.
For more information on fishing in the Missouri River contact Fisheries in Onawa at 712-433-4706
