Timber Life: Iowa DNR Weekly Fishing Report for the week of May9th

Spring is making an unmistakeable arrival here in central Iowa!

We are seeing warmer temperatures , rain filling our lakes and waterways. Definitely a great benefit for spawning fish and the Angler out dusting off his/her skills after a little hiatus this winter...that is if you didn't make it out to the ice when it was thick enough to fish.

Take note of the over abundance of water in many locations due to the melting snows from the north as well as our own snow event of last week, rains have increased flooding in already full rivers and streams in many parts of the state. Call ahead to make sure your chosen location is open for a visit.

Weather for Central Iowa for May 9th - May 16th

Thu, May 9	Thunderstorms. Overcast. Mild.	71°F	57°F	9 mph / NNW	66%	68°F	Minimal	78%	0.30"
Fri, May 10	Broken clouds. Mild.	66°F	51°F	10 mph / N	52%	64°F	Moderate	41%
Sat, May 11	Scattered clouds. Refreshingly cool.	61°F	44°F	18 mph / NNW	37%	60°F	High	17%
Sun, May 12	Passing clouds. Cool.	62°F	38°F	7 mph / NW	33%	61°F	High	8%
Mon, May 13	Passing clouds. Mild.	68°F	42°F	13 mph / SSW	53%	67°F	High	5%
Tue, May 14	Scattered clouds. Warm.	82°F	57°F	16 mph / SSW	50%	81°F	High	17%
Wed, May 15	Widely scattered tstorms. Partly cloudy. Warm.	82°F	66°F	13 mph / SW	62%	81°F	Moderate	44%	0.50"
Thu, May 16	More sun than clouds. Mild.	76°F	52°F	3 mph / WNW	38%	78°F	Moderate	0%

NORTHWEST

Brushy Creek Lake

The docks are in place at the west and south boat ramps. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass fishing was decent in the upper ends in shallow water. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing should start to pick up as the water warms.

Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Water clarity is poor. The east boat ramp and marina boat ramp are usable. Avoid the Bel Air ramp. Water levels are approximately 2 feet below crest. Anglers were catching a few walleye earlier in the week. Channel Catfish - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Some anglers were catching crappie in the marina earlier in the week. Walleye - Slow:

Swan Lake

Anglers have started to catch crappie from the piers and fish house at Swan Lake. Crappies are around 9 inches. Water levels are approximately 3 feet low.

Black Hawk Lake

Water level is 24 inches below crest. The fishery in Black Hawk Lake was renovated in fall of 2012 so there are no fish to catch at this time. Bluegills have been restocked and additional species will be stocked over the next several months.

Browns Lake

Anglers are catching catfish with cut up chubs.

Arrowhead Lake

Anglers are catching a few bluegill and yellow bass in the south end. Water levels are approximately two feet low.

Black Hawk Pits

No fishing reports have been received for Black Hawk Pits. However, anglers might try fishing for catfish with cut bait or shad guts.

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

Beeds Lake

No reports, yet, but catfish should be feeding in the shallower west end. Try fishing along the causeway when the wind is from the south or southwest. Anglers should also try by the cuts for bass or crappies.

Upper Pine Lake

A few northern pike have been caught but fishing is slow due to unstable weather.

Clear Lake

The lake is about 8 inches below crest. Water temperature is 60 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfishing is good right now as they are close to pre-spawn 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. Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleyes on the east and north shores. 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. Muskellunge - Slow: A few fish have been reported but fishing is slow. Muskies have been showing spawning behavior and swimming close to the shoreline this last week. Yellow Bass - Fair: Yellow bass fishing has been slow, mostly due to the weather, but anglers are still catching some using bobbers and minnows or a small jig with a piece of crawler on bottom.

Lake Cornelia

Fishing has been good. Lots of fish are being caught. Channel Catfish - Slow: Cats should be biting on cutbait or stinkbait on a warmer day. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are keeper size. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are small 7-7.25 inches.

Little Wall Lake

Crappie - Fair: Crappies (6-8 inches) and bluegills have been hitting on the north end off the lake on the jetty.

Crystal Lake

Northern Pike - Good: Northerns up to the mid 30 inches have been caught. Anglers may have success using presentations such as weedless spoons or bobbers with chubs. Bluegill - Slow: Great population of 7 to 9-inch bluegills. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Anglers are catching lots of largemouth. Walleye - Good: Anglers are catching some 16 to 17-inch walleyes.

Blue Pit

Rainbow trout were stocked on Jan 19. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Anglers have caught a few crappies on minnows this week.

Bluebill Lake

Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are biting well along shorelines. Please remember the 15-inch minimum length limit on bass. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being reported.

Fin and Feather Lake

There has been some activity for panfish.

Iowa River (Iowa Falls to Marshalltown)

Water level in the Iowa River is on the rise 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 presentation between Northwood and Nora Springs below dams, backwater areas and anywhere a creek feeds into the river. Walleye - Slow: A few small walleye being caught on jig/twister.

Winnebago River

Northern Pike - Slow: Northern pike are being caught in Fertile by the dam and the park point east of the dam. Anglers are using a slow retrieval with Mepps number 4 and 5 spinner baits or a Rapala three inch Countdown Minnow. Some pike are also hitting chubs presented below bobbers. Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers should try below the dams or in backwater areas using cutbait, stinkbait, or minnows.

East Fork Des Moines (Algona to Humboldt)

The East Fork is running high right now. Walleye - Fair: Reports are few, but anglers were doing well in the Plum Creek area.

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

Water temperature has been in the upper 40s to very low 50s. Bullhead - Good: The grade is providing some good bullhead action and don't be afraid to fish the north side. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Best angling during calm sunny days fish shallow rock piles and then work deeper. Crappie - Slow: As the water continues to warm the crappies will move inshore look for them around rock piles and in protected areas. Walleye - Slow: With the clear water fishing has been tough but the night bite seems to be a bit better than during the day. Slip bobbering, trolling crankbaits, spinners, and Lindy rigs all have produced a few fish.

East Okoboji Lake

Crappie - Good: Fishing off the trestle bridge has been good. Try minnows and small jigs near the pillars. A few bluegills are also being caught in the same manner. Walleye - Slow: With the cool water fishing has been slow but a few fish are being caught. Try trolling crankbaits, spinners, or Lindy rigs along drop offs and mudflats.

West Okoboji Lake

Bluegill, crappie, and bass fishing has been good in the canals. Try small jigs under a bobber for the bluegill and crappie. Walleye - Slow: The clear water has made the fishing tough during the day but the night bite is a bit better.

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

NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

More anglers have been out and many have reported catching fish near the new cedar tree piles. Fish activity should pick up with warmer water temperature. Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - Good: Fish are in shallower water this week 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 on the rise so try for fish in shallower water. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are biting on night crawlers or dead chubs fished under a bobber along the rockier shoreline. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers have been catching largemouth bass along the sandy beach using a jig and plastic worm.

Lake Meyer

Fish activity should pick up with warmer water temperature. Water clarity is excellent. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - Good: 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 continue to drop but flow is very high. Water temperature dropped to 56 degrees this week. The water is very muddy. Sucker - Slow: Sounds like the window for the sucker run is just about over especially now with the high flows. Use a worm, weighted with a sinker to bounce along the stream bottom. Walleye - No Report:

Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

Water levels are slowly falling but the current is still fast. Water is muddy with low visibility. Sucker - Slow: Use a worm on a hook weighted to bounce along the stream bottom. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:

Yellow River

Fish activity has slowed due to increased flows. Remember to get landowner permission to fish the Yellow River or fish out of a canoe or kayak.

Turkey River (above Clermont)

Water levels have dropped nicely and clarity is good. Water temperature is 54 degrees. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are using jigs tipped with plastic twistertail with good success.

Cedar River (above Nashua)

Water levels are slowly declining with recent weather mix but are still very high. Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers were catching cats on dead chubs in the impoundment above Nashua dam as the water levels dropped. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Anglers should start catching smallmouth bass on jig tipped with minnows and crawlers as water clears and flows drop. Walleye - Slow: Try a jig tipped with a minnow and expect to catch a few smallmouth bass.

Decorah District Streams

Dark Hendrickson hatches are winding down for this year's early season. Light Hendricksons have begun appearing and should continue hatching well into May. A #14 Adams or similar pale mayfly pattern are good dry fly searching patterns. There have also been large afternoon caddis hatches on many northeast Iowa streams. Blue Wing Olives are always on the water. Call 563-927-5736 for current stocking information.

River and stream water levels are on the decline after last week’s wintry mix. Water temperature has dropped due to snow melt. For more on water levels, visit this website http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. All Decorah area trout streams are in excellent condition. For more information, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Plainfield

Anglers are catching bluegill and crappie. Crappies are not many in number but good in size. Bluegill - Fair: Small piece of crawler on a small hook under a bobber always works well for bluegill. Crappie - Fair: 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 is currently high and falling in Bremer and Black Hawk counties. Fishing has been limited with the recent rainfall and rise in river levels.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

There has not been much angling activity with the rise in river levels.

Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

The river is currently at 7.98 feet and holding steady in Buchanan County. There have not been many reports due to the higher water levels.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

The Maquoketa River continues to fall and remains in good condition for fishing in Delaware County. Carp and sucker fishing has been good, concentrate below and near riffle areas. There have been good reports of smallmouth bass and channel catfish being caught. Sucker - Good: Use a heavy sinker to stay on bottom of river with a night crawler on a hook. Channel Catfish - Fair: Night crawlers fished on the bottom has been most productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Spinnerbaits or lead head jigs with a twister tail work well. A live crawler drifted under a slip bobber is effective for smallmouth bass, too.

Manchester District Streams

Area Manchester District trout streams are currently in excellent condition.

The interior rivers have all been impacted with the recent rainfall over the last week and little angling activity has taken place. The Maquoketa River remains in good condition, carp and sucker fishing has been good along with smallmouth bass and channel catfish. Black Hawk County lakes still remain slow because of the cool water temperature. Manchester District trout streams are 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 will rise slightly to 13.1 feet and expected to remain steady this week. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in the eddies just off main channel borders and side sloughs. White Bass - Good: Fish for white bass along the flooded shorelines just off the current. Nice size fish are striking on larger in-line spinner baits. Bluegill - Excellent: 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. 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.

Mississippi River Pool 10

River stage at Lynxville will raise slightly to 23.2 feet the end of this week and remain steady. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in the eddies just off main channel borders and side sloughs. White Bass - Good: Fish for white bass along the flooded shorelines just off the current. Nice 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 - 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.

Mississippi River Pool 11

River stage at Guttenberg is expected to rise to 14.2 feet and then slowly recede. Fish are becoming more active as water temperature raises into the 50s. Channel Catfish - Good: Look for channel cats to be feeding aggressively on crawlers or cut bait in the eddies just off main channel borders and side sloughs. White Bass - Good: Fish for white bass along the flooded shorelines just off the current. Nice size fish are striking on larger in-line spinner baits. Bluegill - Excellent: Fish the shorelines close to the dams or rock structure out of the current. 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.

Mississippi River levels remain high this week with many boat ramps still inaccessible. The fishing has been excellent for a variety of species despite the high water. Anglers are having success catching bluegill, perch and catfish this week. Water temperature is in the mid to upper 50s and expect fish to feed more aggressively as temperatures continue to rise.

Mississippi River Pool 12

Water levels at Dubuque Lock and Dam are at 14.8 feet and at the railroad bridge water levels are at 16.6 feet. Water levels are expected to rise. High water is hampering fishing in most places. Northern Pike - No Report: Northern pike are done spawning on the Mississippi and are now aggressively feeding. Use bright gaudy spinner baits for the best success. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth bass are showing up in the creel along rocky shorelines. Most anglers catching them on bright colored jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some being caught along rocky shorelines, very close to the shoreline edges. In this high water try to find eddy areas near rock piles. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some yellow perch are showing up around O'Leary's Lake. Yellow perch are also mainly done spawning and beginning to aggressively feed.

Mississippi River Pool 13

Water level at Bellevue is 15.0 feet and rising. Water is stained but fishable. Water levels are expected to rise a bit throughout the week. Northern Pike - No Report: Pike are done spawning in Pool 13. Recent DNR surveys show a very strong population of northern pike in the pool. Use gaudy spinner baits along the channel edge or backwater areas. Largemouth Bass - Good: Nice bass are being caught in the shallows of the large clear backwater lakes such as Spring Lake. Some bass also coming off of rocky shorelines very close to the shore.

Mississippi River Pool 14

Water levels at Fulton is at 14.6 feet and rising. The water is stained and fishing conditions are not ideal in most areas. Some clearer water can be found in the large backwater areas. Very little fishing reported in the Clinton area except in farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pool 15

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

The Mississippi in Pools 12 to 15 is high and rising. Many ramps are under water so call ahead to the DNR or local bait shops if traveling to the River to fish. Water temperature is around 56 degrees.

Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport has risen to 15.06 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Many of the ramps are not accessible due to the high water. There is water in the parking lot at the Marquette St. ramp and it is closed. Water clarity is fair and there is some debris floating in it. White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught between Lock and Dam 15 and the casino, below the Arsenal Dam in Sylvan Slough, and at the mouth of Sylvan Slough on the point of Arsenal Island. Some white bass are also being caught at the mouth of Sunset Marina. Try casting jigs and twister tails, or inline spinners and crankbaits. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina fishing with minnows under a bobber around the docks.

Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine has risen to 14.71 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Many of the ramps are not accessible due to the high water. Big Timber (The Breaks) is closed. Water clarity is fair 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 risen to 16.46 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. Many of the ramps are not accessible due to the high water. Toolesboro is closed. 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 is 12.41 feet. Flood stage is 10 feet. Many of the ramps are underwater. There is debris floating in the river. Fishing has been slow due to the high water conditions. Most of the fishing reports have been from area lakes and farm ponds.

Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages throughout Pools 16-19 are still at or above flood stage. Many of the boat ramps are not accessible due to the high water. Water clarity is fair and there is some debris floating in the river. 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

All the ramps on Odessa are still underwater.

Lake Geode

The water continues to clear up, but is still a little cloudy. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers are picking up some nice bass around the fish habitat and rock piles. Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing remains very good along the face of the dam. Jigs tipped with minnows seem to be working good.

Lake Belva Deer

The water is a little cloudy, at least by Belva Deer's standards. Channel Catfish - Good: Anglers using minnows for crappies shouldn't be too surprised if they pick up a few nice 2-3 pound channel cats along the way. Largemouth Bass - Good: bass fishing has been pretty good during the warmer weather. What the cold snap will do to it; don't know. Crappie - Good: Anglers have been picking up some nice crappies in about 6 feet of water using jigs and minnows.

Lake of the Hills

There's been plenty of boats on the lake with the Mississippi River conditions being what they are. Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that allows the use of live minnows as bait. Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout fishing remains good, work the rocks and where the waters enter the lakes. Worm and bobber seems to work the best. Largemouth Bass - Good: bass fishing has been good along the dams and other rocky areas of the lake. Jig and pigs or a slow moving crankbaits seem to be the best baits.

Railroad Lake

Remember the use of live minnows as bait is not allowed in Railroad Lake. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up bluegills along the area around the inflow from Bluegrass. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are also picking up crappies in the same area as the bluegills.

Wilson Lake

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout fishing has been good depending on the trout's daily menu. Berkley Powerbait in a variety of colors seems to be the most dependable producer.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The Skunk is back up again after 2+ inches of rain late last week. Doesn't seem to be coming down very fast either.

Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

The Iowa River is about at minor flood stage and not forecast to move below that for a while.

Big Hollow Lake

Lots of people out fishing this week. Water temperature is 66-67 degrees. Crappies seem to still be in pre-spawn mode. Bluegill - Good: The bluegills are in shallow at least when it's not raining. Largemouth Bass - Good: The bass are in fairly shallow, work the rocky areas in the lake. Crappie - Good: Anglers are picking up a few crappies on minnows near the structure. The fish are down 6 to 8 feet. Only a few in shallow. Most of the keepers are around 11 inches.

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

Iowa Lake

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Crappie - Fair:

Kent Park Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair:

Lake Macbride

Water temperatures are about 65 degrees. Water clarity is still murky with less than two feet of visibility. Many fish species have begun to move shallow. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some fish are being caught shallow. Crappie - Fair: Fish around brush with bright colored jigs and/or minnows. Walleye - Slow: A few fish are being caught by trolling in depths less than 15 feet.

Central Park Lake

Water temperature is in the 50s. Largemouth Bass - Good: Crawdad colored baits are working best. Crappie - Good: Small purple jigs have been working best.

Pleasant Creek Lake

Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is around 60 degrees. Remember, largemouth bass must be 18 inches to keep and musky must be 40 inches to keep. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being caught on rocky banks. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being picked up along the dam at sunset.

Diamond Lake

The lake is still murky. Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few fish are being caught on chicken liver. Crappie - Slow:

Otter Creek Lake

The fish cleaning station is now operational and the boat dock is in. Bluegill - Slow: Yellow Bass - Fair:

Union Grove Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Yellow Bass - Good: Anglers are catching quite a few 10-inch fish.

Coralville Reservoir

The lake level on May 9 is 693 feet (normal 679 feet) and rising about a half foot per day. The water is fairly dirty and there has been very little fishing activity. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish are being caught on cut shad. Crappie - Slow: Fish shallow brush with bright jigs and/or minnows.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from the Coralville dam is 6,000 cubic feet per second. It will remain at this flow until normal water levels are reached in the Lake.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)

The first ever Silver Carp was collected by a DNR sampling crew below the dam at Palisades State Park this week. Anglers are encouraged to report catching any Silver or Bighead Carp to DNR fisheries personnel and to keep the fish for identification and aging purposes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some fish are being caught below dams in Cedar Rapids.

Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish are being caught below the dams on jigs, crankbaits, and live bait. Walleye - Good: Fish are being caught below the dams on jigs, crankbaits, and live bait.

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

Red Haw Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs along the shoreline. Target areas along the fishing jetties and the dam. Crappie - Fair: Use minnows fished under a bobber along the rock jetties and around the underwater structures.

Lake Sugema

Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinnerbaits fished along any areas with rip rock or other rock. Also try a jig n' pig combo in these same areas. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies have been biting in 6-8 feet of water on small jigs.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 916.82 feet with normal pool being 904 feet. The water temperature is 58 degrees. 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). Channel Catfish - Slow: Try cut bait in coves with the wind blowing into them. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing remains slow. They should move shallower as the water temperature increases. Use jigs in 8-10 feet of water.

If you have other questions call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.

SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake

Crappie - Fair: Some good size 10 to 12-inch crappies can be caught using minnows under a bobber fished tight to wood habitat, especially on the upper half of the lake.

Rock Creek Lake

Crappie - Fair: Anglers are beginning to pick up some crappie from shore using minnows under a bobber on the south half of the lake.

Big Creek Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are starting to be caught near shallower brush and along the rock jetties using small pieces of crawler.

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: Crappies are moving shallow. Fish the marina near the docks and along the riprap in the dredged area, and near any rock or wood structure in the warmer bays, especially up the Whitebreast arm. Use live minnows under a bobber.

Saylorville Reservoir

White Bass - Good: Flow over the Big Creek spillway is attracting white bass. Anglers are doing will casting jigs or fishing minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Now is a good time to target spring crappies near riprap and the docks in the marina using small tube jigs or live minnows under a bobber. Best access is from a boat, but shore fishing is possible. Crappies are also being caught in the riprap below the Big Creek spillway. Walleye - Fair: Flow over the Big Creek spillway is also attracting walleye. Anglers are picking up decent numbers of 14 to 16-inchers casting jigs.

Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Fair: Good numbers of trout left from this winter's stocking, as well as previous year's stockings, can be caught in both sections of the lake. Cast flashy inline spinners, small crankbaits, panfish tube jigs or live minnows under a bobber.

Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout were stocked April 6. They can be caught through May on inline spinners, small crankbaits, and live minnows.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

White Bass - Good: Even with higher flows anglers are still doing fairly well fishing for white bass. Good areas to target right now are creek inlets that have water backed up into them. Crappie - Fair: Anglers fishing below Red Rock that are targeting walleye with jig presentations are also getting into some crappie.

Warmer water is returning, and with it, better fishing. The central Iowa crappie spawn should be going well by May 15. For questions on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.

Greenfield Lake

The crappie fishing should pick up during the next warming trend. Greenfield also has a good channel catfish population with many fish in that 2 to 3 pound range. The boat ramp is usable. Channel Catfish - No Report: Shad sides fished around the jetties will catch fish in the 2 to 3 pound range. Crappie - No Report: Try minnows under a bobber along the dam and in the upper end of the lake where water warms quickly.

Nodaway Lake

A few crappies are being picked up with minnows. The lake is about full and the boat ramp is useable. Crappie - Slow: Small jigs and minnows are catching crappie around shallow brush piles and along the dam.

Lake Anita

Crappies are moving into the pontoon area of the lake. Crappie - Fair: Fish a minnow two feet under a bobber in the pontoon arm of the lake. Sorting will be necessary for 9 to 10-inch crappie.

Viking Lake

Viking has a good population of crappie. Channel catfish is another species to target while at the lake. Crappie - Slow: Fish minnows in coves and around structure for crappies up to 10 inches.

DeSoto Bend

Desoto Bend opened for fishing on April 15. The lake has a good catfish and crappie populations. Channel Catfish - No Report: Crappie - No Report:

Lake Manawa

Crappie fishing will get better with the next warming trend. Manawa has a good channel catfish population which can be caught with shad sides this time of year. Channel Catfish - No Report: Fish the windy shoreline with shad sides for catfish of all sizes. Crappie - Slow: Crappies up to 12 inches can be caught with minnows in the canals.

Cold Springs District Farm Ponds

Pond fishing has picked up this week. Crappies will begin their spawn as weather conditions improve. Remember to always get permission before fishing private farm ponds. Bluegill - Fair: Wax worms under a bobber is a good presentation now for bluegills. Crappie - Fair: Fish minnows and small jigs around structure to catch crappies.

The crappie spawn should begin as weather conditions improve. Lakes to target crappies are Anita, Nodaway, Greenfield, Manawa and Desoto Bend. For more information on lakes in the southwest district call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587

Lake Icaria

The water level is near full. The ramps are accessible. Water clarity is normal for springtime. Channel Catfish - Good: The channel catfish are biting on shad bait and crawlers. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of nesting largemouth bass are being caught near shore. Crappie - Fair: Several mid-sized crappies are moving close to shore. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught from the dam and the old roadway.

Little River Watershed Lake

The lake has filled. All ramps are accessible. All fish have been restocked but they are small.

Badger Creek Lake

Water levels are near full and clarity is average for spring. Bluegill - Slow: 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 are being caught from structure near shore and from around the jetties.

Fogle Lake S.W.A.

The water level have risen to within six inches of full. Clarity is typical for spring. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several largemouth bass are moving to structure near shore. Crappie - Fair: Some mid-sized to large crappies are being caught next to shore near the spawning beds around the jetties.

Mt. Ayr Old Reservoir

Water clarity is moderate. Crappie - Good: A lot of crappies are being caught from the face of the dam during the evenings.

Lake of Three Fires

Water levels are full and clarity is average for springtime. Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few mi-sized and big largemouth bass can be caught from near-shore. Crappie - Good: Crappies are near-shore and the bit has picked up a lot.

Sands Timber Lake (Blockton Reservoir)

The lake has been drained to allow completion of shoreline work and a wetland at the upper end.

Wilson Park Lake

Water levels are full and clarity is average. Crappie - Good: A lot of crappies are being caught from near-shore and off the tops of the rock piles.

Green Valley Lake

The water level has risen to within six inches of full. Clarity is moderate. All boat ramps are easily accessible. Largemouth Bass - Good: A lot of mid-sized largemouth bass are being caught from the shoreline structure. Crappie - Good: The crappies have moved into the spawning areas an can be caught on small jigs in three feet of water.

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. Boat access is easy. Water clarity at mid lake and the dam is good. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are moving to the near-shore structure and bays. A few remain off-shore around the tree piles and the old roadway. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught from the face of the dam and some of the larger points.

Twelve Mile Creek Lake

The water levels are full and boat access is easy. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Several largemouth bass are hanging around the flooded cedar tree piles and nearby shoreline areas. Crappie - Good: Several crappies can be caught from the rock and rubble areas around the jetties, spawning beds, and armored points. Walleye - Slow: An occasional walleye is being caught from the dam and the old roadway.

Walnut Creek Marsh

The water levels are full. Boat access is normal.

The water temperature is in the upper 50s. The water levels at most lakes near full but not overflowing excessively. Water clarity varies with most lakes having at least 12 to 20 inches with some over 30 inches. The crappies and largemouth bass are starting moving shallow.

Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have had some success with worms and stinkbait in side channel areas around logs, river and stream inlets, wing dykes and revetments. Sauger - Slow: Fishing has been slow for sauger. Walleye - Slow: Fishing has been slow for walleye.

Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)

Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)

The Missouri River at Decatur, Neb., is at 22,114 CFS. Water levels are predicted to rise slightly over the next week. Fishing has been fair to slow overall with variable weather conditions and cooler water temperature.

Please take time to visit the Iowa DNR for licensing information and fishing regulations. Here is a list of other links to get you connected as well.

Good fishing to you!

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Thursday, May 9, 2013

Iowa DNR Weekly Fishing Report for the week of May9th - May 16th

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