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)
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 (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
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.
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!
