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This 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.
Stay Where You
Play
Make your next
fishing trip an overnight stay. Take advantage of state park cabins and
campgrounds near many of these bodies of water. Make your reservation now. For more information on
availability and rates, visit iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Black Hawk Lake
Water level is about 6 inches over the crest of the spillway. Bluegill -
Good: Bluegill fishing is good just about everywhere on the lake. Town Bay,
around the handicap dock, near the inlet bridge, and the outlet are producing
fish. Use a small hook tipped with a worm suspended from a bobber fished about
2 feet deep near shore. Walleye - Fair: Fish the rock piles in the east basin
and near Cottonwood Point. The shoreline just west of Ice House Point also
holds fish. Some have had luck with crankbaits fished 5-7 feet deep. Largemouth
Bass - Good: Anglers have had luck fishing the north side of Ice House Point.
Fish drop offs and brush piles in 3-4 feet of water. Use grey crankbaits, green
plastic worms and spinner baits. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit for
largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake. Black Crappie - Fair: There is a good
population of black crappie. Fish are 8-10 inches. Use live minnows below a
bobber or small tube jigs tipped with power bait.
Black Hawk
Pits
Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows fished in areas along shore and in
areas with contour and structure 5-10 feet deep. Bluegill - Fair: Drift in
deeper areas or fish near shore with a small black jig tipped with bait
suspended below a bobber.
Brushy Creek
Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up some bluegill in 10-15 feet of
water. Use small jigs tipped with crawlers or red worms. Largemouth Bass -
Fair: Try plastics and spinners along weed lines and near structure in 4-10
feet of water. Yellow Perch - Fair: Some perch are being picked up near
structure in 10-15 feet of water along the creek channel. Black Crappie - Fair:
Use a small jig such as a 1/32nd ounce jig tipped with crawler or power bait in
10-15 feet of water.
Storm Lake
(including Little Storm Lake)
The dredge is in operation in the northeast portion of the lake. Boaters should
use extreme caution in this area and must maintain a 100 foot distance from the
dredge, booster pump and all dredge pipes at all times. Storm Lake has a daily
limit of 3 walleye and all 17 to 22-inch walleye must be released; no more than
one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Cooler
temperatures means increased feeding activity. Use crankbaits, leeches or
minnows and a slip bobber. Drift in the dredge cuts and fish near shore in
morning and evenings. Channel Catfish - Fair: Storm Lake has a good catfish
population; target catfish from shore using stink bait or cut bait fished off
the bottom.
Water temperatures in the Black Hawk District are in the mid 60's. Bass
and bluegill fishing is fair to good in most area lakes. With the onset of
cooler temperatures, expect an increase in feeding activity and more
opportunities fishing near shore. For
more information, contact the Black Hawk District Office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Anglers without a boat can still find some good wading opportunities in
early October for yellow bass and walleyes. Try the MacIntosh swim beach, off
the North Shore on the edge of the rushes and off Farmer's Beach. Use a jig and
piece of cut bait or minnows, or try a bobber and small light hook with bait
under a bobber. Yellow Bass - Excellent: Farmers beach (just outside the weed
edge), MacIntosh swim beach, and the Ventura jetties have been producing well.
Hy-Vee and other rock reefs have also continued to produce. Try also the
channel between the little lake and big lake. Action has picked up this week
with anglers reporting fish on every cast, at times. Walleye - Good: Walleye
action is starting to pick up in certain areas. Use jigs and a minnow or cut
bait in many of the same areas that yellow bass are biting. Black Crappie -
Fair: Some crappies are being caught near the Hy-Vee reef or in tight to docks
in early morning. Muskellunge - Good: Musky fishing has been decent; October is
usually a good month for musky fishing. Yellow Perch - Good: Yellow perch are
hitting by the grade on 1/16 ounce black leadheads with a piece of cut bait.
Lake Smith
Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are starting to go on the feed with
cooler water.
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
Little fishing activity has been observed on the lake. Yellow Perch -
Good: Try along the weed lines; best action is early morning and evening, but
perch have been caught throughout the day. Walleye - Good: Reports of fish
being caught at the north grade; early morning and evening hours are best. Black
Crappie - Good: Reports of bluegill and crappie being caught at the north grade;
morning and evenings produce the best action.
Center Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught around the
submerged woody structure; look for schooling fish in the lakes basin with
electronics. Bluegill - Good: Numbers of fish are being caught from the fishing
pier; sorting is necessary.
East Okoboji
Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Good action early morning and evening hours; fish
bridge sites for the best action. Fish are also being caught on the south end
of the lake; look for rock piles in 15 - 20 feet of water. Activity is picking
up on the north end of the lake; fish mornings before 10:00 a.m., persistence
will be rewarded with good numbers of a mixed bag comprised of perch and yellow
bass. Bluegill - Good: Fish are being caught on the south end of the lake in 15
feet of water. Rock piles close to aquatic plants will produce the best action.
Channel Catfish - Good: fish early morning and evening for the best action. Walleye
- Good: Report of fish being caught in the lakes basin; troll crank baits or
crawlers.
Lost Island
Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Good numbers of yellow bass are being caught from
shore. Sorting is necessary; persistence will be rewarded with good numbers of
fish harvested.
Silver Lake
(Dickinson)
Walleye - Good: Use crank baits for the best action. Look for wader
fishing to heat up as the water cools; this is the time when trophy size fish
are caught from Silver Lake.
West Okoboji
Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills have moved to deeper
water; fish weed lines for the best action.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Spirit Lake Fisheries Station at 712-336-1840.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Cedar River water levels have stabilized, but flows remain elevated.
Clarity is improving and may be fishable by the weekend. Boating is not
recommended. Call the local city or county conservation board offices for
information on access and campgrounds. Visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt for information on water levels.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are fishable. Many roads and parking lots sustained some
damage. Stocking has resumed on all streams where possible. There have been
nice hatches of small mayflies midday. Bring lots of bug spray as mosquito
hatches are incredible. Call the trout stocking number at 563-927-5736 for
current stocking information. Brown Trout - Good: Anglers may start to see more
color on trout; the kype on male becomes more pronounced as spawning seasons
gets closer. Brook Trout - Good: Watch the stream bottom as brookies begin to
build their nests or redds in the stream bottom. Rainbow Trout – Good.
Lake Hendricks
Few anglers have been out this week. Fish are becoming more active as
water begins to cool down. Fish mid-day for best luck. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use
jigs tipped with a variety of soft plastics. Bluegill - Fair: Find bluegills
near shore and in vegetation edges.
Lake Meyer
Lake conditions are improving and anglers are catching fish. Bluegill -
Fair: Try a hook tipped with a small piece of worm under a bobber. Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Bass can be found cruising the weed edges. Use a jig tipped with a
long plastic tail.
Rudd Lake
Anglers have excellent shore and boat access. Channel Catfish - Good: Try
a nightcrawler fished on the bottom just out past shoreline vegetation. Bluegill
- Fair: Fish for bluegills along the rockier shoreline.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity has improved. The stream is
fishable; use caution if floating as hazards are present. Many access points
and campgrounds were affected by the high water. Call local city or county
conservation board offices for more information.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is improving. Use caution when
floating in elevated flows. Snags and submersed logs may have moved. Continually
read the river and be prepared to adjust your track. Call local city or county
conservation board offices for more information on campground conditions and
access points.
Volga Lake
Anglers drifting over rock or brush piles will find fish. Shoreline
access is excellent with many submerged cedar trees within casting distance. Black
Crappie - Good: Use small jigs with flat tailed plastic body. Bluegill - Good:
Fish will be in shallow with cooling water temperatures. Channel Catfish -
Slow: Try chicken liver or crawlers. Volga Lake has a very nice population of
catfish awaiting the patient angler.
Stream conditions have greatly improved over the last rainless several
days. Water levels have stabilized and clarity is better. A slight chance of
rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday, but this shouldn't hinder weekend
plans. More seasonal temperatures are in store for the foreseeable future. For
current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at
563-382-8324.
Casey Lake
(aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Reports of anglers catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing from the beach and west. Fish with bait on
the bottom of the lake using stink bait, night crawlers, cut baits or chicken
livers. Numerous 3-10 pound cats have been taken recently. Bluegill - Fair: Try
fishing a piece of worm or night crawler a couple feet under the surface with a
bobber or small 1/16 oz. hair jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast crankbaits,
spinner baits or top water baits.
Cedar River
(Nashua to La Porte City)
There are no reports on the Cedar River this past week due to high river
levels. Walleye - Slow: Casting crankbaits and fishing a jig tipped with a
night crawler are productive for walleye this time of year. Smallmouth Bass -
Slow: Casting crankbaits and fishing a jig tipped with a night crawler are
productive for smallmouth bass this time of year.
Maquoketa
River (above Monticello)
Maquoketa River is currently falling and remains a bit turbid; there have
been few angler reports this week. Walleye - Slow: Casting crankbaits and
fishing a jig tipped with a night crawler are productive for walleye this time
of year. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Casting crankbaits and fishing a jig tipped
with a night crawler are productive for smallmouth bass this time of year.
Shell Rock
River (Greene to Shell Rock)
There currently are no reports for the Shell Rock River; the river is
high and turbid. Walleye - Slow: Smallmouth Bass – Slow.
Silver Lake
(Delaware)
Anglers are reporting catches of bluegill, largemouth bass and northern
pike. Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a piece of worm or night crawler a couple
feet under the surface with a bobber or small 1/16 oz. hair jigs. Bluegill here
to tend to run on the small side. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast crankbaits,
spinner baits or top water baits. Northern Pike - Fair: Troll or cast spoons
along weed edges.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
There are no reports on the Wapsipinicon River this past week due to high
river levels. Walleye - Slow: Casting crankbaits and fishing a jig tipped with
a night crawler are productive for walleye this time of year. Smallmouth Bass -
Slow: Casting crankbaits and fishing a jig tipped with a night crawler are
productive for smallmouth bass this time of year. Channel Catfish - Slow: Try stink
baits, cut baits and chicken livers in areas of snags and fallen trees.
Interior river levels are falling and remain at higher levels than
expected for this time of year. Angler reports are few due to the higher water
levels. Trout streams remain excellent in the Manchester District. For further
information, call the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
Mississippi
River Pool 9
Water level is 11.9 feet at Lansing and predicted to rise to 15.3 feet next
week. New Albin army road remains closed. Water temperature is in the mid 60's.
Freshwater Drum - No Report: Drum are feeding well on worms bounced on the
bottom. Reports of larger drum being caught on minnows. Largemouth Bass - No
Report: Largemouth fishing is good alongside channel and main channel
structure. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use crawlers or cut bait in shallow
stump beds or snags in side channels. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills
in side channel snags and main channel structure. Walleye - No Report: Walleye
fishing on wing dams is tough with changing water levels, but should pick up as
more normal levels return. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Smallmouth fishing
remains good along rocky shorelines and wing dams at dawn and early evening. Yellow
Perch - No Report: A lot of yellow perch are hanging along weed lines in the
back waters and slow moving side channels.
Mississippi
River Pool 10
Water level is 19.9 feet at Lynxville. Approximately, a 6 feet rise is
predicted through next week reaching 26.4 feet. Water temperature is 64 degrees
at the lock and dam. The Lynxville and Sny Magill ramp are closed due to water
over the road. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Drum are feeding well on worms
bounced on the bottom. Reports of larger drum being caught on minnows. Largemouth
Bass - No Report: Largemouth fishing is good alongside channel and main channel
structure. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use crawlers or cut bait in shallow
stump beds or snags in side channels. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills
in side channel snags and main channel structure. Walleye - No Report: Walleye
fishing on wing dams is tough with high water levels, some anglers are trolling
side channels to find fish. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Smallmouth fishing
remains good along rocky shorelines and wing dams at dawn and early evening. Yellow
Perch - No Report: A lot of yellow perch are hanging along weed lines in the
back waters and slow moving side channels.
Mississippi
River Pool 11
Water level is 11.1 feet at Lock and Dam 10 at Guttenberg and is predicted
to reach over 17 feet. The Lock and Dam gates are out of the water. Water temperature
is 66 degrees at the lock and dam. Most boat ramps have water over them and
will be inaccessible. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Drum are feeding well on worms bounced on the
bottom. Reports of larger drum being caught on minnows. Largemouth Bass - No
Report: Largemouth fishing is good alongside channel and main channel
structure. Channel Catfish - No Report: Use crawlers or cut bait in shallow
stump beds or snags in side channels. Bluegill - No Report: Look for bluegills
in side channel snags and main channel structure. Walleye - No Report: Walleye
fishing on wing dams is tough with high water levels, some anglers are trolling
side channels to find fish. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Smallmouth fishing
remains good along rocky shorelines and wing dams at dawn and early evening. Yellow
Perch - No Report: A lot of yellow perch are hanging along weed lines in the
back waters and slow moving side channels.
Another significant rise is predicted on the Upper Mississippi River this
week after Wednesday's heavy rains in northeast Iowa. Most boat ramps will be
inaccessible this week and flood waters are carrying a lot of debris. Water
temperatures are in the mid 60's.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water level is near 15.1 feet at Dubuque tailwater and near 17.0 feet at
the RR bridge. These levels are up from last week; water will continue to rise.
Tributaries such as Catfish Creek are very turbid after nearly every rain. Water
temperature in the main channel is near 67 degrees. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Find clear water.
The frog pattern was working well in the weed beds, but anglers may need to
switch tactics as water once again falls. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Cut out
all the red meat and they are a fine eating fish. If you plan on eating drum
throw them immediately on ice after catching them; try to avoid freezing them. Channel
Catfish - No Report: Channel cats bite well in rising water. Move often if they
do not bite. Bluegill - No Report: Good bluegill angling should return when/if
the river returns to normal seasonal water levels. Smallmouth Bass - No Report:
Smallmouth bass are doing well in the Mississippi River with numerous year
classes present. The combination of rock and current are a must to catch
smallmouth bass, which often hold very tight to the rocks. The high water has
made angling for them a challenge. Black Crappie - No Report: Expect good
fishing for crappies to return this fall. Lots of nice crappies are present in
the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water level is near 15.6 feet at Bellevue and is rising. The water
temperature is around 67 degrees. Lots of debris was floating around this week.
The Bellevue DNR ramp is flooded out, but the city ramp is operational. No
fishing reported at all this week due to flooding. Walleye - No Report: We have
had three good year classes of walleyes in this reach of the Mississippi River
and populations are very good. It has been a difficult year to find them with
the river constantly going up and down. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Go way
back in large backwater complex to find cleaner water; this is where the bass
will be. Try along the eel grass. Use frog imitation lures or plastics. Freshwater
Drum - No Report: Loads of freshwater drum are available and good fishing
should return. Use large crayfish to catch really large drum. Channel Catfish -
No Report: Use stink bait in flowing sloughs, especially above log jams or
along rock piles. Fish are usually very close to the shoreline. Smallmouth Bass
- No Report: Smallmouth bass are doing very well in the Mississippi River with
numerous year classes present. The combination of rock and current are a must
to find smallmouth bass. Smallies often hold very tight to the rocks. Stay away
from the turbid tributary streams as smallmouth are sight feeders. Black
Crappie - No Report: Before the latest water level rise, lots of 11 inch
crappie were being seen in side channel sloughs. Flathead Catfish - No Report:
Ditty poles with live bait can be a good way to catch nice flathead catfish
from the Mississippi River.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water level is near 15.2 feet at Fulton, 16.8 feet at Camanche and 10.1
feet at Le Claire. Water is raising at most locations. Most boat ramps are out
of operation, so plan ahead. The water temperature is near 67 degrees. Freshwater
Drum - No Report: Use a simple sliding sinker and worm fished in current. Worms
work best. Channel Catfish - No Report: Catfish bite well in higher water. Use
stink bait once the water levels return to near normal flows. Fish are located
near shoreline. Walleye - No Report: Expect good walleye fishing to return to
the Mississippi once the water levels return to near normal seasonal flows. Smallmouth
Bass - No Report: Smallmouth bass are doing very in the Mississippi River with
numerous year classes present. The combination of rock and current are a must
to find smallmouth bass, which often hold very tight to the rocks. Flathead
Catfish - No Report: Ditty poles with live bait can be effective in catching
nice flathead catfish. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Go deep into the backwaters
along vegetation lines using frog imitation lures.
Mississippi River Pool 15
Water level is 14.8 feet at Rock Island, which is up significantly from
last week and will continue to raise. Water temperature is around 67 degrees in
the main channel. Pigeon Creek and Crow Creek are turbid after nearly every
rain. Most boat ramps may be out of operation, so plan ahead on a trip to Pool
15. Freshwater Drum - No Report: Freshwater drum are abundant in Pool 15 and
can easily be caught from shore. Try fishing the eagles landing area with worm
and egg sinkers. Channel Catfish - No Report: Rising water levels usually
trigger what has already been a good catfish bite. Lots of varieties of stink
bait are being used. Move often if the fish do not bite in 15 minutes. Flathead
Catfish - No Report: Ditty poles with live bait can be effective on catching
nice flathead catfish this time of year.
Water temperatures has dropped and now is around 67 degrees in the main
channel. Water levels are rising and lot of debris floating is floating around.
Most places are experiencing minor to moderate flooding. Most boat ramps are closed. Very little fishing is going on.
Mississippi River Pool 16
River stage is 15.19 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities. Flood
stage is 15 feet. Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek boat ramps are closed. The
lower boat ramps at the Fairport Recreational area have water over them and the
dock has been removed as well.
Mississippi
River Pool 17
River stage is 14.89 feet at Lock and Dam 16 at Muscatine. Flood stage at
Lock and Dam 15 is 15 feet. River stage at Muscatine is 16.59 feet and rising. Flood
stage at Muscatine is 16 feet. Kilpeck landing is closed. The ramp at Big
Timber is closed.
Mississippi River Pool 18
River stage is 17.14 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Flood stage
is 15 feet. The ramp at Toolsboro is closed. We have not received much for
fishing reports due to the high water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 19
River stage is 12.11 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Flood
stage is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 16.72 feet and flood stage is 15
feet. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool with the high
water conditions.
River stage is at or above flood stage throughout the pools. Many boat
ramps are closed due to the high water. Water clarity is poor and water
temperature is 63-64 degrees. We have not received much for fishing reports due
to the high water. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the
Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
Iowa River
(Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)
Flood conditions.
Lake Belva
Deer
The fishing has picked up with the return of the cooler weather. Channel
Catfish - Excellent: The catfishing continues to be good as they fatten up for
winter. Black Crappie - Good: Crappie fishing has picked back up with the cool
off. Depending on the wind conditions, drift trolling down at the lower end of
the lake at a depth of 4 to 6 feet. Bluegill - Good: Try jigs tipped with worm
or wax worm in 3 or 4 feet of water.
Lake Darling
The water is cooling off. Black Crappie - Good: The crappies are biting
again; they are in fairly shallow, about 3 or 4 feet deep. ,Bluegill - Good: Find
bluegill near the shallower habitat and along the rip rap. Use worm and bobber.
Channel Catfish - Good: The catfish are around the upper end of the lake. Use
nightcrawlers or cut bait. They range between 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.
Lake of the
Hills
The fall trout release will be on Friday, October 14th at 10:30 am. 2000
trout will be stocked so there will be plenty left for the weekend. Bluegill -
Good: Bluegill fishing is improving with the cooler weather. Work around the
habitat in about 4 feet of water with a worm and bobber.
Lost Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing has picked up. Look in the fairly
shallow water around the flooded trees. Black Crappie - Good: Crappies have
moved in shallow along the vegetation looking for little bluegills and
crappies. Most are still on the smaller side( 8-10 inches).
Skunk River
(Rose Hill to Coppock)
The river level has gone up and looks to be holding about 2 feet from
being bank full.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries
Station at 319-694-2430.
Central Park
Lake
The lake will be drained this fall for a restoration project. There are
relaxed fishing regulations for Central Lake with no daily bag limit on all
fish species and no size limit on bass. The new 7 acre pond located west of the
lake has been stocked with adult bass, bluegill and catfish, which were removed
from Central Lake. All normal fishing regulations still apply to this pond.
Contact the Jones County Conservation Board for additional information.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level as of 9/28 is 689.7' and rising. Projections are for it to
crest at about 700' on 10/6.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Bluegill – Slow. Black Crappie – Slow.
Channel Catfish – Fair.
Hannen Lake
There is quite a bit of vegetation in the lake. Some anglers are having
difficulty fishing many areas. Channel Catfish - Good: The east side of the
lake has been reported as best, as the vegetation is not as bad. Largemouth
Bass - Slow: Anglers in boats are having success. Bluegill – Slow.
Iowa Lake (Iowa County)
Channel Catfish – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Kent Park Lake
Fishing is reported as slow, but most fish that are being caught are
deeper right now.
Lake Macbride
Any sized motor may be operated at no wake speed (5mph) now. Bluegill -
Fair: Some fish can be caught around shallow structure. Slightly bigger fish can
be caught on the rock reefs. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Some small
fish are more willing to bite. Larger fish have been hit and miss. Evening has
been the best bite by watching for surface activity. Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs
or minnows over/around brush piles. Walleye - Slow: ,Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Try around shallow rock and wood with plastics, crankbaits and topwaters, or
try the offshore rock reefs with crankbaits and plastics. Channel Catfish -
Slow: Drift cut bait in 10-15 feet of water. White Bass - Fair: Try crankbaits
along windblown points and reefs.
Otter Creek Lake
Yellow Bass - Fair: Mornings have been best. Try small jigs, spinners or
live bait. Channel Catfish - Fair: Mornings and evening are best. Try crawlers
or stink bait.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is down 15' for the restoration project in process. A lot of
dirt work has been done to the lake bed. The boat ramp has been extended with
rock and a section of concrete; use caution if attempting to launch a boat as
the water just out from the ramp is shallow and may contain some stumps. 4x4
vehicles only. White Bass - Fair: Look for schools feeding on the surface at
sunset. Throw topwaters, small spoons or jigs. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) -
Fair: Look for schools feeding on the surface at sunset. Throw topwaters, small
spoons or jigs. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use crawlers, livers, cut bait and
stink bait. Fish up to 15 pounds have been reported.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at
319-624-3615.
Corydon
Reservoir
The fisheries renovation at Corydon Reservoir has
been completed. Fish will be restocked.
Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait in areas with
submerged structure and around the fishing jetties. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use
crawdad imitations or rubber worms in areas along the shorelines and around the
jetties. Fishing around aquatic vegetation can also be productive with a rubber
worm.
Lake Sugema
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Spinner baits can be good this time of year as the
water cools. Target areas around rocky shorelines and areas with submerged
structure. Lake Sugema has a slot limit, so all largemouth bass 12-18 inches
must be immediately released. Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a wax
worm fished below a bobber around any aquatic vegetation or structure. Walleye
- Slow: Drift or troll nightcrawlers along the face of the dam.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass - Good: Try rubber worms or spinner baits around the
submerged structure. Look for the tops of the cedar tree piles as some stick
out of the water.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 905.04 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0
msl. The current surface water temperature is in the lower 70's °F. Lake
Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry
equipment before transporting to another water body. Walleye - Slow: Use crankbaits
that mimic gizzard shad in submerged points and rock piles. Channel Catfish -
Fair: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait in areas where the wind is blowing in. White
Crappie - Fair: Crappies should start to move shallow as the water cools. Try
minnows or crappie jigs in areas with submerged structure.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig tipped with live bait in areas with some
vegetation or submerged structure. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use crawdad
imitations along the dam and around the jetties. Try also crankbaits or spinner
baits in these same areas.
Take your trash with you so
your favorite fishing spot is clean and litter free. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions
regarding angling in south central Iowa.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll spinner rigs with minnows or crawlers in 5-15 feet
of water. Focus on the upper/shallower 1/3rd of the lake. The east arm out from
and above the marina has been producing more fish. Flows coming in from the
creeks will attract fish to the silt dam notches. Cast shallow diving
crankbaits in these areas.
Don Williams
Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie bite is still good at Don Williams. Find
crappies by slowly trolling jigs in 12-20 feet of water. When a crappie is
caught, continue to fish that area as the fish are suspended in large schools. Use
1/8 ounce jigs tipped with minnows or small white or chartreuse twister tails. The
upper half of the lake has been best, but groups of fish can be found
throughout.
Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie - Fair: Fall is a good time to target crappies in Red Rock.
Drift or slowly troll jigs with twisters or tipped with minnows in the small
bays and arms out of the wind that come off the main lake. Try also vertical
jigging near the docks and wave breakers in the marina cove.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Good: The
increased flow coming over the Big Creek spillway has attracted shad and
channel catfish. Anglers are catching good size catfish using cut shad as bait.
A good fall crappie bite can be found drifting jigs for suspended fish. For
information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd
at 515-432-2823.
Cold Springs
Lake
Anglers are catching big channel catfish at Cold Springs. The lake has an
18 inch length limit on largemouth bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Cast cut bait
or prepared dip bait in 4 to 6 feet of water to catch catfish up to 10 pounds. Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Bass are in the tree piles and stake beds. Cast plastics Texas
rigged to catch fish up to 20 inches. Bluegill - Slow: A few 8 inch bluegills
are being caught using nightcrawlers under a bobber.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a good panfish population. Bluegills and crappies can
be caught drifting. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches drifting
with power bait or crawlers. Black Crappie - Fair: Concentrate around the ends
of jetties and submerged trees to find crappie up to 12 inches. Channel Catfish
- Fair: Cast cut bait or shrimp to catch fish averaging 2 pounds.
Lake Anita
Anglers are catching bluegills and crappies drifting on the main lake and
vertical jigging around cedar tree piles. Bass fishing is also good at this
time. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small black jigs tipped with power bait. Fish are
nine inches. Black Crappie - Good: Drift or vertical jig over tree piles.
Sorting is necessary for fish over 10 inches. Largemouth Bass - Good:
Largemouth bass of all sizes are being caught. Cast the shoreline early in the
morning; fish deeper around structure as
the temperature warms.
Lake Manawa
Anglers are catching catfish on the south and west side of the lake.
Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers report catching large catfish on dip bait.
Prairie Rose Lake
Anglers are catching bluegills around underwater reefs and tree piles.
Prairie Rose water clarity is good and the vegetation is down. Bluegill - Fair:
Drift or slow troll around the underwater reefs to catch bluegill up to 9
inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are beginning to catch 14 to 16 inch
channel catfish around the jetties on nightcrawlers.
Viking Lake
Largemouth bass fishing is good at Viking. Crappies can be caught around
the many tree piles in the lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish plastics in tree
piles to catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches. Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers
are catching catfish on wind swept points using cut bait. Fish will average 2
pounds. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig 1/32nd ounce jigs tipped with power
bait around the many tree piles in the lake. Fish will average 9 inches.
Water temperatures have dropped to the mid 60's.Anglers are finding a
good crappie bite on area lakes. Bass and catfishing is fair to good. For more
information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.
Green Valley Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with jigs
fished near rocky structure. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches with
nightcrawlers fished off of the fishing jetties and near cedar tree brush piles.
Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using nightcrawlers or cut bait fished along rocky structure. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 8 inches with nightcrawlers fished along the fish mounds. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up 10 inches using jigs fished along deep cedar tree brush piles.
Lake of Three
Fires
Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 11 inches using jigs fished
along main lake points.
Little River Watershed Lake
Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegills up to 9 inches with nightcrawlers fished
along main lake points and cedar tree brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye
up to 20 inches trolling nightcrawler harnesses along main lake points.
Three Mile Lake
Three-Mile Lake is currently closed to public access following the fish
renovation. The DNR will begin restocking the lake later this fall.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Drift jigs and minnows in the main lake to catch crappies
up to 11 inches. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches using
jigs fished along rocky structure.
Water temperature in Mount Ayr district lakes is in the low 70's. For
more information, contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
Missouri River
(Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on
the bottom. Blue Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on
the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use live chubs, bluegill and worms in current
breaks near deeper water.
Missouri River
(Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on
the bottom. Blue Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on
the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Try live chubs, bluegills and worm fished
in current breaks near deeper water.
Missouri River
(Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on
the bottom. Blue Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait, stink bait or crawlers fished on
the bottom. Flathead Catfish - Fair: Use live chubs, bluegills and worms fished
in currents breaks near deeper water.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 20.05 ft. /26,800 cfs./ 65
degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri has fallen 0.09 feet from last week. The
Missouri River levels and water conditions are looking very good to get out and
fish.
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