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Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of November 17.
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.
Bacon Creek
Lake
Approximately 1700 rainbow trout were stocked into Bacon Creek Lake on
November 8th. Catch trout with a variety of methods including small tube and
twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons and live minnows under a bobber.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperature is in the low 50's. Water level is about 5 inches over
the crest of the spillway. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill can be caught anywhere,
but best luck may be in Town Bay, the floating dock, near the inlet bridge and
the outlet. Use a small hook tipped with a worm suspended from a bobber fished
about 2 feet deep near shore. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish areas with rock and
structure along shore, such as the north side of Ice House Point. Use
crankbaits, plastics and spinner baits. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit
for largemouth bass on Black Hawk Lake. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish are 8-10
inches. Use live minnows below a bobber or a small tube jig. Try Town Bay, Ice
House Point, and near the inlet bridge. Walleye - Fair: Try along the east
shoreline and around the outlet. Some have also been picked up near the rock
piles in the east basin.
Black Hawk Pits
Black Crappie - Fair: Try minnows or a small tube jig 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
Surface water temperatures are in the low 50's. Water clarity is good.
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are picking up some bluegill in 10-15 feet of water.
Use small jigs tipped with bait. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish plastics and
spinners 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.
Moorland Pond
Approximately 2000 rainbow trout were stocked into Moorland Pond on
November 9th. Use small tube and twister jigs, in-line spinners, casting spoons
and live minnows under a bobber. Most are having the best luck with small
spinners and anything that will grab the trout's attention.
Nelson Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have picked up nice sized bluegills near the dam
and along the shoreline with jigs tipped with bait fished below a bobber. Drift
jigs along submerged trees and structure.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
There is a daily limit of 3 walleye at Storm Lake and all 17 to 22-inch
walleye must be released; and no more than one walleye longer than 22 inches
may be taken per day. Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits, leeches or minnows and a
slip bobber. Fish the dredge cuts as well as from shore to find fish. 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
around 50 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Water temperature is around 50 degrees. All courtesy docks have been
removed for the season. Yellow bass and walleyes are still biting. Yellow Bass
- Good: Try small jigs tipped with cut bait or a piece of crawler. Walleye - Fair:
Use live bait in the rock reefs.
Rice Lake
The walleye and perch bite has slowed some but fish are still being
caught. Walleye - Fair: Use live bait in the weed edge early morning or late
evening. Yellow Perch - Slow: Try a slip bobber and a minnow near the weed edge.
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
As of 11/15- All docks at boat ramps have been removed except Templar
Park. Yellow Perch - Good: Fishing activity has heated up with excellent numbers
of fish being caught. Try along the weed lines; best action is early morning
and evening, but perch have been caught throughout the day. Walleye - Good:
Walleye action picked up last week. Reports of fish being caught at the north
grade; early morning and evening hours are best. Dock and wader anglers are also catching fish;
best bite is early morning and evening hours. Yellow perch anglers fishing the
weed lines are also catching walleye. Black Crappie - Good: Reports of bluegill
and crappie being caught at the north grade; morning and evening hours are
best.
Center Lake
The dock at the Center Lake ramp has been removed.
Dog Creek (Lake)
Bluegill - Good: Recent survey shows good numbers of quality sized fish up
to 8 inches.
East Okoboji Lake
As of 11/15 - Boat ramp dock at East Okoboji Beach is still in the lake; this
dock is expected to be removed soon. All other boat ramp docks have been
removed. Yellow Bass - Good: Good action early morning and evening hours; fish
bridge sites for the best action. Fish are also being caught in the East Okoboji
Beach area from a boat. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish early morning and evening
for the best action. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are catching fish off the
public dock located at the Elinor Bedell State Park and in boats in the shallow
bay.
Five Island
Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching bluegill in Town Bay; sorting is needed.
Patience and persistence will bring in good numbers of angler acceptable sized
fish.
Ingham Lake
Walleye - Good: Recent surveys show numbers of 1.5 – 3.5 pound walleyes. Black
Crappie - Good: Black crappies will provide an upswing for anglers and will
sustain the fishery for the next couple of years.
Little Sioux
River (state line to Linn Grove)
Walleye - Good: Good walleye bite reported from the river.
Lost Island Lake
Yellow Bass - Good: Catch good numbers of yellow bass from shore; sorting
is needed. Persistence will be rewarded with good numbers of fish harvested. Yellow
Perch - Good: Yellow perch has been reported caught from the lake. Black Crappie
- Good: Shore anglers report numbers of fish caught; best action is during the
morning hours.
Scharnberg
Pond
Rainbow Trout - Good: Scharnberg Pond was stocked with rainbow trout on November
5th.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
As of 11/15 - All docks at the three ramps have been removed. Walleye -
Good: Use crank baits for the best action. Wader fishing has heated up; this is
when trophy size fish are caught from Silver Lake. Day fishing has been
reported as slow.
Silver Lake
(Palo Alto)
Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are catching fish from Silver Lake. Walleye
- Good: Walleye action has improved with the cooler water temperatures.
West Fork Des Moines (Emmetsburg to Humboldt)
Walleye - Good: Good walleye bite reported from the river.
West Okoboji Lake
Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are moving inshore as the water cools; fish
weed lines for the best action. Yellow Perch - Good: Fish are being caught in
10 feet; fish traditional baits 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 with much improved clarity. Visit
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt for information on water level. Walleye - Slow: Use a jighead tipped
with nightcrawler or minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are using a variety
of baits but jigs tipped with worms work well. Channel Catfish - Fair: A few
anglers are using stink bait but try a frog or cut bait. Northern Pike - Slow:
Crankbaits are working but try using a dead chub fished under a bobber. Black
Crappie - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a minnow in the off current areas or
along brushy edges.
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams are in good condition and continue fishing well. Thank you
to all our faithful anglers who took advantage of our catchable trout stocking
program this year. It is hunting season; be courteous to other recreational
users. Spinnerbaits have been successful
with rainbows and browns. There have been good hatches of small mayflies and
caddis flies midday. Brook Trout - Good:
Use flies or lures that look like sculpins, dace or suckers. Brookies are
spawning and really colored up well. Brown Trout - Good: Avoid stepping in the
small indentations in the stream bottom called redds. Rainbow Trout - Good: Find
rainbow trout hiding in the upper and lower ends of pools. Dance a meaty
looking fly or lure in these areas and wait.
Lake Hendricks
A fishing jetty project is complete; anglers are asked to wait to fish from
it. Fish when the sun is overhead and along the shoreline for best luck. Bluegill
- Fair: Try a small jig tipped with a wax worm fished under a slip bobber about
2 feet off the bottom. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Lake Meyer
The lake is in good condition and anglers are catching fish. Look for
fish in the shallow bays in the afternoons and evenings. Bluegill - Good: Tip a
small jig with a wax worm then cast out and slowly reel in. Anglers are
catching a variety of sizes. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Turkey River
(above Clermont)
Water levels on the Turkey River have stabilized with improved clarity.
Flows remain high so find fish in areas with little current. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Use rubber skirted
jigs. Black Crappie - Slow: Try fishing along the brushy edges for best luck. Walleye
- Slow: Use live baits in off channel areas.
Turkey River
(below Clermont)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is improving. Visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt for information on water levels. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Find fish along the
rocky ledges out of the current. Use a jig tipped with a worm or plastic twister
tail. Walleye - Slow: Fish should be in the deeper areas with little current. Run
a shallow water crankbait around boulders.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is about 5 feet. Flows are still
up so fish in slack water areas. Visit http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt for information on water levels. Smallmouth Bass - Slow: A jig tipped with
a nightcrawler may turn an eye. Look for fish in the off channel eddies and
deeper pools. Walleye - Slow: Live baits should turn on a hungry walleye.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
Water levels have stabilized and clarity is good. Water temperatures are
in the mid 40's. Walleye - Slow: Anglers bank fishing and floating were having
success using a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or light colored plastic twister
tail. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try a jig tipped with a nightcrawler. Sauger -
Good: Anglers using light colored jigs and plastics are doing well fishing from
shore.
Volga Lake
The docks have been removed for the winter. Water clarity is good. Fish
along the rocky shoreline in the afternoon and evenings. Bluegill - Good: Use
red worms or wax worms fished under a bobber from rocky shoreline. Largemouth
Bass – Fair. Black Crappie – Fair.
Decorah area rivers and streams are in good
condition. November weather is finally here. Be prepared for rain/snow Friday
and into Saturday. Temperature highs will be in the low 40's during the day to
low 30's and into the 20's at night. For current fishing information, please call the Decorah Fish Hatchery
at 563-382-8324.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Reports on the Cedar River have been fair for walleye in Black Hawk
County, good in Bremer County and good for smallmouth bass in both. Most smallmouth
catches have been incidental while fishing for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jig and
twister tipped with a minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of
year. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twister tipped with a minnow is a deadly
combination for smallmouth bass this time of year.
Lake Delhi
Anglers were catching crappie on Lake Delhi as of
last week, but it has slowed down. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig various
colored tube jigs within different depths to find fish.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
There have been fair to good reports of walleye being caught on the
Maquoketa River in Delaware County. Walleye - Fair: Jig and twister tipped with
a minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Much like the Cedar River, reports on the Shell Rock River have been fair
for walleye and good for smallmouth bass. Most smallmouth catches have been
incidental while fishing for walleye. Walleye - Fair: Jig and twister tipped
with a minnow is a deadly combination for walleye this time of year.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is in the best condition it has been in months as
far as clarity and water levels. Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing should be
fair to good and reports for northern pike fishing have been good. Northern
Pike - Good: Float a live chub under a bobber.
Reports are fair to good on the interior rivers for
walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Panfish reports have been very
limited as we approach late fall and early winter water temperatures. Trout
streams remain full of trout for anglers to get out and harvest. There have
been good reports of brown and rainbow trout being caught within the Manchester
District streams. For further information, call the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276.
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level has fallen to 8.4 feet at Lansing and is predicted to stay
stable over the next week. A lot of vegetation and debris is still in the river
after multiple high water events. New Albin ramp has reopened. Black Crappie - Fair: Some anglers are
reporting a few crappies this week as the river has returned to its banks. Use
minnows under a bobber in the tree piles in backwater areas. Largemouth Bass -
Good: Largemouth are holding tight up in vegetation beds near overwintering
holes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Lots of current in the river right now makes for
great smallmouth fishing. Fish crankbaits along exposed riprap on main channel
borders. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is picking up in backwaters and side
sloughs. Use crawlers under a bobber fished tight up against tree lines out of
the current. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing is picking up below the tailwaters
and on wing dams. Sauger - Good: Sauger are making the move toward the
tailwaters of the lock and dam. Use jigs tipped with minnows fished over
deep-water structures. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are gathering in the
vegetation in backwater lakes. Fish a minnow under a bobber in the lily-pads or
tree piles.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level has fallen to 16.1 feet at Lynxville and is predicted to stay
stable over the next week. The gates at Lock and Dam 9 are lowered; expect tailwater
fishing to pick up as the water stabilizes. Water temperatures are in the low
to mid 50's. Black Crappie - Fair: Some
anglers are reporting a few crappies this week as the river has returned to its
banks. Use minnows under a bobber in the tree piles in backwater areas. Largemouth
Bass - Good: Largemouth are holding tight up in vegetation beds near overwintering
holes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Lots of current in the river right now makes for
great smallmouth fishing. Fish crankbaits along exposed riprap on main channel
borders. Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing is picking up in backwaters and side
sloughs. Use crawlers under a bobber fished tight up against tree lines out of
the current. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing is picking up below the tailwaters
and on wing dams. Sauger - Good: Sauger are making the move toward the
tailwaters of the lock and dam. Try jigs tipped with minnows fished over
deep-water structures. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are gathering in the
vegetation in backwater lakes. Fish a minnow under a bobber in the lily-pads or
tree piles.
Mississippi River Pool 11
River level has fallen to 7.8 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to fall
slightly over the next week. The gates at Lock and Dam 10 are down; expect tailwater
fishing to pick up as the water stabilizes. Water temperatures are in the mid to lower
50's. Black Crappie - Fair: Some anglers
are reporting a few crappies this week as the river has returned to its banks. Use
minnows under a bobber in the tree piles in backwater areas. Largemouth Bass -
Good: Largemouth are holding tight up in vegetation beds near overwintering
holes. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Lots of current in the river right now makes for
great smallmouth fishing. Fish crankbaits along exposed riprap on main channel
borders. Walleye - Good: Walleye fishing is picking up below the tailwaters and
on wing dams. Sauger - Good: Sauger are making the move toward the tailwaters
of the lock and dam. Use jigs tipped with minnows fished over deep-water
structures. Yellow Perch - Good: Perch are gathering in the vegetation in backwater
lakes. Fish a minnow under a bobber in the lily-pads or tree piles. Bluegill -
Good: Bluegill fishing is picking up in backwaters and side sloughs. Use
crawlers under a bobber fished tight up against tree lines out of the current.
Fall fishing on the Upper Mississippi has been excellent for numerous
species. Fish are actively feeding to prepare for overwintering as most species
are moving into deeper overwintering holes. Water levels are predicted to
remain stable adding to successful fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level is near 7.8 feet at Dubuque tailwater and near 10.1 feet at
the RR bridge. These levels are down from last week and are expected to recede.
The main channel is near 52 degrees. Fishing has been excellent for numerous
species. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Catch huge numbers of bass near the
higher quality backwaters where they plan to spend the winter. Use spinner baits and scatter shads. Freshwater
Drum - Excellent: 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 and
try to avoid freezing them. Bluegill - Good: Lots of bluegills are coming out
the better backwater areas. Some places are non-stop action but size tends to
be smaller. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: 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 catch smallmouth bass, which often hold very
tight to the rocks. Action is fast when they are found. Black Crappie - Fair:
Expect good fishing for crappies to return this fall. Lots of nice crappies are
in the Mississippi River. Walleye - Good: Use a jig and minnow in the
tailwater. Some larger walleye are still coming off the wing dams. White Bass -
Good: These fish can school up and action can be fast. Use spinners or small
crank baits. Rock Bass - Good: Lots of rock bass are being reported from the
backwaters and shallow areas in the tailwater. Yellow Perch - Good: Looks to be
another excellent perch year; another year class is present which bodes well
for the future. Most ring perch have been caught by anglers targeting
bluegills. Sauger - Good: Lots of tailwater angling going on with most anglers
using some form of a three way minnow and jig.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is near 8.7 feet at Bellevue, down from last week. The
water temperature is around 52 degrees. Water levels are expected to recede
slowly all week. Fishing has been very
good during this nice fall weather. Walleye - Good: Use jigs and minnows or
three way minnow rigs in the tailwater. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many good
catches of bass were reported this week. Bass are feeding on shad as their
primary food. Try larger silver colored crank baits; try to keep vegetation off
your line. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: 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. Black Crappie - Good: Some crappies are being taken mostly
by anglers catching bluegills. Those targeting specifically for crappies are
moving from brush pile to brush pile. White Bass - Good: White bass schools are
being reported in the tailwater area in the shallow areas. Try a spinner or
minnow imitation lure. Bluegill - Excellent: They are starting to move into
their winter backwater homes. Size has been an issue but some anglers reporting
large numbers being caught. Sauger - Excellent: Lots of sauger are being caught
with the walleyes in the tailwater area. Rock Bass - Good: Anglers are catching
rock bass in the tailwaters at 5 feet and in backwater slough while crappie
fishing.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The level is near 8.2 feet at Fulton, 11.6 feet at Camanche and 6.1 feet
at Le Claire. The water temperature is
near 53 degrees. Fishing has been excellent for many species. Freshwater Drum -
Good: Use a simple sliding sinker and worm fished in current. Worms are the
best bait. Walleye - Good: Anglers are returning to the tailwaters for a chance
at walleyes and sauger. Use a jig and
minnow. Smallmouth Bass - Good: 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, which often hold very tight to
the rocks. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass are biting again. They are still
out in the edges of the main channels and side sloughs, but you need to fish
out of the high current areas. Pockets and eddies give you the best shot at
quality bass. White Bass - Fair: White bass and an occasional hybrid striped
bass are being reported in the tailwater area. Use minnow imitations such as
spinners in the tailwater this fall. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie bite is
gearing up; the receding water should help people find crappies. Sauger - Good:
Use jigs and minnow rigs in the tailwater. Yellow Perch - Good: Some anglers
reporting catching yellow perch in the backwaters while fishing for bluegills. A few are being taken in the tailwaters by
sauger anglers, especially when they are in more shallow water less than 10
feet deep.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is 8.4 feet at Rock Island, which is down from last week.
Water will fall more this week. Water temperature is around 53 degrees in the
main channel. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are abundant in Pool 15.
Try fishing the eagles landing area or the outside channel south of I 74 with a
with worm and egg sinkers. Channel Catfish - Good: Fish close to the shorelines
for best success; even in the cool temperatures many catfish are still along
the shorelines, especially in higher water levels. White Bass - Good: Some
white bass are being reported in the tailwater and along the bank in the City
of Bettendorf and near the Duck Creek mouth.
Water temperatures are still in the low 50's throughout the district. The
water levels are still a bit higher than most anglers are used to this time of
year, but water levels are receding. Expect
water to recede slowly again this week. If you have an fishing question, please
contact Bellevue Fisheries Station at 563-872-4976.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 8.15 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is
falling. Main channel water temperature is around 50 degree. Walleye - Good:
Some walleyes are being caught in Sylvan slough up by the dams. Troll stick
baits on three-way rigs. Try also jigging and trolling from the opening at
Sunset Marina to the mouth of the Rock River. Sauger - Good: Some saugers are
being caught in Sylvan slough up by the dams. Troll stick baits on three-way
rigs. Try also jigging and trolling from the opening at Sunset Marina to the
mouth of the Rock River. White Bass - Fair: Cast jigs and twister tails in
Sylvan Slough. White Crappie - No Report: We have not received any reports for
crappie fishing; look for fish in the backwaters around brush piles. Try jigs
and minnows, minnows under a bobber, or jigs and plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 17
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this
week. Sauger - Slow: There have been a few boats below the dam fishing for
saugers but fishing has been slow. Vertical jig or troll three-way rigs with stick
baits. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing below the dam has been slow. White
Crappie - No Report: We have not received any crappie fishing reports; look for
crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try jigs and minnows, minnows
under a bobber, or jigs and plastics at Big Timber and Cleveland Slough.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 8.45 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling.
The gates on the dam are being reported as open. Fishing below the dam has been
slow. The Toolsboro access is now open. Main channel water temperature is
around 50 degrees. Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing below the dam has been slow. Vertical
jig or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. White Crappie - Good: Look for
crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try jigs and minnows, minnows
under a bobber, or jigs and plastics at Huron Island.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 5.30 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling.
Main channel water temperature is 50 degrees. We have not received any fishing
reports for this pool this week. Sauger - No Report: Look for saugers up by the
dam. Vertical jig or troll three-way rigs with stick baits. White Crappie - No
Report: Look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try minnows
under a bobber, jigs and minnows, or jigs and plastics.
River stages have been falling. Main channel water
temperature is 50 degrees. If you have questions on
fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
Cedar River (La
Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Walleye – Fair.
Coralville Reservoir
The lake level on 11/17 is at fall pool of 686.4' and is holding steady.
The only dock in now is at the Macbride ramp. Black Crappie - Fair: Use minnows
or bright jigs over brush or along steeper rock banks.
Diamond Lake
No minnows are allowed here. The fish cleaning station and restroom is
closed for the season. The boat dock remains in all year. Black Crappie - Fair:
Drift/troll for suspended fish in deeper water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish
around brush and rip rap.
Iowa Lake
(Iowa County)
Bluegill - Fair: Fish wax worms around brush to catch bluegill up to 9
inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Fish wax worms around brush. Many fish are 9-11
inches.
Iowa River
(Marshalltown to Coralville Lake)
Walleye - Good: Most anglers are using likebait. Target deeper wintering
holes and where creeks dump in.
Kent Park Lake
The boat dock has been taken out for the season. Bluegill – Slow. Black
Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Slow.
Lake Macbride
Any size motor may be operated at no wake (5 mph). The fish cleaning
station is shut down and most boat docks are out. The fish cleaning dock at the
main ramp is still in along with the dock in the bay by the Sailboat ramp.
Black Crappie - Fair: Use jigs or minnows over brush/stumps in 10-15 feet of
water. Walleye - Slow: Vertical jig over structure in 14-18 feet of water. Largemouth
Bass - Slow: Try spinnerbaits and crankbaits fished along rip rap. Wiper
(Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Fish are hit and miss. Most fish are smaller, but
some bigger fish have been reported in the past week. Most fish are deeper
during the day and shallower towards evening.
Otter Creek Lake
The boat dock has been taken out and the fish cleaning station is closed for
the season. Bluegill – Slow.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The lake is currently down 15' for the restoration project. Much of the
dirt work has been done and rock work has begun. The main boat ramp is being
replaced and the concession stand ramp will be replaced soon. There are no
fishing reports at this time.
Wapsi River
(Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
The river conditions look great and water temperatures are around 50 degrees.
Smallmouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Black Crappie –
Fair.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Corydon Reservoir
The fisheries renovation at Corydon Reservoir has been completed. Fingerlings
have been stocked.
Lake Sugema
Crappie fishing has started to pick up slightly. Try
minnows tipped on small jigs or a minnow and a bobber. Keep moving until you
find active fish. Catch bluegill with small jigs tipped with a waxworm. Target
the edge of the aquatic vegetation or open pockets among the lily pads.
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinner baits or rubber worms in areas along the
edge of the aquatic vegetation and around rocky shorelines. Lake Sugema has a
slot limit so all largemouth bass 12-18 inches must be immediately released. Walleye
- Slow: Surveys show 15-20 inch walleye. Drift or troll nightcrawlers or
minnows along the rip-rapped shorelines and along submerged points. Try also casting
crankbaits
Lake Wapello
Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good. Try spinnerbaits or rubber
worms in areas with submerged structure and also along the edge of the aquatic
vegetation. Catch bullheads with nightcrawlers fished on the bottom.
Ottumwa Park
Pond East (Trout Pond)
Trout were stocked in late October. Use small spinners or prepared trout
baits. A trout fee is required to fish for or to possess trout.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.42 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0
msl. The current surface water temperature is in the upper 50'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. Try also
casting minnows and jigs near the shore. White Crappie - Fair: Use small jigs
or minnows off docks and around submerged structure. White Bass - Fair: Cast
jigs or crankbaits along the shorelines. Wipers are being caught along with the
white bass.
Red Haw Lake
Use small jigs tipped with live bait for bluegills. Target the shorelines
and keep moving until you find active fish. Bass anglers should target shorelines,
the dam and the fishing jetties with rubber worms or spinner baits.
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.
Ada Hayden
Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout - Good: The fall trout stocking will
occur this Friday, November 18th at noon. Catch trout with a variety of methods
including small in-line spinners, spoons, small tube jigs, and wax worms or
minnows under a bobber.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Rainbow trout were stocked on October 20th. Catch
trout with a variety of methods including small in-line spinners, spoons, small
tube jigs, and wax worms or minnows under a bobber.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: The fall walleye bite has been fair to good at Big Creek.
Better numbers of legal size fish are being caught throughout the lake around
points and over the roadbeds. Several methods are working including jigging,
trolling live minnow rigs, and trolling shad imitating crank baits.
Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly troll 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 middle portion of the lake has the most
consistent catches.
Hickory Grove
Lake
White Crappie - Fair: Troll 1/8th ounce jigs with twister tails or drift
live minnows or minnow imitating soft plastics under slip bobbers. Start on the
area between the Snow Bunting Lodge and Oriole Ridge Lodge.
Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout were stocked in Lake Petocka on October 21st.
Catch trout with a variety of methods
including small in-line spinners, spoons, small tube jigs and wax worms or
minnows under a bobber.
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. White Bass - Fair:
Troll rattling lipless crankbaits at depths up to 20 feet on the windblown side
of the lake.
Warmer than average water temperatures for November
are keeping some good fishing going for largemouth bass, crappie and walleye. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
Cold Springs Lake
A few 8 inch bluegills are being caught with nightcrawlers. The lake has
an 18 inch length limit on largemouth bass. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast
plastics Texas rigged in the tree piles and stake beds to catch fish up to 20
inches. Bluegill - Fair: A few 8 inch bluegill are being caught with
nightcrawlers under a bobber.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a good panfish population. The crappie bite has
picked up this week. Bluegill - Fair: Drift with power bait or crawlers to
catch bluegill up to 8.5 inches. Black Crappie - Good: Concentrate around the
ends of jetties and submerged trees to find crappie up to 12 inches. Channel
Catfish - Slow: 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 trees and rock piles. Bass fishing is good around
cedar trees. Bluegill - Fair: Drift
small black jigs tipped with power bait. Concentrate on the roadbeds and any
rock piles in the lake. Fish are nine inches. Black Crappie - Good: Drift or vertical
jig over tree piles. Sorting is necessary for fish over 10 inches. Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are in the tree piles. Cast or jig plastics to
catch bass of all sizes.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield lake has quality size crappies and bluegill. Water clarity
has improved with cooler water temperatures. Bluegill - Fair: Vertical jig cedar tree piles
to catch bluegills up to 10 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Vertical jig or cast
around cedar tree piles to catch 10 to 12 inch black crappies.
Orient Lake
Orient has a good population of 9 to 10 inch crappies. Water clarity is
poor but should improve as water temperatures cool. The lake will be a good ice
fishing destination this winter. Black Crappie - No Report: Use minnows or jigs
tipped with power bait around the tree piles in the lake with to catch black
crappies up to 10.5 inches. Bluegill - No Report: Find bluegills around the
tree piles in the lake during fall and winter months.
Prairie Rose Lake
Anglers report 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 nine
inches. Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers are beginning to catch 14 to 16 inch
channel catfish around the jetties on night crawlers.
Viking Lake
Viking has a good crappie population. Target tree piles for crappies and
largemouth at this time. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Fish plastics in tree piles to
catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches. 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.
With unseasonably warm weather in November the
panfish bite continues to be good in the southwest district. Take advantage of
the good fishing before temperatures fall back to normal. 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
crankbaits fished near rocky structure or stake beds or using spinnerbaits fished
along windblown points. Walleye - Slow: Catch walleye of all sizes have with twister
tails fished near the silt dam.
Lake of Three
Fires
Black Crappie - Fair: Catch crappies up to 11 inches with jigs or minnows
fished near cedar tree brush piles.
Little River Watershed Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Catch bluegill up to 9 inches with jigs or nightcrawlers
fished in 15-20 feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Catch walleye up to 20 inches using
jigs or minnows fished in 15-20 feet of water near the flooded timber or along
the roadbed.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches with
crankbaits fished along creek channels leading into bays. Walleye - Good: Catch
walleye of all sizes vertical jigging minnows along rock piles and drop-offs. Bluegill
- Fair: Catch bluegill up to 10 inches using minnows or wax worms fished near
the bottom along creek channels or flooded timber. Black Crappie - Fair: Catch
crappie of all sizes with minnows fished near rock piles. Yellow Perch - Fair: Catch
yellow perch up to 11 inches with minnows or crappie rigs fished near the
bottom in creek channels leading into bays.
Water temperature in Mount Ayr district lakes is in
the mid 50's. For more information, please contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait and crawlers below wing dams and
along the rock revetment. Blue Catfish - Slow: Use fresh cut bait fished along
the bottom or on trotlines near fast water. Try fishing along wing dams near deeper
water and current breaks. Flathead Catfish - Slow: Use live bait fished with
rod and reel or with trotlines in currents breaks and/or near deeper water. Sauger
- Slow: Try jigs and live bait rigs near wing dams and current breaks.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait and crawlers below wing dams and
along the rock revetment. Blue Catfish - Slow: Use fresh cut bait fished along
the bottom or on trotlines near fast water. Try fishing along wing dams near deeper
water and current breaks. Flathead Catfish - Slow: Use live bait fished with rod
and reel or with trotlines in currents breaks and/or near deeper water. Sauger
- Slow: Try jigs and live bait rigs near wing dams and current breaks.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Channel Catfish - Fair: Try cut bait and crawlers below wing dams and
along the rock revetment. Blue Catfish - Slow: Use fresh cut bait fished along
the bottom or on trotlines near fast water. Try fishing along wing dams near
deeper water and current breaks. Flathead Catfish - Slow: Use live bait fished
with rod and reel or with trotlines in currents breaks and/or near deeper
water. Sauger - Slow: Try jigs and live bait rigs near wing dams and current
breaks.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska gauge is at 20.4 ft./ 29,000
cfs./ 51 degrees Fahrenheit. The Missouri River is about the same level as last
week, but the temperature has dropped 3 degrees Fahrenheit. Fishing is fair to
slow overall on the Missouri River.
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