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Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of July 27.
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
Arrowhead
Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Catch 8- to 9-inch bluegills near structure in about 5 feet of
water. Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler fished about 3 feet below
a bobber.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperature is around 80 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Pick up bluegill just about anywhere along the shoreline in 2- to 5-feet of water. Use a small jig tipped with live bait or a small
piece of crawler fished below a bobber off the floating fishing pier, the west
stone pier, and the inlet bridge. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are mostly off shore now, but a few are being picked up by shore anglers along Ice House Point. Walleye - Fair: Use leeches fished under a bobber and twisters near rock piles in the early morning. The rock pile off of Cottonwood point has been
producing fish. Largemouth Bass - Good: Catch largemouth all over the lake using the traditional bass lures. Fishing Ice House Point and the lake side of the inlet bridge has provided good bass action for many anglers. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait and leeches fished on the bottom along shore. Try also in the marina and near the floating dock in Town Bay. Catch fish up to 25 inches long.
Brushy
Creek Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler in about 10 feet
of water. Black Crappie - Fair: Try a small piece of crawler or minnow
on a jig in 10- to 15-feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Good: Throw
topwater lures, weedless baits, spinners and plastic worms along weed lines,
near cover and wood structure. Fish deeper for larger fish. Pick up small fish in
the shallows. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are around 80 degrees. Dredge is in operation in the northeast portion of
the lake; boaters must maintain a 100 foot distance from the dredge, booster
pump and 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: Boat anglers are doing well trolling shad raps or drifting crawlers on the edges of the dredge cuts around the lake. White Bass - Fair: Use crankbaits; most action has been from boat while fishing dredge cuts. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait, stink bait or crawlers near rocks along shore.
Swan
Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use a small jig tipped with a piece of crawler or minnow under a
bobber near shore along weed lines. Expect 6- to 9-inch fish.
Yellow
Smoke Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills can reach 9 inches or more. Look for bluegills in 5-
to 10-feet of water near the arm north of the swim beach and the coves on the
south shore.
For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Bluebill
Lake
Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Bass are biting on a
variety of baits fished near vegetation.
Clear Lake
The water temperature is 75 degrees. Early morning bite is best. Clean, Drain, and Dry your boats to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Yellow Bass - Good: Drift small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler in 8- to 13-feet of water. Walleye - Fair: Use a slip bobber and leech or minnow in the rock
reefs. Channel Catfish - Good: Use cut bait, stink bait or chicken liver on the windward side of the lake.
Crystal
Lake
The boat ramp is closed for construction. It should
be open by the weekend. Bluegill
- Fair: Use a small piece of crawler under a slip bobber near the dredge cut. Black Crappie - Slow: Drift a small jig or minnow 4- to 5-feet below a slip bobber in
the dredged area. Look for suspended fish on your electronics and adjust depth
accordingly.
For information in the north central area, contact the Clear Lake Fish
and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Center
Lake
Black Crappie - Good: Cast mini jigs along the shoreline for excellent
pole bending activity.
Five
Island Lake
Channel
Catfish - Good: Recent surveys show good numbers of acceptable size fish.
Spirit Lake
Walleye - Good: Use using traditional baits fished shallow for
angler acceptable size fish.
For
more information throughout the week, contact the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery at
712-336-1840.
Casey
Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
The park ranger reports that the bluegill and largemouth bass fishing has
been fair with channel catfish picking up on Casey Lake. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use sub-surface artificial baits and plastics off of the jetties and dam. Bluegill - Fair: Try off of the jetties and in the cove areas in 2 to
4-feet of water. Channel
Catfish - Fair: Use stink bait, chicken
livers and leopard frogs.
Cedar
River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River has received some substantial rainfall over the past
week. The river is falling quickly and conditions should improve with the next
week’s dry forecast.
Manchester
District Streams
Anglers are doing well catching trout on imitation hoppers on Spring
Branch Creek and other area streams; there is a banner crop of grasshopper this
summer. Recent rainfall events have made streams rise and fall fast; call
ahead if you are travelling from far away. Brown Trout - Good: Use
imitation hoppers on the surface.
Maquoketa
River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River in Delaware County has been very high, but is
beginning to fall fast. Little or no fishing will likely take place over the
coming weekend.
Shell
Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River is being reported as being in the best condition of
all of the interior rivers. Angling opportunities may be best for catching
walleye or smallmouth bass.
Wapsipinicon
River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Recreation is not recommended over the coming weekend on the swollen
Wapsipinicon River as flows remain dangerous. Northern Pike - Good: Use
large spinnerbaits or live chubs under a bobber.
Interior river fishing has been fairly unpredictable
with fluctuating river levels. Most rivers remain high and turbid. Trout
streams remain in good condition, but call ahead for stream conditions if
travelling from far away. Contact the N.E.
District Office at 563-927-3276 for more information.
Mississippi River Pool 9
River level has fallen to 8.7 feet at Lansing and is
predicted to remain stable this week. Water temperature is near 76 degrees.
Bluegill - Excellent: Use small hooks with a small piece of worm fished under a bobber in the backwaters where there is vegetation. Channel Catfish - Good:Try nightcrawlers or stink bait fished on the bottom
in areas of moderate current where side channels form an eddy. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Lots of drum are still being caught in the swifter
current breaks. Bounce a nightcrawler along the bottom or try crayfish for
bigger fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth fishing should pick up as water clarity
improves over the next week. Fish rock piles at the tips of the islands and
backside of islands with current. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth fishing is expected to pick up as river
levels recede and water clarity improves. Use jerk baits in protected
backwaters with clearer water. Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits in off channel areas. Fish the
shallows in early morning or late evening. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are sitting in 4-5 feet of water in the
backwaters. Use small minnows or worms fished on the bottom. Northern
Pike - Fair: Northern pike fishing is picking up in the
shallows or in the mouths of tributary streams. Flathead
Catfish - Fair: Try live shiners or small bluegill in woody
debris to attract flatheads in slack areas off the side channels.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Lynxville water level has fallen to 16.6 feet and is predicted to fall about another foot next
week. Water temperature is 76 degrees at the
lock and dam. Some area boat ramps may be difficult to access due
to storm damage clean up in the McGregor/Marquette area. Bluegill - Excellent: Use small hooks with a small piece of worm fished under a bobber in the backwaters where there is vegetation. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or stink bait fished on the
bottom in areas of moderate current where side channels form an eddy. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Lots of drum are still being caught in the swifter
current breaks. Bounce a night crawler along the bottom or try crayfish for
bigger fish. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallmouth fishing should pick up as water
clarity improves over the next week. Fish rock piles at the tips of the islands
and backside of islands with current. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth fishing is expected to pick up as
river levels recede and water clarity improves. Try jerk baits in protected
backwaters with clearer water. Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits in off channel areas. Fish the
shallows in early morning or late evening. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are sitting in 4- to 5-feet of water in the
backwaters; use small minnows or worms fished on the bottom. Northern
Pike - Fair: Northern pike fishing is picking up in the
shallows or in the mouths of tributary streams. Flathead
Catfish - Fair: Use live shiners or small bluegill in woody
debris to attract flatheads in slack areas off the side channels.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Mississippi River at Guttenberg has dropped to 9.3 feet and is predicted to stabilize
near 7 feet. Water temperature is 70 degrees at the Lock and Dam;
gates are all lowered this week. Bluegill - Excellent: Use small hooks with a small piece of worms fished under a bobber in the backwaters where there is vegetation. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers
or stink bait fished on the bottom in areas of moderate current where side channels
form an eddy. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Lots of drum are still being caught in the swifter
current breaks. Bounce a night crawler along the bottom or try crayfish for
bigger fish. Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Fair: Smallmouth fishing should pick up as water
clarity improves over the next week. Fish rock piles at the tips of the islands
and backside of islands with current. Largemouth Bass -Fair: Largemouth fishing is expected to pick up as
river levels recede and water clarity improves. Try jerk baits in protected
backwaters with clearer water. Walleye - Fair: Use crankbaits in off channel areas. Fish the
shallows in early morning or late evening. Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are sitting in 4- to 5-feet of water in the
backwaters: use small minnows or worms fished on the bottom. Northern
Pike - Fair: Northern pike fishing is picking up in the
shallows or in the mouths of tributary streams. Flathead
Catfish - Fair: Try live shiners or small bluegill in woody
debris to attract flatheads in slack areas off the side channels.
Water levels are receding quickly on the Upper Mississippi. Conditions
are expected to be near normal summer levels again next week. Water clarity is
still somewhat stained from last week’s rains, but is improving daily. Fishing
is picking up with water levels falling and stabilizing.
Mississippi River Pool 12
River levels rose dramatically after the substantial rains in the
Mississippi River watershed. River levels are now around 9.6 feet at the Dubuque Lock and
Dam and 11.8 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is poor with some debris still in the
water. Water levels are predicted to rapidly recede this week. Water
temperature is around 77 degrees. Channel Catfish - Good:Channel catfish are biting on worms and stink
bait; they like flooded water. Freshwater Drum - Excellent: A simple egg sinker
and worm rig works best. White Crappie - No Report: A few nice white crappie have been reported all
spring. Some black crappies were also showing before the
floods. Walleye - No Report: Changing water levels and floating weeds
have limited fishing for walleyes most of this spring. Populations are very good. White
Bass - No Report: This spring has seen a nice run of white bass on
Pool 12. Some white bass were caught along main channel rock
lines before the large rain event. Bluegill - No Report: Angle near the mouths of large backwater complexes
as bluegills should be in these areas as water recedes; most are being caught on worm rigs. Flathead
Catfish - Good: Pull worm rigs near rocky
habitats. Lots of flatheads have been caught this year. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: The smallmouth bite was progressing
nicely before the large rainfall event and turbid water. Throw spinners or
small crankbaits in the evening. Largemouth
Bass - No Report: Largemouths have pulled out of the
shallow backwater areas and are on trees and sandy shoals often chasing
minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 13
River levels rose dramatically after the substantial
rains in the Mississippi River watershed last week. Levels have begun to recede
and are 11.6 feet at the Bellevue Lock and Dam. Water clarity is poor with some
debris still in the water. Water levels are predicted to rapidly recede all
week. Water temperature is around 77
degrees in the main channel. Northern Pike - No Report: Use flashy white lures lures in the mouths of cooler tributary streams. Channel Catfish - Good: Use worm rigs and stink bait above log jams
and rock piles to lure the catfish out. Move often if you don’t find fish. Freshwater Drum - Good: Use egg
sinker rigs with worms. Drum bite in all types of river conditions. Walleye - Slow: The rapid rise and turbid conditions from the large
rains have hampered conditions, but angling should improve this week. Water clarity is still turbid but getting
better. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: The smallmouth bite had just started along
rock piles, but the rapidly raising water may stall the bite. Bluegill - No Report: Receding water levels will pull the gills out in the shallow
backwater areas. Angle near the mouths of large backwater complexes as
bluegills should concentrate in these areas; most are being caught on worm
rigs. Flathead Catfish - Good: : Flatheads bite well in flooded water; put bait
along the flooded shorelines. Largemouth
Bass - No Report: Largemouth bite was very good just before
last week’s big rains; it is expected to be good again once clarity improves.
Mississippi River Pool 14
River levels rose dramatically after the substantial rains in the
Mississippi River watershed.
Levels are receding and are around 11.9 feet at
Fulton, 14.4 feet at Camanche and 8.8 feet at LeClaire. Water clarity is poor with lots of floating debris. Water levels are predicted to
recede rapidly this week. Water temperature
is 77 degrees in the main channel. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Bass had moved out of the large shallow areas into
deeper adjacent habitats. This river
bump may move them back into shallow expanses. Freshwater Drum - Good: Freshwater drum are biting on worm rigs. Channel Catfish - Good: : Use worm rigs and prepared stink baits fished
close to shore or along rock lines. Walleye - No Report: Before the river rise, some anglers were reporting
walleyes off the wing dams with worm rigs. Conditions should greatly improve this week. Flathead
Catfish - Good: Some people are trot lining flathead
catfish using large bullheads as bait. Flathead are active most during the night and evening hours.
Mississippi River Pool 15
River levels rose dramatically after the substantial rains in the
Mississippi River watershed.
Levels are now around 14.4 feet, which is at
moderate flood levels. Water clarity is
poor with lots of floating debris. Water levels are predicted to recede rapidly
this week. Channel
Catfish - Good: Many anglers are fishing stink bait along the rock
piles near Campbells and Arsenal Island. Freshwater
Drum - Good: Freshwater drum bite well this time of
year. Put them on ice immediately if you
are going to clean them. Flathead
Catfish - No Report: Use large live bait fished near shore
during the night and evening hours.
The main channel water temperature is still at 78
degrees. Fishing conditions radically changed this week. Water levels rose from recent rains and many
parts of the River are in action to moderate flooding stages. The River is extremely turbid with lots of floating
debris. If you have any angling questions, please contact the Bellevue Fisheries
Station 563-872-4976.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad
Cities is 15.09 feet and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 15.90 feet at Fairport and flood
stage is 14 feet. The docks have been pulled out at the Fairport Recreational
area and the lower ramp is underwater. The ramp is closed at Clarks Ferry.
Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 15.20 feet and has started to fall. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 16.63 feet at Muscatine and flood
stage is 16 feet. Ramps at Big Timber are closed. Kilpeck Landing is closed.
Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 16.01 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to crest on July 26th. Floodstage is 15
feet. River stage is 14.91 feet at Keithsburg and flood
stage is 14 feet. The Toolsboro landing is closed. We have not received any
fishing reports with the high and muddy water conditions.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 11.28 feet at Lock and Dam 18. Flood stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 10 feet. River stage at Burlington is 15.98 feet and currently forecast to crest by
Thursday. Flood stage is 15 feet at Burlington. River stage at
Fort Madison is 528.05 feet and flood stage is 528.0 feet. We have not received much for fishing reports from
this pool with the high and muddy water conditions.
River stages are above flood stage. Many of the
ramps are underwater. Water clarity is poor. Main channel water temperature is
around 78 degrees. Fishing has been slow with the high and muddy water
conditions. 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)
The river level had a nice little bounce up this
week, but will start to head back down on Friday. Channel Catfish - Fair: Most catfish are around the brush piles in the
deeper pools.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is around 85 degrees by mid-day. Bluegill - Slow: Anglers are having trouble finding the bigger bluegills;
mostly smaller ones biting. They remain out in the deeper water.
Lake Darling
The water temperature is in the lower 80's. A blue-green algae bloom is on the surface of the
water; water is clear below that. Largemouth
Bass - Slow: Hot weather has slowed the bass fishing. Look for
them to be off the drop off in deep water around the structure. Use soft
plastics worked slowly. Black Crappie - Slow: All the boats are out in
12- to 14-feet of water over the rock piles and brush piles.
Lake Geode
The water temperature is around 84-85 degrees. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills are hanging out in the deeper water off the drop offs.
Lake
Odessa
The outlet has been closed because of the rising Mississippi River water levels. The water level in Odessa is currently about what it is in
the fall. All the ramps are usable and the Toolesboro road is open. Black
Crappie - Fair: Look around the woody habitat and beaver lodges for
the fish that were spending most of their time on the flooded island. Channel Catfish - Good: Try cut bait and chicken liver.
Lost
Grove Lake
Water temperature is 83 to 85 degrees during the day. Most anglers are
out in the early morning and late evening. More boats were on the lake this
last few days because of the high water in the Mississippi River. Black
Crappie - Slow: Work the flooded timber along the old creek channel down
about 12 feet. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are out in deeper water around
the flooded timber
Skunk River
(Coppock to Mississippi River)
The river continues to drop. Most boats were having trouble getting too
far on the river this week; most won't be able to get through the rock riffles
without being dragged. Channel Catfish - Fair: They are back in the log
jams and brush piles trying to stay cool.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers, contact the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
Coralville
Reservoir
The lake is at normal summer pool of
683.4'. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use
cut bait in the channel.
Diamond
Lake
No minnows are allowed here. Black Crappie - Slow.
Bluegill - Good: Many fish are shallow now. Channel
Catfish – Good.
Hannen
Lake
Largemouth
Bass – Fair. Channel
Catfish – Good. Black Crappie – Slow.
Iowa
Lake (Iowa County)
Bluegill - Good. Largemouth Bass - Good. Channel Catfish – Good. Black Crappie - Fair.
Kent
Park Lake
The lake is now drained. The fishing regulations for Kent Park Lake have been relaxed to take
advantage of the fish due to the renovation project. For more information, contact the Kent Park
office at 319-645-2315.
Lake
Iowa Pond
Bluegill – Good. Largemouth Bass – Good.
Lake Macbride
The motor restriction is now in effect. Motors
greater than 10hp are not to be used and all boats must run at no-wake speed
(5mph). Water temperature this week was in the low to mid 80's. Black Crappie - Slow: Most have pulled off to deeper structure. Try jigs
or minnows over/around deeper brush/stumps. Walleye - Fair: Most fish are being caught in 7- to 11-feet of
water. Troll crawler rigs or crankbaits. Bluegill - Good: Most fish are small, but slightly better fish are
around deeper stumps. Largemouth
Bass - Fair. Channel
Catfish – Fair.
Otter
Creek Lake
Channel
Catfish - Good: Evening bite is best; use stink bait. Yellow
Bass - Fair: Use small spinners. Bluegill - Fair: Try a small jig or
worm .
Pleasant
Creek Lake
The lake is still about 9 feet low from the restoration project. The main
boat ramp is usable, but still shallow; use caution. The far east lane is best.
There is also a boat dock in at the ramp. The invasive plant, Brittle Naiad, is growing here.
It is extremely bad around the ramp area. Check your boat and trailer for
plants and drain your boats before you leave. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits or crawler rigs over hard
bottoms; after dark is best. Bluegill - Fair: Use small leeches in about
6 feet of water. Muskellunge – Fair. White Bass - Fair: Sunrise
and sunset are best. Look for topwater action as they chase young shad. Wiper
(Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Sunrise and sunset are best. Look for
topwater action as they chase young shad. Channel Catfish - Fair: The
dam area has been producing fish.
Rodgers
Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Use small worms under a bobber. Most fish are under
7 inches. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Decent sized fish are being caught on artificials,
especially those that are more weedless. Channel
Catfish - Fair: Try stink bait around brush piles.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Hawthorn Lake
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures in the mornings and evenings
along the shorelines. As the day heats up, use rubber worms or spinnerbaits along rip-rapped shorelines and around submerged rock piles. Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait around the fishing jetties and
along the dam. Sorting is needed for larger fish.
Lake Keomah
Bluegill - Slow: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the
shorelines and around the fishing jetties. Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Cast the shorelines early in the mornings, fish
deeper as the day heats up. Channel
Catfish - Fair: Try nightcrawlers or liver
around the shorelines in about 4- to 6-feet of water.
Lake Sugema
Black Crappie - Fair: Use live bait presentations around structure. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Walleye - Slow: Drift or troll nightcrawler rigs along the
dam. Try also crankbaits. Bluegill - Fair: Use
live bait and a small jig. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Try topwater lures fished in the mornings
and evenings. Use spinnerbaits or crawdad imitating baits along rip-rapped
shorelines and around the jetties.
Lake Wapello
Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use jerk baits or spinnerbaits around the cedar tree piles and along the shorelines.As the day heats up, try rubber worms in the same deeper areas. Use topwater lures in the mornings and
evenings. Channel
Catfish - Fair: Use chicken liver or cut
bait around the jetties.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.59 msl. Normal operating elevation is 904.0
msl. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean,
and dry equipment before transporting to another water body. White Crappie
- Fair: Troll crankbaits as the crappies are suspended. Some fish can still be caught shallow, but sorting is needed for
larger fish. Channel Catfish - Good: Try nightcrawlers or cut bait. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Troll crankbaits along submerged points and
rock piles. Walleye - Fair: Troll crankbaits around submerged points and rock piles.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with live bait along the edge
of the vegetation or areas that are open in the vegetation. Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Cast the shorelines in the mornings and evenings with topwater lures. Fish deeper as the day heats up using rubber worms around submerged structure.Channel
Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or chicken liver around the
fishing jetties.
Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about
fishing in south central Iowa.
Big
Creek Lake
Walleye - Fair: Troll live bait rigs and cast or troll shallow
diving crank baits on the upper end of the lake. White Bass - Fair: Troll shallow diving shad imitating baits out from
the beach and up to the marina. There are some good size white bass (up to 16
inches).
Des
Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel
Catfish - Good: Use stink baits and cut
baits.
Des
Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Water levels are getting low enough to make boat
fishing challenging. The Highway 30 ramp is dry. Channel Catfish - Good: Use stink baits or cut bait.
Don
Williams Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are averaging around 10 fish in an hour.. Drift tube jigs and twister or paddle tail jigs 3- to 8-feet down in 10- to 20-feet of
water throughout the lake until you find schools of fish.
Hickory
Grove Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs tipped with crawlers in the middle portion of the when
tree shade covers portions of the lake. Drift within or on the edge of the
shade.
Red
Rock Reservoir
White Bass - Good: The hot weather white bass bite is on. Troll small shallow diving rattle baits or spoons around large points, out from the beach and dam, and along the windblown
shoreline. Troll in depths of 5- to 15- feet. Use colors
imitating young gizzard shad. Channel
Catfish - Good: Drift cut creek chubs or
shad above the mile long bridge in 6-12 feet of water.
Roberts
Creek Lake
Black Crappie - Fair: Slowly drift the lower
half of the lake with small twister tails or tube jigs. Fish are suspended 3- to 10-feet deep.
Saylorville
Reservoir
White Bass - Slow: White bass bite has been slow this summer. Channel
Catfish - Good: Drift cut creek chubs in the upper end of the reservoir
above and just below the mile long bridge.
The fishing for white bass in Red Rock Reservoir and
channel catfish in Red Rock and Saylorville Reservoirs is good right now. For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers, contact Andy Otting or Ben Dodd at 515-432-2823.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Pond fishing was good this week. Always get permission to fish privately owned farm ponds. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth bass are active and easy to catch. Cast a variety of spinner type baits or plastics for fun catch and release fishing. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills around weed edges and deep structure. Black Crappie - Fair: Cast minnows under a slip bobber. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are close to structure; use prepared
baits or cut bait.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake has a good fish population. Catch catfish close to shore. Bluegills have moved away from shore. Black Crappie - Slow: Crappies have moved to deeper water. Cast small jigs or minnows under a slip bobber to catch fish averaging 9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Drift small jigs to catch 8 inch bluegill. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast spinnerbaits or plastics along the shoreline to catch 12- to 16-inch bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait or shrimp around the jetties. Be prepared to catch large
fish.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita will provide good fishing this year. Find a large crappie population averaging 9 inches and bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching crappies around underwater reefs and over the road beds. Fish will average 9 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegills up to 9.5 inches over the road beds
and rock piles. Largemouth Bass - Good: Find bass around underwater reefs and vegetation edges. Fish are all sizes.
Lake Manawa
Crappies are still being caught on the west side of the lake and in the canals. Manawa has a decent population of 10- to 12-inch white crappie. Manawa is also a good destination for channel catfish. Black Crappie - Fair: Manawa has a large year class of 5- to 7-inch black crappie. This big group of fish will provide good crappie fishing over the next couple of years. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on a variety of
prepared bait as well as minnows. Manawa has a good catfish population with opportunity
to catch large fish.
Littlefield Lake
Littlefield Lake has quality size black crappies and bluegill. The lake also has a good channel catfish population. Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish are close to rocky shorelines; use a variety of baits including shrimp. Fish average 2 pounds. Bluegill - Slow: Drift or cast to tree piles in the lake to catch bluegills up to 9.5 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: Catch crappies up to 12 inches around cedar tree
piles. The evening bite has been best.
Meadow Lake
Meadow lake bluegills have gained size and body condition after the mid-summer drawdown in 2016. There is a year class of 10- to 12-inch black crappie in the lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: There is a large year class of 12- to 14-inch bass. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait off the face of the dam. Meadow Lake has large channel catfish. Black Crappie - Fair: Find 10 inch crappies around underwater reefs and brush
piles. Bluegill - Fair: Drift nightcrawlers to find 8 inch bluegills.
Mormon Trail Lake
Mormon Trail has a good fish population. The catfish bite has been good around the jetties. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have moved to deeper water; use small jigs and worms in 8 feet of water. Fish will average 8 inches.Channel Catfish - Good: Catch large channel catfish after dark with cut bait. Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast the shoreline to find 13- to 16-inch largemouth bass. Black Crappie - Fair: A few 9 inch crappie are being caught around deep brush piles.
Orient Lake
Orient lake has a good population of 10 inch crappie that will provide good fishing in 2017. Bluegills are 7-to 8-inches. The lake also has a good catfish population. Water clarity is poor at this time. Channel Catfish - Fair: Use nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Fish are 18- to 22-inches. Black Bullhead - Fair: Cast a nightcrawler on the bottom for large bullheads up to 15 inches. Black Crappie - Slow: Vertical jig brush piles to catch 10 inch crappies. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills have moved away from shore and can be
caught around structure or drifting. Fish are 7 to 8 inches.
Prairie Rose Lake
Expect to catch quality size bluegills again this spring. The crappies stocked in 2014 will reach an acceptable size to harvest in 2017. The lake also supports a good population of channel catfish and the largemouth bass will provide good catch and release fishing. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers report catching quality size bluegills around the underwater reefs placed in the lake
during the renovation. Fish are 8.5- to 9-inches. Largemouth Bass - Good: There are many 12 inch bass in the lake that will
provide fun catch and release fishing. Black Crappie - Slow: A few 8 inch black crappie are being picked up
drifting. Channel Catfish - Good: Use liver or nightcrawlers in the upper end of the lake for 14- to
16-inch catfish.
Viking Lake
Anglers report catching crappies in deep brush piles and drifting. Bass fishing has been good. Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers report catching largemouth bass in tree piles jigging plastics. Fish are all sizes. Channel Catfish - Fair: Viking has a good channel catfish population; fish will average 2 pounds with the opportunity to catch larger fish. Black Crappie - Fair: Drift the open water with small jigs tipped with
power bait to catch crappie up to 9 inches. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Bluegill - Fair: Drifting has been good for 7 inch bluegill.
Anglers report good catfishing in rivers. Panfish have slowed with hot weather, but can still
be caught drifting open water areas. For more information, call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.
Green Valley
Lake
Largemouth
Bass - Excellent: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been caught using crankbaits or finesse plastics fished
near stake beds and cedar tree brush piles. Black
Crappie - Good: Catch crappies up to 9 inches using small
jigs or spinners fished along the fishing piers. Channel Catfish -
Fair: Channel catfish of all sizes have been caught using stink bait or cut
bait fished along windblown points.
Lake
Icaria
Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish of all sizes have
been caught with cut bait or stink bait fished along windblown points. Black
Crappie - Fair: Catch crappie up to 10 inches with jigs or
minnows fished near cedar tree brush piles.
Lake
of Three Fires
Largemouth
Bass - Good: Catch largemouth bass up to 18 inches with
finesse plastics fished along rocky shoreline areas early in the morning and
late in the evening. Bluegill - Fair: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using
small jigs tipped with a nightcrawler fished along rocky shoreline areas early
in the morning and late in the evening.
Little
River Watershed Lake
Largemouth
Bass - Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 20 inches using finesse plastics or crankbaits fished along cedar tree brush piles. Channel
Catfish - Fair: Catch channel catfish up
to 10 pounds using stink bait or cut bait fished near the flooded
timber.
Twelve
Mile Creek Lake
Largemouth
Bass - Good: Largemouth bass of all sizes have been
caught with finesse plastics fished along rock reefs and cedar
tree brush piles. Bluegill - Good: Catch bluegill up to 8 inches using small jigs tipped with nightcrawlers fished near rock piles and rock reefs.
Water temperature in Mount Ayr district lakes is in the mid 80's. For
more information, contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux)
Flathead Catfish - Good: Use rod and reel and trotlines with live bait
off the tips of wing dikes and rock structures. Evening or after dark is best. Blue Catfish - Good: Use fresh cut bait fished off the bottom in or near the current. Channel Catfish - Good: Use worms, chicken livers, cut bait and dip baits along wing dams, brush piles and along the rock revetment.
Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs)
Flathead Catfish - Good: Use rod and reel and trotlines with live bait off the tips of wing dikes and rock structures. Evening or after dark is best. Blue Catfish - Good: Use fresh cut bait fished off the bottom in or near the current. Channel Catfish - Good: Use worms, chicken livers, cut bait and dip baits near wing dams, brush piles and along the rock revetment.
Missouri River (Council Bluffs to Missouri State Line)
Flathead Catfish - Good: Use rod and reel and trotlines with live bait off the tips of wing dikes and rock structures. Evening or after dark is best. Blue Catfish - Good: Use fresh cut bait fished off the bottom in or near the main river channel. Channel Catfish - Good: Use worms, chicken livers, cut bait and dip baits near wing dams, brush piles and along the rock revetment.
The Missouri River at Decatur, Nebraska is at 21.86ft. /33,500 cfs./80
degrees Fahrenheit (water temperature is down 1 degree since last week). The
Missouri River is down .89 feet from last week. The Missouri River is down .34 ft from last week. Anglers
are mainly catching catfish species (channel's, flathead's, and blue cats). Fishing has been fair to good for all catfish species.
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