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The 2026 Iowa Walleye Challenge features exciting new ways for anglers to compete, connect, and contribute to fisheries science and management across the Midwest.
This event uses the mobile app MyCatch, where anglers report catches and trips to qualify for prizes. The $25 entry fee includes a $20 Discount Tackle gift certificate for every angler who reports a valid trip. Prize categories include Weekly Challenges, Random Draw Prizes, Most Fish Caught, Most Waterbodies Fished, Captain Prizes, Early Bird Prizes, and Longest Walleye.
The weekly fishing report is broken down by fisheries regions and management districts – Mississippi River, northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest.
Use the new search and filter options to check the activity of your favorite lake, pond, river and stream within each region, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), and simple tips and tricks for targeting those fish.
Click on "View entire message" at the bottom of this email so you can view all fisheries regions and management district reports.
 About 320,000 catchable-sized rainbow trout will be stocked into 45 streams and three ponds throughout northeast Iowa through the end of October. Funding to support the trout stocking program comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses and trout fees.
Iowa’s trout streams are open year-round and meander through some of the most scenic areas of the state. Get the most out of your trout fishing trip with information about each stream's location, qualities, and other fun facts on the Iowa trout streams webpage.
Bellevue Management District
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Contact Person: Dave Bierman - 563-872-5495
Mississippi River water levels will be on the rise across the district with several chances of rain over the upcoming week. The pre-spawn walleye bite has been good; wild temperature swings over the past week have hampered angling efforts. The Mississippi River paddlefish snagging season is open until April 15. There is a 33-inch maximum length limit with a daily limit of two and a possession limit of four. Please consult theDNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity. Call your locat bait shops or Iowa DNR Fisheries office for the latest information on river conditions. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Pool 12, Mississippi River (Dubuque)
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Water Temperature (°F): 47.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 9.8 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and is forecast to rise. The pre-spawn walleye and sauger bite is on, big swings in temperatures have affected anglers. Call your local bait shops for the latest information.
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Black Crappie - Slo
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Bluegill - Slow
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Northern Pike - Good: Pike are showing up in the creel again. They are feeding after the spawn.
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Sauger - Fair: Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. Slow down your presentation and make multiple passes through small productive zones.
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Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed over the past week. Try jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows if the bite is slow. Use slower presentations with enough weight to stay on the bottom and focus on current seams or areas with bottom transitions. Make multiple passes through small productive zones.
Pool 13, Mississippi River (Jackson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 47.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 10.7 feet at the Bellevue tailwater and will rise with recent storms and more rainy days ahead. The pre-spawn walleye/sauger bite has slowed somewhat. The paddlefish snagging season is open until April 15. There is a 33-inch maximum length limit with a daily limit of two and a possession limit of four. Please consult the DNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity.
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Black Crappie - Slow
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Bluegill - Slow
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Channel Catfish - Slow
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Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are showing up in the creel again. They are feeding after the spawn.
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Sauger - Fair: The sauger bite has slowed since last week. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. Slow down your presentation and make multiple passes through small productive zones.
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Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed over the past week; anglers are catching some larger fish. Try jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows if the bite is slow. Use slower presentations with enough weight to stay on the bottom; focus on current seams or areas with bottom transitions. Make multiple passes through small productive zones.
Pool 14, Mississippi River (Clinton)
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Water Temperature (°F): 47.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 10 feet at Lock and Dam 13 and will be rising with recent rains and more rainy days ahead. The paddlefish snagging season is open until April 15. There is a 33-inch maximum length limit with a daily limit of two and a possession limit of four. Please consult the DNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity.
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Black Crappie - Status Unsure
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Bluegill - Slow
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Channel Catfish - Slow: Anglers are catching a few channel cats; wide temperature swings have affected the bite.
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Sauger - Fair: The sauger bite has slowed since last week. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. Slow down your presentation and make multiple passes through small productive zones.
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Walleye - Fair: The walleye bite has slowed over the past week. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows if the bite is slow. Use slower presentations with enough weight to stay on the bottom; focus on current seams or areas with bottom transitions. Make multiple passes through small productive zones.
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White Crappie - Slow
Pool 15, Mississippi River (Scott)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 7.4 feet at Lock and Dam 14 and will be rising. Call your local bait shops for the most current information.
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Channel Catfish - Slow
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Sauger - Fair: The bite has slowed over the past week. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows.
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Walleye - Fair: The bite has slowed over the past week. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows.
Fairport Management District
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Contact Person: Andy Fowler - 563-263-5062
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages are on the rise. Main channel water temperature is 47-50 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Pool 16, Mississippi River (Scott)
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Water Temperature (°F): 47.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage is 8.02 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 10.7 feet by the middle of next week. Flood Stage is 15 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp is open.
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Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing below Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has been slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing below Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has been slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
Pool 17, Mississippi River (Muscatine)
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Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage is 6.25 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 9.7 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. The boat ramps in Muscatine are open. We have not received any walleye and sauger fishing reports for this Pool this week.
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Sauger - Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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Walleye - Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
Pool 18, Mississippi River (Louisa)
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Water Temperature (°F): 49.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage has risen to 7.39 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 10.9 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger this week.
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Sauger - Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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Walleye - Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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White Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching white bass being in Belle Pocket in Boston Bay. Cast jigs and twister tails or inline spinners.
Pool 19, Mississippi River (Lee)
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Water Temperature (°F): 49.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage has risen to 4.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 6.6 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any walleye and sauger fishing reports for this pool. The Tama Beach boat ramp is being reported as open.
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Sauger - Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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Walleye - Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
Guttenberg Management District
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Contact Person: Karen Osterkamp - 563-252-1156
Water temperature is 48 degrees on the upper Mississippi River in the main channel. Several fish species are on the feed with the warmer temperatures. The northern pike bite has be excellent post-spawn. Reports of walleye, sauger, white bass and smallmouth bass on the bite. Anglers are having to search with the higher water level this week. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Pool 09, Mississippi River (Allamakee)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
River level fell slightly to 8.4 feet at Lansing and predicted to remain there next week. Look for fish to move out of the strong current in main channel and side channels.
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Northern Pike - Excellent: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
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Sauger - Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
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Walleye - Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
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White Bass - Fair: Search for white bass schools feeding on bait fish in moderate current off the main and side river channels.
Pool 10, Mississippi River (Clayton)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
River level has risen to 617.6 feet at Lynxville and expected to remain there next week. Rising water may effect fish patterns. Look for fish to move away from stronger current. Water temperature is near 50 degrees.
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Northern Pike - Excellent: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
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Sauger - Excellent: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite.
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Walleye - Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
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White Bass - Slow: Search for white bass schools feeding on bait fish in moderate current off the main and side river channels.
Pool 11, Mississippi River (Clayton)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is 10.2 feet at the Lock and Dam below Guttenberg and expected to rise slightly over the weekend. When the lock gates are pulled out, look for fish to move to slacker water downstream and along current seams off main channel.
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Northern Pike - Excellent: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
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Sauger - Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
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Walleye - Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
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White Bass - Slow: Search for white bass schools feeding on bait fish in moderate current off the main and side river channels.
Decorah Management District
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Contact Person: Caleb Schnitzler - 563-382-8324
Rain likely through much of the weekend; some rivers and streams may rise depending on rainfall amounts. Weekend temperatures are predicted to reach the low 50s. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Allamakee County Trout Streams (Allamakee)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season has started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are sloppy.
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Brown Trout - Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a "lift-and-drop" motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale "tick.".
Cedar River (above Nashua) (Floyd)
The river is in good condition. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with ice-out.
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Channel Catfish - Good: Use a hook with a dead chub or fresh dead minnow fished on the bottom.
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Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Find smallies in off-channel areas. Use a small jig or crankbait fished near the bottom.
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Walleye - Good: Use a jig with plastic tail and a live minnow about a foot off the bottom in an off channel area.
Clayton County Trout Streams (Clayton)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season has started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are sloppy.
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Brown Trout - Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a "lift-and-drop" motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale "tick.".
Fayette County Trout Streams (Fayette)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season has started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are sloppy.
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Brown Trout - Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a "lift-and-drop" motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale "tick.".
Lake Hendricks (Howard)
Use a slow retrieve due to cold water temperatures. Find fish suspended toward evening.
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Black Crappie - Slow: Try a jig head tipped with a minnow or plastic jig from shoreline in the afternoon.
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Bluegill - Slow: Gills come in shore on sunny evenings to find food near downed logs or trees. Downed logs provide food for aquatic insects and small crustaceans, favorite treats for bluegills and a safe place to escape predators.
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Largemouth Bass - Good: Find bass suspended in the evening. Use a spinner or crankbait from shore with a slow retrieve.
Lake Meyer (Winneshiek)
Use a slow retrieve due to cold water temperatures. Find fish suspended toward evening.
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Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappie in shallower water. Try a small spinner or crankbait with a slow or varied retrieval.
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Bluegill - Slow: Gills come in shore on sunny evenings to find food near downed logs or trees. Downed logs provide food for aquatic insects and small crustaceans, favorite treats for bluegills and a safe place to escape predators.
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Largemouth Bass - Good: As water warms, bass will actively be looking for prey fish. Use a crankbait or a spinner retrieved slowly.
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Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are actively looking for spawning areas in shallow, vegetated water. Use a spoon or hair jig to tease this feisty fish.
Mitchell County Trout Streams (Mitchell)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season starts next week. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are soft as frost comes out.
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Brown Trout - Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a "lift-and-drop" motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale "tick.".
Turkey River (above Clermont) (Fayette)
Water levels are elevated with limited clarity. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with ice-out.
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Smallmouth Bass - Good: Find smallies in deeper holes near the stream bottom; try to entice them with smaller presentations and a slow retrieve.
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Walleye - Fair: Use a jig with plastic tail and a live minnow about a foot off the bottom in an off channel area.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) (Winneshiek)
Water levels are elevated with limited clarity as rainy weather continues. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with ice-out.
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Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Find smallies in deeper holes near the stream bottom; try to entice them with smaller presentations and a slow retrieve.
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Walleye - Fair: Use a jig with plastic tail or a live minnow about a foot off the bottom in an off channel area.
Volga Lake (Fayette)
Weekend rain and clouds will slow lake warming and fish activity. Target shallower areas toward evening hours.
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Black Crappie - Slow: Try a jig head tipped with a minnow or plastic jig from shoreline.
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Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill bite should improve as water temperature warms. Continue to use small jigs tipped with a waxworm or spike.
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are hitting spinner baits near structure about 2 to 3 feet below surface.
Winneshiek County Trout Streams (Winneshiek)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season has started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are sloppy.
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Brook Trout - Slow: Skinny water with dense beds of aquatic vegetation to hide in is a brook trout's favorite hangout. In tight runs around rocks, currents can pull your line and make your fly look unnatural. Use a reach cast to lay the line across the current to get a few extra seconds of drift.
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Brown Trout - Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a "lift-and-drop" motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale "tick.".
Manchester Management District
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Contact Person: Dan Kirby - 563-927-3276
Good reports on the interior rivers; most are starting to recede and clear. Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Trout streams in Clayton, Delaware and Dubuque counties are mostly in excellent condition. Contact your local area bait and tackle shops for the most up-to-date reports. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) (Black Hawk)
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Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer counties.
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Northern Pike - Fair: Cast artificial spoons or crankbaits or float a live chub or shiner under a bobber near current breaks and pools.
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Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast jigs with plastics tipped with a live minnow or nightcrawler. Casting and retrieving crankbaits can be very effective this time of year as well.
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Walleye - Good: Anglers are having success using jigs and plastics tipped with or without a live minnow or nightcrawler.
Dalton Pond (Jackson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
The access road to Dalton Pond is currently closed to vehicle travel and will reopen pending a bridge inspection. Dalton Pond is currently accessible only as a walk-in fishery.
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Rainbow Trout - Good: Cast and retrieve flashy lures or try a piece of nightcrawler or waxworm under a bobber.
Delaware County Trout Streams (Delaware)
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Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
There should be good hatches to match for the avid flyfishing anglers. Most trout streams remain in excellent condition in Delaware County. There has been some fishing activity on Spring Branch Creek above and below the Manchester Fish Hatchery. Catchable trout stockings have started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
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Brown Trout - Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
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Rainbow Trout - Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
Dubuque County Trout Streams (Dubuque)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Trout streams remain in excellent condition in Dubuque County. Swiss Valley Park is a favorite trout stream for many anglers; it offers both rainbow trout and brown trout opportunities. Catchable trout stockings have started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
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Brown Trout - Fair: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
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Rainbow Trout - Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
Jackson County Trout Streams (Jackson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Trout streams remain in excellent condition in Jackson County. Big Mill Wildlife Management area is a favorite trout stream for many anglers; it offers both rainbow trout and brown trout opportunities. Catchable trout stockings have started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
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Brown Trout - Fair: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
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Rainbow Trout - Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
Lake Delhi (Delaware)
Anglers are catching both largemouth and smallmouth bass; best bite is early morning or late afternoon/evening.
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinner baits or crankbaits near the shoreline edges as water temperatures rise.
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Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast spinner baits or crankbaits near the shoreline edges as water temperatures rise.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) (Delaware)
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Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River in Delaware, Jones and Jackson counties.
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Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Cast jigs with plastics or cast and retrieve crankbaits.
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Walleye - Fair: Walleye should start to disperse with the increase in water temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Use a lead head jig and plastic tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) (Butler)
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Water Temperature (°F): 30.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Shell Rock River in Butler County.
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Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast jigs with plastics or cast and retrieve crankbaits.
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Walleye - Good: Walleye should start to disperse with the increase in water temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Use a lead head jig and plastic tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) (Buchanan)
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Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the Wapsi River in Buchanan, Black Hawk and Bremer counties.
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Northern Pike - Fair: Try spoons, crankbaits or live baits, such as chubs or shiners, under a bobber near off channel areas.
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Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast jigs with plastics tipped with a live minnow or nightcrawler. Casting and retrieving crankbaits can be very effective this time of year as well.
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Walleye - Good: Walleye should start to disperse with the increase in water temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Use a lead head jig and plastic tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler.
Black Hawk Management District
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Contact Person: Ben Wallace - 712-657-2638
Shore fishing action has picked up in many area lakes. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Arrowhead Lake (Sac)
The boat ramp dock is in.
Black Hawk Lake (Sac)
Boat ramp docks are in. The walleye bite started to pick up last week.
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Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up fish along Ice House Point, in Town Bay, along the North shore area, and along the east shore near the outlet. They are having luck using twisters and minnows under a bobber. Most fish are 14-16 inches long; a few have picked up fish over 20-inches. The bite will likely slow down the next several days during cold temperatures; expect walleye action to pick back up early next week with warming temperatures.
Brushy Creek Lake (Webster)
The courtesy docks are in at the west and south boat ramps.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake) (Buena Vista)
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Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperatures are in the mid-40s. Anglers have had luck with panfish and walleye from the east shore and in the marina.
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Walleye - Fair: Pick up walleye along the east shore, north shore, near the inlet, and in the marina as the water temperatures warm back up early next week. Use a twister or try a minnow or leach under a bobber.
Clear Lake Management District
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Contact Person: Scott Grummer - 641-357-3517
Water temperatures are in the low to mid-40s on many northern Iowa lakes. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo)
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Water Temperature (°F): 44.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Most courtesy docks have not been installed at the boat ramps.
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Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching a few walleyes along the east shore and around the island. Best bite is after sunset.
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White Bass - Fair: Try jigs and small crankbaits on warm afternoons.
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Yellow Bass - Fair: Small jigs fished slowly in the warmth of the afternoons work best.
Crystal Lake (Hancock)
Rice Lake (Winnebago)
Silver Lake (Worth) (Worth)
Winnebago River (Cerro Gordo)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
River level is 5.65 feet.
Northern Pike - Good: Northern Pike are hitting live bait, jigs and crankbaits.
Spirit Lake Management District
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Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth - 712-330-2542
Most boat ramp courtesy docks are in place. Water levels are at crest. Water temperatures should remain low with the current cold weather and rains. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 2nd. Last updated on 04/02/2026
East Okoboji Lake (Dickinson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is ice-free; all ramps are open. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
Ingham Lake (Emmet)
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Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Lost Island Lake (Palo Alto)
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Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Some anglers are catching fish from shore.
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Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers reported lots of smaller yellow bass during the ice season.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Spirit Lake (Dickinson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 43.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Boat ramp docks are in. The channel at Templar Park boat ramp is open, allowing easier travel to and from the lake. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
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Black Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching most fish in 16 feet of water. It's easiest to get on top of fish with electronics. Try 1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs with a minnow or plastic.
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Yellow Perch - Fair: Anglers were catching good amounts of quality-size, 9- to 13-inch fish during the ice season.
West Okoboji Lake (Dickinson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is ice-free; all ramps should be available for use. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
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Bluegill - Slow: Anglers were successful on the major bays during the ice season.
Lake Darling Management District
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Contact Person: Vance Polton - 319-694-2430
For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026
Big Hollow Lake (Des Moines)
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Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperature is about 50 degree, is starting to fall with the cold rain (April 1-2).
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: On sunny warm (70+) days, anglers were picking up bass along the north side along the more open shoreline where the sun could get in to warm the water.
Jefferson Co. Park New Pond (Jefferson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
There are still plenty of trout left in the lake to catch. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
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Rainbow Trout - Good: They have had time to settle down. Using bobber and bait is working better; try corn, powerbait, or worms. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Lake Belva Deer (Keokuk)
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Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperature is around 50 degrees.
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Black Crappie - Good: Anglers were catching 10-inch crappies in 10 to 12 feet of water earlier this week. They are using sonar to find scattered schools of fish and then jigging just over the top of them to catch them before moving on to the next school.
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: A few more boats are chasing bass on sunny warm days. Anglers are catching some decent bass up to the 4 pounds. Try working the lures slow and shallow along sun heated rocks.
Lake Darling (Washington)
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Water Temperature (°F): 51.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperature is 51 degrees. The lake is coming up and is a little more turbid with the heavy rain (April1-2). Water clarity is 2-3 feet.
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Black Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up crappies in the shallow water around the brush piles and the steeper rock shorelines. Concentrate your efforts on where the sun hits the structure to warm the water.
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass continue to come into the shallows on the few sunnier days, but quickly return to deeper water on cooler days. Soft plastics and jigs worked slowly work best this time of year. Target the areas of the lake where the sun and wind hit the same stretches of shoreline.
Lake of the Hills (Scott)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
There are still plenty of trout left in the lake to catch. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Minnows are not allowed as bait in this lake.
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Rainbow Trout - Good: Even though good numbers of trout were caught the first day, there are many more still waiting to be caught. Work the fish habitat not to far off shore with a worm and bobber or small jigs tipped with red worms. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Lost Grove Lake (Scott)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The middle (Red Barn) boat dock is in. The other docks are getting repaired and should be in the water shortly.
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: 10- to 12-inch bass are moving into shallower water and feeding. Target the shorelines where the wind is blowing in. Larger bass are hanging out around the habitat in a little deeper water yet.
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Walleye - Slow: Walleyes are cruising along the rock shorelines down along the lower end of the lake in the evening. Troll a live bait rig about 15 to 20 feet from shore at a fairly slow speed along the rocks where the wind blows into shore.
Wilson Lake (Lee)
There are still plenty of trout left in the lake to catch. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Now that the trout have found homes in the lake, look for them around the cedar trees not too far out from shore or in the "corners" of the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Macbride Management District
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Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack - 319-624-3615
Coralville Reservoir (Johnson)
Ely Pond (Linn)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair; You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Hannen Lake (Benton)
Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.) (Iowa)
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) (Johnson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 52.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake) (Iowa)
Lake Macbride (Johnson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Liberty Centre Pond (Johnson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair; You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Noelridge Park Pond (Linn)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair: You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
North Ridge Park Pond (Johnson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair: You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Union Grove Lake (Tama)
Beach, shelter and cabin docks are reported in.
Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) (Jones)
Rathbun Management District
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Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel - 641-647-2406
Water temperature is in the mid-40s. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Hawthorn Lake (Mahaska)
Target channel catfish early spring.
Lake Miami (Monroe)
Target channel catfish along wind-blown shorelines.
Lake Sugema (Van Buren)
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Channel Catfish - Slow: Try cut bait or dead minnows.
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Largemouth Bass - Good: Anglers report catching largemouth bass. Target the rip-rapped shorelines using plastics or spinnerbaits.
Lake Wapello (Davis)
Channel catfish are usually the first fish to catch in the spring.
Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) (Wapello)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Anglers report that mornings and evenings are the best bite. Use gold rooster tails or other in-line spinners. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Rathbun Reservoir (Appanoose)
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Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Lake level is 904.65 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Boat ramps are open; campgrounds are still closed. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before going to another water body.
Boone Management District
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Contact Person: Andy Otting - 515-204-5885
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake (Story)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Big Creek Lake (Polk)
Boat ramp docks are in.
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Walleye - Slow: As the water warms in early April, Walleye will start to move shallow on rocky and sandy shorelines in the evenings near and after sunset. Cast 1/8oz to 1/4oz jigs tipped with twister tail, straight tail or paddletail swimbaits.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock) (Marion)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Rising river levels will make fishing more challenging.
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Walleye - Slow: During higher river levels, catch Walleye below the dams in slower eddy currents and where there are smaller, clearer streams entering the river. Cast 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with paddle tail or straight tail swim baits, twister tails or minnows.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) (Polk)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
River levels are likely to rise, making fishing conditions more challenging.
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Walleye - Slow: Catch Walleye in slower eddies near rock and cobble and where smaller streams are entering the river. Cast 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with paddle tail or straight tail swim baits, twister tails or minnows.
Lake Petocka (Polk)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair: You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Terra Lake (Polk)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout were stocked on March 23. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live bait under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Triumph Park East (Dallas)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
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Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Triumph Park West (Dallas)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Cold Springs Management District
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Contact Person: Mark Boucher or John Lorenzen - 712-769-2587
Contact the Cold Springs office with any questions about fishing in the southwest district. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Big Lake (Including Gilbert's Pond) (Pottawattamie)
There are plenty of trout left to catch at Big Lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
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Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, or live bait, such as waxworms, under a bobber. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Cold Springs Lake (Cass)
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Ramp Condition: Not recommended
Cold Springs Lake was drawn-down and renovated in August 2025. The lake is filling and fish restocked. Anglers can expect good fishing again by 2028.
Greenfield Lake (Adair)
Greenfield is a good destination for ice-out channel catfish.
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Black Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs around the jetties to catch 10-inch black crappie. The bite will get better as water temperatures warm.
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Channel Catfish - Slow: Use shad sides on the windy shoreline to catch channel catfish of all sizes.
Lake Anita (Cass)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Bluegills and crappies will move into the pontoon arm of the lake when water temperatures warm. Try floating small jigs 2 feet under a bobber.
Orient Lake (Adair)
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Black Crappie - Status Unsure
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Bluegill - Slow: Catch 8-inch bluegill with waxworms under a bobber around the underwater trees.
Prairie Rose Lake (Shelby)
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Water Temperature (°F): 44.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Look for fish in the brush piles.
Largemouth Bass - Slow: Shore anglers report catching a few largemouth bass around the jetties.
Mt. Ayr Management District
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Contact Person: Andy Jansen - 641-464-3108
Water temperature is in the upper 40s in most Mount Ayr district lakes. Last updated on 04/02/2026
Green Valley Lake (Union)
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Channel Catfish - Fair: Use cut bait fished along wind-blown shores to catch all sizes of catfish.
Little River Watershed Lake (Decatur)
Docks are in at the main and bait shop ramps.
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Walleye - Slow: Catch Walleye of all sizes with crankbaits or jigs along the dam.
Three Mile Lake (Union)
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Ramp Condition: Not recommended
Lake level is about 10 feet below normal pool as of March 25. Water level is at the end of all boat ramp lanes at the main ramp.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake (Union)
Docks are in at the main ramp.
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Yellow Perch - Fair: Catch Yellow Perch of all sizes with nightcrawlers along the mudflats.
It's easy to pick up litter as you go with free reusable litter cleanup bags. The quick drying mesh bags fit easily in your kayak hatch, bike bag, picnic basket, tacklebox, car trunk or backpack.
You can pick up two litter bags at sites across Iowa. Find a pick-up site close to you. We recommend that you call first to make sure they are open and have bags available. New locations will be added to the map monthly, so keep checking back.
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