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About 300 Iowa students from kindergarten to high school seniors participated in the Iowa Fish Art and Essay Contest; a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wildlife Forever.
Winning entries will be displayed during the 2026 Iowa State Fair in the DNR building. Congratulations to the winning artists and authors.
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.
Bellevue Management District
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Contact Person: Dave Bierman - 563-872-5495
Mississippi River water levels are slowly rising with the recent rains. Water clarity is stained. 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 the DNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity. Call your local bait shops or Iowa DNR Fisheries office for the latest information on river conditions. Last updated on 04/09/2026
Pool 12, Mississippi River (Dubuque)
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Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 10.7 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and is rising slowly. Call your local bait shops for the latest information.
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Black Crappie - Slow
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Bluegill - Slow
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Northern Pike - Fair
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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 11.4 feet at the Bellevue tailwater and is rising slowly. Water clarity is stained. The pre-spawn walleye/sauger bite has slowed. 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: Anglers that target channel cats this time of year are reporting moderate success. Move often to find feeding fish.
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Northern Pike - Slow
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Sauger - Slow: Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. Slow down your presentation and make multiple passes through small productive zones. Focus on current breaks.
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Walleye - Slow: The walleye bite has slowed over the past week with the reduced water clarity. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. 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): 49.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 10.7 feet at Lock and Dam 13 and is rising slowly. 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 that target channel cats this time of year are reporting moderate success. Move often to find feeding fish.
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Sauger - Slow: 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 - Slow: The walleye bite has slowed over the past week with the reduced water clarity. 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): 49.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 7.9 feet at Lock and Dam 14 and is slowly 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 have risen with recent rains. Main channel water temperature is 48-51 degrees. Water clarity is poor. Last updated on 04/08/2026
Pool 16, Mississippi River (Scott)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage is 11.9 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay fairly steady over the weekend. Flood Stage is 15 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp is open. Fishing has been difficult with the muddy water conditions.
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Sauger - Slow: Sauger fishing below Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has been slow with the muddy water conditions. 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 with the muddy water conditions. 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): 51.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage is 11.54 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay fairly steady over the weekend. 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. Fishing will most likely be difficult with the muddy water conditions.
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Sauger - Slow: Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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Walleye - Slow: 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 13.28 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay fairly steady over the weekend. 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 - Status Unsure: Look for White Bass 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): 50.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage has risen to 9.44 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay fairly steady over the weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any walleye and sauger fishing reports for this pool.
Guttenberg Management District
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Contact Person: Karen Osterkamp - 563-252-1156
Water temperature is fluctuating in the mid to upper 40s this week. Water is stained after recent rainfall. Water levels are expected to crest followed by a gradual fall. Anglers are having to search for fish with higher water levels. Walleye bite has slowed as they have started to spawn. Last updated on 04/09/2026
Pool 09, Mississippi River (Allamakee)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
River level is cresting near 9.3 feet at Lansing and is predicted to remain high next week then gradually recede. Look for fish to seek out backwater habitat or slack water as they move out of the strong current in the main channel.
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Northern Pike - Fair: Comment: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
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Sauger - Slow: 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 - Slow: 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 - Status Unsure
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Yellow Perch - Slow: Reports of a few perch biting before the rain and rise in water levels. Use jigs tipped with live minnows in off-current areas.
Pool 10, Mississippi River (Clayton)
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Water Temperature (°F): 49.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
River level is expected to crest near 619.1 feet at Lynxville and remain high then level off. Rising water may affect fish patterns. Look for fish to move away from stronger current.
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Northern Pike - Fair: Comment: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
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Sauger - Slow: 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 - Slow: 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 - Status Unsure
Pool 11, Mississippi River (Clayton)
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Water Temperature (°F): 47.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is 10.9 feet at the Lock and Dam below Guttenberg and is expected to rise to 12.1 feet before gradually receding. When the lock gates are pulled out, look for fish to move to slacker water downstream and along current seams off main channel. Water clarity has diminished after recent rains.
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Northern Pike - Fair: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
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Sauger - Slow: 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 - Slow: 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 - Status Unsure
Decorah Management District
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Contact Person: Caleb Schnitzler - 563-382-8324
Rain and windy conditions likely through much of the weekend. Area river levels are falling with improved clarity. Weekend temperatures will reach the low 70s by Sunday. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Last updated on 04/08/2026
Allamakee County Trout Streams (Allamakee)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Water levels are elevated, but still fishable.
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Brown Trout - Good: Fresh inputs from recent high water may improve the bite. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Drop one hook size or use a smaller fly if you are getting rises but no hookups.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 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)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water levels are elevated about 2 feet with limited clarity. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with recent rain.
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Channel Catfish - Good: Use a hook with a dead chub, fresh dead minnow, or stink bait fished on the bottom.
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Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Find smallies in off-channel areas. Use a small jig or crankbait fished near the bottom.
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Walleye - Slow: 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. Water levels arebelevated, but still fishable.
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Brown Trout - Good: Fresh inputs from recent high water may improve the bite. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Drop one hook size or use a smaller fly if you are getting rises but no hookups.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 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. Water levels are elevated, but still fishable.
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Brown Trout - Good: Fresh inputs from recent high water may improve the bite. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Drop one hook size or use a smaller fly if you are getting rises but no hookups.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 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)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is slightly off color. The water is slow to warm with clouds and rain.
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Black Crappie - Slow: Try a jig head tipped with a minnow or plastic jig fished in deeper water.
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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 - Slow: Find bass suspended in the evening. Use a spinner or crankbait from shore with a slow retrieve.
Lake Meyer (Winneshiek)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is slightly off color. The water is slow to warm with clouds and rain.
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Black Crappie - Slow: Find crappie in deep 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 - Slow: 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 has started. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Water levels are elevated, but still fishable.
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Brown Trout - Good: Fresh inputs from recent high water may improve the bite. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Drop one hook size or use a smaller fly if you are getting rises but no hookups.
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 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)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Water levels are elevated about 2 feet with limited clarity. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with recent rain events.
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Smallmouth Bass - Slow: 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 - Slow: 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 up about 2 feet with about 6 inch clarity. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with recent high water.
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Smallmouth Bass - Slow: 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 or a clear water seam.
Volga Lake (Fayette)
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Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Weekend rain and clouds will slow lake warming and fish activity. Water temperatures are fluctuating between the upper 40s to low 50s. 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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Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are hitting worms or dead chubs fished off bottom.
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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. Water levels are elevated, but still fishable.
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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: Fresh inputs from recent high water may improve the bite. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Drop one hook size or use a smaller fly if you are getting rises but no hookups .
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Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 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
No reports this past week on the interior rivers as they begin to recede after the recent rainfall events. More rain is expected for the upcoming weekend. 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 04/09/2026
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
The Cedar River is receding, but there is more rain in the extended forecast.
Dalton Pond (Jackson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Trout stocking scheduled for April 2026 at Dalton Pond will be canceled. A bridge used to access the trout fishing destination is closed due to structural deterioration. The Iowa DNR is currently gathering cost estimates and preliminary plans to determine next steps at Dalton Pond. Local media outlets and this weekly report will be updated with developments. Dalton Pond is currently accessible only as a walk-in fishery.
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. Anglers are doing well on Elk Creek at Twin Bridges County Park and Richmond Springs within Backbone State Park.
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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. There have been good reports of anglers catching rainbow trout at Bankston County Park.
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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.
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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.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) (Delaware)
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Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The Maquoketa River is receding, but there is more rain in the extended forecast.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) (Butler)
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Water Temperature (°F): 30.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The Shell Rock River is receding, but there is more rain in the extended forecast.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) (Buchanan)
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Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
The Wapsipinicon River is receding, but there is more rain in the extended forecast.
 The 2026 Iowa Walleye Challenge features exciting new ways for anglers to compete, connect, and contribute to fisheries science and management across the Midwest.
Black Hawk Management District
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Contact Person: Ben Wallace - 712-657-2638
Shore fishing action has been moderate with last week's cool down. Expect the bite to pick up as water temperatures climb. Last updated on 04/08/2026
Arrowhead Lake (Sac)
The boat ramp dock is in.
Black Hawk Lake (Sac)
Boat ramp docks are in. The walleye bite has slowed with the recent colder weather; expect the bite to pick back up as water temperatures climb again.
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Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up fish along Ice House Point, in Town Bay, along 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- to 16-inches long; a few anglers have picked up fish over 20-inches. The bite has slowed with recent colder temperatures; expect walleye action to pick back up over the next few days 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. Expect action to pick up this week as water temperatures increase.
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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. Use a twister or try a minnow or leach under a bobber from shore. Fishing from shore during low light conditions can be productive this time of year.
Clear Lake Management District
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Contact Person: Scott Grummer - 641-357-3517
For information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office. Last updated on 04/09/2026
Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo)
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Water Temperature (°F): 43.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Lake level is 2.88 inches above crest.
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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 - Slow
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Yellow Bass - Slow
Crystal Lake (Hancock)
The courtesy dock is in for the season.
Lake Cornelia (Wright)
The courtesy dock is in for the season.
Rice Lake (Winnebago)
Silver Lake (Worth) (Worth)
Winnebago River (Cerro Gordo)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
The river level is 6.7 feet.
Northern Pike - Fair: Northern Pike are hitting live bait, jigs and crankbaits.
Spirit Lake Management District
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Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth - 712-330-2542
Boat ramp courtesy docks are in place. Water levels are at crest. Water temperatures have remained low with the current cold nights. Most fish are still out in deeper water while water temperatures are low. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 2nd. Last updated on 04/09/2026
East Okoboji Lake (Dickinson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
All ramps are open. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
Ingham Lake (Emmet)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Lost Island Lake (Palo Alto)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
Some anglers have been catching fish from shore.
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Yellow Bass - Fair: Anglers had been reporting lots of smaller yellow bass during the ice season.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
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Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
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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 fish in 16 feet of water. Using electronics makes it easy to get on top of fish. 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): 41.0
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Ramp Condition: Useable
All ramps should be available for use. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
Bluegill - Slow: Anglers had been 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
The 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
The 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
The 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
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
Noelridge Park Pond (Linn)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
North Ridge Park Pond (Johnson)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Union Grove Lake (Tama)
Beach, shelter and cabin docks are reported in.
Rathbun Management District
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Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel - 641-647-2406
Water temperature is in the upper 40s to low 50s. Last updated on 04/09/2026
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.
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: Target the brush piles with plastics or along the shoreline with spinnerbaits.
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 905.71 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Boat ramps are open and docks are installed; 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
City ponds will warm up fast. This will create good Crappie and Largemouth Bass fishing ahead of the larger lakes. Check the Iowa DNR Fishing Atlas to see where public fishing ponds are located. Last updated on 04/09/2026
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)
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Walleye - Fair: Walleye are moving 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
River levels are high, making fishing conditions difficult.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) (Polk)
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Ramp Condition: Not applicable
River levels are currently high, making fishing conditions difficult.
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
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.
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 04/07/2026
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 have been 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 - Slow: 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 to low 50s in most Mount Ayr district lakes. Last updated on 04/07/2026
Green Valley Lake (Union)
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Largemouth Bass - Fair: Catch Largemouth Bass up to 18-inches with jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas.
Little River Watershed Lake (Decatur)
Docks are in at the main and bait shop ramps.
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Walleye - Fair: 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 tacklebox, kayak hatch, bike bag, picnic basket, 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.
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