- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: October 6, 2011
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Nelson Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Fishing has been slow for all species.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Yellow Smoke has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Water clarity is excellent. Fishing has been slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Crawford Creek has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 70s. A few bluegill and crappie are being caught in the standing timber in 10 to 20 feet of water. Bass are being caught off the points in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Boaters use caution. The hydraulic dredge is in operation at Storm Lake. Stay clear of dredge barge, booster pump barge and pipeline. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Walleye - Slow:
North Twin Lake
Anglers are still catching good numbers of yellow bass. Most yellows are around eight inches with a few 9 and 10-inch fish mixed in. Anglers fishing the windward shoreline have had the best luck.
Swan Lake
Water clarity is around 26 inches. Crappies are being caught and are ranging from 7 to 9 inches. Anglers fishing from boats have been picking up some largemouth bass.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Recent sampling has shown a lot of nice walleye along the shoreline between the tip of Ice House Point and the handicapped accessible pier. Also, surveys show a decent number of crappie around 9 to 10 inches. The yellow bass bite is slow, but some are still being caught on the windy shorelines. Crappie - Slow: A few anglers have been catching nice sized crappie in the Town Bay.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is open to boat traffic.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend is still closed. It will likely remain closed until it loses connectivity to the Missouri River.
Great Western Park Lake
Great Western Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Fishing around the Linn Grove Dam has been very slow. However, large numbers of big catfish being caught are being reported around the Correctionville area.
Water temperatures are still around 60 degrees. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Anglers are having success catching yellow bass using crawlers, cut bait, or minnows. Most fish are 8 to 9 inches. Fishing Hy-Vee reef and Fisherman's reef and any of the smaller rock reefs have been good spots. Many anglers are having success northwest of the Island. White bass are being caught fishing the McIntosh sand bar. Morning till early afternoon seems to be the best time.
Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment to stop the spread of invasive species. For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been consistently good for a while now. Try fishing with a small piece of night crawler under a bobber along weed lines and trees. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting around submerged logs and along the dam for best results.
Big Spirit Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing the edge of weed lines, the north grade, area docks, and Buffalo Run fish barrier for the best action. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try fishing along rocky points, the footbridge, and Angler's Bay for best results. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many largemouth bass have been reported while casting spinner baits along the weed lines and along the north grade road. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are starting to catch good numbers of perch again with the stable weather. Try finding the schools and using a small jig with wigglers. The best action has been off Templar Point and Little Stoney Point. Some sorting is required with many 6-inch fish being caught. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing continues to pick up in the early morning and at night at the footbridge, north grade, and Stoney point.
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Good: Try fishing the spillway or along the edge of weed beds for best action with a minnow or piece of cut bait. Yellow Perch - Good: Try using a small jig with wigglers around areas with mucky bottoms, rock piles, and along docks. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have been reported along rocky points like parks marina and Stoney Point. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are being caught while fishing for white bass.
Little Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Try fishing on the bottom with a night crawler near the outlet.
Silver Lake (****inson)
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing toward evening hours with a dead chub or stink bait. White Bass - Good: Watch for schooling fish chasing minnows and fish with minnow or minnow-like baits or try drifting through the main basin with a bobber and minnow. Walleye - Fair: Wader fishing activity at night will continue to improve as water temperature drops.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Pike have been reported using the same tactics as fishing for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: For the best action fish docks and weed lines associated with deep water vertical jigging with a small piece of night crawler or small crawdad. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are being picked up using crankbaits along the weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting or trolling crankbaits in the weeds for best action. Yellow Perch - Good: Some yellow perch are being picked up while fishing for bluegill. Some sorting is required.
Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing for channel catfish has remained good with the low water levels. Find a deep pool and use stink bait or chicken liver for best action.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and chicken livers as the river has been going down.
West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)
Anglers are reporting good numbers of channel catfish, and also some walleyes while fishing in deeper pools.
Walleye fishing continues to pick up on area rivers. With the low water conditions, find a deep pool and fish with a jig and minnow for best action. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Now would be an excellent time to take a slow boat ride around the lake and admire the fall color. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow:
Lake Hendricks
Water temperature is in the low 60s. The water is still stained with a brown tint from an algae bloom but appears to be clearing this week. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are having the best luck using a worm fished under a bobber in the late afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Lake Meyer
Aquatic vegetation is now gone making shoreline access much easier. Try fishing over the brush piles or along the rocky edges. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills activity has picked up. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to bite. Angers are having the best luck using a jig and minnow.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flow is low so target the deeper holes and around snags and log jams. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Good: Anglers have been using crankbaits and jigs tipped with a twister tail. Also try floating worms through the deeper holes.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
With low water levels, focus efforts in the deeper holes. Northern Pike - Excellent: Anglers are reporting nice catches of northerns 30-plus inches in the lower river using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - Good: Try using crankbaits and jigs tipped with a minnow.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Activity has been picking up this week but focus efforts in those deeper holes up and down the river. In the Nashua area, anglers are having good luck with crappies in the pockets below the dam. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallies in the Charles City area are hitting on jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. Crappie - Good: In the Nashua area, anglers are having good luck with crappies in the pockets below the dam. Wax worms, nightcrawlers and minnows are preferred. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have been hitting on jigs tipped with a minnow drifted over the deeper holes.
Decorah District Streams
Autumn Blue Wing Olives hatches have been superb. Watch for late afternoon and early evening spinner falls, particularly at the tails of slower pools. Try a delicate #18 spinner pattern on fine tippet for these late-rising trout. All streams that are stocked with catchable trout are now unannounced, but weekly plants are still occurring on all streams.
Area rivers, lakes and trout streams are in excellent condition but be aware of low flow conditions on the larger rivers. The leaves are at peak color in our area this weekend and great weather conditions are the makings for a great outing in northeast Iowa. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Big Woods Lake
Reports of crappie being taken. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
Brinker Lake
There have been reports of anglers catching crappie. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been catching some crappie off of the dock or jetties. Fishing should only improve as water temperature drops heading into fall. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Spinner baits have been catching bass. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Fishing has improved for walleye and smallmouth bass as they tend to feed more aggressively heading into the fall. There also have been reports of crappie being caught near brush piles above the dams in the impoundment areas. Northern Pike - Fair: Artificial spoons and crankbaits have been producing some northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twistertail or spinner baits have been producing smallmouth bass. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate near brush piles with a minnow tipped under a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: A nightcrawler or minnow tipped on a jig work well this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Fishing has been fair for most species but walleye have reported as fair to good. Anglers are also catching some northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twistertail or spinner baits have been producing smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Crankbaits or a minnow tipped on a jig work well this time of year.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is in excellent condition. Smallmouth bass reports have been good with walleye and northern pike being caught as well. Northern Pike - Fair: Artificial spoons and crankbaits have been producing some northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Concentrate near the riffle areas casting spinner baits or jigs with a twistertail. Walleye - Fair: Fish downstream of woody structure along the current breaks and back eddy areas.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition. Concentrate efforts for smallmouth bass, channel catfish and walleye in Delaware County. Recent fish surveys sampled abundant channel catfish below the Delhi Dam Access. Channel Catfish - Good: Drifting a nightcrawler on the bottom has been productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Spinner baits or jig tipped with a twistertail this time of year can be productive for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Fish a jig tipped with a crawler or minnow with the cooler water temperature.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in excellent condition with the dry, cool weather.
Fishing on the interior rivers for walleye and smallmouth bass has improved over the last week as water temperatures decline. Anglers are also beginning to pick up some northern pike and crappie on the rivers. Some area Black Hawk County lakes have been fair also for crappie. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.20 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on dip baits, chicken livers, and shad. Trying fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are starting to be picked up in the Andalusia Island complex using minnows under a bobber or on jigs and soft plastics. Try fishing around brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are starting to be picked up in the Andalusia Island complex using minnows under a bobber or small jigs and plastics. Look for fish around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on jigs and minnows on the ends of wing dams.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.11 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.26 feet. River level has been fairly steady over the past few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.94 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on shad and dip baits. Try fishing for channel catfish around snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Look for fish around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams on crankbaits or on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi Pools 16-20: River levels have been fairly steady throughout the pools this past week. River levels are still low and anglers should use caution when boating. Main channel water temperature is around 63 degrees and water clarity is fair. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Brittle naiad (an invasive aquatic plant species) is present in Geode so clean your boat and trailer before leaving the ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Look for the bluegills to be in around the edge of the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Lake Belva Deer
The south (campground) boat ramp is closed for paving. Please use the north boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are stilling getting good numbers of catfish along the rocks and while crappie fishing. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has picked back up. Anglers are catching lots of nice fish in about six feet of water.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching some nice bluegills around the tree piles and other fish habitat. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has been good for anglers using minnows are the habitat.
Lake of the Hills
The DNR will release 1,800 rainbow trout at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 22 at the boat ramp, of which, 200 will be tagged. Anglers catching a tagged trout will get a prize. Channel Catfish - Good: All types of stink baits, liver, and night crawlers are producing decent fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing is picking up. The bluegills are moving a lot as they fatten up for winter, so be ready to move with them. Crappie - Good: Live minnows are producing crappies off the fishing dock area as well as the brush piles. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used as bait.
Wilson Lake
The DNR will release 1,000 rainbow trout at 1 p.m., Nov. 5, of which, 200 will be tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Fair: As the weather has cooled down the trout have been seen coming to the surface to feed in the early mornings and evenings.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The DNR will release 1,000 rainbow trout at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 5, of which, 100 will be tagged for prizes.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature is in the mid 60s. White Bass - Slow: Some fish are being caught at sunrise and sunset on crankbaits, jigs, or top waters. Crappie - Slow: Try jigs or minnows around deeper brush/stumps or suspended in open water. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught here and there on crankbaits over rock reefs and mud flats.
Central Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass - Fair: Fish windblown points and banks with jigs or crankbaits. Sunset can often be the best time.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush piles with a small jig or worm. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching many crappies. Most are on the small side, but anglers are encouraged to keep up to their limit of 25 due to high density of crappies. Try small jigs around brush.
Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station is no longer available due to storm damage. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some nice sized fish can be caught. Nightcrawlers have been working best. Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish are being caught closer to shore now. Try small jigs or spinners.
Union Grove Lake
Crappie - Good: Try a jig and/or minnow around brush or by drifting open water.
Coralville Reservoir
The water level on Oct. 6 is 685.15 feet and holding steady. Water temperature this week has been in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Most fish have been coming on shad along the main channel. Crappie - Fair: Fish jigs or minnows along rocky banks and in some brush piles.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Walleye - Fair: Try crankbaits below the dams.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Walleye - Fair:
Maquoketa (Hopkinton to Canton)
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good:
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been having success using a jig tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Target areas with some submerged habitat or along the shorelines.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake was drained for a lake renovation last year but work is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is now full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Fair: Small jigs fished under a bobber tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler have been productive. Try depths ranging from 4 to 8 feet along the upper end of the reservoir. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use crawdad imitating baits fished along the dam.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean the boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Small jigs with a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber have been the most productive. Try areas with submerged habitat and along the shoreline in 4 to 8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinner baits or crankbaits fished along the rocky shorelines. The water temperature is in the 60s.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 904.30 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the mid 60s. Outlet Park is open. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure water above 104 degrees or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun). Crappie - Slow: Crappies are being caught close to shore using jig and minnow combos. Also try minnows fished under a slip bobber in areas with some type of underwater structure. Walleye - Fair: Nightcrawler harnesses and bottom bouncers being trolled have been catching some fish. Try the areas around Island View or South Fork. Tagged walleyes should be reported at 641-647-2406.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Roberts Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Trolling small panfish crankbaits or drifting small jigs or minnows is catching decent numbers of crappie with an occasional large fish over 11 inches.
Big Creek Lake
The lake is 2 to 3 feet low. The best ramp to use during low water is the East ramp closest to the handicap fishing pier. Bluegill - Good: Large bluegill are being caught over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less and near structure in the deeper water near the emergency spillway.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers drifting crawlers or small jigs mid lake out from the north shore are catching bluegill and occasional crappie. Bluegill can also be easily caught fishing live bait over pallet and brush piles in eight feet of water or less, especially those between the island and beach and out from the plover bay shelter. Crappie - Fair: The crappie that are being caught are coming from the lower portion of the lake. Drift or troll small jigs, small crankbaits, or live minnows out from the points and off the deep side of the island. The crappies are good size with most running 9 to 11 inches.
Hooper Area Pond
Crappie - Good: Drifting small jigs or live minnows is working well on crappies. A good population of nice size crappie exists. Most are black crappie running between 8 and 10 inches, but some white crappies are there up to 12 inches.
Lake Ahquabi
Crappie - Good: Good numbers of 8 to 10-inch crappie are present and anglers are having good success. They are being caught near the pedestrian bridge and fish house in the evenings on minnows and suspended over sunken brush in the main lake during the day with small tube jigs or live minnows.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Large crappie are being caught in the marina bay and near the face of the dam using slip bobbers and minnows.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are having good outings for channel catfish fishing the upper end of the reservoir using cut shad. Casting cut shad out from shore at Jester Park is also good for non boat anglers.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers casting crankbaits below the Saylorville spillway are having good evenings. Some nice fish in the 15 to 22-inch range are coming out.
Water temperatures are holding in the low to mid 60s and good fall fishing is happening. Now is a great time to be out for bluegill and crappie. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield has one concrete boat ramp. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Fair: 7 to 8-inch bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught casting around jetties and weed edges. Many fish are in the 12 to 15-inch range.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one small boat ramp. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are being caught around brush piles with nightcrawlers. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught vertical jigging around brush piles. Fish average nine inches with a few 11-inch fish being caught. Evenings seem to be best.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on shrimp. Fish average 14 to 18 inches.
Cold Springs Lake
Cold Springs has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught in less than six feet of water using cut bait. Fish average 2.5 pounds.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught drifting and around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along weed edges and the road beds. Bass are all sizes up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches are being caught vertical jigging the brush piles. Evening bite is best.
Willow Lake
Willow has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish can be caught along the campground shoreline and around jetties using blood bait or liver. Bluegill - Fair: The best bluegill bite is early in the morning using nightcrawlers under a bobber. Fish average eight inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth are being caught using Powerbait worms around sunken trees. Most fish are 12 to 14 inches.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake has four feet of water clarity. The lake has three concrete boat ramps. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been fair in the evenings around the jetties using liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass in the sunken cedar trees using plastic baits. Casting spinner baits along weed edges has also produced fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches can be caught around brush piles.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Aquatic vegetation is starting to come on. Small boats or bass buggies will aid in fishing small ponds this time of year. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are active now that water temperatures are cooling. Liver and prepared blood baits work well this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegills around deeper structure and outside edges of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are aggressive now and can be caught casting around structure and along the shoreline. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to target largemouth.
Water temperatures are in the low to mid 60s. The bluegill and crappie bite has been good. For more information on fishing call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The water temperature is in the upper 60s and clarity is above normal. Walleye - Good: Several walleyes are being caught by trolling the open points.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has been lowered 20 feet to allow for a fish renovation, shoreline repairs, and fish habitat project to be completed this fall and winter. The fishery will be restocked as soon as conditions allow.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down about nine feet to allow completion of the final stages of a sediment removal project. The main concrete ramp is open and functional. The fishery is growing fast and contains a lot of bluegill up to 8 1/2 inches, crappies up to 9 1/2 inches and bass from 8 to 15 inches.
Three Mile Lake
Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Water clarity is good at mid-lake and near the dam. The upper end is still a little green. The fall walleye and crappie bite is on. Crappie - Good: Several crappies are coming from the flooded tree piles near sharp drop-offs. Size is good. Walleye - Good: Several walleye are being caught from the old roadway between the ramps and the open flats of the upper end.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is in the mid 60s. The algae is starting to disappear but the upper end is still a little green. The walleye, crappie and bluegill bite is on. Bluegill - Fair: Several real nice bluegills or being caught from the rock mounds. Crappie - Good: A lot of mid-sized crappies are being caught from the flooded trees. Walleye - Good: A lot of walleye are being caught at mid-lake and the upper end. Trolling the open flat points and the long stretches of open shoreline seem to be the best.
Water temperatures are in the mid 60s at most lakes. Small lakes are in the low 60s. Water clarity is above average at most lakes. The fall crappie and walleye bite on.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.
NORTHWEST
Nelson Park Lake
Nelson Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Fishing has been slow for all species.
Yellow Smoke Park Lake
Yellow Smoke has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies. Water clarity is excellent. Fishing has been slow.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
Crawford Creek has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the middle 70s. A few bluegill and crappie are being caught in the standing timber in 10 to 20 feet of water. Bass are being caught off the points in 15 to 20 feet of water.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Boaters use caution. The hydraulic dredge is in operation at Storm Lake. Stay clear of dredge barge, booster pump barge and pipeline. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches. Walleye - Slow:
North Twin Lake
Anglers are still catching good numbers of yellow bass. Most yellows are around eight inches with a few 9 and 10-inch fish mixed in. Anglers fishing the windward shoreline have had the best luck.
Swan Lake
Water clarity is around 26 inches. Crappies are being caught and are ranging from 7 to 9 inches. Anglers fishing from boats have been picking up some largemouth bass.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Recent sampling has shown a lot of nice walleye along the shoreline between the tip of Ice House Point and the handicapped accessible pier. Also, surveys show a decent number of crappie around 9 to 10 inches. The yellow bass bite is slow, but some are still being caught on the windy shorelines. Crappie - Slow: A few anglers have been catching nice sized crappie in the Town Bay.
Browns Lake
Browns Lake is open to boat traffic.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend is still closed. It will likely remain closed until it loses connectivity to the Missouri River.
Great Western Park Lake
Great Western Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before leaving the lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Fishing around the Linn Grove Dam has been very slow. However, large numbers of big catfish being caught are being reported around the Correctionville area.
Water temperatures are still around 60 degrees. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Anglers are having success catching yellow bass using crawlers, cut bait, or minnows. Most fish are 8 to 9 inches. Fishing Hy-Vee reef and Fisherman's reef and any of the smaller rock reefs have been good spots. Many anglers are having success northwest of the Island. White bass are being caught fishing the McIntosh sand bar. Morning till early afternoon seems to be the best time.
Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment to stop the spread of invasive species. For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Good: Bluegill fishing has been consistently good for a while now. Try fishing with a small piece of night crawler under a bobber along weed lines and trees. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting around submerged logs and along the dam for best results.
Big Spirit Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing the edge of weed lines, the north grade, area docks, and Buffalo Run fish barrier for the best action. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Try fishing along rocky points, the footbridge, and Angler's Bay for best results. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many largemouth bass have been reported while casting spinner baits along the weed lines and along the north grade road. Yellow Perch - Good: Anglers are starting to catch good numbers of perch again with the stable weather. Try finding the schools and using a small jig with wigglers. The best action has been off Templar Point and Little Stoney Point. Some sorting is required with many 6-inch fish being caught. Walleye - Fair: Walleye fishing continues to pick up in the early morning and at night at the footbridge, north grade, and Stoney point.
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Good: Try fishing the spillway or along the edge of weed beds for best action with a minnow or piece of cut bait. Yellow Perch - Good: Try using a small jig with wigglers around areas with mucky bottoms, rock piles, and along docks. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have been reported along rocky points like parks marina and Stoney Point. Yellow Bass - Good: Yellow bass are being caught while fishing for white bass.
Little Spirit Lake
Bullhead - Good: Try fishing on the bottom with a night crawler near the outlet.
Silver Lake (****inson)
Channel Catfish - Good: Try fishing toward evening hours with a dead chub or stink bait. White Bass - Good: Watch for schooling fish chasing minnows and fish with minnow or minnow-like baits or try drifting through the main basin with a bobber and minnow. Walleye - Fair: Wader fishing activity at night will continue to improve as water temperature drops.
West Okoboji Lake
Northern Pike - Good: Pike have been reported using the same tactics as fishing for largemouth bass. Bluegill - Good: For the best action fish docks and weed lines associated with deep water vertical jigging with a small piece of night crawler or small crawdad. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallmouth bass are being picked up using crankbaits along the weed lines. Largemouth Bass - Good: Try casting or trolling crankbaits in the weeds for best action. Yellow Perch - Good: Some yellow perch are being picked up while fishing for bluegill. Some sorting is required.
Big Sioux River
Channel Catfish - Good: Fishing for channel catfish has remained good with the low water levels. Find a deep pool and use stink bait or chicken liver for best action.
Little Sioux River (state line to Linn Grove)
Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and chicken livers as the river has been going down.
West Fork Des Moines (state line to Emmetsburg)
Anglers are reporting good numbers of channel catfish, and also some walleyes while fishing in deeper pools.
Walleye fishing continues to pick up on area rivers. With the low water conditions, find a deep pool and fish with a jig and minnow for best action. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Now would be an excellent time to take a slow boat ride around the lake and admire the fall color. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Slow: Crappie - Slow:
Lake Hendricks
Water temperature is in the low 60s. The water is still stained with a brown tint from an algae bloom but appears to be clearing this week. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are having the best luck using a worm fished under a bobber in the late afternoon. Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Lake Meyer
Aquatic vegetation is now gone making shoreline access much easier. Try fishing over the brush piles or along the rocky edges. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills activity has picked up. Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - Fair: Crappies are starting to bite. Angers are having the best luck using a jig and minnow.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flow is low so target the deeper holes and around snags and log jams. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Walleye - Good: Anglers have been using crankbaits and jigs tipped with a twister tail. Also try floating worms through the deeper holes.
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
With low water levels, focus efforts in the deeper holes. Northern Pike - Excellent: Anglers are reporting nice catches of northerns 30-plus inches in the lower river using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - Good: Try using crankbaits and jigs tipped with a minnow.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Activity has been picking up this week but focus efforts in those deeper holes up and down the river. In the Nashua area, anglers are having good luck with crappies in the pockets below the dam. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - Good: Smallies in the Charles City area are hitting on jigs tipped with minnows or nightcrawlers. Crappie - Good: In the Nashua area, anglers are having good luck with crappies in the pockets below the dam. Wax worms, nightcrawlers and minnows are preferred. Walleye - Fair: Walleye have been hitting on jigs tipped with a minnow drifted over the deeper holes.
Decorah District Streams
Autumn Blue Wing Olives hatches have been superb. Watch for late afternoon and early evening spinner falls, particularly at the tails of slower pools. Try a delicate #18 spinner pattern on fine tippet for these late-rising trout. All streams that are stocked with catchable trout are now unannounced, but weekly plants are still occurring on all streams.
Area rivers, lakes and trout streams are in excellent condition but be aware of low flow conditions on the larger rivers. The leaves are at peak color in our area this weekend and great weather conditions are the makings for a great outing in northeast Iowa. For more information, contact the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Big Woods Lake
Reports of crappie being taken. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
Brinker Lake
There have been reports of anglers catching crappie. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been catching some crappie off of the dock or jetties. Fishing should only improve as water temperature drops heading into fall. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Spinner baits have been catching bass. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Fishing has improved for walleye and smallmouth bass as they tend to feed more aggressively heading into the fall. There also have been reports of crappie being caught near brush piles above the dams in the impoundment areas. Northern Pike - Fair: Artificial spoons and crankbaits have been producing some northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twistertail or spinner baits have been producing smallmouth bass. Crappie - Fair: Concentrate near brush piles with a minnow tipped under a slip bobber. Walleye - Good: A nightcrawler or minnow tipped on a jig work well this time of year.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Fishing has been fair for most species but walleye have reported as fair to good. Anglers are also catching some northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twistertail or spinner baits have been producing smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Crankbaits or a minnow tipped on a jig work well this time of year.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River is in excellent condition. Smallmouth bass reports have been good with walleye and northern pike being caught as well. Northern Pike - Fair: Artificial spoons and crankbaits have been producing some northern pike. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Concentrate near the riffle areas casting spinner baits or jigs with a twistertail. Walleye - Fair: Fish downstream of woody structure along the current breaks and back eddy areas.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
The Maquoketa River is in excellent condition. Concentrate efforts for smallmouth bass, channel catfish and walleye in Delaware County. Recent fish surveys sampled abundant channel catfish below the Delhi Dam Access. Channel Catfish - Good: Drifting a nightcrawler on the bottom has been productive. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Spinner baits or jig tipped with a twistertail this time of year can be productive for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: Fish a jig tipped with a crawler or minnow with the cooler water temperature.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in excellent condition with the dry, cool weather.
Fishing on the interior rivers for walleye and smallmouth bass has improved over the last week as water temperatures decline. Anglers are also beginning to pick up some northern pike and crappie on the rivers. Some area Black Hawk County lakes have been fair also for crappie. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.20 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on dip baits, chicken livers, and shad. Trying fishing above snag piles along the main channel and side channels. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are starting to be picked up in the Andalusia Island complex using minnows under a bobber or on jigs and soft plastics. Try fishing around brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are starting to be picked up in the Andalusia Island complex using minnows under a bobber or small jigs and plastics. Look for fish around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on jigs and minnows on the ends of wing dams.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.11 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.26 feet. River level has been fairly steady over the past few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool this week. Channel Catfish - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Crappie - No Report: Sauger - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.94 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish are being caught on shad and dip baits. Try fishing for channel catfish around snag piles along the main channel or side channels. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows. Look for fish around brush piles. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams on crankbaits or on jigs and minnows.
Mississippi Pools 16-20: River levels have been fairly steady throughout the pools this past week. River levels are still low and anglers should use caution when boating. Main channel water temperature is around 63 degrees and water clarity is fair. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Brittle naiad (an invasive aquatic plant species) is present in Geode so clean your boat and trailer before leaving the ramp. Bluegill - Fair: Look for the bluegills to be in around the edge of the weed beds in 6 to 8 feet of water.
Lake Belva Deer
The south (campground) boat ramp is closed for paving. Please use the north boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are stilling getting good numbers of catfish along the rocks and while crappie fishing. Bluegill - Excellent: Bluegill fishing has picked back up. Anglers are catching lots of nice fish in about six feet of water.
Pollmiller Park Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers are catching some nice bluegills around the tree piles and other fish habitat. Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has been good for anglers using minnows are the habitat.
Lake of the Hills
The DNR will release 1,800 rainbow trout at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 22 at the boat ramp, of which, 200 will be tagged. Anglers catching a tagged trout will get a prize. Channel Catfish - Good: All types of stink baits, liver, and night crawlers are producing decent fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing is picking up. The bluegills are moving a lot as they fatten up for winter, so be ready to move with them. Crappie - Good: Live minnows are producing crappies off the fishing dock area as well as the brush piles. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used as bait.
Wilson Lake
The DNR will release 1,000 rainbow trout at 1 p.m., Nov. 5, of which, 200 will be tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Fair: As the weather has cooled down the trout have been seen coming to the surface to feed in the early mornings and evenings.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The DNR will release 1,000 rainbow trout at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 5, of which, 100 will be tagged for prizes.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature is in the mid 60s. White Bass - Slow: Some fish are being caught at sunrise and sunset on crankbaits, jigs, or top waters. Crappie - Slow: Try jigs or minnows around deeper brush/stumps or suspended in open water. Walleye - Slow: A few walleyes are being caught here and there on crankbaits over rock reefs and mud flats.
Central Park Lake
Channel Catfish - Fair: Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - Fair:
Pleasant Creek Lake
White Bass - Fair: Fish windblown points and banks with jigs or crankbaits. Sunset can often be the best time.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Bluegill - Fair: Fish around brush piles with a small jig or worm. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching many crappies. Most are on the small side, but anglers are encouraged to keep up to their limit of 25 due to high density of crappies. Try small jigs around brush.
Otter Creek Lake
The fish cleaning station is no longer available due to storm damage. Channel Catfish - Fair: Some nice sized fish can be caught. Nightcrawlers have been working best. Yellow Bass - Fair: Fish are being caught closer to shore now. Try small jigs or spinners.
Union Grove Lake
Crappie - Good: Try a jig and/or minnow around brush or by drifting open water.
Coralville Reservoir
The water level on Oct. 6 is 685.15 feet and holding steady. Water temperature this week has been in the mid 60s. Channel Catfish - Fair: Most fish have been coming on shad along the main channel. Crappie - Fair: Fish jigs or minnows along rocky banks and in some brush piles.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Walleye - Fair: Try crankbaits below the dams.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Walleye - Fair:
Maquoketa (Hopkinton to Canton)
Smallmouth Bass - Good: Walleye - Good:
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been having success using a jig tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber. Target areas with some submerged habitat or along the shorelines.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake was drained for a lake renovation last year but work is now complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is now full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Albia (lower)
Bluegill - Fair: Small jigs fished under a bobber tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler have been productive. Try depths ranging from 4 to 8 feet along the upper end of the reservoir. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use crawdad imitating baits fished along the dam.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean the boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Bluegill - Fair: Small jigs with a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber have been the most productive. Try areas with submerged habitat and along the shoreline in 4 to 8 feet of water. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinner baits or crankbaits fished along the rocky shorelines. The water temperature is in the 60s.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is at 904.30 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the mid 60s. Outlet Park is open. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure water above 104 degrees or let them dry for at least 10 days (5 days in sun). Crappie - Slow: Crappies are being caught close to shore using jig and minnow combos. Also try minnows fished under a slip bobber in areas with some type of underwater structure. Walleye - Fair: Nightcrawler harnesses and bottom bouncers being trolled have been catching some fish. Try the areas around Island View or South Fork. Tagged walleyes should be reported at 641-647-2406.
For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Roberts Creek Lake
Crappie - Good: Trolling small panfish crankbaits or drifting small jigs or minnows is catching decent numbers of crappie with an occasional large fish over 11 inches.
Big Creek Lake
The lake is 2 to 3 feet low. The best ramp to use during low water is the East ramp closest to the handicap fishing pier. Bluegill - Good: Large bluegill are being caught over brush piles in 15 feet of water or less and near structure in the deeper water near the emergency spillway.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers drifting crawlers or small jigs mid lake out from the north shore are catching bluegill and occasional crappie. Bluegill can also be easily caught fishing live bait over pallet and brush piles in eight feet of water or less, especially those between the island and beach and out from the plover bay shelter. Crappie - Fair: The crappie that are being caught are coming from the lower portion of the lake. Drift or troll small jigs, small crankbaits, or live minnows out from the points and off the deep side of the island. The crappies are good size with most running 9 to 11 inches.
Hooper Area Pond
Crappie - Good: Drifting small jigs or live minnows is working well on crappies. A good population of nice size crappie exists. Most are black crappie running between 8 and 10 inches, but some white crappies are there up to 12 inches.
Lake Ahquabi
Crappie - Good: Good numbers of 8 to 10-inch crappie are present and anglers are having good success. They are being caught near the pedestrian bridge and fish house in the evenings on minnows and suspended over sunken brush in the main lake during the day with small tube jigs or live minnows.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: Large crappie are being caught in the marina bay and near the face of the dam using slip bobbers and minnows.
Saylorville Reservoir
Channel Catfish - Excellent: Anglers are having good outings for channel catfish fishing the upper end of the reservoir using cut shad. Casting cut shad out from shore at Jester Park is also good for non boat anglers.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers casting crankbaits below the Saylorville spillway are having good evenings. Some nice fish in the 15 to 22-inch range are coming out.
Water temperatures are holding in the low to mid 60s and good fall fishing is happening. Now is a great time to be out for bluegill and crappie. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield has one concrete boat ramp. Water clarity is good. Bluegill - Fair: 7 to 8-inch bluegill can be caught drifting small jigs. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught casting around jetties and weed edges. Many fish are in the 12 to 15-inch range.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one small boat ramp. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are being caught around brush piles with nightcrawlers. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught vertical jigging around brush piles. Fish average nine inches with a few 11-inch fish being caught. Evenings seem to be best.
Orient Lake
Orient Lake has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish are being caught on shrimp. Fish average 14 to 18 inches.
Cold Springs Lake
Cold Springs has one concrete boat ramp. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are being caught in less than six feet of water using cut bait. Fish average 2.5 pounds.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught drifting and around brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are being caught along weed edges and the road beds. Bass are all sizes up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches are being caught vertical jigging the brush piles. Evening bite is best.
Willow Lake
Willow has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish can be caught along the campground shoreline and around jetties using blood bait or liver. Bluegill - Fair: The best bluegill bite is early in the morning using nightcrawlers under a bobber. Fish average eight inches. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth are being caught using Powerbait worms around sunken trees. Most fish are 12 to 14 inches.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake has four feet of water clarity. The lake has three concrete boat ramps. Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfishing has been fair in the evenings around the jetties using liver. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Anglers are catching largemouth bass in the sunken cedar trees using plastic baits. Casting spinner baits along weed edges has also produced fish up to 20 inches. Crappie - Fair: Crappies up to 10 inches can be caught around brush piles.
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
There are numerous farm ponds in southern Iowa that can provide a quality fishing trip. Remember to always get permission to fish private farm ponds. Aquatic vegetation is starting to come on. Small boats or bass buggies will aid in fishing small ponds this time of year. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish are active now that water temperatures are cooling. Liver and prepared blood baits work well this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegills around deeper structure and outside edges of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass are aggressive now and can be caught casting around structure and along the shoreline. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to target largemouth.
Water temperatures are in the low to mid 60s. The bluegill and crappie bite has been good. For more information on fishing call the Cold Springs District Office at 712-769-2587.
Lake Icaria
The water temperature is in the upper 60s and clarity is above normal. Walleye - Good: Several walleyes are being caught by trolling the open points.
Little River Watershed Lake
The lake has been lowered 20 feet to allow for a fish renovation, shoreline repairs, and fish habitat project to be completed this fall and winter. The fishery will be restocked as soon as conditions allow.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level is down about nine feet to allow completion of the final stages of a sediment removal project. The main concrete ramp is open and functional. The fishery is growing fast and contains a lot of bluegill up to 8 1/2 inches, crappies up to 9 1/2 inches and bass from 8 to 15 inches.
Three Mile Lake
Water temperature is in the mid 60s. Water clarity is good at mid-lake and near the dam. The upper end is still a little green. The fall walleye and crappie bite is on. Crappie - Good: Several crappies are coming from the flooded tree piles near sharp drop-offs. Size is good. Walleye - Good: Several walleye are being caught from the old roadway between the ramps and the open flats of the upper end.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The water temperature is in the mid 60s. The algae is starting to disappear but the upper end is still a little green. The walleye, crappie and bluegill bite is on. Bluegill - Fair: Several real nice bluegills or being caught from the rock mounds. Crappie - Good: A lot of mid-sized crappies are being caught from the flooded trees. Walleye - Good: A lot of walleye are being caught at mid-lake and the upper end. Trolling the open flat points and the long stretches of open shoreline seem to be the best.
Water temperatures are in the mid 60s at most lakes. Small lakes are in the low 60s. Water clarity is above average at most lakes. The fall crappie and walleye bite on.