- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
- Location
- North Liberty, Iowa
For immediate release: October 27, 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.
Oldham Lake
Crappie fishing has been good.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the mid to upper 50s. 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.
Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR will release 1,500 rainbow trout on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
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. Fishing continues to be slow at Storm Lake. Walleye - Slow:
North Twin Lake
Anglers continue to catch good numbers of yellow bass at North Twin Lake. 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. There have been reports of walleye being caught at North Twin as well.
Swan Lake
Water clarity is around 25 inches. Crappie fishing is good and the fish are ranging from 7 to 9 inches.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching medium sized bluegill in Town Bay from the south stone pier. Walleye - Slow: Recent surveys show a large number of legal size walleye in Town Bay between the tip of Ice House Point and the south stone pier. Anglers have been catching some walleye in this area with a bobber and a large live minnow or a twister.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend has been reopened. However, anglers need to be aware of the refuge boundary.
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.
Moorland Pond
The DNR will release 1,500 rainbow trout on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Fishing around the Linn Grove Dam has been very slow. Water temperature has been in the 40s.
Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)
Fishing for channel catfish has been good. There is fair fishing for walleye with a jig and a minnow.
Black Hawk District Farm Ponds
Fishing has been slow in area farm ponds.
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.
Beeds Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been fair, try fishing near cover.
Clear Lake
Most of the docks have been removed. Yellow bass and walleyes are biting drifting bait between the island and the north shore. Anglers are having success catching a mixed bag of fish off the jetties.
Lake Cornelia
Perch and bluegill fishing has been good. A few walleyes and channel catfish are also being caught. The docks at the boat ramp have been pulled.
Little Wall Lake
Crappie fishing is good; 6 to 8-inch crappies are being caught on tube jigs fishing off the jetty in 2 to 6 feet of water. Bluegill fishing is fair, being caught same way. Bass fair, caught using crankbaits in the evenings.
Bluebill Lake
Largemouth bass are biting on minnows. Bluegill and crappie are biting well on tube jigs fished in 15 to 18 feet of water.
Interstate Park Lake
A few bluegill and crappie are biting fishing from shore with a piece of crawler.
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: 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. Crappie - Good: Crappie are moving into brush piles, so use a minnow with a slip bobber for best action.
Big Spirit Lake
Fishing has been spotty with some anglers reporting good catches of perch while many have had slow fishing. White Bass - Fair: Some large white bass are being caught on crankbaits while fishing for smallmouth bass on rock points and weed lines in Angler’s Bay. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching nice bluegill at the north grade in the fish barrier, along the dock, and along the road throughout the day. 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 - Fair: Perch fishing has been inconsistent in the past week with most anglers keeping 5 to 10 perch. Try finding the schools and using a small jig or pilkie 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 be on and off in the early morning and at night at the footbridge, north grade, and Stoney Point. Some days the fish are biting well, while other days fishing is slow.
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Good: Try fishing with rattle traps or any crankbaits shaped like bluegill or crappie along shorelines with structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are being caught using the same techniques as fishing for white bass. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the early morning hours by docks using a minnow under a bobber. 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 reported while fishing for perch.
Silver Lake (****inson)
White Bass - Fair: Try casting lipless crankbaits along the shoreline or drifting a minnow under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Wader fishing along the north and west shoreline has picked up at dusk.
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)
Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are being caught in deeper pools near structure with a jig and a minnow. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and chicken livers as the river has been going down. Walleye - Fair: With the river being low, fish are spotty but if you find a nice hole, fish at dawn and dusk for best luck.
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 has been spotty on area rivers. With the low water conditions find a deep pool and fish with a jig and minnow at dawn and dusk for best action. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Try fishing over the brush piles and the shoreline along the dam, especially in the afternoon. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:
Lake Hendricks
Very few anglers have been out this week. Try fishing around the north side of the lake and among the stumps. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Meyer
Very few anglers have been on the lake this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flow is low so concentrate efforts around the deeper holes and 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 30 inch and larger northerns in the lower river using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - Excellent: Try using crankbaits and jigs tipped with a long piece of crawler.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Anglers are reporting excellent catches of walleye using a jig tipped with a full worm. Water levels are low so concentrate your efforts in the deeper holes.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
Anglers have been reporting good catches of northern pike in the Fredericka area using chubs fished under a bobber.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Fish activity continues to improve. Focus efforts in those deeper holes up and down the river. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are reporting catching quite a few 3 to 5 pounders using twistertails. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Nightcrawlers are your best bet for smallies this week. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Good: Walleye have been hitting on jigs tipped with a minnow, worms or twistertails drifted over the deeper holes.
Decorah District Streams
#18 and #20 Blue Wing Olives remain the dominant late morning and afternoon hatch. Try a Thread Wrap pattern in those sizes for dry fly fishing. Trout are foraging heavily and have also been taken on nymphs, wet flies and streamers. Please consider fishing from the banks only when possible. Brookies and brown trout are beginning to spawn and are now appearing on the redds. All streams stocked with catchable trout are now unannounced. Weekly plants will end Oct. 31. Keep on fishing!
Area rivers, lakes and trout streams are in excellent condition but be aware of low flow conditions on many rivers and streams. Fishing opportunities are abundant this time of year as well as opportunities for viewing our annual waterfowl migration. For more information, contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been catching some crappie fishing off of the dock or jetties. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
Avenue of the Saints Pond
Anglers are catching some crappie on Saints Lake. Crappie - Fair: Try drifting a minnow under a slip bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Fishing has remained steady for walleye on the Cedar River. Walleye - Fair: A minnow tipped on a jig and twister tail has been productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River has been producing some nice catches of walleye over the last week. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twistertail or crankbaits have been good for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: A minnow tipped on a jig and twister tail has been productive this time of year.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports have been fair to good with walleye and northern pike being caught. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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 with good reports of walleye fishing. Walleye - Good: Fish a jig tipped with a minnow in deeper pools for larger, overwintering fish.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Activity has increased on Spring Branch Creek.
Fishing on the Shell Rock River has been the most productive for walleye of all the interior rivers. Panfish reports have been slow also on area Black Hawk County lakes. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition; call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water Level at Lansing is 8.1 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Minnesota Slough and Black Hawk Lake are good bets for bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Minnesota Slough. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. In Pool 9, try along Minnesota Slough and the deeper cuts in Lansing Big Lake.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water Level at Lynxville is 13.3 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Joyce Lake, Mud Hen Lake and Norwegian Lake are good bets for bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Joyce Lake and Mud Hen Lake. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. In Pool 10 try along Harpers Slough near New Albin and in the Sny Magill complex north of Clayton. Sauger - Fair: Many small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Lynxville tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water Level at Guttenberg is 4.8 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Cassville Slough, Bertrom and Mud Lake are good bets for bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Cassville Slough. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Crappie - Excellent: Find the brush piles in the deeper backwater lakes and slack running sloughs. Use small minnows for bait on a small hook that is flexible. You can pull these flexible hooks out of the brush piles when snagged. Sauger - Fair: Many small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Guttenberg tail water. Most anglers are using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water Level at Dubuque is 7.4 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: A good population of smallmouth of all sizes exists in the tail water at Dubuque. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Some bass are still being taken in the tail water areas on spinners and jigs. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. Sauger - Good: Many small sauger and are being taken out of the Dubuque tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water Level at Guttenberg is 4.7 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Try fishing in Lainsville Slough (although parts are shallow) and lower Sabula Lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Minnesota Slough. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Some bass are still in the Bellevue tail water as well! Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. In Pool 13 try along Crooked Slough or Lower Sabula Lake. Sauger - Fair: Some small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Bellevue tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water Level at Camanche is 9.3 and steady. Water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Schrickers Lake and Rock Creek complex is a good bet! Crappie - Good: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. Sauger - Fair: Some small sauger are being taken out of the Camanche tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 15
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
River levels remain low and stable on the upper Mississippi Pools 9-15. The consistent water levels have made for good fishing as water temperatures cool into the upper 50s the fall feeding has begun.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.86 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. River conditions are still low and boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Channel Catfish - Slow: Fishing for channel catfish has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Fishing for bluegills has been slow. Crappie - Good: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing around the docks with a jig and minnow. Some crappies are also being caught in the backwaters. The Andalusia Island complex has been difficult to access due to the low water conditions. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being caught on the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge and along Credit Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and twister tails. There are some saugers being caught in Sylvan Slough but most of them have been on the small side. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge and along Credit Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and plastics. Some fish are being caught on three-way rigs with half a nightcrawler.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.86 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. Water level is still low and boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or jigs and small plastics. Try fishing around brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics. Try fishing around brush piles. Sauger - No Report: We have received no tail water fishing reports for saugers this week.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.87 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. River stage is still low so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing around brush piles with jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics around brush piles. Sauger - Fair: A few saugers are starting to be caught in the tail waters and around wing dams on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.94 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. River level is still low so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pools 16 to 19: River stage has been steady throughout the pools this week. Main channel water temperature is around 54 degrees and water clarity is fair. River levels are still low and boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake of the Hills
The stocking of 1,800 rainbow trout was on Oct. 22. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 1,800 rainbow trout were released last Saturday and many are still in the lake. They have been very active hitting wax worms, dew worms, and small spinners. Channel Catfish - Fair: With the cooler weather the catfishing has slowed down but chicken liver and night crawlers are still working to catch some nice fish. 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.
Railroad Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Fish has improved since last week along the old creek channel using liver, dip baits, or night crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Try where Bluegrass Lake dumps into Railroad, especially after the recent rains. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Nice fish are being caught off the timber and along the rocks. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies in the timber along the old creek channel.
Wilson Lake
The DNR will release 1200 rainbow trout on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m., of which 200 will be tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Fair: As the weather has started to cool down the trout have been seen coming up to the surface to feed in the early mornings and evenings.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The DNR will release 1,000 rainbow trout on Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m., of which 100 will be tagged for prizes.
For more information on the above lakes please call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature this week has been in the mid 50s. Crappie - Fair: Try jigs or minnows around deeper brush/stumps or suspended in open water.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching crappies. Most are on the small side, but anglers are encouraged to keep up to their limit of 25 due to their high density. Blue or white tube jigs have been reported as working well. Look for suspended fish around the jetties.
Union Grove Lake
Crappie - Fair: Try a jig and/or minnow around brush or by drifting open water. Most fish are around 9 inches.
Coralville Reservoir
The water level on October 27 is 685.7 feet and holding relatively steady. Water temperature is in the mid 50s. White Bass - Fair: Most fish are scattered but occasionally you can find a nice school. Crappie - Fair: Fish jigs or minnows along rocky banks and in some brush piles. Most fish are mediocre but nice sized ones are being caught as well.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the dam is 180 cubic feet per second and is holding steady. Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs or minnows in slack water areas. Walleye - Fair: Try crankbaits below the dams.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Try a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber on a small jig. The bluegills have moved off shore so try depths of 6 to 10 feet. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try a spinner bait or rubber worms rigged Texas style. Target areas with submerged structure or rock.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake was drained last year for a lake renovation but work is complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is now full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Bluegill - Slow: Small jigs with a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber have been the most productive. Try depths ranging from 6 to 10 feet. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use spinner baits or crankbaits along the rocky shorelines. Crappie - Slow: Try using a slip bobber with a minnow. Try areas along the flooded timber.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked on Oct. 14. Try using small spinners or small jigs.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 904.05 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been running in the mid 50s. 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 hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun). Crappie - Slow: Try minnows fished under a slip bobber in areas with some type of underwater structure. Look for brush piles or standing timber. Walleye - Slow: Anglers should try using nightcrawler harnesses and bottom bouncers being trolled. Jigs should also be tried. 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 - Fair: Anglers drifting or trolling over the sunken habitat in the southeast arm are catching fair numbers of crappie with an occasional large fish over 11 inches.
Big Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing on Big Creek is fair to slow. Anglers that find the fish on sunken brush piles are picking some off on calm days. Stick to habitat in the upper half of the lake in the east ramp bay and the marina area. Walleye - Fair: A few anglers have been taking advantage of a fall walleye bite. Many fish being caught are sublegal, but legal fish, as well as some reward tagged fish, are coming in. The points and old rock piles on the north half of the lake have been the most productive spots trolling crankbaits or a slow live bait presentation with minnows.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers slowly drifting or still fishing small jigs or live bait over sunken habitat in eight feet of water or more in the lower half of the lake are doing well on fair sized bluegill from 7 to 8.5 inches and occasional crappies that are 9 to 11 inches.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: The best place to target large crappies on Red Rock continues to be the docks in the marina with minnows. Access is by boat, there is no trespassing on the docks.
Lake Petoka
Rainbow Trout - Good: The trout fishing was off to little bit of a slow start, but anglers are doing very well now using small inline spinners, minnows or wax worms under a bobber, and flies on calmer days. Both rainbow and brook trout were stocked this time.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers are continuing to do well casting inline spinners, small jigs, and minnows under a bobber.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye below Saylorville spillway casting crankbaits. Not much is coming from directly below the spillway, multiple good holes worth trying exist downstream to Prospect Park. In addition to walleye, some fair smallmouth bass and white bass can also be expected.
Water temperatures are cooling quickly into the low 50s. Anglers fishing for crappie are doing well on many lakes. Low river levels are creating some good fall walleye fishing where deeper water can be found. 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. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass are being caught casting around jetties and weed edges. Many fish are in the 12 to 15-inch range. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught around deep cedar tree piles.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one small boat ramp. 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.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught drifting and around brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches are being caught vertical jigging the brush piles. Evening bite is best. White twister tails and road runners have been good baits to use.
Willow Lake
Willow has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Channel Catfish - Slow: 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.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake has four feet of water clarity. The lake has three concrete boat ramps. Largemouth Bass - Slow: 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught with cut bait this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegills around deeper structure and outside edges of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting around structure and along the shoreline. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to target largemouth.
Water temperatures have dropped into the low 50s. Crappie fishing has been fair. For more information on fishing call the southwest district office at 712-769-2587.
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 currently contains a lot of bluegill up to 8 1/2 inches, crappies up to 9 1/2 inches, channel catfish up to six pounds, and bass from 8 to 15 inches.
Water temperature is falling into the 50s most lakes. Some of the small lakes will be cooler. Water clarity is very good at most lakes. Angler reports are sparse indicate that the fish are moving into deeper areas.
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.
Oldham Lake
Crappie fishing has been good.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water temperature is in the mid to upper 50s. 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.
Bacon Creek Lake
The DNR will release 1,500 rainbow trout on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m.
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. Fishing continues to be slow at Storm Lake. Walleye - Slow:
North Twin Lake
Anglers continue to catch good numbers of yellow bass at North Twin Lake. 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. There have been reports of walleye being caught at North Twin as well.
Swan Lake
Water clarity is around 25 inches. Crappie fishing is good and the fish are ranging from 7 to 9 inches.
Black Hawk Lake
Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching medium sized bluegill in Town Bay from the south stone pier. Walleye - Slow: Recent surveys show a large number of legal size walleye in Town Bay between the tip of Ice House Point and the south stone pier. Anglers have been catching some walleye in this area with a bobber and a large live minnow or a twister.
Snyder Bend Lake
Snyder Bend has been reopened. However, anglers need to be aware of the refuge boundary.
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.
Moorland Pond
The DNR will release 1,500 rainbow trout on Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.
Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)
Fishing around the Linn Grove Dam has been very slow. Water temperature has been in the 40s.
Little Sioux River (Correctionville to Missouri River)
Fishing for channel catfish has been good. There is fair fishing for walleye with a jig and a minnow.
Black Hawk District Farm Ponds
Fishing has been slow in area farm ponds.
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.
Beeds Lake
Largemouth bass fishing has been fair, try fishing near cover.
Clear Lake
Most of the docks have been removed. Yellow bass and walleyes are biting drifting bait between the island and the north shore. Anglers are having success catching a mixed bag of fish off the jetties.
Lake Cornelia
Perch and bluegill fishing has been good. A few walleyes and channel catfish are also being caught. The docks at the boat ramp have been pulled.
Little Wall Lake
Crappie fishing is good; 6 to 8-inch crappies are being caught on tube jigs fishing off the jetty in 2 to 6 feet of water. Bluegill fishing is fair, being caught same way. Bass fair, caught using crankbaits in the evenings.
Bluebill Lake
Largemouth bass are biting on minnows. Bluegill and crappie are biting well on tube jigs fished in 15 to 18 feet of water.
Interstate Park Lake
A few bluegill and crappie are biting fishing from shore with a piece of crawler.
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: 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. Crappie - Good: Crappie are moving into brush piles, so use a minnow with a slip bobber for best action.
Big Spirit Lake
Fishing has been spotty with some anglers reporting good catches of perch while many have had slow fishing. White Bass - Fair: Some large white bass are being caught on crankbaits while fishing for smallmouth bass on rock points and weed lines in Angler’s Bay. Bluegill - Good: Anglers are catching nice bluegill at the north grade in the fish barrier, along the dock, and along the road throughout the day. 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 - Fair: Perch fishing has been inconsistent in the past week with most anglers keeping 5 to 10 perch. Try finding the schools and using a small jig or pilkie 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 be on and off in the early morning and at night at the footbridge, north grade, and Stoney Point. Some days the fish are biting well, while other days fishing is slow.
East Okoboji Lake
White Bass - Good: Try fishing with rattle traps or any crankbaits shaped like bluegill or crappie along shorelines with structure. Largemouth Bass - Good: Largemouth are being caught using the same techniques as fishing for white bass. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the early morning hours by docks using a minnow under a bobber. 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 reported while fishing for perch.
Silver Lake (****inson)
White Bass - Fair: Try casting lipless crankbaits along the shoreline or drifting a minnow under a bobber. Walleye - Good: Wader fishing along the north and west shoreline has picked up at dusk.
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)
Northern Pike - Fair: Northern are being caught in deeper pools near structure with a jig and a minnow. Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish have been biting on night crawlers and chicken livers as the river has been going down. Walleye - Fair: With the river being low, fish are spotty but if you find a nice hole, fish at dawn and dusk for best luck.
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 has been spotty on area rivers. With the low water conditions find a deep pool and fish with a jig and minnow at dawn and dusk for best action. For more information on fishing in northwest Iowa, call the Spirit Lake hatchery at 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Try fishing over the brush piles and the shoreline along the dam, especially in the afternoon. Bluegill - Slow: Largemouth Bass - Good: Crappie - Slow:
Lake Hendricks
Very few anglers have been out this week. Try fishing around the north side of the lake and among the stumps. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Meyer
Very few anglers have been on the lake this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Flow is low so concentrate efforts around the deeper holes and 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 30 inch and larger northerns in the lower river using crankbaits. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - Excellent: Try using crankbaits and jigs tipped with a long piece of crawler.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Anglers are reporting excellent catches of walleye using a jig tipped with a full worm. Water levels are low so concentrate your efforts in the deeper holes.
Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)
Anglers have been reporting good catches of northern pike in the Fredericka area using chubs fished under a bobber.
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Fish activity continues to improve. Focus efforts in those deeper holes up and down the river. Northern Pike - Good: Anglers are reporting catching quite a few 3 to 5 pounders using twistertails. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Nightcrawlers are your best bet for smallies this week. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Good: Walleye have been hitting on jigs tipped with a minnow, worms or twistertails drifted over the deeper holes.
Decorah District Streams
#18 and #20 Blue Wing Olives remain the dominant late morning and afternoon hatch. Try a Thread Wrap pattern in those sizes for dry fly fishing. Trout are foraging heavily and have also been taken on nymphs, wet flies and streamers. Please consider fishing from the banks only when possible. Brookies and brown trout are beginning to spawn and are now appearing on the redds. All streams stocked with catchable trout are now unannounced. Weekly plants will end Oct. 31. Keep on fishing!
Area rivers, lakes and trout streams are in excellent condition but be aware of low flow conditions on many rivers and streams. Fishing opportunities are abundant this time of year as well as opportunities for viewing our annual waterfowl migration. For more information, contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
George Wyth Lake
Anglers have been catching some crappie fishing off of the dock or jetties. Crappie - Fair: A crappie minnow fished under a slip bobber in 10 feet of water has been most productive.
Avenue of the Saints Pond
Anglers are catching some crappie on Saints Lake. Crappie - Fair: Try drifting a minnow under a slip bobber or casting colored tube jigs.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Fishing has remained steady for walleye on the Cedar River. Walleye - Fair: A minnow tipped on a jig and twister tail has been productive.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River has been producing some nice catches of walleye over the last week. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Jig and twistertail or crankbaits have been good for smallmouth bass. Walleye - Good: A minnow tipped on a jig and twister tail has been productive this time of year.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports have been fair to good with walleye and northern pike being caught. Smallmouth Bass - Fair: 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 with good reports of walleye fishing. Walleye - Good: Fish a jig tipped with a minnow in deeper pools for larger, overwintering fish.
Manchester District Streams
Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Activity has increased on Spring Branch Creek.
Fishing on the Shell Rock River has been the most productive for walleye of all the interior rivers. Panfish reports have been slow also on area Black Hawk County lakes. Trout streams in the Manchester District are in excellent condition; call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for any additional information.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water Level at Lansing is 8.1 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Minnesota Slough and Black Hawk Lake are good bets for bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Minnesota Slough. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. In Pool 9, try along Minnesota Slough and the deeper cuts in Lansing Big Lake.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water Level at Lynxville is 13.3 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Joyce Lake, Mud Hen Lake and Norwegian Lake are good bets for bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Joyce Lake and Mud Hen Lake. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. In Pool 10 try along Harpers Slough near New Albin and in the Sny Magill complex north of Clayton. Sauger - Fair: Many small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Lynxville tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water Level at Guttenberg is 4.8 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Cassville Slough, Bertrom and Mud Lake are good bets for bluegill fishing. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Cassville Slough. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Crappie - Excellent: Find the brush piles in the deeper backwater lakes and slack running sloughs. Use small minnows for bait on a small hook that is flexible. You can pull these flexible hooks out of the brush piles when snagged. Sauger - Fair: Many small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Guttenberg tail water. Most anglers are using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Water Level at Dubuque is 7.4 feet and steady, water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Excellent: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Smallmouth Bass - Good: A good population of smallmouth of all sizes exists in the tail water at Dubuque. Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Some bass are still being taken in the tail water areas on spinners and jigs. Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. Sauger - Good: Many small sauger and are being taken out of the Dubuque tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Water Level at Guttenberg is 4.7 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Try fishing in Lainsville Slough (although parts are shallow) and lower Sabula Lake. Largemouth Bass - Good: Many large bass are being taken along brush piles and logs in places like Minnesota Slough. Bass are really sitting along the wood in slack water areas. Some bass are still in the Bellevue tail water as well! Crappie - Excellent: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. In Pool 13 try along Crooked Slough or Lower Sabula Lake. Sauger - Fair: Some small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Bellevue tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Water Level at Camanche is 9.3 and steady. Water temperature is in the 50s. Fishing is very good for many species! Bluegill - Good: Some bluegills are moving into the mouths of their winter backwater homes. Some large bluegills are being taken using simple bobber and worm rigs. Schrickers Lake and Rock Creek complex is a good bet! Crappie - Good: Crappies are being taken in good numbers by anglers fishing along brush piles in deeper sloughs and backwater Lakes. Sauger - Fair: Some small sauger are being taken out of the Camanche tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 15
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
River levels remain low and stable on the upper Mississippi Pools 9-15. The consistent water levels have made for good fishing as water temperatures cool into the upper 50s the fall feeding has begun.
Mississippi River Pool 16
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 4.86 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. River conditions are still low and boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Channel Catfish - Slow: Fishing for channel catfish has been slow. Bluegill - Slow: Fishing for bluegills has been slow. Crappie - Good: Some crappies are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing around the docks with a jig and minnow. Some crappies are also being caught in the backwaters. The Andalusia Island complex has been difficult to access due to the low water conditions. Sauger - Fair: Some saugers are being caught on the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge and along Credit Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and twister tails. There are some saugers being caught in Sylvan Slough but most of them have been on the small side. Walleye - Fair: Some walleyes are being caught on the wing dams below the I-280 Bridge and along Credit Island. Most fish are being caught on jigs and minnows or on jigs and plastics. Some fish are being caught on three-way rigs with half a nightcrawler.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 3.86 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. Water level is still low and boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or jigs and small plastics. Try fishing around brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Some crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics. Try fishing around brush piles. Sauger - No Report: We have received no tail water fishing reports for saugers this week.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 3.87 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. River stage is still low so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing around brush piles with jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics around brush piles. Sauger - Fair: A few saugers are starting to be caught in the tail waters and around wing dams on jigs and minnows. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 1.94 feet. River stage has been steady over the past few days. River level is still low so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Crappie - Fair: Crappies are being caught in the backwaters on jigs and minnows or jigs and plastics. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.
Mississippi River Pools 16 to 19: River stage has been steady throughout the pools this week. Main channel water temperature is around 54 degrees and water clarity is fair. River levels are still low and boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16 to 19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
SOUTHEAST
Lake of the Hills
The stocking of 1,800 rainbow trout was on Oct. 22. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: 1,800 rainbow trout were released last Saturday and many are still in the lake. They have been very active hitting wax worms, dew worms, and small spinners. Channel Catfish - Fair: With the cooler weather the catfishing has slowed down but chicken liver and night crawlers are still working to catch some nice fish. 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.
Railroad Lake
Channel Catfish - Good: Fish has improved since last week along the old creek channel using liver, dip baits, or night crawlers. Bluegill - Fair: Try where Bluegrass Lake dumps into Railroad, especially after the recent rains. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Nice fish are being caught off the timber and along the rocks. Crappie - Good: Anglers are catching crappies in the timber along the old creek channel.
Wilson Lake
The DNR will release 1200 rainbow trout on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m., of which 200 will be tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Fair: As the weather has started to cool down the trout have been seen coming up to the surface to feed in the early mornings and evenings.
Environmental Discovery Park North Pond
The DNR will release 1,000 rainbow trout on Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m., of which 100 will be tagged for prizes.
For more information on the above lakes please call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.
Lake Macbride
Water temperature this week has been in the mid 50s. Crappie - Fair: Try jigs or minnows around deeper brush/stumps or suspended in open water.
Diamond Lake
Remember, no minnows are allowed here. Crappie - Fair: Anglers are catching crappies. Most are on the small side, but anglers are encouraged to keep up to their limit of 25 due to their high density. Blue or white tube jigs have been reported as working well. Look for suspended fish around the jetties.
Union Grove Lake
Crappie - Fair: Try a jig and/or minnow around brush or by drifting open water. Most fish are around 9 inches.
Coralville Reservoir
The water level on October 27 is 685.7 feet and holding relatively steady. Water temperature is in the mid 50s. White Bass - Fair: Most fish are scattered but occasionally you can find a nice school. Crappie - Fair: Fish jigs or minnows along rocky banks and in some brush piles. Most fish are mediocre but nice sized ones are being caught as well.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)
Outflow from the dam is 180 cubic feet per second and is holding steady. Crappie - Fair: Cast small jigs or minnows in slack water areas. Walleye - Fair: Try crankbaits below the dams.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill - Slow: Try a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber on a small jig. The bluegills have moved off shore so try depths of 6 to 10 feet. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Try a spinner bait or rubber worms rigged Texas style. Target areas with submerged structure or rock.
Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)
The lake was drained last year for a lake renovation but work is complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is now full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.
Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake. Bluegill - Slow: Small jigs with a chunk of nightcrawler fished under a bobber have been the most productive. Try depths ranging from 6 to 10 feet. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use spinner baits or crankbaits along the rocky shorelines. Crappie - Slow: Try using a slip bobber with a minnow. Try areas along the flooded timber.
Ottumwa Lagoon
Trout were stocked on Oct. 14. Try using small spinners or small jigs.
Rathbun Reservoir
The lake level is 904.05 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been running in the mid 50s. 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 hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun). Crappie - Slow: Try minnows fished under a slip bobber in areas with some type of underwater structure. Look for brush piles or standing timber. Walleye - Slow: Anglers should try using nightcrawler harnesses and bottom bouncers being trolled. Jigs should also be tried. 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 - Fair: Anglers drifting or trolling over the sunken habitat in the southeast arm are catching fair numbers of crappie with an occasional large fish over 11 inches.
Big Creek Lake
Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing on Big Creek is fair to slow. Anglers that find the fish on sunken brush piles are picking some off on calm days. Stick to habitat in the upper half of the lake in the east ramp bay and the marina area. Walleye - Fair: A few anglers have been taking advantage of a fall walleye bite. Many fish being caught are sublegal, but legal fish, as well as some reward tagged fish, are coming in. The points and old rock piles on the north half of the lake have been the most productive spots trolling crankbaits or a slow live bait presentation with minnows.
Hickory Grove Lake
Bluegill - Good: Anglers slowly drifting or still fishing small jigs or live bait over sunken habitat in eight feet of water or more in the lower half of the lake are doing well on fair sized bluegill from 7 to 8.5 inches and occasional crappies that are 9 to 11 inches.
Red Rock Reservoir
Crappie - Good: The best place to target large crappies on Red Rock continues to be the docks in the marina with minnows. Access is by boat, there is no trespassing on the docks.
Lake Petoka
Rainbow Trout - Good: The trout fishing was off to little bit of a slow start, but anglers are doing very well now using small inline spinners, minnows or wax worms under a bobber, and flies on calmer days. Both rainbow and brook trout were stocked this time.
Banner Lake (south)
Rainbow Trout - Good: Anglers are continuing to do well casting inline spinners, small jigs, and minnows under a bobber.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: Anglers are catching walleye below Saylorville spillway casting crankbaits. Not much is coming from directly below the spillway, multiple good holes worth trying exist downstream to Prospect Park. In addition to walleye, some fair smallmouth bass and white bass can also be expected.
Water temperatures are cooling quickly into the low 50s. Anglers fishing for crappie are doing well on many lakes. Low river levels are creating some good fall walleye fishing where deeper water can be found. 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. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass are being caught casting around jetties and weed edges. Many fish are in the 12 to 15-inch range. Crappie - Fair: A few crappies are being caught around deep cedar tree piles.
Nodaway Lake
Nodaway has one small boat ramp. 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.
Lake Anita
Lake Anita has two concrete ramps. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills up to nine inches are being caught drifting and around brush piles. Crappie - Fair: Crappie up to 10 inches are being caught vertical jigging the brush piles. Evening bite is best. White twister tails and road runners have been good baits to use.
Willow Lake
Willow has one concrete boat ramp and excellent water clarity. Channel Catfish - Slow: 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.
Viking Lake
Viking Lake has four feet of water clarity. The lake has three concrete boat ramps. Largemouth Bass - Slow: 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. Channel Catfish - Fair: Channel catfish can be caught with cut bait this time of year. Bluegill - Fair: Fish for bluegills around deeper structure and outside edges of vegetation. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth bass can be caught casting around structure and along the shoreline. Early morning and late evenings are the best times to target largemouth.
Water temperatures have dropped into the low 50s. Crappie fishing has been fair. For more information on fishing call the southwest district office at 712-769-2587.
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 currently contains a lot of bluegill up to 8 1/2 inches, crappies up to 9 1/2 inches, channel catfish up to six pounds, and bass from 8 to 15 inches.
Water temperature is falling into the 50s most lakes. Some of the small lakes will be cooler. Water clarity is very good at most lakes. Angler reports are sparse indicate that the fish are moving into deeper areas.