Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of March 28
NORTHWEST
Black Hawk Lake
Courtesy docks are in at Ice House Point boat ramp and the state campground boat ramp. Water temperature is around 40 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: The bite has slowed with the cooler temps lately; angler have picked up some from the fish house in Town Bay and along Ice House Point shoreline. Bluegill – Slow. Walleye – Fair: The last week has been slow. Look for shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures warm throughout the week. Use twisters or live bait from shore. Yellow Perch – Fair: Some perch are being picked up in Town Bay on minnows and crawlers.
Brushy Creek Lake
Courtesy docks are in on the north, east, and south ramps. One of the two docks is in at the west ramp. Black Crappie – Fair. Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Fair.
North Twin Lake
Water levels are 2-3 feet low. No courtesy docks are installed at the south boat ramps due to low water. A courtesy dock is at the west boat ramp at Featherstone County Park.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Water clarity is good. Water temperatures are around 40 degrees. With water temperatures re-cooling, shore fishing has slowed. Black Crappie – Slow: Cooler weather has slowed the bite; anglers are still picking up some in the marina. Walleye – Fair: Look for shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures start to warm. White Bass – Fair. Yellow Bass – Fair. Yellow Perch – Slow: Anglers have picked up some perch in the marina.
Water temperatures are around 40 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
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Blue Pit
Rainbow Trout – Fair.
Clear Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper 30s. Water level is 12.1 inches below crest. The courtesy dock is in at the Ritz ramp. A temporary courtesy dock is in at McIntosh until new docks are installed. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22-inches may be taken per day. Channel Catfish – Slow: It’s a good time to target catfish. Try a dead chub or cut bait from the wind-swept shore. Walleye – Slow: Anglers are having some success wader fishing and fishing off the jetties. Best bite is early morning and after sunset. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try a small jig in the rushes.
Crystal Lake
Walleye – Slow.
Lake Cornelia
The courtesy dock is in at the boat ramp.
Rice Lake
Walleye – Slow. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Yellow Perch – Slow.
Winnebago River
Water level is 6.52 feet. Northern Pike – Slow. Walleye – Fair: Try a jig head tipped with a minnow along current breaks.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
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East Okoboji Lake
The lake is 3 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will most likely be needed.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and afternoon.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
Lake access through Templar Lagoon ramp is blocked; the channel silted in during the last large wind event. The lake is currently 13 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are finding fish of quality size. Bluegill – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
West Okoboji Lake
The lake is currently 3 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th. Black Crappie – Fair: Bluegill – Good. Pumpkinseed – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Colder weather conditions have decreased lake temperatures significantly. This has allowed some areas to ice over during the night. Most courtesy docks are not in place. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 4th. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
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NORTHEAST
Decorah District Streams
Catchable trout stockings start April 1. Brook Trout – Fair. Brown Trout – Good. Rainbow Trout – Good.
Lake Hendricks
Fish activity slowed with the drop in water temperature. Bluegill – Slow.
Lake Meyer
Fish activity slowed with the drop in water temperature. Bluegill – Slow.
Volga Lake
Fish activity slowed with the drop in water temperature. Bluegill – Slow.
Chance of rain through the weekend. Variable temperatures with highs in the upper 50s to lows in the 20s and breezy. For additional information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
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Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
Anglers are catching a few walleye and northern pike, but it has been extremely slow. Northern Pike – Slow: Most catches are from anglers targeting walleye. Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow. Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Walleye – No Report: Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
Walleye – No Report: Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
Reports of anglers catching smallmouth bass. Walleyes should be on the bite before the spring spawn. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow. Walleye – No Report: Cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow..
Angling has been fair to good on interior rivers with up and down weather patterns. No reports on the surrounding area lakes. Trout streams remain in excellent condition. Catchable trout stockings start April 1. For further information contact your local bait shops for most recent information. Contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for more information.
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MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 8.3 feet at Lansing and is expected to stabilize over the next week. Water temperature is 38 degrees. Docks are in at New Albin Landing. Use caution avoid backing into the scour hole off the end of the ramp. Black Crappie – Fair: Try light tackle and small plastic baits in the flooded timber as the river rises. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish anglers are catching a few channel cats on crawlers. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike fishing will pick up as they finish the spawn. Try fishing the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes. Sauger – Good: Use hair jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters or off tips of deeper wing-dams. Walleye – Fair: Try hair jigs tipped with a minnow in the tailwaters or off tips of deeper wing-dams. Yellow Perch – Good: Use plastics or live minnows and worms in Shore Slough Lansing marina or the Village Creek area.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level is 613 feet at Lynxville and is expected to rise to near 616 feet next week. Water temperature is 42 degrees at the Lock & Dam in Lynxville. Black Crappie – Fair: Use light tackle and small plastic baits in the flooded timber as the river rises. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish anglers are catching a few channel cats on crawlers. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike fishing will pick up as they finish the spawn. Try fishing the shallows along weed beds in backwaters. Sauger – Good: Nice-sized sauger are being caught on jig and minnow below the dam. Walleye – Fair: The bite has picked up. Some sorting of slot-fish; nice fish are being caught on live bait in the tailwaters and off tips of wing-dams. Yellow Perch – Fair: Perch are well into the spawn; use plastics or live minnows and worms.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is 4.5 feet at Guttenberg and is expected to rise several feet to near 7 feet over the next week . Water temperature is 41 degrees. Mixed results with tailwater fishing at the Lock & Dam with colder temperatures. The dock is in at the Guttenberg ramp. Black Crappie – Fair: Use light tackle and small plastic baits in the flooded timber as the river rises. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catfish anglers are catching a few channel cats on crawlers. Northern Pike – Fair: Northern pike fishing will pick up as they finish the spawn. Try fishing the shallows along weed beds in backwaters. Sauger – Good: Try a jig and minnow; a lot of sorting is happening. Walleye – Fair: The bite has picked up. Some sorting of slot-fish; nice fish are being caught on live bait in the tailwaters and off tips of wing-dams. Yellow Perch – Fair: Try plastics or live minnows and worms from shore at the Guttenberg boat ramp.
Upper Mississippi River levels are on the rise. Anglers are having to search as fish are scattering with the rise in water levels. Water temperature dropped back to the low 40s. Live bait and a slower presentation are key to entice the early bite.
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Mississippi River Pool 12
The river is rising at Dubuque to near 4.9 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 7.4 feet at the railroad bridge. Water temperature has dropped to 44 degrees. Water clarity is good. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching a few black crappie on wood in deeper backwater lakes. Northern Pike – Slow: Pike are more difficult to find with the low water; places they normally spawn at are dry. Reports of post-spawned fish; spawning season for pike is probably not quite complete. Sauger – Fair: Most anglers are using a jig and minnow or one eye rig. Fishing has been good at times this spring for many anglers with many small fish and an occasional keeper being caught. Lots of small sauger and walleye are being caught. Yellow Perch – Good: Reports of yellow perch being taken in the tailwater and backwater lakes. Most anglers are using simple worm rigs.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level is rising to near 4.8 feet at Bellevue. Water clarity is good. Water temperature is around 45 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Find wood structure in deeper backwater areas. Channel Catfish – Good: Some catfish are being caught. Seems early, but anglers who target them can have good catches. Northern Pike – Fair: Most pike have spawned; some may still be in spawning mode with the goofy weather. Paddlefish – Fair: Paddlefish are a bit spread out at times, but anglers seem to be able to catch some. Check page 11 of the Iowa Fishing Regulations for snagging regulations. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The kids trout pond north of the DNR fisheries station is stocked with trout and can provide fun action for kids throughout the winter. If you plan to keep trout, limit yourself to 2 trout per child. Walleye – Fair: Most anglers are catching small saugers with an occasional keeper mixed in; use a jig and minnow rig. Yellow Perch – Fair: Reports of yellow perch being caught on worm rigs in the backwater lakes. The bite of nice perch may be over for a bit.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level is rising to near 4.7 feet at Fulton, 9.4 feet at Camanche and 4.4 feet at LeClair. Temperature is around 45 degrees. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching some catfish. Seems early, but anglers who target them can have good catches. Try cheese baits or cut shad. Paddlefish – Fair: Paddlefish season is underway. Check page 11 of the Iowa Fishing Regulations for snagging regulations. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Smallmouth bass and pike are biting along deeper rock areas. Walleye – Fair: Most anglers are catching small saugers with an occasional keeper mixed in; use a jig and minnow rig.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level is rising to near 4.8 feet at Rock Island. Water clarity is good. Water temperature is 45 degrees.
Angling has been concentrated in the tailwaters for walleyes and sauger; more species are starting to be reported. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.
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Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 5.36 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities and is forecast to reach 7.4 feet by Wednesday. Sauger – Slow: Some boats are fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and in Sylvan Slough. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing below the Lock and Dam is being reported as slow.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.29 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is forecast to reach 5.9 feet by Wednesday. Sauger – Slow: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Mostly smaller fish with keeper-sized fish mixed in. Walleye – Slow. White Crappie – Fair: Reports of some crappies being caught in Big Timber. Look for crappies around brush piles; use minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 4.28 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is forecast to reach 7.1 feet by Wednesday Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers is being reported as hit-or-miss. Paddlefish – No Report: Look for paddlefish below Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Sauger – No Report: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye – No Report: Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 1.74 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is forecast to reach 3.0 feet by Wednesday. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week. Sauger – Slow: Look for saugers below the Lock and Dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows; mostly small sauger being caught. Walleye – Slow: Look for walleyes below the Lock and Dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Tailwater stages are forecast to rise close to 2 feet by the middle of next week. Main channel water temperature is around 41-44 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Tailwater fishing for walleye and sauger is being reported as hit-or-miss. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
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SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
Water temperature is around 45 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies out from the edge of the tree line along the south side of the lake.
East Lake Park Pond
Rainbow trout were stocked last week. Rainbow Trout – Good: It takes the trout a little while to settle down when they are stocked in this lake. Try worm and bobber or a little jig. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperature is 44 degrees; it should get a little higher the next couple of days. Black Crappie – Slow: Slowly drift a slip bobber and minnow along the edge of the trees out from the beach down to the north boat ramp. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Try soft plastics or jigs with trailers along the northside out of the wind where the sun is warming the water a little more than the rest of the lake.
Lake Darling
Water temperature is 44 degrees. Little angling pressure so far this week; warmer weather in the forecast should increase fishing activity. Largemouth Bass – Fair: With the warmer weather in the forecast, look for bass along the base of the rocks on the north side of the lake. Use jigs and soft plastics that mimic crawdads worked slowly.
Lake Geode
Water temperatures is 45 degrees. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Forecast warmer weather should put the bass back in shallower water. Work the top of the mounds across from the beach; don’t overlook the back side of the in-lake silt dam.
Lake of the Hills
1800 rainbow trout were stocked last week. Rainbow Trout – Good: Just a few anglers were out last Wednesday fighting the wind; trout were biting just about as fast as they were coming off the truck. Still plenty of them left. Catch their attention with small spinners or jigs. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Lost Grove Lake
Water temperature is 43-45 degrees. It’s been windy this week. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers are picking up some bass along the edges of the deeper water in 12-16 foot of water slow trolling deep diving crankbaits.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock)
Skunk River’s water level continues to drop. Still have enough to canoe or kayak; take precautions as the water is still really cold (40-44 degrees).
Wilson Lake
900 rainbow trout were stocked last week. Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout have settled down to their new home. Look for them around the cedar trees and culvert piles just out from shore. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.
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Coralville Reservoir
Lake level is 683.7 feet. The dock is in at Macbride State Park; the Corps docks on the lake are not in yet. Black Crappie – Fair: Try bright jigs or minnows over deeper brush piles or rock bluffs. White Crappie – Fair: Try bright jigs or minnows over deeper brush piles or rock bluffs.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)
Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are catching crappie in the backwater lakes. Ellis Harbor is producing fish. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers are catching bluegillin the backwater lakes. Ellis Harbor is producing fish. Walleye – Fair: Try jigs below the dams.
Hannen Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Most fish are 8 to 11 inches. Bluegill – Fair: Most fish have been less than 7 inches. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Most fish are less than 15 inches.
Kent Park Lake
The dock is in. Fishing reports were better before the cold snap. Black Crappie – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Slow.
Lake Macbride
All the docks are in. Water temperatures are in the low 40s.Any sized motor may be used up to 5 mph. Black Crappie – Fair: Use jigs or minnows over brush in 10-20 feet of water. Walleye – Slow: Fish will be moving to shallow rock in the evenings to spawn.
Liberty Centre Pond
2000 rainbow trout were stocked last week. Rainbow Trout – Good: Moving baits such as spinners, small spoons, and crankbaits work best. Scented baits and redworms are also popular. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Otter Creek Lake
The lake is mostly dry due to the renovation project. It will fill as mother nature allows.
Pleasant Creek Lake
The docks are in; pit toilets are available. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing rock bars during the day and shallower water after dark.
Prairie Park Fishery
Rainbow Trout – Fair: 2000 Rainbow Trout were stocked last week. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Union Grove Lake
Docks are; no fishing report is available.
Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction)
Northern Pike – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
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Hawthorn Lake
Try cut bait for channel catfish in areas with the wind blowing in. Largemouth Bass – No Report: Target the rip-rapped shorelines and brush piles.
Lake Miami
Bluegill – No Report: As water warms, use small jigs along brush piles and the shoreline. Channel Catfish – Slow: Try cut bait along wind-blown shorelines. Largemouth Bass – No Report: Try jigs or plastics in brush piles and submerged habitat.
Lake Sugema
Try cut bait for channel catfish along wind-blown shorelines.
Lake Wapello
Bluegill – No Report: Try small jigs in brush piles as the water warms. Channel Catfish – Slow: Use cut bait or dead chubs along wind-blown shorelines. Largemouth Bass – No Report: Try jigs in brush piles.
Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond)
Trout will be stocked last week. Rainbow Trout – Good: Try small plastics, spoons, or spinners. You will need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 902.79; recreation pool is 904. Surface water temperature is 41 degrees. The Dedication Site boat ramp has reopened; use caution as the lake is still below recreation pool. Docks have been installed at Island View and Bridgeview. Very little fishing activity occurring. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait on wind-blown shorelines. Walleye – No Report: All walleye less than 15″ must be immediately released unharmed. .
Red Haw Lake
Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegill along brush piles as water temperatures warm. Use small jigs or spinners. Channel Catfish – Slow: Try cut bait along the shore.
Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.
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SOUTHWEST
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Rainbow Trout – Good: Use ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or cast small plastics, spoons, spinners, and blade baits. Trout tend to swim close to shore in depths out to 10 feet. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Big Creek Lake
Walleye – Fair: Catch walleyes shallow in the evening casting jigs with plastics or live minnows near rocky shorelines and jetties.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye – Fair: Good river conditions have created an early season opportunity. Cast jigs with twister tails, swim baits, or live minnows below the dams and in deeper pools with slow water .
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Walleye – Fair: Early ice out combined with good river conditions have created an early season opportunity. Catch walleyes in deeper pools with slow water casting jigs with twister tails, swim baits, or live minnows.
Lake Petocka
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Use ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or cast small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Terra Lake
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Try ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or cast small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Triumph Park West
Rainbow Trout – Fair: Use ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or cast small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.
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Cold Springs District Farm Ponds
Water temperatures in farm ponds warm sooner than larger lakes. Ponds are an excellent fishing destination after ice out. Remember to get permission to fish private farm ponds. Black Crappie – Slow: Target crappie on a wind-blown shoreline on warm days. Bluegill – Slow: A small piece of crawler under a bobber works well. Channel Catfish – Fair: Early spring is a good time to target channel catfish. Try shad sides or cut bait for best success this time of year. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some of Iowa’s best bass fishing occurs in farm ponds.
Greenfield Lake
Black Crappie – No report: Greenfield has a good population of 10-inch black crappies. Channel Catfish – Fair: Target channel catfish in the upper end of the lake where water temperature is warmest.
Lake Anita
Black Crappie – Slow: Black crappie will move into the upper end of the pontoon arm on warm, sunny days. Cast a small jig under a bobber. Bluegill – Slow: In early spring, boat anglers should target bluegills around deep tree piles and along the roadbed in the lake. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Anglers report catching largemouth bass with a slow presentation around deep structure.
Prairie Rose Lake
Black Crappie – Slow: Black crappies will move close to the shore on warm sunny days. Bluegill – Slow: Target bluegills around their winter habitat. Largemouth Bass – Fair.
Viking Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Black crappie will move shallow in the campground area of the lake this time of year. Warm sunny days are best. Bluegill – Slow. Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers report catching 2-pound channel catfish using shad sides. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Viking Lake has a good largemouth bass population. Some of the best fishing of the year can be early spring.
For information on lakes in the Southwest District, call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.
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Green Valley Lake
Docks are in at the boat ramps. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Use jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas to catch largemouth bass of all sizes.
Lake Icaria
Docks are in at the marina and southeast boat ramp near Lake View Campground. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait along wind-blown shorelines to catch channel catfish of all sizes.
Little River Watershed Lake
The dock is in at the main boat ramp. Black Crappie – Fair: Use small jigs tipped with a minnow near deep cedar tree brush piles or along the creek channel in the flooded timber.
Three Mile Lake
Lake level is 8 feet below normal pool.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
Docks are in at the main boat ramp. Black Crappie – Slow: Try jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the creek channel in the flooded timber to catch crappie of all sizes.
West Lake (Osceola)
Boat ramps remain closed due to low water conditions.
Water temperatures in most Mount Ayr district lakes are in the mid-40s. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
