The weekly fishing report is broken down by fisheries regions and management districts – Mississippi River, northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest.
Use the new search and filter options to check the activity of your favorite lake, pond, river and stream within each region, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), and simple tips and tricks for targeting those fish.
Click on “View entire message” at the bottom of this email so you can view all fisheries regions and management district reports.
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The popular trout stream stocking season starts on March 30. Visit the DNR trout fishing webpage for more information on trout stockings and to view the 2026 trout stocking calendar.
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Mississippi River
Bellevue Management District
Mississippi River water levels are rising across the district. Water temperatures have warmed considerably over the past week. The pre-spawn walleye bite has been good. The Mississippi River paddlefish snagging season is open until April 15. There is a 33-inch maximum length limit with a daily limit of two and a possession limit of four. Please consult the DNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity. Call your locat bait shops or Iowa DNR Fisheries office for the latest information on river conditions. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Pool 12, Mississippi River (Dubuque)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 8.2 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and is forecast to rise a couple more feet. Water temperatures have increased considerably since last week. The pre-spawn walleye and sauger bite is on. Call your local bait shops for the latest information.
- Black Crappie – Slow
Bluegill – Slow - Northern Pike – Good: Pike are showing up in the creel again. They are feeding as their spawning activity winds down.
- Sauger – Good: The sauger bite has picked back up since last week, with some limits being reported. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. Slow down your presentation and make multiple passes on small productive zones.
- Walleye – Good: The walleye bite has picked up as they prepare to spawn; anglers are catching larger females. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows if the bite slows down. Use slower presentations with enough weight to stay on the bottom and focus on current seams or areas with bottom transitions. Look for areas where the water may be slightly warmer, such as near concrete or rocks that absorb more sunlight. Make multiple passes on small productive zones.
Pool 13, Mississippi River (Jackson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 8.7 feet at the Bellevue tailwater and is predicted to rise a couple more feet. Water temperatures have warmed considerably since last week. The paddlefish snagging season is open until April 15. There is a 33-inch maximum length limit with a daily limit of two and a possession limit of four. Please consult the DNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity.
- Black Crappie – Slow
- Bluegill – Slow
- Northern Pike – Good: Pike are showing up in the creel again as they are feeding after their spawn.
- Sauger – Good: The sauger bite has picked back up since last week, with some limits being reported. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows. Slow down your presentation and make multiple passes on small productive zones.
- Walleye – Good: The walleye bite has picked up as they prepare to spawn; anglers are catching larger females. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows if the bite slows down. Use slower presentations with enough weight to stay on the bottom and focus on current seams or areas just outside the heaviest current with bottom transitions. Look for areas where the water may be slightly warmer, such as near concrete or rocks that absorb more sunlight.
Pool 14, Mississippi River (Clinton)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 7.3 feet at Lock and Dam 13 and rising. The paddlefish snagging season is open until April 15. There is a 33-inch maximum length limit with a daily limit of two and a possession limit of four. Please consult the DNR website or the 2026 Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet (page 11) for more information on this unique angling opportunity.
- Black Crappie – Slow
Bluegill – Slow - Sauger – Good: The sauger bite has picked back up. Use jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows.
- Walleye – Good: The walleye bite has picked up as they prepare to spawn. Try jigs tipped with plastics or hair jigs tipped with minnows if the bite slows down. Use slower presentations with enough weight to stay on the bottom and focus on current seams or areas just outside the heaviest current with bottom transitions. Look for areas where the water may be slightly warmer, such as near concrete or rocks that absorb more sunlight.
- White Crappie – Slow
Pool 15, Mississippi River (Scott)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 49.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is around 5.8 feet at Lock and Dam 14 and is on the rise. Call your local bait shops for the most current information.
- Sauger – Good: The bite has picked up with the rising water temperatures.
- Walleye – Good: The bite has picked up with the rising water temperatures. Walleye are feeding as they prepare to spawn.
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Fairport Management District
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages are on the rise. Main channel water temperature is 47-50 degrees. Water clarity is fair. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Pool 16, Mississippi River (Scott)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 47.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage is 8.02 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 10.7 feet by the middle of next week. Flood Stage is 15 feet. The Marquette St. boat ramp is open.
- Sauger – Slow: Sauger fishing below Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has been slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
- Walleye – Slow: Walleye fishing below Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities has been slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
Pool 17, Mississippi River (Muscatine)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage is 6.25 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 9.7 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. The boat ramps in Muscatine are open. We have not received any walleye and sauger fishing reports for this Pool this week.
- Sauger – Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
- Walleye – Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
Pool 18, Mississippi River (Louisa)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 49.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage has risen to 7.39 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is rising. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 10.9 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 15 feet. We have not received any tailwater fishing reports for walleye and sauger this week.
- Sauger – Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
- Walleye – Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
- White Bass – Fair: Anglers are catching white bass being in Belle Pocket in Boston Bay. Cast jigs and twister tails or inline spinners.
Pool 19, Mississippi River (Lee)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 49.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Tailwater stage has risen to 4.45 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Tailwater stage is forecast to reach 6.6 feet by the middle of next week. Flood stage is 10 feet. We have not received any walleye and sauger fishing reports for this pool. The Tama Beach boat ramp is being reported as open.
- Sauger – Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
- Walleye – Status Unsure: Try vertical jigging below the dam with minnows or nightcrawlers or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or stickbaits.
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Guttenberg Management District
Water temperatures on the upper Mississippi River have risen to near 50 degrees. Several fish species are on the feed with the warmer temperatures. The northern pike bite in has be excellent post-spawn. Reports of white bass and smallmouth bass are also picking up. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Pool 09, Mississippi River (Allamakee)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
River level is 8.8 feet at Lansing and predicted to reach 9.4 feet over the weekend. Look for fish to move off the current in main channel and side channels.
- Northern Pike – Excellent: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
- Sauger – Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
- Walleye – Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
Pool 10, Mississippi River (Clayton)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
River level has risen to 617.7 feet at Lynxville and expected to rise a foot over the next week. Fishing in the tailwaters at the Lock and Dam has been successful. Rising water may effect fish patterns to scatter. Water temperature has risen to near 50 degrees.
- Northern Pike – Excellent: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
- Sauger – Excellent: Verticle jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite.
- Walleye – Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
Pool 11, Mississippi River (Clayton)
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Water Temperature (°F): 48.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water level is 9.0 feet at the Lock and Dam below Guttenberg and expected to rise over 11 feet over the weekend. When the lock gates are pulled out, look for fish to move to slacker water downstream and along current seams off main channel.
- Northern Pike – Excellent: Cast chartreuse colored baits along shorelines and weed edges to hook a post-spawn northern pike.
- Sauger – Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
- Walleye – Good: Vertical jigging below the Lock and Dam has been good this week. Try live minnows to entice the bite. With higher water coming down, look for fish to move off to slack current downstream.
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Northeast
Decorah Management District
Weekend temperatures are predicted to reach the mid-60s. Area rivers and streams are elevated and off color. Catchable trout stocking begins March 30. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Allamakee County Trout Streams (Allamakee)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season is just around the corner. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are soft as frost comes out.
- Brown Trout – Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a “lift-and-drop” motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale “tick.”
Cedar River (above Nashua) (Floyd)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The river is in good condition. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with ice-out.
- Channel Catfish – Good: Use a hook with a dead chub or fresh dead minnow fished on the bottom.
- Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Find smallies in off-channel areas. Use a small jig or crankbait fished near the bottom.
- Walleye – Good: Use a jig with plastic tail and a live minnow about a foot off the bottom in an off channel area.
Clayton County Trout Streams (Clayton)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season begins next week. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are soft as frost comes out.
- Brown Trout – Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a “lift-and-drop” motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale “tick.”
Fayette County Trout Streams (Fayette)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Next week is the start of the catchable trout stocking season. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are soft as frost comes out.
- Brown Trout – Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a “lift-and-drop” motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale “tick.”
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Use a slow retrieve due to cold water temperatures. Find fish suspended toward evening.
- Black Crappie – Slow: Try a jig head tipped with a minnow or plastic jig from shoreline in the afternoon.
- Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill bite should improve as water temperature warms. Continue to use small jigs tipped with a waxworm or spike.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: Find bass suspended in the evening. Use a spinner or crankbait from shore with a slow retrieve.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Use a slow retrieve due to cold water temperatures. Find fish suspended toward evening.
- Black Crappie – Slow: Find crappie in shallower water. Try a small spinner or crankbait with a slow or varied retrieval.
- Bluegill – Slow
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: As water warms, bass will actively be looking for prey fish. Use a crankbait or a spinner retrieved slowly.
- Northern Pike – Fair: Pike are actively looking for spawning areas in shallow, vegetated water. Use a spoon or hair jig to tease this feisty fish.
Mitchell County Trout Streams (Mitchell)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season starts next week. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are soft as frost comes out.
- Brown Trout – Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a “lift-and-drop” motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale “tick.”
Turkey River (above Clermont) (Fayette)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water levels are elevated with variable clarity. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with ice-out.
- Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Find smallies in deeper holes near the stream bottom; try to entice them with smaller presentations and a slow retrieve.
- Walleye – Fair: Use a jig with plastic tail and a live minnow about a foot off the bottom in an off channel area.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) (Winneshiek)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water levels are elevated with limited clarity. Use caution boating; submersed hazards may have moved with ice-out.
- Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Find smallies in deeper holes near the stream bottom; try to entice them with smaller presentations and a slow retrieve.
- Walleye – Fair: Use a jig with plastic tail and a live minnow about a foot off the bottom in an off channel area.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperatures are slowly rising with more daylight hours and sun. Anglers should see more fish activity. Target shallower areas toward evening.
- Black Crappie – Slow: Try a jig head tipped with a minnow or plastic jig from shoreline.
- Bluegill – Slow: Bluegill bite should improve as water temperature warms. Continue to use small jigs tipped with a waxworm or spike.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are hitting spinner baits near structure about 2 to 3 feet below surface.
Winneshiek County Trout Streams (Winneshiek)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Catchable trout stocking season starts next week. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website. Gravel roads are soft as frost comes out.
- Brook Trout – Slow: Skinny water with dense beds of aquatic vegetation to hide in is a brook trout’s favorite hangout. In tight runs around rocks, currents can pull your line and make your fly look unnatural. Use a reach cast to lay the line across the current to get a few extra seconds of drift.
- Brown Trout – Good: As the water warms through the day, anglers need to pay attention to the hatch. Early spring hatches often feature smaller insects. Anglers getting rises but no hookups may want to drop one hook size or use a smaller fly.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Carryover trout are educated. Try white, black, or olive hair jigs with a “lift-and-drop” motion. Carryovers often strike on the sink; watch your line for that telltale “tick.”
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Manchester Management District
Good reports on the interior rivers; most are starting to recede and clear. Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. Trout streams in Clayton, Delaware and Dubuque counties are mostly in excellent condition. Contact your local area bait and tackle shops for the most up-to-date reports. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) (Black Hawk)
- Ice Condition: Fishable
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Bremer counties.
- Northern Pike – Good: Cast artificial spoons or crankbaits or float a live chub or shiner under a bobber near current breaks and pools; pike are in full spawn.
- Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast jigs with plastics or cast and retrieve crankbaits.
- Walleye – Good: Anglers are having success using jigs and plastics tipped with or without a live minnow.
Delaware County Trout Streams (Delaware)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 55.0
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
There should be some good hatches to match for the avid flyfishing anglers. Most trout streams remain in excellent condition in Delaware County. There has been some fishing activity on Spring Branch Creek above and below the Manchester Fish Hatchery. Catchable trout stockings begin March 30. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
- Brown Trout – Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days. Catchable trout stockings begin March 30. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
Dubuque County Trout Streams (Dubuque)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Trout streams remain in excellent condition in Dubuque County. Swiss Valley Park is a favorite trout stream for many anglers; it offers both rainbow trout and brown trout opportunities. Catchable trout stockings begin March 30. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
- Brown Trout – Fair: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
Jackson County Trout Streams (Jackson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Trout streams remain in excellent condition in Jackson County. Big Mill Wildlife Management area is a favorite trout stream for many anglers; it offers both rainbow trout and brown trout opportunities. Catchable trout stockings begins March 30. Stocking calendars for the 2026 season are available on the DNR Trout Fishing website.
- Brown Trout – Fair: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Flyfishing and spin fishing are both effective. Use dry flies, nymphs, jigs or flashy lures. Try matching the insect hatch with dry flies on warmer days.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) (Delaware)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River in Delaware, Jones and Jackson counties.
- Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast jigs with plastics or cast and retrieve crankbaits.
- Walleye – Fair: Walleye should start to disperse with the increase in water temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Use a lead head jig and plastic tipped with a minnow.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) (Butler)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 30.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the Shell Rock River in Butler County.
- Northern Pike – Good: The northern pike bite should be on; they are the first to spawn in early spring. Try spoons, crankbaits or live baits, such as chubs or shiners, under a bobber near off channel areas.
- Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast jigs with plastics or cast and retrieve crankbaits.
- Walleye – Good: Walleye should start to disperse with the increase in water temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Use a lead head jig and plastic tipped with a minnow.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) (Buchanan)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 32.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Anglers are catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike on the Wapsi River in Buchanan, Black Hawk and Bremer counties.
- Northern Pike – Good: The northern pike bite should be on; they are the first to spawn in early spring. Try spoons, crankbaits or live baits, such as chubs or shiners, under a bobber near off channel areas.
- Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast jigs with plastics or cast and retrieve crankbaits.
- Walleye – Good: Walleye should start to disperse with the increase in water temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming spawn. Use a lead head jig and plastic tipped with a minnow.
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Northwest
Black Hawk Management District
Shore fishing has picked up on some area lakes with the warmer temperatures. It’s a good time of year to start targeting panfish and walleye from your favorite shoreline fishing locations. Last updated on 03/26/2026
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The boat ramp dock is in.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Courtesy docks are in at Ice House Point boat ramp and the state campground boat ramp.
- Walleye – Fair: The bite is hit-or-miss; anglers are picking up some fish along shore around Ice House Point and in Town Bay, and along the east shore near the outlet. They are having luck using twisters and minnows under a bobber. Most fish are 14-16 inches long; a few have picked up fish over 20 inches. Anglers are having the best luck on the days when water temperatures climb into the upper 40s.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The courtesy docks are in at the west and south boat ramps.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake) (Buena Vista)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 46.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperatures are in the mid to upper 40s. Expect shore fishing to pick up throughout the week.
Walleye – Fair: Expect shore fishing to pick up as temperatures continue to climb. Popular places to target walleye this time of year include the marina, north shore, east shore, and near the inlet.
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Clear Lake Management District
Water temperatures are in the low to mid-40s on many northern Iowa lakes. Last updated on 03/26/2026
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 44.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Most courtesy docks have not been installed at the boat ramps.
- Walleye – Fair: Anglers are catching a few Walleye at dusk and dawn on jigs and crankbaits that are retrieved slowly.
- White Bass – Fair: Try jigs and small crankbaits on warm afternoons.
- Yellow Bass – Fair: Small jigs fished slowly in the warmth of the afternoons work best.
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Black Crappie – Status Unsure
- Bluegill – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Bluegill – Status Unsure
- Yellow Perch – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: Not Recommended
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Bluegill – Status Unsure
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
River flow conditions are excellent for early spring.
Northern Pike – Good: Northern Pike are hitting live bait, jigs and crankbaits.
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Spirit Lake Management District
All lakes are completely ice-free. Most boat ramp courtesy docks are in place. Water levels are at crest or an inch or two below. The walleye season is closed on the Iowa Great Lakes until May 2nd. Last updated on 03/26/2026
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is ice-free; all ramps are open. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
- Black Crappie – Fair
- Bluegill – Slow
- Pumpkinseed – Slow
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Some anglers are catching fish just on-shore recently.
- Yellow Bass – Fair: Anglers reported lots of smaller yellow bass during the ice season.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) (Dickinson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 43.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is completely ice-free; boat ramp docks are in. Be weary of the access in and out of Templar Park boat ramp; it has silted in restricting boat size. It is scheduled to be excavated soon. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
- Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching most fish in 16 feet of water. It’s easiest to get on top of fish with electronics. Try 1/16th and 1/32nd ounce jigs with a minnow or plastic.
- Yellow Perch – Fair: Anglers were catching good amounts of quality-size, 9- to 13-inch fish during the ice season.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 40.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is ice-free; all ramps should be available for use. The walleye season is closed until May 2nd.
Bluegill – Slow: Anglers were successful on the major bays during the ice season.
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Southeast
Lake Darling Management District
For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026
Jefferson Co. Park New Pond (Jefferson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
1000 rainbow trout were released into the pond last week; sStill plenty left in the pond. They have had time to settle down; using bobber and bait starts to work a lot better. Corn, powerbait, and worms are all good choices. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: As they start to settle down, the trout are more likely to take less flashy lures and bobber and baits. They also start schooling up around the habitat and don’t circle the pond as much. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 50.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: On the warmer sunny days anglers are starting to catch some bass coming into shallow water especially along the north side of the lake.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 51.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
At the beginning of last week there was skim ice at the upper end of the lake; this morning (3/26) the water temperature was 51 degrees. Not much for angler activity this week.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: Some 10- to 15-inch bass are coming into the shallows to feed on the nicer days. Target the shorelines where the wind is blowing into them. Soft plastics and jigs worked slowly work best this time of year.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
2000 rainbows were released last week. After about 15-20 minutes of getting use to the colder water, anglers were catching trout in good numbers. The trout have settled down; can find them around the fish habitat not to far off shore. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Even though good numbers of trout were caught the first day, there are many more still waiting to be caught. Work the fish habitat not to far off shore with a worm and bobber or small jigs tipped with red worms. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The docks will be out for a while longer; getting repairs done to them.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: 10- to 12-inch bass are moving into shallower water and feeding. Target the shorelines where the wind is blowing in. Larger bass are hanging out around the habitat in a little deeper water yet.
- Muskellunge – Status Unsure: A few muskies were in close to shore last night (3/25); mostly along the shorelines with a little wave action hitting them. They are also working the south side where a few of the weed beds were starting to grow.
- Walleye – Status Unsure: Last night (3/25) the male walleyes were coming into the shallow waters next to the rocky shorelines. Mostly along the ones that had the breeze blowing into them; along with a few muskies.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Trout were stocked last week. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Now that the trout have found homes in the lake, look for them around the cedar trees not too far out from shore or in the “corners” of the lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
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Macbride Management District
Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow) (Cedar)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Sauger – Slow
- Walleye – Slow
- White Bass – Fair
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids) (Linn)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Walleye – Fair
- White Bass – Fair
Coralville Reservoir (Johnson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperatures are 52-56 degrees.
- Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing near brush piles.
- Bluegill – Good: Use a piece of worm along rock shorelines.
- Channel Catfish – Fair: Try small pieces of gizzard shad along wind-blown shorelines where the warmest water is.
- Green Sunfish – Good: Use a piece of worm along rock shorelines.
- Largemouth Bass – Slow: Try fishing along rock shorelines or brush piles in coves.
- White Crappie – Fair: Try fishing near brush piles.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Bluegill – Slow
- Largemouth Bass – Fair
- Rainbow Trout – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs around shoreline rock and brush piles.
- Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use small jigs around shoreline rock and brush piles.
- Redear Sunfish – Fair: Use small jigs around shoreline rock and brush piles.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Black Crappie – Slow
- Bluegill – Fair
- Largemouth Bass – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Black Crappie – Fair: Fish are suspended, but starting to stage.
- Largemouth Bass – Good: Try fishing around rock jetties and shoreline brush in 6-8 feet of water.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) (Johnson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Channel Catfish – Fair
- Sauger – Fair
- Saugeye – Slow
- Walleye – Fair
- White Bass – Fair
- Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake) (Iowa)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Channel Catfish – Slow
- Walleye – Fair
- White Bass – Slow
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Water temperature is 47-52 degrees.
- Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing around brush piles in 10-15 feet of water.
- Channel Catfish – Fair: Anglers are catching a few catfish in the upper end of the north and south creek arms where the water is warmest.
- Walleye – Fair: Morning bite is best.
- White Crappie – Good: Look for suspended fish in the 10-25 feet of water.
- Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Fair
North Ridge Park Pond (Johnson)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Fair
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Some of the docks are in at ramps. Water temperatures are 46-50 degrees.
- Black Crappie – Fair: Look for suspended fish around deep brush piles.
- Walleye – Slow
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The beach dock is in.
- Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing around rock shorelines and brush piles.
Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) (Jones)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Smallmouth Bass – Slow
- Walleye – Fair
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Rathbun Management District
- Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel – 641-647-2406
The lakes are ice-free. Water temperatures are in the low 40s. Last updated on 03/26/2026
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Target channel catfish first thing in the spring.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Closed
Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project. Please stay out of the lakebed.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Target channel catfish along wind-blown shorelines.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Channel Catfish – Slow: Try cut bait or dead minnows.
- Largemouth Bass – Good: Anglers report catching largemouth bass. Target the rip-rapped shorelines using plastics or spinnerbaits.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Channel catfish are usually the first fish to catch in the spring.
Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) (Wapello)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
2000 rainbow trout were stocked on Saturday, March 21. Try small spinners or a small jig under a bobber. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 41.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
The lake is ice-free. Lake level is 904.56 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Boat ramps are open; campgrounds are still closed. No docks are installed. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before going to another water body.
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Southwest
Boone Management District
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake (Story)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Fair: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Boat ramp docks are in.
- Walleye – Slow: As the water warms in early April, Walleye will start to move shallow on rocky and sandy shorelines in the evenings near and after sunset. Cast 1/8oz to 1/4oz jigs tipped with twister tail, straight tail or paddletail swimbaits.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock) (Marion)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
River levels have come back down; fishing conditions have improved.
- Walleye – Fair: Catch Walleye fishing below the dams and deep, slow pools with rip-rap and cobble bottom. Cast 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with paddle tail or straight tail swim baits, twister tails or minnows.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) (Polk)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Des Moines River levels have dropped; fishing conditions have improved.
- Walleye – Fair: Catch Walleye in deep, slow pools with rip-rap and cobble bottom. Cast 1/8 to 1/2 ounce jigs tipped with paddle tail or straight tail swim baits, twister tails or minnows.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout were stocked on March 23. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live bait under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
- Rainbow Trout – Fair: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not applicable
Rainbow Trout – Good: Trout remain from the winter stocking for open water anglers. Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, blade baits or live baits, such as waxworms, under floats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
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Cold Springs Management District
Contact the Cold Springs office with any questions about fishing in the southwest district. Last updated on 03/26/2026
Big Lake (Including Gilbert’s Pond) (Pottawattamie)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
There are plenty of trout left to catch at Big Lake. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Rainbow Trout – Status Unsure: Cast small jigs with plastics, in-line spinners, spoons, or live bait, such as waxworms, under a bobber. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not recommended
Cold Springs Lake was drawndown and renovated in August 2025. The lake is filling and the fish restocked. Anglers can expect good fishing again by 2028.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Greenfield is a good destination for ice-out channel catfish.
- Black Crappie – Status Unsure: Cast small jigs around the jetties to catch 10-inch black crappie. The bite will get better as water temperatures warm.
- Channel Catfish – Slow: Use shad sides on the windy shoreline to catch channel catfish of all sizes.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 45.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Bluegills and crappies will move into the pontoon arm of the lake when water temperatures warm. Try floating small jigs 2 feet under a bobber.
- Black Crappie – Slow
- Bluegill – Slow
- Channel Catfish – Slow
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Black Crappie – Status Unsure
- Bluegill – Slow: Catch 8-inch bluegill with waxworms under a bobber around the underwater trees.
- Ice Condition: None
- Water Temperature (°F): 44.0
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Look for fish in the brush piles.
Largemouth Bass – Slow: Shore anglers report catching a few largemouth bass around the jetties.
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Mt. Ayr Management District
Water temperature is in the mid-40s in most Mount Ayr district lakes. Last updated on 03/26/2026
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
- Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait fished along wind-blown shores to catch all sizes of catfish.
Little River Watershed Lake (Decatur)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Docks are in at the main and bait shop ramps.
- Walleye – Slow: Catch Walleye of all sizes with crankbaits or jigs along the dam.
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Not recommended
Lake level is about 10 feet below normal pool as of March 25. Water level is at the end of all boat ramp lanes at the main ramp.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake (Union)
- Ice Condition: None
- Ramp Condition: Useable
Docks are in at the main ramp.
- Black Crappie – Slow: Use jigs tipped with a minnow fished near deep cedar tree brush piles to catch all sizes of crappie.
- Yellow Perch – Fair: Catch Yellow Perch of all sizes with nightcrawlers along the mudflats.
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