News

Sep 29, 2023

Saturday Morning Fishing Report: Free Fishing Weekend

It’s Free Fishing Weekend! Share the fun of fishing this weekend with a kid,

It's Free Fishing Weekend!Share the fun of fishing this weekend with a kid, your family or a friend. Outdoor fun awaits at hundreds of Iowa lakes, thousands of miles of rivers or a neighborhood pond.

Fun, hands-on fishing events will be offered across Iowa to help families new to fishing get started. Check the general fishing calendar on the DNR website for a list of free fishing events.

Black Hawk LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-70s. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and near the outlet. Black Crappie – Fair: Much of the crappie action has moved off shore. Anglers have had luck fishing the rock piles. Some sorting is needed. Try fishing along Ice House point shoreline and from boat in 2-6 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Pick up 7- to 8- inches fish along shore with crawlers or small jigs under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair. Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Most fish being caught are 12- to 18-inches. Fish are being picked up along shore and from boat. Yellow Perch – Fair.

Brushy Creek LakeSurface water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Try a small jig or minnow along weed edges in 5-10 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing the edges of the vegetation along shore in 2-6 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing along the weed lines in 2-6 feet of water. . Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair.

North Twin LakeWater temperatures are in the low 70s. Water levels remain low; use caution when loading boats at the ramps. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a small jig or a minnow and jig under a bobber along the shore and docks. Walleye – Fair: Boat anglers have had luck using planer boards and crankbaits.

Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)Water temperatures are in the low 70s. Water clarity is about 2 feet. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; and no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Channel Catfish – Fair: There is a good population of 3-6 pound catfish. Try cut bait or dip baits fished in the bottoms from shore. Walleye – Fair: Use leeches from shore in the evenings. Try the edges of the dredge cuts with crawler harnesses or crankbaits. Yellow Bass – Fair: Most fish are 5- to 7-inches.Yellow Perch – Slow.

Swan LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair: Most crappies have moved off shore; a few are still being picked up. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have had luck with bluegill from shore. Most fish are 7-inches.

Water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s in most area lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.

Beeds Lake Black Crappie – Good: Use a small jig or minnow near trees in the water. Bluegill – Slow.

Clear LakeWater temperature is in the low 70s. Lake level is 1/2 inch above crest. Water clarity is 6 feet. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. 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. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappies around the rush beds and from the jetties. Best bite is in the morning. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use a piece of cut bait fished on the bottom from the wind-swept shore. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Good: Anglers are having success fishing a jig and minnow near vegetation. Yellow Bass – Good: Try a small jig near vegetation and around the island. Best bite is early morning.

Crystal Lake Black Crappie – Good: Use a minnow or jig near woody habitat. Bluegill – Fair.

Rice Lake Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 3 to 4 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Slow: Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Silver Lake (Worth) Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. . You may have to cast further to avoid spooking the fish with the clear water. Largemouth Bass – Good. Yellow Perch – Slow.

Winnebago RiverWater level is 5.7 feet.

For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.

East Okoboji LakeThe water temperature is in the low 60s. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.

Ingham Lake Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.

Lost Island LakeWater temperatures are in the lower 70s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.

Minnewashta Lake Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.

Silver Lake (Dickinson)Courtesy docks are in place. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Walleye – Fair.

Spirit LakeWater temperatures are in the upper 60s. Black Bullhead – Good: Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Good: Try a small hook with a small piece of worm. Walleye – Good: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.

West Okoboji LakeWater temperatures are in the mid-60s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Fair. Walleye – Good: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.

Courtesy docks are in for the season. Water temperatures are in the upper 60s to low 70s. Most area water levels are a few inches over crest. The fish bite has been very good across most areas. Fishing from docks is getting easier as fish move to shallower water to spawn. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.

Cedar River (above Nashua)Flows remain elevated; water levels are stable. Water temperatures are in the 70s. Channel Catfish – Good: Try a dead chub or stink baits fished in slack water areas. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try fishing eddies and current breaks. Walleye – Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or worm below dams. Try using a 3-way with enough weight to keep the weight on the bottom.

Decorah District StreamsArea streams are in good condition. All stocked streams are announced at least once a month. Stocking continues at traditional rates, weekly or bimonthly. When on private property open to fishing, fishing is the only activity allowed. Brook Trout – Fair: Good hatches of a variety of gnats, mayflies, caddis flies, and midges. Brown Trout – Good: Try fishing near or around logs or undercut banks. Spinnerbaits work well. Try using streamers on larger waterbodies. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Use spinnerbaits, hair jigs or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floating through deeper holes. Freshly stocked fish are waiting to take your bait.

Lake Hendricks Water clarity is great. Water temperature is in the upper 60s. Bluegills and bass are spawning. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie action is picking up as the water warms. Bluegill – Good: Anglers fishing near shore are finding gills. Use a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are starting to spawn in shallow water. Bass will guard nests.

Lake Meyer Water clarity is about 3 feet. Water temperature is in the upper 60s. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are starting to bite. Use a small jig near shore edges. Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Try a spinnerbait fished in 3-4 feet of water. Bass are on spawning beds and are aggressive.

Turkey River (below Clermont)Water clarity is good to excellent. Levels are stabilizing. Water temperature is in the 70s. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Use a jig with a twister tail fished in the eddies and off channel areas. Walleye – Good: Early morning or late evening bite is best. Try fishing the deeper holes with a crank or spinnerbait. White Sucker – Good: Try fishing the deeper holes with a worm fished near bottom.

Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)Water temperatures are in the 70s. Water clarity is good to excellent. Water levels are stabilizing. Use caution during early season paddling. Log jams and other strainers may have moved. Hypothermia is still a threat with cooler water temperatures. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try fishing near undercut banks and current breaks. A flashy jig works well. Fly anglers using streamers are picking up some action. Walleye – Good: Angling for walleye is picking up below the dams. Use a jig tipped with a plastic tail or crankbait.

Volga LakeWater temperature is in the upper 60s. Fish activity is improving, especially near shore rocky areas. Black Crappie – Good: Try fishing along the rocky edges in deeper water. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish – Good: Trophy catfish are plentiful in this lake. Use a large crawler fished under a bobber in the evening. Largemouth Bass – Good: Find bass in the shallow bays; use a crank or spinnerbait.

Area interior rivers and streams are stable. Clarity is good to excellent on most area rivers and streams. Temperatures in the low 90s during the day to mid 60s overnight. Possibility of thunderstorms through the weekend. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

Brinker LakeAnglers are catching crappie and bluegill. Black Crappie – Fair: Cast lighter jigs tipped with plastics or try a minnow under a slip bobber.

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)Anglers are catching bluegill and largemouth bass. Bluegill – Excellent: Cast lighter jigs over spawning beds or small piece of crawler under a slip bobber. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use topwater artificial lures or spinnerbaits.

Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)The Cedar River has fallen and is providing catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Use dead chubs or cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Good: Try fishing plastics with a jig.

Lake DelhiAnglers are catching crappie and bluegill; some sorting may be needed. Avoid weekends and evenings due to heavy boat traffic. Black Crappie – Good: Cast lighter jigs tipped with plastics near structure or docks. Bluegill – Good: Cast lighter jigs over spawning beds or a small piece of crawler under a slip bobber.

Maquoketa River (above Monticello)Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Good: Use plastics with a jig.

Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)The Shell Rock River has fallen and is providing catches of walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use dead chubs or cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Use plastics with a jig.

Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)The Wapsipinicon River is falling and is providing catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use dead chubs or cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Use plastics with a jig.

Interior water levels have fallen and are providing catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Check the USGS website for the most recent river levels. Lakes in and around Cedar Falls/Waterloo have been productive for crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Contact your local bait shop for the most recent angling opportunities. For more information, contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276.

Mississippi River Pool 9Water level is 10.2 feet at Lansing and is expected to drop to near 8 feet over the next week. Heytman's Landing is open. Army road at New Albin will reopen by the weekend. Water temperature is near 72 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill – Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try a weighted crawler in moderate current from shore. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast flashy spoons and crankbait near the mouths of streams during hot summer days. Shorthead Redhorse – Good: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Slow: Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12. Yellow Perch – Excellent: Use a light jig or crawler in weeded areas away from heavy current.

Mississippi River Pool 10Water level is near 619.8 feet at Lynxville and is expected to fall to near 616 feet this week. Noble's Island, Harpers Ferry and Bussey Lake are open. The Sny Magill road is still inaccessible. The bite is picking up with warmer water temperatures. Water temperature is 75 degrees at the Lynxville dam. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill – Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with some nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Use a weighted crawler in moderate current from shore. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast flashy spoons and crankbaits near the mouths of streams during hot summer days. Shorthead Redhorse – Good: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch from shore. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Slow: Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12. Yellow Perch – Excellent: Use a light jig or crawler in weeded areas away from heavy current.

Mississippi River Pool 11Water level is 11 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to fall to near 8 feet over the next week. Guttenberg city ramp and the DNR ramp are open. Turkey River Landing is still closed. Finley's and Mud Lake are open. The bite is picking up with the warmer water. Water temperature is in the mid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill – Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with some nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try a weighted crawler from shore. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast flashy spoons and crankbaits near the mouths of streams during hot summer days. Shorthead Redhorse – Fair: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch from shore. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Slow: Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12. Yellow Perch – Excellent: Use a light jig or crawler in weeded areas away from heavy current.

Upper Mississippi River water levels are expected to fall several feet next week. Many boat ramps have reopened. Call ahead for local conditions. Fishing is picking with improved water clarity. Water temperatures are in the mid-70s.

Mississippi River Pool 12The water level is dropping to near 11 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and is predicted to reach 8 feet at Dubuque. Water level at the RR bridge is 13 feet and is predicted to fall to 10 feet this week. Water temperature is around 73 degrees; water clarity is improving. Places like Massey Ramp are launchable, but will take some time to clean up the park. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are spawning. Hopefully the water will stabilize soon to provide stable nesting areas. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish fishing is picking up with warm temperatures. Try cut bait or stink bait in the current seams. Freshwater Drum – Good: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Lots of bass are biting in the marina areas. Shovelnose sturgeon – Good: Use a heavy weight and a gob of worms for bait. Most angling is in the tailwater in moderately strong currents. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Cast inline spinners just off rock points to catch smallmouth feeding in the rocks. Walleye – Good: Some nice catches of walleye have been recorded feeding on minnows near shore. White Bass – Good: You can still find fish in flooded conditions; most fish will be along the shorelines. Try minnows or small spinners to catch white bass feeding in these locations. Yellow Perch – Good: Lots of smaller yellow perch are in the system; this is a good indicator for yellow perch fishing this upcoming year. It is still possible to catch yellow perch along hard shoreline banks, even during flooding conditions.

Mississippi River Pool 13The water level at Lock and Dam 12 at Bellevue is dropping to near 12 feet and will fall to near 9 feet. Water clarity is decent. Water temperature is around 73 degrees. Water levels have dropped out of all flood stages and are receding fast. It will take some time to clean up boat ramps and parks after the flood. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are spawning. Hopefully the water will stabilize soon to provide stable nesting areas. Channel Catfish – Good: Try to catch channel catfish in places like Middle Sabula Lake, which should not be affected by flood conditions. Fishing in flood waters should yield abundant channel cats. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Anglers are starting to use live bullheads or bluegills to catch flathead catfish in the tailwater areas. Freshwater Drum – Good: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Lots of bass biting in the marina areas and backwater lakes. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season is closed. Flooding conditions are optimal for successful paddlefish spawns; hopefully this flood will create another strong year class. Rainbow Trout – No Report: The area around the pond is mostly fishable, but vegetation is starting to move in. Trout probably left the pond, but other species may have moved in after the flood. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast inline spinners just off rock points to catch smallmouth feeding in the rocks. Yellow Perch – No Report: Smaller yellow perch are in the system; this is a good indicator for yellow perch fishing this upcoming year.

Mississippi River Pool 14The water level at Fulton is receding to near 11.6 feet, 14 feet at Camanche, and near 8 feet at LeClaire. Levels are predicted to drop several feet this week. Water temperature is 75 degrees. Clean up of parks and ramps after the flood is progressing. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegills are starting to spawn on the Mississippi River; hopefully waters stabilize for these nest building fish. Channel Catfish – Fair: Channel catfish fishing is picking up with warm temperatures. Try cut bait or stink bait in the current seams. Freshwater Drum – Good: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Largemouth Bass – Good: Starting to catch bass along the shorelines in retreating flood waters. Paddlefish – No Report: Paddlefish season is closed. Flooding conditions are optimal for successful paddlefish spawns; hopefully this years flood creates another strong year class. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast inline spinners just off rock points to catch smallmouth feeding in the rocks.

Mississippi River Pool 15The water level at Rock Island is dropping to near 11.6 feet. Water clarity is improving. Water temperature is 75 degrees.

The river is receding throughout the district; levels are expected to fall several feet next week. Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. The recent snow melt flood was ranked the 3rd highest in this stretch of the river. Debris clean-up is mostly complete on parking lots and boat ramps. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.

Mississippi River Pool 16Tailwater stage is 11.79 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling steadily. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. River stage is 12.08 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. The Marquette St. ramp in Davenport is open. The ramps at the Fairport Recreational area are open and the docks are in. The boat ramps at Clark's Ferry and Shady Creek are open. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along the main channel. Use dip baits, shad guts, or nightcrawlers. Walleye – Fair: Reports of walleyes being caught around current breaks along the main channel; use crankbaits. White Bass – No Report: Look for white bass in Sylvan Slough or in Sunset Marina. Try jigs and twister tails or in-line spinners.

Mississippi River Pool 17Tailwater stage is 10.63 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 12.43 feet at Muscatine; flood stage is 16 feet. The ramps at Muscatine are open. The boat ramp is open at Big Timber, but the landing is partially covered with water. The Kilpeck Landing and Port Louisa Landings are still closed. We have not received much for fishing reports for this pool yet. The gates are still out at the Lock and Dam. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try a piece of worm under a bobber around brush at Big Timber, Cleveland Slough. and Eagle Fill. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles in the side channels and main channel. Use dip baits, cut shad, or nightcrawlers. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes around current breaks. Cast jigs with plastics or crankbaits. White Bass – No Report: Look for white bass around current breaks or down by GPC. Cast jigs and plastics or crankbaits.

Mississippi River Pool 18Tailwater stage is 11.75 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are out of the water at the Lock and Dam. Toolsboro is closed due to high water. We have not received much for fishing reports for this pool this week. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber. around brush piles at Belle Pocket and Huron Island. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags in side channels and along the main channel. Use dip baits, cut shad, or night crawlers.

Mississippi River Pool 19Tailwater stage is 8.23 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage is 13.33 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 527.01 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528.0 feet. We have not received any fishing reports or boat ramp condition reports for this pool this week.

River stages are below flood stage and are forecast to keep falling. Main channel water temperature is around 72 degrees. Water clarity has been fair. Some boat ramps are starting to open back up. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

Big Hollow LakeThe water temperature is around 80 degrees. Water clarity is about 7 feet. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing in 6-8 feet of water. Early morning or late evening bite is best. Bluegill – Good: Looking for bluegill in 6-7 feet of water. Largemouth Bass -Fair: The hot weather has speeded up the development of the young bass; most have moved off the nest. Most males have moved off to deeper water with the females.

Lake Belva DeerWater temperatures is about 78 degrees. Water clarity is about 8 feet. The curly-leaf pondweed beds are starting to thin out with the increase in water temperatures. Black Crappie – Good: Try fishing in the early morning; expect to be off the water by 10 a.m. Start trolling in 9-12 feet of water just outside the flooded trees out from the beach and on down towards the dam. Bluegill – Good: Work the edges of the curly-leaf beds with worm and bobber or a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Most of the nests are done. Time to start fishing the top of the mounds at the upper end of the lake; bass like to move there to spend the summer feeding on crawdads and green sunfish.

Lake DarlingThe water temperature is in the upper 70s. Water clarity remains good. Black Crappie – Fair: Anglers are still picking up some nice crappies in 9-10 feet of water around the big cedars in the middle and the big brush piles off the high bank down by the dam. Bluegill – Good: With the warmer water temperatures, bluegills are moving off the nests fairly quickly. Move around and you should find some on the beds. Largemouth Bass – Most males have left the beds as the little ones have moved away. Look for most bass to move out to deeper water for the summer.

Lake GeodeWater temperature is about 80 degrees. Water clarity is 8 feet. The water has a green cast to it from the plankton bloom. Nice to see the water willows survived the renovation's dry lakebed. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are back out to deeper water along the drop-offs. A big batch of last fall's spawn are 6- to 8-inches, but bigger ones are out a little deeper. Bluegill – Good: Try worm and bobber fished in 3 to 5 feet of water. Might be a good time to head up to the new mounds up across from the beach to find bluegills. Most are less than 8 inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: Most are still under the legal size limit, but they are fun to catch. Look for most to have moved off to the deep water drop-offs.

Lost Grove LakeWater temperature is in the mid to upper 70s. Water clarity is about 11 feet. The curly-leaf is starting to thin out. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are setting up in their summer pattern in deeper water. Look for them by the west boat ramp in the flooded timber. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill have moved out a little deeper; hit the edges of the weed beds near the deeper water drop-offs. Worm and Bobber is hard to beat, but a small jig tipped with a waxworm works nearly as well. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Most bass have moved off the beds; the spawn is coming to an end. Work the edges of the weed beds where bass like to hunt during the early mornings and late evenings.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow) Shovelnose Sturgeon – Good: Try fishing crawlers along sandbars.

Central Park LakeWater temperature is in the low 70s. Black Crappie – Slow. Bluegill – Good. Channel Catfish – Slow. Largemouth Bass – Good. Redear Sunfish – Good.

Coralville ReservoirThe lake level is 683.5 feet. Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Bluegill – Good: Try fishing in shallow rock or sand benches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use cut bait in the channel or look for fish preparing to spawn along shallow chunk rock. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing in shallow rock and wood in coves. White Crappie – Fair: Look for remaining spawners around shallow rock flats and points.

Diamond Lake Black Crappie – Good: Some fish are along jetty areas and shorelines with brush; others are suspended over deep water. Most fish are 8- to 9-inches. Bluegill – Good: Try fishing around shallow rock or sandy pockets. Channel Catfish – Fair.

Hannen Lake Black Crappie – Fair: Most fish are 8- to 9-inches; some 13- to 14-inch fish are available. Bluegill – Good: Fish up to 10-inches are being reported. Channel Catfish – Fair: Most fish reported are about 2 pounds, but fish up to 14 pounds have been caught. Largemouth Bass – Good: Most fish are 1-2 pounds.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)The curly-leaf pondweed is pretty thick around the shorelines. Water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Most fish are suspended in open water or on outside weedlines. Bluegill – Good: Look for fish in pockets of the weeds. Channel Catfish – Fair. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing along and in pockets of the weeds.

Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake) Channel Catfish – Fair.

Lake MacbrideThe 10 horsepower maximum is in effect along with the 5 mph speed limit. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing around shallow wood or rock. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try fishing in shallower structure and spawning flats. Spotted bass – Good: Try fishing in shallower structure and spawning flats. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing windblown banks or rock reefs. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Most wipers are deeper, but some have been feeding shallow or on the surface at sunrise/sunset.

Otter Creek LakeThe lake is drained for the ongoing renovation project.

Pleasant Creek Lake Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing around shallow brush. Many fish are around 10-inches. Bluegill – Good: Try worms or waxworms around shallow rock and sand. Most fish are around 7-inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try fishing around shallow rock and wood. Walleye – Fair: Use jigs tipped with crawlers or minnows.

Union Grove LakeThere is quite a bit of vegetation, but some of it has been treated and is dying back. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing around shallow brush or rock in pockets, or look for fish suspended in open water. Bluegill – Good: Try fishing in shallow pockets and around rocky areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try fishing in shallow water where fish are spawning. Walleye – Slow: An occasional walleye is being caught by panfisherman.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Hawthorn Lake Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies will move shallow to spawn. Try small jigs and minnows. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Target rip-rapped shorelines fishing slowly with jigs and plastics.

Lake MiamiBluegill – Fair: Try small jigs fished near shore. Keep moving until you find active fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use jigs fished along structure and near shore.

Lake Sugema Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappie to start to gather around structure and along the shorelines as the water temperature increases. Try small jigs in these areas. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use spinnerbaits or jigs around rip-rapped shorelines and the rock jetties.

Lake Wapello Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs along the shorelines and around structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use jigs or plastics in areas with structure.

Rathbun ReservoirThe current lake level is 904.89 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Black Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are still up shallow, but most have spawned and moved to deeper water. Try jig and minnows around structure. Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching walleyes trolling bottom bouncers and on crawler harnesses. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on walleye at Lake Rathbun. All walleyes measuring less than 15-inches must be immediately released unharmed. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Anglers are catching hybrid striped bass trolling or vertically jigging.

Red Haw LakeVisitors are asked to avoid the campground area due to the continued storm damage cleanup. Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs, changing your retrieval speed until you find one the fish like. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try plastics fished along the rock jetties and the dam.

Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.

Big Creek Lake Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegills shallow on beds in 2 to 4 feet of water throughout the lake. Walleye – Good: Catch walleyes jigging with leeches and nightcrawlers or trolling live bait rigs with minnows or crawlers. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake in 10 to 25 feet of water around road beds, points, and humps during the day and shallow in the evenings.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock) Channel Catfish – Good: Try cut bait and stink baits fished inside and upstream of log piles and treefalls.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) Channel Catfish – Good: Try dip baits and cut bait fished in and just above treefalls and log piles.

Don Williams Lake Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing live minnows in treefalls or slowly trolling 2 inch or smaller twister tail jigs just out from shore.

Red Rock Reservoir Black Crappie – Fair: The crappie spawn is mostly finished. Drift or troll plastics or small crankbaits in coves off the main lake and Whitebreast arm.

Rock Creek LakeBlack Crappie – Good: Try drifting and trolling small jigs with twister tails tubes or paddle tails.

For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

Arrowhead PondWater clarity is good. Water temperature is 72 degrees. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning close to shore; they will average 8-inches.

Lake AnitaThe water temperature is in themid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair: Black crappies have moved to deeper water; look for them around tree piles. Bluegill – Good: Look for bluegills around traditional spawning areas. Largemouth Bass – Good.

Lake ManawaLake Manawa is 2 feet low. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try Sonny's dip bait or cut bait on windy shorelines. Catch catfish of all sizes. Walleye – Fair: Walleye anglers are having success casting crankbaits.

Orient Lake Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are close to shore spawning. Fish will average 8-inches. Channel Catfish – Fair: Catch channel catfish up to 5 pounds with cut bait near the cleaning station.

Prairie Rose LakeWater clarity is very good. Black Crappie – Fair: Black crappies have moved off spawning areas; look for them around deep structure. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are close to spawning areas. Cast small jigs and move often to find quality bluegill. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass can be caught all around the lake.

Viking LakeThe Viking Lake water level is back down 18 inches. All boat ramps are usable. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for post-spawn crappies around deep tree piles. Fish will average 9-inches. There is a large year class of 6 inch black crappie in the lake. Bluegill – Good: Cast small jigs and move often to find spawning bluegill. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Cast the shoreline just outside the flooded terrestrial vegetation.

For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.

Green Valley LakeDocks are in at the beach and dam boat ramps. Black Crappie – Slow: Try jigs fished near rocky shoreline areas to catch crappies of all sizes. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegill up to 8.5-inches with jigs or small worms under a bobber along rocky shoreline areas. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 20-inches with finesse plastics fished along shallow cedar tree brush piles.

Little River Watershed LakeThe dock is in at the main boat ramp. Black Crappie – Slow: Try jigs fished along flooded timber to catch crappies of all sizes. Bluegill – Fair: Catch bluegill up to 9-inches with jigs or small worms under a bobber along rocky shoreline areas. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try finesse plastics fished along weedlines to catch largemouth bass up to 19-inches.

Three Mile LakeDocks are in at main ramp. Walleye – Fair: Use jigs or crankbaits in 8-12 feet of water to catch all sizes of walleyes.

Twelve Mile Creek LakeThe dock is in at main boat ramp. Black Crappie – Good: Try jigs or worms under a bobber fished along the fish mounds to catch bluegill of all sizes. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Catch largemouth bass up to 19-inches with finesse plastics along rocky shoreline areas.

Water temperature is in the low to mid-70s in most lakes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.