Editor
03-12-2010, 08:42 AM
NORTHWEST
Crawford Creek Impoundment
The access to the boat ramp has been closed until conditions improve. Anglers may still access the lake by taking the lower campground road and parking in the lot near the dam. Bluegill - Good: Fish right at sunrise with an orange tear drop and a wax worm or a wiggler. Fish are averaging 8 inches. The bite is usually over by 8:30 a.m. Crappie - Good: Same techniques as bluegill.
Badger Lake
Ice conditions are not favorable. There is a lot of slush and water on top of the ice. Bluegill - Slow: Use tear drops and wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Use small jigs with wax worms or small minnows.
Brushy Creek Lake
Fishing has slowed quite a bit. Possible open water near shoreline and around submerged trees. Water and slush on top of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are being caught around the trees in 20 to 30 feet of water right off of the bottom. Tear drops and wax worms have been working the best. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies have been caught on minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few nice perch are being caught just off the bottom. Walleye - Slow: Walleye have been slow, but try just at sunset for them. Anglers have been picking a few up on minnows.
Bacon Creek Lake
Slush and water on top of ice. Anglers need a trout stamp to fish for or keep trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Use flashy jigging lures baited with a wax worm or minnow head or use small live minnows under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being caught, but most are small.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Slush and water on top of ice. Walleye fishing has slowed down. Try fishing the flats during the day in about 9 to 10 feet of water. Fish around deeper areas or near dredge cuts in the morning and evenings, especially between the Big Island and Shorty's Island. Anglers are using jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head and/or minnows under bobbers. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been using jigs tipped with minnow heads or minnows under a bobber. Try to target areas away from the crowds of anglers. A good number of walleye are being caught in the 12 to 13-inch size range, a few walleye bigger than 22 inches are being picked up. Evening has been the most productive.
Black Hawk Lake
Water and slush on top of ice. Fishing is slow. Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being caught with wax worms, but most are smaller size fish. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught with wax worms and minnows, but most are smaller size fish.
Use caution when going out on the ice, especially near shore. Slush and water is accumulating on the ice making it difficult to move around. For more information about these lakes and rivers call Don Herrig at 712-657-2638 at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View.
Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches. Bluegills and crappies are biting on wax worms. Bluegill - Slow: Best bite has been mid morning. Crappie - Slow:
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches. Bluegills are biting on wax worms. Bluegill - Slow:
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 22 to 26 inches. Yellow bass fishing has been slow.
Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches.
Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches. Crappie - Slow:
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 18 to 22 inches. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Perch - Slow:
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches. Yellow Perch - Slow:
Morse Lake
Ice thickness is 18 to 22 inches.
Blue Pit
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches. A few trout are still being caught.
Bluebill Lake
Ice thickness is 24 to 26 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Clark Lake (Mike Zack W.A.)
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches.
Fin and Feather Lake
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Elm Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches. Yellow Perch - Slow:
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at 641 357-3517.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait. Crappie - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait or a slip bobber and minnow.
Mill Creek (Lake)
Kids Corner: Mill Creek Lake would be a great place to take a child fishing with lots of action for bluegills. Bluegill - Good: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or wigglers near the bottom.
Big Spirit Lake
Hale Slough: Walk-in only
Miniwakan State Park: walk-in only
Buffalo Run: Anglers are still driving out.
Marble Beach: Walk-in only. Parking is available at the ramp
Templar Lagoon: Walk-in only.
South Boat Ramp: Walk-in only. Bluegill - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait or plastics on the north end of Angler's Bay in the afternoons. Yellow Perch - Good: Use small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm or wiggler in 20 to 23 feet of water in the mornings and afternoons.
Minnewashta Lake
South boat ramp: Walk-in only. White Bass - Fair: Use small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head in the evenings. Bluegill - Slow: A few fish are being caught with small ice jigs tipped with plastics or live bait in the evenings. Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught with small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head in the evenings. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with plastics in the evenings. Yellow Bass - Good: Use small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head in the evenings.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Yellow Perch - Slow: A few fish are being caught while walleye fishing. Walleye - Fair: Use jigging lures tipped with a minnow at sunset or tip-ups.
West Okoboji Lake
Triboji Beach: Anglers are driving out.
Miller's Bay: Anglers are driving out.
Emerson Bay: Anglers are driving.
Smith's Bay: Walk-in only. Northern Pike - Fair: Use large baitfish on a tip-up around standing weed beds. Bluegill - Good: Look for standing weed clumps. Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait or plastics. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few fish are being caught in the bays while sight fishing in the mornings and evenings.
Five Island Lake
Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow head in the mornings and evenings. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few fish are being caught on a slip bobber and minnow while walleye fishing. Walleye - Good: Fish at sunrise and sunset along drop-offs and flats with jigging lures tipped with a minnow head or a slip bobber and minnow.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Fish the rock bars in the evenings with a jigging lure tipped with a minnow head or slip bobber and minnow. Many smaller walleye are being caught.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a slip bobber and minnow.
Virgin Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a slip bobber and minnow.
Walleye season is closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji lakes. With the recent warm weather fishing has picked up. Caution should be taken at the shoreline when getting onto the ice and leaving. For more information on the Spirit Lake area call 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Ice depths are variable. Use caution when going out as conditions could deteriorate quickly. There will be water on top of the ice due to rainy conditions. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Hendricks
There is quite a bit of water on top of the ice. Bluegills are beginning to bite. Bluegill - Fair: Wax worms are the bait of choice. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Perch - Slow:
Lake Meyer
Anglers are reporting about 8 to 10 inches of "good" ice under 5 to 6 inches of slush and water. The bite for bluegills is picking up. Northern Pike - Fair: Try using a tip-up in the shallower water baited with shiners. Bluegill - Fair: Try angling 3 feet off the bottom. Crappie - No Report: Yellow Perch - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
The river is running bank full and turbid. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is open below the dam in Charles City and is running dirty. It is on the rise due to recent rains and snowmelt. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams with better water quality should be fishable but conditions can quickly change depending on rainfall amounts. With warmer temperatures and rain, a lot of the snow in our area has melted. Try using a variety of streamers and nymphs and for dry flies, try small midges and black stoneflies.
The bite on area lakes is picking up but ice conditions could quickly deteriorate with warming temperatures and rain. Make sure someone knows your plans for the day. Most area rivers are bank full and running dirty. For more information about a specific stream, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake (Delaware)
Had been slow the last few weeks but a few reports of bluegill being caught recently. Oxygen levels remain low, concentrate efforts in six feet of water or less. Use caution as ice conditions continue to deteriorate. Bluegill - Fair: Look for fish if equipped with electronics and move often until getting some bites. Crappie - Slow:
Martens Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Cecils and Swedish pimples tipped with a wax worm have been the favorites for anglers targeting crappie.
Manchester District Streams
Streams are slowly falling with the recent melt-off! Trout fishing conditions should only improve from here on out with most of the snow cover now gone.
Ice conditions are deteriorating quickly with the recent onset of rain and warm temperatures. George Wyth Park will be closing because of rising water levels on the Cedar River. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto area lakes, especially along shore. Most interior rivers are still rising and unsuitable for angling at this time. Trout angling conditions should improve quickly. For more information call district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Some backwater fishing remains but ice rapidly deteriorating. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at 563-252-1156. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike fishing on tip ups has been good recently in Fish Lake. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are being taken from the Village Creek boat ramp and from above the marina in Lansing. A few bluegills also being reported in Desoto Bay but fish are finicky. Anglers using are using teardrops and wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies being picked up in Shore Slough and Minnesota Slough. Anglers reporting best success near sunset. Yellow Perch - Slow: Although action is slow a few yellow perch are being taken in Desoto Bay and Fish Lake, near New Albin.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Ice conditions are deteriorating but some backwater areas still have some ice. Be careful crossing any flowing water areas. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being reported below the spillway at Harpers Ferry and Joyce Lake but fishing is slow. A few also reported in Norwegian Lake but they too are biting softly. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being taken on tip ups in the Harpers Ferry area using minnows. Crappie - Slow: Fishing report remains slow but a few are being taken at the lower end of Norwegian Slough and Bussey Lake. Brief flurries of action are reported. Yellow Perch - Good: Some large yellow perch are being caught in backwaters that still contain ice. Sauger - Fair: The tail water is now assessable from Harpers Ferry. Please watch for breakup ice flows coming through the dam. Large ice chucks can make navigation hazardous.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Ice is deteriorating fast so caution should be used. The DNR boat ramp at Guttenberg is open. Sauger - Good: As of this report the DNR boat ramp is open and the Guttenberg City ramp should be opening soon. Some good catches of sauger reported with some sorting. Walleye - Fair: A few nice sized walleyes being reported but more sauger being caught.
Some backwater fishing remains but ice rapidly deteriorating. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at 563-252-1156. The tail water ramps at Guttenberg and Lynxville are open and boats can launch from shoreline ramps.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Backwater ice conditions are good but deteriorating with the warm weather, rain, and rising river stage. River stage in Dubuque is 8.48 feet and is forecast to rise to 12 feet by early next week. Anglers in Pool 12 should keep an eye out for radio tagged crappie. Tags are attached to the dorsal spines and we ask that you release any tagged fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing has picked up with the warmer weather. Wax worms and teardrop jigs are producing best. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has picked up over the last week. Best bites have been early in the morning and the last hour of daylight. Sauger - Fair: Few fish are being caught on Wisconsin side of tail waters in Dubuque on one-eyes and jigs. The Iowa side is closed to fishing until March 16. Anglers are sorting a lot of small fish. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught on Wisconsin side of tail waters in Dubuque on one-eyes and jigs. The Iowa side is closed to fishing until March 16. Anglers are sorting a lot of small fish.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Backwater ice conditions are still good with 12 inches at most lakes but the ice is deteriorating fast with the warm weather, rain, and rising river stage. River stage in Bellevue is 6.69 feet and is forecast to rise to 10.8 feet by early next week. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow and catches have consisted of a lot of small fish. Reports of some fishing being caught in Brown's Lake. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Reports of some fishing being caught in Brown's Lake.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Backwater ice conditions are good with 12 inches at most lakes, but conditions are deteriorating quickly with the warm weather, rain, and rising river stage. River stage in Camanche is 10.35 feet and is forecast to rise to 13.5 feet by early next week. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow and anglers have had to sort a lot of small fish. Reports of a few fish coming out of Rock Creek in the late afternoon. Crappie - Slow: Reports of crappie coming out of Rock Creek in the late afternoon and evenings.
For fishing information in Pool 12 to 15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976
Mississippi River Pool 16
Fishing has slowed due to the recent increase in flow. Sauger were biting at the mouth of the Rock River and along Credit Island.
Current stage is 8.48 with a 1.66 feet increase in the last 24 hours. Stage for Friday is predicted to be 10.9 approximately 4 feet below flood stage. Sauger - Fair:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Current stage is 6.69 with a 1.28 feet increase in the last 24 hours. Friday's stage is predicted to be 8.9 feet.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Current stage is 9.62 with a 1.6 feet increase in the last 24 hours. Friday's stage is predicted to be12.0 which is 3 feet below flood stage
Mississippi River Pool 19
Current stage is 11.27 with a 24 hour increase of 2.42 feet. Fridays stage is predicted to be 13.2 feet which is 3 feet below flood stage
The Mississippi River is rising along its entire length due to the snow melt and recent rains.
Contact Bernard Schonhoff at 563-263-5062 or bschonhoff@dnr.iowa.gov for additional information
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Unsafe ice conditions
Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions
Pollmiller Park Lake
Unsafe ice conditions
Lake of the Hills
Unsafe ice conditions. The next trout release will be on March 20 at 11 a.m.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430
Hannen Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Rodgers Park Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Iowa Lake
Ice conditions are deteriorating, especially around the edges. Fishing is not recommended.
Kent Park Lake
Anglers are still fishing here. The edges and top layer of ice may be deteriorating so use caution.
Lake Macbride
Rain events and melting have brought the lake level up a few feet, making it virtually impossible to get on to ice.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Anglers are still fishing here. Ice conditions seem to be holding up.
Diamond Lake
The lake level has come up 2 feet and the edges are unsafe.
Otter Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Union Grove Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Coralville Reservoir
Stay off the ice.
For more information contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
The lake was drained in the summer of 2009 but has since refilled.
Red Haw Lake
There are some areas opening up where water is running into the lake so use caution if venturing out onto the ice.
Lake Keomah
The ice is changing rapidly so use caution if heading out. Very few anglers have been fishing. There is a lot of water of top of the ice making getting around difficult.
Lake Miami
With the warmer temperatures and the rain the ice is constantly changes so use caution if venturing out onto the ice.
Lake Sugema
Warmer temperatures and rain have caused changes in the ice so use caution if venturing out.
Rathbun Reservoir
With the recent rains and snowmelt the lake has risen approximately 3 feet leaving open water between the ice and the shoreline. Use caution if venturing out because the ice thickness varies from place to place. There is also a lot of water on top of the ice.
For additional fishing information in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Big Creek Lake
Some ice fishing is still occurring. Check ice conditions frequently, especially near shore. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite is fair. Some good bluegills from 7 to 9 inches are being caught mostly late in the afternoon on flats from 15 to 20 feet out from the handicap pier and near the marina. Fish are also still being caught near the brush piles. Both wax worm and spikes have been working. Crappie - Fair: Crappie can be caught in 30 to 40 foot of water off the east road bed out from the Ensign shelter and into the handicap pier bay. Wax worms on glow jigs have been working best, but small live minnows on a plain hook are also catching a few fish. The bite is best from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Not many crappies are being picked up during daylight hours.
Lake Petoka
Rainbow Trout - Slow: The next stocking of trout is scheduled for April 8.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: The only fishable areas of the Des Moines River right now are below the Saylorville and Red Rock spillways. Some decent walleyes have been caught using jig and plastics or jig and minnow.
Ice conditions in central Iowa are variable, depending on how much runoff a water body receives. If attempting to ice fish use caution. The ice is deteriorating quickly. Contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823 for information on the above area lakes and rivers.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The brush pile just north of the center of the dam is producing a lot of fish. Bluegill - Fair: Some mid-sized fish are coming from the brush pile about 10 to 12 feet down.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some should be catchable by spring.
Summit Lake
The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.
Three Mile Lake
Ice is pretty good in the middle but is thin or open near shore. Most of the success is coming from the lower 1/3 of the lake. Bluegill - Slow: A small number of mid-sized fish are still coming from the pump house cove. Anglers are scattering to other areas, mostly around flooded treed in about 16 feet of water.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The ice in the middle is usually pretty thick but the edges can be open. The water is a little stained at mid-lake and the upper end. Conditions are changing daily. Bluegill - Fair: Several fish are still being caught from the flooded trees next to the creek channel but fishing be tough at times. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are still being caught at times from the flooded trees by bluegill anglers. Walleye - Slow: A few reports of walleye have been coming in. A few are being caught using minnows in the flooded trees.
Ice cover is shrinking from the shoreline of small and mid-sized bodies. The forecast is for warmer temps and possibly some rain. Ice condition will likely deteriorate further. Angling is still fairly good but the fish can be tough to catch at times.
Crawford Creek Impoundment
The access to the boat ramp has been closed until conditions improve. Anglers may still access the lake by taking the lower campground road and parking in the lot near the dam. Bluegill - Good: Fish right at sunrise with an orange tear drop and a wax worm or a wiggler. Fish are averaging 8 inches. The bite is usually over by 8:30 a.m. Crappie - Good: Same techniques as bluegill.
Badger Lake
Ice conditions are not favorable. There is a lot of slush and water on top of the ice. Bluegill - Slow: Use tear drops and wax worms. Crappie - Slow: Use small jigs with wax worms or small minnows.
Brushy Creek Lake
Fishing has slowed quite a bit. Possible open water near shoreline and around submerged trees. Water and slush on top of ice. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill are being caught around the trees in 20 to 30 feet of water right off of the bottom. Tear drops and wax worms have been working the best. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies have been caught on minnows. Yellow Perch - Slow: A few nice perch are being caught just off the bottom. Walleye - Slow: Walleye have been slow, but try just at sunset for them. Anglers have been picking a few up on minnows.
Bacon Creek Lake
Slush and water on top of ice. Anglers need a trout stamp to fish for or keep trout. Rainbow Trout - Slow: Use flashy jigging lures baited with a wax worm or minnow head or use small live minnows under a bobber. Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being caught, but most are small.
Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)
Slush and water on top of ice. Walleye fishing has slowed down. Try fishing the flats during the day in about 9 to 10 feet of water. Fish around deeper areas or near dredge cuts in the morning and evenings, especially between the Big Island and Shorty's Island. Anglers are using jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head and/or minnows under bobbers. Walleye - Fair: Anglers have been using jigs tipped with minnow heads or minnows under a bobber. Try to target areas away from the crowds of anglers. A good number of walleye are being caught in the 12 to 13-inch size range, a few walleye bigger than 22 inches are being picked up. Evening has been the most productive.
Black Hawk Lake
Water and slush on top of ice. Fishing is slow. Bluegill - Slow: Some bluegills are being caught with wax worms, but most are smaller size fish. Crappie - Slow: Some crappies are being caught with wax worms and minnows, but most are smaller size fish.
Use caution when going out on the ice, especially near shore. Slush and water is accumulating on the ice making it difficult to move around. For more information about these lakes and rivers call Don Herrig at 712-657-2638 at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View.
Beeds Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches. Bluegills and crappies are biting on wax worms. Bluegill - Slow: Best bite has been mid morning. Crappie - Slow:
Eldred Sherwood Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Upper Pine Lake
Ice thickness is 12 to 14 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Lake Smith
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches. Bluegills are biting on wax worms. Bluegill - Slow:
Clear Lake
Ice thickness is 22 to 26 inches. Yellow bass fishing has been slow.
Lake Cornelia
Ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches.
Little Wall Lake
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches. Crappie - Slow:
Rice Lake
Ice thickness is 18 to 22 inches. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Perch - Slow:
Silver Lake (Worth)
Ice thickness is 20 to 24 inches. Yellow Perch - Slow:
Morse Lake
Ice thickness is 18 to 22 inches.
Blue Pit
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches. A few trout are still being caught.
Bluebill Lake
Ice thickness is 24 to 26 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Clark Lake (Mike Zack W.A.)
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches.
Fin and Feather Lake
Ice thickness is 22 to 25 inches. Bluegill - Slow:
Elm Lake
Ice thickness is 20 to 22 inches. Yellow Perch - Slow:
For more information on fishing in the area lakes and rivers, call the Clear Lake Fisheries Office at 641 357-3517.
Lake Pahoja
Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with live bait. Crappie - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait or a slip bobber and minnow.
Mill Creek (Lake)
Kids Corner: Mill Creek Lake would be a great place to take a child fishing with lots of action for bluegills. Bluegill - Good: Use small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or wigglers near the bottom.
Big Spirit Lake
Hale Slough: Walk-in only
Miniwakan State Park: walk-in only
Buffalo Run: Anglers are still driving out.
Marble Beach: Walk-in only. Parking is available at the ramp
Templar Lagoon: Walk-in only.
South Boat Ramp: Walk-in only. Bluegill - Fair: Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait or plastics on the north end of Angler's Bay in the afternoons. Yellow Perch - Good: Use small ice jigs tipped with a wax worm or wiggler in 20 to 23 feet of water in the mornings and afternoons.
Minnewashta Lake
South boat ramp: Walk-in only. White Bass - Fair: Use small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head in the evenings. Bluegill - Slow: A few fish are being caught with small ice jigs tipped with plastics or live bait in the evenings. Crappie - Slow: A few fish are being caught with small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head in the evenings. Yellow Perch - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with plastics in the evenings. Yellow Bass - Good: Use small jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head in the evenings.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Yellow Perch - Slow: A few fish are being caught while walleye fishing. Walleye - Fair: Use jigging lures tipped with a minnow at sunset or tip-ups.
West Okoboji Lake
Triboji Beach: Anglers are driving out.
Miller's Bay: Anglers are driving out.
Emerson Bay: Anglers are driving.
Smith's Bay: Walk-in only. Northern Pike - Fair: Use large baitfish on a tip-up around standing weed beds. Bluegill - Good: Look for standing weed clumps. Use small ice jigs tipped with live bait or plastics. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few fish are being caught in the bays while sight fishing in the mornings and evenings.
Five Island Lake
Crappie - Fair: Use a jig tipped with a minnow head in the mornings and evenings. Yellow Perch - Fair: A few fish are being caught on a slip bobber and minnow while walleye fishing. Walleye - Good: Fish at sunrise and sunset along drop-offs and flats with jigging lures tipped with a minnow head or a slip bobber and minnow.
Lost Island Lake
Walleye - Fair: Fish the rock bars in the evenings with a jigging lure tipped with a minnow head or slip bobber and minnow. Many smaller walleye are being caught.
Silver Lake (Palo Alto)
Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a slip bobber and minnow.
Virgin Lake
Yellow Perch - Fair: Use a slip bobber and minnow.
Walleye season is closed on Big Spirit, East Okoboji, and West Okoboji lakes. With the recent warm weather fishing has picked up. Caution should be taken at the shoreline when getting onto the ice and leaving. For more information on the Spirit Lake area call 712-336-1840.
NORTHEAST
Volga Lake
Ice depths are variable. Use caution when going out as conditions could deteriorate quickly. There will be water on top of the ice due to rainy conditions. Bluegill - Fair: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:
Lake Hendricks
There is quite a bit of water on top of the ice. Bluegills are beginning to bite. Bluegill - Fair: Wax worms are the bait of choice. Crappie - Slow: Yellow Perch - Slow:
Lake Meyer
Anglers are reporting about 8 to 10 inches of "good" ice under 5 to 6 inches of slush and water. The bite for bluegills is picking up. Northern Pike - Fair: Try using a tip-up in the shallower water baited with shiners. Bluegill - Fair: Try angling 3 feet off the bottom. Crappie - No Report: Yellow Perch - No Report:
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)
The river is running bank full and turbid. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Cedar River (above Nashua)
The river is open below the dam in Charles City and is running dirty. It is on the rise due to recent rains and snowmelt. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:
Decorah District Streams
Trout streams with better water quality should be fishable but conditions can quickly change depending on rainfall amounts. With warmer temperatures and rain, a lot of the snow in our area has melted. Try using a variety of streamers and nymphs and for dry flies, try small midges and black stoneflies.
The bite on area lakes is picking up but ice conditions could quickly deteriorate with warming temperatures and rain. Make sure someone knows your plans for the day. Most area rivers are bank full and running dirty. For more information about a specific stream, call the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
Silver Lake (Delaware)
Had been slow the last few weeks but a few reports of bluegill being caught recently. Oxygen levels remain low, concentrate efforts in six feet of water or less. Use caution as ice conditions continue to deteriorate. Bluegill - Fair: Look for fish if equipped with electronics and move often until getting some bites. Crappie - Slow:
Martens Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Bluegill - Fair: Crappie - Fair: Cecils and Swedish pimples tipped with a wax worm have been the favorites for anglers targeting crappie.
Manchester District Streams
Streams are slowly falling with the recent melt-off! Trout fishing conditions should only improve from here on out with most of the snow cover now gone.
Ice conditions are deteriorating quickly with the recent onset of rain and warm temperatures. George Wyth Park will be closing because of rising water levels on the Cedar River. Use extreme caution when venturing out onto area lakes, especially along shore. Most interior rivers are still rising and unsuitable for angling at this time. Trout angling conditions should improve quickly. For more information call district office in Manchester at 563-927-3276.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Some backwater fishing remains but ice rapidly deteriorating. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at 563-252-1156. Northern Pike - Good: Northern pike fishing on tip ups has been good recently in Fish Lake. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegills are being taken from the Village Creek boat ramp and from above the marina in Lansing. A few bluegills also being reported in Desoto Bay but fish are finicky. Anglers using are using teardrops and wax worms. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies being picked up in Shore Slough and Minnesota Slough. Anglers reporting best success near sunset. Yellow Perch - Slow: Although action is slow a few yellow perch are being taken in Desoto Bay and Fish Lake, near New Albin.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Ice conditions are deteriorating but some backwater areas still have some ice. Be careful crossing any flowing water areas. Bluegill - Slow: A few bluegills are being reported below the spillway at Harpers Ferry and Joyce Lake but fishing is slow. A few also reported in Norwegian Lake but they too are biting softly. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Some bass are being taken on tip ups in the Harpers Ferry area using minnows. Crappie - Slow: Fishing report remains slow but a few are being taken at the lower end of Norwegian Slough and Bussey Lake. Brief flurries of action are reported. Yellow Perch - Good: Some large yellow perch are being caught in backwaters that still contain ice. Sauger - Fair: The tail water is now assessable from Harpers Ferry. Please watch for breakup ice flows coming through the dam. Large ice chucks can make navigation hazardous.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Ice is deteriorating fast so caution should be used. The DNR boat ramp at Guttenberg is open. Sauger - Good: As of this report the DNR boat ramp is open and the Guttenberg City ramp should be opening soon. Some good catches of sauger reported with some sorting. Walleye - Fair: A few nice sized walleyes being reported but more sauger being caught.
Some backwater fishing remains but ice rapidly deteriorating. Call Guttenberg fisheries station for current conditions at 563-252-1156. The tail water ramps at Guttenberg and Lynxville are open and boats can launch from shoreline ramps.
Mississippi River Pool 12
Backwater ice conditions are good but deteriorating with the warm weather, rain, and rising river stage. River stage in Dubuque is 8.48 feet and is forecast to rise to 12 feet by early next week. Anglers in Pool 12 should keep an eye out for radio tagged crappie. Tags are attached to the dorsal spines and we ask that you release any tagged fish. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill fishing has picked up with the warmer weather. Wax worms and teardrop jigs are producing best. Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has picked up over the last week. Best bites have been early in the morning and the last hour of daylight. Sauger - Fair: Few fish are being caught on Wisconsin side of tail waters in Dubuque on one-eyes and jigs. The Iowa side is closed to fishing until March 16. Anglers are sorting a lot of small fish. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes are being caught on Wisconsin side of tail waters in Dubuque on one-eyes and jigs. The Iowa side is closed to fishing until March 16. Anglers are sorting a lot of small fish.
Mississippi River Pool 13
Backwater ice conditions are still good with 12 inches at most lakes but the ice is deteriorating fast with the warm weather, rain, and rising river stage. River stage in Bellevue is 6.69 feet and is forecast to rise to 10.8 feet by early next week. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing in the backwaters has been slow and catches have consisted of a lot of small fish. Reports of some fishing being caught in Brown's Lake. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Reports of some fishing being caught in Brown's Lake.
Mississippi River Pool 14
Backwater ice conditions are good with 12 inches at most lakes, but conditions are deteriorating quickly with the warm weather, rain, and rising river stage. River stage in Camanche is 10.35 feet and is forecast to rise to 13.5 feet by early next week. Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been slow and anglers have had to sort a lot of small fish. Reports of a few fish coming out of Rock Creek in the late afternoon. Crappie - Slow: Reports of crappie coming out of Rock Creek in the late afternoon and evenings.
For fishing information in Pool 12 to 15 of the Mississippi River contact the Bellevue Fish Management and Research Station at 563-872-4976
Mississippi River Pool 16
Fishing has slowed due to the recent increase in flow. Sauger were biting at the mouth of the Rock River and along Credit Island.
Current stage is 8.48 with a 1.66 feet increase in the last 24 hours. Stage for Friday is predicted to be 10.9 approximately 4 feet below flood stage. Sauger - Fair:
Mississippi River Pool 17
Current stage is 6.69 with a 1.28 feet increase in the last 24 hours. Friday's stage is predicted to be 8.9 feet.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Current stage is 9.62 with a 1.6 feet increase in the last 24 hours. Friday's stage is predicted to be12.0 which is 3 feet below flood stage
Mississippi River Pool 19
Current stage is 11.27 with a 24 hour increase of 2.42 feet. Fridays stage is predicted to be 13.2 feet which is 3 feet below flood stage
The Mississippi River is rising along its entire length due to the snow melt and recent rains.
Contact Bernard Schonhoff at 563-263-5062 or bschonhoff@dnr.iowa.gov for additional information
SOUTHEAST
Lake Geode
Unsafe ice conditions
Lake Belva Deer
Unsafe ice conditions
Pollmiller Park Lake
Unsafe ice conditions
Lake of the Hills
Unsafe ice conditions. The next trout release will be on March 20 at 11 a.m.
For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430
Hannen Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Rodgers Park Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Iowa Lake
Ice conditions are deteriorating, especially around the edges. Fishing is not recommended.
Kent Park Lake
Anglers are still fishing here. The edges and top layer of ice may be deteriorating so use caution.
Lake Macbride
Rain events and melting have brought the lake level up a few feet, making it virtually impossible to get on to ice.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Anglers are still fishing here. Ice conditions seem to be holding up.
Diamond Lake
The lake level has come up 2 feet and the edges are unsafe.
Otter Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Union Grove Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Coralville Reservoir
Stay off the ice.
For more information contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello
The lake was drained in the summer of 2009 but has since refilled.
Red Haw Lake
There are some areas opening up where water is running into the lake so use caution if venturing out onto the ice.
Lake Keomah
The ice is changing rapidly so use caution if heading out. Very few anglers have been fishing. There is a lot of water of top of the ice making getting around difficult.
Lake Miami
With the warmer temperatures and the rain the ice is constantly changes so use caution if venturing out onto the ice.
Lake Sugema
Warmer temperatures and rain have caused changes in the ice so use caution if venturing out.
Rathbun Reservoir
With the recent rains and snowmelt the lake has risen approximately 3 feet leaving open water between the ice and the shoreline. Use caution if venturing out because the ice thickness varies from place to place. There is also a lot of water on top of the ice.
For additional fishing information in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.
SOUTHWEST
Big Creek Lake
Some ice fishing is still occurring. Check ice conditions frequently, especially near shore. Bluegill - Fair: The bluegill bite is fair. Some good bluegills from 7 to 9 inches are being caught mostly late in the afternoon on flats from 15 to 20 feet out from the handicap pier and near the marina. Fish are also still being caught near the brush piles. Both wax worm and spikes have been working. Crappie - Fair: Crappie can be caught in 30 to 40 foot of water off the east road bed out from the Ensign shelter and into the handicap pier bay. Wax worms on glow jigs have been working best, but small live minnows on a plain hook are also catching a few fish. The bite is best from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Not many crappies are being picked up during daylight hours.
Lake Petoka
Rainbow Trout - Slow: The next stocking of trout is scheduled for April 8.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Walleye - Fair: The only fishable areas of the Des Moines River right now are below the Saylorville and Red Rock spillways. Some decent walleyes have been caught using jig and plastics or jig and minnow.
Ice conditions in central Iowa are variable, depending on how much runoff a water body receives. If attempting to ice fish use caution. The ice is deteriorating quickly. Contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823 for information on the above area lakes and rivers.
Fogle Lake S.W.A.
The brush pile just north of the center of the dam is producing a lot of fish. Bluegill - Fair: Some mid-sized fish are coming from the brush pile about 10 to 12 feet down.
Green Valley Lake
The lake level has been lowered to allow for sediment removal from the upper end. The fish have been restocked and some should be catchable by spring.
Summit Lake
The lake has been lowered for shoreline stabilization.
Three Mile Lake
Ice is pretty good in the middle but is thin or open near shore. Most of the success is coming from the lower 1/3 of the lake. Bluegill - Slow: A small number of mid-sized fish are still coming from the pump house cove. Anglers are scattering to other areas, mostly around flooded treed in about 16 feet of water.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The ice in the middle is usually pretty thick but the edges can be open. The water is a little stained at mid-lake and the upper end. Conditions are changing daily. Bluegill - Fair: Several fish are still being caught from the flooded trees next to the creek channel but fishing be tough at times. Crappie - Slow: A few crappies are still being caught at times from the flooded trees by bluegill anglers. Walleye - Slow: A few reports of walleye have been coming in. A few are being caught using minnows in the flooded trees.
Ice cover is shrinking from the shoreline of small and mid-sized bodies. The forecast is for warmer temps and possibly some rain. Ice condition will likely deteriorate further. Angling is still fairly good but the fish can be tough to catch at times.