Fish Iowa - Fishing Report - Search


This page includes current fishing reports by fisheries region and management district. Lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams are listed by name and county, and can be easily searched using the search-and-filter tool below. Explore by location name, fish species, and various amenities available at the location to help you find your next fishing adventure!

Each part of the report now has a timestamp to help you decide how to use the information we have available. If you only want brand new updates (within the last week), check the “Recent Reports Only” checkbox. If you want to share your own experience and knowledge with Iowa’s anglers and help us improve our reports, you can submit a fishing report using the button on the right.

Have thoughts on making this system better? We would love to hear from you! Simply email us at [email protected] with your ideas and feedback.

About Location



Amenities and Features









Popular Fish Species



Current Conditions




Custom Search



Bellevue Management District (Mississippi River Region)

  • Contact Person: Dave Bierman - 563-872-5495
  • Comments: Mississippi River water levels are very low across the district; use caution when navigating in off-channel areas. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s to low 80s. Call your local bait shops or DNR Fisheries office for the latest information. Last updated on 09/03/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 79.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water level is around 4.3 feet at the Dubuque tailwater and is holding steady. Use caution when navigating in off channel areas. Call your local DNR Fisheries office or local bait shops for the latest information. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Use a small jig and plastic combination or a live minnow rig in side channel areas with woody structure. Last updated on 08/13/2026

Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Use dip baits or live bait in areas with woody structure like stump fields and brush piles in side channels or along main channel borders. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Freshwater Drum - Excellent
Comment: Use a simple egg sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current. . Last updated on 08/13/2026

Largemouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Use spinnerbaits or in-line spinners along rock lines, or try pitching a jig into woody structure in deeper side channels. Last updated on 08/20/2026

Northern Pike - Fair
Comment: Try large and flashy spinnerbaits or inline spinners in areas with cold water inputs. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Good
Comment: Throw inline spinners in rocky areas with some current/current breaks. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Try a three-way rig with live bait on the wing-dams. Some anglers are having success trolling crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water level is around 3.7 feet at the Bellevue tailwater and is holding steady. Please use caution when navigating in off channel areas. Call your local DNR Fisheries office or local bait shops for the latest information. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Use a small jig and plastic combination or a live minnow rig in side channel areas with woody structure. Last updated on 08/13/2026

Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Try a piece of nightcrawler under a bobber or a small jig in areas with woody structure along the edges of side channels. Some anglers are catching bluegill along main channel borders and in the tailwaters. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Use dip baits or live bait in areas with woody structure like stump fields and brush piles in side channels or along main channel borders. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Flathead Catfish - Slow
Comment: N/A

Freshwater Drum - Excellent
Comment: Use a simple sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current or in the tailwater. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Largemouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Use spinnerbaits or in-line spinners along rock lines, or try pitching a jig into woody structure in deeper side channels. Last updated on 08/20/2026

Northern Pike - Fair
Comment: Try large and flashy spinnerbaits or inline spinners in areas with cold water inputs. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Good
Comment: Throw inline spinners along rocky areas with some current/current breaks. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Try a three-way rig with live bait on the wing-dams. Some anglers are having success trolling crankbaits. Last updated on 08/20/2026

White Bass - Fair
Comment: Cast a white inline spinner in areas with current where white bass are chasing minnows, such as along the main channel border. Last updated on 08/20/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 81.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water level is around 4.1 feet at Lock and Dam 13 and is holding steady. Use caution when navigating in off channel areas. Water temperature has risen back into the low 80s. Call your local bait shops for the most current information. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Use dip baits or live bait in areas with woody structure like stump fields and brush piles in side channels or along main channel borders. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Freshwater Drum - Excellent
Comment: Use a simple sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/13/2026

Largemouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Use spinnerbaits along vegetation edges in backwater areas or along rock lines, or try pitching a jig into woody structure in side channels. Last updated on 08/20/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Try a three-way rig with live bait on the wing-dams. Some anglers are having success trolling crankbaits. Last updated on 08/20/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 82.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water level is around 4.6 feet at Lock and Dam 14 and is holding fairly steady. Water temperature has risen back into the low 80s. Call your local bait shops for the most current information. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Freshwater Drum - Excellent
Comment: Try a simple egg sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/19/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Use a three-way rig with live bait on wing-dams or other rocky structure. Last updated on 08/20/2026

White Bass - Good
Comment: Cast a white inline spinner or a white jig/plastic combination in areas with current and lateral rock where white bass are chasing minnows, like along main channel borders. Last updated on 08/13/2026


Fairport Management District (Mississippi River Region)

  • Contact Person: Andy Fowler - 563-263-5062
  • Comments: Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stages have been falling this past week. Main channel water temperature is around 79-81 degrees. Water clarity is good. River level is low; use caution when boating. . Last updated on 08/26/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 81.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Tailwater stage is 3.87 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay steady over the weekend. Flood Stage is 15 feet. River stage is 10.19 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. River level is low; use caution when boating. Last updated on 08/26/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F): 81.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Tailwater stage is 2.65 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay steady over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. River level is low; use caution when boating. Last updated on 08/26/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F): 79.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Tailwater stage is 3.04 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Tailwater stage is forecast to stay steady over the weekend. Flood stage is 15 feet. Use caution when boating due to low river levels. Last updated on 08/26/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Tailwater stage is 1.47 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and forecast to stay steady over the weekend. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage is 7.97 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 525.44 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528.0 feet. Last updated on 08/26/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


Guttenberg Management District (Mississippi River Region)

  • Contact Person: Karen Osterkamp - 563-252-1156
  • Comments: Upper Mississippi water levels remain extremely low and stable. Boaters should use caution due to low water conditions. Avoid backing your trailer in too far and dropping off the end of the ramp. Water temperatures is in the upper 70s. Fish are seeking deeper water with wood or rock structure. Wing-dams along the main channel border are productive. Last updated on 08/26/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 79.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: River level is 7.9 feet at Lansing and is expected to remain stable over the next week. New Albin Army Road ramp improvements are complete and open. **Reminder: Crews are working on the Blackhawk Bridge at Lansing. Boaters should use caution in the construction zone. Please slow down for everyone's safety. Last updated on 08/26/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Use a light jig or small spinner bait in moderate current in side channel sloughs with wood structure. Last updated on 08/20/2026

Bluegill - Good
Comment: High water temperatures will move fish off shore into deeper water. Try a small piece of crawler mid-depth in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Stink baits are the hot bait for channel cats. Try fishing in moderate current in 2 to 7 feet of water. . Last updated on 08/19/2026

Flathead Catfish - Slow
Comment: Use live bait like a shiner or small sunfish in deep water holes with snags or wood structure. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Freshwater Drum - Good
Comment: Use a simple egg sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Largemouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Try a topwater crankbait or frog bait along weedlines of side channels and backwater lakes. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Northern Pike - Good
Comment: Northern pike will seek cold water during hot summer days. Throw flashy spinners at the mouths of tributaries. . Last updated on 08/26/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Cast spinnerbaits along rocked main channel shorelines and points of islands with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Troll crankbaits or a three-way rig with a whole crawler on the wing-dams. . Last updated on 08/26/2026

Yellow Perch - Fair
Comment: Jig small lures or drop shot live bait along the weedlines in backwater lakes. . Last updated on 08/26/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water level remains stable at 611.9 feet below Lock and Dam 9, Lynxville. Boaters should use caution to not back off the end of boat ramps in low water. Water clarity is good. Look for fish in deeper water with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Try a light jig or small spinner bait in moderate current in side channel sloughs with wood structure. Last updated on 08/20/2026

Bluegill - Good
Comment: High water temperatures will move fish off shore into deeper water. Try a small piece of crawler mid-depth in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Stink baits are the hot bait for channel cats. Try fishing in moderate current in 2 to 7 feet of water. . Last updated on 08/19/2026

Flathead Catfish - Slow
Comment: Use live bait like a shiner or small sunfish in deep water holes with snags or wood structure. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Freshwater Drum - Good
Comment: Use a simple egg sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Largemouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Try a topwater crankbait or frog bait along weedlines of side channels and backwater lakes. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Northern Pike - Good
Comment: Northern pike will seek cold water during hot summer days. Throw flashy spinners at the mouths of tributaries. . Last updated on 08/26/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Cast spinnerbaits along rocked main channel shorelines and points of islands with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Troll crankbaits or a three-way rig with a whole crawler on the wing-dams. . Last updated on 08/26/2026

Yellow Perch - Fair
Comment: Jig small lures or drop shot live bait along the weedlines in backwater lakes. Last updated on 08/26/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water levels have fallen to 3.6 feet in Guttenberg Lock & Dam 10 tailwaters. Water clarity is good. Boaters should use caution in low water conditions. Look for fish in deeper water with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Use a light jig or small spinner bait in moderate current in side channel sloughs with wood structure. Last updated on 08/20/2026

Bluegill - Good
Comment: High water temperatures will move fish off shore into deeper water. Try a small piece of crawler mid-depth in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Stink baits are the hot bait for channel cats. Try fishing in moderate current in 2 to 7 feet of water. . Last updated on 08/19/2026

Flathead Catfish - Slow
Comment: Use live bait like a shiner or small sunfish in deep water holes with snags or wood structure. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Freshwater Drum - Good
Comment: Use a simple egg sinker and nightcrawler rig in areas with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Largemouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Try a topwater crankbait or frog bait along weedlines of side channels and backwater lakes. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Northern Pike - Good
Comment: Northern pike will seek cold water during hot summer days. Throw flashy spinners at the mouths of tributaries. . Last updated on 08/26/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Cast spinnerbaits along rocked main channel shorelines and points of islands with moderate current. Last updated on 08/26/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Troll crankbaits or a three-way rig with a whole crawler on the wing-dams. . Last updated on 08/26/2026

Yellow Perch - Fair
Comment: Jig small lures or drop shot live bait along the weedlines in backwater lakes. Last updated on 08/26/2026


Decorah Management District (Northeast Region)

  • Contact Person: Caleb Schnitzler - 563-382-8324
  • Comments: Chance of rain for the area this weekend. Temperatures in the low 80s to overnight lows in the 60s. Most area rivers and streams are at normal summer levels with excellent visibility. Stocking trout streams with warmer water temperatures during August is temporarily paused. Trout already in these waters are well-acclimated to the seasonal warmth. Visit a local lake or pond for a family fishing outing. Last updated on 08/31/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams are in excellent condition. Spotty weekend rain showers could turn streams off-color. Take this opportunity to find the next best spot to fish. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Brook Trout - Slow
Comment: Brook Trout water generally consists of dense beds of aquatic vegetation, cobble-gravel substrate, and narrow channels making them difficult to fish. Use a reach cast to lay the line across the current to get a few extra seconds of drift. A large variety of terrestrial insects are hatching with the warmer weather. Matching the hatch is vital to success. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Off-color water is prime for a picky Brown Trout. Terrestrial insects are turning on. Flies imitating grasshoppers, ants, and crickets are a good bet. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Rainbow Trout - Excellent
Comment: Freshly stocked rainbows hungry for a hook tipped with a small piece of worm, cheese, or dough ball will fill a limit quickly. For anglers interested in catch and release, use flies imitating crickets, grasshoppers, midges, scuds, mayflies, or caddis flies. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water levels are stable and clear. Water temperature is in the 70s. For more information, visit https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/05457700. Last updated on 08/31/2026
Black Crappie - Good
Comment: Find crappie near snags in backwater areas. Try a small spinner or crankbait. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Channel Catfish - Excellent
Comment: Use worms, dead chubs or minnows under a bobber near the bottom. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Rock Bass - Fair
Comment: Use a jig tipped with a nightcrawler or a plastic, fished in the middle of the water column. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Find smallmouth along rocky shorelines or limestone ledges. They are moving to deeper water. Try a variety of lures. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Walleye - Excellent
Comment: Use a jig with a live minnow or nightcrawler in a deeper pool near the stream bottom. Try fishing sunrise and sunset on clear days. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams are in excellent condition. Spotty weekend rain showers could turn streams off-color. Take this opportunity to find the next best spot to fish. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Brook Trout - Slow
Comment: Brook Trout water generally consists of dense beds of aquatic vegetation, cobble-gravel substrate, and narrow channels making them difficult to fish. Use a reach cast to lay the line across the current to get a few extra seconds of drift. A large variety of terrestrial insects are hatching with the warmer weather. Matching the hatch is vital to success. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Off-color water is prime for a picky Brown Trout. Terrestrial insects are turning on. Flies imitating grasshoppers, ants, and crickets are a good bet. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Rainbow Trout - Excellent
Comment: Freshly stocked rainbows hungry for a hook tipped with a small piece of worm, cheese, or dough ball will fill a limit quickly. For anglers interested in catch and release, use flies imitating crickets, grasshoppers, midges, scuds, mayflies, or caddis flies. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams are in excellent condition. Spotty weekend rain showers could turn streams off-color. Take this opportunity to find the next best spot to fish. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Off-color water is prime for a picky Brown Trout. Terrestrial insects are turning on. Flies imitating grasshoppers, ants, and crickets are a good bet. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Rainbow Trout - Excellent
Comment: Freshly stocked rainbows hungry for a hook tipped with a small piece of worm, cheese, or dough ball will fill a limit quickly. For anglers interested in catch and release, use flies imitating crickets, grasshoppers, midges, scuds, mayflies, or caddis flies. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: A severe green algae bloom is occurring. Blooms should lessen as water temperatures cool. Weeds are up. Water temperature is in the 70s. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Find crappie along weedlines. Try trolling in deeper water with a small spinner or small jigs tipped with a plastic or minnow. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Continue to use small jigs tipped with a waxworm, spike, or very small piece of a nightcrawler along weedlines. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Use worms, dead chubs or minnows, or stink bait under a bobber near the bottom. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: Toss a topwater lure along the edge of a plant bed or rocky shoreline. Keep tension on the line to prevent losing your lure. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water clarity is good. Water temperature is in the 70s. The bite should improve as water temperatures fall. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Black Crappie - Good
Comment: Find crappie along weedlines. Try trolling a small spinner or crankbait. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Bluegill - Good
Comment: Continue to use small jigs tipped with a waxworm, spike, or very small piece of a nightcrawler along weedlines. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Use worms, dead chubs or minnows, or stink bait under a bobber near the bottom. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: Toss a topwater lure along the edge of a plant bed or rocky shoreline. Keep tension on the line to prevent lure loss. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Northern Pike - Slow
Comment: Pike hang in weedy areas stalking prey. Target weedlines with a spoon or hair jig to tease this feisty fish. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams are in excellent condition. Spotty weekend rain showers could turn streams off-color. Take this opportunity to find the next best spot to fish. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Off-color water is prime for a picky Brown Trout. Terrestrial insects are turning on. Flies imitating grasshoppers, ants, and crickets are a good bet. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Rainbow Trout - Excellent
Comment: Freshly stocked rainbows hungry for a hook tipped with a small piece of worm, cheese, or dough ball will fill a limit quickly. For anglers interested in catch and release, use flies imitating crickets, grasshoppers, midges, scuds, mayflies, or caddis flies. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water levels are stable and clear. Water temperature is in the 70s. For more information, visit https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05411850. Last updated on 08/31/2026
Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Find smallmouth along rocky shorelines or limestone ledges. They are moving to deeper water. Try a variety of lures. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Walleye - Excellent
Comment: Use a jig with a live minnow or nightcrawler in a deeper pool near the stream bottom. Try fishing sunrise and sunset on clear days. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water levels are stabile and clear. Water temperature is in the 70s. For more information, visit https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/USGS-05387500. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Find smallmouth along rocky shorelines or limestone ledges. They are moving to deeper water. Try a variety of lures. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Walleye - Excellent
Comment: Use a jig with a live minnow or nightcrawler in a deeper pool near the stream bottom. Try fishing sunrise and sunset on clear days. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Water levels are stable and clear. Water temperature is in the 70s. Last updated on 08/31/2026
Smallmouth Bass - Excellent
Comment: Find smallmouth along rocky shorelines or limestone ledges. They are moving to deeper water. Try a variety of lures. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Walleye - Excellent
Comment: Use a jig with a live minnow or nightcrawler in a deeper pool near the stream bottom. Try fishing sunrise and sunset on clear days. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water clarity is limited and off-color. Water temperature is in the low 80s. Try fishing over structure. Fish are suspended. Last updated on 08/13/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Try minnows under a bobber or plastics near and around structure. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Bluegill - Good
Comment: Use small jigs tipped with a waxworm, spike, or a very small piece of a nightcrawler along rocky shorelines or around submerged structure. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Use worms, dead chubs, minnows, or stink bait under a bobber near the bottom. Trophy catfish abound in this waterbody. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: Toss a crank or spinner bait along the edge of a rocky shoreline or steep depth contour. Keep tension on your line to prevent losing your lure. Last updated on 08/28/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams are in excellent condition. Spotty weekend rain showers could turn streams off-color. Take this opportunity to find the next best spot to fish. Last updated on 08/28/2026
Brook Trout - Slow
Comment: Brook Trout water generally consists of dense beds of aquatic vegetation, cobble-gravel substrate, and narrow channels making them difficult to fish. Use a reach cast to lay the line across the current to get a few extra seconds of drift. A large variety of terrestrial insects are hatching with the warmer weather. Matching the hatch is vital to success. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Off-color water is prime for a picky Brown Trout. Terrestrial insects are turning on. Flies imitating grasshoppers, ants, and crickets are a good bet. Last updated on 08/28/2026

Rainbow Trout - Excellent
Comment: Freshly stocked rainbows hungry for a hook tipped with a small piece of worm, cheese, or dough ball will fill a limit quickly. For anglers interested in catch and release, use flies imitating crickets, grasshoppers, midges, scuds, mayflies, or caddis flies. Last updated on 08/28/2026


Manchester Management District (Northeast Region)

  • Contact Person: Dan Kirby - 563-927-3276
  • Comments: Previous Comment: Interior river water levels are stable and seasonal. Eastern Iowa interior rivers are in excellent condition for fishing. Rivers are providing good fishing for channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and walleye. Local area lakes in and around Cedar Falls/Waterloo have been slow for panfish and largemouth bass. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s. Trout streams in Clayton, Dubuque, Delaware and Jackson counties are in good to excellent condition. Contact your local area bait and tackle shops for current and most up to date reports. Note: Dalton Pond in Jackson County will no longer be stocked with trout by the Iowa DNR and is closed to public fishing. Dalton Pond is private property that was under lease for public fishing and the lease was not renewed. Last updated on 09/03/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Spring Branch Creek within Baileys Ford Park is in excellent condition. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams in Dubuque County are in good to excellent condition. Anglers are catching both rainbow and brown trout. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Brown Trout - Fair
Comment: Try matching the hatch with the upcoming warmer weather. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams in Jackson County are in good to excellent condition. The Big Mill Wildlife Management area is popular amongs anglers for both rainbow and brown trout. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Brown Trout - Fair
Comment: Try matching the hatch with the upcoming forecast of warmer weather. Grasshopper patterns are a great choice for mid-day action. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Anglers are catching crappie. Last updated on 08/27/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Look for structure in 8 to 9 feet of water; use multi colored tube or hair jigs or a live minnow under a slip bobber. Last updated on 08/27/2026

White Crappie - Fair
Comment: Look for structure in 8 to 9 feet of water; use multi colored tube or hair jigs or a live minnow under a slip bobber. Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: River conditions are good for channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye. River levels are stable, providing good angling opportunities. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Try nightcrawlers, dead cutbaits or stink baits on the bottom. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve live baits tipped on a jig or crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve live baits tipped on a jig or crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams in Delaware County are in good to excellent condition. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Try matching the hatch with the upcoming warmer weather. Grasshoppers are abundant right now. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams in Dubuque County are in good to excellent condition. Anglers are catching both rainbow and brown trout. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Brown Trout - Fair
Comment: Try matching the hatch with the upcoming warmer weather. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Anglers are catching crappie and small bluegill from the shoreline. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Cast and retrieve artificial jigs of various colors. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams in Jackson County are in good to excellent condition. The Big Mill Wildlife Management area is popular amongst anglers for both rainbow and brown trout. Mill Creek in Bellevue is popular for easy access Rainbow Trout. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Try matching the hatch with the upcoming warmer weather. Caddis are almost always a good choice and grasshoppers are also abundant is stream corridors at this time. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Water levels on the Maquoketa River are stable and seasonal. River conditions are excellent for fishing heading into the Labor Day weekend. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Try fishing near wood habitat on outside bends with cutbaits or stink bait. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Good
Comment: Use a jig and plastic tipped with half a nightcrawler or cast and retrieve crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Cast crankbaits or a jig tipped with half of a nightcrawler. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The Maquoketa River continues to drop in Jones and Jackson counties. Few or no showers in the ten day forecast, providing good angling opportunities. Anglers are catching channel catfish and walleye. A 2025 fall fish survey showed extreme numbers of quality-size catfish below Pictured Rocks County Park. Last updated on 08/27/2026
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Try live or fresh dead baits near structure. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Cast crankbaits or a jig tipped with half of a nightcrawler. Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Trout streams in Delaware County are in good to excellent condition. . Last updated on 09/03/2026
Brown Trout - Good
Comment: Try matching the hatch with the upcoming warmer weather. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Rainbow Trout - Good
Comment: Cast and retrieve flashy spinner blades or smaller bead heads. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: Water levels are seasonal and stable on the Wapsipinicon River, providing great fishing opportunities. Anglers are catching smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. . Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Try fishing nightcrawlers or stink baits on the bottom above tree snags on the river. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Good
Comment: Use a jig and plastic tipped with half a nightcrawler or cast and retrieve crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Cast crankbaits or a jig tipped with half of a nightcrawler. Last updated on 09/03/2026


Black Hawk Management District (Northwest Region)

  • Contact Person: Ben Wallace - 712-657-2638
  • Comments: Water temperatures are in the upper 70s in the district. Last updated on 09/03/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Pick up bluegill from shore with a piece of crawler on a jig near patches of vegetation, the stone piers in Town Bay, and on the rock piles from boat. Most fish are 7-inches. . Last updated on 09/03/2026

Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: There is a good population of 17- to 20-inch catfish. Use cut bait or crawlers fished on or near the bottom from shore and around the rock piles in deeper habitat. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Slow
Comment: Look for walleye along the dredge cuts and near the rock piles in the east basin. Try crankbaits, crawler harness rigs, or a minnow and jig. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Look for bluegills near submerged brush piles. Bigger fish are 7- to 8-inches long. . Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Look for catfish around rocky shorelines and near the dredge cuts. Use cut bait, stink bait, or a crawler fished on the bottom. . Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Slow
Comment: Look for walleye off shore near the dredge cuts. Use crankbaits, a jig tipped with a minnow fished just off the bottom, or a bottom bouncer with a crawler harness. . Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Bullhead - Fair
Comment: Catch 10- to 11-inch bullhead from shore along the jetties; use a piece of crawler fished on or near the bottom. . Last updated on 09/03/2026

Bluegill - Fair
Comment: N/A


Clear Lake Management District (Northwest Region)

  • Contact Person: Scott Grummer - 641-357-3517
  • Comments: Contact Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office for information on lakes and rivers in north central Iowa. Last updated on 08/27/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 78.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The lake is one inch below crest. Water clarity is around 22 inches. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Walleye - Slow
Comment: Anglers are catching fish near vegetation with jigs and live bait. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Yellow Bass - Good
Comment: Anglers are catching mostly 7- to 8-inch fish. Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Drift or troll live bait or small crappie jigs. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Bluegill - Good
Comment: Try small jigs or nightcrawler pieces near woody structure. Last updated on 08/27/2026

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: N/A


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Submerged aquatic vegetation is thick in areas. Water clarity is around 8 inches. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Use topwater and weedless baits. Last updated on 08/13/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Bluegill - Slow
Comment: N/A

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: Use topwater and weedless baits. Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: River level is 4.68 feet. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Northern Pike - Fair
Comment: N/A

Smallmouth Bass - Fair
Comment: N/A


Spirit Lake Management District (Northwest Region)

  • Contact Person: Jed Siegwarth - 712-330-2542
  • Comments: Lake temperatures are holding in the mid 70s. Lake temperatures should remain warm for a while yet due to continued warm weather. Water levels are just below crest. Some lakes are experiencing late summer algae blooms. The fishing bite is trending up. Last updated on 09/03/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 75.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The bass and panfish bite has been good, but has begun to slow a bit. Last updated on 08/13/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: N/A

Yellow Bass - Fair
Comment: N/A


  • Water Temperature (°F): 73.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F): 73.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Vegetation has started to fall back, making navigation easier. . Last updated on 08/27/2026
Yellow Perch - Fair
Comment: N/A


  • Water Temperature (°F): 75.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The lake still has a slight algae bloom. Last updated on 08/27/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F): 75.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: A large blue-green algae bloom has been observed on the lake. The down wind side typically has been worse. Lake level is at crest. Last updated on 08/19/2026
Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: Anglers are catching quality-sized bass. . Last updated on 08/19/2026

Walleye - Good
Comment: Anglers are targeting fish effectively using livescope, as well as trolling. . Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 75.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The lake is experiencing a slight algae bloom; water clarity remains good. . Last updated on 08/20/2026
Bluegill - Good
Comment: Bluegill are out a bit deeper. Many anglers are catching fish upwards of 9-inches. . Last updated on 08/27/2026


Lake Darling Management District (Southeast Region)

  • Contact Person: Vance Polton - 319-694-2430
  • Comments: For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Seeing the low to mid 80's in the afternoons. Thermocline bottom is set up at about 9 feet. Low oxygen below that and no fish. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Slow
Comment: As the week has gone on, crappie fishing has slowed down some. Still looking at the same tactics as before though: vertical jigging with a minnow trailer or slip bobber and minnow in about 7 - 8 feet of water along and in the trees along the south side of the lake across from the campground fishing jetty and the kayak launch area. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 82.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The river dropped only about 6 inches this last week, much slower of a drop than the last couple of weeks. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Use cut bait or stink bait around the brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The Iowa only dropped about 6 inches this week. . Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Look for them to be hanging out around the log jams. Use cut bait or stink baits. Another good bait to try this time of the year are grass frogs (leopard frogs) freshly caught in the wet grass along the river bank. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 79.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water temperature hitting the 80's by afternoon. Water clarity is about 26 inches with a brown tint to the water yet. Remember, the Special September Teal Season opens this weekend and the upper end of the lake is open to public hunting. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Bluegill - Slow
Comment: With the heat the fishing has slowed down some. The bluegills continue to stay out in deeper water. Anglers continue to catch mostly smaller, more aggressive fish. The bigger bluegills are just trying to stay cool. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Slow
Comment: Very early in the morning is the best time. Fish off the ends of the jetties or down along the face of the dam running deeper diving crankbaits or jig and trailer. . Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 77.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The lake water still has a slight brown tint to the water from the fine clay sediment washed in from a couple of weeks ago. Water clarity 22 inches. Water temperatures are holding in the upper 70's to low 80's in the afternoons. . Last updated on 09/03/2026
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: The bluegills are out in the trees and rock piles in 10 -12. Basically where good ice fishing spots are in the lake. With the recent lack of even a slight breeze it would be a good time to use your 1/64 oz jigs tipped with a waxworm to catch them. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: With the extreme heat, I would fish the early mornings when it's at its coolest. Crankbaits and jigs bounced down the steeper sections of shoreline into deeper water. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 82.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water is green and the water clarity is at 21 inches. Water temperatures hitting the mid 80's in the afternoons. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: At the beginning of the week the crappie fishing was pretty decent around the fish habitat in 8-10 feet of water right next to the steeper sections of shoreline. Fishing pressure dropped off sharply as the air temperatures climbed as the week progressed. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Bluegill - Fair
Comment: The bluegills are hanging out with the crappies in the fish habitat nearest the steep drop-offs. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 79.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water temperature hitting the low 80's most afternoons. Water clarity holding at about 3 feet. Lost Grove HAS EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL please remember to properly clean you boat and trailer before leaving the boat ramp parking lots to help prevent its spread to other lakes. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Bluegills are staying out in the trees in 10 to 14 feet of water. Maybe a little deeper is some areas. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Mostly a late (just about sunset) bite. Try fishing the outer edges of the weed beds that are closest to deeper water. Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: The Skunk River's water level only dropped about 6 inches this last week. Starting to see the old bridge pilings stick out of the water down by Coppock. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: The smaller jon boats still have enough water to get around on. Fish the upstream edges of the log jams and the downstream drops at the lower ends of the sandbars ands rock riffles. . Last updated on 09/03/2026


Macbride Management District (Southeast Region)

  • Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack - 319-624-3615
  • Comments: N/A
  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Use cut bait or stink bait near brush piles and broken concrete or rock. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Flathead Catfish - Fair
Comment: Use cut bait or live bait near brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Fish rock shoreline areas with current with topwater, crank baits or jigs. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Fish around brush piles and rock shorelines with a soft plastics or night crawlers. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Use cutbait or stink bait near brush piles and broken concrete. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Flathead Catfish - Fair
Comment: Fish around brush piles with live bait. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Fish rock shorelines with crank baits, topwater or jigs. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Fish with jigs or night crawlers. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Crappie have been scattered. The best bite has been early in the morning with a minnow on a jig head. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Fishing has been hit or miss trolling shad on rattle rigs. Last updated on 09/03/2026

White Crappie - Fair
Comment: Crappie have been scattered. The best bite has been early in the morning with a minnow on a jig head. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Fishing has been consistent with lots of sorting. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: N/A

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Use topwater lures at sunrise or sunset. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Use cut bait in tailwater and brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Flathead Catfish - Fair
Comment: Anglers are catching a few on soft plastics or shad while targeting wipers. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Use soft plastics or shad. Last updated on 09/03/2026

White Bass - Fair
Comment: Anglers targetting wipers are catching a few. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair
Comment: Use soft plastics or shad in tailwater areas or deep holes with brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Use stink bait near brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Flathead Catfish - Fair
Comment: Use live bait near brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Fish rock shorelines with soft plastics. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Slow
Comment: Fish creek mouths with soft plastics. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Use stink bait near brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Flathead Catfish - Fair
Comment: Fish live bait near brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Slow
Comment: Fish creek mouths with soft plastics. Last updated on 09/03/2026

White Bass - Slow
Comment: Fish creek mouths with soft plastics. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow
Comment: Fish creek mouths with soft plastics. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Few reports of bass on topwater at sunrise/sunset or on jigs or crank baits around stumps and brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Spotted bass - Fair
Comment: Use topwater lures at sunrise and sunset. Last updated on 09/03/2026

White Crappie - Fair
Comment: Few reports of crappies getting caught around brush piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Fish brush piles with cut bait or stink bait. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Smallmouth Bass - Good
Comment: Try fishing along rock shorelines with current seams. Last updated on 08/13/2026

Walleye - Fair
Comment: Try fishing along rock shorelines with current seams. . Last updated on 09/03/2026


Rathbun Management District (Southeast Region)

  • Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel - 641-647-2406
  • Comments: N/A
  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Closed
  • Comments: Lake Keomah is refilling after a lake renovation last year. Some fish have been stocked for future angling. Last updated on 09/03/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Try small jigs along the fishing jetties and around the submerged cedar tree piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Slow
Comment: Try plastics or crankbaits around the cedar tree piles and along the rip-rapped shorelines. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Slow
Comment: Target suspended crappies with small crankbaits or small jigs. Last updated on 08/21/2026

Bluegill - Slow
Comment: Try small jigs around openings in the vegetation or along the rip-rapped shorelines. Last updated on 08/21/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Try crankbaits or plastics around the rock jetties and other rip-rapped shorelines. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Slow
Comment: Target suspended crappies using jigs or small crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Target brush piles and rocky shorelines with crankbaits and plastics. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Lake level is 905.74 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before you go to another water body. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Slow
Comment: Target suspended crappie with small crankbaits. As the water cools look for crappies to gather around brush piles and be closer to shore. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Walleye - Slow
Comment: Troll crankbaits over rock piles or underwater islands. Use crankbaits that mimic gizzard shad. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow
Comment: Try vertically jigging over rock piles or trolling crankbaits. Last updated on 09/03/2026


Boone Management District (Southwest Region)

  • Contact Person: Andy Otting - 515-204-5885
  • Comments: Catfishing is good in the reservoirs and rivers. Drifting or slow trolling plastics at depths less than 10 feet deep will find crappies in many Central Iowa lakes. Last updated on 07/09/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Try trolling or jigging panfish plastics over roadbeds and brush piles in water less than 15 feet deep. From shore anglers can try the rock fishing jetties in the early mornings and evenings. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair
Comment: Use jigs with shad imitating plastics. Look for surface feeding activity or use electronics to find concentrated schools of gizzard shad. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Not applicable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Try dip baits and cut baits near wood debris and deep cutbanks. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Bluegill - Good
Comment: Use 1/32 or 1/16 ounce jig heads tipped with a nightcrawler fished in 4 to 8 feet of water over gravel and rock habitat locations. Last updated on 08/27/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Try drifting or still fishing cut baits on the upper portion of the main reservoir near and above the mile long bridge, and in the upper end of the Whitebreast Creek arm. Last updated on 08/20/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Channel Catfish - Good
Comment: Drift cut baits in the upper portion of the reservoir near and just above the mile long bridge. Last updated on 08/20/2026


Cold Springs Management District (Southwest Region)

  • Contact Person: Mark Boucher or John Lorenzen - 712-769-2587
  • Comments: N/A
  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Status Unsure
Comment: Slow troll open water areas to find schools of black crappie. The early morning bite is best. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Cast cut bait on the windy shoreline to catch all sizes of channel catfish. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: N/A


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Good
Comment: Troll the roadbeds or fish along deep tree piles to find black crappies. Early morning bite is best. Sorting is needed for larger fish. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Anglers are catching bluegill slow trolling close to underwater reefs and around the roadbed. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Good
Comment: Bass anglers are finding fish in deep tree piles and along the roadbed. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water clarity has improved. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Look for black crappies in the tree piles. Late afternoon bite is best. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Slow troll and fish along tree piles to find 8-inch fish. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Cast plastics in the shallow tree piles. Last updated on 09/03/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: N/A
Black Crappie - Fair
Comment: Find black crappies in the tree piles. Fish will average 9.5-inches. Anglers are trolling for larger fish. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Bluegill - Slow
Comment: Look for bluegills in open water areas slow trolling or drifting. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: N/A


  • Water Temperature (°F): 80.0
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Water clarity is good. Last updated on 09/03/2026
Black Crappie - Good
Comment: Find underwater tree piles to catch 9-inch black crappie. Last updated on 09/03/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: N/A


Mt. Ayr Management District (Southwest Region)

  • Contact Person: Andy Jansen - 641-464-3108
  • Comments: Water temperature is in the upper 70s to low 80s in most Mount Ayr district lakes. Last updated on 08/31/2026
  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Docks are in at all boat ramps. Last updated on 08/20/2026
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Catch Bluegill of all sizes with a piece of nightcrawler under a bobber near cedar tree brush piles. Last updated on 08/19/2026

Largemouth Bass - Fair
Comment: Catch Largemouth Bass of all sizes on finesse plastics fished along rocky shoreline areas during early morning and late evening. Last updated on 08/31/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Docks are in at the main and bait shop ramps. Last updated on 08/13/2026
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Catch Bluegill of all sizes with a piece of nightcrawler under a bobber fished near cedar tree brush piles. Last updated on 08/13/2026

Channel Catfish - Fair
Comment: Catch Catfish of all sizes with cut bait fished along creek channels in the flooded timber. Last updated on 08/20/2026


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Lake level is back to normal pool as of June 15. Last updated on 08/13/2026
There are no active fish reports for this location


  • Water Temperature (°F):
  • Ramp Condition: Useable
  • Comments: Docks are in at the main ramp. Last updated on 08/13/2026
Bluegill - Fair
Comment: Catch Bluegill of all sizes with a nightcrawler fished along rock piles. Last updated on 08/13/2026