Iowa Fishing Report
www.iowadnr.gov
SOUTHWEST
Lake Icaria - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Docks are in at the marina and southeast boat ramp near Lake View Campground
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Fair
Try using cutbait fished along windblown shorelines for Channel Catfish of all sizes.
West Lake (Osceola) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Boat ramps remain closed due to low water conditions.
Little River Watershed Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Dock is in at the main boat ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Use small jigs tipped with a minnow fished near deep cedar tree brushpiles or along the creek channel in the flooded timber.
Green Valley Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Docks are in at boat ramps.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Slow
Use jigs fished along rocky shoreline areas for Largemouth Bass of all sizes.
Three Mile Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Lake level is currently 8 feet below normal pool.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Docks is in at main boat ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Try using jigs tipped with a minnow fished along the creek channel in the flooded timber for Crappie of all sizes.
Water temperatures in most Mount Ayr district lakes are in the mid 40's. For more information, please contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
Greenfield Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
No Report
Greenfield has a good population of 10 inch black crappies.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Target channel catfish in the upper end of the lake where water temperature is warmest.
Lake Anita - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Black crappie will move into the upper end of the pontoon arm on warm sunny days. Cast a small jig under a bobber for best success.
Bluegill
Slow
In early spring boat anglers should target bluegills around deep tree piles and along the roadbed in the lake.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Anglers report catching largemouth bass with a slow presentation around deep structure.
Viking Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Black crappie will move shallow in the campground arm of the lake this time of year. Warm sunny days are best.
Bluegill
Slow
 
Channel Catfish
Fair
Anglers report catching 2 pound channel catfish using shad sides.
Largemouth Bass
Slow
Viking Lake has a good largemouth bass population. Some of the best fishing of the year can be early spring.
Prairie Rose Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Black crappies will move close to the shore on warm sunny days.
Bluegill
Slow
Target bluegills around their winter habitat.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
 
Cold Springs District Farm Ponds - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature in farm ponds warm sooner than larger lakes. This makes ponds an excellent fishing destination after ice out. Remember to get permission to fish private farm ponds.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
On warm days target fish on a wind-blown shoreline for best success.
Bluegill
Slow
A small piece of crawler under a bobber works well for bluegills in ponds.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Early spring is a good time to target channel catfish in ponds. Try shad sides or cut bait for best success this time of year.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Some of Iowa's best bass fishing occurs in farm ponds.
For information on lakes in the Cold Springs District call (712) 769-2587.
Big Creek Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
As water temperatures start climbing again at the end of March and early April, catch walleyes shallow in the evenings casting jigs with plastics or live minnows near rocky shorelines and jetties.
Lake Petocka - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Fair
Catch trout using ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or casting small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Catch trout using ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or casting small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits. The trout tend to swim close to shore in depths out to 10ft.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
Early ice out on the river combined with good water conditions have created an early season opportunity for walleyes. Catch walleyes in the deeper pools with slow water casting jigs with twister tails, swim baits, or live minnows.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
Good river conditions have created an early season opportunity for walleyes. Catch walleyes below the dams and in the deeper pools with slow water casting jigs with twister tails, swim baits, or live minnows.
Terra Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Fair
Catch trout using ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or casting small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits.
Triumph Park West - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Fair
Catch trout using ice fishing panfish jigs tipped with waxworms under a float or casting small plastics, spoons, spinners and blade baits.
For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

SOUTHEAST
Hannen Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Most fish are 8-11"
Bluegill
Fair
Most fish have been under 7" so far.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Most fish are under 15"
Kent Park Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The dock is in. Fishing reports were better before the cold snap.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
 
Largemouth Bass
Slow
 
Lake Macbride - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
All the docks are in. Any sized motor may be used up to 5 mph at this time. Water temps are in the low 40's.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fish jigs or minnows over brush in 10-20'.
Walleye
Slow
Fish will be moving to shallow rock in the evenings for the spawn.
Pleasant Creek Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Docks are in, pit toilets are available, water temps are in the low 40's.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Muskellunge
Fair
 
Walleye
Fair
Fish rock bars during the day and shallower water after dark.
Otter Creek Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The lake is still mostly dry due to the renovation project. It will fill as mother nature allows.
Union Grove Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Docks are in but no fishing report is available.
Coralville Reservoir - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The lake level as of 3/28 is 683.7'. The dock at Macbride State Park is in but the Corps docks on the lake are not yet.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fish rock bluffs or deeper brush piles with bright jigs or minnows.
White Crappie
Fair
Fish rock bluffs or deeper brush piles with bright jigs or minnows.
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Some fish are being caught in the backwater lakes. Ellis Harbor has been producing fish.
Bluegill
Fair
Some fish are being caught in the backwater lakes. Ellis Harbor has been producing fish.
Walleye
Fair
Fish below the dams with jigs.
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Northern Pike
Fair
 
Walleye
Fair
 
Prairie Park Fishery - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
2000 Rainbow Trout were stocked here on 3/21. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Fair
 
Liberty Centre Pond - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
2000 Rainbow Trout were stocked here on 3/21. Remember, you must have a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Moving baits such as spinners, small spoons and crankbaits were working best. Scented baits and redworms are also popular.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
Lake Wapello - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
Target brush piles as the water warms with small jigs.
Channel Catfish
Slow
Target windblown shorelines using cutbait or dead chubs.
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Target brushpiles with jigs.
Red Haw Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
As the water temperature warms, look for bluegill along brush piles. Use small jigs or spinners.
Channel Catfish
Slow
Try cut bait along the shore.
Hawthorn Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Try cutbait for channel catfish in areas with the wind blowing in.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Target the rip-rapped shorelines and brushpiles.
Lake Miami - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
As the water warms, target brushpiles and the shoreline with small jigs.
Channel Catfish
Slow
Try cutbait along windblown shorelines.
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Target brushpiles and submerged habitat using jigs or plastics.
Lake Sugema - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Try cutbait for channel catfish along the windblown shorelines.
Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Trout were stocked on Saturday, March 23rd. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Try small plastics, spoons or spinners.
Rathbun Reservoir - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The current lake level is 902.79 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. The surface water temperature is 41° F. The Dedication Site boat ramp has reopened but use caution as the lake is still below recreation pool. Docks have been installed at Island View and Bridgeview. Very little fishing activity has been occurring. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Fair
Try cutbait on the windblown shorelines.
Walleye
No Report
All walleye less than 15" must be immediately released unharmed.
For additional information on lakes in south central Iowa call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.
Lake Geode - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature has crawled back to about 45 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Slow
The forecasted warmer weather should put the bass back in shallower water. work the top of the mounds across from the beach. Also don't overlook the back side of the inlake silt dam.
Lake Belva Deer - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature crept up to 44 degrees. Next couple of days should get that a little higher.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Slip bobber and minnow slowly drift trolled along the edge of the trees out from the beach down to the north boat ramp.
Largemouth Bass
Slow
Target them along the northside out of the wind using soft plastics or jigs with trailers where the sun is warming the water a little more than the rest of the lake.
Lake of the Hills - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
1800 rainbow trout were stocked into Lake of the Hills last Wednesday (3/20).
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Just a few anglers were out last Wednesday (3/20) fighting the wind but the trout were biting just about as fast as they were coming off the truck. Still plenty of them left. Small spinners or jigs catch their attention.
Lake Darling - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature at 44 degrees. Little angling pressure so far this week. Warmer weather in the forecast should help change that.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Fair
With the warmer weather in the forecast I would be looking for the bass along the base of the rocks on the north side of the lake. Jigs and soft plastics that mimic crawdads worked slow.
East Lake Park Pond - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The spring trout release happened last Wednesday (3/20).
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Always takes the trout a little while to settle down when they are stocked in this lake. But they have had plenty of time by now. worm and bobber or a little jig seems to be working fairly well.
Wilson Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
900 rainbow trout were stocked into Wilson Lake last Wednesday.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
The spring stocking of 900 trout were stocked into Wilson Lake. They have settled down to their new home. Look for them to be around the cedar trees and culvert piles just out from shore.
Lost Grove Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature has reach the 43-45 degree range. It's been windy this week.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Anglers have been picking up some bass out along the edges of the deeper water in 12-16 foot of water slow trolling deep diving crankbaits.
Skunk River (Rose Hill to Coppock) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The water level of the Skunk River continues to drop. Still have enough to canoe or kayak but take precautions as the water is still really cold (40-44 degrees)
Big Hollow Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature at around 45 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Picking up a few crappies out from the edge of the tree line along the south side of the lake.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at (319) 694-2430

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 19 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 1.74 feet and forecasted to reach 3.0 feet by Wednesday. We have not received any fishing reports for this pool this week.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Sauger
Slow
Look for saugers below the Lock and Dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Mostly small sauger being caught.
Walleye
Slow
Look for walleyes below the Lock and Dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 4.28 feet and forecasted to reach 7.1 feet by Wednesday. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers is being reported as hit or miss.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Paddlefish
No Report
Look for paddlefish below Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston.
Sauger
No Report
Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Walleye
No Report
Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 17 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 4.29 feet and forecasted to reach 5.9 feet by Wednesday. Tailwater fishing has been slow.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Sauger
Slow
Tailwater fishing is being reported as slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. It had been mostly smaller fish with keeper sized fish mixed in.
Walleye
Slow
Tailwater fishing for walleyes has been slow.
White Crappie
Fair
There are reports of some crappies being caught in Big Timber. Look for crappies around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 16 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 5.36 feet and forecasted to reach 7.4 feet by Wednesday. Tailwater fishing for walleye and saugers is being reported as slow.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Sauger
Slow
There have been some boats fishing below Lock and Dam 15 and in Sylvan Slough for saugers. Fishing is being reported as slow. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows.
Walleye
Slow
Walleye fishing below the Lock and Dam is being reported as slow.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19. Tailwater stages are forecasted rise close to 2 feet by the middle of next week. Main channel water temperature is around 41-44 degrees and water clarity has been fair. Tailwater fishing for walleye and sauger is being reported as hit or miss. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
Mississippi River Pool 15 - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
The water level at Rock Island is rising and near 4.8 feet. Water clarity is good and water temperature is 45 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Sauger
No Report
 
Mississippi River Pool 14 - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
The water level is rising at Fulton, and it is near 4.7 feet, 9.4 feet at Camanche and 4.4 feet at LeClair. Temperature is around 45 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Good
Some catfish are being caught. Seems early but anglers who are targeting them can have good catches. Try cheese baits or cut shad for bait.
Paddlefish
Fair
Paddlefish season is underway but the rules can be a bit confusing for paddlefish snagging. Please review them before you attempt this activity.
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Several other species such as smallmouth bass, pike are biting along deeper rock areas.
Walleye
Fair
Most anglers are catching small saugers with an occasional keeper mixed in. Anglers are largely using a jig and minnow rig.
Mississippi River Pool 13 - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
The water level in Pool 13 is rising near 4.8 feet at Bellevue. Water clarity is good, and the water temperature is around 45 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Find wood structure in deeper backwater areas.
Channel Catfish
Good
Some catfish are being caught. Seems early but anglers who are targeting them can have good catches.
Northern Pike
Fair
We think most pike have spawned but with the goofy weather some may still be in spawning mode.
Paddlefish
Fair
Paddlefish are a bit spread out at times but anglers seem to be able to catch some. Rules can be a bit confusing for paddlefish snagging so please review them if you are unsure.
Rainbow Trout
Excellent
The kids trout pond north of the DNR fisheries station is now stocked with trout and can provide fun action for your kids throughout the winter. If you plan to keep trout please limit yourself to 2 trout per child so we can keep good fishing in the pond throughout the winter.
Walleye
Fair
Most anglers are catching small saugers with an occasional keeper mixed in. Most folks are using a jig and minnow rig.
Yellow Perch
Fair
Some reports of yellow perch being caught on worm rigs in the backwater lakes. The bite of nice perch may be over for a bit?
Mississippi River Pool 12 - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
The river is rising at Dubuque with the level at Lock and Dam 11 near 4.9 feet and 7.4 feet at the RR bridge. Water temperature has dropped and is around 44 degrees, and the water clarity is good.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
A few Black Crappie are being caught on wood in deeper backwater lakes.
Northern Pike
Slow
Low water is making them a tad more difficult to find as places they normally spawn at are dry. Some reports of post spawned fish are coming in, but spawning season for Pike is probably not quite over with yet.
Sauger
Fair
Most anglers are using a jig and minnow or one eye rig. Fishing has been good at times this spring for many anglers with many small fish and an occasional keeper being caught. Lots of small sauger and walleye being caught.
Yellow Perch
Good
A few good reports continue on yellow perch being taken both in the tailwater and in backwater lakes. Most anglers are using simple worm rigs.
Angling has been concentrating in the tailwaters for walleyes and sauger but every week more species are being reported. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.
Mississippi River Pool 11 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water level at Guttenberg is 4.5 and expected to rise several feet over the next week near 7 feet. Water temperature dropped to 41 degrees. Tailwater fishing at the Lock & Dam has been mixed results with the colder temps. The dock is now in at the Guttenberg ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers.
Northern Pike
Fair
Northern pike fishing will pick up as they finish the spawn. Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwa
Sauger
Good
Sauger are biting on a jig and minnow, however a lot of sorting is happening.
Walleye
Fair
The bite has picked up. Some sorting of slot-fish but nice fish being caught on live bait in the tailwaters and off tips of wing-dams.
Yellow Perch
Fair
Perch are biting on plastics or live minnows and worms. Fish from shore at the Guttenberg boat ramp.
Mississippi River Pool 10 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water level at Lynxville is 613 and expected to rise to near 616 feet next week. Water temp at Lock & Dam 9 in Lynxville is 42 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers.
Northern Pike
Fair
Northern pike fishing will pick up as they finish the spawn. Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwaters.
Sauger
Good
Anglers are catching some nice sized sauger on jigs and minnows below the dam.
Walleye
Fair
The bite has picked up. Some sorting of slot-fish but nice fish being caught on live bait in the tailwaters and off tips of wing-dams.
Yellow Perch
Fair
Perch are well into the spawn and biting on plastics or live minnows and worms.
Mississippi River Pool 9 - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water level at Lansing has risen to 8.3 feet and is expected to stabilize over the next week. Water temperature is 38 degrees. The docks are in at New Albin Landing. Use caution to not back into the scour hole off the end of the ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers.
Northern Pike
Fair
Northern pike fishing will pick up as they finish the spawn. Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes.
Sauger
Good
Fish the tailwaters or off tips of deeper wing-dams with hair jigs tipped with a minnow.
Walleye
Fair
Fish the tailwaters or off tips of deeper wing-dams with hair jigs tipped with a minnow.
Yellow Perch
Fair
Perch are biting on plastics or live minnows and worms. Fish Shore Slough, Lansing marina or Village Creek area.
Upper Mississippi River levels are on the rise this week. Anglers are having to search as fish are scattering with the rise in water levels. Water temperature dropped back to the low 40's. Live bait and a slower presentation have been key to enticing the early bite.

NORTHEAST
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) - Last Updated: 03/27/2024
Anglers are catching a few walleye and northern pike on the Cedar River but it has been extremely slow.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Northern Pike
Slow
Most catches have been from anglers targeting walleye, cast and retrieve lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Anglers have been doing best casting and retrieving lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Walleye
Good
Anglers have been doing best casting and retrieving lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) - Last Updated: 03/27/2024
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) - Last Updated: 03/27/2024
There have been a few reports on the Wapsipinicon River of anglers catching smallmouth bass and walleyes should be on the bite before the spring spawn.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Anglers do best when casting and retrieving lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Walleye
No Report
Anglers do best when casting and retrieving lead head jigs tipped with plastics and a minnow.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) - Last Updated: 03/27/2024
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Angling has been fair to good on the interior rivers with the up and down weather pattern. There have been no reports on the surrounding area lakes. Trout streams remain in excellent condition and stocking season will begin this coming Monday, April 1st. For further information contact your local bait shops for the most recent information.
Volga Lake - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
Fish activity slowed with cooler water temperatures.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
Slow
 
Lake Hendricks - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
Fish activity slowed with drop in water temperature.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
Slow
 
Lake Meyer - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
Fish activity slowed with cooler water temperatures.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
Slow
 
Decorah District Streams - Last Updated: 03/25/2024
Catchable rainbow trout stocking begins April 1. The calendar is now available on-line at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Trout-Fishing.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Brook Trout
Fair
 
Brown Trout
Good
 
Rainbow Trout
Good
 
Chance of rain through weekend. Temperatures variable with highs upper 50's to lows in 20's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

NORTHWEST
Spirit Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Lake access through the Templar Lagoon ramp is blocked as the channel has silted in during the last large wind event. The lake is currently 13 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Anglers have been finding fish of quality size.
Bluegill
Fair
 
Yellow Perch
Good
Sorting may be needed.
East Okoboji Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The lake is currently 3 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
Fair
 
Yellow Perch
Fair
Sorting will most likely be needed.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
 
West Okoboji Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The lake is currently 3 inches below crest. The walleye season is closed until May 4th.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
 
Bluegill
Good
 
Pumpkinseed
Good
 
Yellow Perch
Fair
Sorting may be needed.
Ingham Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
Anglers have had some success in the morning and afternoon.
Recently weather conditions have been colder which have brought down lake temperatures significantly. This has allowed some areas to ice over during the night. Most courtesy docks are not in place. The walleye season is now closed on the IGL's until May 4th.
Clear Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water temperature is in the upper 30's. Water level is 12.1 inches below crest. The courtesy dock is in at the Ritz ramp. A temporary courtesy dock is in at McIntosh until the new docks are installed. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22-inches may be taken per day.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
Now is a good time to target catfish. Fish a dead chub or cut bait from the wind-swept shore.
Walleye
Slow
Anglers are having some success wader fishing and fishing off the jetties. Best bite is early morning and after sunset.
Yellow Perch
Fair
Fish a small jig in the rushes.
Lake Cornelia - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
The courtesy dock is in at the boat ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
No Report
 
Crystal Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
No Report
 
Walleye
Slow
 
Rice Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Slow
 
Yellow Perch
Slow
 
Silver Lake (Worth) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
 
Yellow Perch
Slow
 
Blue Pit - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Fair
 
Winnebago River - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water level is 6.52 feet.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Northern Pike
Slow
 
Walleye
Fair
Fish a jig head tipped with a minnow along current breaks.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
Brushy Creek Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Courtesy docks are in on the north, east, and south ramps. One of the two docks is in at the west ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
 
Walleye
Slow
 
Yellow Perch
Fair
 
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake) - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water clarity is good. Water temperatures are around 40 degrees. With the water temperatures cooling again the shore fishing has slowed down this last week.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
The cooler weather has slowed things down a bit, but some have still been picked up in the marina.
Walleye
Fair
As water temperatures start to warm up, look for shore fishing action to pick up.
White Bass
Fair
 
Yellow Bass
Fair
 
Yellow Perch
Slow
Anglers have picked up some perch in the marina.
North Twin Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Water levels are 2-3 feet low. No courtesy docks are installed at the south boat ramps due to low water levels. There is a courtesy dock at the west boat ramp at Featherstone County Park.
Black Hawk Lake - Last Updated: 03/28/2024
Courtesy docks are in at Ice House Point boat ramp and the state campground boat ramp. Water temps are around 40 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
The bite has slowed down with the cooler temps lately but some have been picked up from the fish house in Town Bay and along Ice House Point shoreline.
Bluegill
Slow
 
Walleye
Fair
The last week has been slow but look for shore fishing action to pick up as water temperatures warm throughout the week. Use twisters or live bait from shore.
Yellow Perch
Fair
Some perch are being picked up in Town Bay on minnows and crawlers.
Water temperatures are around 40 degrees. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.