Iowa Fishing Report
www.iowadnr.gov
SOUTHWEST
Little River Watershed Lake - Last Updated: 04/23/2025
Dock is in at main boat ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Good
Try using jigs fished in shallow coves or cedar tree brushpiles for Crappie of all sizes.
Green Valley Lake - Last Updated: 04/23/2025
Dock is in at main boat ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Try using jigs tipped with livebait fished near cedar tree brushpiles for Crappie up to 9 inches.
Three Mile Lake - Last Updated: 04/23/2025
**Driving is prohibited on any service roads used to access the lakebed and the lakebed itself.** Lake level is currently 10 feet below normal pool. Boat ramp lanes are out of the water at the main boat ramp.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake - Last Updated: 04/23/2025
Dock is in at main boat ramp.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Try using jigs fished in shallow coves or cedar tree brushpiles for Crappie of all sizes.
Water temperature in most Mount Ayr district lakes is in the upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-931-6031.
Greenfield Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Fair
Target channel catfish on the windblown shoreline with shad sides or cutbait. Greenfield has a good channel catfish population.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Greenfield has a good largemouth bass population.
Mormon Trail Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fishing for black crappie will pick up along the dam and around the jetties.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Mormon Trail has a good largemouth bass population with a good percent of fish over 15 inches.
Littlefield Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Littlefield has a good population of 9 inch black crappie this year. Look for spawning fish along the dam.
Lake Anita - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Lake Anita has good bass, bluegill and crappie populations.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Good
Sorting will be necessary for 9 inch crappie.
Bluegill
Slow
Anglers should be able to catch bluegills around deep structure.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
 
Viking Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water clarity is good at Viking.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Good
Cast small jigs two feet under a bobber in the pontoon arm of the lake. Sorting will be necessary for 9 inch fish.
Bluegill
No Report
 
Channel Catfish
Fair
Use shad sides or cut bail on the windy shoreline to catch channel catfish this time of year.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Anglers are having good luck casting the shoreline for largemouth bass.
Prairie Rose Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Prairie Rose has an excellent largemouth bass population, large bluegills and black crappies.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Anglers report catching black crappie around the rock piles and jetties.
Bluegill
Good
 
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Anglers are catching largemouth bass around the jetties in the lake.
For information on lakes in the Cold Springs District call (712) 769-2587
Big Creek Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
The walleye bite during the day has been slow.
Catch walleye shallow near riprap shoreline and jetties casting jigs with twister tails, swim baits or minnows around sunset and after.
Red Rock Reservoir - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Crappies will begin moving shallow into early May. The first areas to check are any shorelines with riprap. Cast small two inch or less plastics, or live minnows under a float.
Boone District Farm Ponds - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Community ponds are the quickest to warm up after ice out, creating a fair to good pre-spawn Largemouth Bass and Crappie bite. Check the Fish Local page on the Iowa DNR website to locate ponds with public access.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Catch early season crappie in the community ponds slowly retrieving small twister tails or swim baits. If it exists in the pond, target edges of cattail stands and any wood habitat.
Largemouth Bass
Good
Catch pre-spawn Largemouth Bass slowly retrieving plastics and shallow diving crankbaits.
For information on Central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.

SOUTHEAST
Hannen Lake - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
8"-11" crappies getting caught around brush piles.
Bluegill
Fair
Mostly 4"-7" fish getting caught around brush piles.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
fishing around brush piles
Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.) - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
water temps are 50-55 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Good
Crappies are moving shallower. Fish are getting caught in less than 8 FOW.
Bluegill
Fair
 
Largemouth Bass
Fair
 
Lake Macbride - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
Fair
Are around brush piles and rock shorelines
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Fish getting caught at brush piles and rocky areas with jigs, spinner/chatter baits.
Muskellunge
Slow
 
Spotted bass
Fair
Fish getting caught at brush piles and rocky areas with jigs, spinner/chatter baits.
Walleye
Slow
 
White Crappie
Fair
Crappies are around brush piles.
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass)
Slow
suspended near brush piles
Pleasant Creek Lake - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Slow
 
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass)
Slow
 
Diamond Lake - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Black and white crappies getting caught in mornings.
Coralville Reservoir - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
 
White Crappie
Fair
Fish brush piles or docks
Sand Lake - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
2000 rainbow trout will be stocked on Friday (25th). Reminder that a trout stamp is required to fish for and or possess trout.
Iowa River (Marshalltown to Coralville Lake) - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
 
Walleye
Slow
Few fish getting caught using soft plastics.
Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
 
Spotted bass
Slow
Few fish getting caught by walleye anglers.
Walleye
Slow
Fish current seams and eddies with leadheads and soft plastics.
White Bass
Slow
 
Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass)
Slow
Few fish getting caught by walleye anglers
Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids) - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
 
Walleye
Slow
 
White Bass
Slow
 
Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow) - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
Around brush piles and rocks.
Sauger
Slow
 
Walleye
Slow
 
Wapsi River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
 
Bluegill
Slow
 
Northern Pike
Slow
 
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Leadhead and plastics in eddies
Walleye
Slow
Leadhead and plastics on current seams and holes
White Sucker
Good
redhorse and suckers are being caught with night crawlers.
Fishing has slowed due to rain/thunder storms but should pick back up with stable and warming weather. For more information contact the Lake MacBride Fish Station at (319) 624-3615
Lake Wapello - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
No Report
Crappies should start to move into shallow water as the water temperature increases. Use small jigs around structure.
Channel Catfish
No Report
Target shorelines with the wind blowing in using dead minnows.
Red Haw Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
Bluegills should start to move shallow with warmer water temperatures.
Channel Catfish
Slow
Target shorelines with dead minnows.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Target shorelines with spinners or plastics.
Hawthorn Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
Try shad guts or dead minnows on windblown shorelines.
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Largemouth bass should start moving into shallow water as temperatures warm up. Use plastics fished slow.
Lake Keomah - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project. Please stay out of the lakebed.
Lake Miami - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Slow
Target windblown shorelines with dead minnows.
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Look for bass to start to move into shallow water along the dam.
Lake Sugema - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
Bluegill should start to move shallow as the water temperature increases. Use small jigs.
Channel Catfish
Slow
Use shad guts or dead chubs on windblown shorelines.
Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
1500 trout were stocked on March 22nd. You need a valid fishing license to fish for or possess trout. Try in-line spinners, chunks of nightcrawlers, or prepared trout baits.
Rathbun Reservoir - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The current lake level is 904.00 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Water temperatures are in the mid 50's.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
No Report
Water temps are still pretty cool for the crappie to move shallow. Some will start as we warm up but the majority usually move in about the first two weeks of May.
Channel Catfish
Slow
Target windblown shorelines with shad guts or dead chubs.
Walleye
No Report
Walleye broodstock collections have been completed for the season. Target post spawn walleyes around rock piles in 8-12' of water.
Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.
Lake Geode - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The water temperature has gotten up into the low 60's this week.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Good
Find some rock piles of trees in about 6-8 foot of water and you should be able to find some crappies suspended above them. bobber and minnow or small jigs worked fairly slowly. Not seeing much action in shallower just yet.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
The bass continue to get a little more active with the warmer temps and are moving into the shallower water habitat, might be time to throw a few crankbaits at them.
Lake Belva Deer - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The water has warmed up a couple more degrees to 59-60 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
The crappies remain around the trees in 6-7 foot of water and suspended at about 4-5 foot down. Really no change from last week.
Bluegill
Fair
Anglers continue to catch bluegills while fishing for the crappies using small jigs.
Lake Darling - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The water temperature on Thursday (4/24) morning was 60 degrees. The lake level and clarity are returning to normal after last Easter's two inches of rain. Still a little muddy.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Expect the crappie fishing to pick back up as the water clears. They seem to be holding over the rock piles just like last week.
Bluegill
Fair
Anglers are picking up some bluegills using small jigs while crappie fishing.
Lost Grove Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water temperature earlier this week was 54-55 degrees. Water remains fairly clear and you can see some of the curlyleaf pondweed starting to come up.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
When the wind allows it, anglers have been working the flooded timber in 4 to 6 foot of water and picking up some crappies.
Channel Catfish
Fair
The place to try for them would be along the face of the dam using cutbait when the winds aren't blowing 20-30 mph. We did finally get as couple of days like that.
Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water temperature is running in the upper 50's. All the rain on Easter has put the water level at about 2/3 full. There is a lot of woody debris floating down the river.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Channel Catfish
Fair
The catfish are getting spread out and more actively feeding. Cutbait or night crawlers in the slack water areas should find you a few to take home.
Big Hollow Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water temperature is holding right at about 60 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
The crappies still holding at 6 to 7 foot deep water in the flooded timber. Small jigs floated under a small bobber so you can work it real slow.
Bluegill
Fair
The bluegills are starting to work the shallower water as the water continues to warm, the insects are getting more active around the flooded timber in 2 to 3 foot of water.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Start fishing the face of the dam and off the ends of the jetties, with the heavy rains I would recommend switching to nightcrawlers for bait.
For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 19 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington is 5.96 feet and forecasted to reach 8.0 feet by the middle of next week. Floodstage is 10.0 feet.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Sauger
No Report
Look for saugers below the Lock and Dam. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits.
Walleye
No Report
Look for walleyes below the Lock and Dam. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits. Start looking for walleyes on the wingdams as the spawn comes to an end.
White Crappie
No Report
As water temperatures warm look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 18 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston is 9.26 feet and rising. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 12.3 feet by the middle of next week. Floodstage is 15 feet.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Sauger
No Report
Look for saugers below the lock and dam. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits.
Walleye
No Report
Try fishing for walleyes below the lock and dam. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits. Start looking for walleyes on the wingdams as the spawn comes to an end.
White Bass
Fair
There have been some reports of white bass being caught at the outlet of Odessa. Try casting jigs and plastics or crankbaits.
White Crappie
No Report
As water temperatures start to warm look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Try fishing the Huron Island complex.
Mississippi River Pool 17 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine is 7.54 feet and rising. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 10.9 feet by the middle of next week. Floodstage is 15 feet.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Look for largemouth bass around woody structure in the backwaters. Places to try are Big Timber and Cleveland Slough.
Sauger
No Report
Look for saugers below the lock and dam. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits.
Walleye
No Report
Try fishing below the Lock and Dam. Fish with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits. Start looking for walleyes on the wingdams.
White Bass
No Report
Look for white bass around the outfalls around GPC. Try casting jigs and plastics or crankbaits.
White Crappie
No Report
As water temperatures begin to warm look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Fish with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 16 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Tailwater stage at Lock and Dam 15 in the Quad Cities is 9.05 feet and rising. Tailwater stage is forecasted to reach 11.9 feet by the middle of next week. Floodstage is 15 feet.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
No Report
Look for largemouth bass in the backwaters around woody structure.
Sauger
No Report
Look for saugers below the Lock and Dam and in Sylvan Slough. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits.
Walleye
No Report
Look for walleyes below the Lock and Dam and in Sylvan Slough. Try fishing with jigs and minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows or crankbaits. Start looking for walleyes on the wingdams and they transition from spawning areas.
White Bass
No Report
Look for white bass in Sylvan Slough around the Arsenal and Power dam outflows. Try casting jigs and twister tails or crankbaits.
White Crappie
No Report
As water temperatures begin to warm look for crappies in the backwaters around brush piles. Fish with minnows under a bobber or jigs and minnows. Places to try are Sunset Marina and the Andalusia Island complex.
Mississippi River Pools 16-19: River stage has been rising this past week and is forecasted to keep rising. Tailwater stages have risen around 1.0-1.5 feet the past couple days. Main channel water temperature is around 57 degrees and water clarity is fair. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
Mississippi River Pool 15 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water level is rising at Rock Island near 9.0 feet. Water is clear and temperature is around 60 degrees.
Mississippi River Pool 14 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water level at Fulton is rising and presently near 8.3 feet, 11.7 feet at Camanche and 6.5 feet at LeClair. Water is clear with the temperature around 59 degrees.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
It was a good ice fishing season this year and hopefully that translates to a good open water season.
Channel Catfish
Good
Seems early but good channel catfishing is occurring by anglers using blood baits.
Northern Pike
Fair
As expected some nice pike have once again been reported by anglers throwing spinner baits.
Paddlefish
No Report
Paddlefish snagging season is now closed.
Walleye
Slow
Walleye bite has been slow. Most walleyes have spawned by now and usually bite starts to pick back up on wingdams in the next few weeks.
Mississippi River Pool 13 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water level at Bellevue is rising and near 9.4 feet. Water is clear with the temperature around 58 degrees in the main channel.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Bluegill
No Report
Lots of bluegills were caught during the ice fishing season and expect good open water fishing on gills this year.
Bowfin
Good
Bowfin are good early season biters. Try backwater areas like the Green Island Wildlife area for some early season fun!
Brown Bullhead
Good
The lower pool access sites are good places to fish off the bank to catch brown bullhead and an occasional catfish. Bullheads are good early season biters
Northern Pike
No Report
Expecting the pike to start biting again soon as populations are very good in Pool 13.
Paddlefish
No Report
Paddlefish snagging season is now closed.
Rainbow Trout
Excellent
The Kids trout pond North of the DNR fisheries station is stocked with trout and should remain good fishing till the April/May time frame when it will weed over.
Walleye
Slow
Walleye bite has been slow. Most walleyes have spawned by now and usually bite starts to pick back up on wingdams in the next few weeks.
Yellow Perch
Good
Some are being caught in tailwaters on small jigs and worm rigs.
Mississippi River Pool 12 - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water level at Dubuque Lock and Dam is rising at 8.7 feet and the RR Bridge is at 11.2 feet. Water is clear with the temperature around 57 degrees in main channel.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
It takes a bit of fishing in brush piles but a few crappie can be caught on minnow rigs.
Bluegill
No Report
Bluegill populations are strong but have not heard anyone fishing them since ice out. Some backwaters still have remnant ice in them yet.
Freshwater Drum
Good
Drum can easily be caught on egg sinker and worm rigs.
Northern Pike
Fair
Pike fishing this winter and early spring was very good. It has slowed up a bit but should pick up again after water warms a bit.
Walleye
Slow
Walleye bite has been slow. Most walleyes have spawned by now and usually bite starts to pick back up on wingdams in the next few weeks.
Yellow Perch
Good
Some yellow perch are being caught in the tailwater areas on jig and worm rigs.
Water temperature is in upper 50's throughout the district. Levels are once again on the rise. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.
Mississippi River Pool 11 - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
Water level at Guttenberg has risen to 9.5 feet and is expected to reach 12 feet next week. Water temperature is near 56°
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Throw plastics along the shorelines in upper end of backwaters away from the current.
Northern Pike
Excellent
Northern pike are on the feed after the spawn. Fish the shallows and weedy shorelines using larger flashy spinnerbaits.
Sauger
Slow
Fish out of the current near tailwaters of the lock and dam using a hair jig tipped with minnow. Some fish being picked up downriver on closing dams. Expect the bite to pick up again post-spawn.
Smallmouth Bass
Good
Fish spinners along the rocks on shorelines with current for early smallmouth action
Walleye
Slow
Fish out of the current near tailwaters of the lock and dam using a hair jig tipped with minnow. Some fish being picked up downriver on closing dams. Expect the bite to pick up again post-spawn.
Yellow Perch
Good
Fish the current seams off shore using a crappie rig tipped with worms or a minnow. Perch are biting off shore at Mud Lake park near Dubuque.
Mississippi River Pool 10 - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
Water level at Lynxville has risen to 617.9 feet and expected to gradually rise near 619 feet next week. Fishing away from the current below the lock and dam or side channels has been good. Water temperature is 58° at the lock & dam.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Throw plastics along the shorelines in upper end of backwaters away from the current.
Northern Pike
Good
Northern pike are on the feed after the spawn. Fish the shallows and weedy shorelines using larger flashy spinnerbaits.
Sauger
Slow
Fish out of the current near tailwaters of the lock and dam using a hair jig tipped with minnow.
Smallmouth Bass
Good
Fish spinners along the rocks on shorelines with current for early smallmouth action
Walleye
Slow
Fish out of the current near tailwaters of the lock and dam using a hair jig tipped with minnow. Some fish being picked up downriver on closing dams. Expect the bite to pick up again post-spawn.
Yellow Perch
Good
Fish the current seams off shore using a crappie rig tipped with worms or a minnow.
Mississippi River Pool 9 - Last Updated: 04/22/2025
Water level at Lansing is 8.9 feet and is expected to rise to 10 feet over the next week. Water temperature is near 56°
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Throw plastics along the shorelines in upper end of backwaters away from the current.
Northern Pike
Excellent
Northern pike are on the feed after the spawn. Fish the shallows and weedy shorelines using larger flashy spinnerbaits.
Sauger
Slow
Fish out of the current near tailwaters of the lock and dam using a hair jig tipped with minnow. Some fish being picked up downriver on closing dams. Expect the bite to pick up again post-spawn.
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Fish spinners along the rocks on shorelines with current for early smallmouth action
Walleye
Slow
Fish out of the current near tailwaters of the lock and dam using a hair jig tipped with minnow. Some fish being picked up downriver on closing dams. Expect the bite to pick up again post-spawn.
Yellow Perch
Good
Fish the current seams off shore using a crappie rig tipped with worms or a minnow.
Upper Mississippi River water level is rising again this week. During high water, find areas away from the current to fish. Recent rain has muddied the water. The bite is improving as fish become more active with warmer water temps. Water temperature is upper 50's this week.

NORTHEAST
Lake Delhi - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Anglers had been catching a few crappie on Lake Delhi but with the recent rainfall the lake may be getting dirty. Avoid mid-afternoons and weekends due to heavy boat traffic.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Try fishing a live minnow under a slip bobber or casting various colored tube or hair jigs near structure for some crappie action.
North Prairie Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
North Prairie Lake will be stocked this coming Saturday, April 26th with catchable rainbow trout.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Cast and retrieve flashy jigs or little spinners for success or floating baits underneath a slip bobber.
Heritage Pond - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Heritage Pond will be stocked this coming Saturday, April 26th with catchable rainbow trout.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Rainbow Trout
Good
Cast and retrieve flashy jigs or little spinners for success or floating baits underneath a slip bobber.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
There have been a few reports of anglers catching walleye and crappie on the Cedar River.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Try drifting a minnow under a slip bobber or casting and retrieving crappie jigs.
Channel Catfish
Fair
Anglers are taking a few catfish on stink baits or chubs.
Walleye
Fair
Try fishing a jig head with plastics with or without a live minnow. Look for the deeper pools, current breaks and tail ends of riffles for some walleye action.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
There have been some reports of anglers catching a few walleye and smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River this past week. River levels have been up and down with the recent rainfall events.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Try fishing a jig head with plastics with or without a live minnow or casting and retrieving crankbaits or spinner baits.
Walleye
Fair
Try fishing a jig head with plastics with or without a live minnow. Look for the deeper pools, current breaks and tail ends of riffles for some walleye action.
Maquoketa River (below Monticello) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
River levels are on the rise and murky. There had been a few reports of anglers catching smallmouth bass on the Maquoketa River.
Manchester District Streams - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Trout streams have been up and down due to recent rainfall events. Next weeks forecast calls for temperatures near seventy degrees, there should be some aquatic insect hatches taking place providing for some great trout fishing.
Interior river levels continue to rise with the recent rainfall events but anglers continue to catch a few walleye and crappie on the rivers. There have been no reports for area lakes in and around the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. Trout streams have been hit & miss with the recent rainfall as well. For more information contact your local area bait and tackle shop.
Volga Lake - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Few anglers out this week due to windy weather.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Find crappie around woody structure. Use a flashy lure to attract attention.
Bluegill
Slow
Bluegills around structure near shore. Use small jigs tipped with waxworms or small piece of nightcrawler.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Fish the drop-offs, downed trees, or rocky areas. Use crankbaits or spinnerbaits.
Lake Hendricks - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Fish activity slowed with cooler water temperatures.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Try angling higher in water column late afternoon. Also fish along the rocky shoreline where water warms quicker.
Bluegill
Slow
 
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Fish along drop-offs or around structure. Crankbaits work well.
Lake Meyer - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
With cooler water, fish activity slowed.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
 
Bluegill
Fair
Fish around jetties. Use small jig tipped with waxworm or red worms.
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Find bass along drop-offs or near woody structure near shoreline.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Water temperatures 50's. Water levels steady.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Smallmouth Bass
Slow
 
Walleye
Fair
Use jig tipped with minnow for luck. Find fish in slack water below dams.
White Sucker
Slow
Sucker bite variable. Use a worm on the stream bottom.
Turkey River (below Clermont) - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Water temperatures mid to upper 50's. Water levels steady.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
 
White Sucker
Fair
 
Cedar River (above Nashua) - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Water temperatures upper 50's. Water levels relatively steady. A slight bump may occur with rainfall.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Action picking up. Try minnows for best luck.
Channel Catfish
Excellent
Anglers using a dead chub or piece of carp fished on bottom finding good action in impoundments and off channel areas.
Smallmouth Bass
Fair
Action remains variable for smallies. Try using a jig tipped with plastic tail or crankbait fished through a deeper hole out of current.
Walleye
Fair
Anglers finding walleye in deeper holes out of current using minnows or worms.
Decorah District Streams - Last Updated: 04/18/2025
Catchable trout stocking occurring weekly but streams announced once a month. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Afternoon insect hatches improving. Turkey season in full swing. Anglers should avoid wearing red, white, or blue. These colors look like a turkey head.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Brook Trout
Slow
Good hatches of gnats and midges occurring on warm sunny afternoons. Use care not to alarm fish when approaching stream with clear water.
Brown Trout
Good
Fish near or around undercut banks. Spinner baits work well especially in windy conditions. Try using streamers on larger waterbodies for some exciting action. Brown trout prefer slightly off color water.
Rainbow Trout
Excellent
Use spinner baits, hair jigs, or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, dough ball, or cheese floated through deeper water. Use bait if keeping fish.
Rain and thunderstorms possible Thursday through Monday. Rain amounts variable. Temperatures mid 50's to low 30's. Turkey Hunting is in full swing until May 18. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.

NORTHWEST
Spirit Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The Walleye season is currently closed. The Marble Beach fish cleaning station is currently inoperable, the projected timeline for repair is to have it opened again by walleye weekend.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Anglers have been finding fish of quality size up to 14". Anglers have reported some success around Templar Lagoon.
Bluegill
Fair
 
Yellow Perch
Fair
Sorting is needed, but anglers have been finding many of acceptable size.
East Okoboji Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The Walleye season is currently closed.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
 
Bluegill
Fair
 
Largemouth Bass
Fair
 
Yellow Perch
Fair
Many fish have been observed, but sorting will most likely be needed.
Silver Lake (Dickinson) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
The bite has been hit or miss.
West Okoboji Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The Walleye season is currently closed.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
 
Bluegill
Fair
 
Ingham Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Fair
Anglers have had some success in the morning and afternoon.
Most boat ramp courtesy docks are now in place and useable. Water temps are around 60 degrees. Most lakes are close to crest level. The Walleye season on the IGL's is closed until May 3rd. For the most up to date information, call 712-330-2542
Clear Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The lake is at crest. Water temperature is in the mid 50's. All the courtesy docks are in.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Walleye
Good
Anglers wading and boat fishing are catching walleye. Try jigs, minnows, or slow retrieved crankbaits near reefs and shallow rocky shorelines. Shore anglers try near the canals and the jetties after sunset.
Yellow Bass
Slow
Fish will move shallow on the north shore on warm afternoons.
Crystal Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Crappie are suspended in the dredge cuts.
Walleye
Slow
 
Rice Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
 
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Largemouth Bass
Fair
Target woody habitat near the shore.
Yellow Perch
Slow
Fish near the cattail edges on the warmer days.
Winnebago River - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water level is 6.36 ft.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Northern Pike
No Report
Use suckers, chubs, and jigs in slack current areas and where tributaries enter the river.
For additional information, contact Clear Lake Fisheries Office at 641-357-3517.
Brushy Creek Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
The courtesy docks are in place.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Fish can be picked up near shore in 2-8 feet of water near submerged structure.
Walleye
Fair
 
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake) - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water temps are in the mid to upper 50's. Anglers have been picking up some crappie, walleye, and yellow bass in the marina.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Slow
Anglers are picking up a few crappie in the marina.
Walleye
Fair
This time of year fish can be picked up near shore and also out deeper by boat. Use minnow, leach, or crawler fished near the bottom under a bobber from shore. Or from boat use a bottom bouncer rig near the dredge cuts.
Yellow Bass
Fair
Fish have been picked up in the marina.
Yellow Perch
Fair
 
Black Hawk Lake - Last Updated: 04/24/2025
Water levels are about 6 inches over the crest of the spillway. Anglers have been doing well from shore and boat.
Fish Name
Status
Comments
Black Crappie
Fair
Anglers are starting to pick up crappies from shore. Fishing along Ice House Point shoreline and in the marina has been productive.
Walleye
Fair
Anglers are picking up fish. Boat anglers have been doing well with minnows on a bottom bouncer rig.
For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.