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Win weekly prizes and help Iowa DNR expand walleye collection data by simply recording your catches through June 30. It’s easy to join in the fun! Register today. There is a $25 entry fee; only paid participants qualify for prizes.
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NORTHWEST
Arrowhead Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Find bluegill along shore in 2-6 feet of water on nests. Use a small jig under a bobber.
Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s. Water clarity is 1.5 feet. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing over the rock piles and from boat in 2-6 feet of water  Bluegill – Fair: Pick up 7- to 8-inches fish along shore with crawlers or small jigs under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing in 3-6 feet of water and on the rock piles by boat. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Brushy Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Try a small jig or minnow along weed edges in 5-10 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing the edges of the vegetation along shore in 2-6 feet of water to find fish on spawning beds. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing along the weed lines in 2-6 feet of water. Walleye – Fair.
North Twin Lake
Water clarity is about 3 feet. Water levels are 2 feet below the crest of the spillway; use caution when launching boats at the ramps. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappie are off shore. Try fishing in 3-6 feet of water near rock or structure.. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing off shore; boat anglers are using planer boards and crankbaits.
Storm Lake (incl Little Storm Lake)
Water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; and no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Channel Catfish – Fair: There is a good population of 3-6 pound catfish. Try cut bait or dip baits fished in the bottoms from shore. Walleye – Fair: Boat anglers fishing the cuts has been productive. Use crawler harnesses and crankbaits. Yellow Bass – Fair: Most fish are 5- to 7-inches.Yellow Perch – Slow.
Swan Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Anglers have had luck with bluegill from shore. Most fish are 7-inches. Try fishing near shore and under overhanging trees to find bluegills on nests.
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s in most area lakes. Find bluegills on nests along shore in many area lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
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Beeds Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Drift fish a small jig along the north shore. Bluegill – Fair.
Clear Lake
Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Lake level is 1.5 inches below crest. Water clarity is 6 feet. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappies around the rush beds. Early morning bite is best. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try cut bait or crawlers near rocky areas. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Good: Anglers are having success fishing a jig and live bait near vegetation or slip bobber fishing the rock reefs. Yellow Bass – Fair: Try a small jig near vegetation. Best bite is early morning.
Crystal Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Drift fish or troll a tube jig in the dredge cut. Bluegill – Good: Try a piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 4 feet of water.
Lower Pine Lake
Bluegill – Good: Try a piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 4 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Good: Cast a topwater bait close to woody habitat and vegetation near shore.
Rice Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 3 to 4 feet of water. With the clear water, you may have to cast further to avoid spooking the fish.  Largemouth Bass – Good. Walleye – Slow: Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. . With the clear water, you may have to cast further to avoid spooking the fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use topwater baits. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Upper Pine Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Drift fish a tube jig in 10 to 12 feet of water. Bluegill – Good: Try a piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 4 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Cast plastic baits near woody habitat.
Winnebago River
Water level is 5.1 feet.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
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East Okoboji Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 70s. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Bluegill have started to move deeper as spawning start to finish. Use a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye – Fair. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island Lake
Water temperatures are in the upper70s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held through June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good: Try trolling with spinners over weeds.
Minnewashta Lake
Black Crappie – Fair.  Bluegill – Fair. Pumpkinseed – Good.
Silver Lake (Dickinson)
Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held through June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Walleye – Fair: Try trolling with spinners over or off weed lines.
Spirit Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Black Bullhead – Good: Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are still on beds near shore. Try a small hook with a small piece of worm. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Anglers have been successful with slip bobbers off points and pulling spinners over vegetation. Yellow Perch – Fair.
West Okoboji Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held through June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are still in the shallows on beds. Walleye – Fair: Leeches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting may be needed.
Water temperatures are increasing quickly to the middle to upper 70s. Most area water levels are a few inches over crest. The fish bite has been very good across most areas. Most panfish are starting to finish with spawning. Fishing from docks and along weed lines has been good. For current conditions, call the Spirit Lake District Office at 712-336-1840.
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NORTHEAST
Cedar River (above Nashua)
Water levels are stable, but low. Use caution accessing some boat ramps. Water temperatures are in the 70s. Channel Catfish – Good: Try a dead chub or stink baits fished in slack water areas. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try fishing eddies and current breaks. Walleye – Good: Use a jig tipped with a minnow or worm below dams. Try using a 3-way with enough weight to keep it on the bottom.
Decorah District Streams
Area streams are in good condition, but are low. Yellow wild parsnip is blooming. Wash your skin immediately if you come in contact with this plant. It is photo reactive and will cause painful blisters. When on private property open to fishing, fishing is the only activity allowed. Brook Trout – Fair: Good hatches of a variety of gnats, mayflies, caddis flies, and midges. Brown Trout – Good: Try fishing near or around logs or undercut banks. Spinnerbaits work well. Try using streamers on larger waterbodies. Rainbow Trout – Excellent: Use spinnerbaits, hair jigs, or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floating through deeper holes. Freshly stocked fish are waiting to take your bait.
Lake Hendricks
Water clarity is great. Water temperature is in the 70s. Black Crappie – Good: Find crappie suspended in deeper water. Try trolling across the lake. Bluegill – Good: Anglers fishing near shore are finding gills. Use a small chunk of worm fished under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass are starting to spawn in shallow water. Bass are guarding nests.
Lake Meyer
Water clarity is about 3 feet. Water temperature is in the 70s. Black Crappie – Good: Crappie are suspended in deeper water. Try fishing deeper with a small jig. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small piece of worm under a bobber. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Try a spinnerbait fished in 3-4 feet of water.
Turkey River (below Clermont)
Water clarity is good to excellent. Water levels are stabilizing, but are low. Water temperature is in the 70s. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Use a jig with a twister tail fished in the eddies and off channel areas. Walleye – Good: Early morning or late evening bite is best. Try fishing the deeper holes with a crank or spinnerbait. White Sucker – Good: Try fishing the deeper holes with a worm fished near bottom.
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)
Water temperatures are in the 70s. Water clarity is good to excellent. Water levels are stabilizing, but are low. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Try fishing near undercut banks and current breaks. A flashy jig works well. Fly anglers using streamers are picking up some action. Walleye – Good: Angling for walleye is picking up below the dams. Use a jig tipped with a plastic tail or crankbait.
Volga Lake
Water temperature is in the upper 70s. Fish activity is improving, especially near shore rocky areas. Black Crappie – Good: Troll the deeper open areas of the lake. Crappies are out deep. Bluegill – Fair. Channel Catfish – Good: Trophy catfish are plentiful in this lake. Use a large crawler fished under a bobber in the evening. Largemouth Bass – Good: Find bass in the shallow bays; use a crank or spinnerbait.
Area interior rivers and streams are low. Clarity is good to excellent on most area rivers and streams. Temperatures in the 80s during the day to 50s overnight. Possibility of thunderstorms through the weekend. For current fishing information, please call the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.
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Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)
Anglers are catching bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. Black Crappie – Good: Find structure; best bite is early morning at daybreak.  Bluegill – Excellent: Cast lighter jigs or a small piece of crawler under a slip bobber. Channel Catfish – Good: Use livers or stink baits fished on the bottom off the jetties or in front of the lodge .Largemouth Bass – Good: Use topwater artificial lures or spinnerbaits.
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)
The Cedar River level has fallen and is providing catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish; bite is hit-and-miss. Channel Catfish – Good: Use dead chubs or cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig.
Maquoketa River (above Monticello)
Anglers are catching walleye and smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Use plastics with a jig.
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)
The Shell Rock River level has fallen and is providing catches of walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use dead chubs or cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Use plastics with a jig.
Wapsipinicon River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)
The Wapsipinicon River level is falling and is providing catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Channel Catfish – Good: Use dead chubs or cut baits fished on the bottom. Smallmouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing plastics with a jig or cast and retrieve spinnerbaits. Walleye – Fair: Use plastics with a jig.
Interior water levels have fallen and are providing catches of smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish. Walleye and smallmouth bass bite is hit-and-miss; channel catfish bite is good. Lakes in and around Cedar Falls/Waterloo have slowed on panfish. Trout streams are in excellent condition. Contact your local bait shop for the most recent angling opportunities. For more information, contact the Manchester Hatchery at 563-927-3276.
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MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Mississippi River Pool 9
Water level is 7.9 feet at Lansing and is expected to stabilize. Village creek, Heytman’s Landing and Army road are open; some debris is left from the flood. Water temperature is near 75 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill – Excellent: Bluegill are in shallow during the spawn. Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current such as marina areas or backwaters.  Channel Catfish – Good: Use crawlers, stink bait or cut bait in the current from the shoreline or below the Lock & Dams. Flathead Catfish – Good: Use crawlers, live bluegill, or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: Drum are actively feeding. Try a weighted crawler in moderate current from shore. Use crayfish to catch large drum. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast flashy spoons and crankbait near the mouths of streams during hot summer days.  Walleye – Good: Try a 3-way rig on the wing-dams with a whole crawler or use crankbaits or twister tail jigs off the rocks from shore. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12. Yellow Perch – Good: Use a light jig or crawler in weeded areas away from heavy current.
Mississippi River Pool 10
Water level is near 614.3 feet at Lynxville and is expected to remain steady this week. Noble’s Island, Harpers Ferry and Bussey Lake are open. The Sny Magill road is open; some debris is left from the flood. The bite is picking up with warmer water temperatures. Water temperature is 76 degrees at the Lynxville dam. Use caution when crossing the railroad tracks at McGregor, Marquette, and Noble’s Island; tracks were raised during the flood, so trailers and smaller vehicles may get hung up. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill – Excellent: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with some nicer sizes being caught.  Channel Catfish – Good: Try a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Run a bobber and a minnow along rocks from shore. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Use a weighted crawler in moderate current from shore. Use crayfish to catch large drum. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast flashy spoons and crankbaits near the mouths of streams during hot summer days. Shorthead Redhorse – Good: Redhorse are fun to catch from shore. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks and around submerged trees. Walleye – Slow: Try a 3-way rig on the wing dams with a whole crawler or use crankbaits or twister tail jigs off the rocks from shore. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12. Yellow Perch – Excellent: Use a light jig or crawler in weeded areas away from heavy current.
Mississippi River Pool 11
Water level is 5.9 feet at Guttenberg and is predicted to fall slightly over the next week. Guttenberg city ramp and the DNR ramp are open. Turkey River Landing is open. Finley’s and Mud Lake are open; some debris may be left from the flood. The bite is picking up with the warmer water. Water temperature is in the mid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a light jig or a minnow rig fished along the flooded trees. Bluegill – Good: Try a garden worm under a bobber along shore with less current like marina areas or backwaters. A lot of sorting with some nicer sizes being caught. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try a crawler or cut bait in the current seams as water temperature rises this week. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Some flatheads are being caught on live bluegill or shiners. Freshwater Drum – Good: Drum are actively feeding. Try a weighted crawler from shore. Use crayfish to catch large drum. Northern Pike – Fair: Cast flashy spoons and crankbaits near the mouths of streams during hot summer days. Shorthead Redhorse – Fair: Redhorse are running; they are fun to catch from shore. Drop a weighted crawler into the current breaks. Walleye – Good: Try a 3-way rig on the wing dams with a whole crawler or use crankbaits or twister tail jigs off the rocks from shore. Walleye slot length limits now apply on the entire Iowa border of the Mississippi River. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches must be immediately released. One walleye over 27 inches may be kept. Walleye/sauger combined daily limit 6/possession 12. Yellow Perch – Excellent: Use a light jig or crawler in weeded areas away from heavy current.
Upper Mississippi River water levels remain steady. Most boat ramps have reopened; some debris may be left from the flood. Call ahead for local conditions. Fishing is picking with improved water clarity. Water temperatures are in the upper 70s.
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Mississippi River Pool 12
The water level has stabilized to 5.9 feet at Lock and Dam 11 and 8.4 feet at the RR bridge. Water temperature is around 75 degrees; water clarity is good. Cleanup continues on the parks and boat ramps in Pool 12. Bluegill – Excellent: Gills are being reported along rock lines with people floating a simple bobber and worm rig. Channel Catfish – Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the current seams. Flathead Catfish – Good: Use live green sunfish or bullheads in tailwater areas. Downriver many anglers will fish above big log jams in moderate current areas. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Lots of bass are biting in the marina areas. Shovelnose sturgeon – Good: Use a heavy weight and a gob of worms for bait. Most angling is in the tailwater in moderately strong currents. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast inline spinners just off rock points to catch smallmouth feeding in the rocks. Walleye – Good: Lots of crankbait fishing along rock piles or side channels. White Bass – Good: Try minnows or small spinners in tailwater areas for abundant white bass. They have been seen blowing up minnows in tailwater areas.
Mississippi River Pool 13
The water level at Lock and Dam 13 at Bellevue is stable at near 6.1 feet. Water clarity is good. Water temperature is around 75 degrees. Most cleanup is complete; ramps are mostly back in order. The Bellevue DNR ramp will be closed for maintenance through Monday, June 19th.  Bluegill – Good: Use worms along rock lines to catch abundant bluegills. Channel Catfish – Excellent: Try stick bait or worms along rock piles to catch abundant channel cats. Flathead Catfish – Fair: Anglers are using live bullheads or bluegills to catch flathead catfish in tailwater areas. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Largemouth Bass – Excellent: Lots of bass biting in the marina areas and backwater lakes. Some fish are moving out onto the vegetation lines.  Rainbow Trout – No Report: The kids fishing pond is now mostly unfishable as the vegetation has taken hold. The pond will be restocked this fall with trout. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast inline spinners just off rock points to catch smallmouth feeding on minnows. Walleye – Good: Wing dam fishing with crankbaits has been catching some walleyes. White Bass – Good: White bass are biting in the tailwater areas and can be seen feeding on minnows.
Mississippi River Pool 14
The water level at Fulton is stable at near 5.7 feet, 10.1 feet at Camanche, and near 5.0 feet at LeClaire. Levels are predicted to be stable this week. Water temperature is 79 degrees. Clean up of parks and ramps after the flood is ongoing and mostly completed. Bluegill – Good: Use worms rigs and a simple bobber along rock lines. Channel Catfish – Good: Try cut bait or stink bait in the current seams or along rock lines. Some massive channel catfish catches have been recorded. Freshwater Drum – Excellent: A simple egg sinker with a worm rig is the best way to catch abundant drum. Largemouth Bass – Good: Bass fishing is good along boat ramp areas and newly exposed flooded vegetation lines. Smallmouth Bass – Good: Cast inline spinners just off rock points to catch smallmouth feeding in the rocks. Walleye – Good: Lots of trolling being done in side channel areas using crankbaits.
Mississippi River Pool 15
The water level at Rock Island is stable at near 5.8 feet. Water clarity is improving. Water temperature is 75 degrees. Channel Catfish – No Report: Try stink bait around log jams or rock lines. Freshwater Drum – Good: Use an egg sinker and worm rig to catch abundant drum. Keep your fish on ice after catching; they make excellent table fare.
The river has stabilized throughout the district. Some cleanup is ongoing. Good fishing is occurring throughout the district; it’s a perfect time to get on the water. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781.
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Mississippi River Pool 16
Tailwater stage is 5.90 feet at Lock and Dam 15 in Davenport and is falling steadily. Flood stage is 15 feet at Lock and Dam 15. River stage is 10.20 feet at Fairport; flood stage is 14 feet. Bluegill – Fair: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles at Sunset Marina and the Andalusia Island complex. Channel Catfish – Good: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along the main channel. Use dip baits, shad guts, or nightcrawlers. Look for channel catfish around shorelines with rip-rap and current. Try floating leeches or nightcrawlers under a bobber along the rocks. Walleye – Fair: Reports of walleyes being caught around current breaks along the main channel; use crankbaits. Also look for walleyes on the wing dams. Try fishing with crankbaits or three-way rigs with crawlers. White Bass – Good: Look for white bass in Sylvan Slough or Sunset Marina. Try jigs and twister tails or in-line spinners. The bite for white bass in Sunset Marina is best in the mornings and right before dark.
Mississippi River Pool 17
Tailwater stage is 4.74 feet at Lock and Dam 16 in Muscatine and is falling. River stage is 6.53 feet at Muscatine; flood stage is 16 feet. The ramps at Muscatine are open. The boat ramps at Big Timber and Kilpeck are open. The gates are back in the water at the Lock and Dam. Bluegill – Good: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try a piece of worm under a bobber around brush at Big Timber, Cleveland Slough. and Eagle Fill. Channel Catfish – Good: Look for channel catfish around brush piles in the side channels and main channel. Use dip baits, cut shad, or nightcrawlers. Also look for channel catfish along shorelines with rip-rap and current. Try floating leeches or nightcrawlers under a bobber along the rocks. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes around current breaks. Cast jigs with plastics or crankbaits. Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Try fishing the wing dams with three-way rigs and crawlers or casting crankbaits. White Bass – No Report: Look for white bass around current breaks or down by GPC. Cast jigs and plastics or crankbaits.
Mississippi River Pool 18
Tailwater stage is 5.45 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston and is falling. Flood stage is 15 feet. The gates are back in the water at the Lock and Dam. The Toolsboro access is open. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills up shallow in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles at Belle Pocket and Huron Island. Channel Catfish – Good: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags in side channels and along the main channel. Use dip baits, cut shad, or night crawlers. Look for channel catfish on shorelines with rip-rap and current. Try floating leeches or nightcrawlers under a bobber along the rocks. . Some channel catfish are being caught below the outlet of Lake Odessa and out from the Toolsboro ramp. Largemouth Bass – Good: Some largemouth bass are being caught at the outlet of Lake Odessa on crankbaits. Walleye – No Report: Look for walleyes on the wing dams. Cast crankbaits or troll three-way rigs with nightcrawlers. White Bass – Good: Some white bass are being caught at the outlet of Lake Odessa. Cast crankbaits or jigs and plastics.
Mississippi River Pool 19
Tailwater stage is 2.94 feet at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington and is falling. Flood stage is 10 feet. River stage is 9.04 feet at Burlington; flood stage is 15 feet. River stage is 525.70 feet at Fort Madison; flood stage is 528.0 feet. We have not received much for fishing reports for this pool this week. Bluegill – No Report: Look for bluegills in the backwaters. Try pieces of worm under a bobber around brush piles. Channel Catfish – No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along the main channel and side channels. Use dip baits, cut shad, or nightcrawlers. Look for channel catfish around rip-rap shorelines with current. Try floating leeched or nightcrawlers under a bobber along the rocks.
River stages continue to fall. Main channel water temperature is around 74 degrees. Water clarity has been fair. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.
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SOUTHEAST
Big Hollow Lake
The water temperature is in the upper 70s. Water clarity remains at about 7 feet. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies remain in 6-8 feet of water in the flooded timber. Vertical jigging works best. Bluegill – Good: Look for bluegill in 6-7 feet of water in the flooded brush and trees. Worm and bobber work best in the dense cover. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Find bass around the drop-offs to deeper water; this steep sided lake has more than a few of those.
Crawford Pond
Water temperature was 69 degrees on June 12 after the cooler nights over the weekend. It’s back up into the mid to upper 70s. Curly-leaf pondweed beds are still dense. Bluegill – Good: Find a few pockets of active bluegill nests along the west side of the pond; most bluegills are out along the outer edge of the weed beds in 4 to 5 feet of water. Channel Catfish – Fair: Work the culverts near shore or the rocks along the east side for a chance to catch some bigger males. Largemouth Bass – Good: A decent number of male bass are still working the weed beds in 3 to 5 feet of water; females and most bigger males are out in deeper water.
Lake Belva Deer
Water temperatures is around 78 degrees. Water clarity is about 8 feet. The curly-leaf pondweed beds are thinning out some and darkening up as their season starts to end. Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing in the early morning; expect to be off the water by 10 a.m. Start trolling in 9-12 feet of water just outside the flooded trees out from the beach and on down towards the dam. They are in their summer pattern. Bluegill – Good: Work the edges of the curly-leaf pondweed beds with worm and bobber or a small jig tipped with a waxworm. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Work the edges of the weed beds in 6-8 feet of water. Don’t forget about the mounds at the upper end of the lake; find bass by the curly-leaf pondweed beds reaching the surface from them.
Lake Darling
The water cooled off some earlier this week, but should be back to about 80 degrees by the weekend. Water clarity is 3.5 feet. Water has a green cast. Black Crappie – Fair: Bite has slowed some. Anglers continue to slow troll over the cedar trees in the middle of the lake and down along the rock piles by the dam in 9-10 feet of water. Bluegill – Good: Might be a few stragglers on the beds; most have moved back to the habitat in 6 to 8 feet of water. They still are biting. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Bass are set up along the drop-offs to deeper water. Troll crankbaits around the point and the rock piles along the old lagoon
Lake Geode
Water temperature is about 80 degrees. Black Crappie – Good: Crappies are back out to deeper water along the drop-offs. A big batch of last fall’s spawn are 6- to 8-inches; bigger ones are out a little deeper. Bluegill – Good: Try worm and bobber fished in 3 to 5 feet of water. They’ve moved out a little deeper with the hot weather. Might be a good time to head up to the new mounds up across from the beach. Most bluegill are less than 8 inches. Largemouth Bass – Good: Most bass are still under the legal size limit, but they are fun to catch. Look for most to have moved off to the deep water drop-offs.
Lost Grove Lake
The water temperature dipped down into the low 70’s after the weekend, but are headed back up. Lost Grove has been found to have Eurasian watermilfoil, especially up by the West Ramp. Please make remove all vegetation from your boat and trailer before leaving the ramps. Black Crappie – Fair: Crappies are out along the edge of the flooded timber in 8 to 10 feet of water. Try vertical jigging or slow trolling until you find them. Bluegill – Good: Work the edges of the curly-leaf pondweed beds. Use a worm and bobber up against the weeds, especially if there is a tree down in the curly-leaf pondweed. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Males continue to hang out around the outer edge of the curly-leaf pondweed beds. Bigger females are still recovering from the spawn in deeper water; they are more difficult to catch.
For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319- 694-2430.
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Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow)
Shovelnose Sturgeon – Good: Try fishing crawlers along sandbars.
Coralville Reservoir
Channel Catfish – Good: Some fish are along chunk rock spawning; others are being caught trolling cut bait.
Diamond Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Look for suspended fish over deeper water. Bluegill – Fair: Some fish are on shallow flats; others are on deeper structure. Channel Catfish -Good: Try crawlers, stink bait or chicken livers. Most fish are 1-2 pounds.
Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.)
The weeds are dying back. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for fish suspended over deeper water. Bluegill – Fair: Some fish are still shallow; others have moved deep. Channel Catfish – Fair: Fish are moving in shallower to spawn. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try topwater baits over the weeds or along weedlines.
Lake Macbride
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
Pleasant Creek Lake
We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.
For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.
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Hawthorn Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs and minnows. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Target rip-rapped shorelines with jigs and plastics.
Lake Miami
Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs and minnows in the flooded timber. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs near shore. Keep moving until you find active fish. Largemouth Bass – Good: Try jigs fished along structure and near shore.
Lake Sugema
Black Crappie – Fair: Try small jigs around structure and along the shorelines. Bluegill – Fair: Use small jigs fished in small pockets in the vegetation and along its outer edges.  Largemouth Bass – Good: Use spinnerbaits or jigs around rip-rapped shorelines and the rock jetties.
Lake Wapello
Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs along the shorelines and around structure. Largemouth Bass – Good: Use jigs or plastics in areas with structure.
Rathbun Reservoir
The current lake level is 904.56 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Lake Rathbun has zebra mussels so make sure to properly drain, clean and dry equipment before transporting to another waterbody. Black Crappie – Fair: Some crappies are still up shallow; most have spawned and moved to deeper water. Try jig and minnows around structure. Channel Catfish – Fair: Target areas with large rocks such as the Bridgeview area or the dam; catfish are spawning. Try dead chubs or nightcrawlers. Walleye – Good: Anglers are catching walleyes trolling bottom bouncers and on crawler harnesses. There is a 15-inch minimum length limit on walleye at Lake Rathbun. All walleyes measuring less than 15-inches must be immediately released unharmed. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair: Anglers are catching hybrid striped bass trolling or vertically jigging.
Red Haw Lake
Visitors are asked to avoid the campground area due to the continued storm damage cleanup. Bluegill – Fair: Try small jigs, change your retrieval speed until you find one the fish like. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use plastics along the rock jetties and the dam.
Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa.
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SOUTHWEST
Big Creek Lake
Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegills shallow on beds in 2 to 4 feet of water throughout the lake. Walleye – Good: Try jigging with leeches and nightcrawlers or trolling live bait rigs with minnows or crawlers. Concentrate on the upper half of the lake in 10 to 25 feet of water around road beds points and humps during the day and shallow in the evenings.
Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)
Channel Catfish – Good: Try cut bait and stink baits fished inside and upstream of log piles and treefalls.
Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)
Channel Catfish – Good: Try dip baits and cut bait fished in and just above treefalls and log piles.
Don Williams Lake
Black Crappie – Fair: Try fishing live minnows in treefalls or slowly trolling 2 inch or smaller twister tail jigs just out from shore.
Red Rock Reservoir
Black Crappie – Fair: Drift or troll plastics or small crankbaits in coves off the main lake and Whitebreast arm. Channel Catfish – Good: Anglers are catching catfish throughout the lake, particularly around structure (rocks submerged trees etc.) White Bass – Fair: Catch Try trolling shad imitating crankbaits and spoons.
Rock Creek Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Try drifting and trolling small jigs with twister tails tubes or paddle tails. Bluegill – Good: Bluegill are spawning in shallow water. Cast jigs or jigs tipped with crawlers in 2-6 feet of water. Or try a jig head tipped with a crawler under a bobber.
Bluegill are spawning in lakes and ponds throughout Central Iowa; target shorelines (2-6 feet of water). Paddling anglers are enjoying excellent river conditions. For information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd at 641-891-3795 or Andy Otting at 515-204-5885.
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Arrowhead Pond
Water clarity is good. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are spawning close to shore; they will average 8-inches.
Lake Anita
The water temperature is in the high 70s. Black Crappie – Good: Slow troll open water areas keeping your bait above ten feet to catch 9-inch black crappies. Bluegill – Fair: Anglers can still catch 8-inch bluegill off spawning beds. Largemouth Bass – Good.
Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is 2 feet low. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try Sonny’s dip bait or cut bait on windy shorelines. Catch catfish of all sizes. Walleye – Fair: Walleye anglers are having success casting crankbaits.
Prairie Rose Lake
Water clarity is very good. Black Crappie – Fair: Look for crappie around deep structure; fish average 10-inches. Bluegill – Good: Bluegills are close to spawning areas. Cast small jigs and move often to find quality bluegill. Largemouth Bass – Good: Largemouth bass can be caught all around the lake.
Viking Lake
The Viking Lake water level is back down 18 inches. All boat ramps are usable. Black Crappie – No Report: Look for crappies around deep tree piles. Fish will average 9-inches. There is a large year class of 6-inch black crappie in the lake. Bluegill – Good: Cast small jigs and move often to find spawning bluegill. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Cast the shoreline just outside the flooded terrestrial vegetation. Anglers report catching numbers of bass in shallow tree piles.
Willow Lake
Willow lake has very good water clarity. Panfishing has been good this year. Black Crappie – No Report: Look for black crappie in deep tree piles. Bluegill – Good: Catch bluegills off their spawning beds. Fish will average 8-inches.
For information on lakes in the Southwest District call the Cold Springs office at 712-769-2587.
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Green Valley Lake
Docks are in at the beach and dam boat ramps. Black Crappie – Slow: Try jigs fished near deep cedar brush piles to catch crappies of all sizes. Bluegill – Slow: Catch bluegill up to 8.5-inches with jigs or small worms under a bobber along rocky shoreline areas.  Largemouth Bass – Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 20-inches with finesse plastics fished along shallow cedar tree brush piles.
Lake Icaria
Channel Catfish – Good: Catch all sizes of channel catfish with nightcrawlers fished along shallow rocky shorelines.
Little River Watershed Lake
The dock is in at the main boat ramp. Black Crappie – Slow: Try jigs fished along flooded timber to catch crappies of all sizes. Bluegill – Fair: Catch bluegill up to 9-inches with jigs or small worms under a bobber along rocky shoreline areas. Channel Catfish – Fair: Try nightcrawlers fished along the flooded timber to catch channel catfish of all sizes.  Largemouth Bass – Fair: Use finesse plastics along weedlines to catch largemouth bass up to 19-inches.
Three Mile Lake
Docks are in at main ramp. Walleye – Slow: Use jigs along main lake points to catch all sizes of walleyes.
Twelve Mile Creek Lake
The dock is in at main boat ramp. Bluegill – Slow: Try jigs or worms under a bobber fished along the fish mounds to catch bluegill of all sizes. Largemouth Bass – Slow: Catch largemouth bass up to 19-inches with finesse plastics along rocky shoreline areas.
Water temperature is in the upper 70s in most lakes. For more information, call the Mount Ayr Fisheries office at 641-464-3108.
