The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.



NORTHWEST

Nelson Park Lake

Fishing has been slow for all species. Nelson Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.



Yellow Smoke Park Lake

Water clarity is excellent. Fishing has been slow. Yellow Smoke has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.



Crawford Creek Impoundment

Docks have been removed and the water has been shut off in the park for the winter. Crawford Creek has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.



Brushy Creek Lake

Bluegill and crappie is still good. Fish are being caught in 20 to 25 feet of water on small jigs baited with wax worms. Docks have been removed for the winter.



Bacon Creek Lake

The DNR stocked 1,500 rainbow trout on Nov. 17. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for rainbow trout is excellent. Anglers were catching rainbow trout within minutes of stocking the fish. Cast a small shiny spinner or super duper. Also, try Berkley Powerbait under a bobber set about 3 to 5 feet down. Small Kastmasters have been working great.



Storm Lake (including Little Storm Lake)

Fishing continues to be slow at Storm Lake. Water level is approximately 1.5 feet low. Walleye - Slow: The hydraulic dredge has been removed from the lake for the season. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day, all fish between 17 and 22 inches must be released; only one of the three fish can be over 22 inches.



Swan Lake

Crappie fishing is excellent right now. Anglers are catching their limit in a short amount of time. Fish from the jetties and fish house in the southern part of the lake. Fish are ranging from 8.5 to 9.5 inches. This is a perfect opportunity to take kids fishing.



Black Hawk Lake

Bluegill - Fair: Anglers have been catching medium sized bluegill in Town Bay from the south stone pier. Walleye - Slow: Anglers have been catching a few legal walleye from Ice House Point using live minnows under a bobber or casting twisters and shad raps. Some walleye have also been caught trolling shad raps. Anglers are allowed three walleye per day and all walleye must be at least 15 inches. Water level of the lake is approximately one foot low.



Snyder Bend Lake

Snyder Bend has been reopened. However, anglers need to be aware of the refuge boundary.



Great Western Park Lake

Great Western Park has the invasive plant brittle naiad. Be sure to clean boat and trailer before you leave lake to avoid spreading this species to other water bodies.



Moorland Pond

The DNR stocked 1,500 rainbow trout on Nov. 16. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Fishing for rainbow trout is excellent. Anglers were catching rainbow trout within minutes of stocking the fish. Cast a small shiny spinner or super duper. Also, try Berkley Powerbait under a bobber set about 3 to 5 feet down.



Little Sioux River (Linn Grove to Correctionville)

Small northerns are being caught around the Linn Grove Dam. Walleye fishing has been slow.



Many of the lakes and ponds had around one half inch of ice from Monday on into the week. The ice is starting to break up on the bigger bodies of water. For more information on lakes and rivers in this area contact Ben Wallace or Don Herrig at the Black Hawk District Office in Lake View at 712-657-2638.



Clear Lake

No activity reported.



Blue Pit

The DNR will be stocking 1500 trout on Nov. 23.



Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment to stop the spread of invasive species. For more fishing information in the north central area contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.



For information on fishing in the Spirit Lake district, call the hatchery at 712-336-1840.



NORTHEAST

Volga Lake

Few anglers have been out on the lake. No ice yet. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:



Lake Hendricks

The aerators have been turned on but no ice has formed yet. Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:



Lake Meyer

No one has been on the lake this week. No ice yet but should be forming soon with colder weather. Northern Pike - No Report: Bluegill - No Report: Largemouth Bass - No Report: Crappie - No Report:



Upper Iowa River (above Decorah)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:



Upper Iowa River (below Decorah)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week. Northern Pike - No Report: Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Walleye - No Report:



Turkey River (below Clermont)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



Wapsi River (state line to Tripoli)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



Cedar River (above Nashua)

Fish have been biting but not by using techniques traditionally used for this time of year as fish aren't as aggressive as in past. Northern Pike - Slow: Anglers are catching northerns while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Anglers are catching smallies while fishing for walleye. Smallmouth bass are hitting nightcrawlers. Crappie - No Report: Walleye - Excellent: Walleye have been hitting on a minnow fished under a bobber. Don't set the hook right away as they aren't aggressively taking bait.



Decorah District Streams

Blue Wing Olives are still hatching on northeast Iowa streams in the early afternoons, particularly on warmer days. #18 Blue Wing dries, #18 Pheasant Tail Nymphs, various small wet flies and larger streamers are all taking good fish. Try a #20-#24 Griffith's Gnat for the occasional midge hatch, which can represent a midge cluster. Consider wearing a blaze orange hat or jacket when fishing - there are hunters near the streams.



For holiday stress relief, take a break and go fishing. Rivers and lakes are in excellent condition and bursting at the seams with fish. Fish aren't as active at this time of year, like most folks after feasting on turkey and stuffing, so use a slow presentation and let them nibble at the bait. Several urban trout pond stockings are occurring this week and are listed on our website. For more information, contact Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324.



Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

Walleye and channel catfish are still hitting well. Concentrate in the deeper water for walleye and more shallow areas for channel catfish using live baits. Channel Catfish - Good: After dark has been most productive drifting baits through shallow water areas. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Most smallmouth bass have been incidental catches from walleye anglers. Stick with the jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Good: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.



Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock)

Walleye and smallmouth bass fishing has been good. Smallmouth Bass - Good: Most smallmouth bass have been incidental catches from walleye anglers. Stick with the jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow. Walleye - Good: Jig and twister tail tipped with a minnow has been the best combination for walleye.



Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills)

There are still reports of walleye being caught on the Wapsipinicon River in Buchanan County. Northern pike fishing has slowed down from last week but anglers are still catching a few in Bremer County. Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting spinners near woody debris for northerns. Walleye - Fair: Jigs tipped with or without a twistertail and minnow has been most productive.



Maquoketa River (above Monticello)

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



With the onset of early winter conditions in northeast Iowa, fishing on the inland lakes has been very inconsistent for panfish. The interior rivers; Cedar and Shell Rock, still remain productive for walleye, smallmouth bass and channel catfish. The Wapsipinicon in Bremer County has been good for northern pike. Call the Manchester District Office at 563-927-3276 for additional information.



MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Mississippi River Pool 9

River levels at Lansing are 7.9 feet and expected to stay at this level over the next week. Bluegill - Fair: Majority of bluegills have moved into overwintering areas. Fish deeper areas and fish slow with small jigs and worms. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass have moved into overwintering areas and are slowing down. Begin to use slower presentation to catch fish. Walleye - Fair: Walleyes still being caught in Minnesota Slough but bite has slowed.



Mississippi River Pool 10

River level at Lynxville is 12.8 feet and expected to stay at this level over the next week. Bluegill - Fair: Majority of bluegills have moved into overwintering areas. Fish deeper areas and fish slowly with small jigs and worms. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Largemouth bass have moved into overwintering areas and are slowing down. Begin to use slower presentation to catch fish. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite slowing down as fish move into overwintering areas but a few nice fish still being caught in sloughs. Sauger - Excellent: Sauger continue to bite well with nicer sized fish being reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes being caught. Jig and minnow still seems to be the best combination.



Mississippi River Pool 11

River level at Guttenberg is 4.8 feet and expected to stay near this level over the next week. Bluegill - Fair: Majority of bluegills have moved into overwintering areas. Fish deeper areas and fish slow with small jigs and worms. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Largemouth have moved into overwintering areas and are slowing down. Begin to use slower presentation to catch fish. Crappie - Slow: Crappie bite slowing down as fish move into overwintering areas but a few nice fish still being caught in sloughs. Sauger - Excellent: Sauger still biting well with some nicer sized fish reported over the last week. Walleye - Fair: A few walleyes reported being caught in the tail waters on the Wisconsin side.



Fishing levels continue to remain low on the Upper Mississippi River Pools 9 - 11 and are expected to be stable at low levels over the next week. Water temperature is 40 degrees.



Mississippi River Pool 12

Water Level at Dubuque is 4.8 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the low 40s. Some good fall fishing can still be had. White Bass - Good: White bass are feeding on shad and minnows in the tail water reaches. Crappie - Good: Some nice sized crappies can still be found in the backwater snags. Use small minnows for bait. Sauger - Fair: Some sauger, mostly 12 inchers, are being taken on jigs and minnow and three-way rigs in the tail water. Walleye - Fair: A few large walleyes in the 'slot’ are being reported. Slot fish between 20 and 27 inches cannot be kept.



Mississippi River Pool 13

Water Level at Bellevue is 5.7 feet and dropping slowly and steady. Water temperature is in the 40s. White Bass - Fair: Look for gulls feeding which might be an indication of white bass on the feed. Crappie - Good: Some nice crappies can still be found in some of the larger sloughs with minimal current such as Lainsville and Crooked Slough. Sauger - Fair: Some small sauger and an occasional large walleye are being taken out of the Bellevue tail water. Anglers are mainly using a jig and minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some very large walleyes are being taken in the upper portions of Pool 13 on wing dams.



Mississippi River Pool 14

Water Level at LeClaire is 4.4 feet and steady. Water temperature is in the 40s. Crappie - No Report: Some crappie should still be taken in deeper backwater areas such as the Rock Creek complex. Sauger - Fair: Some small sauger are being taken on jigs and minnow or three way rigs with a small minnow. Walleye - Fair: Some nice walleyes are still hanging on the wing dams in the upper portions of the pool. Walleyes are feeding heavily on gizzard shad.



Mississippi River Pool 15

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.



River levels remain low and stable on the upper Mississippi Pools 12-15. Water temperature is in the 40s. Most anglers are concentrating on tail water fishing although some fish like crappie could still be taken in many backwater areas.



Mississippi River Pool 16

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 15 is 5.13 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. Bluegill - Fair: Some bluegills are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Crappie - Fair: Some crappie are being caught in Sunset Marina. Try fishing with minnows under a bobber. Sauger - Slow: Some saugers are being caught in Sylvan Slough on jigs and minnows. Most of the fish have been on the small side.



Mississippi River Pool 17

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 16 is 4.04 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool.



Mississippi River Pool 18

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 17 is 4.54 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. We have received no fishing information for this pool.



Mississippi River Pool 19

Tail water stage at Lock and Dam 18 is 2.24 feet. River stage has been fairly steady over the past few days. Fishing has been slow on Pool 19. Crappie - Slow: Crappie fishing in the backwaters has been slow. Sauger - Slow: Tail water fishing for saugers has been slow.



Mississippi River Pools 16-19: Fishing is being reported as slow throughout the pools. Main channel water temperature is around 42 degrees. River stage is still low throughout the pools so boaters should use caution when navigating the river. Some backwater areas have been difficult to access due to the low water conditions. Remember to clean, drain, and dry your boat before going to another water body. For more fishing information on Pools 16-19 contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062



SOUTHEAST

Lake of the Hills

Cooler water temperatures aren't bothering the trout. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The fall stocking was Oct. 22. Trout are active and cooler water temperatures are making them more so. Small jigs, spinners and wax worms will catch a limit once you find them. Crappie - Good: The crappies around the dock area as well as the brush piles. Minnows are working the best. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park that you can use minnows.



Railroad Lake

The crappies are still biting even with the colder temperatures. Crappie - Good: More crappies are being caught along the timber by the old creek channel. Remember minnows are not allowed in Railroad Lake.



Wilson Lake

The fall trout stocking was Nov. 5 and plenty of trout are left. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Trout continue to be caught. The bite seems to depend on the weather. Sunny days are bringing the trout to near the surface. Once you locate them spinners, Powerbait, small spoons, and wax worms are all producing fast limits.



Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

The trout release was on Nov. 5 and there are plenty of trout left. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The trout fishing is excellent. Look for the fish to be out in about four feet of water. Don't be surprised to actually see the fish as they cruise the shoreline. Powerbait and spinners seem to be working the best.



For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at 319-694-2430.



Lake Macbride

All the loading docks have been taken out for the winter. Crappie - Slow: Vertical jig brush piles with a jig or minnow. Walleye - Fair: Crankbaits have produced a few fish. Windblown areas should start producing fish as the walleyes feed up for winter. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Fair: Crankbaits have produced a few fish. Windblown areas should start producing fish as the wipers feed up for winter.



Coralville Reservoir

The lake level on Nov. 23 was 686.5 feet. White Bass - Slow: Cast jigs or small crankbaits to windblown banks. Crappie - Slow: Fish jigs over brush piles.



Sand Lake

The DNR stocked 1,800 rainbow trout in south Iowa City (Gilbert Street) on Nov. 18. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use a small jig, spinner, worm, or Powerbait product.



Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from the tube was 500 cubic feet per second on Nov. 23. Crappie - Fair: Fish slack water areas with a jig and/or minnow. Walleye - Fair: Look for walleyes in deeper holes. Some big fish have been caught recently.



Prairie Park Fishery

The DNR stocked 2,000 rainbow trout on Oct. 28. You must have a trout stamp to fish for and possess trout. Rainbow Trout - Good: Use small jigs, spinners, worms, or Powerbait products. The west end of the lake is usually most productive.



For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.



Red Haw Lake

Fishing pressure has slowed down. Try a chunk of nightcrawler for bluegills around structure in 6 to 12 feet of water.



Hawthorn Lake (aka Barnes City Lake)

The lake renovation work is complete. New fish habitat areas have been built along with some new jetties. The lake is full. Fingerlings were stocked in May.



Lake Sugema

Fishing has been slow. Try for crappies in 10 to 15 feet of water using wax worms or minnows. Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean your boat and trailer when leaving the lake.



Ottumwa Lagoon

Trout were stocked in mid October. Try using lures with a lot of flash like small spinners or small spoon baits.



Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 904.07 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 40s. Crappie fishing has been slow. Try areas with underwater structure in 10 to 15 feet of water using bobbers and minnows. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in sun).



For further fishing reports in south central Iowa call the Rathbun fish hatchery at 641-647-2406



SOUTHWEST

Don Williams Lake

Don Williams is currently 16 feet low and was recently chemically treated in an attempt to eliminate gizzard shad. There was some minor game fish mortality with the majority being bluegill and crappie. Good populations should exist for those interested in ice fishing this winter. The fish are safe to eat. Also, now is a good time to GPS some of the great habitat this lake has before it refills.



Lake Petoka

Brook Trout - Good: Plenty of brook trout remain to be caught. In-line spinners, prepared trout baits, wax worms, or small live minnows are all catching fish. There will be a through the ice stocking in late January.



Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake

Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The DNR stocked 2,200 rainbow trout on Nov. 18. Anglers were doing very well and quickly catching limits. Trout were being caught best using flashy spinners or trout paste baits under bobbers. Tipping the spinners with a little bit of crawler seemed to make the fish hit and hold longer for a hook set.



Banner Lake (south)

Rainbow Trout - Good: Good numbers of trout are present yet from the fall stocking for anglers looking for action before ice-up. Small, flashy in-line spinners are doing best.



Most anglers are patiently awaiting the ice fishing season. Reports will become more numerous when ice fishing begins. For more information on central Iowa lakes and rivers contact Ben Dodd or Andy Otting at 515-432-2823.