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Iowa's Fishing Report

Sign up today for free weekly fishing information from Iowa’s fisheries experts. Learn the best hot spots and latest news about Iowa’s fishing opportunities from region to region. This weekly fishing forecast will be emailed directly to your inbox every Thursday!

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How to Read Our Weekly Iowa Fishing Report

DNR’s weekly fishing report is broken down by counties or regions – northwest, northeast, Mississippi river, southeast and southwest.

You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each region, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern.

Fishing reports may include information on stream or river flows (and if it is rising or dropping), ice conditions, depths that fish are biting (watch for trends if this changes), or safety issues like if the water suddenly becomes shallow in spots.

Fishing Podcasts

Each month, Jeff Kopaska of the Iowa DNR and Ross Peterson from KXnO Sports Fanatics get together to talk about fishing opportunities, seasons and events in Iowa and around the Midwest. They are often joined by other DNR staff and guest speakers.

The links below are the podcast recordings of their conversations, and can also be found on the iHeartRadio app.

2023 Podcast Links

January 2023 Fishing Report - ice fishing tips and safety, winter community trout stockings and fish stocking requests and data

February 2023 Fishing Report - tips for getting your gear ready for spring fishing, Mid Iowa Bassmasters Fishermen's Swap Meet, Iowa Walleye Challenge and new state record orangespotted sunfish

March 2023 Fishing Report -  spring community trout stockings, Iowa Walleye Challenge, Hook n" Paddle Passport, early season river fishing for walleyes and lake fishing for ice-out catfish

April 2023 Fishing Report - AJ Winter, Iowa DNR Outdoor Skills Specialist joins us to preview spring outdoor activities, plus trout stocking and walleye gillnetting

May 2023 Fishing Report - Clear Lake fishing, shovelnose sturgeon sampling, Iowa Wallaye Challenge local prizes and Hook n' Paddle Passport launch

June 2023 Fishing Report - Free Fishing Weekend, fishing community ponds, tips for kayak fishing

July 2023 Fishing Report - local angler, Richared Grimes joins us to talk about the Iowa Walleye Challenge, plus Des Moines area community fishing spots and the Hook n' Paddle Passport 

August 2023 Fishing Report - we answer questions posed by some central Iowa listeners, plus trout fishing and the Iowa State Fair

September 2023 Fishing Report - Chad Dolan, Iowa DNR fisheries biologist joins us with an update on the Lake Geode restoration project, plus fall fish stockings

December 2023 Fishing Report - 2024 Midwest Walleye Challenge preview, plus fishing Christmas gift ideas

February 2022 Fishing Report - Zak Slagle from the Ohio DNR joins us to talk about walleye populations, fishing and surveys at Lake Erie; plus plans for the Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference hosted by Iowa DNR is Des Moines mid-February

March 2022 Fishing Report - Ben Neely, Kansas fishery biologist joins us to talk about a recent research project to determine if live scope sonar technology leads to anglers catching more/bigger fish; plus spring community trout stockings

April 2022 Fishing Report - new state record smallmouth buffalo, plus tips for catching trout in community fishing ponds and annual walleye gillnetting efforts

June 2022 Fishing Report - fishing tips and hotspots, plus sturgeon sampling on the Cedar River, Free Fishing Weekend and Iowa Walleye Challenge

August 2022 Fishing Report - live from the Iowa State Fair; stop by the aquarim in the DNR building to see fish from across Iowa; plus local fishing information 

September 2022 Fishing Report - new community fishing ponds, fishing sampling and fishing tournaments 

October 2022 Fishing Report - fish diet research, fishing tournaments and the big walleye controversy on Lake Erie; plus fall fishing tips

November 2022 Fishing Report - Mike Siepker joins us to talk trout - stockings, spawning, management and more

December 2022 Fishing Report - Hank Kholer joins us to talk about his One4Water trip and new book; plus ice fishing season preview

January 2021 Fishing Report - Kevan Paul joins us to talk about ice fishing on Clear Lake

February 2021 Fishing Report - fishing in community ponds, plus hybrid striped bass in Big Creek, and the hot yellow perch bite at Clear Lake

March 2021 Fishing Report - Corey Goldsworthy from the Minnesota DNR joins us to talk about the fishing options at Lake Superior, plus ice-out catfishing

April 2021 Fishing Report - Jay Rudacille, Iowa DNR Warm and Coolwater Fish Culture Supervisor, joins us to talk about the annual spring walleye collection, production and stocking, plus spring community trout stockings and fun fishing stories

May 2021 Fishing Report - Hank Kohler joins us to talk about his upcoming paddling trip from central Minnesota down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico to make people aware of and seek donations for clean water projects

July 2021 Fishing Report - Fish Local Community Fishing Program and river catfishing tips, plus trout stream sampling

September 2021 Fishing Report - freshwater drum fishing on the Mississippi River, plus drift fishing for crappie and recap of Iowa State Fair aquarium and courtyard presentations

October 2021 Fishing Report - fall fishing tips, plus fall community trout stockings annouced again this year and upcoming trout angler survey

December 2021 Fishing Report - Eric Brinkman, asssistant chief of aquatic conservation in Arkansas, joins us to talk about managing alligator gar in the Red River; plus the Iowa Urban Trout Challenge on urban/community trout locations through December 31, 2021.

Iowa Fishing Report

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Waterbody District Comments Date
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) Northeast Construction is ongoing at Casey Lake in Hickory Hills Park. The lake will remain drained during summer of 2024. 05/16 11:37
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast The Cedar River in Black Hawk County is currently experiencing high flows but it has been falling since May 12. Fishing is fair and improving. 05/16 08:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Walleye - Fair: Jigs and live bait rigs are a good choice during higher flow 05/16 08:47
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Use jigs near structure 05/16 08:48
George Wyth Lake Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
George Wyth Lake Northeast George Wyth Lake remains low, but has slowly increasing water levels. 05/16 08:34
George Wyth Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are moving nearshore on warm days. Sorting will be required for keeper-sized fish. 05/16 08:36
George Wyth Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Good: The crappie are nearshore for spawning. Fish near woody structure or rocks for best results. 05/16 08:37
George Wyth Lake Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: George Wyth has a population of quality-sized largemouth bass that are currently using nearshore structure. 05/16 08:39
Green Belt Lake Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Green Belt Lake Northeast Good walk-in access, no boat ramp 05/16 11:17
Green Belt Lake Northeast Bluegill - Good: small hooks and small bait near shore 05/16 11:18
Green Belt Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Small jigs near structure are the best choice 05/16 11:19
Lake Delhi Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Lake Delhi Northeast Crappie fishing has been good with a few bass and bluegill mixed in. Fish early or on weekdays for less boat traffic. 05/16 08:53
Lake Delhi Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Small jigs are the best option right now. 05/16 08:54
Lake Delhi Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: 05/16 08:54
Lake Delhi Northeast Bluegill - Fair: 05/16 08:54
Manchester District Streams Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Manchester District Streams Northeast Trout Streams are in good to excellent condition in the southern half of the trout region. Plants are growing fast so boots and pants are recommended for access. 05/16 09:02
Manchester District Streams Northeast Brown Trout - Good: Best bite early and late 05/16 09:02
Manchester District Streams Northeast Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Rainbow trout are stocked from April - October and provide consistent fishing opportunity with live bait, spinners, or jigs 05/16 09:04
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast The Maquoketa River is in good fishing condition with a slowly falling river level in Jones and Delaware County since May 11. 05/16 08:56
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Good: Fish around structure in the channel near current 05/16 08:57
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast Walleye - Fair: A variety of presentations are working including crankbaits, jigs, and live bait rigs 05/16 08:58
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Crappie fishing has slowed but remains fair 05/16 08:59
Martens Lake Northeast Fishing is currently good to excellent in the Manchester District for a variety of species including bass, crappie, and trout. Contact the Manchester Fish Hatchery at 563-927-3276 for additional information. 05/16 08:32
Martens Lake Northeast Construction at Martens Lake is wrapping-up. The lake will remain drained through summer of 2024 as bank vegetation is established. Expect water to return during early fall of 2024 05/16 11:35
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels have crested and predicted to continue falling. Water temperature is in the upper 60's. Water clarity is improving and a variety of species are biting. Fish are scattered with high water. Search for areas with moderate to no current. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Water level at the tailwater at Lynxville is 620.6 feet and is predicted to gradually fall to 19 feet. Water temp at Lock & Dam 9 in Lynxville is 68 degrees. The boat ramp at Sny Magill is closed due to high water. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Sauger - No Report: 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Walleye - Slow: Tailwater fishing has tapered off. Jigs tipped with a minnow or crawlers on three-way rigs along side channel or closing dams. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting on live minnows and crawlers along weed-lines in about 6 feet of water. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth are biting in areas with moderate current. Cast spinners and crankbaits along main channel rock shorelines or at the spillway. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have moved into the shallows to spawn. Use light tackle fished close to shore in cover. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler off the bottom along main channel and side channel current. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast frog baits along weed edges in upper portions of backwaters 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Flathead Catfish - Good: Look for the flathead to start feeding as they gear up for the summer spawn. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast White Bass - Fair: Throw inline spinners along current breaks for white bass action. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels have crested and predicted to continue falling. Water temperature is in the upper 60's. Water clarity is improving and a variety of species are biting. Fish are scattered with high water. Search for areas with moderate to no current. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Water level at Guttenberg has risen near 11.8 feet in the tailwaters and is expected to gradually fall to near 10 feet week. Water clarity is improving and temperature is 67 degrees. Due to the lock gates being up, tailwater fishing at the Lock & Dam has been a challenge with more turbulence. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting on live minnows and crawlers along weed-lines in about 6 feet of water. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers or cut-bait 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Sauger - No Report: 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Walleye - Fair: Tailwater fishing has tapered off. Jigs tipped with a minnow or crawlers on three-way rigs along side channel or closing dams. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have moved into the shallows to spawn. Use light tackle fished close to shore in cover. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast frog baits along weed edges in upper portions of backwaters 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth are biting in areas with moderate current. Cast spinners and crankbaits along main channel rock shorelines. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Flathead Catfish - Good: Look for the flathead to start feeding as they gear up for the summer spawn. Fish live bluegill or shiners in the tailwater. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler off the bottom along main channel and side channel current. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast White Bass - Fair: Throw inline spinners along current breaks for white bass action. 05/15 08:20
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast The river has maybe hit it peak? and should begin to recede soon, so take some time and enjoy the bounty the Mississippi River has to offer. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast The river is peaking at Dubuque with the level at Lock and Dam 11 near 11.9 feet and 13.9 feet at the RR bridge. Water temperature is around 67, and the water clarity is fair. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Some pike have been reported biting on minnow imitation lures and the bite for them has indeed picked up. Try gaudy white spinners. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Sauger - Slow: It was an off and on Spring for walleyes and sauger. Usually not a lot of big fish being caught but many small fish which bodes well into the future. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Even with the river coming up the bite for crappie has been consistent. Not always fast but try a bobber and minnow and experiment with moving the minnow around and dead sticking it without movement. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Yellow Perch - Good: Some perch are being picked up incidentally when bluegill fishing. Try to set a pole out with a small worm on the bottom and leave it set, see if a perch will pick it up. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Bluegill - Good: Gills can be caught on a bobber and worm rig in the rising backwater areas. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Shovelnose sturgeon - Fair: Some shovelnose sturgeon are being reported on worms in the Dubuque tailwaters. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Fish Drum in areas of modest current using an egg sinker worm rig. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Bass fishing has taken off with anglers concentrating near backwater shorelines as they prepare to spawn. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try using crawlers or prepared bait around woody structure and moderate current. 05/16 10:20
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast The river has maybe hit it peak? and should begin to recede soon, so take some time and enjoy the bounty the Mississippi River has to offer. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast The water level in Pool 13 is peaking and is near 12.7 feet at Bellevue. Water clarity is fair and the water temperature is around 67 degrees. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Rainbow Trout - Fair: The last days of fishing the kids trout pond are here as the pond is starting to be choked out with weeds. The pond will be restocked this fall after it all clears up. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Walleye - Slow: Walleye usually bite poorly after they are done spawning for a few weeks. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try using crawlers or prepared bait around woody structure and moderate current. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is now closed for the year. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Some reports of yellow perch being caught on worm rigs in the backwater lakes or even small tributary streams. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Bobber and minnow set to around a foot or a foot and half, fished in the rising backwater lakes. Action not always fast but quality fish can be had with patience. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Bluegill - Good: Bluegills are starting to bite well and can be caught on worm rigs. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Brown Bullhead - Good: Bullhead bite in the lower Pool 13 can be real good with most people catching Black and Brown Bullhead and egg sinker and worm rigs. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Pike have been reported hitting on minnow imitation lures. Some real nice pike over 30 inches are being reported. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Fish Drum in areas of modest current using an egg sinker worm rig. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: The bite for Largemouth bass is also picking up nicely with anglers using small jigs and spinners. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Good: Look for feeding smallmouth on rocky habitats with good flows. Wingdams and day markers provide excellent habitat for this species. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast The river has maybe hit it peak? and should begin to recede soon, so take some time and enjoy the bounty the Mississippi River has to offer. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast The water level is peaking at Fulton, and is near 12.3 feet, 14.7 feet at Camanche and 8.9 feet at LeClair. Weter clarity is fair and temperature is around 67 degrees. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Black Crappie - Good: A few Black Crappie are being caught on wood in deeper backwater lakes. Bite should return after water warms 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Channel Catfish - Excellent: Try using crawlers or prepared bait around woody structure and moderate current. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Paddlefish - No Report: Paddlefish season is now closed for the year. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Good: Look for feeding smallmouth on rocky habitats with good flows. Wingdams and day markers provide excellent habitat for this species. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Walleye - Slow: The bite has been tough as usual during the spawning season. Cold windy weather just does not help either. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Bluegill - Good: Lots of reports of smallish bluegills being caught in backwater lakes. Some very nice fish are mixed in with smaller ones! 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Excellent: The drum bite is now on. Use a simple egg sinker and worm rig for the best action. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Excellent: Bass have moved along the shorelines in backwater areas and have been easily targeted with a variety of lures and natural baits. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast The river has maybe hit it peak? and should begin to recede soon, so take some time and enjoy the bounty the Mississippi River has to offer. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast The water level at Rock Island is peaking and near 12.8 feet. Water clarity is fair and water temperature is around 67 degrees. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Fish a worm or catfish bait in the shallows as the water rises. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Excellent: A worm and sinker rig is the best tools to use to catch abundant drum. Try fishing current eddies or areas of modest current for best results. 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Sauger - No Report: 05/16 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels have crested and predicted to continue falling. Water temperature is in the upper 60's. Water clarity is improving and a variety of species are biting. Fish are scattered with high water. Search for areas with moderate to no current. 05/15 08:20
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Iowa Fishing Report

Fishing Report System
This system allows you to view the current full fishing report, updated in real time! Search the report by location, specific fish, conditions or by water body.

January 2024 Fishing Report - 2024 fishing season preview and ice fishing safety

February 2024 Fishing Report - Gary Siegworth joins us to share highlights of his fisheries career with Iowa DNR, plus trout stockings and local events

March 2024 Fishing Report - we have our own March Madness fun with Iowa's Sweet 16 most fished for species bracket, plus an early spring fishing preview and tips

April 2024 Fishing Report - it's walleye spawning seasoning, plus community trout stockings and the Iowa Walleye Challenge

May 2024 Fishing Report - spring fishing preview, plus Outdoor Day with the Iowa Cubs and Iowa Walleye Challenge updates