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Iowa Fishing Report
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Waterbody District Comments Date
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Levels stabilizing with excellent clarity. Anglers seeing a nice variety of fish in the creel. 04/17 12:29
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Use dead chubs fished in the impoundments or slack water areas. Keep bait on river bottom. 04/17 12:29
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Walleye - Good: Try a jig tipped a minnow or plastic tails for best luck. 04/17 12:29
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are hitting spoons, crankbaits, and hooks tipped with dead chubs below dams and slack water areas. 04/17 12:29
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Fair: Smallies are beginning to show up. Use crankbaits for best luck. 04/17 12:29
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Reports have only been fair for walleye and and channel catfish. Smallmouth bass and northern pike have been hitting well on warmer days. 04/18 09:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or night crawler. 04/18 09:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers have been doing well on catfish using cutbaits fished on the bottom. 04/18 09:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting and retrieving large artificial baits or spoons for pike. Also floating a live shiner or chub under a bobber is productive for pike. 04/18 09:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Good: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or night crawler. Try artificial spinnerbaits also for some good smallmouth bass action. 04/18 09:46
Decorah District Streams Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brook Trout - Good: Midges hatching on sunny afternoons. If trout chasing minnows at tails of riffles, try using a streamer or minnow imitating lure. 04/17 12:29
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brown Trout - Good: Nice blue wing olive and a few minor caddis flies hatching mid-afternoon. Fish hitting just below surface. Nymph fishing might work best for these fish. 04/17 12:29
Decorah District Streams Northeast Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use a minnow or worm under a bobber for best luck. Also try a leach pattern. 04/17 12:29
Decorah District Streams Northeast Trout streams are in good condition. Many gravel roads remain in rough shape. Watch for soft spots especially in parking lots. Trucks stocking as many spots as possible. Call the trout stocking number at 563.927.5736 or check out the 2019 calendar at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Trout-Fishing. 04/17 12:29
George Wyth Lake Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
George Wyth Lake Northeast Anglers have had good success on northern pike in George Wyth Lake. 04/18 10:20
George Wyth Lake Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Cast artificial baits or spoons for some good northern pike action. 04/18 10:21
Green Belt Lake Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
Green Belt Lake Northeast Anglers have been catching largemouth bass on Greenbelt Lake. 04/18 10:17
Green Belt Lake Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Crankbaits and spinner baits are good artificial lures to try as well. 04/18 10:18
Lake Hendricks Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
Lake Hendricks Northeast The lake currently has a brown tint to it. Fishing shallow bays and along rocky shorelines. Fish will be in these areas later in the day. 04/17 12:29
Lake Hendricks Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Use a hook tipped with a minnow under a bobber near brush piles or sunny shoreline. 04/17 12:29
Lake Hendricks Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Use a small hook tipped with a small piece of worm or left over waxies under a bobber. 04/17 12:29
Lake Hendricks Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Jigs tipped with plastic twistertail or jerkbait will catch a hungry bass. 04/17 12:29
Lake Hendricks Northeast Channel Catfish - Fair: Catfish were around the rocky shorelines with wind blown material. Use a jig tipped with nightcrawler. 04/17 12:36
Lake Meyer Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
Lake Meyer Northeast Anglers catching a variety of fish. Catch rates vary with changing weather patterns. Clarity about 5 ft. water temperature is mid 50. 04/17 12:29
Lake Meyer Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Fish shallow, rocky shoreline using small plastic lures or hair jigs. 04/17 12:29
Lake Meyer Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Use small jigs tipped with small piece of worm around brush or logs in the water. 04/17 12:29
Lake Meyer Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Crankbaits or jerkbaits are working well for bass. 04/17 12:29
Lake Meyer Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Pike are in the shallows spawning now. Swimbaits, spoons, or a hook baited with a minnow will catch a spawning pike. 04/17 12:29
Manchester District Streams Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
Manchester District Streams Northeast Manchester trout streams remain in excellent condition but access to some are in sloppy condition. Richmond Springs in Backbone State Park can be accessed through the north entrance only. 04/18 09:46
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast There have been reports of walleye being caught on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County. 04/18 09:46
Maquoketa River (above Monticello) Northeast Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or night crawler. 04/18 09:46
Martens Lake Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
Martens Lake Northeast Anglers have been catching a few crappie in the canal at Sweet Marsh. 04/18 09:46
Martens Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try casting and retrieving various colored tube jigs or floating a crappie minnow under a slip bobber for some crappie action. 04/18 09:46
Martens Lake Northeast White Crappie - Fair: Try casting and retrieving various colored tube jigs or floating a crappie minnow under a slip bobber for some crappie action. 04/18 09:46
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Upper Mississippi river levels are on the rise again this week. Due to flooding, navigation is not recommended. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced and temperature is near 46°F. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Largemouth Bass - No Report: 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning and bite has slowed 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast River level is 25.2 ft at Lynxville and expected to reach 27 ft next week. Water temperature is 46°F. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Sauger - Fair: Fish close to shore in flooded areas using small jigs tipped with minnows. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish light tackle tipped with minnows near shore along marina areas. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Upper Mississippi river levels are on the rise again this week. Due to flooding, navigation is not recommended. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced and temperature is near 46°F. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Largemouth Bass - No Report: 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning and bite has slowed 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast River level is 17.1 ft at Guttenberg and expected to rise again to 19.3 ft next week. Water temperature is 44°F. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Sauger - Fair: Fish close to shore in flooded areas using small jigs tipped with minnows. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Walleye - Fair: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish light tackle tipped with minnows near shore along marina areas. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Please note that most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding, check ahead if traveling to a boat ramp. Water levels have crested and holding steady in moderate flood levels throughout the district. If you have fishing questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station, 563-872-4976. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Water levels are holding steady at moderate flood levels. Levels are at 19.2 feet at the Dubuque Lock and Dam and 20.8 feet at the RR bridge. Water clarity is good and temperature is 44 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded or have debris on them. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Sauger - Good: Anglers are using jig and minnows. Fishing was good even though water was flooding. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to begin feeding heavily now they are nearly done spawning. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Please note that most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding, check ahead if traveling to a boat ramp. Water levels have crested and holding steady in moderate flood levels throughout the district. If you have fishing questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station, 563-872-4976. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Please note that as of April 17th, the Bellevue City Boat ramp is temporarily closed due to flooding. Water levels are at 18.6 at Lock and Dam 12 and holding steady. This level is still in moderate flood stage. Water clarity is good and the water temperature is 45 degrees. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Sauger - Good: Use a three way rig with minnows or a jig and minnow to catch walleye and sauger. They are generally very tight to the bank in high water levels. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Northern Pike - No Report: Expect northern pike to begin feeding heavily now they are nearly done spawning. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Please note that most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding, check ahead if traveling to a boat ramp. Water levels have crested and holding steady in moderate flood levels throughout the district. If you have fishing questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station, 563-872-4976. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Water levels are holding somewhat steady near 19.1 feet at Fulton Lock and Dam, 20.3 feet at Camanche and 13.6 feet at LeClaire. These are at moderate flood levels. Water clarity is good and water temperature is around 45 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Sauger - Good: If you can find a launch spot, sauger and walleye are being caught on Jig and Minnows fishing very close to the bank. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Please note that most boat ramps are closed due to the flooding, check ahead if traveling to a boat ramp. Water levels have crested and holding steady in moderate flood levels throughout the district. If you have fishing questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Station, 563-872-4976. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Water levels are at 19. feet and may recede slight. This level is still at a major flood threat. Water clarity is fair and the water temperature is around 45 degrees. Most boat ramps are flooded. 04/12 04:00
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Northern pike are spawning and bite has slowed 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast River level is 15..2 ft at Lansing and expected to reach 16.4 ft. Water temperature is 46°F. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Upper Mississippi river levels are on the rise again this week. Due to flooding, navigation is not recommended. Boaters should operate at no wake speed to reduce damage to shorelines and flooded structures. Most boat ramps are under water. Water clarity is reduced and temperature is near 46°F. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Largemouth Bass - No Report: 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Sauger - Fair: Fish close to shore in flooded areas using small jigs tipped with minnows. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Walleye - Good: Fish with three-way rigs tipped with a minnow below the dam. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Fish light tackle tipped with minnows near shore along marina areas. 04/18 11:55
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the flooded trees with light tackle. 04/18 11:59
North Prairie Lake Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
North Prairie Lake Northeast Anglers have been doing well in catching trout as it was stocked last Saturday. 04/18 10:23
North Prairie Lake Northeast Rainbow Trout - Good: Try casting and retrieving flashy artificial lures or jigs for trout. 04/18 10:24
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast Anglers have been catching walleye and northern pike on the Shell Rock River. 04/18 09:46
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast Walleye - Fair: Cast and retrieve jigs with plastics tipped with a minnow or night crawler. 04/18 09:46
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Try casting and retrieving large artificial baits or spoons for pike. Also floating a live shiner or chub under a bobber is productive for pike. 04/18 10:02
South Prairie Lake Northeast There have been good reports on the interior rivers of anglers catching walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. The forecast is calling for rain next couple of days so may want to check river levels for the upcoming weekend. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for further information contact the N.E. District Office at 563-927-3276. 04/18 09:46
South Prairie Lake Northeast Reports are bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are moving shallow as temperatures increase. Anglers are doing fair on all species. 04/18 10:26
South Prairie Lake Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: Cast topwater baits early morning or late evening. Crankbaits and spinner baits are good artificial lures to try as well. 04/18 10:27
South Prairie Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Try fishing a small piece of nightcrawler under a slip bobber at various depths to locate bluegill. 04/18 10:28
South Prairie Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try casting colored tube jigs or floating a crappie minnow under a slip bobber for crappie. 04/18 10:30
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Walleye - Good: Fish the slack water areas below dams with a jig tipped with minnow or shallow water crankbait. 04/17 12:29
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Water levels and flows stabilizing. Clarity excellent. 04/17 12:29
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast White Sucker - Good: Use a worm fished off the bottom for best luck. As water warms in the 50's, suckers become more active. 04/17 12:29
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Flows remain elevated but levels are stabilizing. Clarity excellent. Find water level information at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ia/nwis/rt. 04/17 12:29
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Walleye - Good: A variety of lures will catch a walleye. Fish slack water below dams or off-channel areas for best luck. 04/17 12:29
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast White Sucker - Excellent: Suckers biting. Use worm fished on bottom. Use a bit more weight to keep line down due to elevated flows. 04/17 12:29
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Good reports of fish biting throughout the district. Storms through Thursday with temperatures 60's and breezy. Area streams and rivers water levels relatively stable with excellent clarity. For more information, please call 563.382. 8324. 04/17 12:29
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