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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

Our 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.

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

July 2022 Fishing Report - summer catfish fishing, plus results of Iowa Walleye Challenge, great fishing at Clear Lake and Iowa State Fair aquarium updates

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

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
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Breezy. Temperatures ranging from mid 40's to teens. Look for smaller bodies of water to begin freezing. Ice not thick enough on larger waterbodies. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 12/01 09:04
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Few anglers out fishing. Ice beginning to form on backwaters. Impoundment remains open. 12/01 09:04
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Smallie bite variable. Try artificial lures or a lure tipped with a minnow. Find around rocky outcroppings or ledges. 12/01 09:04
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Walleye - Fair: Walleye bite steady taking artificial lures or a lure tipped with a minnow. Find fish in deeper water. 12/01 09:04
Decorah District Streams Northeast Breezy. Temperatures ranging from mid 40's to teens. Look for smaller bodies of water to begin freezing. Ice not thick enough on larger waterbodies. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 12/01 09:04
Decorah District Streams Northeast Staff would like to thank all our trout anglers and supporters for making 2022 catchable stream stocking season one of the best. Streams in good condition. Hunting seasons in full swing. First shotgun deer season opens Saturday through Wednesday. Be visible to hunters. 12/01 09:04
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brook Trout - Fair: Please avoid walking on small areas of freshly cleaned gravel. These are trout nests or redds. 12/01 09:04
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brown Trout - Fair: Walk carefully around freshly cleaned off gravel. These are trout nests or redds. Try using flies or lures imitating small minnows. 12/01 09:04
Decorah District Streams Northeast Rainbow Trout - Good: Community trout stockings continue. Check out our website https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Trout-Fishing to find out when and where. Fish along grassed edges, undercut banks, pools, and around boulders. 12/01 09:04
Lake Hendricks Northeast Bluegill - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Lake Hendricks Northeast Breezy. Temperatures ranging from mid 40's to teens. Look for smaller bodies of water to begin freezing. Ice not thick enough on larger waterbodies. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 12/01 09:04
Lake Hendricks Northeast Few anglers out as lake begins to freeze. About 2 inches of ice reported with open water by the aerator. Clarity about 3 ft. 12/01 09:04
Lake Hendricks Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Lake Hendricks Northeast Largemouth Bass - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Lake Meyer Northeast Breezy. Temperatures ranging from mid 40's to teens. Look for smaller bodies of water to begin freezing. Ice not thick enough on larger waterbodies. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 12/01 09:04
Lake Meyer Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Lake Meyer Northeast Bluegill - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Lake Meyer Northeast Few anglers out as anglers are transitioning from open to hard water fishing. Lake still has areas of open water. 12/01 09:04
Lake Meyer Northeast Largemouth Bass - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels are receding. Skim ice is forming on backwaters but it is not safe for ice fishing. Ramps are beginning to ice in. Boaters are advised to use caution on ramps. 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 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Bigger crappies are being caught on crappie minnows and hair jigs. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills have moved into backwater overwintering holes. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Sauger - Fair: Vertical jig with a minnow in the lock and dam tailwaters. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Walleye - Good: Bounce a jig and minnow off the bottom or try a crankbait rig in the tailwaters of lock and dam. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Water level at Lynxville is 613.5 feet and expected to recede next week. Water temp is in the 30's at Lynxville dam. Water clarity is good. Panfish have settled into backwaters with no current. Live minnows have been effective on a variety of species in the tailwaters of lock and dam. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch have been biting on a jig and a minnow. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels are receding. Skim ice is forming on backwaters but it is not safe for ice fishing. Ramps are beginning to ice in. Boaters are advised to use caution on ramps. 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 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Water level at Guttenberg is 5.3 feet and expected to recede next week. Water temperature is in the 30's with skim ice forming. Ice is not safe for ice fishing yet. Panfish have settled into backwaters for winter. Live minnows have been effective for a variety of species in the tailwaters of lock and dam. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Bigger crappies are being caught on crappie minnows and hair jigs. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills have moved into backwater overwintering holes. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Sauger - Good: Vertical jig with a minnow in the lock and dam tailwaters. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Walleye - Fair: Bounce a jig and minnow off the bottom or try a crankbait rig in the tailwaters of lock and dam. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch have been biting on a jig and a minnow. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Fishing conditions remain excellent on the Mississippi River and boat ramps are still open as of the start of December. Water levels have stabilized. The clarity is good. Please be mindful that the river is low, and people need to be careful not to back off the ends of boat ramps. Use the minimum amount of ramp to float boat and be careful to not damage prop. If you have angling questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast The water level at Lock and Dam 11 is at 5.3 feet and it is 7.9 feet at the RR bridge. Water temperature is around 34 degrees, and the water is clear. When River conditions are low, be careful not to back off the ends of the boat ramps. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: Nearly all the panfish are in backwater areas for the winter which are lakes with no flowing water and hopefully deep enough to not freeze to the bottom. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Sauger - Good: The bite for walleye and sauger has been up and down all year. One-eye jigs also have been very popular, but a simple jig and minnow is the lure of choice for many tailwater anglers. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Fishing conditions remain excellent on the Mississippi River and boat ramps are still open as of the start of December. Water levels have stabilized. The clarity is good. Please be mindful that the river is low, and people need to be careful not to back off the ends of boat ramps. Use the minimum amount of ramp to float boat and be careful to not damage prop. If you have angling questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast The water level at Lock and Dam 12 at Bellevue is at 5.0 feet and stable. Water clarity is excellent, and the water temperature around 33 degrees. The Bellevue Boat ramp is still open but be careful not to back off the ends of the boat ramps when water is this low. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Sauger - Good: Most anglers are using a simple jig and minnow or a one eye rig in the tailwaters. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: Nearly all the panfish are in backwater areas for the winter which are lakes with no flowing water and hopefully deep enough to not freeze to the bottom. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Rainbow Trout - Excellent: The Bellevue kid's trout pond is open and vegetation free now. It is a nice safe place to fish with kids on warmer winter days. Please remember to only keep two fish per child if you do plan to keep any. 12/01 09:05
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Fishing conditions remain excellent on the Mississippi River and boat ramps are still open as of the start of December. Water levels have stabilized. The clarity is good. Please be mindful that the river is low, and people need to be careful not to back off the ends of boat ramps. Use the minimum amount of ramp to float boat and be careful to not damage prop. If you have angling questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast The water level at Fulton is at 5.1 feet, 9.7 feet at Camanche and 4.5 feet at LeClaire. Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is near 33 degrees. When river conditions are this low, be careful not to back off the ends of the boat ramps. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Sauger - Good: Most anglers are fishing in the tailwaters with a jig and minnow rig. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: Nearly all the panfish are in backwater areas for the winter which are lakes with no flowing water and hopefully deep enough to not freeze to the bottom. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Fishing conditions remain excellent on the Mississippi River and boat ramps are still open as of the start of December. Water levels have stabilized. The clarity is good. Please be mindful that the river is low, and people need to be careful not to back off the ends of boat ramps. Use the minimum amount of ramp to float boat and be careful to not damage prop. If you have angling questions, please call the Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast The water level at Rock Island is at 5.2 feet. Water clarity is excellent and water temperature is 34. When River conditions are this low, be careful not to back off the ends of the boat ramps. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Walleye - No Report: Look for walleye and sauger in the tailwater areas. Anglers often use a simple jig and minnow rig. 12/01 08:51
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels are receding. Skim ice is forming on backwaters but it is not safe for ice fishing. Ramps are beginning to ice in. Boaters are advised to use caution on ramps. 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 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Water level at Lansing is 8.2 feet and is expected to remain steady this week. Water temperature is 34. Ice is not safe for ice fishing yet. Fishing has slowed below the locks and dams. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: Bigger crappies are being caught on crappie minnows and hair jigs. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Bluegill - No Report: Bluegills have moved into backwater overwintering holes. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Sauger - Slow: Vertical jig with a minnow in the lock and dam tailwaters. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Walleye - Slow: Bounce a jig and minnow off the bottom or try a crankbait rig in the tailwaters of lock and dam. 12/01 11:04
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Yellow Perch - No Report: Perch have been biting on a jig and a minnow. 12/01 11:04
Volga Lake Northeast Breezy. Temperatures ranging from mid 40's to teens. Look for smaller bodies of water to begin freezing. Ice not thick enough on larger waterbodies. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 12/01 09:04
Volga Lake Northeast Black Crappie - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Volga Lake Northeast Bluegill - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Volga Lake Northeast Few anglers out. Water clarity improving. Majority of lake remains open. Ice forming along edges. 12/01 09:04
Volga Lake Northeast Largemouth Bass - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Volga Lake Northeast Channel Catfish - No Report: 12/01 09:04
Blue Pit Northwest For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 12/01 08:31
Blue Pit Northwest Blue Pit was stocked with rainbow trout on November 22nd. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. 12/01 08:31
Blue Pit Northwest Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Use spinner baits and small jigs. 12/01 08:31
Clear Lake Northwest For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 12/01 08:31
Clear Lake Northwest Ice thickness is 0 to 4 inches. Ice fishing is not recommended. 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. 12/01 08:31
Clear Lake Northwest Walleye - No Report: 12/01 08:31
Clear Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - No Report: Try live bait and small jigs near vegetation. 12/01 08:31
Clear Lake Northwest Bluegill - No Report: 12/01 08:47
East Okoboji Lake Northwest Most small to medium area lakes have completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures which should steadily form ice. 12/01 09:09
East Okoboji Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow or tube jig and bobber. 12/01 09:09
East Okoboji Lake Northwest Bluegill - Fair: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. 12/01 09:09
East Okoboji Lake Northwest The lake is essentially completely iced over, but with only 1-2 inches. The water level is 10 inches below crest. 12/01 09:09
East Okoboji Lake Northwest Walleye - Fair: Try crawler harnesses, crank baits and minnows. 12/01 09:09
East Okoboji Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - Fair: Minnows have been working well, some sorting may be needed. 12/01 09:09
Lost Island Lake Northwest Most small to medium area lakes have completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures which should steadily form ice. 12/01 09:09
Lost Island Lake Northwest Walleye - Good: Try spinners, crankbaits and shallow shad raps. Evening bite has been getting better as the water cools. 12/01 09:09
Minnewashta Lake Northwest Most small to medium area lakes have completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures which should steadily form ice. 12/01 09:09
Minnewashta Lake Northwest Bluegill and crappie fishing has been good; some sorting may be needed. 12/01 09:09
Rice Lake Northwest For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. 12/01 08:31
Rice Lake Northwest Any water west of the North boat ramp is a waterfowl refuge and is closed to all activity from Sept. 1st through the final day of the duck season. 12/01 08:31
Rice Lake Northwest Bluegill - No Report: 12/01 08:31
Rice Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - No Report: 12/01 08:31
Silver Lake (Dickinson) Northwest Most small to medium area lakes have completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures which should steadily form ice. 12/01 09:09
Silver Lake (Dickinson) Northwest The walleye bite has picked up as water temperatures cool. 12/01 09:09
Silver Lake (Dickinson) Northwest Walleye - Good: Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps. 12/01 09:09
Spirit Lake Northwest Most small to medium area lakes have completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures which should steadily form ice. 12/01 09:09
Spirit Lake Northwest The lake is currently 14 inches below crest. The lake is almost entirely iced over, but with only an inch or two. The walleye season is currently open. 12/01 09:09
Spirit Lake Northwest Walleye - Good: Bite is hit-or-miss at dusk, but the day bite is improving. Many anglers have started to fish in shallower with slip bobbers along weed edges. Try spinners, crankbaits and long and shallow shad raps; try to find weed lines to troll or jig off of. 12/01 09:09
Spirit Lake Northwest Muskellunge - Good: Crank baits, buck tails and rubber baits. 12/01 09:09
Spirit Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - Good: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed. 12/01 09:09
West Okoboji Lake Northwest Most small to medium area lakes have completely frozen over. Most large lakes are at least partially frozen over. No lakes currently offer safe ice for ice fishing. Area lake levels are currently low. The extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures which should steadily form ice. 12/01 09:09
West Okoboji Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. 12/01 09:09
West Okoboji Lake Northwest Bluegill - Good: Try tube jigs, plastics or other small jigs. 12/01 09:09
West Okoboji Lake Northwest Walleye - Fair: Crawler harnesses, crank baits and minnows have been working well. 12/01 09:09
West Okoboji Lake Northwest Water temperature is in the mid 30s. A few bays are starting to form ice. The water level is 10 inches below crest. 12/01 09:09
West Okoboji Lake Northwest Yellow Perch - Fair: Try small jigs tipped with a minnow. Sorting may be needed. 12/01 09:09
Discovery Park Pond Southeast For more information on the above Lake and Rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Station at (319) 694-2430. 11/30 09:25
Discovery Park Pond Southeast Rainbow Trout - Good: Use worms or powerbait under a bobber or they are still hitting spinners as cold water doesn't bother the trout near as much as it does other fish. 11/30 09:25
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