05-19-2004, 04:35 AM
[size 3]Northeast Iowa Fishing Forecast[/size] [size 3]![[Image: nemap.gif]](http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/images/nemap.gif)
[/size]
[url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#northern"][#800080]Northern Pike[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#smallmouth"][#800080]Smallmouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#trout"][#800080]Trout[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] .
TOP SURPRISE FROM LAST YEAR:
Bass Fishing on the Mississippi River - One year ago, anglers and biologists alike were very concerned about the future of largemouth bass fishing on the “Big River”. Anglers were catching and biologists were sampling significant numbers of bass, primarily largemouths, late last fall and winter that had large, red, open sores at various locations on their bodies. Quite frankly, infected fish looked bad with a capital B. Lab tests confirmed that the sores were caused by bacterial infections, but some bass also tested positive for Largemouth Bass Virus, an exotic virus that has shown up in several waters around the country. Would all infected bass die? Would this huge bass population crash? Would it spread all up and down the river? Would it spread to other species? Would it spread to inland waters? These were questions for which there were no reliable answers. However, some of our worst fears subsided as both bass fishing success and the average size of fish caught were both excellent during 2003. While many anglers release all the bass they catch, those who keep legal-size bass longer than 14 inches on the Mississippi intended for the table need not fear bodily harm. While it is not recommended to keep and eat obviously infected or sick fish, there are no known diseases of fish that can harm humans as long as the flesh is cooked.
BEST HUNCH FOR THIS YEAR:
Meyers Lake (Black Hawk) - This 26-acre lake located adjacent to Highway 20 in the City of Evansdale is definitely on the rebound after a severe winterkill in 2000-2001 forced a complete lake renovation and fish restocking. Seven-inch bluegills, 8-inch crappies and 14-inch channel catfish were all abundant in surveys conducted last fall. Largemouth bass will be 12-14 inches and provide some excellent catch-and-release action (15-inch minimum length limit), and if you are looking for a place to catch a mess of nice bullheads , Meyers Lake is a good choice for 2004.
BEST PLACE TO SPEND TIME WITH THE FAMILY:
Volga River Recreation Area (Fayette) - This 5,400-acre state recreation area is an excellent family fishing destination. Located four miles north of Fayette just off Highway 150, this area is a beautiful combination of lake and streams, hills and valleys, timber and prairie, bustling recreation activity and quiet solitude. The 135-acre Volga Lake has good fishing for bluegills and crappies and has lots of channel catfish including some real lunkers. There's easy shoreline access including a floating fishing pier, and sidewalk access for fishing off the dam as well as a jetty on the dam. Excellent boat ramps and courtesy dock are available for no-wake boating. Also meandering through the area is the Volga River, a small rocky river that harbors many feisty smallmouth bass and is best fished by wading. The non-modern campground has 42 non-electric campsites. There are miles of nature, bridle, biking and snowmobile trails. Wildlife abound and is excellent for deer and turkey hunting. Rumor has it that the elusive morel mushroom can be found in abundance in early spring (but, shhh…. please don't tell anybody)! For a change of pace, try fishing one of the five stocked trout streams that are located less than 20 minutes away.
HIDDEN JEWEL:
Little Turkey River (Delaware) - This trout stream is located in a 480-acre state wildlife area 2-miles east of Colesburg just off Voyager Road. This remote timbered valley is a real gem. Extensive stream habitat improvement projects over recent years have significantly benefited this trout stream. Stocked twice a month, primarily with ½-pound brown trout but with a few brook and rainbows mixed in, on an un-announced basis, this stream will get you away from the crowds. As an added bounce, the brown trout fingerling stockings have produced a population of stream-reared browns that will test your trout fishing skills. As with all state wildlife management areas, primitive pack-in camping is allowed so spend a few days to fully enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a bubbling trout stream flowing through beautiful timbered hills and valley.
MOST OVERLOOKED:
Drum and Catfish Fishing on the Mississippi River - Mention Mississippi River and most anglers think about walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, northern pike and smallmouth bass; but, a couple of species are possibly more numerous combined than any of the above - freshwater drum (also known as sheepshead) and channel catfish. With drum and catfish, you don't have to worry about minimum size limits, bag limits and possession limits, 'cause there ain't none! The only things to worry about are, “Do I have enough bait?”, “How many do want to clean?” and “How much room do I have in the freezer?” Nor do you have to worry about having fancy gear and bunch of high-priced lures. Even though both species are legally harvested by commercial fishermen, their populations have remained very strong. Drum are probably increasing due to the recent infestation of the exotic zebra mussels on which drum readily feed. There are several strong year classes of channel catfish entering the fishery and angling success should be very good for many years to come. Both are bottom feeders, attain large sizes and are very strong fighters. A rod with some backbone, strong line and either bait-casting or larger spinning reels with good drag systems are recommended. Nightcrawlers and crayfish (live or just the tails) work very good for both. Use big crayfish if you want to target big drum. Dip baits and stink baits work best on catfish during the warmest months. Get the bait right on the bottom on the main channel borders or in the side channels. Always fish where there's current. The best eating of both species are from those weighing under 2-1/2 pounds. For drum, it's important to place them immediately on ice and trim away any reddish meat from the fillets. The next time you're feeding deep-fried drum to friends or family, ask them what species they think they are eating and you'll be surprised how many times you will hear the reply, “Walleyes!”.
[/url]Bluegill The weeks just before and after the spawn (around 75oF) are the best for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blg-card.html"][#0000ff]bluegills[/#0000ff][/url]. The males are aggressive in guarding their nests and will attack small baits and lures entering their space. Mid-summer months are also productive, but in the deeper water areas with structure. During the lowest flow conditions in summer, the Mississippi River wingdams frequently produce lots of big "gills". The first few weeks after ice-up is another peak time for some of the biggest bluegills of the year.
Lake or stream County Comments Casey Tama Abundant 7 to 9 inch bluegills. Universally accessible area Mississippi River Pools 9-14 Moore 6 - 8 inch gill than in the past. Plainfield Bremer Bluegill have reached 7 inches in this new borrow lake.[/b] Volga Fayette Consistently produces 6 to 8 inch gills. Universally accessible area. Hendricks Howard Quality angling for gills up to 8 inches.[/b]
[/url]Channel Catfish As soon as the ice goes out, [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/ccf-card.html"][#0000ff]catfish[/#0000ff][/url] go on a feeding binge on fish that have died over the winter. Fishing with cut-bait or dead minnows, at this time, is often excellent. Catfishing is frequently excellent on a rising river. The summer and early fall period of low and stable river flows is also a favored time for fishing cats.
Lake or stream County Comments Avenue of the Saints Lake Bremer A lots of 15 to 17 inch fish; good for shore fishing. South Prairie Black Hawk Abundant 15 - 21 inch catfish are available with some over 5 pounds; universally accessible area Maquoketa River Delaware, Jones, Jackson Good populations of fish from Manchester downstream to the confluence of the Mississippi River. Mississippi River Pools 9-15 Population numbers continue to increase; many year classes are present. Shell Rock River Butler & Floyd Good numbers of 14 to 20 inch fish. Turkey River Clayton Anywhere below Elkader; flathead catfish also occasionally caught. Volga Fayette Excellent population of cats over 20 inches.[/b] Meyers Lake Black Hawk Excellent numbers of 14 to 17 inch fish. Casey Lake Tama Monster size (> 10 pounds)catfish. Cedar River Mitchell, Floyd, Chickasaw, Bremer & Black Hawk Excellent catfishing river.
[/url]Crappie Like their cousin the bluegill, male [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url] become very aggressive during the prespawn and spawning period (58-68oF), normally in May. The cooler fall months can also be very good. Again, like the bluegill, the early ice fishing period is an excellent time for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/whc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url] as well.
Lake or stream County Comments Delhi Delaware 9 inch fish are abundant. Meyers Black Hawk 8 inchers are abundant. Mississippi River Pools 9-14 Lots of 9 to 11 inch fish are present, some up to 15 inches. Volga Fayette The face of the dam is the hotspot in late spring. Handicapped accessible area Hendricks Howard Good numbers of 9 -11 inch fish are present
[/url]Largemouth Bass By far, the most productive period for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/lmb-card.html"][#0000ff]largemouth bass[/#0000ff][/url] is the prespawn when the water temperatures range from 55 to 62oF and the fish are actively feeding in shallow water. The fall months, from mid-September to when the water cools to about 50oF are also good. The bass are shallow and stocking up on forage for the winter months.
Lake or Stream County Comments George Wyth Black Hawk Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are available. Universally accessible area Mitchell Lake Black Hawk Good numbers of 15 to 17 inch bass present. Mississippi River Pools 9-13 Largest numbers of bass present, anywhere in Iowa. Meyer Winneshiek A good quality bass population. South Prairie Black Hawk Abundant numbers of 12-17 inchers present, 18-inch minimum size limit. Universally accessible area
[/url]Northern Pike The hot months of July and August are often the best for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/nop-card.html"][#0000ff]northern pike[/#0000ff][/url]. Big bobber fishing with a live chub in the deeper backwater areas is very effective. During these hot summer months, also seek out areas where cooler spring flows or a trout stream enters larger, pike holding rivers. These cooler waters are a true magnet for northerns at this time.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 9-13 Most fish are 3 to 5 pounds in weight with some pushing 15 pounds. Meyer Winneshiek All sizes of pike are present with some over 30 inches. Wapsipinicon Buchanan, Black Hawk, Bremer Good population of fish with some 15 pounders available.
[/url]Smallmouth Bass When the streams are clear enough, the prespawn period from 50-60oF is an excellent time for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/smb-card.html"][#0000ff]smallmouth bass[/#0000ff][/url] fishing. The clear and stable water conditions of fall also result in good smallmouth angling, often with good action continuing right into November.
Lake or stream County Comments Cedar River Bremer, Black Hawk Best habitat and bass numbers are downstream from Waverly and Waterloo. Cedar River Mitchell & Floyd Good populations, especially downstream of St. Ansgar dam. Maquoketa River Delaware Catch-and-release area below the Lake Delhi dam, lots of big fish. Maquoketa River Jones & Jackson Good numbers of 15 and 16 inch fish. Mississippi River Pools 9-11 A growing population, many 12 to 17 inchers; fish around rocks with a swift current. Shell Rock River Butler and Bremer Good population from Greene to the Cedar River. Turkey River Fayette Very good numbers of all sizes. Upper Iowa River Howard & Winneshiek Most scenic river in Iowa; catch-and-release area from Decorah to the Upper Dam. Volga River Clayton & Fayette Small stream suitable for wader fishing and in a very scenic valley. Wapsipinicon River Buchanan Best population of smallies downstream of Littleton. Universally accessible area
[/url]Trout The [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/troutfam.html"][#0000ff]trout[/#0000ff][/url] streams are generally good throughout the April-November [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/stockrep/trout.html"][#800080]stocking season[/#800080][/url]. The fall months are particularly good as angling pressure and streamside disturbance are reduced. An excellent time to fish the stream-reared trout populations (the put-and-grow streams and special regulation streams) is just after a moderate rain when the normally crystal clear water has a slight color tinge. During this brief period, the angler has a distinct advantage.
Lake or stream County Comments Bailey's Ford Delaware Very popular stream with county park amenities. Universally accessible area French Creek Allamakee Catch & release for all brown trout, a unique and high quality stream. Coldwater Creek Winneshiek Stocked with catchable rainbows and brooks; wild browns numbers are increasing. Glovers Creek Fayette Stocked with catcheable brown and rainbows. Little Turkey River Delaware Expanding brown trout population due to habitat conditions and natural reproduction. Waterloo Creek Allamakee Highest numbers of wild brown trout per mile, anywhere in Iowa. Sny Magill Clayton Rainbows and brooks stocked twice each week, miles of stream in public ownership. Spring Branch Delaware A favorite of fly fishers due to myriad of insect hatches. Universally accessible area Little Paint Creek Allamakee Improved habitat; excellent numbers of rainbow, brook and brown trout. Richmond Springs Delaware Easy access and frequent stocking of catchable fish in Backbone State Park.
[/url]Walleye For [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/wae-card.html"][#0000ff]walleye[/#0000ff][/url], the prespawn period from just after ice-out to when the water temperature reaches about 48oF is an excellent time to fish below the navigation dams on the Mississippi River and the low-head dams on the interior rivers. Late spring and summer often finds them on the wing dams along with riprap areas of the Mississippi when the river flow is not too strong. Late fall and winter on the Big River again finds the walleye in the dam tailwater areas and on the interior rivers in the deepest pools.
Lake or stream County Comments Cedar River Bremer, Black Hawk, Chickasaw, Floyd, Mitchell Walleye numbers are on the increase Mississippi River Pools 9-15 Several good spawning seasons has increased the number of walleye. Shell Rock River Butler & Floyd Good numbers throughout, but the best fishing is between Greene and Camp Comfort Park. Turkey River Howard, Clayton & Fayette Lots of 14 to 16 inch fish are present. Wapsipinicon River Buchanan Best area is from Independence to Troy Mills. Universally accessible area
--article by Dave Moeller, from Iowa Conservationist
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[/size] [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#northern"][#800080]Northern Pike[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#smallmouth"][#800080]Smallmouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#trout"][#800080]Trout[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nefrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] .
TOP SURPRISE FROM LAST YEAR:
Bass Fishing on the Mississippi River - One year ago, anglers and biologists alike were very concerned about the future of largemouth bass fishing on the “Big River”. Anglers were catching and biologists were sampling significant numbers of bass, primarily largemouths, late last fall and winter that had large, red, open sores at various locations on their bodies. Quite frankly, infected fish looked bad with a capital B. Lab tests confirmed that the sores were caused by bacterial infections, but some bass also tested positive for Largemouth Bass Virus, an exotic virus that has shown up in several waters around the country. Would all infected bass die? Would this huge bass population crash? Would it spread all up and down the river? Would it spread to other species? Would it spread to inland waters? These were questions for which there were no reliable answers. However, some of our worst fears subsided as both bass fishing success and the average size of fish caught were both excellent during 2003. While many anglers release all the bass they catch, those who keep legal-size bass longer than 14 inches on the Mississippi intended for the table need not fear bodily harm. While it is not recommended to keep and eat obviously infected or sick fish, there are no known diseases of fish that can harm humans as long as the flesh is cooked.
BEST HUNCH FOR THIS YEAR:
Meyers Lake (Black Hawk) - This 26-acre lake located adjacent to Highway 20 in the City of Evansdale is definitely on the rebound after a severe winterkill in 2000-2001 forced a complete lake renovation and fish restocking. Seven-inch bluegills, 8-inch crappies and 14-inch channel catfish were all abundant in surveys conducted last fall. Largemouth bass will be 12-14 inches and provide some excellent catch-and-release action (15-inch minimum length limit), and if you are looking for a place to catch a mess of nice bullheads , Meyers Lake is a good choice for 2004.
BEST PLACE TO SPEND TIME WITH THE FAMILY:
Volga River Recreation Area (Fayette) - This 5,400-acre state recreation area is an excellent family fishing destination. Located four miles north of Fayette just off Highway 150, this area is a beautiful combination of lake and streams, hills and valleys, timber and prairie, bustling recreation activity and quiet solitude. The 135-acre Volga Lake has good fishing for bluegills and crappies and has lots of channel catfish including some real lunkers. There's easy shoreline access including a floating fishing pier, and sidewalk access for fishing off the dam as well as a jetty on the dam. Excellent boat ramps and courtesy dock are available for no-wake boating. Also meandering through the area is the Volga River, a small rocky river that harbors many feisty smallmouth bass and is best fished by wading. The non-modern campground has 42 non-electric campsites. There are miles of nature, bridle, biking and snowmobile trails. Wildlife abound and is excellent for deer and turkey hunting. Rumor has it that the elusive morel mushroom can be found in abundance in early spring (but, shhh…. please don't tell anybody)! For a change of pace, try fishing one of the five stocked trout streams that are located less than 20 minutes away.
HIDDEN JEWEL:
Little Turkey River (Delaware) - This trout stream is located in a 480-acre state wildlife area 2-miles east of Colesburg just off Voyager Road. This remote timbered valley is a real gem. Extensive stream habitat improvement projects over recent years have significantly benefited this trout stream. Stocked twice a month, primarily with ½-pound brown trout but with a few brook and rainbows mixed in, on an un-announced basis, this stream will get you away from the crowds. As an added bounce, the brown trout fingerling stockings have produced a population of stream-reared browns that will test your trout fishing skills. As with all state wildlife management areas, primitive pack-in camping is allowed so spend a few days to fully enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a bubbling trout stream flowing through beautiful timbered hills and valley.
MOST OVERLOOKED:
Drum and Catfish Fishing on the Mississippi River - Mention Mississippi River and most anglers think about walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, northern pike and smallmouth bass; but, a couple of species are possibly more numerous combined than any of the above - freshwater drum (also known as sheepshead) and channel catfish. With drum and catfish, you don't have to worry about minimum size limits, bag limits and possession limits, 'cause there ain't none! The only things to worry about are, “Do I have enough bait?”, “How many do want to clean?” and “How much room do I have in the freezer?” Nor do you have to worry about having fancy gear and bunch of high-priced lures. Even though both species are legally harvested by commercial fishermen, their populations have remained very strong. Drum are probably increasing due to the recent infestation of the exotic zebra mussels on which drum readily feed. There are several strong year classes of channel catfish entering the fishery and angling success should be very good for many years to come. Both are bottom feeders, attain large sizes and are very strong fighters. A rod with some backbone, strong line and either bait-casting or larger spinning reels with good drag systems are recommended. Nightcrawlers and crayfish (live or just the tails) work very good for both. Use big crayfish if you want to target big drum. Dip baits and stink baits work best on catfish during the warmest months. Get the bait right on the bottom on the main channel borders or in the side channels. Always fish where there's current. The best eating of both species are from those weighing under 2-1/2 pounds. For drum, it's important to place them immediately on ice and trim away any reddish meat from the fillets. The next time you're feeding deep-fried drum to friends or family, ask them what species they think they are eating and you'll be surprised how many times you will hear the reply, “Walleyes!”.
[/url]Bluegill The weeks just before and after the spawn (around 75oF) are the best for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blg-card.html"][#0000ff]bluegills[/#0000ff][/url]. The males are aggressive in guarding their nests and will attack small baits and lures entering their space. Mid-summer months are also productive, but in the deeper water areas with structure. During the lowest flow conditions in summer, the Mississippi River wingdams frequently produce lots of big "gills". The first few weeks after ice-up is another peak time for some of the biggest bluegills of the year.
Lake or stream County Comments Casey Tama Abundant 7 to 9 inch bluegills. Universally accessible area Mississippi River Pools 9-14 Moore 6 - 8 inch gill than in the past. Plainfield Bremer Bluegill have reached 7 inches in this new borrow lake.[/b] Volga Fayette Consistently produces 6 to 8 inch gills. Universally accessible area. Hendricks Howard Quality angling for gills up to 8 inches.[/b]
[/url]Channel Catfish As soon as the ice goes out, [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/ccf-card.html"][#0000ff]catfish[/#0000ff][/url] go on a feeding binge on fish that have died over the winter. Fishing with cut-bait or dead minnows, at this time, is often excellent. Catfishing is frequently excellent on a rising river. The summer and early fall period of low and stable river flows is also a favored time for fishing cats.
Lake or stream County Comments Avenue of the Saints Lake Bremer A lots of 15 to 17 inch fish; good for shore fishing. South Prairie Black Hawk Abundant 15 - 21 inch catfish are available with some over 5 pounds; universally accessible area Maquoketa River Delaware, Jones, Jackson Good populations of fish from Manchester downstream to the confluence of the Mississippi River. Mississippi River Pools 9-15 Population numbers continue to increase; many year classes are present. Shell Rock River Butler & Floyd Good numbers of 14 to 20 inch fish. Turkey River Clayton Anywhere below Elkader; flathead catfish also occasionally caught. Volga Fayette Excellent population of cats over 20 inches.[/b] Meyers Lake Black Hawk Excellent numbers of 14 to 17 inch fish. Casey Lake Tama Monster size (> 10 pounds)catfish. Cedar River Mitchell, Floyd, Chickasaw, Bremer & Black Hawk Excellent catfishing river.
[/url]Crappie Like their cousin the bluegill, male [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url] become very aggressive during the prespawn and spawning period (58-68oF), normally in May. The cooler fall months can also be very good. Again, like the bluegill, the early ice fishing period is an excellent time for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/whc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url] as well.
Lake or stream County Comments Delhi Delaware 9 inch fish are abundant. Meyers Black Hawk 8 inchers are abundant. Mississippi River Pools 9-14 Lots of 9 to 11 inch fish are present, some up to 15 inches. Volga Fayette The face of the dam is the hotspot in late spring. Handicapped accessible area Hendricks Howard Good numbers of 9 -11 inch fish are present
[/url]Largemouth Bass By far, the most productive period for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/lmb-card.html"][#0000ff]largemouth bass[/#0000ff][/url] is the prespawn when the water temperatures range from 55 to 62oF and the fish are actively feeding in shallow water. The fall months, from mid-September to when the water cools to about 50oF are also good. The bass are shallow and stocking up on forage for the winter months.
Lake or Stream County Comments George Wyth Black Hawk Largemouth bass up to 18 inches are available. Universally accessible area Mitchell Lake Black Hawk Good numbers of 15 to 17 inch bass present. Mississippi River Pools 9-13 Largest numbers of bass present, anywhere in Iowa. Meyer Winneshiek A good quality bass population. South Prairie Black Hawk Abundant numbers of 12-17 inchers present, 18-inch minimum size limit. Universally accessible area
[/url]Northern Pike The hot months of July and August are often the best for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/nop-card.html"][#0000ff]northern pike[/#0000ff][/url]. Big bobber fishing with a live chub in the deeper backwater areas is very effective. During these hot summer months, also seek out areas where cooler spring flows or a trout stream enters larger, pike holding rivers. These cooler waters are a true magnet for northerns at this time.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 9-13 Most fish are 3 to 5 pounds in weight with some pushing 15 pounds. Meyer Winneshiek All sizes of pike are present with some over 30 inches. Wapsipinicon Buchanan, Black Hawk, Bremer Good population of fish with some 15 pounders available.
[/url]Smallmouth Bass When the streams are clear enough, the prespawn period from 50-60oF is an excellent time for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/smb-card.html"][#0000ff]smallmouth bass[/#0000ff][/url] fishing. The clear and stable water conditions of fall also result in good smallmouth angling, often with good action continuing right into November.
Lake or stream County Comments Cedar River Bremer, Black Hawk Best habitat and bass numbers are downstream from Waverly and Waterloo. Cedar River Mitchell & Floyd Good populations, especially downstream of St. Ansgar dam. Maquoketa River Delaware Catch-and-release area below the Lake Delhi dam, lots of big fish. Maquoketa River Jones & Jackson Good numbers of 15 and 16 inch fish. Mississippi River Pools 9-11 A growing population, many 12 to 17 inchers; fish around rocks with a swift current. Shell Rock River Butler and Bremer Good population from Greene to the Cedar River. Turkey River Fayette Very good numbers of all sizes. Upper Iowa River Howard & Winneshiek Most scenic river in Iowa; catch-and-release area from Decorah to the Upper Dam. Volga River Clayton & Fayette Small stream suitable for wader fishing and in a very scenic valley. Wapsipinicon River Buchanan Best population of smallies downstream of Littleton. Universally accessible area
[/url]Trout The [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/troutfam.html"][#0000ff]trout[/#0000ff][/url] streams are generally good throughout the April-November [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/stockrep/trout.html"][#800080]stocking season[/#800080][/url]. The fall months are particularly good as angling pressure and streamside disturbance are reduced. An excellent time to fish the stream-reared trout populations (the put-and-grow streams and special regulation streams) is just after a moderate rain when the normally crystal clear water has a slight color tinge. During this brief period, the angler has a distinct advantage.
Lake or stream County Comments Bailey's Ford Delaware Very popular stream with county park amenities. Universally accessible area French Creek Allamakee Catch & release for all brown trout, a unique and high quality stream. Coldwater Creek Winneshiek Stocked with catchable rainbows and brooks; wild browns numbers are increasing. Glovers Creek Fayette Stocked with catcheable brown and rainbows. Little Turkey River Delaware Expanding brown trout population due to habitat conditions and natural reproduction. Waterloo Creek Allamakee Highest numbers of wild brown trout per mile, anywhere in Iowa. Sny Magill Clayton Rainbows and brooks stocked twice each week, miles of stream in public ownership. Spring Branch Delaware A favorite of fly fishers due to myriad of insect hatches. Universally accessible area Little Paint Creek Allamakee Improved habitat; excellent numbers of rainbow, brook and brown trout. Richmond Springs Delaware Easy access and frequent stocking of catchable fish in Backbone State Park.
[/url]Walleye For [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/wae-card.html"][#0000ff]walleye[/#0000ff][/url], the prespawn period from just after ice-out to when the water temperature reaches about 48oF is an excellent time to fish below the navigation dams on the Mississippi River and the low-head dams on the interior rivers. Late spring and summer often finds them on the wing dams along with riprap areas of the Mississippi when the river flow is not too strong. Late fall and winter on the Big River again finds the walleye in the dam tailwater areas and on the interior rivers in the deepest pools.
Lake or stream County Comments Cedar River Bremer, Black Hawk, Chickasaw, Floyd, Mitchell Walleye numbers are on the increase Mississippi River Pools 9-15 Several good spawning seasons has increased the number of walleye. Shell Rock River Butler & Floyd Good numbers throughout, but the best fishing is between Greene and Camp Comfort Park. Turkey River Howard, Clayton & Fayette Lots of 14 to 16 inch fish are present. Wapsipinicon River Buchanan Best area is from Independence to Troy Mills. Universally accessible area
--article by Dave Moeller, from Iowa Conservationist
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