Annual Fishing Forecast

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Using information compiled from the four management districts in Iowa, this section will bring you up to date on the lakes and streams that are expected to have excellent fishing. Choose the district you plan to fish, and see what the angling forecasts and predicted hotspots are for a large variety of species within the district.
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Northwest Iowa Fishing Forecast

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[url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#bullhead"][#800080]Bullhead[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#yellow"][#800080]Yellow Perch[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#muskellunge"][#800080]Muskellunge[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#smallmouth"][#800080]Smallmouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/nwfrcst.html#yellowwhite"][#800080]Yellow Bass[/#800080][/url] .

Top Surprise From Last Year
North Twin Lake (Calhoun County), has seldom experienced a fishery as good as last years. In 2003 it provided some tremendous fishing for 9-12 inch crappies and 7-9 inch bluegills. If that isn't enough to interest you, it also produced some great channel catfish, yellow bass and walleye fishing. Boat anglers did better than shore anglers, as the fish seemed to concentrate along the outside weed line or in the deep-water fish habitat. Small leadheads or live minnows were excellent choices for these panfish species. Look for another great year in 2004.

Best Hunch For This Year
Brushy Creek Lake (Webster County) has been a tremendous fishing lake since it was filled in 1998 and 2004 promises to be a banner year. A large number of slab crappie, from 9 to 13 inches, are present in the lake and should provide some tremendous fishing this spring. A huge year class of 7-9 inch bluegill is also present in the lake. On top of this, large numbers of 17-23 inch walleye are present as well as some great largemouth and smallmouth bass. Throw in some muskies that will top 20 pounds and you have a fishing bonanza. Spawning crappie and bluegill can be caught near the shoreline in May and June, while later in the summer, fish will suspend near the sunken timber that abounds in the lake. Walleye are caught all year long on the underwater points using a slip bobber and leeches.
A strong year class of yellow perch that averaged eight inches during 2003 should provide excellent opportunities at Lake Cornelia (Wright County) during 2004. Perch have always existed in Cornelia, but this is the greatest number of catchable-size fish in recent years. Fishing the north shoreline during the spring with small minnows or nightcrawlers will produce good results. After the water warms anglers should concentrate their efforts in deeper water along the old dredge cut near the north shore.

Best Place To Spend Time With The Family
Upper and Lower Pine Lakes (Hardin County) located in Pine Lake State Park near Eldora offer great opportunities for family fun. Both lakes provide good fishing for bluegill and crappie. Trophy bass up to seven pounds are available in both lakes, with the best population occurring in the lower lake. If you prefer to river fish, the Iowa River lies on the edge of the park and provides excellent fishing for channel catfish, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lower lake has a large swim beach and the upper lake has boats and canoes for rent. The campground is located on the upper lake and several cabins are available for rent on the Iowa River below the lower lake. A well-maintained trail system provides hiking between the lakes and a closeup view of the unique landscape surrounding the lake.

Hidden Jewel
Indian Lake located in Eldred Sherwood Park in Hancock County is a 21-acre artificial lake that provides excellent fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill. It also is stocked annually with channel catfish and walleye. The lake is managed by the Hancock County Conservation Board and is three miles east and one mile north of Goodell. The lake has a gravel boat ramp and allows boats with with electric motors only. Camping, swim beach and shelter are also available for visitors to the lake.


[/url]Bluegill [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blg-card.html"][#0000ff]Bluegills[/#0000ff][/url] are a species worthy of attention. Small hocks, waxworms, a piece of crawler, or a 1/16 ounce (or smaller) dark jig are time tested baits. Warm July and August water temperatures means an increase activity for bluegill.
Lake or stream County Comments Brushy Creek Webster Huge year class of 7 - 8 inch fish. Fish for suspended fish near timber areas. North Twin Calhoun Losts 8 and 9 inch fish. Upper & Lower Pine Hardin Large numbers of 6 inch and larger fish Beeds Franklin Six to seven inch fish are plentiful use a small jig. West Okoboji Dickinson Excellent numbers, early spring and summer are best
[/url]Bullhead Lake or stream County Comments Black Hawk Sac 8 - 10 inch fish in large numbers Clear Cerro Gordo May and June are prime time Silver Lake Worth 9 - 10-inch fish Dog Creek O'Brien Large population sampled in 2003 North Twin Calhoun Large yellow bullheads available Spirit Lake Dickinson Really large fish and in good numbers Rice Winnebago 1/2 to 3/4 pound fish are abundant Silver Palo Alto 10-inch fish are abundant Center Dickinson Good numbers and good shoreline access Lost Island Palo Alto Traditional producer
[/url]Walleye Lake or stream County Comments Clear Cerro Gordo 12 - 16 inch fish; two strong year classes are present Des Moines River Kossuth & Humboldt The population is on the increase. Silver Dickinson 13 - 18 inch fish Iowa River Hardin Fish downstream from Alden Storm Buena Vista Lots of fish larger than 15 inches Five Island Palo Alto 18 - 20 inch fish sampled in 2003 Spirit Lake Dickinson Large number of age 3 fish Brushy Creek Webster Fish the points and flats with a slip bobber and leech Lost Island Palo Alto Good recruitment of 2001 year class Black Hawk Sac 17 - 20 inch fish available
[/url]Yellow Perch Lake or stream County Comments Silver Palo Alto 8 to 10-inch fish and in good abundance. Silver Worth 8 - 10 inch fish are common, fish with a small minnow. Spirit Lake Dickinson Good numbers were observed in last years creel and population surveys. Cornelia Wright 8 - 9 inch fish are common, fish the north shore for the best success. Little Swan Lake Dickinson Large fish are available and in good numbers.
[/url]Channel Catfish Lake or stream County Comments Clear Cerro Gordo Fish in July with chicken livers Storm Buena Vista Perhaps the best in Northwest Iowa! Boone River Hamilton 1 - 2 pound fish abundant below Webster City Iowa River Hardin Quality habitat from Alden to Union Snyder Bend Woodbury Good numbers of 10 pound fish available Black Hawk Sac Easy access and losts of 1 - 5 pound fish Pahoja Lyon Excellent numbers of 2 - 8 pound fish Silver Dickinson 2 - 3 pound fish are abundant Ingham Emmet Excellent numbers East Okoboji Dickinson Large fish are available
[/url]Muskellunge
Muskellunge populations in Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo County), Spirit and West Okoboji (Dickinson County) and Brushy Creek (Webster County) have grown in numbers and size of fish. Late summer and fall are traditional peak periods. Current state record is 50 pounds, 6 ounces and 52 inches long!


[/url]Crappie Lake or stream County Comments North Twin Calhoun Best fishing in recent years, 9 - 10 inch fish Browns Woodbury Excellent number of 9-12 inch fish Lower Pine Hardin Good numbers of 7 - 8 inch fish Beeds Franklin Drift fish above the thermocline during the summer months Brushy Creek Webster This past winter ice fishing was good expect crappie up to 10 inches in length
[/url]Smallmouth Bass Lake or steam County Comments Iowa River Hardin 12-inch fish or larger are common Spirit Dickinson Good numbers of large fish N. Raccoon River Sac & Carroll Growing population of all size fish, 8 - 18 fish Des Moines Webster Fish up to 5 pounds
[/url]Largemouth Bass Lake or stream County Comments Lower Pine Hardin Good numbers of legal size fish, with some over 5 pounds Beeds Lake Franklin Fish larger than 12 inches are abundant Briggs Woods Hamilton High densities of fish, work the edges of the weedline Brushy Creek Webster Lots of fish in the timber and along the shoreline Center
Dickinson
Good numbers over 15", practice catch and release
[/url]Yellow Bass
They're scrappy and good eating so enjoy our YELLOW BASS. Fish range in size from 8 inches at North Twin (Calhoun County) and Black Hawk (Sac County) to 11 inches at Clear Lake (Cerro Gordo County). Over 230,000 were harvested from Clear Lake this past year. Take all you want. Fish with the crowd or by yourself. Have fun!



Give these species a try -- take a kid fishing -- relax and enjoy the many outdoor recreational opportunities available to you in northwestern and north central Iowa.

--article by Tom Gengerke from the Iowa Conservationist
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[size 3]Northeast Iowa Fishing Forecast[/size] [size 3][/size]

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[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 3]Southwest Iowa Fishing Forecast[/size]

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[url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/swfrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/swfrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/swfrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/swfrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/swfrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] .

Top surprise water body from last year:
Desoto Bend (Harrison Co.). Crappie fishing this past spring was fantastic with numerous fish caught that exceeded 10 inches in length. Anglers were catching most of these crappies in May during the spawn. Fish were found near shore around a variety of habitats such as underwater tree structure, old pilings, and rock rip-rap. Fishing should be excellent again this coming spring. Anglers will have their best luck using small lead-head jigs (1/64 – 1/16 ounce), light line (2 – 4 pound test), bobbers, and may possibly need to tip jig with a small minnow. Fish by casting toward structure, with or without a bobber, then retrieve lure using a slow retrieve. Fish will be found in shallow water (2-5 feet) around structure. If water clarity is good as it was last spring you may be able to visually see male crappies guarding nesting area.

Best hunch for this year:
Prairie Rose Lake (Shelby Co.). Keeper sized crappies are back! After a couple of lack luster years of crappie fishing, more from size than numbers, a large years class of crappies has grown to an angler acceptable size of 8-10 inches. Last spring anglers were catching 7-8 inch fish nearly every cast! Concentrate your efforts near shore around rock rip-rap or the numerous brush piles located around the lake. Also Red Rock Reservoir (Marion Co.). Fisheries management surveys in 2003 found numerous crappie in the 11 – 14 inch size range. Sampled fish were in good condition with fish over one pound very common. Good numbers of white bass/wipers were also sampled, particularly in the Whitebreast area. With good water levels, 2004 could be a banner year for the Red Rock fishery.

FAMILY FRIENDLY:
Hickory Grove Lake (Story Co.), 5 miles west of Colo. Besides good bluegill fishing, the county park has a good camping area, beach, and canoe and paddle boat rentals. There are also hiking trails, prairies, numerous shelters and picnicking areas. The lake is only 20 miles from Ames and Iowa State University and theaters, museums, shopping and sporting events.

HIDDEN JEWEL:
Slipbluff Lake (Decatur Co.) is located two miles north west of Davis City in southern Decatur county. The 16 acre lake has a gravel boat ramp with 4-wheel drive recommended and an electric motors only restriction that makes fishing this lake an adventure. Slipbluff has good crappie and bluegill fishing with fish up to 8 to 10 inches in length. Watch the weather, as the lake can be murky after a big rain.

MOST OVERLOOKED:
Wilson and Windmill Lakes (Taylor Co.) are two county areas that are frequently passed over. Wilson is 17 acres and has 8-11 inch crappie that are commonly caught on the dam during the spawn plus good numbers of 12-16 inch largemouth bass. Windmill, a 22 acre lake, has a good population of 7-9 inch bluegill readily accessible during the spawn. Both have gravel boat ramps, so a 4-wheel drive will be helpful.

The tables below should help guide you to your favorite sport fish. If more information is needed, contact the fisheries biologist in your arera. Good fishing in 2004!!



[/url]Bluegill Lake or stream County Comments Badger Creek Dallas Good for 7 to 8.5-inch fish. Ahquabi Warren Good for 7-9 inch gills, fish near and around the jetties Big Creek Polk 7-9 inch fish. Try the fishing the under water road beds, jetties and shallow points. Beaver Dallas Good for 7 to 9 inch fish. Hooper Lake Warren 7 - 10 inch fish, the best areas are along the dam and west shoreline. Greenfield Adair Lots of 7 and 8-inch fish; try fishing around brush piles. Springbrook Guthrie 7-inch gills, fish along the dam and downed trees on the west shore. Meadow Adair Good for 8 and 9 inch fish, expect quality not quantity. Viking Lake Montgomery 7 to 8 inch gills, work the shorelines in June. Three Mile Union 7 - 9 inch fish are common.
[/url]Crappie Lake or stream County Comments Wilson Lake Taylor Nice 8 to 11 inch fish, abundant on the dam during the spawn. DeSoto Bend Harrison Nice 8-13 inch fish, best fishing is in the spring. Big Creek Polk A good number of 7 to 9-inch fish. Red Rock Marion 11 to 15 inch fish, concentrate on fishing around the feeder streams and dam area. Green Valley Union 7.5 to 10-inch fish, best fishing is around rocky shorelines Easter Polk 7 to 9 inch fish common. West Lake Clarke 7 1/2 to 10-inch fish are abundant. Cold Springs Cass Good for 7 - 11 inch fish Prairie Rose Shelby Fish alsong rocky shore lines in the spring for 7 to 9 inch fish. Three Mile Union 7 1/2 - 10 inch fish are common.
[/url]Largemouth Bass Lake or stream County Comments Badger Creek Dallas All sizes with the largest at 20 inches. Big Creek Polk 18 inch minimum size limit; abundant for bass up to 16 inches. Farm Ponds All Best fishing for bass, first ask for permission. Green Valley Union A 22-inch length limit and trophy fish are present. Little River Decatur All sizes available, 12 inches and up. Prairie Rose Shelby Large fish (14 to 20-inch). Red Rock Marion Fish along the dam, good numbers of big bass up to 20 inches. Roberts Creek Marion Last year's survey recorded many 12 - 17 inch bass. Viking Montgomery Good population of 12-15 inch fish. West Lake Osceola Clarke All sizes, 14 to 17 inch bass are common.
[/url]Walleye Lake or stream County Comments Big Creek Polk Many fish approaching the 15 inch minimum size limit. Des Moines River Polk, Boone; Fish below dams, and riffle/pool areas. Mormon Trail Adair A good population of one pound fish are available. Three Mile Union All sizes with plenty of fish over 26 inches.
[/url]Channel Catfish Lake or stream County Comments Mornon Trail Adair Abundant population of catfish. Prairie Rose Shelby Alot of 3 to 6 pound fish. Fogle Ringgold Last fall's survey sampled many 14 - 20 inch fish. Nine Eagles Decatur Catfish length range from 14 to 25 inches. Rock Creek Jasper Good population of fish up to 4 pounds.[/url]
--article by Andy Moore, from the Iowa Conservationist
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[size 3]Southeast Iowa Fishing Forecast[/size] [size 3][/size]

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[/size][url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#bluegill"][#800080]Bluegill[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#channel"][#800080]Channel Catfish[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#crappie"][#800080]Crappie[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#largemouth"][#800080]Largemouth Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#walleye"][#800080]Walleye[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#white"][#800080]White Bass[/#800080][/url] . [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#flathead"][#800080]Flathead Catfish[/#800080][/url] [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#saugeye"][/url][url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#bullhead"][/url]. [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/news/forcast/sefrcst.html#redear"][#800080]Redear Sunfish[/#800080][/url]

Top Surprise.
Lake Odessa (Louisa Co.). Although managed for waterfowl hunting, this large backwater impoundment on the Mississippi River holds some of the best bluegill and crappie fishing in the area despite recent levee blow-outs. Summer draw downs for waterfowl management have also meant that the smaller fish are concentrated with the larger predators leading to fast growing and desirable size fish. Seven to 9 inch bluegill and crappies in the 9-12 inch range are common. Don't be surprised if you haul in some crappie in the 14-16 inch range. Odessa also has a reputation as an excellent bass fishery. This is a big complex; a map or GPS are valuable tools to help you navigate this unique area effectively.

Best Hunch.
Lake Rathbun (Appanoose Co.). If you have visited Lake Rathbun recently, chances are you have bagged a great number of crappies. However, as is always the case, crappies have to be small before they can be big and your catches have been on the small size. Lake Rathbun is not listed as of on the Nation's best crappie lakes for nothing. Thanks to excellent year classes in 1998 and 200 both crappie quality and density have improved greatly. Sampling has seen an abundance of 9-11 inch crappies; Rathbun is back!

Best Place to Spend Time With Family.
Lake Macbride (Johnson Co.) Due to the recent lake restoration project, we are starting to see the anticipated improvements to the Lake Macbride's fishery. A huge year class of black crappies dominates the fishery. The 9 inch average sized fish should be enough incentive alone to attract family fishing. However; bluegill, largemouth and Kentucky bass, channel catfish, and walleye are itching to end up on the end of a fishing line as well. When it is time to put the fishing poles aside; camping, hiking trails, a beautiful bike trail, boat rentals, beach facilities, a lodge, and Frisbee golf are all available in the associated state park. Nearby are opportunities for power boating (Coralville Reservoir) and great restaurants. Other nearby attractions is the Coralville Mall with children's museum, Amana Colonies, Devonian Fossil Gorgeland, and the University of Iowa.

Hidden Jewel.
Shimek State Forest Ponds (Lee and Van Buren Counties). Four large ponds lie tucked away in the 3,537 acres of the Farmington and Donnelson Units of the Shimek State Forest. The ponds are between 6-7 acres and all hold good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Both Shagbark and Bitternut ponds have boat ramps and motors are restricted to electric only. Black Oak has a parking lot nearby and a walk-way and fishing jetty for angler access. White Oak is most secluded. For those willing to take the one mile walk, exceptional bluegill angling will be the reward.

Most Overlooked.
This is a species not a place. This is a species with a toothy grin and an attitude for cooperation and hard fighting. This species only needs a better following of anglers to champion its attributes. We are talking about northern pike in Iowa's southern reach of the Mississippi River. Since the great flood of '93 pike numbers have increased making fishable populations readily available. Try the mouths of streams and rivers early in the year and in the fall. During late spring and summer try backwaters and side channels with downed timber or rock outcrops. Grab bait that sparkles, toss it in the water, and hold on for tons of fun.




[/url]Bluegill What could be more fun for a [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blg-card.html"][#0000ff]bluegill[/#0000ff][/url] angler than flyfishing with small surface poppers during the morning and evening hours of summer? Remember to drift fish for bluegills and crappie during the summer when they have moved away from shore and are suspended about 8 to 12 feet below the surface. Lower your baits to this level, and let the wind or trolling motor push you around the lake. Note where you catch fish and return for a similar drift pattern. I believe you'll find these techniques, baits and equipment will enhance your fishing experiences.
Lake or stream County Comments Farm Ponds All Mostly private water; but the best bit for a trophy fish Geode Henry Good numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish; with 10 inch fish present. Hawthorn Mahaska Good numbers of 7 to 9 inch fish available. Iowa Iowa Good numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish, for best results fish jigs and worms around brush piles. Pleasants Creek Linn Good in shallow bays during the month of June Odessa Louisa Losts of 7 to 9 inch fish. Diamond Poweshiek 7-10 inch gills. Wapello Davis Excellent numbers of 8 - 9 inch fish Handicapped accessible area. Sugema Van Buren Tremendous numbers of 7 to 9-inch fish. Handicapped accessible area. Indian Van Buren Excellent quality, with good numbers of 8 and 10 inch fish.
[/url]Channel Catfish It is a tradition at our house to start the warm-weather fishing season looking for [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/ccf-card.html"][#0000ff]channel catfish[/#0000ff][/url]. It can be a great family outing as the fishing is generally done from shore, this allows young people some great outdoor options if the fishing slow. Incorporate a shore lunch with smores and the gang will be begging to go again.

When water temperatures reach about 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit catfish begin a feeding spree -- feeding on fish that have died during the winter. Fish your bait (cut baits are best) in the shallower (two- to six-foot), warmer portion of a lake or river with the wind blowing across or toward you. Use an egg-type sinker to lighten the bait, and set the hook after a short run. The best areas for early spring catfish angling are Lakes Rathbun, Coralville, Darling, and the Mississippi River.

Most of our lakes and rivers are excellent catfish holes and will often produce excellent catches and always will produce great memories. However, the Mississippi River is the best "catfish hole." Mr. Whiskers can be caught in nearly all parts of the river using a variety of baits, but best bets are above and below wingdams and rip rapped heads of islands where there is a current. Stumpfields and riprapped shorelines are hotspots during the prespawn and spawning periods. The size limit set on commercial fishing in 1985 has resulted in more spawning-sized adults. This allowed nature to replenish catfish numbers benefiting both sport anglers and commercial fishers.

Lake or stream County Comments Kent Park Lake Johnson Outstanding angling; excellent shoreline access Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Stump fields are good producers Rathbun Appanoose Exceptional fishery and all sizes. Coralville Johnson Exceptional fishery, all sizes. Miami Monroe Excellent number of all sizes. Darling Washington Lots of 15 - 19 inch fish; nine pounders are present Otter Creek Tama Losts of 14 - 20 inch fish. Keomah Mahaska Good for a variety of sizes. Handicapped accessible area. Hawthorn Mahaska Excellent fishery, with fish up to 25 inches. Des Moines River Exceptional fishery; all sizes are available.
[/url]Crappie For [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/whc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url], traditional baits and techniques are highly successful, but why not try a new angling technique or two? Don't put your ice-fishing equipment away when the warm season arrives. Keep your ice flies, waxworms, and small bobbers handy because these baits can often out-produce the traditional baits. And why not try flyfishing for spring [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/blc-card.html"][#0000ff]crappie[/#0000ff][/url]?
Lake or stream County Comments Rathbun Appanoose Excellent numbers of 9 - 11 inch fish; best in recent years. Mississippi River Big Timber area 8 - 10 inch fish common Coralville Johnson Fish around downed trees or vertical jig rocky shorelines; 10 - 14 inch fish are common Odessa Louisa 9 to 12-inch fish and hogs at the trough Iowa Iowa Good numbers of 9-11 inch fish. Miami Monroe Tons of 8 - 11 inch fish. Macbride Johnson Gobs of 8 - 10 inch fish Union Grove Tama 8 and 10-inch fish. Handicapped accessible area Darling Washington 8 - 9 inch fish are common. Handicapped accessible area Indian Van Buren 9 to 11-inch fish with some in the 12 to 14 inch range.
[/url]Largemouth Bass Effective [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/lmb-card.html"][#0000ff]bass[/#0000ff][/url] size regulations are a benefit to all anglers. With an excellent bass population, these important predators can whittle away at the panfish, improving their size for positive angler benefits. Additional benefits are improved bass catch rates and larger sizes of bass to catch. Give size limits a chance, release a bass and do as the bass does -- eat the panfish. Enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Big Timber area Great numbers and in all sizes. Farm Ponds All Mostly private waters but exceptional fishing, best chance for a trophy. Miami Monroe Excellent numbers of all sizes, fish submerged timber. Pleasant Creek Linn An 18-inch minimum size limit. Macbride Johnson Good numbers of all sizes Diamond Poweshiek Good numbers of 2-4 pound fish; outboard motors are not allowed. Odessa Louisa Good numbers of fish up to 20 inches. Wapello Davis No-kill regulation; good numbers of 12 - 17 inch fish. Handicapped accessible area Hawthorn Mahaska Good population of 16-22 inch fish. Sugema Van Buren 12 - 18 inch protected slot limit; numerous 11-17 inch fish. Handicapped accessible area
[/url]Walleye The Great River's [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/wae-card.html"][#0000ff]walleye[/#0000ff][/url] and [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/sau-card.html"][#0000ff]sauger[/#0000ff][/url] angling is what legends are made of. The lock and dam habitat produces great catches in late winter, early spring, and late fall. Jigging sonars or jig-and-minnow combinations are highly effective. Wingdam fishing during summer and early fall will also produce stimulating action. Try backtrolling crankbaits or three-way nightcrawler rigs on the upstream side of the wingdams. An upside to the summer angling period is the peace and quiet of having a portion of the river to yourself, whereas the lock-and-dam fishing can be a bit competitive for some folks. There are a number of walleye regulation changes on the Mississippi River. Be familar with these [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/regulations/walleye.html"][#0000ff]regulations[/#0000ff][/url] before going fishing.

When hot weather slows walleye angling in the rivers and small lakes, think Lake Rathbun. Rathbun is home to some fabulous walleye angling at a time that most people wouldn't think of fishing for walleye. It is one of the few walleye lakes I know of that actually gets better June through August.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 15-17 Great tailwater fishery, fish move to wing dams in the summer Rathbun Appanoose Excellent fishery, large numbers of 15 to 21-inch fish. Iowa River Johnson Fish below Coralville Dam and Burlington Street Dam in Iowa City Wapsi River Johnson Fish below dams at Central City and Anamosa. Sugema Van Buren Good for 15 to 19-inch fish with a good number of 24 inch fish are available.
[/url]White Bass Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Fish below locks and dams and wingdams. Rathbun Appanoose Excellent fishery; best in years; 10 -14 inch average. Pleasant Creek Linn Best in the summer, look for schools feeding on the surface.
[/url]Flathead Catfish Interest in [url "http://www.iowadnr.com/fish/iafish/fhc-card.html"][#0000ff]flathead catfish[/#0000ff][/url] fishing is on the increase in the Mississippi River and Iowa interior rivers. And for good reason; anglers are catching some really "big ones" below Mississippi River locks and dams and in deep hole deadfall habitat in the Iowa and Skunk Rivers. Bank pole, or rod and reel, using green sunfish or bluegill for bait, is the preferred technique. Fish deep holes in summer and fall, and around bridge pilings in interior rivers and in side channels, eddy areas, and below locks and dams on the Mississippi River. At Rathbun Lake concentrate on rip rap in the Bridgeview area in late spring to early summer for excellent action.
Lake or stream County Comments Mississippi River Pools 16-19 Best below locks and dams, wingdams, and side channels. Des Moines, Iowa, Cedar and Wapsi Rivers All Good for all sizes, look for the big fish in deep water of drift piles and bridge pilings. Skunk River Easy to fish because of its size; popular fishery. Rathbun Appanoose Fair numbers of 2 to 20 pound fish. Fish the Bridgeview area in late spring and early summer.
[/url]Redear Sunfish Lake or stream County Comments Wapello Davis Good numbers of 8 - 12 inch fish. Geode Henry 2003 fishery survey netted fish up to 11 1/2 inches.--article by Steve Waters, from the Iowa Conservationist
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