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Iowa's Fishing Report

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

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How to Read Our Weekly Iowa Fishing Report

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

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

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

Fishing Podcasts

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

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

2023 Podcast Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Iowa Fishing Report

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Waterbody District Comments Date
Big Woods Lake Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
Big Woods Lake Northeast Anglers are having success on both bluegill and crappie on Big Woods Lake. 06/06 08:22
Big Woods Lake Northeast Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a piece of night crawler under a slip bobber off of the shoreline as bluegill are in the midst of spawn and on beds. 06/06 08:24
Big Woods Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber near structure. 06/06 08:25
Brinker Lake Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
Brinker Lake Northeast Anglers are having success on both bluegill and crappie on Brinker Lake. 06/06 07:54
Brinker Lake Northeast Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a piece of night crawler under a slip bobber off of the shoreline as bluegill are in the midst of spawn and on beds. 06/06 08:04
Brinker Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber near structure. 06/06 08:05
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Water levels stabilizing but up about 2.5ft. and muddy. Please visit, https://water.noaa.gov/ for more information. 06/06 09:13
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Find bass in slack water areas. Try using a spinner or crankbait for luck. 06/06 09:13
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Walleye - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Channel Catfish - Slow: Catfish taking worms or chubs fished on the bottom in calm water or edge of current. 06/06 09:13
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Anglers have been doing well on channel catfish with the rise and fall of river levels. 06/06 08:12
Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish have been hitting well on stink baits, dead cut baits and chubs on the Cedar River. 06/06 08:15
Decorah District Streams Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Decorah District Streams Northeast Water levels slightly elevated at most locations. Stream clarity highly variable depending on where rain fell. Use care when wading streams with elevated flows. All streams were stocked this week. Gnats and no-see-ums out in force. 06/06 09:13
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brook Trout - Slow: Brook trout take more persuasion to bite in off-color water. Sneak up on brook trout for a better chance at catching one of these beauties. Good hatches of gnats, mayflies, caddis flies, and midges. 06/06 09:13
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brown Trout - Good: Fish near or around logs or undercut banks. Spinner baits work well. Also try using streamers on larger waterbodies for some exciting action. Brown trout like cloudy water. 06/06 09:13
Decorah District Streams Northeast Rainbow Trout - Fair: Use spinner baits, hair jigs, or hooks tipped with a small piece of worm, bread, or cheese floated through deeper holes. 06/06 09:13
George Wyth Lake Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
George Wyth Lake Northeast Anglers are having success on both bluegill and crappie on George Wyth Lake. Some sorting may be required. 06/06 07:51
George Wyth Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber near structure or lily pads on the west end of the lake. 06/06 07:52
George Wyth Lake Northeast Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a piece of night crawler under a slip bobber off of the shoreline as bluegill are in the midst of spawn and on beds. 06/06 07:53
Lake Hendricks Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Lake Hendricks Northeast Water clarity about 4-5 ft. Water temperatures 70's. 06/06 09:13
Lake Hendricks Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try using small jigs under a bobber out from shore near woody debris. 06/06 09:13
Lake Hendricks Northeast Bluegill - Good: Gills in shallow. Use small piece of worm or waxworm. 06/06 09:13
Lake Hendricks Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: A night crawler or squashed minnow on a hook near the bottom work well. 06/06 09:13
Lake Hendricks Northeast Largemouth Bass - Fair: Use spinner baits or crankbaits along edge of vegetation. 06/06 09:13
Lake Meyer Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Lake Meyer Northeast Lake stained with about 2ft. visibility. Water temperatures 70's. 06/06 09:13
Lake Meyer Northeast Bluegill - Slow: Use small hooks tipped with a waxworm or small piece of worm under a bobber. 06/06 09:13
Lake Meyer Northeast Black Crappie - Slow: Use spinner baits or jig tipped with a minnow fished near structure. 06/06 09:13
Lake Meyer Northeast Largemouth Bass - Slow: Use a spinner bait fished along edge of vegetation for best luck. Reports of anglers catching quite a few small bass. 06/06 09:13
Lake Meyer Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: A nightcrawler on a hook fished at the bottom work well. 06/06 09:13
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast The river is back on the rise this week after recent rains. The water is stained to dirty in most parts of the district as waters now approach action flood stage. Many boat ramps and courtesy docks are beginning to experience flooding issues. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 06/06 10:13
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Water level at Dubuque Lock and Dam is 14.2 feet and water level at the RR Bridge is 16.1 feet. The water is one the rise and stained. Some ramps like at Massey Station are experiencing minor flooding issues. 06/06 10:16
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Channel catfish like flood waters and will move along the banks to feed. Try using stink baits. 06/06 10:18
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast White Bass - Good: White bass have been a consistent in the creel even with the dirty water. Try some flashy spinners in the tailwater areas. 06/06 10:19
Mississippi River Pool 12 Northeast Flathead Catfish - Good: Anglers are starting to use trot lines where they can find a non-flooded banks. 06/06 10:20
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast The river is back on the rise this week after recent rains. The water is stained to dirty in most parts of the district as waters now approach action flood stage. Many boat ramps and courtesy docks are beginning to experience flooding issues. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 06/06 10:13
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Water level at Bellevue is rising and presently near 14.3 feet. Water temperature is 72 degrees. A free kids fishing event will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 directly across from Dalton Pond near Preston. This event will be on Sunday June 9. 06/06 10:24
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Try using stink bait in flooded water. 06/06 10:24
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Brown Bullhead - Good: This unique bullhead has been caught in good numbers in the lower pool above Clinton by anglers using egg sinker and worm rigs. 06/06 10:25
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Excellent: Drum are a consistent biter in moderate current areas. Use and egg sinker and worm rig. 06/06 10:26
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Rainbow Trout - Fair: The kids trout pond by the DNR station is mostly overgrown with vegetation but especially on windy days some pockets may exist and a few trout many still be caught. 06/06 10:27
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast White Bass - Good: White bass are being caught in the Bellevue tailwaters on white jigs or small spinners. 06/06 10:30
Mississippi River Pool 13 Northeast Walleye - Fair: Surprisingly a couple of good walleye reports were received this week by anglers using bright colored crank baits. Often use rattles too to allow the fish to find the bait in stained waters. 06/06 10:32
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast The river is back on the rise this week after recent rains. The water is stained to dirty in most parts of the district as waters now approach action flood stage. Many boat ramps and courtesy docks are beginning to experience flooding issues. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 06/06 10:13
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Water level at Fulton is rising and presently near 13.8 feet, 15.9 feet at Camanche and 9.4 feet at LeClaire. Water temperature is 72 degrees and stained. 06/06 10:34
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Fish stink bait in newly flooded waters of moderate current. 06/06 10:35
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Good: Worm rig with egg sinker fished along shore in moderate current will catch this consistent biter. 06/06 10:36
Mississippi River Pool 14 Northeast White Bass - No Report: Some white bass were hitting on spinners in the tailwater areas. Dirty water is making this more difficult to find fish. 06/06 10:37
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast The river is back on the rise this week after recent rains. The water is stained to dirty in most parts of the district as waters now approach action flood stage. Many boat ramps and courtesy docks are beginning to experience flooding issues. If you have angling questions, please call Bellevue Fisheries Management at 563-880-8781. 06/06 10:13
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Water level is rising at Rock Island and near 14.3 feet. Water is dirty and temperature is around 72 degrees. 06/06 10:39
Mississippi River Pool 15 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Fair: Worm rig with egg sinker fished along shore in moderate current will catch this consistent biter. 06/06 10:40
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast Anglers have been doing well on channel catfish with the rise and fall of river levels. 06/06 08:16
Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish have been hitting well on stink baits, dead cut baits and chubs on the Shell Rock River. 06/06 08:19
South Prairie Lake Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
South Prairie Lake Northeast Anglers are having success on both bluegill and crappie on South Prairie Lake. 06/06 08:08
South Prairie Lake Northeast Bluegill - Good: Try fishing a piece of night crawler under a slip bobber off of the shoreline as bluegill are in the midst of spawn and on beds. 06/06 08:09
South Prairie Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Try fishing a minnow under a slip bobber near structure. 06/06 08:11
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Water levels up about 1.5ft. but stabilizing and muddy. Caution is advised when on the water. Please visit, https://water.noaa.gov/ for more information. 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - No Report: Find bass in eddies or slack water areas. Try using a jig tipped with a plastic tail. 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Walleye - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Water levels rising with poor clarity. Caution is advised when on the water. For more information, please visit https://water.noaa.gov/. 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Walleye - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Water levels up about a foot and muddy with recent rain. Caution is advised when on water. 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Walleye - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Water levels rising. Water clarity poor. Use caution as snags and debris move through the system. 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Walleye - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Volga Lake Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Volga Lake Northeast Water clarity improving. Water temperatures 70's. 06/06 09:13
Volga Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Slow: 06/06 09:13
Volga Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: 06/06 09:13
Volga Lake Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Use a squished minnow or worm fished on bottom. 06/06 09:13
Volga Lake Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinners or crankbaits fished along jetties or drop-offs. 06/06 09:13
Volga River Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Volga River Northeast Water levels stabilizing but remain about a foot high. Clarity poor. For more information, please visit https://water.noaa.gov/ 06/06 09:13
Volga River Northeast Smallmouth Bass - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Volga River Northeast Walleye - No Report: 06/06 09:13
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) Northeast The interior rivers are falling with the recent rainfall events but are providing opportunities for some good channel catfish angling. Lakes within the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area are providing some good panfish angling. Trout streams remain in excellent condition, for more information contact your local bait shops for additional information. 06/06 07:46
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) Northeast Anglers have been doing well on channel catfish with the rise and fall of river levels. 06/06 08:20
Wapsi River (Tripoli to Troy Mills) Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish have been hitting well on stink baits, dead cut baits and chubs on the Wapsipinicon River. 06/06 08:21
Yellow River Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Most rivers crested and are stabilizing. Weekend temperatures 70's to upper 50's and breezy. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 06/06 09:13
Yellow River Northeast Water levels falling but remain about a foot high. Water clarity poor. Use caution as snags and debris move through the system. 06/06 09:13
Yellow River Northeast Brown Trout - Slow: Find trout below or just off riffles. A spinner or shallow running crankbait should interest a hungry mouth. 06/06 09:13
Beeds 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. 06/06 07:59
Beeds Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Good: Fish a small jig or minnow off the causeway or drift fish the north shore. 06/06 08:09
Beeds Lake Northwest Bluegill - Fair: 06/06 08:11
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Iowa Fishing Report

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

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

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

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

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

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