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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
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Find bass in slack water areas. Try using a spinner or crankbait for luck. 05/30 07:47
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Water levels stabilizing but remain slightly elevated with improved clarity. Please visit, https://water.noaa.gov/ for more information. 05/30 07:47
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Walleye - Slow: Anglers finding walleye on current breaks and eddies. Jigs tipped with plastic tails work well. 05/30 09:25
Cedar River (above Nashua) Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish taking worms or chubs fished on the bottom in calm water or edge of current. 05/30 09:29
Decorah District Streams Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brook Trout - Fair: Water clarity improving. Sneak up on brook trout for a better chance at catching one of these beauties. Good hatches of gnats, mayflies, caddis flies, and midges. 05/30 07:47
Decorah District Streams Northeast Brown Trout - Fair: 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. 05/30 07:47
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. 05/30 07:47
Decorah District Streams Northeast Water levels slightly elevated at most locations but clearing quickly. Use care when wading streams with elevated flows. All streams were stocked this week. Gnats and no-see-ums out in force. 05/30 07:47
Lake Hendricks Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Lake Hendricks Northeast Water clarity about 4-5 ft. Water temperatures 70's. 05/30 07:47
Lake Hendricks Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Try using small jigs under a bobber out from shore near woody debris. 05/30 07:47
Lake Hendricks Northeast Bluegill - Fair: 05/30 07:47
Lake Hendricks Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: 05/30 07:47
Lake Hendricks Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinner baits or crankbaits along edge of vegetation. 05/30 07:47
Lake Meyer Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Lake Meyer Northeast Lake remains murky after last weeks rain. Water temperatures 70's. 05/30 07:47
Lake Meyer Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Use spinner baits or jig tipped with a minnow fished near structure. 05/30 07:47
Lake Meyer Northeast Bluegill - Good: Use small hooks tipped with a waxworm or small piece of worm under a bobber. 05/30 07:47
Lake Meyer Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: 05/30 07:47
Lake Meyer Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Use a spinner bait fished along edge of vegetation for best luck. Reports of anglers catching quite a few small bass. 05/30 07:47
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels are cresting and predicted to level out next week. Water temperature is in upper 60's to 70. Water is stained with debris floating down. A variety of species are biting, however fish are scattered with high water. Search for areas with moderate to no current. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Northern Pike - Fair: Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Sauger - No Report: 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth are biting in areas with moderate current. Cast spinners and crankbaits along main channel rock shorelines or at the spillway. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Walleye - Slow: Tailwater fishing has tapered off. Fish jigs tipped with a minnow or crawlers on three-way rigs along side channel or closing dams. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Water level in the tailwater at Lynxville is 621.1 feet and is predicted to remain high through next week. Water temp at Lock & Dam 9 in Lynxville is 69 degrees. The boat ramp at Sny Magill is closed due to high water. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are biting on live minnows and crawlers along weed-lines in about 6 feet of water. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have moved into the shallows to spawn. Use light tackle fished close to shore in cover. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Flathead Catfish - Good: Look for the flathead to start feeding as they gear up for the summer spawn. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler off the bottom along main channel and side channel current. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast frog baits along weed edges in upper portions of backwaters 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 10 Northeast White Bass - Good: Throw inline spinners along current breaks for white bass action. Watch for schools of minnows jumping as white bass are feeding. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels are cresting and predicted to level out next week. Water temperature is in upper 60's to 70. Water is stained with debris floating down. A variety of species are biting, however fish are scattered with high water. Search for areas with moderate to no current. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Water level at Guttenberg has risen to 12.6 feet in the tailwaters and is expected to level off near 12.7 feet this week. Water clarity is diminished and temperature is 68 degrees. Tailwater fishing at the Lock & Dam has been a challenge with increased turbulence due to the lock gates being up. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Black Crappie - Fair: Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers or cut-bait 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Sauger - No Report: 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth are biting in areas with moderate current. Cast spinners and crankbaits along main channel rock shorelines. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Walleye - Slow: Tailwater fishing has tapered off. Fish jigs tipped with a minnow or crawlers on three-way rigs along side channel or closing dams. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Yellow Perch - Slow: Perch are biting on live minnows and crawlers along weed-lines in about 6 feet of water. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill have moved into the shallows to spawn. Use light tackle fished close to shore in cover. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Flathead Catfish - Good: Look for the flathead to start feeding as they gear up for the summer spawn. Fish live bluegill or shiners in the tailwater. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler off the bottom along main channel and side channel current. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast frog baits along weed edges in upper portions of backwaters 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 11 Northeast White Bass - Good: Throw inline spinners along current breaks for white bass action. Watch for schools of minnows jumping as white bass are feeding. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Upper Mississippi River levels are cresting and predicted to level out next week. Water temperature is in upper 60's to 70. Water is stained with debris floating down. A variety of species are biting, however fish are scattered with high water. Search for areas with moderate to no current. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Catfish anglers have been catching a few channel cats this week on crawlers. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Sauger - No Report: 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Walleye - Slow: Tailwater fishing has tapered off. Fish jigs tipped with a minnow or crawlers on three-way rigs along side channel or closing dams. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Water level at Lansing is cresting near 11 feet and predicted to level off next week. Water clarity is cloudy with temperature at 66 degrees. Army Road at New Albin is closed due to high water. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Yellow Perch - Fair: Perch are biting on live minnows and crawlers along weed-lines in about 6 feet of water. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Black Crappie - Good: Fish the flooded timber as the river rises using light tackle and small plastic baits for spring crappie. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Bluegill - Fair: Bluegill are staging in the shallows to spawn. Use light tackle fished close to shore in cover. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Flathead Catfish - Good: Look for the flathead to start feeding as they gear up for the summer spawn. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Freshwater Drum - Good: Fish a piece of crawler off the bottom along main channel and side channel current. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Cast frog baits along weed edges in upper portions of backwaters 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Northern Pike - Good: Fish the shallows along weed beds in backwater lakes. Shore Slough at Lansing has been good fishing for northern pike. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Excellent: Smallmouth are biting in areas with moderate current. Cast spinners and crankbaits along main channel rock shorelines. 05/30 09:54
Mississippi River Pool 9 Northeast White Bass - Good: Throw inline spinners along current breaks for white bass action. Watch for schools of minnows jumping as white bass are feeding. 05/30 09:54
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Water levels slowly falling but remain elevated with improved clarity. Caution is advised when on the water. Please visit, https://water.noaa.gov/ for more information. 05/30 07:47
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Find bass in eddies or slack water areas. Try using a jig tipped with a plastic tail. 05/30 07:47
Turkey River (above Clermont) Northeast Walleye - Slow: Fish eddies or current breaks. 05/30 09:34
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: The bite is picking up as water levels stabilize. Find fish in eddies or drop-offs. 05/30 07:47
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Water levels slowly falling but remain elevated with improved clarity. Caution is advised when on the water. For more information, please visit https://water.noaa.gov/. 05/30 07:47
Turkey River (below Clermont) Northeast Walleye - Slow: 05/30 09:37
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: The bite should improve as water levels return to normal. 05/30 07:47
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Water levels slowly falling with improved clarity. Caution is advised when on water. 05/30 07:47
Upper Iowa River (above Decorah) Northeast Walleye - Slow: Use a jig tipped with a plastic tail or minnow. Fish current breaks or along a snag. 05/30 09:44
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Fish current breaks or snags. 05/30 07:47
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Water levels falling but remain about a foot high. Water clarity improving. Use caution as snags and debris move through the system. 05/30 07:47
Upper Iowa River (below Decorah) Northeast Walleye - Slow: Find walleye in slack water or deeper holes. 05/30 09:48
Volga Lake Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Volga Lake Northeast Black Crappie - Slow: 05/30 07:47
Volga Lake Northeast Water clarity improving. Water temperatures 70's. 05/30 07:47
Volga Lake Northeast Bluegill - Fair: 05/30 07:47
Volga Lake Northeast Channel Catfish - Good: Use a squished minnow or worm fished on bottom. 05/30 07:47
Volga Lake Northeast Largemouth Bass - Good: Use spinners or crankbaits fished along jetties or drop-offs. 05/30 07:47
Volga River Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Volga River Northeast Smallmouth Bass - Slow: Fish the off channel areas. Use a spinner or jig tipped with plastic tail. 05/30 07:47
Volga River Northeast Water levels stabilizing but remain about 2 ft. high. Clarity improving. For more information, please visit https://water.noaa.gov/ 05/30 07:47
Volga River Northeast Walleye - Slow: Fish the eddies and along snags. 05/30 09:52
Yellow River Northeast Area rivers and streams are elevated due to recent rainfall events. Chance of storms through weekend. Water levels could go up depending on rain amounts. Temperatures 70's to upper 50's. For more information, please contact the Chuck Gipp Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324. 05/30 07:47
Yellow River Northeast Water levels falling but remain about a foot high. Water clarity improving. Use caution as snags and debris move through the system. 05/30 07:47
Yellow River Northeast Brown Trout - Good: Find trout below or just off riffles. A spinner or shallow running crankbait should interest a hungry mouth. 05/30 07:47
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Water temperatures are around 70 degrees in many area lakes. Bluegills can be seen on nests in many area lakes. River levels are still above normal but continue to recede. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 05/30 08:47
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Water levels are roughly 6 inches above the spillway. Water clarity is roughly 4-5 feet. 05/30 08:47
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Black Crappie - Fair: The crappie spawn is pretty much over but fish can still be picked up around the fish house in Town Bay and along Ice House Point shoreline. Fish are up to 10-12 inches. 05/30 08:47
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Bluegill - Fair: Catch keeper bluegill using nightcrawlers fished from shore. 05/30 08:47
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Walleye - Fair: Anglers are picking up fish along the east shore, Ice House Point shoreling, and in the inlet bay. Cast twisters and fish with a nightcrawler under a bobber. 05/30 08:47
Black Hawk Lake Northwest Largemouth Bass - Good: Pick up fish along shore with a variety of bass baits. 05/30 08:51
Brushy Creek Lake Northwest Water temperatures are around 70 degrees in many area lakes. Bluegills can be seen on nests in many area lakes. River levels are still above normal but continue to recede. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638. 05/30 08:47
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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