Fishing Report Aug. 26, 2011

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued its weekly fishing report. The report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

LAKE SUGEMA

Lake Sugema contains the invasive plant brittle naiad so make sure to inspect and clean boats and trailers when leaving the lake.

Bluegill - fair: Try using small jigs tipped with a piece of nightcrawler along the shoreline and areas of the lake with standing timber.

Largemouth bass - fair: Use top water baits fished in the early morning or late evening hours. Fish areas with rip-rapped shorelines with a spinner bait or a jig-and-pig combo.

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RATHBUN RESERVOIR

The lake level is at 904.87 feet with 904.0 feet being normal pool. Water temperature has been in the upper 70s. Outlet Park was closed Aug. 22 for a river stabilization project and could be closed up to 60 days. Don?t forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels, so make sure to clean, drain and dry boats before transporting to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water or let them dry for at least 10 days with five days in the sun.

Crappie - slow: A few crappies are still being caught off docks and close to shore using a jig and a minnow. Look for areas with flooded woody structure. Suspended crappies can be targeted by trolling small chrome colored crankbaits. Try areas with variations in depths like underwater islands and submerged points.

Walleye - fair: Anglers have had some success trolling chrome colored crankbaits or vertically jigging blade baits. They also are using nightcrawlers being drifted or trolled. Tagged walleyes should be reported at (641) 647-2406.