Iowa DNR fishing report

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources publishes a weekly fishing report, compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report.

SOUTHEAST IOWA

' Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

The fall trout release will be Oct. 26th at 10 a.m.; 1000 trout will be released with 100 tagged for prizes. Rainbow Trout - Excellent: Saturday, Oct. 26th is a good day to go trout fishing.

' Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

The Iowa is finally back to bank full level and continues to slowly drop.

' Lake Belva Deer

Water temperature is in the mid-60's. The weather has been keeping angler numbers down. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass are waiting for the weather to settle down before moving in shallow to fatten up for the winter. Bluegill - Fair: Bluegills remain out in deeper water down about 10 to 12 feet. At the lower end of the lake, drift troll from out from the beach down to the dam out along the flooded timber. Channel Catfish - Fair: Try around the mounds near the upper end of the lake where there is some deep rock on the sides.

' Lake Darling

Water clarity is 24-inches+, despite the wind. The water temperature is in the mid-60's. Angler numbers have been down due to the strong west winds. Largemouth Bass - Fair: They should be moving in along the rip-rap where the wind is blowing in. Bluegill - Fair: The bigger bluegills are still out in the deeper water, but if the weather calms down look for them to move in shallow. Black Crappie - Fair: Crappies are still out in 10 to 12 feet of water; they should be ready to move in shallow if the wind lays down.

' Lost Grove Lake

Water temperature is dropping. Only a few anglers having been out in the waves; it's too windy. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Dropping water temperatures should get more bass in shallow to fatten up for the winter. Bluegill - Fair: They should be ready to move in shallow once the wind dies down.

' Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The Skunk River dropped the last couple of days, but remains above 1/2 bank full.

' Wilson Lake

The fall trout release will be Saturday, Oct. 26 at noon; 1000 trout will be released with 200 tagged for prizes.

For more information on the above lake, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

' Coralville Reservoir

The lake level is 687.7 feet. The lake will slowly fall. Channel Catfish – Slow: Slow troll or drift cut bait. White Crappie - Slow: Use minnows or bright jigs over brush piles. Largemouth Bass - Slow: Flip jigs/plastics or shallow running crankbaits along chunk rock.

' Diamond Lake

Black Crappie - Slow: Trolling the main lake has been best. A few fish are being caught from the jetties. Early and late in the day is best.

' Lake Macbride

Water temperatures are in the mid-50's. Any sized motor may be used at no wake speed (5 mph). The fish cleaning station by the primitive campground is closed for the season, but the floating station at the main ramp is still available. Walleye - Slow. Black Crappie - Fair: Try jigging over brush piles or laydowns. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) - Slow: Fish windblown rock or look for surface activity at sunset. Largemouth Bass - Fair.

' Pleasant Creek Lake

The main ramp is still closed for repaving. White Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Fair.

For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615