Iowa DNR releases fishing report

Lake Geode

Channel catfish ? good: catfishing has been good along the face of the dam, but don?t pass up the creek channel at the upper end of the lake.

Lake Belva Deer

Channel catfish ? excellent: catfishing has been very good through the hot weather. Chicken liver is the bait to use. One very good spot is the rock mounds at the upper end of the lake.

Lake of the Hills

Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used for bait. Channel catfish ? excellent: lots of catfish are being caught on stinkbait and chicken liver. Chicken liver seems to be the current favorite. Early and late are the times to be there. Bluegill ­? good: fishing a worm and bobber set at three to four feet down seems to be working the best. Largemouth bass ? excellent: the hot weather didn't seem to be bothering these fish. Use white spinnerbaits in the morning and plastics the rest of the day. Crappie ? good: crappies are on the brush piles. The ones just off the fishing pier seem to be angler favorites.

Railroad Lake

The old creek channel is the place to fish right now for about all species. Live minnows as bait are not allowed in Railroad Lake. Bluegill ? good: some of the bluegills have moved back to the stump fields on the north side but a lot of them remain in the old creek channel on the south side. Largemouth bass ? excellent: bass are around the rock. Working spinnerbaits in the morning and plastics along the deeper edge of the rocks is working the best. Crappie ? good: crappies are still in the brush piles and trees along the old creek channel.

Skunk River (Coppock to Mississippi River)

The recent rain didn't make the river rise much. Channel catfish ? good: catfishing remains fairly good.

Big Hollow Lake

Channel catfish ? good: catfishing has been good on stinkbait or chicken liver. Look for them around the big brush piles and around the culvert in the lake.

For more information on the above lakes and rivers call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430.

Lake Wapello

Channel catfish ? good: anglers have been using nightcrawlers off the fishing jetties to catch their limit. Bluegill ? fair: try using small jigs tipped with a chunk of nightcrawler along shoreline structures.

Red Haw Lake

Channel catfish ? good: nightcrawlers have been the most productive. Try areas along the dam and off the rock jetties. Bluegill ? good: use small jigs in less than six feet of water. Try areas near shoreline structures and off the rock jetties. Largemouth bass ? good: anglers have been successful using crankbaits fished along the dam and the rock jetties. Try using crankbaits that mimic crawdads.

Rathbun Reservoir

Lake level is at 904.48 feet with 904.00 feet being normal pool. The water temperature is 78 degrees. Channel catfish ? excellent: nightcrawlers have been working well. Try areas over the rock humps and underwater points. Walleye ? slow: anglers have been having success trolling live bait over humps and underwater points. As the summer continues, try using crankbaits trolled over the same areas. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting them to another water body. Spray boats and trailers with high pressure hot water (above 104 degrees) or let them dry for at least 10 days (five days in the sun).

For other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa please call 641-647-2406.

Albia City Reservoir

Anglers have recently captured some outstanding limits of large catfish from both the upper and lower reservoir. In particular, the Upper Albia Reservoir has turned out some very nice fish in the 30-inch range. Night crawlers and chicken livers have been the most productive baits.

Fishing is picking up with the cooler temperatures. If you have questions call 641-647-2406.