Iowa DNR releases fishing report

Lake Geode

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Lake Belva Deer

The onset of cool weather has pushed the fish deep; as a result, fishing has been slow for all species. Bluegill ? slow: try vertical jigging for bluegills around deep water structure. Keep your bait presentation slow. Largemouth bass ? slow: try fishing for bass on warm, sunny days near woody structure adjacent to steep banks. A jig-n-pig presented slowly may spur a bite. Crappie ? slow: much like bluegills, crappies can often be found around deep water structure this time of year. Vertical jigging may be the ticket for this species as well.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Pollmiller Lake is located just north of Wilson Lake, near West Point. The fish are still willing to bite at this location. Bluegill ? good: the bluegills are biting well on minnows around woody structure. They will likely retreat to deeper water as temperatures cool. Largemouth bass ? good: largemouth bass are biting well on minnows; however, those taking the bait are smaller fish (about 10 inches). Crappie ? fair: some crappies are being caught alongside the bluegills on minnows. Many of the crappies have moved to deep water structure.

Lake of the Hills

The boat ramp is closed for repair until further notice. Trout are active and being caught readily. These fish will hit during the day on a variety of baits. In addition to artificial in-line spinners, minnows and worms have been successful. Bluegill and crappies can also be caught from shore in fair numbers. Experiment to find the depth for these species. Channel catfish ? slow: the catch has dropped with the cooler weather and nights. Try chicken liver or worms. Largemouth bass ? slow: crankbaits, spinner baits, or plastic worms can pick up fish, but the catch is slowing. Remember, Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used as bait.

Railroad Lake

The water level was lowered to repair the boat ramp. The work is complete but the dock will stay out until the decking is replaced later this winter. Use caution with the low water levels. Channel catfish ? slow: a few catfish are hitting liver and worms. Fish the old channel area. Bluegill ? fair: along 110th and the north side is producing a number of bluegills on worms. Largemouth bass ? fair: bass will take crankbaits, spinner baits and plastics when you find them. Try the rocks or submerged wood. Minnows are not permitted in this lake. Crappie ? fair: both bluegill and crappie are hitting along the timber and the old channel. Crappies are hanging on the brush piles now. Night crawlers have been productive.

Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake is located in far southeast Iowa. Water temperature is slightly warmer at this location as compared to more northern lakes in the Lake Darling Fisheries Management District. Anglers are still having some success for rainbow trout and bluegills. Rainbow trout ? good: trout are biting well on small, flashy spinners. Look for these fish around woody structure. Bluegill ? good: bluegills are being caught by anglers casting small, spinning lures for trout.

Environmental Discovery Park North Pond

Anglers continue to catch good numbers of trout as well as the occasional bluegill. Slightly warmer days may provide a greater chance of success. Rainbow trout ? good: try fishing with small jigs and spinners. Worms and minnows also work well. The corners of the dam are good places to fish. Bluegill ? fair: the occasional bluegill is being caught by anglers fishing for trout.

Big Hollow Lake

Fishing activity has been sparse as fall temperatures continue to drop. All fish species have moved to deeper water. Some success might be had for bluegills and crappies on warm, sunny days. Try vertical jigging with small baits near brush piles submerged in deep water. Largemouth bass might be found near woody structure along steep banks. Keep your bait presentations slow.

For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Management Station at 319-694-2430.

Lake Macbride

We have received no information regarding fishing on this water body this week.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from the tube is 187 cubic feet per second as of Nov. 29. Walleye ? fair: use a jig and minnow in wintering holes below the dam.

Smaller lakes may have a crusting of ice on protected areas. Most lakes have surface temps in the upper 30s. There has been very little fishing activity on the lakes. For more information, contact the Lake Macbride Fisheries Station at 319-624-3615.

Red Haw Lake

Fishing activity has slowed down with the cooler water temperatures. Try using small jigs for bluegill in four to six feet of water.

Lake Sugema

Fishing activity has slowed. Try using minnows under a bobber for crappie along the flooded timber.

Rathbun Reservoir

The lake level is 903.19 feet with 904 feet being normal. The surface water temperature is 44 degrees. Very little fishing activity has been occurring with the colder temperatures. Try vertically jigging minnows for crappies. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain and dry boats before transporting to another water body.

For questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa, call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.