DNR Fishing Report for New London area

This week’s Iowa DNR Fishing Report contained no information on the sites within a one-hour drive from New London. This report includes some popular places not too much farther. The DNR notes that Fall fishing has a special look and feel with cool air, picturesque views of splendid scenery, and cooperative fish. They encourage you to pack your gear, rig your rods and get outside. Fall is a great time to catch fish in Iowa’s rivers. The DNR has an interactive Fishing Atlas.

The address is https://programs.iowadnr.gov/maps//fishingatlas/default.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery but it is easier to just use a search engine and ask for the Iowa DNR Fishing Atlas. Many of the parks are closing their fish cleaning stations and modern bathrooms. Some have closed boat ramps docks. Check with Lake rangers and go prepared.

No Report Available:

•Lake Geode 16 min (10 mi)

•Big Hollow Lake 21 minutes (18 mi)

•Iowa River (Columbus Junction to Mississippi River)

•Cedar River (Moscow to Columbus Junction)

•Lake Darling 46 min (40 mi)

Try these Lakes just a short drive north on 218:

Coralville Reservoir: Lake level is 685.5 feet. Black Crappie — Fair: Try jigs or minnows along rock walls or over rock bluffs or sunken brush with minnows or bright jigs. Channel Catfish — Fair: Slow troll cut bait in the channel. Largemouth Bass — Fair: Try rock banks or laydowns with artificials. White Crappie — Fair: Fish rock bluffs or sunken brush with minnows or bright jigs.

Lake Macbride: Any sized motor may be used at 5 mph or less. Water temperatures are in the low 50s. Black Crappie — Good: Try jigs or minnows around brush in 5-15 feet of water. Largemouth Bass — Fair: Try fishing near shallow to mid-depth structure. Walleye — Slow: Fish windblown rocks. Evening are best. Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) — Slow: Troll crankbaits for suspended fish during the day and target windblown banks toward evening.

Lake Sugema: Black Crappie — Fair: Try jigs and minnows in standing timber along rocky shorelines. Bluegill — Fair: Use small jigs around submerged brush piles and shoreline. Largemouth Bass — Good: Try plastics or spinnerbaits along riprapped shorelines and around submerged structures.

Lake Wapello: Black Crappie — Fair: Target tree piles with small jigs. Bluegill — Fair: Try small jigs around brush piles. Largemouth Bass — Good: Use plastics and crankbaits around brush piles and riprapped shoreline.

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

Mississippi River: Tailwater stages have risen slightly this past week. River conditions are low. Main channel temperature is around 60 degrees. Water clarity fair. If you have questions on fishing Pools 16-19, contact the Fairport Fish Hatchery at 563-263-5062.

Mississippi River Pool 18: Tailwater stage has risen slightly to 3.22 feet at Lock and Dam 17 at New Boston. Channel Catfish — No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along main channel and side channels. Try cut shad or dip baits. Channel catfish can also be caught fishing the wing-dams. With lower water conditions, look for catfish toward ends of wing-dams where there is more flow. Sauger — No Report: We have not received reports of catching saugers below the Lock and Dam. Fishing should improve as water temperatures fall. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye — No Report: Look for walleyes on wing-dams; cast or troll crankbaits. Walleyes can also be caught on jigs and night crawlers. With low water, look for walleyes toward ends of wing-dams where there is more current. White Crappie — No Report: Look for crappies around brush piles and snags in backwaters and side channels. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics.

Mississippi River Pool 19: Tailwater stage is 1.17 feet and rising at Lock and Dam 18 above Burlington. Channel Catfish — No Report: Look for channel catfish around brush piles and snags along main channel and side channels. Try cut shad or dip baits. Channel catfish can also be caught fishing wing-dams. With lower water conditions, look for catfish toward ends of wing-dams with more flow. Sauger — No Report: We have not received any reports of catching saugers below the Lock and Dam. Fishing should improve as water temperatures fall. Try vertical jigging with minnows or trolling three-way rigs with minnows. Walleye — No Report: Look for walleyes on wing-dams; cast or troll crankbaits. Walleyes can also be caught on jigs and night crawlers. With low water, look for walleyes toward ends of wing-dams with more current. White Crappie — No Report: Look for crappies around brush piles and snags in backwaters and side channels. Use minnows under a bobber or jigs and plastics.