April 24 Iowa Fishing Report for Southeast Iowa

For lake locations, maps and other information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/FishingReports.aspx

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is 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

Lake Odessa

The gate for the Toolesboro road has been closed as the Mississippi River is flow in through the breach in the Iowa River levee and across the road there.  The Sand Run and Schaffer ramps are still usable even though Odessa is a little higher than normal.

Lake Geode

Channel Catfish - Fair: Anglers are catching some nice catfish.  I would work the shallow flats on the north side where the sun hits the water and warms it.  Also down by the dam where the rip rap warms up. Use nightcrawlers or cut bait.

Lake Belva Deer

Largemouth Bass - Good: Some nice bass have been caught recently. Pick one of the few nice sunny days and hit the warmer bays.  Also work the upper end of the lake.  Crappie - Fair: Anglers are picking up a few crappies but it really hasn't started yet.  Need the weather to warm up and stay that way.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Largemouth Bass - Excellent: If you just want to get the kids out and catch some fish and don't want to keep any.  The 10-12 inch bass are hitting fast and furious.

Lake of the Hills

Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where minnows are allowed as live bait.  Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout are active and hitting jigs and spinners, as well as sweet corn fished under a bobber.

Wilson Lake

Rainbow Trout - Good: Trout have been very active but not in big numbers.  A few limits are being caught but most anglers are catching one or two per trip.

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

Iowa Lake

Largemouth Bass - Fair:   Crappie - Fair: Look for males moving to shallow wood/brush.

Lake Macbride

Water temps are in the mid to upper 50s. Loading docks are now in at the ramps. Crappie - Fair: Early mornings have been best for male crappies around rock/brush. Most reports are coming from the south arm and are being caught from shore. Walleye - Fair: Early and late in the day have been best for smaller male walleyes. During these low light conditions they can be caught shallower along rock. During the day, look for them deeper.

Diamond Lake

The boat dock is in, fish cleaning station and restrooms are open.  Channel Catfish - Slow:   Largemouth Bass - Slow:

Otter Creek Lake

The boat docks are in and the fish cleaning station is open.  Bluegill - Fair: Reports of decent catches of bluegills have been coming from anglers fishing shallow, near shore.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction)

Outflow from the Coralville dam is about 1,500 CFS. White Bass - Fair: A few white bass and occasional wiper have been caught below the dams as well. Walleye - Fair: A few fish are being caught below the dams and in deeper pools. Jigs are usually best but crankbaits can be good as well.

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids)

Walleye - Fair: Try below the dams with a jig or crankbait.

Sand Lake

This is located in Terry Trueblood Recreation Area on the south side of Iowa City. Remember, you must possess a trout stamp to fish for and/or possess trout.  Rainbow Trout - Fair: Cast small jigs, spinners, or live baits for trout cruising around in search of a meal.  Largemouth Bass - Fair:   Crappie - Fair: Try small jigs or tubes along any sort of rock or wood.

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

Red Haw Lake

Anglers have been catching some largemouth bass. Crappie fishing has been slow with the cooler temperatures.  Look for areas with brush piles or submerged habitat.

Albia (lower)

Anglers have been catching bluegills casting jigs along the shorelines.

Lake Sugema

Anglers have been catching largemouth bass along the shorelines and rip-rapped areas of the lake.  Crappie fishing remains slow.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 904.99 feet.  Water temperature is 50 degrees. Anglers have been catching channel catfish on nightcrawlers.  Try windblown shorelines and coves.  Crappie fishing has been slow.  Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

Remember to take your trash with you so your favorite fishing spot is free from litter.  Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions regarding angling in south central Iowa.