Jan. 16 Iowa Fishing Report

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 Geode

There is still open water out in the middle. The hole is getting much smaller.  Most of the rest of the lake has between 4-5 inches of ice.  Bluegill - Slow: Bluegill fishing has been pretty slow.  Might be the rapid ups and downs in the weather. Work the bottom edges of the drop offs and you should be able to find some fish.

Lake Belva Deer

Fishing has been a little hit and miss this last week.  When the fish are biting anglers have been catching good numbers of fish. Bluegill - Good: Work near the bottom out in 20-23 feet of water around the flooded trees and the old creek channel. Crappie - Good: Look for the crappies to be about two feet higher than the bluegills.

Pollmiller Park Lake

Bluegill fishing has remained pretty steady, with good numbers being caught.  Bluegill - Good: Work the deeper brush piles down from the boat ramp towards the dam.

Lake of the Hills

Last weekend there was a large amount of water on the ice.  That's gone but might be back if this Sunday's forecast holds true. Remember Lake of the Hills is the only lake in West Lake Park where live minnows can be used for bait. Rainbow Trout - Fair: Trout fishing is good if you can find where they are holding. The problem is finding where that is.  Anglers that know the spots are catching fish. Bluegill - Good: Bluegills make up a majority of what is being caught.  Small ice fishing jigs tipped with wax worms fished around the deeper brush piles will get you a batch.

Lambach Lake

Use caution on this smaller lake in West Lake Park as the ice thickness is variable. Live minnows are not allowed for bait on Lambach Lake. They are still catching some nice crappies but the bite has slowed down. Crappie - Fair: This lake has the deep water running down the middle along an old gully work this area and you can probably catch a nice batch of crappies.

Big Hollow Lake

Ice conditions are 6-7 inches thick. Bluegill - Good: Look for the bluegills out along the old creek channel along the upper 2/3 of the lake. Crappie - Good: The anglers are finding the crappies now. Minnows seem to be working well.

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

Red Haw Lake

Anglers report about 12 inches of ice. Fishing has slowed down from last week. Anglers have been using small jigs tipped with a wax worm to catch bluegills in depths of 19-20 feet of water. Dusk has been the most productive time to be on the lake.

Albia (lower)

Ice thickness ranges from 5-7 inches in most areas.  Fishing has slowed lately.  Use small jigs tipped with a wax worm.  There are buoys marking areas with brush piles under them.

Lake Sugema

Ice thickness are reported as good. The fishing has been slow on Lake Sugema. The majority of the anglers have been on Tug Forks West and have been catching some bluegills use jigs and wax worms.

Rathbun Reservoir

Thicknesses of 5-9 inches of ice have been reported.  Fishing pressure has been light and fishing has been slow.  Try to find underwater structure and use small jigs tipped with a minnow under a bobber or try vertically jigging.  The current lake level is 904.22 feet. Don't forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry equipment before transporting to another water body.

If you have other questions regarding fishing in south central Iowa please call the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406.