March 28, 2024

IDNR state fishing report

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.

Rathbun Reservoir

The current lake level is 905.45 feet with normal pool being 904 feet.  The water temperature is 53 degrees.  Crappie - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Try finding crappies around brush piles in 8-10 feet of water using jigs and minnows or minnows and slip bobbers.  Walleye - Slow: Fishing pressure has been light. Try areas with submerged points and rock piles.  Try using a minnow under a slip bobber.  Don’t forget Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels so make sure to clean, drain, and dry boats before transporting 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 (5 days in the sun).

Red Rock Reservoir

Crappie - Good: The fall crappie bite is going at Red Rock. Good catches are coming from the marina bay.  The marina docks are private property so the preferred access is by boat.

Des Moines River (Stratford to Saylorville Lake)

Walleye - Fair: Fall is an excellent time to target walleye in all stretches of the Des Moines River through central Iowa. Concentrate on areas of slow moving water with 4 feet of water or more with a rocky or gravel bottom. Areas like this just above or below shallow riffles are ideal. Cast jigs with twisters or crankbaits with chartreuse or firetiger coloration.

Des Moines River (Saylorville to Red Rock)

Walleye - Fair: Fall is an excellent time to target walleye in all stretches of the Des Moines River through central Iowa. Concentrate on areas of slow moving water with 4 feet of water or more with a rocky or gravel bottom. Areas like this just above or below shallow riffles are ideal. Cast jigs with twisters or crankbaits with chartreuse or firetiger coloration.