Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and near the outlet. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are picking up crappie close to shore along the Ice House Point shoreline, from the fish house in Town Bay, and in the marina with small jigs. Some sorting is needed. Channel Catfish – Fair. Walleye – Good: Anglers are picking up good numbers of 12- to 18-inch walleye along shore and from boats. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Brushy Creek Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 60s. Black Crappie – Fair: Try a jig and minnow in 5-10 feet of water near shore and woody structure. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Bite is hit-or-miss; a few fish have been in the mid to upper 20-inch range.
North Twin Lake
Water clarity is 4 feet. Water temperatures are in the mid-60s. Water levels remain low; use caution when loading boats at the ramps. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a small jig or a minnow and jig under a bobber along the shore and docks. Largemouth Bass – Good. Muskellunge – Fair: Anglers are picking up some musky. Fish are under 24 inches. Walleye – Good: Fishing has been productive for boat anglers using planer boards and crankbaits.
Storm Lake
Water clarity is roughly 4 feet. All walleye between 19 and 25-inches must be immediately released unharmed at Storm Lake; and no more than one walleye longer than 25-inches can be taken per day. Black Crappie – Fair: Try a jig or a jig and minnow under a bobber along docks rocky shorelines and in the marina. Walleye – Slow: Use live bait and twisters from shore in the evenings. Try the edges of the dredge cuts with crawler harnesses or crankbaits. Yellow Bass – Fair: Most fish are 5- to 7-inches.Yellow Perch – Slow. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Clear Lake
Water temperature is in the low 60s. Lake level is 3.1 inches above crest. Water clarity is 6 feet. Clear Lake has a protected slot on walleye. All walleye between 17 and 22 inches must be immediately released unharmed. No more than one walleye longer than 22 inches may be taken per day. Black Crappie – Good: Anglers are catching crappies around the rush beds and from the jetties. Best bite is in the morning. Channel Catfish – Fair: Use a piece of cut bait fished on the bottom from the wind-swept shore. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Good: Anglers are having success fishing a jig and minnow near vegetation or trolling crankbaits in 8 to10 feet of water. Yellow Bass – Good: Try a small jig near vegetation and around the island. Best bite is early morning.
Crystal Lake
Water temperature is in the low 60s. Black Crappie – Fair: Use a minnow or jig near woody habitat. Bluegill – Fair.
Rice Lake
Water temperature is in the low 60s.Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Water temperature is in the low 60s.Largemouth Bass – Good. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Winnebago River
Water level is 7.9 feet. Northern Pike – Slow. Walleye – Slow: Use a jig head and minnow along current breaks.
For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517.
East Okoboji Lake
The water temperature is in the mid-60s. The walleye season is open. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Try using a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.
Lost Island Lake
Water temperatures are in the lower 60s. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Black Crappie – Good. Walleye – Good.
Silver Lake
Courtesy docks are in place. Check out the Iowa Walleye Challenge being held May 1 – June 30 for prizes given to anglers catching the most walleye. Walleye – Fair.
Spirit Lake
The water temperature is in the low 60s. All boat ramp docks are in place. The walleye season is open. Black Bullhead – Good. Black Crappie – Fair: Many nice-sized fish have been seen lately. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have been very successful fishing the north grade. Walleye – Good: Leaches and minnows work well. Yellow Perch – Fair.