Black Hawk Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Anglers are picking up fish in Town Bay, along shore near Ice House Point, the inlet bridge, and near the outlet. Black Crappie – Fair: Much of the crappie action has moved off shore. Anglers have had luck fishing the rock piles. Some sorting is needed. Try fishing along Ice House point shoreline and from boat in 2-6 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Pick up 7- to 8- inches fish along shore with crawlers or small jigs under a bobber. Channel Catfish – Fair. Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair: Most fish being caught are 12- to 18-inches. Fish are being picked up along shore and from boat. Yellow Perch – Fair.
Brushy Creek Lake
Surface water temperatures are around 70 degrees. Black Crappie – Fair: Try a small jig or minnow along weed edges in 5-10 feet of water. Bluegill – Fair: Try fishing the edges of the vegetation along shore in 2-6 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Fair: Try fishing along the weed lines in 2-6 feet of water. . Muskellunge – Fair. Walleye – Fair.
North Twin Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70s. 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. Walleye – Fair: Boat anglers have had luck using planer boards and crankbaits.
Storm Lake
Water temperatures are in the low 70s. Water clarity is about 2 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. Channel Catfish – Fair: There is a good population of 3-6 pound catfish. Try cut bait or dip baits fished in the bottoms from shore. Walleye – Fair: Use leeches 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.
Swan Lake
Water temperatures are in the mid-70s. Black Crappie – Fair: Most crappies have moved off shore; a few are still being picked up. Bluegill – Good: Anglers have had luck with bluegill from shore. Most fish are 7-inches.
Water temperatures are in the low to mid-70s in most area lakes. For more information, contact the Black Hawk District office at 712-657-2638.
Beeds Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Use a small jig or minnow near trees in the water. Bluegill – Slow.
Clear Lake
Water temperature is in the low 70s. Lake level is 1/2 inch 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. Yellow Bass – Good: Try a small jig near vegetation and around the island. Best bite is early morning.
Crystal Lake
Black Crappie – Good: Use a minnow or jig near woody habitat. Bluegill – Fair.
Rice Lake
Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 3 to 4 feet of water. Largemouth Bass – Fair. Walleye – Slow: Best bite is after sunset. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Silver Lake (Worth)
Bluegill – Fair: Try a small piece of crawler under a bobber in 2 to 3 feet of water. . You may have to cast further to avoid spooking the fish with the clear water. Largemouth Bass – Good. Yellow Perch – Slow.
Winnebago River
Water level is 5.7 feet.
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 low 60s. Black Crappie – Fair. Bluegill – Fair: Use a small hook and piece of worm. Walleye – Good. Yellow Perch – Fair: Sorting will be needed.
Ingham Lake
Walleye – Fair: Anglers have been successful morning and evening.
Lost Island Lake
Water temperatures are in the lower 70s. 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.