By the Iowa DNR TRIPOLI, Iowa – Heavy rainfall last weekend in the Wapsipinicon and Plum Creek watersheds in Chickasaw and Bremer counties has caused a 60 foot by 40 foot section of the dike on Martens Lake on the Sweet Marsh Wildlife Management Area to fail. The breach likely occurred during the night of July 23.  The water level on the 255-acre lake is dropping and is nearly two feet below crest. The water level is similar to that when the lake is lowered to manage for vegetation. Flooding caused by the 10-15 inches of rain has made Quail … Continue reading Floodwaters damage Sweet Marsh Wildlife Area

By the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources The August roadside survey is the best measurement of Iowa pheasant population. Surveyors watch for hens moving their broods to the road edges to dry off before starting to look for insects. Photo courtesy of the Iowa DNR. Iowa’s 15-day annual pheasant population survey begins on Aug. 1, and after a mild winter and early spring, wildlife experts are cautiously optimistic about what they hope to find. “Our weather this year is nearly identical to what we saw in 2015,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources … Continue reading Iowa’s annual pheasant population survey begins Aug. 1

Making plans for summer getaways with family and friends? Add fishing to your list. Plan a day trip or bring along fishing gear on your next weekend or camping trip. The best fishing is early in the morning or later in the evening and after dark. Like anglers, fish adjust to the heat. “Fish will move to deep water to cool off during the brightest, hottest part of the day,” said Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau. Look for fish in the outside edge of weed beds or structure, near shade during the day. … Continue reading Fishing tips from the DNR

This weekly fishing report is compiled by the Iowa DNR from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. Cedar River (above Nashua)
 Water clarity is improving with temperatures in the mid 70’s. Water levels bumped up with recent rain.  Walleye – Good: Try a jig tipped with a minnow or twister tail below dams in the pockets.  Channel Catfish- Good: Use dead chubs or stink bait fished from shore under a bobber. Find fish in brush piles and backwater areas.  Smallmouth Bass- Good: Smallmouth are hitting everything that hits the water. Fish around brush piles for a whopper.  Black Crappie – Fair: Use … Continue reading Area fishing report