04/07/2008 @ 05:33 PM Contributed by: patrick Views:: 551
Once again there will be a FREE general raffle available to everyone that attends the Annual IO Potluck Dinner at this years spring outing. Last year we had a lot of good giveaways and this year will follow suit.
Also I would like to take a moment to announce that if there is enough interest we will be having a poker tournament. A tournament of No Limit Texas Hold em will be played and the last man/woman standing will win a Knight Muzzleloader. This is a completely free event, NO ENTRY FEE is required. Let me know if you are interested and we can go from there.
This years Iowa Outdoors Spring Outing is going to be held at Lake Red Rock on June 6-8. The outing will be at Whitebreast Campgrounds. The shelter there has been reserved on June 7 for our Potluck dinner that evening. Stay tuned for further details about the potluck.
05/09/2008 @ 06:00 AM Contributed by: bigjake Views:: 33
May 8, 2008
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. Phone numbers are listed at the end of each district report.
05/08/2008 @ 06:00 AM Contributed by: bigjake Views:: 29
By Lowell Washburn
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
LUNKERS --- Doug Blumer, Mason City, displays a 14.5 pound, 31 ½-inch channel catfish caught this week on the Harbor Inn Fishing Jetty located at the west end of Clear Lake. A number of large catfish are currently being reported from anglers across the state.
Photo by: Lowell Washburn
Mention the words giant catfish and most anglers will turn their thoughts toward hot and humid summer weather, late night fishing excursions, and the potent aroma of fermenting stink bait. And while it’s true that Iowa’s own Mister Whiskers does indeed love the spa atmosphere, the sport of catfishing does have another, less known aspect that most anglers neglect.
When winter ends and the ice comes off Iowa lakes and streams, channel ‘cats are as eager to feed as any other gamefish. Forget those rancid homemade concoctions and commercial stink baits, they’re just not necessary right now. Although catfish will scavenge during early spring, they are also highly aggressive predators and are more than willing to hunt down live meals.
Regardless of whether spring anglers choose to fish lakes or rivers, those in the know head to wherever tile lines or natural tributary streams empty into larger waters. Minnows [bigger the better] are the universal bait of choice. Having said that, it should also be noted that the 14 ½ pounder pictured on this page was hooked on a tiny crappie minnow. Just goes to show that there are few hard and fast rules in the world of angling. When it comes to spring fishing, just getting out there can be the most important ingredient to success.
05/06/2008 @ 11:17 AM Contributed by: bigjake Views:: 26
From the IDNR
DES MOINES - Iowa is teaming up with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and 29 other states in a national campaign this spring to encourage more people to get out on the water and go fishing.
“Fishing is a great way for Iowans to spend time with their families and friends and enjoy the outdoors,” said DNR Director Richard Leopold. “Fishing is fun, it’s affordable, and with hundreds of lakes and waterways across the state, it’s accessible to anyone.”
05/04/2008 @ 06:00 AM Contributed by: bigjake Views:: 77
From the IDNR
To help in the detection of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in the state of Iowa, the collaborative partners of the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa State University Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Protection and Quarantine, have rolled out a new survey initiative to look for the exotic, ash tree-killing insect. EAB researchers have developed a new survey tool, a purple prism trap and lure that will be used in Iowa and in 45 other states throughout the country.
05/02/2008 @ 06:00 AM Contributed by: bigjake Views:: 95
By Lowell Washburn
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
For Iowa’s homegrown Canada goose flock, the hatch is on. Weather-wise, it’s been a tough spring, and wildlife biologists are predicting an overall downturn in this year’s statewide goose production. The culprit, they say, is recent widespread flooding that destroyed large numbers of Canada goose nests.
“This spring, we received some very untimely rains that will certainly have a negative impact on this year’s goose hatch,” said DNR Waterfowl Biologist, Guy Zenner. “What’s really unfortunate is that the heavy rains and flooding occurred just a week before the peak hatch. If those rains would have held off for just a few days it would have given most birds time to hatch. The flooding would not have had near the impact on hatched goslings.”
We lost a couple fishermen last year at Brushy Creek who went over the dam. I can't say high water was the reason, but it could have been. This article reinforces some good safety tips.
DES MOINES – A combination of spring fever and high waters can be dangerous especially early in the season with some boaters wanting to get on the water regardless of the conditions. The melting snow and frequent spring rains have swollen Iowa’s rivers, lakes and streams to the point of causing some flooding and washed in downed tree limbs and other debris.
One of the most important safety tips is for boat operators to not operate the craft faster than the conditions or their abilities allow. Slow down, especially during high water and flooding.
PHOTO: Mike Britt of Owatonna, Minnesota, displays a mixed catch of walleye and yellow bass. The Minnesota angler bagged the fish while wading at the Clear Lake Island. In addition to taking his limit, Britt also caught and released several more walleye during the late afternoon outing.
In spite of the fact that he resides in The Land of 10,000 Lakes, Britt makes frequent excursions to Clear Lake.
“I usually have my best success here during early spring and summer,” says Britt. “I also do a lot of fishing in Minnesota and my friends give me grief over coming down here [Iowa] to fish. I just tell them, ‘That’s OK. You guys just stay up here and I’ll keep going down to Clear Lake’.”
Britt shared his Clear Lake Island excursion with 27 other anglers. Twenty-five of those anglers caught fish. Nearly all took limits of walleye.
By Lowell Washburn
All Photos by Lowell Washburn
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
CLEAR LAKE – One of my annual outdoor goals is to hook a walleye on the very first cast of the spring fishing season. Although I’ve never been successful at achieving the dream, I came pretty close this year.
I didn’t begin fishing until last week, and the walleye spawn was approaching its peak as I waded into the chilly waters of Clear Lake. The sky was overcast and the shoreline was littered with rock --- prime conditions for shallow water, early season spawners.
Other anglers were already on the scene, including my son Matt. Wading in that direction I was pleased to discover that, in less than 15 minutes of fishing, he had already taken two legal walleye and had just released a sub-legal, 13-incher.
04/26/2008 @ 06:00 AM Contributed by: bigjake Views:: 127
PHOTOS: American white pelicans Photos by: Lowell Washburn
By Lowell Washburn
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The spring flight of American white pelicans has arrived in Iowa. From border to border, river to river, these huge water birds are currently visiting ponds, lakes, and reservoirs across the state.
Wherever they assemble, white pelicans are certain to draw a crowd. With massive proportions, snow-white plumage, and unique sword-like bills, there is no denying they represent a stunning bird form.
PHOTO: Fisheries biologist Lannie Miller removes the eggs from a female walleye at Storm Lake. The DNR collects thousands of walleyes each spring at Lake Rathbun, Storm Lake, Clear Lake, East and West Okoboji lakes, and Spirit Lake. The fish are released to the same lake where they are caught, usually within 72 hours. DNR Photo.
By Lowell Washburn
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Nets have been set, adult brood fish captured, millions of eggs collected. For DNR fisheries workers, the spring walleye run has concluded.
By now, all of those impressive adult brood fish have been safely returned to their home waters. All of those precious walleye eggs, however, have stayed behind and are now under the watchful eye of DNR biologists located at the Rathbun and Spirit Lake State Fish Hatcheries.
LUNKERS --- Doug Blumer, Mason City, displays a 14.5 pound, 31 ½-inch channel catfish caught this week on the Harbor Inn Fishing Jetty located at the west end of Clear Lake. A number of large catfish are currently being reported from anglers across the state.
PHOTO: Mike Britt of Owatonna, Minnesota, displays a mixed catch of walleye and yellow bass. The Minnesota angler bagged the fish while wading at the Clear Lake Island. In addition to taking his limit, Britt also caught and released several more walleye during the late afternoon outing.
PHOTO: Fisheries biologist Lannie Miller removes the eggs from a female walleye at Storm Lake. The DNR collects thousands of walleyes each spring at Lake Rathbun, Storm Lake, Clear Lake, East and West Okoboji lakes, and Spirit Lake. The fish are released to the same lake where they are caught, usually within 72 hours. DNR Photo.