Lake Darling Management District

• Contact Person: Vance Polton – 319-694-2430

For more information on these lakes and ponds, call the Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. Last updated on 03/04/2026

Jefferson Co. Park New Pond (Jefferson)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Not applicable

The spring trout release will be at 10 am on March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

• Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The spring trout release will be at 10 am on Thursday, March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Lake Darling (Washington)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

There was some skim ice on the upper end of the lake and some of the bays with the fluctuating air temperatures and the return of snow on the ground. Weather forecast is for 80 degree air temperatures by Saturday (3/21); expect the water temperatures to make a quick return to the upper 40s, maybe even low 50s.

Lake of the Hills (Scott)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

The spring trout release will be at 10 am on March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. Minnows are not allowed to be used for bait at Lake of the Hills.

• Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The spring trout release will be on March 19 at 10 am. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Wilson Lake (Lee)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

The spring trout release will be on March 19 at noon (12pm). You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rainbow Trout – Excellent: The spring trout release will be at noon on March 19. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

 

Macbride Management District

• Contact Person: D. J. Vogeler or Chris Mack – 319-624-3615

Many lakes and ponds refroze with recent cold weather and are re-opening; be aware of any remaining ice if venturing out in a boat. Last updated on 03/19/2026

Cedar River (Cedar Rapids to Moscow) (Cedar)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Sauger – Fair
  Walleye – Fair
  White Bass – Slow

Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids) (Linn)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Walleye – Fair

Coralville Reservoir (Johnson)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

The lake refroze earlier in the week, but is opening back up. Be aware of any remaining sheets of ice if going out in a boat.

• Channel Catfish – Fair: Use gizzard shad near the bridges or wind-blown shorelines where the warmest water is.

Iowa Lake (Iowa Co.) (Iowa)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

No fishing activity reported this week; bluegill and crappie bite should pick up with the better weather coming in the next couple of days.

Iowa River (Coralville Lake to River Junction) (Johnson)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Channel Catfish – Fair
• Sauger – Slow
• Saugeye – Slow
• Walleye – Fair
• White Bass – Fair
• Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow

Lake Macbride (Johnson)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Walleye – Slow: Try fishing in rock areas at sunset.
• White Crappie – Slow: Try fishing around brush piles or rock areas.
• Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) – Slow

Pleasant Creek Lake (Linn)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Docks are in.

• Walleye – Fair: Try fishing in rock areas after sunset.

Wapsipinicon River (Troy Mills to Oxford Junction) (Jones)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

• Northern Pike – Slow: Walleye anglers are catching a few pike.
• Walleye – Fair

 

Rathbun Management District

• Contact Person: Rathbun Fish Hatchery personnel – 641-647-2406

The lakes are ice-free. Water temperatures are in the upper 30s to low 40s. Last updated on 03/12/2026

Hawthorn Lake (Mahaska)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Target channel catfish first thing in the spring.

Lake Keomah (Mahaska)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Closed

Lake Keomah is drained for a lake restoration project. Please stay out of the lakebed.

Lake Miami (Monroe)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

The lake is ice-free. Target channel catfish on wind-blown shorelines.

Lake Sugema (Van Buren)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Channel catfish are usually the first fish to start biting in the spring.

Lake Wapello (Davis)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Useable

Channel catfish are usually the first fish to catch in the spring.

Ottumwa Park Pond South (Trout Pond) (Wapello)

• Ice Condition: None
• Ramp Condition: Not applicable

2000 rainbow trout will be stocked on Saturday, March 21. Try small spinners or a small jig under a bobber. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout.

Rathbun Reservoir (Appanoose)

• Ice Condition: None
• Water Temperature (°F): 41.0
• Ramp Condition: Useable

The lake is ice-free. Lake level is 904.56 msl; recreation pool is 904 msl. Boat ramps are open; campgrounds are still closed. No docks are installed. Lake Rathbun contains zebra mussels; clean, drain and dry your boat before going to another water body.

 

Ice-out channel catfish are biting across Iowa

Channel catfish move close to shore and are eager to bite in many lakes and large reservoirs across Iowa just after the ice is gone. The bite starts sooner in southern Iowa impoundments since they lose ice before northern Iowa lakes.

Get tips and tricks for catching ice-out catfish.

The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant (IAAAP) remains under a temporary, precautionary pause initiated on March 12 as experts continue a comprehensive safety review involving the removal of lead azide currently stored at the facility.

Lead azide, a chemical compound used in munitions production, is presently housed in earth-covered, explosion-proof magazines on site. The material requires specialized handling and disposal procedures to ensure safety.

“The Army will implement a multi-step plan to neutralize and dispose of the lead azide. There is no immediate danger to the public. The safety of our people and our neighbors is non-negotiable,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Nosse, commander of the plant.

IAAAP, along with its higher headquarters, the Joint Munitions Command, is coordinating with federal and state partners to address the situation. A team of leading national experts in munitions, engineering, and environmental safety has been assembled to determine the safest method for removing the material.

Officials say the Army is currently evaluating multiple options aimed at minimizing handling and reducing risk.

“We are taking proactive and responsible steps to ensure this material is safely and permanently addressed,” Nosse said. “We will communicate with our workforce, community leaders, and the public as the plan develops.”

During this process, IAAAP will maintain close coordination with local emergency management agencies, first responders, environmental regulators, and elected officials. Community members will be notified in advance of any potential impacts, including noise or temporary road closures.

At this time, there is no estimated timeline for when plant operations will resume.

The Henry County Board of Supervisors covered a wide range of topics during its regular meeting Thursday morning, including budget preparations, infrastructure updates, and changes to the county’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request process.

After approving the previous meeting minutes and financial reports, the board moved into unfinished business, where Supervisor Detrick requested updated budget worksheets ahead of the upcoming fiscal year 2027 proposed budget hearing scheduled for March 25 at 6 p.m. He also asked for details regarding community betterment funding requests.

Detrick also presented a draft FOIA request form being developed in collaboration with the county’s IT department. The goal is to standardize how requests are submitted. He noted that a county resident, Bill Crawford, has expressed interest in filling an open position on the eminent domain board. Detrick added that the county’s website listing boards and committees is currently outdated but is expected to be updated within the next week.

During committee reports, Supervisor Lindeen shared insights from the Iowa State Association of Counties Spring Conference, where discussions focused on the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in county government. Supervisor Detrick said the conference also helped clarify legislative issues, while Chairman White emphasized the importance of networking and learning from other counties’ experiences.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss requested approval for Alliant Energy to complete a gas line relocation project along the north side of Winfield Avenue as part of ongoing road improvements. The board also received updates on several infrastructure projects.

Construction continues on Lexington Avenue between 110th and 115th streets, where footings have been completed, though the road remains closed. Rock excavation has been finished for the 235th Street bridge project. A culvert replacement project on 170th Street is expected to begin soon, with a road closure planned for April 7 between Kentucky and Lexington avenues, weather permitting. A detour route will be announced in advance.

Hotchkiss also reported that Maddy Tree Service is clearing log jams at Oakland Mills and burning debris on-site as part of routine maintenance expected to be completed this spring.

The board also proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Ali Tippey of Domestic Violence Intervention Program reported that 11 survivors in Henry County received assistance in fiscal year 2026, part of a broader effort serving 3,490 individuals across eight counties. She emphasized that sexual violence remains underreported in rural areas.

Public Health Director Katie Reuter requested the removal of certain unused services from the county’s general assistance program due to lengthy completion timelines. She also asked to continue a $500 monthly contribution to the Fellowship Cup, which provides food assistance to county residents. Both requests were approved.

In other business, Chairman White introduced a new deadline of 9 a.m. each Tuesday for department heads to submit agenda items. The change is intended to ensure timely publication of meeting agendas. Submissions will be coordinated through the chairman before being sent to the county auditor for final preparation. While Supervisor Detrick raised concerns, the board agreed to implement the deadline and review it later if needed.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about recent changes to the FOIA process. As of Jan. 1, the county began charging $42 to $45 per hour for staff time spent fulfilling requests. Previously, there was no fee. Some residents expressed concern about being notified of costs only after submitting requests and suggested implementing confirmation emails.

Detrick explained that one recent FOIA request required approximately 500 hours of attorney time and noted that staffing shortages in the county attorney’s office have extended response times to 30 to 45 days.

The public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget will be held March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Henry County Courthouse. The next regular meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for March 26 at 9 a.m.