Top Surprise.
Lake Odessa (Louisa Co.). Although managed for waterfowl hunting, this large backwater impoundment on the Mississippi River holds some of the best bluegill and crappie fishing in the area despite recent levee blow-outs. Summer draw downs for waterfowl management have also meant that the smaller fish are concentrated with the larger predators leading to fast growing and desirable size fish. Seven to 9 inch bluegill and crappies in the 9-12 inch range are common. Don't be surprised if you haul in some crappie in the 14-16 inch range. Odessa also has a reputation as an excellent bass fishery. This is a big complex; a map or GPS are valuable tools to help you navigate this unique area effectively.

Best Hunch.
Lake Rathbun (Appanoose Co.). If you have visited Lake Rathbun recently, chances are you have bagged a great number of crappies. However, as is always the case, crappies have to be small before they can be big and your catches have been on the small size. Lake Rathbun is not listed as of on the Nation's best crappie lakes for nothing. Thanks to excellent year classes in 1998 and 200 both crappie quality and density have improved greatly. Sampling has seen an abundance of 9-11 inch crappies; Rathbun is back!

Best Place to Spend Time With Family.
Lake Macbride (Johnson Co.) Due to the recent lake restoration project, we are starting to see the anticipated improvements to the Lake Macbride's fishery. A huge year class of black crappies dominates the fishery. The 9 inch average sized fish should be enough incentive alone to attract family fishing. However; bluegill, largemouth and Kentucky bass, channel catfish, and walleye are itching to end up on the end of a fishing line as well. When it is time to put the fishing poles aside; camping, hiking trails, a beautiful bike trail, boat rentals, beach facilities, a lodge, and Frisbee golf are all available in the associated state park. Nearby are opportunities for power boating (Coralville Reservoir) and great restaurants. Other nearby attractions is the Coralville Mall with children's museum, Amana Colonies, Devonian Fossil Gorgeland, and the University of Iowa.

Hidden Jewel.
Shimek State Forest Ponds (Lee and Van Buren Counties). Four large ponds lie tucked away in the 3,537 acres of the Farmington and Donnelson Units of the Shimek State Forest. The ponds are between 6-7 acres and all hold good populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Both Shagbark and Bitternut ponds have boat ramps and motors are restricted to electric only. Black Oak has a parking lot nearby and a walk-way and fishing jetty for angler access. White Oak is most secluded. For those willing to take the one mile walk, exceptional bluegill angling will be the reward.

Most Overlooked.
This is a species not a place. This is a species with a toothy grin and an attitude for cooperation and hard fighting. This species only needs a better following of anglers to champion its attributes. We are talking about northern pike in Iowa's southern reach of the Mississippi River. Since the great flood of '93 pike numbers have increased making fishable populations readily available. Try the mouths of streams and rivers early in the year and in the fall. During late spring and summer try backwaters and side channels with downed timber or rock outcrops. Grab bait that sparkles, toss it in the water, and hold on for tons of fun.

When water temperatures reach about 50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit catfish begin a feeding spree -- feeding on fish that have died during the winter.  Fish your bait (cut baits are best) in the shallower  (two- to six-foot), warmer portion of a lake or river with the wind blowing across or toward you.  Use an egg-type sinker to lighten the bait, and set the hook after a short run.  The best areas for early spring catfish angling are Lakes Rathbun, Coralville, Darling, and the Mississippi River.

Most of our lakes and rivers are excellent catfish holes and will often produce excellent catches and always will produce great memories.  However, the Mississippi River is the best "catfish hole."  Mr. Whiskers can be caught in nearly all parts of the river using a variety of baits, but best bets are above and below wingdams and rip rapped heads of islands where there is a current.  Stumpfields and riprapped shorelines are hotspots during the prespawn and spawning periods.  The size limit set on commercial fishing in 1985 has resulted in more spawning-sized adults.  This allowed nature to replenish catfish numbers benefiting both sport anglers and commercial fishers.
 
 

When hot weather slows walleye angling in the rivers and small lakes, think Lake Rathbun.  Rathbun is home to some fabulous walleye angling at a time that most people wouldn't think of fishing for walleye.  It is one of the few walleye lakes I know of that actually gets better June through August.