Weekly fishing report for Clear Lake

(Above) The grade in Ventura is a popular fishing spot for area fisherman.  Fishing near the grade on warm evenings should get some Channel Catfish according to the Clear Lake Fishing Report for this week.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

[caption id="attachment_16400" align="alignleft" width="270"] Dan Krauth, owner of the Crazy Minnow Company in Clear Lake, sent these photos— proof that spring has sprung! Anybody looking for Clear Lake walleyes? Thursday night, March 17, these outstanding Walleyes were brought into the Crazy Minnow. Travis Walrod0 is pictured holding fish.[/caption]

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report in an effort to provide the latest information. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff.

For lake locations, maps and other information, go to www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/FishingReports.aspx.

  The fishing report for Clear Lake is:

  Ice out on Clear Lake was on March 16.

•Walleye - No Report: Anglers will start wading the east shoreline as the ice melts. Walleye activity will pick up in the coming weeks. Use jig and minnow combinations, fished very slow.

•Channel Catfish - No Report: Catfish activity picks up during late winter. Fishing near the Ventura Grade on warm evenings should get some bites.

•Bluegill - Fair: A few bluegills have been caught in the canals. Use small ice jigs under a bobber or add a split shot or two and vertical jig near structure.

•Crappie - Good: Crappies have been caught in the canals. Use small ice jigs under a bobber or add a split shot or two and vertical jig near structure. Also check out the edges or inside the rushes around the lake as crappies will likely be found near them as well.

•Muskellunge - No Report: Anglers looking to catch an early season musky should target shallow flats along the shoreline on the east end of the lake. Use a jig and a minnow or a slow moving artificial.