Bob Jensen: Question

[Hump]

I e-mailed you several weeks ago, but I think you were having problems with e-mail.

A couple of questions.
I don't own a boat and really don't want to.

Where and what methods would you use to shore fish Clear Lake?

What about the Iowa River near Rowan, Iowa. Are you familair with that river?
Any other north central Iowa lakes/rivers. Cornelia??

Thanks . anyone else that has info. I retired and will have time to fish these waters.
Thanks

[Bob Jensen]

I remember your e-mail, I thought I had responded. Very sorry.

You can fish Clear Lake from shore very effectively for walleyes and yellow bass in the spring and at night in the fall. Walleyes get active first in the spring, then the yellows.

The area around the island and the outlet are good in the spring. Dodges Point can be good also, but I'm not sure about access. I don't know if that's private property all around Dodges.

There are also some docks, specifically the one by the boat ramp at the end of Main Street and the state dock on the north shore. I've fished from docks on Clear Lake with success.

The point at MacIntosh can be good, and the grade on the Ventura end is very popular, although I don't know what effect the dredging will have there next spring.

Fish the typical walleye baits: Jig/3" Power Grub, minnow shaped crankbait, slip-bobber rig.

For yellows, small jig with split-shot under a slip-bobber or just cast and retrieve the jig.

Also, don't forget about the rushes on the north shore. You'll need waders to fish them effectively, but lots of walleyes can be found in those rushes.

There can be a good night-bite in the fall on Clear Lake also, the fish will run bigger then.

You can catch lots of fish from shore on Clear Lake.

The rivers in your area can be good also. I don't have specifics on the one you mentioned, but the Iowa river at Iowa Falls can be good. I used to fish the Shell Rock river in Greene Iowa a lot: It was very good this past fall and should be good again this spring. Lots of the smaller rivers have good fishing opportuinities, but the anglers who know about these rivers don't talk a lot about them.

I used to fish Cornelia quite a bit, but haven't now for several years. It gets hit pretty hard I've heard, and is very up and down. Those small lakes get beat up and then don't come back very quickly.

My suggestion is to spend time at Clear Lake. It can be very good. The yellow bass are great eating, and you're going to help the lake by taking some of them home with you.

Also do some research on the rivers in your area. If the river has some deeper holes, there will probably be some walleyes, smallmouth, pike, or channel catfish present.

Again, very sorry my response to your original question didn't get through.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[Hump]

Thank you Bob. I am anxious to try the area lakes and rivers. I appreciate your response.

Hump

[KabNam]

The Des Moines River at Algona and Humboldt are also good spots for walleyes in the spring. The Cedar River at Nashua is another great place as well. The dam at Greene is closed to fishing right now as they are repairing the structure there do to last year's flooding.

[Hump]

In Humboldt, any particular area? Is it mainly jig fishing , slip bobber?? Thanks