The Iowa DNR drained a portion of Don Williams Lake north of Ogden earlier this fall to try to elimate some the shad overpopulation.  The lake has been drawn down about 16 feet and what was quickly recognizable was the lack of structure surrounding the banks of that lake.  Todd Jafvert spearheaded a group of anglers, many of which are Iowa Bass Stalkers members, to create some fish habitat to be placed around the lake in the coming weeks.  Many of the habitats were created out of pallets and cinder blocks and several had cedar trees placed within the pallets.  This should help ensure so new areas for anglers to target this coming Spring.  Althogh this lake could certainly use more habitat, this was a great start.  Thanks to Todd and all the volunteers that helped make this project a success!  If you have any materials that you feel would be good habitat and would like to donate this material and/or your time to help provide more structure please contact tournament director Kevin Stockman for details.

It was another confusing day on the water for most anglers at the Three Mile Bass Stalkers tournament held on April 30, 2011.  Out of a feild of 26 boats, only 10 boats weighing fish with one limit being caught.  Although I did not participate this weekend due to prior obligations, it sounded as though the teams who finished in the money caught their fish early and then they shut down when the sun came out.  The winning team patterned their fish off of main lake points with spinnerbaits while the second place team caught their fish in shallow water on jigs and spinnerbaits.  This weather needs to straighten out so we can start seeing some bigger bags brought in.  See you on the water 

I never thought I would be so happy to catch the flu and miss a fishing tournament but waking up to the howing wind and the cold temps I must admit I was relieved.  I was even more relieved when I learned that only seven fish in the whole tournament were caught with one boat catching four of the seven.  Although the conditions were tough I did hear that some boats managed a few short fish throughout the day which had to have helped a little with the brutal temperatures and wind.  Hopefully this weather will straighten out and we can get some teams on some fish next week at 3 Mile!

Well the 2011 tournament season got off to a good start yesterday at Lake Anita.  There was a full 20 boat field and the weather cooperated despite being a bit chilly and foggy to start.  It was a tough day for many and from what I gathered most of the fish were caught early on jerbaits and crankbaits.  We found the fish very cooperative early on but then as the fog burned off and the sun came out the action slowed for us.  Although many teams struggled there were several nice limits caught with the winning weight being over 23 pounds!  It was great to see everyone and can't wait for 12 Mile.  See you all on the water.

As old man winter stubbornly leaves and our local lakes and rivers begin to warm, it is hard to control my growing enthusiasm for the 2011 fishing season.  The first tournament at Lake Anita is just around the cormer.  I have yet to get my bass fishing gear ready or the boat out of storage but that will be happening very soon I assure you.  I have had several opportunities to get to the river and have seen some very nice walleye caught prior to this latest cold front moving in.  I also saw some very nice crappies being caught but I will keep that location a secret!  I have only managed one eater walleye and about 250 lbs of snagged carp this year so far and I'm eager to change that.  How has everyone else done so far this year?  Post a comment and let us know