Habitat

Habitat conditions across Iowa

The timing, magnitude, and duration of the waterfowl migration in Iowa depends more on the weather and habitat conditions in Iowa, Minnesota, and the Dakotas than on the numbers of birds in the fall flight. If all the birds chose to fly around or over Iowa, or wait until the last minute and fly through with one big storm, than it just doesn't matter how many there are. Conditions will be updated only when significant changes occur.

Click on a unit name to see a summary of their current habitat conditions.

Bays Branch

Update 9-21-07

Unit marsh conditions vary greatly. The Unit has received several scattered significant rain events filling some marshes and leaving others dry. Some of the Unit’s moist soil pools contain excellent moist soil plant growth but are short on water. Hunters should do some preseason scouting to verify water conditions on their favorite hunting marsh.

Bays Branch WMA: The water level is below crest and the gate is 40” below crest. The marsh is being artificially drawn down to promote emergent and submerged aquatic plant growth, kill off the carp infestation, allow inspection of the control structure, and to accommodate bridge construction next spring. The water level is fluctuating dramatically with rainfall events. There is a good stand of moist soil plants on the periphery of the marsh and in the upper reaches. When flooded, this vegetation will be very attractive to ducks. Current water levels will not accommodate boats because the boat ramps are above the waterline. Smaller, easily carried boats may be useable. Walk-in hunting will be available and may afford some of the best duck hunting opportunity the marsh has seen in a number of years.

Lakin Slough – The water level is at crest. There is a fringe of cattails around the marsh with a majority of the marsh in an open water condition. There is a fair amount of submerged vegetation that could impair outboard motor operation. There should be adequate water depth for most boat operation.

Snake Creek WMA – The main or middle marsh is at or slightly below crest elevation. There is excellent flooded emergent vegetation with scattered open water pockets. The North Slough has excellent emergent vegetation and is at crest. There are some scattered open water pockets. The Northwest Slough has an excellent mix of emergent vegetation and moist soil plant growth and well below crest.

The marsh conditions should be very attractive to waterfowl and should provide some excellent walk-in waterfowl hunting opportunity. Canoes or small marsh boats may be useable on the main marsh. There is no boat ramp.

Goose Lake (Greene Co.) – The marsh has had low water condition most of the summer. Recent heavy rainfall events have significantly improved the water condition. However, water conditions have deteriorated this past week and are now about 16 inches below crest. There is still a fair to good stand of emergent vegetation with large open water areas.

Continued rain will be needed to improve water levels for larger boat access. Small to moderate sized shallow draft boats with mud motors should be able to operate under current conditions. Boats with outboard motors may have some difficulty because of the heavy submerged vegetation.

Fin Pond WMA – The water level is fair to good. There is a heavy ring of emergent vegetation with scattered stands in the center of the marsh. There should be good walk-in hunting conditions.

Dunbar Slough WMA:

The Dunbar Slough complex has not been receiving the heavy rainfalls experienced in many parts of central Iowa the past few weeks.

Hoyt Tract Mitigation Wetland – The water level is well below crest. It has heavy vegetation with some open water. There should be some walk-in hunting opportunity.

North Refuge – The water level is below crest. It is in an open water condition with a narrow fringe of emergent vegetation.

Smith Tract Wetland – The basin is nearly dry. There is an excellent stand of moist soil plants. With adequate rainfall the wetland will provide some walk-in hunting opportunity.

Dunbar Slough – The current water level has deteriorated since last week. The central basin is open water. Good emergent vegetation has developed and expanded around the edges of the marsh.

There should be good to excellent walk-in hunting. Larger boats will not be usable under current conditions. Small marsh boats or canoes may be usable but it will require considerable effort to reach water. Additional rainfall will be needed to improve conditions.

Taylor Wetland Refuge – The current water level is below the desired fall crest. Emergent vegetation has continued to develop. There is an abundance of moist soil food producing plants. The current flooded moist soil plants should be very attractive to waterfowl. Additional rainfall will be needed to improve conditions.

Dunbar Slough WPA

Hunter Tract A Cell – The cell is nearly dry with some water from the quarry being released into the cell. Water is limited to a small pocket in the north end of the cell and may be gone by the weekend. There is a limited amount of water available for pumping and it will be utilized for the second season. There is an excellent stand of moist soil plants in the cell. Significant rainfall will be needed to make the cell usable for hunting throughout the season

Without adequate rain there will be limited if any walk-in hunting opportunity for the early opener. Currently, boat use will not be available.

Hunter Tract B Cell– The cell is nearly dry and the water condition is deteriorating daily. Significant rainfall will be needed to make the cell usable to waterfowl and hunters. There is also a good amount of moist soil plants in the cell and will be very attractive to waterfowl with adequate water.

There will be limited if any opportunity for walk-in waterfowl hunting without additional water.

Hunter Tract C Cell – The cell is mostly dry with a small pocket of water above the outlet structure. There is an excellent stand of moist soil plants in this cell and it will be very attractive to waterfowl with adequate water. Rains will be needed to bring the water level up into the moist soil plants.

With adequate water there will be good opportunity for walk-in waterfowl hunting. However, under current conditions there will be very limited opportunity.

Hunter Tract D Cell – The water level is well below crest. This cell is primarily open water with some flooded reeds canary grass.

This cell should provide some walk-in waterfowl hunting opportunity under current conditions.

Klocke Tract – This tract has several shallow wetlands that have been dry most of the summer. These basins have excellent stands of moist soil plants that will be very attractive to waterfowl if we get adequate rain to fill them.

With adequate rainfall these basins will provide opportunity for walk-in hunting and jump shooting.

McCord Pond – The water level is about a foot below crest. There has been considerable emergent vegetation growth with the central basin in an open water condition. Much of the vegetation is flooded making conditions very attractive to waterfowl. The large sagittaria bed in the eastern portion of the marsh is beginning to go down.

The marsh should provide good walk-in waterfowl hunting. Shallow draft boats may be usable. Larger boats will not be usable under current conditions.

Willow Wildlife Area – Greene County Conservation Board. The Mitigation wetland is slightly below crest and the water levels in the other larger wetlands are very low and deteriorating daily. The smaller wetlands on this area are dry or nearly so. Several have excellent moist soil plants.

The mitigation wetland will provide walk-in waterfowl hunting opportunity and with adequate rainfall there would be good waterfowl hunting on the other wetlands.

9-14-07

Unit marsh conditions vary greatly. The Unit has received several scattered significant rain events filling some marshes and leaving others dry. Some of the Unit’s moist soil pools contain excellent moist soil plant growth but are short on water. Hunters should do some preseason scouting to verify water conditions on their favorite marsh.

Bays Branch WMA: Water level is below crest and the gate is 40” below crest. The marsh is being drawn down to promote emergent and submerged aquatic plant growth, kill the carp, allow inspection of the control structure, and to accommodate bridge construction next spring. The water level is fluctuating dramatically with rainfall events. There are good stands of moist soil plants on the periphery of the marsh and in the upper reaches. When flooded, this vegetation will be very attractive to ducks. Current water levels will not accommodate boats; boat ramps are above the waterline. Smaller boats may be useable. Walk-in hunting will be available and may be some of the best duck hunting the marsh has seen in years.

Lakin Slough: Water level is above crest. There is a fringe of cattails around the marsh, but the majority of the marsh is open water. Submerged vegetation could impair outboard motor operation. There should be adequate water for most boats.

Snake Creek WMA: The main or middle marsh is at or slightly below crest elevation. There is excellent flooded emergent vegetation with scattered open water pockets. The North Slough has excellent emergent vegetation and is at crest. There are some scattered open water pockets. The Northwest Slough has an excellent mix of emergent vegetation and moist soil plant growth but is well below crest. Current marsh conditions should be very attractive to waterfowl and provide excellent walk-in hunting opportunities. Canoes or small marsh boats may be used on the main marsh. There is no boat ramp.

Goose Lake (Greene Co.): The water level was low most of the summer. Recent heavy rains have improved conditions, but the water level remains 13” below crest. There is a fair stand of emergent vegetation with large open water areas. Additional rain will be needed to improve water levels for larger boat access. Small to medium shallow-draft boats with mud motors should be able to operate on the area; boats with outboard motors may have difficulty.

Fin Pond WMA: The water level is fair to good. There is a heavy ring of emergent vegetation with scattered stands in the center of the marsh. There should be good walk-in hunting opportunities.

Dunbar Slough WMA: The Dunbar Slough complex has not received the heavy rains that fell in many parts of central Iowa during the past few weeks.

Hoyt Tract Mitigation Wetland – The water level is well below crest. It has heavy vegetation with some open water. There should be some walk-in hunting opportunity.

North Refuge – The water level is near crest. It is in an open water condition with a narrow fringe of emergent vegetation.

Smith Tract Wetland – The basin is nearly dry. There is an excellent stand of moist soil plants. With adequate rainfall, the wetland will provide some walk-in hunting opportunity.

Dunbar Slough – The current water level is about 30” below crest. The central basin is open water. Good emergent vegetation has developed around the edges of the marsh. There should be good walk-in hunting opportunities. Large boats will not be usable under current conditions; small boats or canoes will be. Additional rainfall is needed to improve conditions.

Taylor Wetland Refuge – Current water level is below crest. Emergent vegetation has continued to develop. There is an abundance of moist soil food producing plants. The current flooded moist soil plants should be very attractive to waterfowl. Additional rainfall is needed to improve conditions.

Dunbar Slough WPA:

Hunter Tract A Cell – This cell is nearly dry. Water from the quarry is being released into the cell but pumping from the quarry may be required, although only a limited amount of water is available from pumping. There is an excellent stand of moist soil plants. Significant rainfall will be needed to make the cell usable for hunting throughout the season. Given adequate rain, there should be good walk-in hunting opportunities. Currently, boat use is not be available.

Hunter Tract B Cell– This cell is nearly dry and the water condition is deteriorating daily. Significant rainfall will be needed to make the cell usable by waterfowl and hunters. There are abundant moist soil plants in the cell, which will be attractive to waterfowl with adequate water. There will be limited opportunity for walk-in waterfowl hunting without additional water.

Hunter Tract C Cell – This cell is mostly dry with a small pocket of water above the outlet structure. There is an excellent stand of moist soil plants, which will be attractive to waterfowl with adequate water. Rains will be needed to bring the water level up into the moist soil plants. Given additional water, there will be good opportunity for walk-in hunting. Under current conditions, there will be very limited opportunity.

Hunter Tract D Cell – The water level is below crest. This cell is primarily open water with some flooded reeds canary grass. This cell will provide some walk-in waterfowl hunting opportunity under current conditions.

Klocke Tract – This tract has several shallow wetlands that have been dry most of the summer. These basins have excellent stands of moist soil plants that will be very attractive to waterfowl if we get rain to fill them. With adequate rainfall these basins will provide opportunity for walk-in hunting and jump shooting.

McCord Pond: The water level is a foot below crest. There has been considerable emergent vegetation growth with the central basin in an open water condition. Much of the vegetation is flooded making conditions very attractive to waterfowl. The large sagittaria bed in the eastern portion of the marsh is beginning to go down. The marsh should provide good walk-in waterfowl hunting. Shallow draft boats may be usable. Large boats will not be usable under current conditions.

Willow Wildlife Area (Greene County Conservation Board): This mitigation wetland is slightly below crest and the water levels in the other larger wetlands are very low and deteriorating daily. The smaller wetlands on this area are dry or nearly so. Several have excellent moist soil plants. The mitigation wetland will provide walk-in waterfowl hunting opportunity. With adequate rainfall, there would be good waterfowl hunting on the other wetlands.

Big Marsh

8-29-07

Big Marsh: The 3 main pools have water (but are well below crest). The river has good water to supply the marsh. Excellent vegetation is present throughout the marsh. Good to excellent habitat conditions are anticipated this fall.

Coulter Marsh: The marsh is at crest as a result of recent heavy rains. There is considerable emergent vegetation, which should provide good cover for ducks and hunters alike.

Buffalo Basins: The water level is at crest elevation with good emergent vegetation.

Big Wall Lake: The lake was drawn down this summer to kill the fish and facilitate revegetation of this large marsh. The marsh has started to refill with water, but will be kept below crest to enable the vegetation to become well rooted.

Elm Lake: Open water conditions persist.

Lower Morse: Small wetlands are full or nearly full. Good vegetation developed in many wetlands in this complex, which should be attractive to early migrants.

Morse Lake: Open water conditions persist.

Union Hills: Most of the wetlands are filling or full. The largest wetlands are filling and should provide good walk-in hunting opportunities.

Ventura: The water level is at crest elevation but the east half remains largely open water.

Big Sioux

For information contact Chris LaRue at 712-336-3524

Black Hawk

8/30/07

Sac County

Black Hawk Wildlife Area: The spring started off with extremely high water levels from heavy rains that caused damage to the dikes surrounding this area. As a result, FEMA repairs are scheduled for this fall requiring that the water levels be held somewhat below full pool. Recent heavy rains, however, have raised water levels to full pool. Hunting conditions should be good and water levels will be adequate for most of the season. The moist soil plants that became established over the summer will attract ducks, however, water levels are currently too high and are overtopping some of this vegetation. The smaller walk-in wetland to the east is at crest and flowing over the structure. This area also had dike damage from high flows in early spring. Not all the stop logs are in place to facilitate FEMA repairs on the dikes. This areas should have good hunting conditions.

Tomahawk Marsh: The water levels are good from the recent heavy rains, but dense vegetation covers most of the area as a result of the summer drought. The pool west of the railroad structure has good water, but is primarily devoid of vegetation except around the edges.

Kiowa Marsh: The water level is at crest. The main pool is accessible by boats, but some problems with submergent vegetation will be encountered. The habitat conditions are generally good, but the main pool is devoid of most emergent vegetation except at the south end.

Burrow's Pond: Water levels are at crest. Habitat conditions are generally good. Dense submergent vegetation will make boating somewhat difficult.

Pocahontas County

Sunken Grove: Recent rains have provided adequate water levels on the west side. Habitat conditions are excellent. We are beginning to lose some of the emergent vegetation on the main pools. The east pool will be accessible with small shallow-draft boats.

Shimon Marsh: The water level is at crest. Habitat conditions are fair, with much of the area open except for the edges and bays.

Lizard Lake: This area has adequate water levels, however the area lacks emergent vegetation.

Calhoun County

South Twin Lake: Water levels are above crest. Habitat conditions are poor with only a narrow band of edge vegetation.

Carroll County

Artesian Lake: The water level is at pool elevation and the habitat conditions are excellent. This area should be especially attractive to ducks because moist soil plants became established over the summer and are now flooded.

Coralville

Update 10/25/07

Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

Late August rains caused high water levels on Coralville Reservoir. The 350 acres of Japanese millet seeded in July along with natural emergent vegetation was flooded. The only green vegetation in the lake pool is willows. Willow growth the past few years has been good and this will provide the only cover to hide hunters. The rains this summer also filled many of the smaller walk-in marshes and their vegetation is excellent. Corps of Engineer’s regulations only allows us to start putting water into marshes with control structures after July 15. All subimpoundments are presently full. The Coralville Lake fall peak level is 686.5. We had projected to hit this level in early November, but recent rains have changed that. Coralville Reservoir is still about 4.5 feet above normal but it is dropping about ½ foot per day. The level will drop to 686.5 and be held there until at least December 15. At this time, only boat ramp that is accessible is the Babcock boat ramp on the south side. Curtis Bridge boat ramp east of Highway 965 could also be used. The access to Crescent Pond on Greencastle Road is still under water. Swan Lake Road at the far SW end of Hawkeye still has water over a portion of it, but people have been able to drive through the water.

The contractor has started work on two new cement boat ramps. One will replace the gravel ramp at the Greencastle Access on the north side of the Iowa River. This work will now occur during the second duck season but probably not until Thanksgiving. The second project at Babcock access on the south side of the Iowa River has been completed. This new parking lot and boat ramp are about 1,000 feet south of the old access. Rains sometimes put water over the old Babcock Access road and parking. This access also sticks out into good hunting habitat, but vehicle traffic often made it impossible to hunt. This old access is being eliminated and salvaged rock being hauled to Swan Lake Road. Thus, all hunters will need to use this new parking area. The DNR has hauled enough rock to the east portion of Swan Lake Road to provide adequate access to the new Babcock parking area.

Note: Swan Lake Road and Greencastle Road are managed by the Johnson County Secondary Roads Department. Recently, the DNR has agreed to help with the road maintenance here. Vegetation has been cut back from the roads and we are hauling some rock on Swan Lake Road to facilitate access to the Babcock boat ramp. Greencastle Road on the south side of the Iowa River has large holes and the county has closed the access to the south Greencastle Iowa River boat ramp.

Update 10/25/07

Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

Late August rains caused high water levels on Coralville Reservoir. The 350 acres of Japanese millet seeded in July along with natural emergent vegetation was flooded. The only green vegetation in the lake pool is willows. Willow growth the past few years has been good and this will provide the only cover to hide hunters. The rains this summer also filled many of the smaller walk-in marshes and their vegetation is excellent. Corps of Engineer’s regulations only allows us to start putting water into marshes with control structures after July 15. All subimpoundments are presently full. The Coralville Lake fall peak level is 686.5. We had projected to hit this level in early November, but recent rains have changed that. Heavy rains in the Iowa River watershed have now caused flooding at the Hawkeye Area. Roads on the southwest side are closed due to these high flows. Greencastle Road in the center of the area is also inundated. As inflows decrease, the roads will eventually be opened. The lake levels being held at Coralville Dam affect the east half of the Hawkeye Area. This will peak on October 27 to 28 at 692.7 and then start going down unless we have heavy rains again. The level will drop to 686.5 and be held there until at least December 15. The only boat ramp that is accessible is the Babcock boat ramp on the south side. Curtis Bridge boat ramp east of Highway 965 could also be used.

Swan Lake Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

This 40-acre natural marsh has good water this year. But it also has excellent vegetation too but is now about 85 percent open-water. The open water still has sparse emergent vegetation and vegetation floating on it, providing excellent duck habitat.

Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area, Benton County:

High water on the Cedar River has caused some flooding at Dudgeon Lake this summer. But vegetation still remains good. Water levels have been increased since July and the marshes are now at the level expected for fall. Boat access should be good at the ramps, but getting around some of the upper pool areas will still be difficult with heavier marsh vegetation. Many of the smaller backwater marshes also have good water and vegetation.

Chain-O-Lakes Wildlife Area, Linn County:

Chain-O-Lakes has two marshes with control structures and other backwater areas along the Cedar River. Even with summer flooding, vegetation is still good. With the recent rains, there is now good water in the main marsh. There is not boat access here and hunters have to walk in to hunting areas.

Update 10/11/07

Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

Late August rains caused high water levels on Coralville Reservoir. The 350 acres of Japanese millet seeded in July along with natural emergent vegetation was flooded. The only green vegetation in the lake pool is willows. Willow growth the past few years has been good and this will provide the only cover to hide hunters. The rains this summer also filled many of the smaller walk-in marshes and their vegetation is excellent. Corps of Engineer’s regulations only allows us to start putting water into marshes with control structures after July 15. Some of the larger manmade marshes are not yet at the full fall levels. Water levels for the early duck season are one foot above the summer pool. A water level increase will start on October 16 to bring the lake up an additional one-foot for the second opener on October 20. The water level increase will then be limited to 1 inch per day to bring the lake to 686.5 msl elevation of water by November 02 (maximum fall level which is 3-feet above the normal summer lake level).

The contractor has started work on two new cement boat ramps. One will replace the gravel ramp at the Greencastle Access on the north side of the Iowa River. This work will now occur during the second duck season. The second project at Babcock access on the south side of the Iowa River has been completed. This new parking lot and boat ramp are about 1,000 feet south of the old access. Rains sometimes put water over the old Babcock Access road and parking. This access also sticks out into good hunting habitat, but vehicle traffic often made it impossible to hunt. This old access is being eliminated and salvaged rock being hauled to Swan Lake Road. Thus, all hunters will need to use this new parking area.

Swan Lake Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

This 40-acre natural marsh has good water this year. But it also has excellent vegetation too and is now about 35 percent open-water. The open water is in the middle of the marsh which will make hunting this area more difficult.

Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area, Benton County:

High water on the Cedar River has caused some flooding at Dudgeon Lake this summer. But vegetation still remains good. Water levels have been increased since July and are approaching the full level expected for fall. Boat access should be good at the ramps, but getting around some of the upper pool areas will still be difficult with heavier marsh vegetation. Many of the smaller backwater marshes also have good water and vegetation.

Chain-O-Lakes Wildlife Area, Linn County:

09/21/07

Hawkeye Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

The contractor has started work on two new cement boat ramps. One will replace the gravel ramp at the Greencastle Access on the north side of the Iowa River. The second project will replace the present Babcock Access by moving the access about 1,000 feet south. A new parking lot and boat ramp are being constructed and it will be at an elevation about 10 feet higher than the present access. Rains sometimes put water over the Babcock Access road and parking. This access also sticks out into good hunting habitat, but vehicle traffic often made it impossible to hunt. This old access will be eliminated after the new is built, thus providing additional hunting area.

Note: Swan Lake Road and Greencastle Road are managed by the Johnson County Secondary Roads Department. The dirt portion of Swan Lake Road can be very muddy with deep ruts. Greencastle Road on the south side of the Iowa River has large holes and the county has closed the access to the south Greencastle Iowa River boat ramp.

Swan Lake Wildlife Area, Johnson County:

This 40-acre natural marsh has good water this year. But it also has excellent vegetation too, leaving only about 15 percent open-water. This will limit hunting space until latter in the season when vegetation dies back.

Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area, Benton County:

High water on the Cedar River has caused some flooding at Dudgeon Lake this summer. But vegetation still remains good. Water levels have been increased since July but are not at the full level expected for fall. Gradual increases are needed to allow emergent vegetation to continue its growth. Boat access should be good at the ramps, but getting around some of the upper pool areas will be more difficult with shallow water. Stop-logs are in the control structure to bring the water levels up another 1.5 feet as rains allow. Many of the smaller backwater marshes also have good water and vegetation.

Chain-O-Lakes Wildlife Area, Linn County:

Chain-O-Lakes has two marshes with control structures and other backwater areas along the Cedar River. Even with summer flooding, vegetation is still good. However, limited water supply and sandy soils still have the marshes lower than desired. Hunters will still find areas of open water if they are willing to walk. There is not boat

Ingham

09/03/07

General Conditions: Water levels in most large wetlands in the Ingham-High Wildlife Unit are at crest elevations due to recent heavy precipitation events. Emergent vegetation varies from marsh to marsh, with most wetlands having at least a fringe of cattails. These large wetlands should be accessible by boat, but heavy stands of submergent vegetation on a few wetlands will make using outboard motors difficult until early October. Overall, habitat conditions and water levels are good.

Most of the Unit’s small wetlands revegetated before being refilled by heavy rains in August. These wetlands are largely walk-in areas, but a few are accessible using small boats or canoes. Overall, habitat conditions and water levels are good to excellent in these smaller marshes. Because conditions vary from county to county, pre-season scouting is highly recommended to increase success.

4-Mile Lake: Two large wetlands in the 4-Mile Lake Complex in Emmet County were drawn down during the last couple years to reestablish marsh vegetation. Recent heavy rains refilled these basins and they should have ample water for the early duck season. The main lake within the 4-Mile Complex was drawn down last fall and the vegetation responded quite nicely. It will have ~18’’ of water this fall, which will allow for some hunting opportunities without compromising the new aquatic vegetation.

Goose Lake: Goose Lake in Kossuth County was in draw down last fall to assist in repairing the water control structure and to revegetate this marsh. As a result of recent rains, this marsh will have ample water for the early duck season.

Maquoketa

9-11-07

Green Island: Water was drawn down during summer. Annual weeds grew very well on shorelines throughout the area. August floods refilled both pools to normal. The pumps are in operation and will fill the west pool. Habitat conditions are excellent. Emergent vegetation is very dense and will hamper boat access in certain areas.

Princeton: The pumps will begin operation and fill both pools. Habitat conditions are good. Emergent vegetation is very dense and will hamper boat access.

Goose Lake: Recent rains have filled the center and north pools; they will have 8 to 18 inches of water. Emergent vegetation has completely covered the center and north pools and boat access will be very difficult. Water levels are being raised south of Hwy 136 where there are no boat ramps. Habitat conditions on the area are good.

Muskrat Slough: Water is at crest. Habitat conditions are good. There is a ring of dense emergent vegetation around an open center pool.

Missouri River

For information contact Ed Weiner at 712-423-2426

Mt. Ayr

For information contact Chad Paup at 641-464-2220

Odessa

9-21-07

Odessa -Low summer levels allowed another excellent crop of moist soil plants to grow, again dominated by wild millet. Conditions are similar to the last 2 years, with thick vegetation present at many popular hunting sites. Hunters will find, however, that some isolated pockets remained free of vegetation because they were landlocked during the summer drawdown, and the frequent rains kept them full. The water level will be kept low through the month of September for early migrants and then brought up slowly throughout October and November to continually flood new vegetation.

Wiese Slough -Excellent vegetation and water levels. Summer rains have allowed us to raise the level now that there are good beds of emergent wetland plants established.

Cone Marsh -Excellent vegetation and water levels. Much of the vegetation on the upper pool is arrowhead, however, so after a good freeze much of that vegetation will disappear and it will have a lot of open water.

Klum Lake -This marsh has stayed full this summer because of all the rain, but it still has thick beds of river bulrush. There are a few open potholes associated with islands, and muskrats may open up some additional areas because of the extended period of high water.

Millrace Flats and Turtle Bend -These 2 areas are just outside Wapello in Louisa County on the floodplain of the Iowa River. There are many seasonal ponds on these areas and most were filled by the river during the August flood and remain in good condition. They provide an excellent opportunity for walk-in hunters this fall.

For information contact Bill Ohde at 319-523-8319

Otter Creek

8-27-07

Otter Creek Marsh: Habitat conditions are excellent. With current rains and water manipulation, segments 1, 3, 5, 4, 4a, and 6, are at or above fall pool levels and segment 2 is half full. Vegetation growth of smartweed is excellent as well. All 3 boat ramps are in good condition and boating access to segments 7, 6 and 1 will be good. Potholes were not mowed nor were the trails in segment 4 and 4a as in past years due to wet conditions. Habitat, however, is excellent for waterfowl and there are natural open holes in these segments.

Hendrickson Marsh: Water levels will be held low this fall to continue our rehabilitation efforts for this area. A drainage ditch will be cleaned and a new boat ramp is planned. We are continuing to establish desirable vegetation on this area and it should attract multitudes of shore birds during both the Fall and Spring migrations. Waterfowl hunting will be limited as the area will have a small amount of sheet water in the middle but access will be limited due to the low water conditions for this year. Hopefully by the Fall of 2008, hemi-marsh conditions will have developed, which will be excellent waterfowl and nongame habitat alike.

Rathbun

8/30/07

Rathbun Lake is 10 feet above conservation pool and will likely be above fall pool through October. Good habitat currently exists everywhere around the lake. Impoundments are full of water, with most of the ones in the upper reaches of the lake containing good vegetation. Buckshot Lake at Sedan Bottoms is full; construction is ongoing on the rest of the area.

Red Rock

For information contact Chuck Kakac at 515-961-0716

Rice Lake

8-24-2007

Worth County:

Silver Lake, Silver Lake Marsh: Water level is normal, good habitat in the marsh.

Elk Creek Marsh: All 3 main pools of Elk Creek are way above crest. Water levels will need to return to normal to estimate condition of habitat.

Hanlontown Slough: The main pool is at or above crest, and the boat ramp is usable.

Winnebago County:

Rice Lake: At crest with very little vegetation.

Joice Slough: In process of drawdown. Water level is very low at this time.

Myre Slough: At crest with excellent vegetation.

Harmon Lake - East Pool is slightly below crest, but well vegetated. Shallow draft boats only.

Harmon Lake - Center Pool is at crest and has good habitat.

Harmon Lake - West Pool is at crest, good vegetation.

Hancock County:

Meredith Marsh - West Pool is 3”-5” below crest.

Meredith Marsh - East pool is full and heavily vegetated.

Crystal Hills: At crest and wide open.

East Twin: is at, or above crest, and well vegetated.

Eagle Lake: at crest, and heavily vegetated. Hunters using boats and outboards in the early seasons will have to grind through heavy stands of submergent vegetation and water lilies in the main channel.

Riverton

9-11-07

Riverton: Water levels are near normal for this time of year with the exception of the Johnson Tract (walk in area on the west side.) That area is expected to be full by the first season opener.

The anticipated conditions for the first duck season are as follows:

Main Riverton Area - Good water. Due to flooding in May most of the vegetation is wild millet. There is very little smartweed on the area. It could be hard to hide large blinds when the vegetation goes down.

Walk in Area to the west of the asphalt road - The area should be full by the 1st season opener.

New Area South of Riverton - Good water with boat access. The area filled overnight during August flooding. The water over-topped much of the vegetation and knocked it down. As a result there is considerable open water.

Willow Slough: Willow Slough is full, the best conditions in the last 4-5 years. There is some vegetation in the wetland to help hide blinds.

Forney Lake: Forney Lake has about 11-12 inches of water in the refuge. The pumps are running. Most of the public hunting portion of the lake is covered with vegetation. Hunters will have to cut holes in the vegetation for water to show. The Army Corps of Engineers plans to drop the Missouri River water level on October 1. Most likely water conditions in Forney Lake will not improve after that date.

Ruthven

9-06-06

General Conditions: Water levels in most large wetlands in the Ruthven Wildlife Unit are at crest elevations due to recent heavy precipitation events. Emergent vegetation cover varies from marsh to marsh, but most areas have at least a fringe of vegetation. Most large wetlands will be accessible by boat, however, heavy stands of submergent vegetation on a few wetlands will make running outboard motors difficult until early October. Overall, habitat conditions and water levels are good on the Unit’s large wetlands.

Most of the Unit’s small wetlands revegetated before being refilled by heavy rains in August. These wetlands are largely walk-in areas, but a few are accessible using small boats or canoes. Overall, habitat conditions and water levels are good to excellent in these smaller marshes. Because conditions vary from area to area and county to county, pre-season scouting is highly recommended to increase success.

Rush Lake: Some wetlands in the Ruthven Wildlife Unit are being actively managed to improve waterfowl habitat. The water level in Rush Lake, Palo Alto County, has been closely monitored and manipulated during the last 2 years and now has excellent emergent and submergent vegetation. Most areas outside the main channel have 18”-24” of water and are packed with smartweed. The current conditions should attract and hold good numbers of local and migrating waterfowl. Initial boat use will be somewhat challenging, but should become easier after the first frost and with continued boat traffic throughout the waterfowl season.

Dan Green Slough: Dan Green Slough is tentatively scheduled to be de-watered this fall to allow for the construction of a new water control structure and pump that will allow full water level manipulation on the marsh. This draw down will enable the marsh to revegetate, which in turn will greatly improve water quality and habitat conditions. Due to recent heavy rain events, this project has been delayed and may be put off until next summer. Once the de-watering process begins, the marsh may be dry for a period of two years.

Saylorville

Update 10-9-07

Due to near record rainfall thus far in August, most restored and natural basins have been recharged and should offer good hunting opportunities on most areas. Saylorville Reservoir experienced late summer flooding and pre-season scouting will be important.

Errington Marsh-Polk County

Good water and habitat conditions exist. All areas are walk-in.

Colo Bogs-Story County

Adequate water and excellent habitat conditions in the tract located north of Highway 30 and south of County E-41 (old Lincoln Highway). Walk-in only.

Large shallow basin north of County E-41 (old Lincoln Highway) is currently holding adequate water and has excellent habitat. Walk-in only.

Harrier Marsh-Boone County

All basins are holding good water for shore hunting. Good habitat conditions exist. All are Walk-in only areas.

Saylorville Reservoir-Polk County

Late summer flooding inundated summer seeding of Japanese Millet on the exposed mud flats near Jester Park. Currently the reservoir is being held 2’ above conservation pool to expose mudflats with standing dead vegetation adjacent to Jester Park and upstream of the Hiway 17 bridge and to allow easier boat access to these areas. Pre-season scouting will be important.

Big Creek Lake-Polk County

The upper reaches of the north and west arms of the lake offer the best opportunity. Above the silt dams, very shallow water conditions provide for mostly walk-in shore hunting. Caution is recommended to waders due to deep mud conditions. The bays and points, especially on the west and north shorelines, offer areas to hunt from boats.

Brushy Creek Lake-Webster County

Flooded timber hunting with a few islands that offer set up possibilities also. The potential for longer decoy cords depending on where you set up with a boat. West arm of lake is popular. Some walk-in opportunities exist along select shorelines.

8-24-07

Due to near record rainfall thus far in August, most restored and natural basins have been recharged and should offer good hunting opportunities on most areas, with the main pool of Saylorville Reservoir possibly being the exception due to current flood conditions. Pre-season scouting will be important.