On a morning not long ago, my kids woke up begging, and it wasn't the usual quest for Cheerios or to crawl in bed with mom. The dawn-breaking whines were designed to encourage a fishing trip.

Bullheads are red hot. Anglers are catching bullheads by the bucketsful. Channel catfish are good on stink bait. Storm Lake (Buena Vista): Channel catfish are good on live bait. The best action is ...