FISHING IN IOWA

Home to more than 150 county and state lakes, countless interior rivers and streams and, of course, the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers that bookend the state, Iowa is a haven for anglers of all kinds.



FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU






TOP FISHING SPOTS IN IOWA

GREEN VALLEY LAKE

Bluegill and walleye fishing, plus hiking, water skiing and a swimming beach.

LAKE MACBRIDE STATE PARK

This State Park is a hot spot for families who enjoy fishing. Good catches of walleye, channel catfish, and muskie.

LAKE PAHOJA

The 72 acre lake, has excellent angling opportunities for large-mouth bass, blue-gill, and channel catfish fishermen.


GET AN IOWA FISHING LICENSE




COMMON CATCHES IN IOWA



BLACK CRAPPIE

BLACK CRAPPIE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Crappies are members of the sunfish and the black bass family.

GEAR TO USE
Rod Ultralight spinning or spincast combos
Reel Spinning reel
Line 4-10 pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Fishing Hooks, Jigs (various colors and weights), Spoons, Mini-Crankbaits (use bobbers or floats as well)


channel catfish

CHANNEL CATFISH

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

The channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6-7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 14-pound or stronger abrasion-resistant monofilament line
Lure Terminal tackle (circle or bait hooks, treble hooks, egg sinkers), live worms or minnows, cut-bait


walleye

WALLEYE

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Walleye have needle-like teeth, bite well when the waters are cold, and make excellent table fare.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6.5 and 7 feet long medium-action graphite rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8 or 10 pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Jigs, Plastic Baits, Crankbaits, Bottom Bouncers


SMALLMOUTH BASS

SMALLMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

There is no doubt that the smallmouth bass rivals the largemouth in popularity.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6-7.5 foot rod built for light line
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8-pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Jerkbaits, Crankbaits, Jigs, Spinnerbait, Hook and a Worm (the best)


BLUEGILL

BLUEGILL

FIND WHERE TO CATCH

Today the bluegill is one of the most popular panfish species in North America.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 4-or-5 weight fly rod (most effective) or ultra-light spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 3-4 pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Small Worms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Hotdog, Doughballs, Small Spinnerbaits like Beetlespins or Tiny jigs


LARGEMOUTH BASS

LARGEMOUTH BASS

FIND WHERE TO CATCH


The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish.

GEAR TO USE
Rod 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod
Reel Spinning reel
Line 8-pound test monofilament fishing line
Lure Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Frog & Toad Fishing Baits, Soft Plastic Baits, Topwater Fishing Baits

TYPES OF FISHING IN IOWA



FLY FISHING

FLY FISHING

Fly fishing is fun, relaxing and easy to learn.



RESERVOIRS

RESERVOIRS

Reservoirs offer great fishing opportunities for every angler.



streams and rivers

STREAMS & RIVERS

River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.

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