Best Places To Fish in Iowa

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Iowa offers numerous excellent fishing spots throughout the state, providing anglers with diverse opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. From lakes and rivers to ponds and reservoirs, there are plenty of options for anglers of all skill levels and preferences. The purpose of this page is to share information about the best fishing lakes in the state, listed by species.

The Mississippi River is undoubtedly one of the best places to fish in Iowa. It offers exceptional fishing opportunities year-round, with popular species including walleye, sauger, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and catfish. Anglers can target these species using a variety of techniques, such as trolling, casting, or bottom fishing. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons to fish the Mississippi River.

Clear Lake is another top destination in Iowa known for its fantastic fishing. It is the state's third-largest natural lake and offers excellent angling opportunities for a variety of species. Clear Lake is particularly renowned for its outstanding walleye and yellow bass fisheries. Anglers can also catch northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, and panfish. The best time to fish Clear Lake depends on the species, but spring and fall generally provide the most productive fishing.

Spirit Lake and the surrounding Iowa Great Lakes region are popular for both recreational activities and fishing. Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in the state and offers excellent fishing for walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. The nearby East Okoboji Lake and West Okoboji Lake are also renowned for their fishing opportunities, with species such as bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and muskellunge available. Spring and early summer are often considered the best seasons to fish in the Iowa Great Lakes region.

For trout enthusiasts, northeast Iowa is the place to be. Streams such as the Upper Iowa River, Yellow River, and Waterloo Creek offer exceptional trout fishing. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout can be found in these cold, clear waters. The best time to fish for trout in northeast Iowa is typically during the spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler.

Overall, the best season to fish in Iowa depends on the target species. Spring and fall are generally considered productive times for a variety of species, while summer can be ideal for warm water species like bass and panfish. It's important for anglers to check fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses before heading out to ensure compliance with Iowa's fishing regulations and guidelines.

There are many great places to fish in The Hawkeye State. Iowa offers more than just farming, it has plenty of fishing waters and fish species to appeal to a wide range of anglers. Rivers, ponds and lakes offer both warm-water and cold-water fisheries with healthy populations of fish.

Iowa's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots

Many of the river systems across the state provide great fishing. Farm ponds can often deliver surprising action. Here, we focus on major lakes. These are lakes that have reputations for providing great fishing action over time. Learn more...

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Most Popular Fish Species In Iowa

Anglers can wet a line in search of three species of bass, walleye, three species of catfish, striped bass, hybrid stripers, both species of crappie, white bass, perch, sunfish and other species, in waters around the state. Learn more...

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Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Iowa

Healthy populations of largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass can be found in many of the fisheries across the state. The state record largemouth is over 10 pounds, so there are some big bass to be had. These three lakes are among the best place to fish for bass in Iowa, for both quality and quantity. Learn more...

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Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Iowa

Walleye put up a decent fight when hooked, and the flaky, white filets are quite tasty. As a result, they are gaining popularity among local anglers. We only cover lakes, and these three have a long-standing reputation for quality fishing. You can also catch nice walleye in major rivers in the state. Learn more...

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Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Iowa

Catfish thrive in river systems. When the river drains into a major lake it can create ideal circumstances for great fishing. Any of these three lakes is a great place to learn the art of catching catfish. Learn more...

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Best Lakes For Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing In Iowa

Hybrid stripers (wipers) are stocked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in rivers, and both large and small lakes. These are two of the major lakes in the state with healthy population of hybrids. Learn more...

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Best Sunfish Fishing Lakes In Iowa

One or more species of sunfish can be found in most fisheries in the state. Bluegill, white bass, perch and other sunfish are plentiful, easy to catch and make a great fish fry. Learn more...

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Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Iowa