Fall is officially here, and Iowa’s hunting and fishing opportunities are heating up across the state. In this week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, bow season is underway, waterfowl season is getting started, and the fall fishing bite continues to improve as conditions settle down after several weeks of rain.
The report kicks off from the deer stand, where warm temperatures, green foliage and windy conditions made for an interesting opening weekend of bow season. While no bucks made an appearance, there was plenty of wildlife activity, including does, squirrels, a close encounter with a buzzard and even a mangy-looking coyote. Trail cameras have been showing some promising bucks, with more daylight movement beginning to appear as the weather changes.
Congratulations also go out to young hunter Beau Doyle, who harvested an impressive nine-point buck after having several deer to choose from. On the fishing side, Michelle Lynn shared a great catch of walleyes from the Cedar River in eastern Iowa, showing that the fall river bite is beginning to pick up.
Across the state, anglers are finding plenty of opportunities. Walleye fishing at Spirit Lake has been going well for anglers trolling, while panfish remain active throughout the Iowa Great Lakes. Brushy Creek is also producing panfish, and several southern Iowa lakes are reporting a good crappie bite. Recent rainfall has affected river conditions, but as water levels stabilize and clear, the walleye bite should continue to improve.
This week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report is sponsored by Polk County Conservation’s Controlled Waterfowl Hunting Program. Hunters can reserve one of 12 waterfowl blinds at Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, with blinds located in both marsh and woodland settings. Each blind holds up to four hunters and costs $30 per day. Reservations are available for the early split, October 10–16, and the late split, October 24–November 30. To reserve a blind, call the Chichaqua office at 515-323-5395 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
With bow season underway and fall fishing improving, it’s a great time to get outdoors and enjoy Iowa!
Below is the link for the episode on Podbean, Give us a Follow!
