Podcasts
Stay up to date with the latest Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, featuring a rotating video packed with timely outdoor insights. From current bass fishing patterns and whitetail movement to trapping tips and seasonal wildlife activity, this page delivers a well-rounded look at what’s happening across Iowa’s outdoors—helping you make the most of every trip afield or on the water.
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report – May 8th
The episode features an in-depth Iowa Hunting and Fishing report for early May across key destinations in Iowa, delivered from the perspective of an active angler who has been on the water. The conversation begins with a recap of the Iowa Walleye Opener on the Iowa Great Lakes, with particular focus on Spirit Lake.
Listeners hear how nighttime proved most productive, with solid numbers of walleye and smallmouth bass coming on jigs and shad-imitating crankbaits. While not described as an all-out frenzy, the bite is characterized as consistently good, especially after dark.
Insights into Fishing Iowa Lakes in May
The report then shifts to Black Hawk Lake near Lake View, where conditions were more challenging due to a strong north wind. The episode notes an abundance of smaller walleyes in the 10- to 12-inch range, with a few keepers mixed in. Tactics there centered on jigs tipped with leeches or crawlers and some crankbait trolling. Brushy Creek Lake, between Fort Dodge and Webster City, is a highlight for trophy walleye opportunity, with recent catches including fish in the mid-20-inch range and larger. The host emphasizes that Brushy can be a tough lake to pattern but rewards persistence.
Looking ahead, the episode outlines plans to head south to the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, including a nostalgic stop at the Redfield dam, a longtime personal favorite fishing spot. Additional destinations mentioned include 12 Mile and 3 Mile lakes in Union County, as well as Clear Lake and stretches of the Des Moines River further east, where multi-species action on walleye, sturgeon, catfish, smallmouth bass, and other gamefish is reportedly picking up as river levels stabilize. Safety on moving water is important, along with alternative access options such as river barges for those without boats.
The episode closes with a short preview of upcoming food plot work in Madison and Adair Counties and a timely reminder about getting youth and families involved in turkey hunting to help sustain the tradition for future generations.
Listen to the Previous Hunting and Fishing Reports below!
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Inaugural Episode – Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report
Inaugural Episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report
In this inaugural episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, host Aaron McKinney introduces a new weekly series presented by the Iowa Sportsman Magazine, focused on real-time field reports rather than secondhand information. He explains that each episode will highlight current conditions and productive locations across Iowa for both anglers and hunters.
Iowa River Fishing Report
Aaron begins with the Des Moines River, calling it one of the best current options for fishing. He shares that recent trips have produced a mixed bag of walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, white bass, and hybrids moving upriver to spawn. While the walleye spawn is largely over and the bite is now post-spawn, he notes that many interior rivers across the state are fishing very well. Because water temperatures range from the upper 40s to around 60 degrees, he emphasizes the importance of a slower presentation and recommends plastics, often tipped with minnows or Blue Creek chubs, for consistent success. He also mentions strong catfish action and describes a productive outing at the Humboldt dam where nearly every species was biting.
Iowa Lakes
Shifting to lakes, Aaron reports that Brushy Creek Lake east of Fort Dodge is just starting to pick up, with a strong reputation for big fish, especially walleye that typically respond to leeches. He encourages anglers to fish it repeatedly rather than giving up after one trip. He then highlights Black Hawk Lake, where both walleye and crappie are biting well, and where shore anglers have excellent access along manicured shorelines.
Aaron previews the Iowa Great Lakes walleye opener on May 2, describing it as a major social and fishing event that draws anglers from in and out of state. With water temperatures near 60 degrees and a favorable forecast, he suggests techniques like pulling crankbaits or jigging with minnows or leeches. He also notes the tagged walleye promotion on Spirit Lake, which offers substantial cash prizes.
Other Outdoor Activities to get Involved in
Beyond fishing, Aaron touches on northeast Iowa trout fishing, current turkey season strategies—including youth opportunities, cautious calling, and bowhunting from blinds—and warns about severe tick activity and Lyme disease risks. He closes with an update on morel mushroom hunting, which remains good thanks to cool, moist conditions, and promises future episodes with follow-ups from the walleye opener and other trips across Iowa.
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May 1st Hunting and Fishing Report | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
