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: Cooler Weather Signals the Fall Bite – 9/15/2026
Cooler temperatures, plenty of rain and the first signs of fall are starting to change outdoor conditions across Iowa. In the September 15, 2026, edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, Aaron McKinney breaks down the latest fishing conditions while also getting ready for the fast-approaching bow hunting season.
Before diving into the fishing report, Aaron spends some time testing a new arrow setup. After shooting through paper and checking the tune, he offers an important reminder for bowhunters: don’t wait until opening day to find out how your broadheads fly. Even with a properly tuned bow, broadheads can impact differently than field points, making it important to shoot and sight them in before heading to the field.
On the fishing side, cooler weather is arriving, but recent rainfall and fluctuating water levels have kept the fall bite from fully taking off. At Okoboji, Stan’s Bait and Tackle reports that bluegill are providing some of the most consistent action. Once weather conditions stabilize and water temperatures continue dropping, anglers should start seeing better early-fall fishing.
At Lake Red Rock, Red Rock Quick Stop Bait and Tackle reports good opportunities for panfish and catfish. White bass and walleye action could also begin picking up soon as cooler temperatures settle in.
Farther south, A to Z Bait N Tackle in Floris reports fluctuating river levels following heavy rainfall. Catfish remain active, with bank holes producing some of the better numbers and larger fish. Gamefish action has been slower, but falling water temperatures could quickly change that.
With water temperatures recently sitting in the mid-70s, this week’s colder weather could push them closer to the 60s and help kick off Iowa’s fall fishing bite. Aaron also reminds anglers to watch the Iowa DNR’s upcoming fall trout stocking schedule.
A special thanks goes to Al Martin Real Estate and Auction for sponsoring this week’s report. Their September 19 outdoor auction features firearms and other items for hunters and outdoorsmen.
Tune in for the latest Iowa fishing conditions, bowhunting preparation tips and a look ahead at what could be a strong fall bite across the state.
Below is the link for the episode on Podbean, Give us a Follow!
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Cooler Weather Signals the Fall Bite | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: September Heat, Catfish Action & Hunting Season Ahead -9/8/2026
This week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report finds anglers dealing with lingering late-summer heat while hunting season draws closer across the state. Aaron McKinney checks in with bait shops around Iowa for the latest fishing conditions and also spends some time getting the dogs ready for another season in the field.
A special thanks goes to Al Martin Real Estate and Auction for sponsoring this week’s report. The company has an upcoming estate auction in Bloomfield, Iowa, featuring a variety of firearms and outdoor-related items. Outdoorsmen and women looking for shotguns, rifles, handguns and other sporting items will want to check out the upcoming sale.
Before getting into the fishing reports, Aaron takes Lou, the Munsterlander, out for his first experience in the water. Lou has grown to around 40 pounds and is quickly catching up to Grace. With hunting seasons approaching, now is a great time to get hunting dogs outside, introduce younger dogs to the water and start getting them conditioned for fall.
On the fishing side, catfish continue to provide some of the best action across Iowa. Gradert Bait and Tackle in Hawarden reports that flatheads and channel catfish are biting well. Live bait remains a strong choice for flatheads, while cut bait, chicken livers, stink bait and punch bait are producing channel cats on the Missouri River.
Casey’s Bait and Tackle in Des Moines reports tough fishing conditions due to the continued heat. Anglers who head out may have their best opportunities during the early morning, evening and nighttime hours when temperatures are cooler.
Clear Lake Bait and Tackle also reports a slow bite, although anglers are still picking up some fish around the area. Troublesome Creek Outfitters in Keosauqua tells a similar story, with most species remaining slow while catfish activity has improved.
Overall, the September heat continues to make fishing challenging across much of Iowa. Cooler weather should help improve the bite, but catfish remain a solid option in the meantime. With youth deer and youth pheasant seasons just around the corner, it’s also time to start preparing young hunters and hunting dogs for another exciting fall in Iowa’s outdoors.
Below is the link for the episode on Podbean, Give us a Follow!
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Fall Bite Ahead | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Fall Bite Ahead – August 24th, 2026
This week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report takes listeners to the banks of the Des Moines River for some firsthand fishing, statewide updates, hunting season preparation, and a look back at the Iowa State Fair.
The episode kicks off with some lunch-hour fishing on the Des Moines River, where a few smallmouth bass provide plenty of action despite the overall bite being slow. Along the way, Aaron shares a couple of practical fishing tips, including staying back from clear-water drop-offs to avoid spooking fish and changing baits when the bite is tough. Matching your lure to the available forage can make all the difference when fish have plenty of natural food available.
Reports from bait shops around Iowa confirm that late-summer fishing has slowed. Sportsman Unlimited reports a few catfish and panfish, while Hollander Outdoors notes some walleye action at Pine Lake and catfish near Iowa Falls. Crazy Minnow in Clear Lake reports that abundant natural forage has made fishing more challenging, while Oakland Bait and Tackle says falling river levels have also affected the bite. Cooler temperatures are on the horizon, though, and that should help lower water temperatures and kick-start the fall fishing season.
The episode also shifts toward hunting as Iowa’s fall seasons draw closer. Trail cameras are showing increased deer activity, particularly during the early morning and nighttime hours. Hunters are encouraged to finish stand preparation, trim shooting lanes, scout carefully, and avoid unnecessary disturbance in their hunting areas.
Aaron also looks back at a trip to the Iowa State Fair, including stops at the Iowa DNR building and Varied Industries Building. The visit included checking out the DNR’s historic fish tank, wildlife displays, the poaching trailer, and several outdoor-related businesses.
From slow late-summer fishing to approaching hunting seasons, this episode helps Iowa outdoorsmen prepare for one of the most exciting times of the year.
Below is the link for the episode on Podbean, Give us a Follow!
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Fall Bite Ahead | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Hot Catfish Bite, Walleyes & Hunting Season Prep – August 14, 2026
The August 14 edition of the Iowa Sportsman Hunting and Fishing Report brings plenty of good news for anglers across the state, along with an early look at preparations for the fast-approaching hunting season.
This week, Aaron McKinney checks in with bait and tackle shops across Iowa to find out what’s biting as summer begins to wind down. In north-central Iowa, anglers are finding walleyes at Storm Lake, Brushy Creek, and Black Hawk Lake, with eater-sized fish providing much of the action. White-and-orange twisters, especially patterns featuring an orange belly, have been producing fish. Bass fishing also remains strong, with topwater presentations such as frogs and Whopper Ploppers working around lily pads, weeds, and other vegetation.
Around Waterloo, the river catfish bite continues to shine. Channel catfish are taking dip bait, cut bait, chicken livers, chubs, and other traditional offerings, while anglers are still encountering some flatheads. The catfish action isn’t limited to one area, either. Reports from Webster City and Le Mars indicate excellent fishing in rivers across the state, including the Big Sioux River. Live chubs have been especially productive for anglers targeting both channel cats and flatheads.
Smallmouth bass are another option this week, particularly in Iowa’s smaller rivers. Twisters, spinnerbaits, small plugs, and topwater lures can all produce, with mornings and evenings offering a chance to avoid the hottest part of the day.
On the hunting side, Aaron finally makes it south to check the food plots. Brassicas and turnips are green and growing well after receiving plenty of rain, while deer have been feeding heavily on the forage oats. A newly placed trail camera is already producing encouraging results, including photos of a couple of nice bucks as hunting season approaches.
Finally, the Iowa Sportsman crew is heading to the Iowa State Fair to explore the exhibits, food, family attractions, and fair favorites—including the big bull, big pig, big ram, and famous butter cow.
Tune in for this week’s statewide fishing conditions, hunting-season preparation, food plot updates, and a preview of what’s ahead as fall draws closer.
Below is the link for the episode on Podbean, Give us a Follow!
