Bass

Catching Pre-Spawning & Spawning Fish

Catching Pre-Spawning & Spawning Fish By Ben Leal May in Iowa… winter has all but lost its grip, and we’re beginning to enjoy some incredible weather. It also brings with it the spring spawning period for a variety of fish. Temperatures in May will range from highs in the upper 60s to the mid-70s, with […]

READ MORE

Looking at Early Season Open Water

Looking at Early Season Open Water By Steve Weisman Living in Iowa anglers get the chance to experience four seasons for fishing. Right now as we head into the month of March, we have the potential for great ice fishing in northern Iowa (depending on the spring warm-up, of course), yet we also have opportunities […]

READ MORE

Guide to Late Ice

Guide to Late Ice By Rod Woten There are two phrases that will cause any ice angler to perk up their ears. “Early ice” and “late ice” are the two periods during the winter that ice anglers live for. Probably the biggest reason these periods are so popular with ice anglers is because the fishing […]

READ MORE

Exploring Iowa’s Waterways

Exploring Iowa’s Waterways By Jessica Graham Iowa, the “land of rolling hills and friendly smiles,” also boasts a hidden gem – a network of water trails waiting to be explored. These marked and maintained routes navigate rivers, lakes, and canals, offering paddlers, canoers, and other boaters a unique perspective on the state’s natural beauty and […]

READ MORE

Fish Wintering Habits

Fish Wintering Habits By Ben Leal By the time February rolls in we are well versed in angling experience. We think we have the fish figured out and locked in. Then, for some unknown reason, the fish move off our spot and seem harder to find. Weather can play a role in how fish react, […]

READ MORE

When the going gets Tough on the Ice

When the going gets Tough on the Ice By Todd Reed The weekend is upon us and we have the green light for a trip to the ice.  The feeling can be magical on a Friday afternoon. As you drift off in your mind you can see the bluegills piled up beside your bucket, and […]

READ MORE

Give’em what they want and how they want it

Give’em what they want and how they want it By Bob Jensen Whether you’re after fish in open water or through the ice, your lure presentation is one of the most important considerations for success. Since ice-fishing season is fast approaching in many areas, now is a good time to think about lure presentation as […]

READ MORE

Calling all Iowa Sportsman!

Calling all Iowa Sportsman! By Jessica Graham Tired of the same old hunting and fishing stories? Want to get the inside scoop on the latest gear, techniques, and local hotspots? Then, you need to tune in to The Iowa Sportsman Podcast. You can expect up-to-date hunting and fishing reports. Get the lowdown on what’s biting […]

READ MORE

Dead Sticking on Ice

Dead Sticking on Ice By Ben Leal When the ice fishing season gets well underway fishing begins to slow down a bit. The much colder water will slow down the metabolism of the quarry we are chasing. They also move out into deeper haunts of the lake, suspending in schools waiting for tasty morsels to […]

READ MORE

Yellow Bass Iowa’s Overlooked Panfish

Yellow Bass Iowa’s Overlooked Panfish By Rod Woten Iowa has a love-hate relationship with the yellow bass. On one hand they’re plentiful, fun to catch and make delicious table fare. On the other hand, in many instances, they’re an invasive species and out-compete other panfish like crappies and bluegills…even largemouth bass. They are prolific breeders […]

READ MORE