Fishing

Mid-Season Crappies

Mid-Season Crappies Basin Basics It’s a pattern perhaps, as old as the species itself. It’s as predictable as a bad sit-com and as dependable as Old Faithful. Once the early ice period ends, crappies will begin to migrate and suspend over basin areas. For the ice angler, it is actually good news. Once you can […]

Hot Weather Catfish

Hot Weather Catfish In my early cattin’ days I struggled like any beginner trying to succeed. Summer, hot weather catfish would sometimes find their way to my hook, but the bites were few and the bigger fish substantially fewer. I found myself pursuing the same tired out presentations and locations with nothing to show. One […]

Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report: Catfish Stay Hot, Delta Waterfowl Expo Begins- July 23rd, 2026

This week’s Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report arrives a day early as Aaron McKinney heads to Des Moines for the Delta Waterfowl Hunter Expo. Before hitting the expo, Aaron breaks down the latest fishing conditions from around the state and shares where anglers are finding success despite the summer heat. The cooler temperatures have provided […]

Iowa Fishing Report: Fishing for Summer Walleye and Catfish – July 17th, 2026

Most Iowa anglers are focusing on catfish and walleye this summer, but what if you could unlock the secrets to catching the biggest flatheads and wipers in the heat of July? Aaron McKinney reveals the proven tactics that are turning ordinary fishing trips into trophy-winning outings during the hottest months. In this episode, you’ll discover […]

Iowa Fishing Report: Heat Slows the Bite – July 10th, 2026

The summer heat has settled across Iowa, and while it’s slowed the fishing in many areas, there are still plenty of opportunities to put fish in the boat if you know where to go. In this week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, Aaron McKinney shares the latest fishing conditions from bait shops across the state […]

Fall Walleye Tips & Tricks

  Fall Walleye Tips & Tricks In this article, I will explore several proven live bait rig and bottom bouncer trolling tips and tricks that will help you catch more walleyes this year.  While these tips are by no means comprehensive, I am hopeful that you will be able to gain some insight from these […]

August Bass Fishing

August Bass Fishing Of all of the methods that anglers use in chasing after and landing bass, having one of these feisty fish explode on a topwater bait is one of my all-time favorites. In my early years of bass fishing and learning to catch them, topwater wasn’t part of my arsenal. As it turned […]

Finding Fish When the Water Heats Up

Finding Fish When the Water Heats Up There is something special about summertime fishing in Iowa. Some of my favorite memories have been made on the water during the hottest days of the year. Average temperatures often sit between 80°F and 90°F, but it’s not uncommon for mid-day highs to climb near 100°F. On top […]

Topwater Bass Fishing

Topwater Bass Fishing Of all of the methods that anglers use in chasing after and landing bass, having one of these feisty fish explode on a topwater bait is one of my all-time favorites. In my early years of bass fishing and learning to catch them, topwater wasn’t part of my arsenal. As it turned out, my first encounter […]

Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report – May 8th