Fall is one of the best times to be outdoors in Iowa, and this week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report offers plenty of reasons to grab your gear. With pheasant season opening, whitetail deer activity building toward the rut, and fish biting in rivers and lakes, there’s something for nearly every outdoor enthusiast.
This episode starts with a look at the opportunities ahead for hunters and anglers. Warm weather has kept bow hunting uncomfortable, but anticipation is growing for time in the stand as the rut approaches. Pheasant hunters also get a reminder to pack plenty of water for their dogs, carry a canine first-aid kit, and practice safe hunting. Bringing along a young hunter or spending time outdoors with a parent or grandparent can make the experience even more memorable.
A stop at Funky Traps west of Panora turns into a tour of trapping supplies, fishing tackle, and equipment. Shopping for mink trapping supplies means checking out Bridger traps, stakes, drowners, and more. A conversation with Alan offers his perspective on the fur market and expectations for mink, bobcats, raccoons, and muskrats.
Then it’s off to Redfield Dam, where smallmouth bass, crappie, and a few walleyes keep the fishing interesting. Downsizing to smaller presentations helps produce bites, with several smallmouth and crappie making for an enjoyable catch-and-release outing. The action is a reminder that fall fishing deserves a place on the calendar alongside hunting season.
The trip continues downstream to Hanging Rock on the Raccoon River. Returning to a spot last visited with his grandfather brings back memories while offering a fresh look at the scenery, fishing possibilities, and nearby trail.
This week’s sponsor, MB Taxidermy, helps preserve those outdoor memories through mounts of deer, birds, fish, and other wildlife. With locations in Algona and Webster City, Max offers flexible contact and pickup options for hunters and anglers.
Tune in for fishing action, trapping preparations, and hunting-season excitement. Whether you’re chasing pheasants, watching for whitetail deer, preparing a mink trapline, or casting for crappie, Iowa’s fall outdoors is calling. Share your harvest photos and videos with The Iowa Sportsman, and join the conversation.
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