Overlooked Fishing Destinations in Iowa

Overlooked Fishing Destinations in Iowa

By Todd Reed

Growing up in Iowa and fishing as much as I could I never took the time to realize how fortunate we are to have the natural resources that we do.  Perhaps it is being over four decades old, or perhaps it is the reflective mind that I am diving into. Either, way Iowa has so many opportunities for anglers that we often overlook some great fisheries that continue to produce great fishing.  I think some of this has to do with being a creature of nature, most anglers do not like to step away from their “home lake” or stray too far from the river that they love. That is great, and those of you that do live in close proximity of a great fishery many people are very jealous.  Truth be told, no matter where you live in this state you are not very far from some fantastic fishing opportunities. Here are a few that come to mind and the species that dominate the waters.

Brushy Creek Lake Largemouth
If you are a fan of catching largemouth bass then a lake that most people have said “it’s past its prime” then gas up your vehicle and head towards Brushy Creek Lake.  This lake is by no means a secret, ten years ago it was by far the busiest man-made lake in the state. Those crowds and tournaments have tapered off in the past couple years making this lake one of the best big largemouth lakes in the state.  The lake is teaming with all kinds of fish species, but the bass rule when the days come to an end. You may not catch the big numbers of bass like you did a decade ago, but the size in this lake right now is probably the best it has ever been. If you have not made a trip there recently to chase down the green bass, put it on your list.

Interior River Smallies and Eyes
If smallmouth bass and walleyes are what you like tugging on the end of your line you are a short drive away from a great fishery.  Iowa is loaded with smaller interior rivers that are accessible at the state and county parks. The Iowa Sportsman’s Atlas is a great tool to find areas close to your home that can get you close to some of the best walleye and smallie fishing the state has to offer.  Like any river system there are many variables to catching these fish. Water levels, current and water clarity are the biggest factors when journeying to these smaller rivers. They can literally turn to chocolate milk in the matter of minutes and with that the fishing has totally changed.

These smaller rivers are probably the hardest to figure out because they change so quickly, not only the current conditions but the actual lay of the river as well. Sandbars shift each season, log jams appear and disappear and where there was current one day there may not be current the next.  Trust me, growing up on the Wapsipinicon River I know the bad days, and certainly the days I will never forget.

Other interior rivers include; Cedar, Upper Iowa, Maquoketa, Turkey, Shellrock, Iowa, Skunk, Des Moines, Boone, Raccoon, and Sioux to name a few. These smaller rivers are packed with smallies and walleyes and are well worth the time to figure out where these fish species live in them and use the rivers during different water situations.  Smaller boats are ideal or using kayaks will get you to some of the best fishing in the state, and one of those rivers are not very far from where you live.

Farm Pond “Bull”gills
Bluegills are the most common fish in Iowa and we tend to forget the best place to catch the largest ones in the state. Farm ponds are often overlooked for a few reasons. First, some farm ponds are no better than the local county park.

Secondly, a lot of anglers won’t take the initiative to ask the landowner permission.  It is very true that some ponds just don’t produce quality fish. It has to be just the right ratio of smaller fish compared to predator fish. This is not easily done and takes monitoring, most landowners simply do not have the time it takes to produce good ponds that have that ideal ratio of predator to prey.

However, when ponds do have that perfect chemistry it is simply magical. Bluegills can grow to huge proportions in the smallest or largest of ponds. You simply never know until you try it. I have been told many times, “it never hurts to ask for permission”. I have been told no, and I have been told yes, it is just part of the game.  Either way be respectful of the answer and always ask the landowner what they want done with the fish. Keeping or harvesting fish from farm ponds is the best way to manage them for future success. Many times too many bass will live in a pond and no other fish species can grow. When the perfect balance of bass and bluegills live in a pond it can be the best, and you will see the biggest bluegills you may ever see in your life.  Check around your area, most of the time you know someone, who knows someone, who may be related to the actual landowner. It is worth a try!

Mighty Mississippi Crappie
Crappies, Crappies and more crappies, we all love to eat them and I cherish the days that I find them and are able to catch them.  Iowa has many good crappie destinations; Red Rock, MacBride, Big Creek, Rock Creek and Rathbun to name a few. However, no matter what you read or listen to a sleeper destination for crappie is Pool 10 of the Mississippi River.  Sure there are anglers who live in those parts that do very well on crappies, but very few people travel to Pool 10 looking for them, this is a mistake. The Mississippi River grows a lot of fish, and it grows a lot of BIG fish too.  I think this gets overlooked purely on the size of the water. At nearly 21,000 acres it is quite intimidating for any boat, however towns along the shoreline and state parks allow you to put your boat in at many places along this 30 mile stretch of river.  There are many maps available online of the backwater areas of Pool 10, a good place to start. If you have some current available to the backwater, those seem to be the best for crappies. Also, eliminating backwaters without good depth, at least 6 feet of water can help narrow things down as well.  The crappies will act just like they do on lakes and reservoirs on the Mississippi and finding them throughout the year can be difficult, but when you do it, it could possibly be the best day of crappie fishing you have ever had.

Iowa has so many magical little fishing areas, there simply isn’t enough time to fish them and search them out.  These can be small 5 acre county park lakes to the grand Mississippi River. A good “fishing hole” has no size requirements and can change from one year to another, I think that is one reason why I am so infatuated with the sport of fishing.  Fishing is never the same, and it constantly keeps you thinking and adjusting your methods to be successful. I hope you venture out to many new areas this year, take time and do a little research, there is a lot of information out there for people who what to stay ahead of the crowds and find that next hidden Iowa Gem!