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.
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Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Fall Bite Ahead | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
