Stay up to date with the latest Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, featuring a rotating video packed with timely outdoor insights. From current bass fishing patterns and whitetail movement to trapping tips and seasonal wildlife activity, this page delivers a well-rounded look at what’s happening across Iowa’s outdoors—helping you make the most of every trip afield or on the water.
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
Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report: Hot Catfish Bite, Walleyes & Hunting Season Prep – August 14, 2026
The August 14 edition of the Iowa Sportsman Hunting and Fishing Report brings plenty of good news for anglers across the state, along with an early look at preparations for the fast-approaching hunting season.
This week, Aaron McKinney checks in with bait and tackle shops across Iowa to find out what’s biting as summer begins to wind down. In north-central Iowa, anglers are finding walleyes at Storm Lake, Brushy Creek, and Black Hawk Lake, with eater-sized fish providing much of the action. White-and-orange twisters, especially patterns featuring an orange belly, have been producing fish. Bass fishing also remains strong, with topwater presentations such as frogs and Whopper Ploppers working around lily pads, weeds, and other vegetation.
Around Waterloo, the river catfish bite continues to shine. Channel catfish are taking dip bait, cut bait, chicken livers, chubs, and other traditional offerings, while anglers are still encountering some flatheads. The catfish action isn’t limited to one area, either. Reports from Webster City and Le Mars indicate excellent fishing in rivers across the state, including the Big Sioux River. Live chubs have been especially productive for anglers targeting both channel cats and flatheads.
Smallmouth bass are another option this week, particularly in Iowa’s smaller rivers. Twisters, spinnerbaits, small plugs, and topwater lures can all produce, with mornings and evenings offering a chance to avoid the hottest part of the day.
On the hunting side, Aaron finally makes it south to check the food plots. Brassicas and turnips are green and growing well after receiving plenty of rain, while deer have been feeding heavily on the forage oats. A newly placed trail camera is already producing encouraging results, including photos of a couple of nice bucks as hunting season approaches.
Finally, the Iowa Sportsman crew is heading to the Iowa State Fair to explore the exhibits, food, family attractions, and fair favorites—including the big bull, big pig, big ram, and famous butter cow.
Tune in for this week’s statewide fishing conditions, hunting-season preparation, food plot updates, and a preview of what’s ahead as fall draws closer.
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Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report: Topwater Bass, Panfish & State Fair Preview – August 7th, 2026
Welcome back to the Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report. Rain finally brings some welcome relief across Iowa in the August 7 edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report. Aaron McKinney discusses how the rainfall is helping dry ground, food plots, wildlife habitat, and outdoor conditions after a stretch of hot summer weather. He also explains how high temperatures continue to affect fishing activity, making timing, depth, location, and bait selection especially important for anglers.
This week’s fishing report features updates from four trusted Iowa bait shops. No Limits Outdoors in Spencer reports a strong panfish bite, with wigglers, red worms, and wax worms producing fish in deeper water. Bass are also hitting topwater lures around the Iowa Great Lakes region, especially near weed beds and lily pads, creating exciting opportunities for anglers who enjoy frog fishing.
Bob’s Bait & Tackle in Marshalltown reports good action on area lakes for panfish, bass, and catfish. Early mornings from 6 to 9 and evenings from 7 until dark offer the best conditions. Anglers fishing during warmer hours should look for deeper water and shaded areas. Although river reports are limited, catfish are likely active throughout the region.
At Pro Marine in Mediapolis, fishing has been slower following heavy rain and continued heat. The best opportunities are near river dams, where anglers may find catfish, carp, and other species. Meanwhile, 5K Sports in Manchester reports good panfish and river catfish action. Smaller presentations, red worms, night crawler pieces, and wax worms are recommended, while bass continue to respond well to topwater baits on local lakes.
Aaron also demonstrates how quickly the Tactacam Defend 360 cellular security camera and solar panel can be installed. Mounted in only a few minutes, the motion-detecting camera can pan across an area and help monitor livestock or property. Future episodes will share sample photos and videos from the unit.
Finally, Aaron previews opening day at the Iowa State Fair, where he and Cade Panic plan to capture food, livestock, entertainment, and unexpected discoveries. Like, share, follow, and subscribe for weekly Iowa fishing reports, hunting updates, gear reviews, outdoor tips, and adventures from communities across the Hawkeye State.
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Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report: Late Summer Fishing Update | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report: Late Summer Fishing Update – July 31st, 2026
The latest episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report is packed with timely fishing updates, outdoor insights, and a hands-on product review to help you make the most of your time outdoors. As summer heat continues across Iowa, Aaron McKinney shares where anglers are still finding success and how a welcome break in the weather could improve fishing conditions heading into the weekend.
This week’s fishing report highlights productive waters from across the state, including strong catfish action in Iowa’s rivers, excellent panfishing opportunities on Spirit Lake, and one of the few remaining walleye bites being reported around Lewis. You’ll also hear honest updates from Big Creek Marina, where recent heat has slowed the overall bite, but anglers targeting largemouth bass and bluegills around shaded coves are still finding success. Whether you’re chasing catfish after dark, looking for a family-friendly panfish trip, or searching for a few late-summer walleyes, this episode offers practical information from local bait shops and marinas to help you plan your next outing.
In addition to the fishing report, Aaron recaps the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo in Des Moines, thanking everyone who stopped by the booth and discussing what made the event such a success. From major firearm manufacturers to ammunition companies and thousands of passionate hunters, the expo offered attendees a chance to connect directly with industry experts while celebrating Iowa’s strong outdoor community.
The episode also features an in-depth product review of the Tactacam Defend 360 Security Camera. You’ll see how easy the camera is to assemble, connect through the Defend app, and mount in the field. Aaron explains its solar-powered design, cellular connectivity that requires no Wi-Fi, weather-resistant construction, and live pan-and-zoom capabilities that make it useful for both property security and wildlife monitoring. The review focuses on setup tips and first impressions, with plans to revisit the camera after extended field use to evaluate image quality and long-term performance.
Whether you’re planning your next fishing trip, preparing for the upcoming hunting seasons, or looking for dependable outdoor gear, this episode delivers the practical, honest reporting Iowa sportsmen and women have come to expect from the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report.
Below is the link for the episode on Podbean, Give us a Follow!
Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report: Late Summer Fishing Update | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast
