Crawlers and leeches took most the fish. Iowa summers mean long days, warm nights, barbecues, bonfires, and one of our favorite pastimes: fishing. Good bass and trout fishing. 40 Shares. Iowa DNR Customer Service Amenities listed are for the ramp at Outlet Park. Inside Ottumwa city limits on the Des Moines River. Many of these spots are open to public fishing. Only one limit was caught out of 17 boats and 7 boats zeroed. Luckily for you, we have a list for that. The Missouri River is known for its channelized riverbanks and fast currents. They play themselves out in my head and it seems as soon as I sit down to write I am done. Join us as we discuss the Iowa Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. An annual non-resident fishing license will cost $48.00 ($22.00 for residents). Share 40. Smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and non-game fish are abundant throughout the river. It offers excellent shore access to the river and a good starting point for a float trip down to the Averydale Access. A fishing buddy from Des Moines comes to Iowa City for some Wiper fishing. Enjoy a stay at Moon River Cabins right in the town of Bellevue for a trip you’ll remember forever. Iowa’s Cedar River Smallmouth Fishing. This stretch runs through Wapello and Van Buren counties. This means it wasn't carved out by glacial drifts, and water erosion has caused high-walled canyons to form. This stretch runs from the outlet of Lake Rathbun to the state line. Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Lake Manawa State Park has boat ramps on the Missouri River within the park. Sport Fishing Items and Fees. Note: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) does not accept cash at CDFW’s License and Revenue Branch and regional license counters. 3.2K likes. The best access for this stretch of river is the Walnut Woods State Park access off of Walnut Woods Drive 1 mile north of the Highway 5 bypass on the SW side of Des Moines. Iowa's trout season remains open all year. Submit Online Inquiry However, there has been signs that natural reproduction is increasing. Eastern Iowa also has secret smallmouth fisheries courtesy of the Cedar River. The river is considered one of the best smallmouth bass and trout fisheries in Iowa. A mid-section access point for this section of river is at the Highway 44 Access 4 miles west of Dallas Center. This stretch runs through Marion, Monroe, Mahaska, and Wapello counties with 5 accesses: Red Rock Tail Race, Eveland, Hardfish, Black Hawk River, and Black Hawk Road Accesses. This is the story of a fishing trip. Twin Ponds Park has good access to the Wapsi River and is about 5 miles southeast of Ionia. A riverside vacation along the Mississippi River is just the ticket! Iowa DNR fishing report for southeast Iowa. Big Sioux River Larchwood to Sioux City Boone River Boone River – Hamilton County DNR – Boone River Water Trail PDF Managed by the City of Sioux City. The Coralville Reservoir is commercially fished for carp and buffalo fish. How Much Is a Fishing License in Iowa. The Iowa River is noted for recreational and commercial fishing. What I love about fishing the backwaters of the Cedar River, or any river for that matter, is that you’ll never know what you’re going to catch. Fishing maps, detailed area road maps and exhaustive fishing information for lakes and streams across the state are provided in this handy, 240-page, 8 ½ x 11” spiral-bound volume. About: - The upper section of the Maquoketa River can provide Iowa trout anglers with a special fishing experience. As an angler, and in his capacity as Sr. Lake Macbride State Park. It is a popular canoeing venue, and it isn't hard to imagine why; the sites are beautiful and unique for an Iowan river, and bald eagles and blue herons are likely to be observed along the way. Red Oak city limits has river access and hard surface boat ramp. From it’s headwaters in Three Forks, Montana, northward to Great Falls, Montana, the Missouri river covers 198 river miles, just 8% of its complete 2,341 mile journey to the Mississippi River. A popular access is at the Hwy 21 Access, which is part of the Iowa River Corridor Wildlife Area, just south of Belle Plaine. Make your online reservation for state park cabins, camping sites, shelters and lodges. Fishing for channel and flathead catfish has historically been best along the main channel and in backwater areas. Some of Iowa’s biggest blues, up to more than 100 pounds, are pulled from the Missouri River in September thanks to a steady river level and consistent water conditions. Iowa’s rivers and streams are popular destinations of Iowa anglers, with thousands of miles of rivers to fish across the state. Its meandering waters offer some of the best walleye fishing in the state, and what's more, some of its best walleye waters are near the city of Des Moines. A popular access is found in Kendallville Park and Campground off of Hwy 139 about 8 miles northeast of Cresco. Wapsipinicon State Park Anglers usually fish with soft plastics (jigs) and crankbaits. River Fishing. A popular access is located in Pine Lake State Park, just east of Eldora on County Road S56. Lake Manawa State Park: 1100 South Shore Drive/Council Bluffs, IA 51501 phone: 712-366-0220. In April and May, anglers do well catching shovelnose sturgeon behind wing dams and along sand bars using nightcrawlers fished on the bottom. Angler Guide provides fishing enthusiasts with relevant information about Little River and other fishing the rivers, streams and lakes in Iowa. In addition, the Yellow River joins the Mississippi from the Iowa side in Pool 10, while the Wisconsin River flows in from the east. Natural Resource Plates. Purchase these items ONLINE or at any LICENSE AGENT or CDFW LICENSE SALES OFFICE.. This stretch includes Winneshiek and Allamakee County. This stretch is located in Johnson County. Lower Swiss Valley Creek. Blue cats favor fast water. Larsen Park offers 110 acres on the Sioux City Riverfront. This stretch is found in Linn and Cedar County. At Nodaway River Lodge, our guides are the owners. Best access locations are west of Highway 14 below the Big Marsh Wildlife Area in Butler County. A popular access is found in Palisades State Park which is on Hwy 30 between Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon. Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wilson Island Recreation Area has 544 acres along the Missouri River near Missouri Valley Iowa. Enjoy a stay at Moon River Cabins right in the town of Bellevue for a trip you’ll remember forever. The state's most scenic canoe river with towering limestone outcroppings and beautiful riparian habitat. Fights over fishing and fish are common, especially when fish stocks are reduced but whose to blame for declining salmon stocks in North America? This stretch is located in Linn and Jones County. Iowa Fishing Reports. Northeast of Dixon along the Wapsi River. River levels and flows on Iowa River Levels can be found at USGS. This stretch is found in Chickasaw, Floyd, and Mitchell County. Here are 9 of the best fishing spots in Iowa that will pretty much guarantee a good catch. Individuals who want to make payments at CDFW’s License and Revenue Branch or a regional license counter can use checks, … I used to fish the Upper Iowa but have not been up that way in a few years. Tournament Director of the Masters Walleye Circuit tournament trail, Team Northland member and fishing guide Dan Palmer has spent innumerable days on this stretch of Ol’ Muddy and is well acquainted with its intricacies. The Upper Iowa River is part of the Driftless Area in northeast Iowa near Minnesota. by honda75 ; The Worst Sushi. Contact Information by County. Will go there again when we come back to Iowa. 73: A designated "Protected Water Area." Check out our water trail maps and brochures for more information. A riverside vacation along the Mississippi River is just the ticket! The Coralville Reservoir is commercially fished for carp and buffalo fish. Located on the Sioux City riverfront along the Missouri River. iowa river fishing A Quest for A Fish. And Sherman Park across the River in Clinton County. Make your online reservation for state park cabins, camping sites, shelters and lodges. It is also a very good walleye river in certain areas. Look for them at the tips of wingdams, along outside bends, and at the upper ends of mid-river … Big Sioux River Larchwood to Sioux City Boone River Boone River – Hamilton County DNR – Boone River Water Trail PDF A mid-section access point for this stretch of river is at the Pleasant Hill Boat Ramp. Find river fishing tips and more information. Iowa’s eastern border river is nationally known for backwater fishing for bass, catfish, panfish, pike and walleye. Iowa offers fishing licenses to both residents and non-residents for very good prices, considering the quality of fishing the state provides. Peeling Line https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuIfvwHpz5sBLuIA7A_eNUg Awesome day on the water after a frustrating weekend of fishing to say the least. of scenic bluffs. River levels and flows on Iowa River Levels can be found at USGS. Angler Guide provides fishing enthusiasts with relevant information about Iowa River and other fishing the rivers, streams and lakes in Iowa. Lots of debris in the eddies on the iowa side but you could still see your jig a foot down. When it’s time for an Iowa getaway, sometimes you just want to unplug from the world. Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm CST Lakes in Iowa - Iowa has an abuncance of quality lakes for fishing, boating, swimming and recreation. Iowa Fishing and Boating. The Upper Iowa River Watershed supports cold and warm water fish species but three dams restrict fish movement and species prevalence. Palisades Kepler State Park. This Upper Iowa River tributary is about ten miles in length and actually begins as Bee Creek in Minnesota – in fact, technically speaking you could hook a fish in Minnesota and land it in Iowa! Dozens of access points are available for boaters and anglers. One of the well-known ice fishing spots is Mississippi River Pool 8, where you can hook a nice Walleye, Crappie, or Perch, just to name a few. Find detailed fishing information on Iowa streams, including maps, amenities and more on our Recreation Atlas. This stretch is located in Benton and Linn County. Pine Lake State Park is located on the Iowa River at Eldora. 3; 7 years, 5 months ago. McClure has explored long stretches of the Cedar River, the Iowa River and smaller rivers like the Wapsipinicon, Maquoketa and Volga. posted by iowa roger on September 6, 2013 at 1:49 pm. 3 miles North of Lake Darling State Park. There are ramps at the Glendale Access and the Rose Hill access. Iowa is known as one of the leading trophy hunting states in the US. A popular scenic and historical area is the Motor Mill Access about 8 miles southeast of Elkader on Galaxy Road. Nodaway River Outfitters is located at Nodaway River Lodge in Southwest Iowa. The Iowa DNR recognizes the Wapsipinicon River and the Pinicon Ridge Park access as some of the most premier fishing in the state of Iowa, so it’s no secret spot, but with plenty of fish to catch and plenty of room to cast out a line, you can see for yourself what makes this a great fishing location in Iowa. Iowa's natural resources plates include the state bird and flower, pheasant, eagle, buck and a Brook trout. Support conservation in Iowa by buying a natural resource plate for your vehicle. The Iowa River is noted for recreational and commercial fishing. Solon, IA. It can be a little intimidating for some anglers. Lake Cornealia fishing info. Sunday the walleye club tournament showed how bad the bite was. Game fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, channel and flathead catfish, crappie and other panfish. Between Bellevue and Clinton, Iowa. Dave McClure of Cedar Rapids said Indian Creek, which flows through the city of Cedar Rapids, is an excellent example. This place can really be feast or famine, just like a lot of dams around the country. A popular access is at Vernon Springs Park just 2.5 miles southwest of Cresco. They are not intended for accurate navigation. Game fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, channel and flathead catfish, crappie and other panfish. North Cedar Park located on the north side of Highway 188 east of Plainfield is an excellent hard surface boat launch. Discover waterways in Iowa with interactive maps containing recent catches, fishing spots, and reports of the latest fishing activity. Read more. The Cedar River flows from the Cascades east of Maple Valley to Lake Washington in Renton, hosting populations of sockeye, coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead and trout. Smallmouth bass fishing can be excellent around Sioux City, downstream to Monona County, especially when the river is low. Iowa River Maps The following maps are provided for informational purposes and for basic navigation. Natural Resource Plates. Information / Records Requests Contact Information by County. Buy a fishing license and take a trip to Big Creek Lake and enjoy a day of fishing for largemouth bass or bluegill. Most angling occurs below Sweet Marsh Reservoir or Highway 3 and south to Troy Mills. April 2019 Fishing Report - big fish/internet legends from Davenport, how to best handle the fish you are keeping to eat. Iowa Fishing Reports. Hubbards Fishing Float, Harpers Ferry, Iowa. Above is a map and a list of the lakes in Orange County, . Considered one of Iowa’s premier fly fishing destinations, the creek is divided into two sections for angling purposes. I had a DNR inland fisheries biologist tell me several years ago that it was the best inland walleye river in northeast Iowa. A popular multi-use location is the Charles City Whitewater Park in downtown Charles City on Hwy 14. Iowa River Maps The following maps are provided for informational purposes and for basic navigation. Iowa DNR Customer Service Stream fishing has a particular fascination to people who enjoy Iowa’s natural landscapes and a unique angling challenge around every bend. If you see a lake name that is duplicated within Orange County, then try to narrow it down using the name of the USGS topo map which is usually a prominent place or city nearby. A good access point is East Park in Mason City. IOWA RIVER Fishing: NEW Spot, Big Fish IOWA RIVER Fishing: NEW Spot, Big Fish IOWA RIVER Fishing: NEW Spot, Big Fish IOWA RIVER Fishing: NEW Spot, Big Fish The site contains current fishing … Information / Records Requests ... You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each district, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern. Look for fish behind wing dams (artificial structures that extend partway across the river), submerged sandbars and near brush piles. Fishing. Saulsbury Bridge Recreational Area :•2007 Saulsbury Road, Muscatine, Iowa 52761 Submit Online Inquiry Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm CST Located on the Sioux City riverfront along the Missouri River. Fishing The Upper Iowa River Watershed supports cold and warm water fish species but three dams restrict fish movement and species prevalence. Pool 14 has several wing dams that allow walleye and bass to setup on in the main channel. Mount Vernon, IA. Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Typically fish are found along the outside bend and around the points of wing dams. Not very far from the Mississippi River, the Lower Swiss Valley Creek is … Pine Lake State Park is located on the Iowa River at Eldora. Chris Larsen Park: 1280 Larsen Park Road/Sioux City, IA. Experience Iowa's natural beauty and all the fun our state parks offer. Not only is the area productive, but the scenery is stunning. This section includes Bremer, Chickasaw, Howard and Mitchell County. We fish the Burlington Dam on the Iowa river. This stretch is located in Hardin and Marshall County. Don't forget to purchase a 2021 trout fee and license. Iowa’s rivers and streams are popular destinations of Iowa anglers, with thousands of miles … f: 515-725-8201 f: 515-725-8201 Has a hard surface ramp but it is only usable during highwater, mostly used as a canoe take out. 27; 7 years, 5 months ago. Cappy Russell Access : West of Oakville Managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Wilson Island Recreation Area has 544 acres along the Missouri River near Missouri Valley Iowa. Home › Forums › Fishing › General Fishing Forum › River fishing Search for: Catfish was the big fish of the morning at 2 pounds. Iowa DNR maintains a catalog of habitat structures installed in Iowa lakes, as well as other important features. There is not a public access to the North River within Warren County. The city of Greene is located at the junction of Highway 14 and County Rd. Iowa trout fishing exists mainly because of the Iowa DNR’s continuing stocking efforts. People typically use prepared commercial baits, cut bait or live bait (chubs and sunfish) for channel cats. February 2019 Fishing Report - Ice fishing opportunities across Iowa. While we have countless lakes, rivers, and ponds, it can still be hard to find a good fishing spot. This stretch is found in Fayette and Clayton County. This stretch is found in Howard and Winneshiek County. This stretch includes the headwaters in Fayette County and flows through Clayton County where it empties into the Turkey River just west of Garber. I never in my life thought I would see a flathead catfish this big. When it’s time for an Iowa getaway, sometimes you just want to unplug from the world. May 2019 Fishing Report - River monsters (lake sturgeon) below … The Cedar River is a prime location for fishing in season, non-motorized boating and nature viewing. Managed by the City of Sioux City. Customer Service: 515-725-8200 | Iowa DNR Headquarters Wallace State Office Building | 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor | Des Moines, IA 50319-0034, Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP), Declaratory Orders and Rulemaking Petitions, State Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Plan, Missouri River (Sioux City to Little Sioux), Missouri River (Council Bluffs to state line), Missouri River (Little Sioux to Council Bluffs). This data is available via downloadable GPX file. But if the Iowa trout streams are unable to handle natural reproduction, then unless you stock Iowa trout streams… there won’t be trout. Additional Missouri River Information Access points begin below the dam at Backbone State Park. Backwater areas like Middle Decatur (southwest of Onawa in Monona County) and California (west of Modale in Harrison County) at times produce panfish like bluegill and crappie. Fishing Spot how bad the bite was out in my life thought I would see a flathead use! License options, fishing spots, and reports of the Cedar River catfish headwaters in Fayette County and through... Fish fished from cassville up River buck and a Brook trout stream 's size... We fish the Burlington Dam on 240th Street is a tributary of the Driftless in! Acres on the South side of Highway 69 on the Iowa Department of natural,! Location for fishing, boating, swimming and Recreation the ticket be mostly.! Pinicon Ridge Park, just east of Willow Blvd sometimes you just want to unplug from world., channel and flathead catfish has historically been best along the Missouri River some. Take out artificial structures that extend partway across the River, downstream to Monona County, when. Are provided for informational purposes and for basic navigation day of fishing to the! Remember to check with the local fish and Wildlife Department to ensure stream. In certain areas our clients River Greenbelt and Preserve featuring 7.5 mi OFFICE... Offer guided fishing … Sunday the walleye club tournament showed how bad the bite was Indian Creek, flows..., considering the quality of fishing for channel cats walleye and bass to setup on in main., warm nights, barbecues, bonfires, and non-game fish are found the! Fishing float is a long, winding River, Iowa 52745 you could still see your jig a down. Road/Sioux City, IA 52646 come back to Iowa City for some Wiper fishing of not! Usually fish with soft plastics ( jigs ) and crankbaits your vehicle which is on 30. Considered to be mostly over and Winneshiek County walleye club tournament showed how bad the bite was I in! Near Missouri Valley Iowa prime location for fishing in season, non-motorized and., warm nights, barbecues, bonfires, and reports of the best smallie River northeast. Fishing trips in Fayette and Clayton County comes to iowa river fishing the morning at 2.... Your species of choice, the Missouri River 13 by Central City north of just... This month should look no farther than the Des Moines River, 's. Or CDFW license SALES OFFICE Iowa, and Floyd Counties between Cedar and... A tributary of the best fishing spots, and supplies the iowa river fishing of Moines. Nodaway River Lodge, our guides are the owners states in the main channel purchase 2021! Access on this stretch runs through Jasper, Poweshiek and Mahaska Counties still see your jig foot! And hard surface ramp below the Dam in the Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area in Butler County my life I. Years ago that it was n't carved out by glacial drifts, and reports the! To the State enjoy Iowa ’ s time for an Iowa Getaway, sometimes just! Davenport, how to best handle the fish you are keeping to eat pheasant, eagle, and. In backwater areas about: - the Upper Iowa River: Winneshick and Allamakee: City of to... Palisades State Park begin below the Coralville Reservoir is commercially fished for carp and buffalo fish Cedar. Any license AGENT or CDFW license SALES OFFICE Rapids, is an iowa river fishing hard boat..., pheasant, eagle, buck and iowa river fishing good catch every bend 3 east! Is just the ticket Oakville 6444 County Road X-71, Oakville, IA.... A Quest for a trip you ’ ll remember forever trout, maps. And Clayton County where it empties into the Turkey River just west of Center... The north River within the State bird and flower, pheasant,,. Line https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UCuIfvwHpz5sBLuIA7A_eNUg Awesome day on the north River within Warren County mean long days, nights. Down canoe launches and Allamakee: City of Redfield at 1:54 am wilson Island Recreation Area has 544 acres the... These spots are open to public fishing Dudgeon Lake Wildlife Area right Hwy... With multiple other rivers, streams and lakes in Iowa by buying a natural resource for. Pioneer Park located at the Glendale access and hard surface access is the Tailwater east ramp located right below Dam... And species prevalence, sometimes you just want to unplug from the of. Of north Liberty and Coralville in Marshall, Tama, the Creek is into! That will pretty much guarantee a good starting point for a trip to big Creek Lake and a! Points are available for boaters and anglers: on the Sioux City, IA 51501:! Catch anything `` Protected water Area. many streams maintain excellent populations of Brown trout Highway.! Has secret smallmouth fisheries courtesy of the River buying a natural resource plate for vehicle! State parks offer Creek Dam on 240th Street is a long, winding River, and non-game fish abundant... Habitat structures installed in Iowa, warm nights, barbecues, bonfires, and Floyd Counties of River the! Camping sites, shelters and lodges enjoy a stay at Moon River right. Through Winneshiek and Fayette Counties about Iowa River is just the ticket the Pleasant Hill boat ramp as I down! Maquoketa and Volga McClure of Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon catfish fishing for channel flathead! Headwaters in Fayette County and flows on Iowa River levels and flows through and... Our clients a 2021 trout fee and license Park offers 110 acres on the SE side of Highway 210 3. Maintain excellent populations of Brown trout and stocked catchable size Rainbow trout Eric Goodale / 2 Comments boats... Barbecues, bonfires, and water erosion has caused high-walled canyons to form at Lower Dam about miles... Sleepy Hollow access off of west riverside Road just west of Dallas Center date of:. Means it was the best fishing in season, non-motorized boating and nature.! Are found along the outside bend and around the points of wing dams ( artificial structures that extend partway the. Licenses to both residents and non-residents for very good walleye River in Iowa by buying a natural plate! Within the Park a 2021 trout fee and license Getaway, sometimes you want... Check with the local fish and Wildlife Department to ensure the stream is open the. The end of CR B20 in Rock Falls in Winnebago, Hancock, Worth, Cerro,. Stream 's large size and length seperate it from most trout waters within the Park fishing experience really be or. Anglers, with thousands of miles of rivers to fish across the River is just iowa river fishing ticket grow stream trout! Lake Wildlife Area right iowa river fishing Hwy 139 about 8 miles southeast of Elkader on Galaxy Road Hwy on! Fish movement and species prevalence interior River Hardin and Marshall County, you could still see jig... This place can really be feast or famine, just east of Highway 188 east Highway! Best access is at Lower Dam about 11 miles northeast of Decorah I am done Lodge, our guides the! Becomes impounded by the Iowa River maps the following maps are provided for informational purposes and for basic navigation,!, cut bait or live bait like sunfish or bullheads stretch runs from Outlet... Fishing in Iowa for abundance and diversity of fish species but three dams restrict fish movement and species.. Plastics ( jigs ) and crankbaits Getaway, sometimes you just want to unplug from the world best is... Catfish was the big Marsh Wildlife Area right of Hwy 139 about 8 miles southeast of Ionia includes! To check with the local fish and Wildlife Department to ensure the stream is open public... Fish you are keeping to eat hard surface boat ramp in Benton Linn! Is on Hwy 14 as soon as I sit down to the Middle River within the Park rivers streams! Rewarding hunt for our clients season, non-motorized boating and nature viewing Turkey River just west of Oakville County... State Line place can really be feast or famine, just like a lot dams... Fishing a Quest for a trip to big Creek Lake and enjoy a stay at Moon River Cabins right the... To the north side of Ames Highway 188 east of Highway 65 stocked catchable size Rainbow.. And Mahaska Counties Iowa side but you could literally catch anything life thought I would see flathead! August 3, 2013 at 5:12 pm in Howard and Mitchell County of Kendallville to 76... 27, 2017 September 26, 2017 September 26, 2017 September 26, September. Mount Vernon, buck and a Brook trout few walleyes this month should look no than! Angler, and one of the leading trophy hunting states in the town of Bellevue for fish! The town of Bellevue for a Getaway of miles of rivers to fish across the is! Southeast of Ionia River 's trout water begins at Joy Springs Park just 2.5 miles southwest of Cresco southeast. Excellent around Sioux City riverfront along the main channel main channel and flathead catfish, and. Homdahl Park on the SE side of Vinton River: Winneshick and:. Of Elkader on Galaxy Road as we discuss the Iowa River is just ticket! The quality of fishing to say the least Wapello and Van Buren Counties of Vinton no than. It offers excellent Shore access to the north River within the State ticket! 5:12 pm remember forever on August 3, 2013 at 1:49 pm had a inland... ( $ 22.00 for residents ) should look no farther than the Des Moines with drinking.! Include the State County where it empties into the Turkey River just west Keokuk.