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Home > Iowa > Fishing

Fishing in Iowa

Iowa is abundant in natural lakes, large boarder rivers and reservoirs. Purchase your fishing license today, and plan your next fishing trip with your friends.

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Top Fishing Spots in Iowa

Backbone Lake
Best Place to Fish & Boat
At Backbone State Park is an excellent family-friendly destination to fish for trout, bluegill, crappie. You can go camping, boating, hiking and more.
Green Valley Lake
Best Place to Fish & Boat
Bluegill and walleye fishing, plus hiking, water skiing and a swimming beach.
Lake Pahoja
Renovated in 2012, the 70 acre Lake Pahoja near Bondurant is one of Iowa's premiere fisheries for largemouth bass and bluegill.
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5 Ideas for Weekend Backpacking Trips

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mother-and-daughter-fishing

14 Awesome After School Activities

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What to Know About Renting a Boat for a Day

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Common Catches in Iowa

Black Crappie
Black Crappie
Crappies are members of the sunfish and the black bass family. Black crappies can be found in large ponds and shallow areas of lakes.
Walleye
Walleye
The walleye is a wide-ranging, North American species that occurs virtually everywhere on the mainland.
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish
The Channel catfish is very highly regarded for its food and sports value. The Channel catfish is most abundant in the central part of U.S. and southern states.
Bluegill
Bluegill
The bluegill is one of the most popular panfish species you can find in North America. And is a fish that has become increasingly popular among fly fishing anglers.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
The smallmouth bass is the second largest member of the sunfish family attaining a weight of almost 12 lb.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
Go To Fish Identifier

Iowa Fishing Tips And Information

River Fishing Tips & Techniques

River Fishing

Get fishing tips, techniques and more to enjoy the best freshwater fishing in rivers.

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How to Fly Fish: A Beginner's Guide

How to Fly Fish

This unique entry among fishing methods is easy to learn. Learn how to start fly fishing.

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Flowages and Reservoir Fishing

Reservoir Fishing

Get helpful reservoir fishing tips, types of fishing techniques, best times to go and more

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Best Place to Fish & Boat

This body of water has been selected as a great place to fish and boat with your family and friends because it offers incredible fishing areas, family-friendly amenities, and beautiful landscapes to enjoy a day out on the water.