Iowa offers excellent walleye fishing on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, plus quality bass and catfish fishing on its many lakes and rivers.
Active walleye tournament scene on Mississippi River. Bass tournaments on state lakes.
Mississippi River pools are walleye gold. Clear Lake has trophy walleye. West Okoboji for smallmouth. Rathbun for crappie.
Good access on state lakes and river systems.
What you can target and when

Best Waters
Spirit Lake · West Okoboji · Mississippi River

Best Waters
Mississippi River · Iowa River · Des Moines River
Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries
Iowa's premier walleye fishery in the Iowa Great Lakes region.
Top Species
Best: Spring/Fall






Annual Resident: $22.
Annual Non-Resident: $48.50. 7-Day: $34.50. 1-Day: $12.
1-Day and 7-Day licenses available.
Free for residents under 16. Reduced for seniors.
Required for motorized vessels.
Permits required on some waters.
5 bass daily limit. 12-inch minimum. Walleye regulations vary by water.
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