FISHING SUPPLIES

Walleyes start to move to their spawning spots as spring begins and water temperatures rise. Dams are good places to catch walleyes, but don’t avoid the river section further downstream that often provides deeper resting pools for migrating walleyes. Use a jig and twister combination or baitfish imitation crankbait as water temperatures rise and walleyes become more aggressive. A slip bobber rig tipped with a minnow or leach fished close to known spawning areas is a great choice in lakes and reservoirs. A 1/8 ounce jig tipped with a minnow or leach can also work well. Try fishing these areas at night when walleyes are more active.

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Catfish eat a variety of food items and are attracted to "smelly" morsels. Fish upstream of river snags and log jams and cast the bait back towards it so the scent of the bait is carried downstream into the structure by the current drawing the catfish out. Studies show that populations of 500 to over 5,000 pounds of catfish per mile in Iowa streams are common. Look for catfish in riffle areas just above pools, cut-banks, snags, rocks and other submerged structures in the stream. The outside edge of river bends usually has a cut-bank and deep water which hold large catfish populations. These outside bends usually have snags or log jams that provide good cover for catfish.

Crappies often use the shade offered by docks or other floating structures in the summer. These areas have plenty of food and the water temperature is cooler. Try still-fishing under or around docks. Many northern Iowa natural lakes have large crappie populations. Although not as big of populations in southern Iowa waters, the fish are usually larger. Crappies in natural and man-made lakes are most vulnerable during spring spawning and autumn. Consistent catches during the rest of the year are more difficult. Man-made lake crappies are abundant and more vulnerable throughout the year.

Largemouth bass like standing or impounded waters and avoid strong water currents. Many Iowa waters support largemouth bass, including man-made lakes, rivers, federal reservoirs and natural lakes. Summer is the most difficult and challenging time to fish for largemouth bass. Starting in late June through late August or early September, the water temperature tops 75 degrees. Largemouth bass feed more actively in the early morning and late evening. Try around structure or nears breaks in weed lines.