The Iowa Sportsman Podcast

Iowa Fishing Report: Fishing for Summer Walleye and Catfish - July 17th, 2026

Most Iowa anglers are focusing on catfish and walleye this summer, but what if you could unlock the secrets to catching the biggest flatheads and wipers in the heat of July? Aaron McKinney reveals the proven tactics that are turning ordinary fishing trips into trophy-winning outings during the hottest months.
In this episode, you'll discover how late-night catfish bites at Snapper City Bait and Tackle can be your best bet—using traditional stink baits and live bullheads or green sunfish for flatheads. Aaron shares surprising tips on bait selection and prime fishing times that could dramatically boost your success. He also breaks down the latest intel on walleye and perch at Big Creek and Spirit Lake, including which lures and techniques are delivering results in peak summer heat.
But it’s not just about the fish—Aaron emphasizes how staying off the water during the hottest parts of the day, and fishing early mornings and evenings, can keep you safer and improve your catch rate. With insights from local bait shops like Bing’s and Anchor Inn, plus tips on hydrating and avoiding heat exhaustion, he’s helping you turn these summer challenges into opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, this episode provides practical, actionable advice to make your next fishing adventure your best yet. Get ready to break through plateaus and elevate your summer fishing game with insider strategies that work—no matter how hot it gets outside.
Perfect for anyone looking to maximize their summer fishing or dive into Iowa’s hot spots, this episode is packed with expert tips, local reports, and a glimpse of upcoming gear reviews—including how the new Tacticam 360 Defend can help you capture all the action. Don't miss out—your next trophy is just a cast away.
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Iowa Fishing Report: Heat Slows the Bite - July 10th, 2026

The summer heat has settled across Iowa, and while it's slowed the fishing in many areas, there are still plenty of opportunities to put fish in the boat if you know where to go. In this week's Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, Aaron McKinney shares the latest fishing conditions from bait shops across the state and highlights where anglers are still finding success.
This week's report features updates from Wood's Sporting Goods in Council Bluffs, Jay's Bait & Tackle in Burlington, Scanlon Bait & Tackle in Oskaloosa, and Crazy Minnow Company in Clear Lake. Learn how recent heat and fluctuating river conditions have impacted the catfish bite and why early mornings and late evenings continue to be the best times to fish during the hottest part of the summer.
Aaron discusses the latest reports on channel catfish, flathead catfish, bass, crappie, bluegill, and walleye, along with the baits producing the best results, including cut bait, stink bait, dip bait, Silver Hornets, and Shad Raps. While much of the state has seen fishing slow due to high temperatures, Clear Lake continues to offer excellent action for walleye and panfish, with anglers also landing some impressive flatheads.
If you're looking for cooler weather and consistent fishing, Aaron also recommends heading to northeast Iowa's Driftless Area. The Iowa DNR continues stocking trout throughout the region, making it one of the state's most reliable destinations for rainbow, brown, and brook trout. He also shares why a visit to the Decorah Fish Hatchery is worth adding to your weekend plans.
In addition to the fishing report, Aaron offers seasonal tips for staying comfortable and productive on the water, including fishing during the cooler parts of the day, using electronics to locate fish, and remembering your bug spray as mosquitoes and ticks remain active across Iowa.
Whether you're chasing catfish on the rivers, trolling for walleye on Clear Lake, or exploring the scenic trout streams of northeast Iowa, this week's report will help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Be sure to like, subscribe, and share the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report so you never miss the latest fishing updates, hunting news, and outdoor adventures from across the Hawkeye State.
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Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report: Fourth of July Weekend Fishing Guide

The latest Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report is packed with fishing updates and outdoor ideas to help you make the most of the Fourth of July weekend. Host Aaron McKinney reports that despite the summer heat, fishing conditions remain excellent across Iowa, with anglers continuing to find success on a variety of species.
Catfish action remains one of the biggest highlights statewide. Anglers targeting flathead, channel, and blue catfish are finding strong bites on both the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, making this a great time to pursue some trophy-sized fish.
At Clear Lake, the walleye and crappie bite continues to be productive. Crappie are being caught in shallower water using minnows, while walleye are holding a little deeper along weed edges. Aaron also encourages anglers to stay mobile if fish aren't cooperating, reminding viewers that moving to locate active fish often leads to better success. For families or beginners looking to get out on the water, Clear Lake Bait and Tackle also offers guided fishing trips that provide a fun and educational experience.
In the Iowa Great Lakes region, Kebele's Trading Post and Lodge reports solid walleye fishing on Spirit Lake in 18 to 20 feet of water, especially during the evening hours. Perch and crappie are being caught in 7 to 10 feet of water using red worms and waxworms, while walleye continue to respond well to crankbaits, leeches, minnows, and nightcrawlers. Aaron also reminds anglers not to overlook Spirit Lake's outstanding smallmouth bass fishery, which is known for producing hard-fighting, trophy-sized fish.
Further south, Lakeside Outdoors reports excellent fishing opportunities, with walleye and wipers providing consistent action. Rathbun Lake's wiper bite has been especially impressive, with crankbaits, minnows, and nightcrawlers proving to be effective presentations.
Beyond fishing, Aaron encourages families to spend time outdoors by exploring Iowa's Freedom Rocks, which showcase patriotic artwork and honor veterans throughout the state. As Independence Day celebrations continue, he also reminds everyone to celebrate responsibly by avoiding drinking and driving and practicing fireworks safety.
The episode concludes with an invitation for viewers to like, share, and follow the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, while also encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to submit their own hunting, fishing, and wildlife videos for the chance to be featured in future episodes.

Catfish, Fletching Arrows and More - June 26th Hunting & Fishing Report

Welcome to this week's episode of the Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report. The fishing report centers on strong catfish action, especially flatheads and blues, in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and their tributaries. Feedback from several Iowa bait and tackle shops indicates excellent success on cut bait such as shad and carp, as well as live goldfish. Flatheads are performing particularly well on live green sunfish and bullheads, with anglers landing heavy fish in the 20–40 pound range, making this an ideal window for targeting big females. In the Council Bluffs area, bass fishing is also productive, with topwater paddle tails in blue and purple highlighted as reliable producers.
Around Johnston and the Des Moines area, flatheads are coming on chubs, green sunfish, and small carp, with bass responding to soft plastics and worms fished a bit deeper as water temperatures rise. Drum are providing hard-fighting action on worms and crawdads in river systems, while small walleye are available at Big Creek during low-light periods in the early morning and late evening. At Rathbun, anglers are finding good striper and walleye bites on minnows and worms, although crappie have pushed into deeper water and require trolling or vertical jigging. In the Swisher area, Lake McBride is producing bass and crappie, with topwater frog fishing for bass called out as especially fun. Viewers are reminded not to sit on unproductive spots and to stay mobile.
The archery segment demonstrates how to fletch arrows at home to save significant cost. Using a metal Bitsenburger-style jig, wraps, blazer-style vanes, primer, and glue, the host walks through checking arrow straightness and damage, applying wraps to protect the shaft, and carefully aligning and gluing three fletchings. The process is shown as simple, repeatable, and capable of saving substantial money per dozen arrows while allowing for customization.
The episode closes by announcing a hat giveaway winner, encouraging audience engagement through likes and shares, and promoting fishing as a low-cost, family-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors, with a tease for next week’s report and awards segment.

June 19th, Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report

The June 19th edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report delivers a concise, on-the-ground look at current fishing conditions across several of Iowa’s most popular destinations, with a clear emphasis on helping anglers plan successful summer outings while supporting local bait shops and guides.
The report opens with a brief introduction from host Aaron McKinney, who frames this as a practical, experience-based update drawn from recent conversations with guides and bait shop owners around the state. Overall, fishing is described as “hit and miss” in terms of species, but there are consistent opportunities for anglers willing to match tactics and locations to current conditions.
At Clear Lake, water temperatures sit in the mid-70s and clarity is around 20–24 inches. Despite some algae growth and increasing aquatic vegetation as the water warms, the walleye bite remains strong. Anglers are finding success with a variety of presentations, including leeches, trolling crankbaits, jigs, and nightcrawlers. The host recommends stopping at Clear Lake Bait and Tackle for up-to-date local advice.
In the Iowa Great Lakes region, Spirit Lake stands out as the top performer. With water temps also in the mid-70s, the walleye bite is good, particularly on leeches, though crawlers on deeper weed lines around 18 feet are also producing. Additional tactics like jigs and jig-and-minnow combinations can be effective. Largemouth bass and panfish are doing very well, while perch fishing is rated as fair. On nearby West Okoboji and East Okoboji, the bite isn’t quite as hot, though black crappie is good and bluegill fair. The area is pitched as an excellent family destination, with attractions like Arnolds Park, Oak Hill Marine, and Parks Marina, plus beaches and water sports.
In Northeast Iowa, trout fishing—especially for brown trout, with rainbows close behind—remains strong despite recent rains, thanks to quick-clearing small streams in the Driftless Area. The host encourages camping, sightseeing, and nearby Mississippi River opportunities.
From A to Z Bait and Tackle in Floris, the report highlights an impressive big flathead catfish bite, with fish reportedly reaching up to 70 pounds in southeast Iowa on the Des Moines River and nearby big river systems.
The episode closes with a giveaway of an Iowa Sportsman hat (camo or hunter orange) for listeners who like, follow, comment, and share, and a reminder to take family and friends fishing, support local shops, and help sustain Iowa’s hunting and fishing heritage.

June 12th Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report

The June 12 episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report features host Aaron with guest Shawn from Manson Lumber Bait and Tackle, focusing on current fishing conditions across Iowa and an instructional archery segment.
Aaron opens with a rundown of regional fishing reports, emphasizing that many rivers remain high and muddy following recent heavy rains, particularly on the eastern side of the state. A report from Oakland Bait and Tackle notes very strong catfish action on stink bait and dip baits, with expectations that the bite will transition toward live and cut bait as water levels fall and clarity improves. From Clark’s in Central City, Aaron relays that the river bite is slower due to high, dirty water, but ponds and lakes are producing well. Anglers targeting these waters are finding panfish, bass, and walleye, provided they are willing to move and search.
The episode then shifts into an archery how-to segment. Aaron explains that after deer and turkey seasons, bows often drift out of tune, making it important to recheck paper tune before serious practice or hunting preparation. He demonstrates shooting through paper to confirm straight arrow flight, showing the difference between a clean tear that indicates a well-tuned setup and a slightly tail-right tear that suggests minor tuning issues. From there, he walks through sighting in using the “chase your arrow” principle: moving the sight in the same direction as the miss—left, right, up, or down—to bring groups back to center. He stresses that significant timing or tuning problems should be handled by a professional bow technician, while sight adjustments are straightforward for most shooters.
Returning to the fishing discussion, Shawn details what anglers can expect from his local waters. He reports excellent walleye action on Brushy Creek, steady crappie and muskie fishing on Twin Lakes following extensive carp removal, and a revitalized walleye bite on Storm Lake. Kennedy (Badger) Lake is highlighted as a strong crappie option and an especially good choice for taking kids fishing.
The episode closes with Aaron thanking Shawn for his local insight and announcing three giveaway winners, whose prizes will be shipped after social media follow-up.
 
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June 5th Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report

The June 5 edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fish Report opens with an announcement that it is free fishing weekend in Iowa, running June 5–7. The host encourages listeners to take advantage of the opportunity to fish without a license, emphasizing time with family and friends, outdoor recreation, and the social aspect of fishing, even when the bite is slow.
The report begins in southern Iowa with an update from Brownies Bait Breakfast and Beer near Rathbun. Walleye are reported to be biting well, and the crappie spawn is nearing its end, with roughly a third of the spawn still to go. Rathbun is highlighted as a destination for large crappie and strong fishing overall. Wipers are also active, described as exceptionally hard-fighting fish and a top choice for anglers seeking a powerful battle. They are currently taking minnows and green night crawlers, and the bait shop is positioned as a resource for gear, bait, and local guidance.
Shifting east, the report features Max in Dubuque, where catfish are biting along the rocks on the big river and are recommended as both a fun and forgiving target for novice anglers. Walleye are reported to be biting near the dam, with a boat preferred but not strictly necessary for success, as shore fishing remains an option.
Further north, Stan’s Bait Shop in Milford provides an Iowa Great Lakes update, with crappie and bluegill biting and a solid evening walleye bite. Anglers are reminded to observe walleye slot limits. The Little Sioux Bait Shop in Lynn Grove reports good action on northern pike, walleye, and catfish, with specific bait recommendations including minnows, leeches, chubs, and worms.
The host stresses the importance of supporting local bait shops for their expertise and community value. The episode also announces apron and ThunderCap giveaway winners and outlines the next apron giveaway, inviting listeners to comment with their favorite fishing knot. The report closes with plans for upcoming video content, guest appearances, and on-the-water segments, along with an invitation for viewers to suggest locations and continue engaging with the report online.
 
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Hunting & Fishing Report May 29th | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast

May 29th Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report

The report provides an overview of late May fishing conditions across several key Iowa lakes and interior rivers, emphasizing strong multi-species action and early summer transitions. Warmer weather is beginning to push some species deeper, particularly walleye, but overall fishing remains productive statewide.
The host highlights information gathered from four bait shops representing different regions. At Dad’s Bait Shop in Afton, near Twelve Mile and Three Mile lakes in the Afton–Creston area, anglers are finding perch, walleye, bluegill, and crappie on minnows, leeches, and jigs at Twelve Mile. Three Mile Lake is producing walleye, crappie, wiper, bass, and notably blue catfish on medium minnows. The presence of blue cats is attributed to targeted DNR stocking in select interior lakes, with some fish approaching 30 inches and offering aggressive strikes and strong fights, making them a standout opportunity away from the big border rivers.
Woods Sporting Goods in Council Bluffs reports solid bass activity on minnows and lures at Lake Manawa. Catfish are biting both in the nearby big river and within Manawa itself, where nightcrawlers are effective. Bing’s Bait in Boone notes that catfish, panfish, perch, crappie, and sunfish are all biting well, while walleye activity has slowed somewhat with the warming trend, potentially shifting to deeper structure or more pronounced night bites. Snapper City Bait in Adel (referred to as Adolissa) reports good crappie action on area lakes and strong catfish activity in the rivers.
Interior rivers such as the Des Moines, Cedar, Boone, and Iowa are stabilizing and clearing with a break from heavy rains, improving the catfish bite. Recommended tactics include live bait such as green sunfish and bullheads for flatheads, with pectoral fins trimmed, and a wide range of baits for channel cats. Blue catfish respond well to cut bait and live bait in lakes where they are stocked.
Throughout the report, local bait shops are credited as knowledgeable resources that track real-time conditions and patterns across Iowa’s lakes and rivers.
 
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Hunting & Fishing Report May 29th | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast

May 22nd - Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report

The May 22nd “Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report” provides a seasonal update focused on late May 22nd conditions, fishing opportunities across the state, and a brief personal note on hunting dogs. The host opens by highlighting favorable weather for both fishing and habitat work. With rain largely out of the forecast and a long Memorial Day weekend approaching, landowners are encouraged to finalize food plots, while anglers are advised that conditions are ideal to spend extended time on the water. The host also pauses to recognize Memorial Day as a time to honor fallen service members and spend time with family. 
A short recap follows of recent food plot work, including getting three plots planted before a sudden Iowa thunderstorm turned roads into deep mud, leading to a difficult and messy exit and extensive cleanup. Despite the challenges, the planting was largely successful and provided useful footage for future content.
The fishing report centers on strong crappie and walleye action. Reports from Casey’s Bait and Tackle in Des Moines indicate excellent crappie fishing on live bait and jigs, with catfish also available though rivers are currently high and muddy and will need a few days to settle. Clear Lake Bait and Tackle in Clear Lake notes that docks are in and crappie fishing is very productive, with the lake offering additional recreational opportunities over the holiday weekend. Hank’s Live Bait and Tackle in Waterloo confirms an outstanding crappie bite on a combination of minnows and jigs, along with eater-sized walleye on nightcrawlers. At Brushy Creek, eater-sized walleye in the 14–17 inch range are being caught in 10–20 feet of water, particularly near shore in the evenings, with a consistent leech bite and occasional trophy fish.
The host also introduces Lou, a ten-week-old Small Munsterlander, describing the breed as an affectionate, versatile hunting dog suited for tracking wounded game, upland birds, and waterfowl, and noting that Lou is expected to appear in future hunting content.
 
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Hunting & Fishing Report May 8 | The Iowa Sportsman Podcast

The Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report May 15th

The Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report for May 15th provides updates on current fishing conditions across Iowa, highlights popular species and locations, and encourages outdoor participation. It also includes announcements about giveaways and promotes local bait and tackle shops.
Fishing Conditions and Locations
Crappie fishing is strong statewide, especially in smaller lakes and rivers.
Trout fishing is excellent in the Driftless region and northeast Iowa due to clear, stable water.
Lake Manawa offers good crappie fishing; walleye are deeper and better caught at night.
Bettendorf area reports improving walleye bite and increasing catfish activity.
Lost Grove Lake produces bass weighing 1.5 to 3 pounds.
Eastern Iowa lakes like Pleasant Creek and Lake McBride have good multi-species and panfish action.
Cedar River water clarity has improved, boosting walleye, smallmouth, and catfish catches.
Additional Notes
The turkey hunting season is ending soon; hunters are encouraged to get out and share videos.
Upcoming videos will cover food plot planting for hunting season.
Local family-owned outdoor stores are recommended for supplies and advice.
Giveaways
Recent winners of Iowa Sportsman gear announced.
New giveaway: Tatula LT2500 spinning reel for Facebook followers and YouTube subscribers.