The Midwest falls right in the middle of the most scenic and productive fishing spots for any state in the US.

The state has plenty of lakes, rivers and reservoirs in which anglers of all skill levels have opportunities to catch fish.

If your goal is to catch walleye, bass or crappies on Iowa’s waterways, you’ve found the perfect place.

Among the fishing enthusiasts, one destination that stands out is Lake Waconia fishing as it is a prime place to fish with plenty of fish and beautiful surroundings.

Technically in Minnesota, Lake Waconia is a great choice for fishermen to use as an excuse to explore a little farther out of state.

If you are one of those who are interested in planning a trip and wish to know where to go, the Lake Waconia map will help you figure out which of the fishing spots or access points suits you best.

So now we’ll enter a few of the best fishing spots in Iowa, as well as in the Midwest.

Top Fishing Spots in Iowa

1. Lake Waconia, Minnesota

Why Fish Here?

The second largest lake in the Twin Cities, Lake Waconia, one of the hottest year-round fishing locations just a short drive from Iowa.

It is a place where anglers come for a variety of species and great ice fishing during the winter.

Fish Species Found Here: Walleye, Northern pike, Largemouth bass, Crappie, Bluegill.

Best Time to Visit:

Walleye and bass are at their active status during spring and fall, the best times for Lake Waconia fishing. Both are excellent for ice fishing during the cold months.

Local Tips:

• For locating deep drop offs and weed beds where fish are likely to gather, use a Lake Waconia map.
• Targeting walleye best in early mornings and late evenings.
• Northern pike and bass work well to dead bait such as minnows and leeches.

2. Lake Rathbun, Iowa

Why Fish Here?

Lake Rathbun is one of the largest lakes in Iowa and a premiere crappie fishing lake often referred to as “Iowa’s Ocean.”

Containing over 11,000 acres it is well stocked with a numerous number of fish species.

Fish Species Found Here: Crappie, Channel catfish, Walleye, White bass.

Best Time to Visit:

Crappies are best caught in spring and early summer; walleye fishing is excellent in the fall.

Local Tips:

• Fishing near brush piles and submerged structures should be tried where crappies are known to school.
• Walleye is an excellent target species in the evenings in the dam area.
• Better caught between September to December with stink bait or cut bait.

3. Black Hawk Lake, Iowa

Why Fish Here?

It is easy to get to Black Hawk Lake and there is a rich fish population to be found.

It’s great as a boat and shore anglers because of its boat ramps, fishing piers and shoreline access.

Fish Species Found Here: Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Yellow bass, Channel catfish.

Best Time to Visit:

Bass and bluegill are best in spring and summer, and catfish take best during the warmer months.

Local Tips:

• Bass is caught around submerged timber and weed beds, and fish.
• Active fish near the shore can be caught during early mornings or dusk.
• Fishing piers and picnic areas are easily accessible for the families.

4. Clear Lake, Iowa

Why Fish Here?

Currently one of the most popular fishing destinations in Iowa, Clear Lake provides excellent walleye fishing in addition to year-round angling.

Fish Species Found Here: Walleye, Yellow bass, Muskie, Perch.

Best Time to Visit:

Time of year in which walleye fishing is best is spring and fall, while ice fishing is popular in the winter.

Local Tips:

• It’s a prime walleye fishing area at the west end of the lake.
• It is best to catch yellow bass on small jigs or live minnows.
• Perch can be ice-fished well in the colder months and while it is not a guarantee that you will find the fish in the immediate area below your hole, it is productive on nice days.

5. Lake Macbride, Iowa

Why Fish Here?

The fishing and recreational lake Lake Macbride is indeed a fantastic option.

It is an angler’s paradise with a mix of fish species available.

Fish Species Found Here: Walleye, Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, Crappie.

Best Time to Visit:

Bass and crappie fishing is the best between spring and summer, while fall is optimum for walleye.

Local Tips:

• The best results tend to be found by fish near submerged trees and rocky points.
• Later in summer, walleye can be tried at times on deeper channels.
• For those wanting to fish it also has kayaking and hiking opportunities as well.

6. Cedar River, Iowa

Why Fish Here?

The Cedar River is an excellent river fishing option for anglers who love to fish on the river as you will receive an excellent range of fishing species.

This river flows through more of Iowa and you have a plethora of access points to fish for it from.

Fish Species Found Here: Smallmouth bass, Walleye, Northern pike, Catfish.

Best Time to Visit:

Bass and walleye can be targeted best in spring and early summer, catfish in the summer.

Local Tips:

• Smallmouth bass will often focus on rocky bottoms with current breaks.
• Lure for walleye includes nightcrawlers or minnows.
• And both shore fishing and kayak fishing were good on the river.

Conclusion

Iowa and the surrounding Midwest have many of the best fishing spots in the country.

If you are into peaceful lake fishing or prefer being involved with adventurous river fishing, the destination is worth a try.

Lake Waconia fishing is one of the top spots for the perfect stocked lake and excellent fishing conditions. If you are planning a trip, you can use a Lake Waconia map and find the best fishing spots and increase your success.

Iowa’s lakes and rivers offer endless options no matter where you fish to the state’s anglers from the novice to the expert.

Therefore, equip yourself with your gear, stride to the water and go out on the fishing trip of your dreams in the Midwest!