Best Fly Fishing Spots in Iowa

Iowa is probably not very high on most fly anglers’ bucket lists. After all, is there even water in Iowa? Or is there any clean water left without tons (literally) of hog crap and thousands of gallons (literally) of fertilizer flowing through it?

In fact, despite some of the historical and generational degradation of its waterways, Iowa has some really unique and neat fisheries. From the trout of the Driftless region to the unique warmwater fly fishing opportunities, Iowa is worth exploring with a fly rod.

NOTE: Let it be known that this is not an exhaustive list of detailed fishing locations in Iowa. However, some of the more commonly-known and productive fishing spots may be listed here.

The Iowa DNR Fishing Atlas

This map is a fantastic resource to explore fisheries in your area. If you're adventurous and like making your own discoveries, put some time into exploring this map.

The Driftless Region

If you're thinking about fly fishing in Iowa, you don't usually think trout fishing. However, the northeast corner of Iowa has some beautiful rolling hills, coldwater spring creeks, and great trout fishing. Stocked rainbows are plentiful and wild browns are becoming increasingly abundant, and the appeal of small-stream fly fishing draws anglers from all over.

Be sure to know about which areas are public and private before you go. Iowa streams, unfortunately, are not privy to stream-access laws that side with anglers, so you will be limited to fishing public areas.

That said, there are lots of public areas throughout this region and the Iowa DNR has a map that outlines areas (zoom in to the northeast corner of Iowa) that are either public or that have easements with private landowners that allow angling.

Red Rock Reservoir and Saylorville Reservoir

While these reservoirs may be more fishable with a boat, there are some shore-fishing opportunities that exist as well, especially below the dams at each reservoir. Walleye, white bass, wipers, crappie, and channel catfish are all common targets here, and while it does take some time to dissect and learn the fisheries, there are some quality fish that roam these waters.

A nice walleye on the fly

The river system that feeds Saylorville and Red Rock Reservoirs is the Des Moines river system. There are some good fly fishing opportunities throughout the river system for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white bass/wipers, common carp, and buffalo. Fly fishing this river is not often a numbers game, but there are times of the year (spring and fall) when you can have some very productive days on the water.

Bigmouth buffalo that ate a shad pattern

If you are historically a trout angler, this river system will be a good challenge as you consider targeting new species. Late summer and early fall is a good time to start exploring this river system since water levels are lower and water clarity is better, helping you dissect the structure of the stream and observe fish habits and behaviors.

Wiper (white bass x striped bass)

The Iowa Great Lakes

While a boat would be useful to help find fish here, the water quality up in the Iowa Great Lakes region is known for being decent and quality fish live here in these well-managed fisheries, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and even muskellunge.

Urban, Suburban, and Rural Ponds

One of the great features of Iowa, from a fisheries standpoint, is the sheer volume of ponds that exist throughout the state, with more being built every year. These local ponds provide access to many anglers with ponds very close to home, and many of them have quality bass and bluegill, among other species.

PUBLIC PONDS

In order to determine if a pond is public or private, check the DNR's Fish Local web page first. Public ponds are great for family outings or short neighborhood ventures that can help you get a fly fishing fix in.

PRIVATE PONDS

If the pond isn't listed there, talk to locals that live nearby and, if the pond is private, ask for permission from the landowner. You might be surprised at them being willing to let you fish the water, but always ask first.

A WORD OF NOTE

 Our Iowa fisheries, though many provide plentiful fish, are not in the condition that they could and should be. To do your part in helping our fisheries thrive:

1. Follow state and local fishing regulations.

2. Pick up your trash.

3. Consider supporting conservation groups that advocate for better land management practices, including reduction of agricultural runoff, prioritizing clean water, and restoring riparian areas and native prairies. (Consider groups such as the Driftless Water Defenders, Trout Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the Iowa Smallmouth Alliance)

4. If you see something illegal happening, please report it to a law enforcement official.

Be sure to follow our social media pages for fishing reports, tips, and other fly fishing information related to Iowa species.

Tight lines, hope to see you on the water.