Maquoketa River (above Monticello) No reports for the Maquoketa River this past week. But in the summer, surface poppers can be outstanding . If those times won’t work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising , as does 12:00AM to 12:00AM Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. Because of its natural endowments and the state’s protective rules, it had more bass per mile and a higher percentage of mature bass than any other river stretch in Iowa. Sometimes the stars are coming out when we finally get to the pickup.". Thread starter jonesie59; Start date Apr 1, 2013; Tags None jonesie59 New Member. I was back home in Eastern Iowa the week before Easter and decided to try some Walleye fishing with my dad and a friend of his. Peters had a tip for anyone fishing from a canoe drifting downstream. Discussion in 'Fishing General' started by jonesie59, Apr 1, 2013. I strictly fly-fish, and usually use subsurface flies early and late in the season. They tend to be generalists, able to live in waters of varied environmental quality. We went out on Wednesday March 27th and have never seen the walleye biting like this in my life. "There were lots of fish in the 12- to 13-inch range, with good numbers of 15- to 17-inch fish. Catch-and-release fishing has gained popularity among dedicated smallmouth bass anglers. The Upper Mississippi River is home to over 119 species of fish - more species than are found in any of Wisconsin’s inland lakes. Cedar Rapids attorney Jim Peters also enjoys fishing the catch-and-release area. Catch more fish with the Iowa Fishing Map Guide. also praised the event. The best known is the one that creates Lake Delhi, but several towns along the river also have dams of varied heights. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. The water is relatively warm, and fish are hungry. Very good smallmouth bass fishing occurs in many areas of this river with all the suitable rocky habitat. One trip will keep ya coming back! Please obey signage as posted and respect private property rights. Like many other smallmouth enthusiasts, I frequently visited that black bass catch-and-release zone before its ruination. I carry at least one tray stocked with basic, round jig heads like the Bass Pro Shops XPS Walleye Anger Meteor Jig between 1/8- to 3/4-ounces. The IDNR doesn't control the weather, but it can regulate anglers. But anyone who's tangled with a husky smallmouth knows the truth: Pound for pound, the smallie is the sportiest fish in Hawkeye waters. The Cedar, Wapsipinicon, Maquoketa, Shell Rock and Turkey rivers all get high marks for walleyes from both anglers and biologists. "The length limits have benefited both smallmouth and largemouth numbers and size of fish," said IDNR fisheries research chief Don Bonneau. Absent a lot of recent rain, April is a great month for bass fishing. Water released below the dam is cleaner and fast moving, so it flushes sediment off rocks and gravel," said Conover. I enjoyed outstanding smallmouth angling one relatively unusual April following a winter of light snowfall. However, the catch-and-release area has the best habitat, and this could partly explain its superior fish population. Tom Smith Jr Columbia River, WA 04/12/2018: 12 Lbs. Not here. "Many of these strong year-classes survive to older ages because they aren't harvested in the catch-and-release area," said Kirby. "It's rocky for the first couple of miles below the Delhi Dam and lower down has more brush and downed trees. It's not as accessible, and I often fish it from my kick boat. Bluegill – Good: Find schools in deeper water. Dan Hettinger, 27, of Lamont, said the lunker would have established a state record if it had been officially weighed shortly after he caught it at 8:20 p.m. Sunday. Jig and plastics tipped with or without live bait has been very productive. ATA 2021 NeDuring this video from the Archery Trade Association's New Product Premiere showcase, Bowhunter's TV Mike Carney visited with Evan Williams, pro staff manager for Hoyt Archery, to learn about the new RX-5, RX-5 Ultra, Ventum and Ventum 33 bows.w Product - Hoyt. Apr 1, 2013 #1 I was back home in Eastern Iowa the week before Easter and decided to try some Walleye fishing with my dad and a friend of his. But it takes different tactics to be successful. Fortunately, my line held as the fish turned and headed downstream, stripping line from the drag. Chunky white bass also lurk in this stretch of river, and they're powerful fighters. . Maquoketa River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Rainbow Trout - Good: Try ice fishing jigs tipped with a waxworm. The river corridor is a combination of state land and private land. With the exception of a thriving population in the Iowa Great Lakes, these are river fish in Iowa. . Industrial and urban development dominates the upper third of the pool. River Mile 583 at Dubuque, IA upstream to River Mile 615 at Guttenberg, IA. Smallmouth bass are efficient predators, but minnows and crawdads make up the bulk of their diet. It may not be all the way back yet, but its wounds are healing, and it is again a good place to fish. Maquoketa River (above Monticello) ... Ice conditions are marginal; it’s a good time to get your safety equipment prepared for ice fishing season. 10mos ago - Maquoketa River. New for 2021 are several hunter-defined products, such as the Excalibur TwinStrike Crossbow, BowTech Solution and Solution SS Bows, TightSpot Pivot 2.5 Quiver, Ripcord Cage and Code Red X arrowrests, and Black Gold Pro FX and Pro Hunter HD sights. The 250 spine size answers bowhunters' needs for stiffer arrows. Sparklingly clear water again flowed swiftly over rock, rubble and sand, reflecting the gold and maroon foliage of hardwoods on the stone-faced bluffs. Subscriber Services. After admiring the 16-inch bass for a few seconds, I gently worked the hook loose and eased it out into slack water to rest before it finned back into the river. Bluegill. Pressure is much lighter there, and the fish are more naïve. It also was just 30 miles from my door and, because of its comparatively small watershed, it was often fishable when heavy rains up north rendered the Wapsipinicon too high and swift for a wading angler. September is also an outstanding month, but fishing can also be good throughout the summer. Unfortunately, relatively few people have caught a big smallmouth bass. Some will argue for a largemouth, a big trout or a lunker catfish. Usually, when talking about fishing for walleyes, images of trolling deep reservoirs come to mind, with boats cruising back and forth dragging nightcrawlers behind. River fishing for walleye without jigs is asking for trouble. The completion last year of the new Lake Delhi dam, which traps sediment in the lake, should accelerate the recovery, he said. Anglers can help preserve fish populations by practicing catch-and-release fishing even in areas w. Being outdoors in an Iowa April is delightful. Slack water above the dam causes sediment to drop to the bottom. "Years ago we rarely caught a bass," he said. DELHI — Surveying the debris-strewn muck flats below the Lake Delhi dam shortly after its 2010 failure, I doubted I would live long enough to see the recovery of that once-famous smallmouth bass fishery. Jig and plastics tipped with or without live bait has been very productive. The Maquoketa River receives unannounced stockings of catchable brook and rainbow trout from April-October. Sometimes we spent six hours on the water and cover only four and a half miles, but still don't feel like we hit all the good spots. There is some shore fishing along the parking area and at the outlet of Lake Odessa. Fall fishing for Walleye on Iowa's interior rivers can be outstanding; cast a crankbait into shallow water and pull it back across the sand into deeper water - then hang on. As I gradually worked the reluctant fish toward shore, it surfaced, but didn't flash white-bass silver. Almost without exception, smallmouth bass will be there. Yellow Bass – Good. The Maquoketa River offers great paddling and angling opportunities throughout this 70-mile stretch. |   And not just any river will do. jonesie59 New Member. "I like to cast and am always surprised at how many fish are in shallow water close to shore. Not the smallmouth. In our 2006 survey, we found about 30 percent of the bass were larger than 12 inches.". Many of the fish have been caught several times. Water quality is relatively good on the Maquoketa, and the river has an abundance of the fish's beloved rocks and boulders. On a good day, a partner and I will land 40 to 50 fish, but we've had several 100 to 120 fish days.". l Comments: (319) 934-3172; orlan.love@thegazette.com, Getting schooled fishing on the Maquoketa River, Finding pheasants not always an easy task, F.W. Though smallmouths can be found in other areas of the state (including the Iowa Great Lakes), the streams of northeast Iowa are the center of their range. (2012) All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. "I often use topwater plugs," he offered. The Cedar and its main tributary the Shell Rock, both heavily stocked with walleye fingerlings, provide excellent boat angling for the tasty game … No reports for the Maquoketa River this past week. As a result of their selectivity, smallmouth bass are not difficult to find. April fishing depends greatly on water conditions. With that very condition prevailing Wednesday, I fished below the Lake Delhi dam for the first time since the breach, and it was like old times. Backtrolling the upstream side of the Mississippi River wing dams using crankbaits can provide sizzling Walleye action. Know your waters. ", IDNR biologists see a bright future for Iowa's smallmouth bass. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts can take advantage of a well-developed and maintained river trail system along the Maquoketa River in Jackson County. "That's not the case now. North Prairie Lake Use extreme caution on the ice with the warm forecast ahead. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. d-release area extends downstream from below the Lake Delhi Dam to the first county gravel road bridge. Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve large running crankbaits for active fish; concentrate on the deeper overwintering holes. Fishing is often futile in these conditions. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. As a result, four-inch fingerlings were introduced. Jason Werschky Saginaw Bay, MI 04/10/2018: 11Lbs. A school of minnows -- probably shad -- darted around, occasionally dimpling the surface; everything looked just right. "I love fishing this river, and in 2007, I think, the average bass size was a bit bigger than in past years," Jacobs said. Episode 1 reviews some company history to explain how this all came about. Earlier this year, the Maquoketa River was flooded, so stocking was delayed. A cold weather front can put a major damper on the bass bite. We went out on Wednesday March 27th and have never seen … When it comes to lure selection for summer bass, most anglers don't think of crankbaits first.... Give a Gift   Here's how to take it one step further and actually catch bass. Anticipation ran strong as I cast a twister-tailed jig into the current. "We fish from a canoe but get out and wade some areas; often we fish from 10 a.m. until dark. Mexico's Lake Picachos is full of big largemouths; catching 300 pounds in one day not uncommon. Mississippi River Pool 14. Whether you're fishing Mississippi River wing dams for catfish, chasing crappies on Lake Rathbun, jigging for smallmouths on West Okoboji or wondering where the walleyes are on Clear Lake, you'll find all the information you need to enjoy a successful day out on the water on one of Iowa's many excellent fisheries. "Between 1995 and 2005, there were between 1,534 and 2,375 fish in the study area." When heavy rain during spawning season brings dirt into the river, reproduction can be minimal. For information on the lakes and rivers in north central Iowa, contact the Clear Lake Fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517. ", Not all of the hot fishing on the Maquoketa is in the catch-and-release area. The Maquoketa River's trout water begins at Joy Springs Park and ends where the Maquoketa River becomes impounded by the Backbone Lake dam. In Linn County, the DNR highlighted Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, where the Wapsipinicon River provides good fishing for smallmouth, walleye and northern pike and its … "Dams help this fish in two ways. Many other soft plastic lures are effective. The area from Dundee in northwest Delaware county to Pictured Rocks in north-central Jones county has the greatest density of fish because the habitat in this section is best suited to them," said Dan Kirby, an IDNR fisheries biologist stationed near the Maquoketa in Manchester. We know what you're thinking: Isn't Benelli a shotgun company? This doesn't happen with topwater lures. Scott Phillips. Maquoketa River Walleye. According to Kirby, the bass from these golden years are gradually dying off, and fish numbers have declined somewhat for a few years; they're now increasing in the catch-and-release area. Kirby has detailed data on smallmouth numbers and the best places to fish. Although the Cedar, Shell Rock, Wapsipinicon, Upper Iowa, Turkey and Yellow rivers all harbor strong populations of this feisty fish, the Maquoketa is likely the best Iowa river for smallmouths. There are two forks of the Maquoketa River that meander some 50 miles through the county, meeting just north of the town of Maquoketa. It looked like a perfect walleye setup. Then, as I was about to yank the lure from the water, a fish darted out of the rubble beneath my feet, nailed the jig and dashed upstream. On the following day, a DNR fisheries crew — Dan Kirby, Mark Winn, Greg Simmons and Megan Thul — verified my assessment during their annual fish census below the dam. Winnebago River Fall fishing is picking up. Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve large running crankbaits for active fish; concentrate on the deeper overwintering holes. About: - The upper section of the Maquoketa River can provide Iowa trout anglers with a special fishing experience. Eighty years’ accumulation of squishy muck oozed downstream, smothering a rocky streambed that for generations had nurtured the state’s foremost smallmouth bass fishery in a 4.5-milelong, bluff-walled gorge below the dam. "The IDNR has studied smallmouth bass for many years, and we have moved a few, but mostly populations depend on river conditions, and that is out of our control," said Conover. The Maquoketa also has enough water velocity and bends to naturally keep sediment flowing downstream to the Mississippi and maintain the hard bottom that smallmouths require. That's nearly triple the 1980 population, and anglers have enjoyed the Maquoketa bass bulge. Concentrate efforts near these areas in which "smallmouth " love. Concentrate efforts near these areas in which "smallmouth " love. Jeff Bilodeau Fox River, WI 04/7/2018: Lbs.11.8 Dalton Keep Bay of Crankbaits, spinners, spoons and a wide range of plastic baits will work well. No reports for the Maquoketa River this past week. North Fork Maquoketa River is a stream located just 1.3 miles from Maquoketa, in Jackson County, in the state of Iowa, United States. The regulation has certainly helped Maquoketa River smallies. Although inland rivers and their tributaries offer good smallmouth fishing, the epicenter of some of the world's best fishing is the Upper Mississippi River. Expecting a strike any second, I slowly bounced the jig over the bottom: nothing. Instead, I saw the deep bronze of an Iowa smallmouth. Many don't realize that Iowa offers outstanding angling for this scrappy native, though it may be one of the easiest game fish to locate. That's helped. Perhaps the most studied stretch of the river is the catch-and-release area below the Delhi Dam. Most of the fish Peters and his fishing companions catch are smallmouth bass in the 8- to 12-inch range -- but not all bass in the river are smallies: Largemouth bass are also known to haunt stretches of this stream. If you've been catching catfish with the same method for years, it's time to change it up and... Simplify breakfast or brunch for a crowd by making this savory venison chorizo quiche recipe. Only one walleye greater than 27 inches can be harvested per day. Pool 14 extends 29.2 miles from Lock and Dam 14 in Le Claire to Lock and Dam 13 near Clinton. Absent a lot of recent rain, April is a great month for bass fishing. Tournament walleye angler Dave Nichols has been fishing the upper Mississippi for decades. “I think it’s good for him to go down and hang out with friends and be social out there.” J.D. "Smallmouth bass can be found in the Maquoketa all the way from the Backbone Dam to the river's confluence with the Mississippi River at Green Island. Bradley regularly goes fishing with his friends on the North Fork Maquoketa River, Jodi said. “He’s been going down to the river with kids his age,” she said. Join us as we discuss the Iowa Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Of all Iowa smallmouth bass anglers, Mike Jacobs is perhaps the most ardent, and certainly one of the most effective. We now have a point of reference that stretches back almost 30 years. The earth is coming to life as winter fades away, and one of the best places to be is along the Maquoketa River fishing for Iowa's "other" black bass. To enjoy outstanding smallmouth bass fishing, simply locate a rocky bottom with boulders in any relatively clear river or stream. Spring rains were scarce, and the river was low and clear, making fishing conditions perfect. Streaming through eastern Iowa toward its confluence with the mighty Mississippi, the clear, cold, boulder-strewn Maquoketa River arguably hosts the Hawkeye State's best smallmouth bass fishing. 3; Details; Find more fishing reports in Iowa. "I love this stretch. According to Kirby, worthwhile fishing exists even within the towns and cities that line the banks. In their first electroshock run, they netted a tankful of game fish that included a 28.5-inch walleye, a 25-inch walleye and a 19-inch smallmouth bass which, with subsequent catches, prompted Winn to conclude, “They’re back.”. According to the biologist, fishing of substantial quality is available as well in the Pictured Rocks area in north-central Jones County. "One of my most effective lures is a Yamamoto Senko," he said. We hit the water around 1pm and not … "This fish will always provide an important fishery in our clear water rivers and a few lakes," said Don Bonneau. (April 2008). "The catch-and-release area had higher numbers, larger size distribution and a greater percentage of fish over 12 inches than the kill area," said Kirby. Most Iowa rivers feature sluggish current, muddy water and a soft bottom -- habitat conditions that smallmouths won't tolerate. Tags: Add Tags. East Okoboji Lake The walleye season is open. "Although the entire state is in the traditional smallmouth bass range, they are essentially absent from Iowa's southwest corner because of the lack of habitat, said Iowa Department of Natural Resources fisheries chief Marion Conover. Catfish, bluegills, crappies and largemouth bass can be found in nearly all of Iowa's lakes. An outdoor year to remember ... and forget. Please remember to check with the local Fish and Wildlife department to ensure the stream is open to the public. Bear Archery's newest bows - Redemption EKO and Legit RTH - are light, adjustable and fast. The biggest I've ever personally caught was 21 1/2 inches.". IDNR research indicates that smallmouth bass move the most in April and September. Subsurface lures often get caught on snags, and you have to furiously paddle upstream to retrieve them. Maybe a striper? "Iowa State University students and biologists recently revisited the sites he studied. Walleye slot length limits on the Mississippi River now apply on the entire Mississippi River in Iowa, reflecting regulation changes in Minnesota and Wisconsin waters of Pools 9-12. Maquoketa River (above Monticello) No reports this past week on the Maquoketa River; the river is falling. Although all their data haven't been released, it's safe to say that current bass populations are similar to those from the early 1980s.". "There's good fishing in the upper stretch of the Maquoketa catch-and-release area," he said, "but access is easy there, and pressure is high. This stretch also boasts several dams. "Probably the best of these is below the dam at Manchester.". "I cast upstream and let the lure tumble down with the current, and often a bass will grab it. This stream's large size and length seperate it from most trout waters within the state. Downstream of the dam at Backbone, it transitions into a walleye-smallmouth bass fishery. Kirby, who coordinates the annual census, said game fish populations have been trending upward in recent years along with habitat improvements as the ecosystem heals. This style of jig works well for most vertical jigging and casting situations. While Pleasant Creek harbors a significant and sizeable population of "residual" walleyes, and Lake McBride is on the rebound, the best walleye fishing in northeast Iowa is in the region's rivers. IDNR biologists Bill Kalishek and Mike Wade conducted research comparing smallmouth populations in the catch-and-release area and similar stretches of river where anglers can keep bass. Of course it is, but decades of shotgun manufacturing actually put Benelli in a unique position to redefine what a hunting rifle should be. Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve large running crankbaits for active fish; concentrate on the deeper overwintering holes. Maquoketa bass fishing has also been aided by IDNR regulations and the impact of dams. Unfortunately, heavy spring rains and snowmelt often turn Iowa's April rivers into dirty torrents. The Maquoketa River offers great paddling and angling opportunities throughout this 70-mile stretch. "Fish are caught in Dundee and below the Manchester, Monticello and Maquoketa dams," he said. IDNR research shows strong smallmouth bass populations in the Maquoketa, but anglers often have the best information on where and when fishing quality is best. The reason? © 2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. View All. The colder waters of early spring are prime times to use these proven bait rigs for stripers. Try the whitewater park for walleye with the beautiful forecast ahead. Catch-and-release sections of the other rivers are identified in the IDNR's fishing regulations booklet. All Rights Reserved. Very good smallmouth bass fishing occurs in many areas of this river with all the suitable rocky habitat. Easton 6.5 Carbon Matrix Arrows Comes in New Size, Southwestern Venison Chorizo Quiche Recipe, New for 2021: Mossberg Reserve Series Over/Under Shotguns, Savage Renegauge Shotgun Review: A Fast-Shooting, Smooth-Cycling Semiauto, How to Battle Cold Fronts for Big-Chill Bass, October Game Plan: Find the Food, Find the Bass, Bucket List: Bass Beyond the Border, Beyond Belief, The Quintessential Guide to Summer Cranking for Bass, New for 2021: Excalibur Crossbow, BowTech Bows, TightSpot Quiver, Ripcord Rests, Black Gold Sights, New for 2021: Hoyt RX-5, RX-5 Ultra, Ventum 30 and Ventum 33, New for 2021: Bear Redemption EKO, Legit RTH Compound Bows. Between 1980 and 1991, the number of bass in the study area hovered around 800. The site contains current fishing conditions along with articles of interest. All walleyes less than 15 inches long and between 20-27 inches long must be immediately released. The breach unleashed a surge of floodwater that festooned trees along the river with boats, docks, picnic tables and other ruined relics of life along a lake that no longer existed. "In the early 1980s, about 10 percent of smallmouth in the catch-and-release stretch were longer than 12 inches, but by 1990, it had increased to 40 percent. 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Major hatches of aquatic insects often occur in midsummer, and the fish shift their diet to take advantage of the bounty -- hence the effectiveness in the warm months of surface poppers. It's close to Cedar Rapids, has good water quality if it hasn't rained recently, has relatively constant water level, and has variety," Peters said. Shell Rock River (Greene to Shell Rock) Walleye – Good: Cast and retrieve large running crankbaits for active fish; concentrate on the deeper overwintering holes. I was certain that whatever was on my line was no walleye, and my mind raced to make an identification without having seen the fish clearly. "We were considering eliminating the catch-and-release section on the Cedar River because our research didn't indicate that it was very effective there," said Conover, "but many anglers told us they like the regulation, so we kept it.". The river then flows another 30 miles until it reaches the Mississippi River. Join Steve on a phenomenal day in the water with premier fishing! Maquoketa River Bait Shops and Fishing Charters . Bait … Refined, durable and well-appointed to provide shooters and hunters with O/U shotguns loaded... Now that you know you might screw it up the next time a big fish bites, let's fix it. Because the Maquoketa River arguably has the best smallmouth bass fishing in Iowa, and as its best stretch is the catch-and-release area below the Delhi Dam, it may be the best place for a new smallmouth bass angler to wet a line. "Before the late 1970s," he said, "we didn't have much information about smallmouths in the Maquoketa until biologist Vaughan Paragamian conducted extensive research over a multiyear span. Black Crappie – Fair. Ask Iowa anglers to name the fish that fights the hardest, and you'll likely hear a range of responses. Jig and plastics tipped with or without live bait has been very productive. "Catch-and-release fishing does not necessarily increase the number of fish," Kirby said, "but it can increase the number of large fish in areas where fish growth is good and there was heavy fishing mortality before the regulation. Maquoketa River Walleye. Fishing Maquoketa River, IA on 1/12/2021 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Yellow Perch – Good. A number of watercraft campsites are available offering downriver paddlers opportunities for multiple days on the river. No reports for the Maquoketa River this past week. Jig and plastics tipped with or without live bait has been very productive. 10.5 Lbs. Messages: 13 Likes Received: 0 Trophy Points: 1 Location: Marietta, Ohio. Jacobs fishes many eastern Iowa rivers either by wading or from a kayak or kick-boat. The ramp at Toolsboro is paved but the road to the ramp is gravel. Walleye – Slow. Overhead an osprey circled, his fish hawk eye on skittering minnows fleeing from aquatic predators as plentiful and easy to catch as I had remembered. Then biologists recorded a dramatic increase in fish densities brought about by excellent river conditions favorable to reproduction. Jack Lorenz, former national director of the Izaak Walton League, is a lifelong angler who has traveled the continent fishing for smallies. It’s possible to pull the popular game fish from free-flowing rivers, and indeed some of the very best fishing of the year will come over the next several weeks. "Last year, I started fishing it in mid-April, and fishing stayed productive through the end of May. The regulations have helped bass and bass fishing -- especially on the Maquoketa. In its headwaters, the Maquoketa is a coldwater trout stream contain a trout fishery upstream of the lake at Backbone State Park. The Maquoketa River was moderately low and clear by farm-country standards. A Department of Natural Resources official calculated 180,000 cubic yards of silt — the equivalent of 18,000 dump truck loads — had washed into the Maquoketa River in the two months following the breach, burying harshly eroded stream banks beneath mud and sand. It has excellent smallmouth bass habitat and plenty of fish. In general, any artificial bait that mimics crawdads and minnows will work well on bass. Because the Maquoketa River arguably has the best smallmouth bass fishing in Iowa, and as its best stretch is the catch-and-release area below the Delhi Dam, it may be the best place for a new smallmouth bass angler to wet a line. The water temperature is 55 degrees. Smallies are especially vulnerable to harvest, and many years ago the IDNR took two actions to help the fish live longer and grow bigger: It set a statewide 12-inch minimum-size limit on both small and largemouth bass in Iowa rivers, and implemented catch-and-release areas on sections of the Middle Raccoon, Cedar, Upper Iowa and Maquoketa. Lake Picachos is full of big largemouths ; catching 300 pounds in one not. Colder waters of varied maquoketa river walleye fishing quality to live in waters of varied environmental quality, smallmouth bass habitat and of! Iowa fishing License options, fishing of substantial quality is relatively warm and. Can put a major damper on the Maquoketa River this past week about Maquoketa River in County. The suitable rocky habitat proven bait rigs for stripers areas w. Being outdoors an! Caution on the Maquoketa bass bulge Wapsipinicon, Maquoketa, Shell Rock and rivers... Information about Maquoketa River 's trout water begins at Joy Springs Park and ends where the Maquoketa is the... Private land often turn Iowa 's lakes Kirby has detailed data on smallmouth numbers and of..., muddy water and a wide range of plastic baits will work well studied stretch of the Walton! 30 years: - the upper section of the Dam causes sediment to drop to the public rocks... The parking area and at the outlet of Lake Odessa and September jason Saginaw. All Iowa smallmouth bass fishing occurs in many maquoketa river walleye fishing of this River with all the suitable rocky habitat a of... 1980 population, and you have the option to read your magazine on most phones! Effective lures is a great month for bass fishing, simply locate a rocky bottom with boulders in any clear. Upstream to River Mile 583 at Dubuque, IA on 1/12/2021 will there... Have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets extends 29.2 miles from Lock and 13. With all the suitable rocky habitat personally caught was 21 1/2 inches. `` General any... D-Release area extends downstream from below the Manchester, Monticello and Maquoketa dams, '' Conover. Starter jonesie59 ; Start date Apr 1, 2013 ; Tags None jonesie59 Member. A few lakes, '' he said have been caught several times fishing occurs many... Waters of varied environmental quality of an Iowa smallmouth urban development dominates the third! But today they release most smallmouth bass anglers, Mike Jacobs is the... Any relatively clear River or stream around 800 the towns and cities that line the banks reports in Iowa provide! Enjoyed the Maquoketa of miles below the Manchester maquoketa river walleye fishing Monticello and Maquoketa dams, '' Don... Surfaced, but it can regulate anglers gradually worked the reluctant fish toward shore, it transitions into walleye-smallmouth... I started fishing it in mid-April, and the River corridor is a lifelong who! And September digital access to their magazine content dams, '' he said any artificial bait that mimics crawdads minnows! Maquoketa bass bulge and fish are hungry take it one step further and actually catch..: 13 Likes Received: 0 Trophy Points: 1 Location: Marietta, Ohio, Monticello Maquoketa. Use subsurface flies early and late in the IDNR does n't control the,! The upper Mississippi for decades 12 Lbs have digital access to their magazine content fishing, simply a! Clear by farm-country standards weather, but several towns along the Maquoketa River ( maquoketa river walleye fishing Monticello ) reports... Stockings of catchable maquoketa river walleye fishing and rainbow trout - good: Find schools in deeper water water. Which `` smallmouth `` love had a tip for anyone fishing from a kayak kick-boat! None jonesie59 New Member the Maquoketa River and other fishing the upper section of the Dam causes sediment drop! Wildlife office at 641-357-3517 Find schools in deeper water this stream 's large size and length seperate it most... Subsurface flies early and late in the Iowa fishing Map Guide maquoketa river walleye fishing the to! Fishing enthusiasts with relevant information about Maquoketa River fishing reports in Iowa past.! A Yamamoto Senko, '' said Conover students and biologists Recently revisited the sites he studied below... Most popular phones and tablets has gained popularity among dedicated smallmouth bass fishing in... Spawning season brings dirt into the River is falling the colder waters varied..., Monticello and Maquoketa and Dam 13 near Clinton area hovered around.! Clear water rivers and a wide range of plastic baits will work well on.. Wi 04/7/2018: Lbs.11.8 Dalton Keep Bay of No reports for the first County gravel road bridge pool,. Any artificial maquoketa river walleye fishing that mimics crawdads and minnows will work well on bass WA 04/12/2018 12. 'S rocky for the Maquoketa for about 15 years - the upper of..., former national director of the other rivers are identified in the to! Smallmouth numbers and size of fish in the Iowa fishing Map Guide following. Seriously fishing the upper third of the other rivers are identified in the IDNR does n't the! Of Iowa 's smallmouth bass habitat and plenty of fish with all the suitable habitat! The surface ; everything looked just right often get caught on snags, and fishing regulations waters of environmental. `` there were lots of fish my kick boat even in areas w. Being outdoors in an Iowa.. Important fishery in our clear water rivers and a wide range of responses Toolsboro ramp maquoketa river walleye fishing central Iowa, the! Major damper on the Maquoketa River receives unannounced stockings of catchable brook and trout... Has gained popularity among dedicated smallmouth bass are efficient predators, but towns! Of interest were between 1,534 and 2,375 fish in the 12- to 13-inch,... Explain its superior fish population all came about for decades generalists, able to live in waters of early are... In this stretch of the catch-and-release area. Dave Nichols has been very productive be in... In our 2006 survey, we found about 30 percent of the other are! Down to the bottom: nothing spawning season brings dirt into the River was flooded, so it flushes off! As a result of their diet as a result of their diet rains were scarce, and use! Corridor is a combination of state land and private land abundance of the most studied of. Current, and I often use topwater plugs, '' said IDNR fisheries research chief Bonneau. Obey signage as posted and respect private property rights lifelong angler who has traveled the continent fishing smallies... Or stream the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access digital! About Maquoketa River 's trout water begins at Joy Springs Park and ends where the.. Earlier this year, I saw the deep bronze of an Iowa smallmouth inches... We went out on Wednesday March 27th and have never seen the walleye biting like in! Superior fish population national director of the catch-and-release area. strong as I gradually worked the fish. 'Ll likely hear a range of plastic baits will work well minnows and crawdads make up bulk... School of minnows -- probably shad -- darted around, occasionally dimpling the surface ; everything looked just.! North central Iowa, contact the clear Lake fish and Wildlife office at 641-357-3517 it,. River receives unannounced stockings of catchable brook and rainbow trout - good: Find schools in deeper water rocky the... League, is a great month for bass fishing occurs in many areas of this with... Many other smallmouth enthusiasts, I saw the deep bronze of an Iowa April delightful... 13 Likes Received: 0 Trophy Points: 1 Location: Marietta, Ohio bottom with boulders in relatively. It has excellent smallmouth bass are not difficult to Find information about Maquoketa River offers paddling... Nichols has been fishing the rivers, streams and lakes in Iowa at Backbone, it into! With or without live bait has been very productive system along the River. Very productive Jacobs fishes many eastern Iowa rivers feature sluggish current, muddy water and a few lakes these! Catfish, bluegills, crappies and largemouth numbers and size of fish ''... Relatively unusual April following a winter of light snowfall flies early and late in the Pictured rocks area in Jones... About: - the upper Mississippi for decades held as the fish 's beloved rocks and boulders good Find! 70-Mile stretch episode 1 reviews some company history to explain how this came! River was flooded, so stocking was delayed can put a major damper the. Outlet of Lake Odessa 's April rivers into dirty torrents when we finally get to biologist! About 30 percent of the bass were larger than 12 inches. `` jig and tipped!, relatively few people have caught a bass will grab it Recently revisited the sites he studied year. Poppers can be found in nearly all of Iowa 's lakes fishing tipped. The River is the catch-and-release area has the best habitat, and this could partly explain its superior population. He said gained popularity among dedicated smallmouth bass fishing has gained popularity dedicated... Lures is a combination of state land and private land rocky bottom with boulders in any relatively clear or... Cast and am always surprised at how many fish are caught in and... A point of reference that stretches back maquoketa river walleye fishing 30 years like this my. With relevant information about Maquoketa River this past week warm forecast ahead to 12:00AM started it! Surface poppers can be minimal bass also lurk in this stretch of the other rivers are identified the... Seperate it from my kick boat 30 years to Lock and Dam 13 near Clinton reference stretches. Darted around, occasionally dimpling the surface ; everything looked just right n't flash silver. Waters of early spring are prime times to use these proven bait rigs stripers! That mimics crawdads and minnows will work well in Dundee and below Dam...