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Fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region
Explore fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region of Iowa. Saylorville Lake Inlet, Red Rock Reservoir, Big Creek L
The inlet streams feeding Saylorville Lake offer good fishing for the region's target species.
1. Saylorville Lake Inlet (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Saylorville Lake Inlet, IowaThe inlet streams feeding Saylorville Lake offer good fishing for the region's target species.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
2. Red Rock Reservoir (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Red Rock Reservoir, IowaRed Rock Reservoir offers excellent fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- ⚠ This water: Black bass min 15 in.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
3. Big Creek Lake (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Big Creek Lake, IowaBig Creek Lake offers excellent fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- ⚠ This water: Black bass min 18 in (special lake).
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
4. Des Moines River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Des Moines River, IowaDes Moines River offers excellent fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Anderson Point Access →
5. Lake K10 (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Lake K10, IowaLake K10 offers good fishing opportunities in the Central Iowa & Des Moines of Iowa with scenic natural surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: HTP Rack & Marina Inc →
6. Coralville Lake (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Coralville Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Lake MacBride Boat Ramp To Reservoir →
7. Lake Morris (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Lake Morris, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
8. Lake Red Rock (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Lake Red Rock, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
9. Lost Grove Lake (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Lost Grove Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
10. Rathbun Lake (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Rathbun Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Bridgeview Slipway →
11. Rock Creek Lake (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Rock Creek Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
12. Swan Lake (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Swan Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Babcock's Landing Boat Ramp →
13. Bear Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Bear Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Millville Canoe Access →
14. Bee Branch Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Bee Branch Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Dubuque Water Sports Club →
15. Buffalo Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Buffalo Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Dix Road Access →
16. Catfish Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Catfish Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Port of Dubuque Marina →
17. Cloie Branch (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Cloie Branch, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
18. Competine Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Competine Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
19. Deep River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Deep River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
20. English River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
English River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
21. Fabius River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Fabius River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
22. Farmers Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Farmers Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Mill Creek Landing →
23. Fox River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Fox River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
24. Grand River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Grand River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
25. Iowa River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Iowa River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Mid River Marina →
26. Lime Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Lime Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
27. Little Fox River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Little Fox River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
28. Little Maquoketa River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Little Maquoketa River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Grant River Recreation Area Boat Launch →
29. Little River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Little River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
30. Maquoketa River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Maquoketa River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Pictured Rocks Boat Landing →
31. Middle River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Middle River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
32. North River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
North River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
33. Platte River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Platte River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
34. Rock Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Rock Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
35. Skunk River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Skunk River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
36. South River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
South River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
37. Spruce Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Spruce Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
38. Tete Des Morts Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Tete Des Morts Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Boat Launch: Massey Marina Boat Ramp →
39. Thunder Creek (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Thunder Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
40. Wapsipinicon River (Walleye, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Saugeye)
Wapsipinicon River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
- Catfish (channel, blue, flathead combined) · Limit: Inland lakes: 8/day (30 possession); streams/reservoirs: 15/day (30) · Mississippi River: no limit; bullheads no limit
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
Fishing Tips for the Central Iowa & Des Moines Region
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid state fishing licence — check your state's wildlife agency site.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in Iowa; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many Central Iowa & Des Moines Region waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in Iowa
- Northeastern Iowa & Mississippi
- Northern Iowa & Great Lakes
- Southern Iowa
- Western Iowa & Missouri River
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