Get the appFishing index · by state
Iowa fishing centers on the Mississippi and Missouri border rivers plus flood-control reservoirs that hold walleye, channel cat and white bass.
Des Moines River · Saylorville Lake
Weather data by Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0). Index scores and water-temperature estimates are our own derivation from that data.
The score on each city card is computed from the local weather forecast for today. Open a city page for the full seven-day outlook, factor breakdown and recommended windows. Fishing rules in Iowa vary by water type and season, so always check the current regulations before you go.
Seasonally, Iowa's strongest month across 2 years of recorded weather at Des Moines is September — 88% of its days rate Good or better — and March is the weakest at 3%. That is roughly 139 good days a year. See the season report for the best time of year to fish in Iowa and every other state's month-by-month table.
Iowa fishing centers on the Mississippi and Missouri border rivers plus flood-control reservoirs that hold walleye, channel cat and white bass. Use the city page below for a live weather-based index, then check the Iowa wildlife agency for seasons and limits.
Yes, anglers 16 and older need a Iowa fishing license. Buy through the Iowa state wildlife or natural-resources agency; rules can differ between freshwater and tidal water.
The LureScore index is an informational planning signal based on weather, not a guarantee of fish activity or a catch. Always follow local regulations.