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Writer's pictureRyan Koch

Springtime Species


Close up of a black crappie from a local pond in central Iowa (April 2022)

With turbulent weather in central Iowa over the past few weeks, water temperatures haven't seen any dramatic increases. However, surface temperatures have been rising, slowly but surely, into the low to mid 50's in many waterbodies around the Des Moines area.


Along with increasing temperatures has been increasing success in landing a variety of species from our local fisheries. Anglers have been starting to bring more bluegill, largemouth bass, and crappie to hand over the past two weeks.


The recent rainfall has been good for our fisheries. According to the forecast, it looks like the moisture will continue!



If you haven't picked up a fly rod before, or if you haven't in years, give us a call or get in touch with us on our website. May and June are shaping up to be fantastic times to be on the water.

Channel catfish often move to shallow water in the spring. (April 2022)

Fishing Report (5/1/2022)


Saylorville: Some boats have been out and about. If you're into chasing carp, I hear there are quite a few jumping around out there...

Big Creek: Water temperatures are in the 52 degree range. Reports of crappie being in 6-8 feet of water.

Local Ponds: Water temperatures are rising and rain has added some water to our local ponds, and fish are starting to become more active. Look for fish starting to move to shallower water on the warmer days; slow presentations have been the most successful.

Des Moines River: Flows have fluctuated a lot in recent weeks, especially after significant rain about 10 days ago. Overall, significant increases in flows. Some wipers being caught below Red Rock; I suspect a few are making their way upstream below Saylorville too.

-Flow (below Saylorville): 4290 cfs (as of 5/1/2022)

-Flow (below Red Rock): 10,000 cfs (as of 5/1/2022)

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