UTERWalleye fishing in Iowa freshwater
In Iowa freshwater, walleye peak April–June and October–November and are around year-round, spawning in April, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. April: Spirit, Okoboji and the Mississippi pools — the river walleye run.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Walleye in Iowa freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilSpawningSpirit, Okoboji and the Mississippi pools — the river walleye run.
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberPeak
- DecemberAround
Where to fish walleye near Spirit Lake, West Okoboji, Clear Lake
The Iowa Great Lakes for walleye, perch and muskie, Clear Lake, the Mississippi River pools for walleye, sauger and catfish, flood-control reservoirs, and spring-fed trout creeks in the northeast driftless.
What to use for walleye
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 34–78°F water, best at 55–70°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch walleye in Iowa freshwater?
Peak season is April–June and October–November, with fish spawning in April (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Walleye are here year-round. April: Spirit, Okoboji and the Mississippi pools — the river walleye run.
Where do walleye hold in Iowa freshwater?
Look on lake, reservoir, river, bridge, dock / pilings — around Spirit Lake, West Okoboji, Clear Lake, Mississippi River pools, Saylorville, Driftless trout streams.
What is the best bait for walleye in Iowa freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for walleye in Iowa freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/fishing/regulations-laws before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.iowadnr.gov/things-do/fishing.
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All about walleye · Iowa fresh water, the whole year