We are coming to the end of ice fishing in the Midwest, entering a tough time to beat for bass fishing, and hearing the final call to get our turkey gear in order before the coming season.
Out in the Central Flyway, light geese are still hitting the ground, trappers across the region are collecting pelts, and crappie anglers are taking advantage of the pre-spawn bite on lakes and reservoirs. It might seem like there aren’t a lot of outdoor opportunities right now, but really there are endless options.
Warmer days are soon to come, but don’t overlook all the outdoor activities happening right now. Here are some suggestions for the near future.
Iowa: Paddlefish snagging
Paddlefish regulations in Iowa are about as complicated as the worst Western draws for bighorn sheep. But the state has an abundance of these prehistoric fish, and each spring anglers pursue them with snagging equipment. The season is open all year on interior waters, but differs on rivers.
The Mississippi River and Missouri River both produce paddlefish below numerous dams. The DNR suggests the Iowa River from Coralville Lake to River Junction and the Cedar River from Cedar Rapids to Moscow. In most of the state, the daily limit is two with a possession limit of four, but there are places where special tags are required. Your best bet is to make sure you read the paddlefish section of the Iowa Fishing Regulations booklet.