Turkey River
Turkey River
- Boat Ramps
- 9
- Access Points
- 23
- Species
- 24
The Turkey River in northeastern Iowa offers anglers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience across its 98-mile length. Beginning at Gouldsburg Park where Crane Creek merges with the Little Turkey River, this scenic waterway flows southeast through Fayette and Clayton counties before reaching the Mississippi River. The river features beautiful limestone bluffs, diverse wildlife, and numerous historic landmarks, making it as visually appealing as it is productive for fishing. With its varying water conditions, from clear shallow riffles to deeper pools, the Turkey River provides excellent habitat for a variety of game fish species, attracting anglers of all skill levels throughout the fishing season.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Turkey River and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Turkey River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.
Know where you can legally fish on Turkey River
See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.
Iowa licenses and regulations
Iowa Boating Regulations
When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.
Iowa Fishing License
All anglers 16 years and older must have a fishing license to fish Iowa waters. Anglers under the age of 16 may fish Iowa waters without a fishing license and may fish for and keep their own limit of fish, except when fishing for trout they must share their limit with a licensed adult or buy their own trout fee to keep their own limit of trout.
Iowa Fishing Regulations
This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.
Iowa Stream Access Laws
If a waterway can support a vessel capable of carrying one or more people during a total of six months in one out of every ten years, it is considered navigable and is open to fishing, swimming and wading, regardless of streambed ownership.
Take Turkey River with you
The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.
Use the map without signal
Download the map around Turkey River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Turkey River to find where and when fish are biting for you.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Turkey River and check the forecast before you go.
Turkey River at Spillville, IA
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Fishing spots
- Millville Canoe Access
- Clermont Park Canoe Takeout
- Elkader Boat Ramp
- Turkey River Park Boat Ramp
- Motor Mill Boat Ramp
- Gilbertson Park Canoe Access West
- Vernon Springs Impoundment Boat Ramp
- Elkader Canoe Takeout
- Gilbertson Park Narrows Boat Ramp
- Garber Access
- Turkey River Access
- Turkey River Access
- All 196 spots
Nearby waters
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