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Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are Iowa's most sought-after sport fish, found statewide in lakes, ponds, quiet rivers, and backwaters.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Characterized by their very large mouth with the upper jaw extending far past the rear margin of the eye, a deep notch separating the spiny and soft dorsal fins, and a broad dark stripe along their green-shaded body.
  • Iowa bass typically reach 4-6 inches in their first year, 8-12 inches by their second year, and up to 16 inches by their third year when they reach sexual maturity.
  • The state record is 10 pounds, 12 ounces from Lake Fisher in Davis County.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found statewide in lakes, ponds, quiet rivers, and backwaters.
  • They prefer standing or impounded waters, avoiding strong currents.

Key Locations

  • West Lake Okoboji, Brushy Creek Lake, Twelve-Mile Lake, Three-Mile Lake, Green Valley Lake, Lake Sugema, and Mississippi River Pools 9-12.

Specific Spots

  • Commonly found around structure like partially submerged trees and boat dock pilings.
  • Target structure like submerged roadbeds, islands, points, flooded creek channels, riprap, vegetation edges, and brush piles.
  • During pre-spawn, fish deeper structure near spawning areas on north sides of water bodies and creek inflows.

Largemouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Largemouth Bass in Iowa?

Top artificial lures include soft plastics (Texas-rigged worms, Carolina rigs, drop shots, creature baits), topwater lures (buzzbaits, poppers, walking baits, frogs, Whopper Ploppers) especially during first and last three hours of sunlight, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits.

When is the best time to fish for Largemouth Bass in Iowa?

Spring (55-62 degree water) and fall (when temperatures drop from 70 to 50 degrees) are best. Summer fishing is most challenging with feeding primarily in early morning, late evening, and night.

How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Iowa?

Texas-rigged worms, Carolina rigs, drop shots for soft plastics. Keep natural baits active with constant movement. In clear water, use natural colors and smaller profiles; in stained/turbid water, use brighter colors and lures with larger blades for more vibration.

What do Largemouth Bass eat?

Largemouth bass are opportunistic predators feeding on fish, crayfish, frogs, aquatic and terrestrial insects, worms, and even small mammals and birds. Young bass start with microscopic crustaceans and insects, transitioning to fish when 1-2 inches long.

Where do Largemouth Bass live in Iowa?

Found statewide in lakes, ponds, quiet rivers, and backwaters. They prefer standing or impounded waters, avoiding strong currents.

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