Trout Fishing in Iowa

Trout fishing in Iowa is limited to rainbows, brook and brown trout. There are 44 managed trout fisheries in the state. See a list of Iowa trout fishing streams from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Trout Fishing Waters In Iowa

None of the major lakes in Iowa harbor a population of trout. The state record brook trout was caught in Fountain Springs Creek, the state record brown trout came from North Prairie Lake and French Creek boasts the state record rainbow trout. Visit the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website for details regarding trout stocking in Iowa.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are found in clear cold waters which seldom exceed 68 degrees. As the waters to warm, the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds. Duplicate their food source and you are in business.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Trout Fishing Organizations & Resources

Trout Unlimited
Trout Fishing Books
Midwest Trout Fishing
DMOZ Trout Fishing

If you offer fishing guide services we would like to include you as a resource for our visitors. We offer a complimentary listing for your guide service on our Iowa Fishing Guides page or you can see other options to promote your trout fishing guide services in Iowa by visiting our Advertising opportunities section.

The states list to the left can direct you to information about trout in other states.

All About Fishing for Trout in Iowa.

42 lbs - 2 oz

19 lbs - 8 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers generally clear flowing waters with turbulence for oxygenation over gravel, rock or sandy bottoms.

14 lbs - 8 oz

7 lbs - 0 oz

52 to 64 Degrees

Prefers clear cold water with moderate current over gravel, rocks or sand.

40 lbs - 4 oz

15 lbs - 6 oz

56 - 64 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained cool water with minimum current over rock or sandy bottoms with heavy cover.