Slow it Down for Summer Fishing

The dog days of summer are upon us, and the heat is really on! We've had about half the month of July in the 90s or higher, and the extreme temperatures can be just as hard on the fish as the fisherman. But when the late afternoon sun begins to get low in the sky, and the evening temperatures become more tolerable, some of the best fishing of the summer season can be found on Iowa's waterways!

Escape the heat on top! Top water lures are a classic for warm water, active feeding fish! I like to use poppers or frogs, but a mos mouse is also quite effective. Pinpoint those holes in the mos and target 2-4' deep flats that are right next to deep water access. A thick mat of moss can really keep the water cool in an isolated pocket which can be perfect for a lunker patiently waiting next to some open water. You can also use a weightless worm either hooked normally, or hooked through the mid-section. Flip it right into the small openings in the moss, and watch your line!

Own the night! Night fishing, especially for the first few hours after sunset, can be especially productive. I like to use large, black lures like an 8-10" plastic worm or a large crank bait with substantial action. Fish it slow. Trolling can be deadly effective, especially if you have a graph. 8-14' of water seems to be a favorite band for active summer fish. If you don't have a boat, shore fishing is still effective. Try fishing live bait from a bobber, adjusting the depth every 10 minutes from 2' to 4' to 6' and so on. Once you find a depth where fish are feeding, stick to it and reel in the rewards!

My next post will include another park of the week, and later on we'll talk about classic catfishing strategies for the summertime. I know it's hot out, and it can be hard to get motivated to be outside, but sometimes hot weather means hot fishing action. Enjoy!

Park of the Week: Yellow Banks

We're going to stray from the state parks this week and talk instead about a hidden gem. Yellow Banks Park is a county park practically nestled in the suburbs of Des Moines. This park features camping, hiking, fishing (both river access and a five acre pond), picnic shelters and even a ball field for baseball or softball!

For camping, 48 electric sites are offered along with 12 primitive campsites along the river. Something rather unique to this park is the river access campsites. There are five sites are for boat access only, and each features picnic benches, fire rings and a tent site! This would be perfect after a long day of boating or fishing, to be able to pull right up to your tent site and not worry about landing the boat. Even better, you could swing by and use the fire rings for a shore lunch with fresh fillets or burgers over a charcoal flame!

There are also six hiking trails through woodland areas, to the pond and even one to an american indian burial ground. Almost three miles of trails will surely keep you busy for awhile, especially if you take your camera. Bluffs offer scenic vistas, and the birdwatching is reportedly fantastic. The picnic shelters are available by reservation for any big gatherings, family reunions or parties you might want to host.

More information about this park and others can be found here: http://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Polk/Park/Yellow-Banks-Park/Activities.aspx  This site offered a wide variety of pictures for almost every feature on the campgrounds which I found very useful, so mycountyparks.com is now on my favorite links section on the right. Check it out!
I know it will be hot this weekend into next week, but get outside and enjoy the Iowa Outdoors! In my next blog we'll talk more about cool fishing strategies when the weather gets hot.

Springbrook State Park

How would you like nearly 1000 acres of beautiful Iowa hills and trees to escape, relax, hike and enjoy?

Well, less than an hour away, Springbrook State Park offers a wide selection of recreational opportunity! Some of the highlights are the facilities like the Conservation Education Center and the multi-family cabins which feature heat and AC. The campground boasts 80 electric sites and 37 non-electric, plus a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits so get a group together because there are plenty of spots and even more activities.

Hiking through all the varied terrain of Guthrie County can be a great escape and Springbrook offers many trails. Picnic shelters are also available and can be reserved for gatherings and make an excellent option for a daytrip or lunch outing.

River access is provided to the Middle Raccoon River just north of Lake Panorama and there is also a 17acre lake with bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. One great feature is the fish cleaning station offered. You could also plan a float or canoe trip and put in 1 or 2 miles away and float right into the park.

Springbrook also features deer management hunts and other hunting opportunities -a rather rare benefit to this state park! For more information click on the link to the newly redesigned and very easy to use DNR page.

I hope to see you out there!