Largemouth Bass

If you're after largemouth bass in north-central Iowa, Aredale and the surrounding area present some decent options. While you won't find sprawling reservoirs, the smaller lakes, ponds, and the Shell Rock River offer a more intimate bass fishing experience. The best time to target these bass is during the spring spawning season or in the fall as they bulk up for winter. Look for structure like fallen trees, docks, and weed beds, which provide ambush points for these predators. Aredale City Park provides access to the Shell Rock River, a great place to launch a kayak or canoe and explore for hidden bass hideaways. Local tip: The Shell Rock can be shallow in places, so be prepared to wade or drag your boat. Also, the bass in this area can be finicky, so try a variety of lures, from crankbaits and spinnerbaits to soft plastics, until you find what they're keying on. The bass here aren't giants, but the chance to catch a few feisty fish in a peaceful setting is well worth the trip.