Largemouth Bass

Arispe, Iowa, provides a classic small-town Iowa bass fishing experience. While you won't find sprawling, trophy-bass lakes here, the smaller ponds and reservoirs in the surrounding Union County offer surprisingly good largemouth action. These waters often hold a healthy population of bass that see less pressure than larger, more well-known lakes. Spring and fall are the most productive times to fish for bass near Arispe, as the fish are more active in cooler water temperatures. Focus on areas with structure, such as submerged timber, weed lines, and rocky points. A local tip: Many of these ponds are accessible from the bank, but a small boat or kayak can greatly expand your fishing options. Look for public access points on Iowa DNR's website. Texas-rigged worms, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are all effective lures for these bass. The bass in this area tend to average 1-3 pounds, but the chance of hooking into a 4-5 pounder is always there. Remember to practice catch and release to help maintain the quality of the fishery.