Largemouth Bass

If you're heading to Baldwin, Iowa, in pursuit of largemouth bass, you'll find the local ponds and small lakes offer some surprisingly good action. While not a trophy bass destination, the area's numerous farm ponds and the Wapsipinicon River backwaters hold healthy populations of bass that are eager to hit a variety of lures. Spring and fall are prime times, as the bass are most active when water temperatures are moderate. In the spring, focus on shallow, weedy areas as the fish move in to spawn. Spinnerbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits can be very effective. Later in the year, try working the deeper edges of weedlines with jigs or Texas-rigged worms. A practical tip: many ponds are on private land, so always seek permission before fishing. Also, be aware that the Wapsipinicon can be prone to flooding, so check river levels before planning your trip.