Largemouth Bass

Looking for largemouth bass near Belle Plaine? You're in luck. This area of east-central Iowa offers several smaller lakes and ponds that hold decent populations of bass. The Iowa River also flows nearby, providing riverine bass fishing opportunities. Look for bass around weed edges, submerged timber, and docks. Spring and fall are the most productive times, as the bass are more active in cooler water. During the summer, focus on fishing during early morning and late evening hours. A local tip: explore some of the smaller, less-known ponds on public land. These often hold overlooked bass populations. Topwater lures, crankbaits, and soft plastics are all effective choices. The bass in this region tend to average in the 1-3 pound range, but larger fish are certainly possible. Remember to practice catch and release to help maintain the quality of the fishery.