Largemouth Bass

Targeting largemouth bass near Clare, Iowa, means focusing on small, often overlooked waters. This area isn't known for trophy bass, but you can find consistent action in the numerous farm ponds and small lakes scattered throughout the countryside. Spring is prime time, as bass move shallow to spawn. Look for them around weed edges, docks, and any submerged structure. Summer can be tougher, but early morning and late evening topwater action can be exciting. As the water cools in the fall, bass will feed aggressively before winter. A lightweight spinning rod with plastic worms or crankbaits is a good starting point. Remember that many of these ponds are on private land, so always obtain permission before fishing. Local insight: many area ponds benefit from conservation efforts, so be mindful of catch and release practices to help sustain the fishery.