Fishing Charters in Iowa
Browse fishing charters in Iowa that can help you catch smallmouth bass.


Ron Oman Charters
Cherokee, Iowa


Xicanx Fly
XICANX FLY. Iowa Driftless Fly Fishing guided trips. Premium quality Drifless flies for sale. Specializing in Euro Nymphing and innovative Trout Streamers, Bass Streamers, Pike/Musky Streamers, and Great Lakes steelhead flies.


Legends Guide Service


Paul Malone Fishing Inc
Fishing and Hunting Guide Services, bass fishing guide


Sugar Bottom Crappie Guide Service


IceBound Guide Service
Professional fishing charter service in Grimes, Iowa. Contact us to book your next fishing adventure!


Todd's Fishing Guide
Fishing Charter that provides the best Mississippi River Catfish, Walleye, Crappie, Blue Gill, and Bass Fishing. Book your fishing trip today with Todd's Fishing Guide!


Bear Creek Anglers


Wonderlich Outdoors
Wonderlich Outdoors Hunting and Fishing Guide in Iowa offer everything from ice fishing to whitetail deer guides to African safaris.


The Landing, a Riverfront Inn
At The Landing, we provide lodging rooms and suites in this beautifully renovated warehouse. Along with the Riverfront Inn, we have a gas dock and fishing barge along the Mississippi River.


Fish Okoboji
Fish on the Iowa Great Lakes in Okoboji, Iowa with JTG Expeditions, your professional Okoboji fishing guides.


Central Iowa Charters
Best Time to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass can be caught year-round in Arispe. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Smallmouth Bass
If you're chasing smallmouth bass in Iowa, consider Arispe. While not a widely known smallie destination, the local waterways offer a more secluded experience. Focus your efforts on the Middle River and its tributaries. These rocky-bottomed streams provide excellent habitat for smallmouth, especially during the warmer months. Spring and fall are prime times, as the fish are more active and feeding aggressively before and after the summer heat. A key tip is to target areas with current breaks, such as submerged logs or rock piles. Wading is often necessary to access the best spots, so be prepared with appropriate footwear. The smallmouth here aren't giants, averaging 10-14 inches, but they're scrappy fighters in the clear, flowing water. Respect private property and obtain necessary permissions before accessing any streams through farmland.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Smallmouth Bass in Arispe.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Regulations in Iowa
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
12-inch minimum
License Required
Fishing license
In streams and rivers, all bass must be immediately released. Exceptions exist for specific lakes and impoundments.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Iowa state wildlife agency before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum size for keeping smallmouth bass in Iowa?
The minimum size limit for smallmouth bass in Iowa is 12 inches. Any fish shorter than that must be released.
How many smallmouth bass can I keep in a day in Iowa?
The daily bag limit for smallmouth bass in Iowa is 5 fish.
What are some popular lures for catching smallmouth bass near Arispe?
Smallmouth bass in Iowa are often caught using crankbaits, spinnerbaits, tubes, and topwater lures. Choose lures that imitate crayfish or small baitfish.
Is a fishing license required to fish for smallmouth bass in Iowa?
Yes, a valid Iowa fishing license is required to fish for smallmouth bass and other fish species in Iowa's public waters.
More Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Iowa
Other Species to Fish in Arispe
Ready to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Arispe?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.
