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 Barnum. Right now in February, activity is Slow.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing near Barnum, Iowa, can be a rewarding experience if you know where to look. While the immediate area lacks large, well-known smallmouth rivers, exploring the smaller tributaries of the Des Moines River and the river itself can yield results. Focus on areas with rocky bottoms, riffles, and deeper pools. Spring and fall are particularly productive, as the fish become more active with cooler water temperatures. Consider wading these smaller streams with light tackle, using lures like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and tube jigs. Access can be a challenge, so scout out road crossings and public access points beforehand. Be mindful of private property and obtain permission when necessary. The smallmouth bass in these smaller waterways tend to be scrappy fighters, but may not reach trophy sizes. Patience and persistence are key to success.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Smallmouth Bass in Barnum.
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's the best bait for Smallmouth Bass in the Barnum area?
Popular and effective baits for Smallmouth Bass in Iowa include crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and live bait like nightcrawlers.
What is the minimum size Smallmouth Bass I can keep in Iowa?
You can only keep Smallmouth Bass that are 12 inches or longer in Iowa.
How many Smallmouth Bass can I keep per day in Iowa?
The daily bag limit for Smallmouth Bass in Iowa is 5.
Can I fish for Smallmouth Bass all year near Barnum?
Yes, the season for Smallmouth Bass is open year-round in Iowa.
More Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Iowa
Other Species to Fish in Barnum
Ready to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Barnum?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.
