Decorah, IA Fishing Trip — May

Your Decorah, IA Fishing Trip

May2 peopleFamily Trip

High 66°F / Low 47°F2.4" rain · 8 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in May

5 species

Largemouth Bass

Excellent

Largemouth Bass

Spinning · Baitcasting

Walleye

Excellent

Walleye

Various

Channel Catfish

Excellent

Channel Catfish

Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing

Rainbow Trout

Excellent

Rainbow Trout

Various

Smallmouth Bass

Excellent

Smallmouth Bass

Casting · Fly Fishing

May Weather in Decorah

66°F

Avg High

47°F

Avg Low

2.4"

Rainfall

8

Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

2 in Decorah + 1 Nearby

The Landing, a Riverfront Inn

4.9(176)Top Rated

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.

Guttenberg, Iowa

Bear Creek Anglers

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.

freshwaterfly fishingLargemouth BassSpeckled Trout

Prepare for Your Trip

Gear recommendations and packing list for your trip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For Your Target Species

Bullet weights, hooks, and soft plastic worms for Texas rigging

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Spinnerbait Assortment

White, chartreuse, and shad pattern spinnerbaits

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For Fly Fishing

Rubber-sole boots with drainage — grip on slippery river bottoms

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Breathable Waders

Stockingfoot waders that keep you dry without overheating

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For the Season

Waterproof Backpack

Keeps electronics and gear dry in downpours and spray

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Anti-Fog Sunglasses Spray

Keep polarized lenses clear in humid and rainy conditions

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Trip Essentials

Saltwater-resistant pliers with split ring tool and line cutter

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Waterproof Dry Bag

Roll-top bag for phone, wallet, and keys — keeps everything dry

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What to Bring

Check with your guide about gear. Here's a recommended packing list:

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Polarized sunglasses

Hat or visor

Weather-appropriate clothing

Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Water and drinks (stay hydrated)

Snacks or lunch

Cooler for your catch

Motion sickness medication (if needed)

Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)

Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

Waders (if not provided)

Wading boots

Bug spray

Bug spray

Rain gear

$910

Estimated total for 2 people

$455

per person

Charter $500

Tip $100

Licenses $60

Food $100

Lodging $150

Decorah from ~$150/night

Pickup in Decorah

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

Things to Do in Decorah

Activities for your non-fishing days

Boat Tours & Cruises

Snorkeling & Diving

Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Wildlife & Nature Tours

What's Biting By Month

Peak

1 / 2

Largemouth Bass

Walleye

Channel Catfish

Rainbow Trout

Iowa Fishing License

License Cost

Resident$22

Non-Resident$48.50

Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Includes all inland waters. Trout fee additional.

Buy License Online — Iowa

Species Regulations

Largemouth Bass

Season:Year-round

Bag Limit:5 per day

Size Limit:14-inch minimum

In streams and rivers, all bass must be immediately released. Exceptions exist for specific lakes and impoundments.

Walleye

Season:Year-round

Bag Limit:5 per day

Size Limit:15-inch minimum

Certain lakes and rivers may have different length and bag limits; check local regulations.

Channel Catfish

Season:Year-round

Bag Limit:No limit

Size Limit:No size limit

None

Rainbow Trout

Season:Year-round

Bag Limit:5 per day

Size Limit:No size limit

Some areas are catch-and-release only; check local regulations.