Des Moines River: Fishing Spots, Map, and Regulations

Iowa, US

Place
Public
Water
Fresh
Clarity
-
Depth
-

The Des Moines River is a 525-mile long river. It is the largest river in the state of Iowa. The Des Moines River is a popular location for recreational activities like fishing and boating.

Des Moines River fishing map

Discover the Des Moines River fishing map to explore key locations and best fishing spots in Iowa, United States, including the area around 41°35'1.7"N 93°36'57.0"W.

Ready to Get Your
Personal Hot Spots Map?

Select the type of water you usually fish in:

Hot spots on Des Moines River🔥

Explore the best fishing spots proven by local anglers.

Unlock secret fishing spots

Des Moines River weather conditions

With the Des Moines River weather forecast, analyze temperature trends, wind conditions, humidity, and potential precipitation to choose the best time for fishing.

Monitor real-time weather updates to avoid unfavorable conditions and increase your chances of a successful catch.

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Weather

Hourly weather

Weather forecast, as of 02:13

-1°C

Light rain overnight

Max / Min

2°/-5°

Wind

4 m/s

Humidity

84 %

Pressure

1013 hPa

Hourly weather

Today

m/s

C°

hPa


00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23


3	4	3	2	1	1	1	1	1	2	2	3	4	4	4	4	4	5	6	5	4	4	4	4
2°	0°	-1°	-2°	-3°	-4°	-4°	-5°	-5°	-5°	-4°	-3°	-2°	-1°	-1°	0°	-1°	-1°	-1°	-1°	-2°	-2°	-2°	-2°
0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.45	0.7	0.8	0.75	0.85	1	0.8	0.49
1013	1013	1013	1014	1014	1014	1014	1014	1015	1016	1016	1015	1014	1013	1012	1011	1011	1011	1011	1011	1012	1012	1012	1013
82	86	84	84	86	86	86	86	85	85	84	83	82	82	81	82	84	87	87	88	88	89	90	90

Fishing forecast for Des Moines River, Iowa

Check out today's Des Moines River fishing forecast and find the best time to go fishing.

Analyze key factors like atmospheric pressure, wind conditions, and moon phases to plan your fishing trip effectively.

Today, December 6

13%

SCORE

The bites are poor now

night

morning

afternoon

evening

100

13%

30%

66%

10%

06:00

12:00

18:00

Learn more about Fishing Forecast's methodology and indicators

Factors influencing fish activity

Positive factors

•

Cloudy weather has a favorable impact on biting activity

•

Light winds have a very favorable effect on biting activity

Negative factors

•

When the pressure changes frequently, all species of fish stop biting because they don't have enough time to adapt

•

Frequent changes in wind direction negatively affect fish activity

•

An unfavorable moon phase for catching fish

Fish species to catch in the Des Moines River, Iowa, United States (10)

Before your next fishing trip, check the latest Des Moines River fishing regulations for Iowa.

There are countless Des Moines River fish species to lure and explore on your next fishing trip. Every fish has its own set of rules and requirements that you must follow. Each fish species is subject to unique regulations, including fishing seasons, size limits, possession limits, etc.

Explore the current fishing regulations for Black bullhead, Black crappie, Bluegill, and others as of December 6, 2025, to ensure you comply with the latest rules. Please select your preferred species from the list to view regulations for different fish species.

💡 Fishing Tips & Tricks on Des Moines River

•
Snagging is not permitted in the Des Moines River.
•
Crankbaits are effective for walleye. Balsa-wood baits and shad-imitating lures work the best here.
•
Chartreuse, green, red and pink are good lure colors for the river.
•
Fishing in the Des Moines River is productive during summer months.
•
Green sunfish and bullheads are perfect baits for flathead catfish.