Van Buren County Conservation
319-293-3589
  • Home
  • County Parks
    • Lake Sugema Campground >
      • Lake Sugema Campgrounds
    • Morris Park >
      • Morris Park
      • Morris Pond
      • Morris Campgrounds
    • Bentonsport Historic District >
      • Bentonsport Park
      • Bentonsport Campgrounds
    • Austin Park Campgrounds
    • Douds campsites, Boat ramp
    • Camping Tips
  • Contact Us
  • Outdoor Recreation
    • Hunting
    • Fishing >
      • fishing tips
    • Lindsay Wilderness
    • Trails >
      • Hiking Trails Maps
      • Water trails >
        • Water trails maps & info >
          • 10 Health benefits of Kayaking
          • Wildlife
      • Recreation
  • County Maps
  • Board Members
    • Board Members
    • Board Meetings
    • County Notices
  • Hosts Wanted
  • Other links
  • Fall Fishing
  • Gift Certificates
  • Bentonsport hunting map
  • Lindsay hunting map
  • Volunteering
  • Memorials
  • Lower Des Moines River Water Trail
  • Vision plan
WHEN LEAVES TURN COLORS, FISH TURN ON
by DNR Joe Larscheid, Chief of Fisheries, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, 515-281-5208.

Shorter days, cooler nights and fewer bugs are signs that autumn is getting closer. Fish are starting to go on a feeding frenzy to prepare for winter and next spring’s spawn. For anglers, that means some of the best fishing of the year is right around the corner.
Joe Larscheid, chief of the DNR’s Fisheries Bureau, says fall is a close second to spring as the top season to fish because the fish will get into predictable patterns making them easier to locate.
“Panfish, especially yellow perch, will form large schools as the water temperature cools so look for a lot of boats in one area. In the rivers, fish will move to the deepest holes for the winter so fishing the outside bends of the river is a good strategy,” Larscheid said. “Fall is often overlooked as a prime fishing time because many of us are in hunting mode or are busy with school activities, but there is excellent fishing to be had and many of our trophy fish are caught in the fall.”
Using live bait, particularly minnows, and a slower presentation are keys when fishing in cooler water. Targeting areas of a lake or river where the water is warmer can also improve success. In lakes, shallow water along the north shore will be warmer and in lakes and rivers, areas where small creeks enter will be warmer.
With school back in session, not only will the competition for the best fishing spots be less, but the campgrounds and cabins will also be less busy. 
“Catching fish during the day and sitting around the campfire at night in the fall in my book makes for a great weekend,” Larscheid said.
Van Buren County Conservation Board
816 Franklin St.
Keosauqua, Iowa 52565
319-293-3589
Picture
Van Buren County Conservation  does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in relation to any of the parks  events or activities offered to the public.
  •   All Rights Reserved                                                                    Updated: 2022