The Iowa Sportsman Podcast

Cooler temperatures, plenty of rain and the first signs of fall are starting to change outdoor conditions across Iowa. In the September 15, 2026, edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, Aaron McKinney breaks down the latest fishing conditions while also getting ready for the fast-approaching bow hunting season. Before diving into the fishing report, Aaron spends some time testing a new arr...

This week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report finds anglers dealing with lingering late-summer heat while hunting season draws closer across the state. Aaron McKinney checks in with bait shops around Iowa for the latest fishing conditions and also spends some time getting the dogs ready for another season in the field. A special thanks goes to Al Martin Real Estate and Auction for sponsoring this we...

This week’s Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report takes listeners to the banks of the Des Moines River for some firsthand fishing, statewide updates, hunting season preparation, and a look back at the Iowa State Fair. The episode kicks off with some lunch-hour fishing on the Des Moines River, where a few smallmouth bass provide plenty of action despite the overall bite being slow. Along the way, Aaron s...

The August 14 edition of the Iowa Sportsman Hunting and Fishing Report brings plenty of good news for anglers across the state, along with an early look at preparations for the fast-approaching hunting season. This week, Aaron McKinney checks in with bait and tackle shops across Iowa to find out what’s biting as summer begins to wind down. In north-central Iowa, anglers are finding walleyes at Sto...

Welcome back to the Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report. Rain finally brings some welcome relief across Iowa in the August 7 edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report. Aaron McKinney discusses how the rainfall is helping dry ground, food plots, wildlife habitat, and outdoor conditions after a stretch of hot summer weather. He also explains how high temperatures continue to affect fishing activi...

The latest episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report is packed with timely fishing updates, outdoor insights, and a hands-on product review to help you make the most of your time outdoors. As summer heat continues across Iowa, Aaron McKinney shares where anglers are still finding success and how a welcome break in the weather could improve fishing conditions heading into the weekend. This wee...

This week's Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report arrives a day early as Aaron McKinney heads to Des Moines for the Delta Waterfowl Hunter Expo. Before hitting the expo, Aaron breaks down the latest fishing conditions from around the state and shares where anglers are finding success despite the summer heat. The cooler temperatures have provided a welcome break, and while the bite remains similar to l...

Most Iowa anglers are focusing on catfish and walleye this summer, but what if you could unlock the secrets to catching the biggest flatheads and wipers in the heat of July? Aaron McKinney reveals the proven tactics that are turning ordinary fishing trips into trophy-winning outings during the hottest months. In this episode, you'll discover how late-night catfish bites at Snapper City Bait and Ta...

The summer heat has settled across Iowa, and while it's slowed the fishing in many areas, there are still plenty of opportunities to put fish in the boat if you know where to go. In this week's Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, Aaron McKinney shares the latest fishing conditions from bait shops across the state and highlights where anglers are still finding success. This week's report features upda...

The latest Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report is packed with fishing updates and outdoor ideas to help you make the most of the Fourth of July weekend. Host Aaron McKinney reports that despite the summer heat, fishing conditions remain excellent across Iowa, with anglers continuing to find success on a variety of species. Catfish action remains one of the biggest highlights statewide. Anglers targeti...

Welcome to this week's episode of the Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report. The fishing report centers on strong catfish action, especially flatheads and blues, in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and their tributaries. Feedback from several Iowa bait and tackle shops indicates excellent success on cut bait such as shad and carp, as well as live goldfish. Flatheads are performing particularly well...

The June 19th edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report delivers a concise, on-the-ground look at current fishing conditions across several of Iowa’s most popular destinations, with a clear emphasis on helping anglers plan successful summer outings while supporting local bait shops and guides. The report opens with a brief introduction from host Aaron McKinney, who frames this as a practical,...

The June 12 episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report features host Aaron with guest Shawn from Manson Lumber Bait and Tackle, focusing on current fishing conditions across Iowa and an instructional archery segment. Aaron opens with a rundown of regional fishing reports, emphasizing that many rivers remain high and muddy following recent heavy rains, particularly on the eastern side of the st...

The June 5 edition of the Iowa Hunting and Fish Report opens with an announcement that it is free fishing weekend in Iowa, running June 5–7. The host encourages listeners to take advantage of the opportunity to fish without a license, emphasizing time with family and friends, outdoor recreation, and the social aspect of fishing, even when the bite is slow. The report begins in southern Iowa with a...

The report provides an overview of late May fishing conditions across several key Iowa lakes and interior rivers, emphasizing strong multi-species action and early summer transitions. Warmer weather is beginning to push some species deeper, particularly walleye, but overall fishing remains productive statewide. The host highlights information gathered from four bait shops representing different re...

The May 22nd “Iowa Hunting & Fishing Report” provides a seasonal update focused on late May 22nd conditions, fishing opportunities across the state, and a brief personal note on hunting dogs. The host opens by highlighting favorable weather for both fishing and habitat work. With rain largely out of the forecast and a long Memorial Day weekend approaching, landowners are encouraged to finalize...

The Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report for May 15th provides updates on current fishing conditions across Iowa, highlights popular species and locations, and encourages outdoor participation. It also includes announcements about giveaways and promotes local bait and tackle shops. Fishing Conditions and Locations Crappie fishing is strong statewide, especially in smaller lakes and rivers. Trout fishin...

The episode features an in-depth fishing and outdoor report for early May across key destinations in Iowa, delivered from the perspective of an active angler who has been on the water. The conversation begins with a recap of the Iowa Walleye Opener on the Iowa Great Lakes, with particular focus on Spirit Lake. Listeners hear how nighttime proved most productive, with solid numbers of walleye and s...

In this inaugural episode of the Iowa Hunting and Fishing Report, host Aaron McKinney introduces a new weekly series presented by the Iowa Sportsman Magazine, focused on real-time field reports rather than secondhand information. He explains that each episode will highlight current conditions and productive locations across Iowa for both anglers and hunters. Aaron begins with the Des Moines River,...