• Crappie fishing is strong statewide, especially in smaller lakes and rivers.
• Trout fishing is excellent in the Driftless region and northeast Iowa due to clear, stable water.
• Lake Manawa offers good crappie fishing; walleye are deeper and better caught at night.
• Bettendorf area reports improving walleye bite and increasing catfish activity.
• Lost Grove Lake produces bass weighing 1.5 to 3 pounds.
• Eastern Iowa lakes like Pleasant Creek and Lake McBride have good multi-species and panfish action.
• Cedar River water clarity has improved, boosting walleye, smallmouth, and catfish catches.

• The turkey hunting season is ending soon; hunters are encouraged to get out and share videos.
• Upcoming videos will cover food plot planting for hunting season.
• Local family-owned outdoor stores are recommended for supplies and advice.

• Recent winners of Iowa Sportsman gear announced.
• New giveaway: Tatula LT2500 spinning reel for Facebook followers and YouTube subscribers.

The report then shifts to Black Hawk Lake near Lake View, where conditions were more challenging due to a strong north wind. The episode notes an abundance of smaller walleyes in the 10- to 12-inch range, with a few keepers mixed in. Tactics there centered on jigs tipped with leeches or crawlers and some crankbait trolling. Brushy Creek Lake, between Fort Dodge and Webster City, is highlighted as a trophy walleye opportunity, with recent catches including fish in the mid-20-inch range and larger. The host emphasizes that Brushy can be a tough lake to pattern but rewards persistence.

Looking ahead, the episode outlines plans to head south to the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers, including a nostalgic stop at the Redfield dam, a longtime personal favorite fishing spot. Additional destinations mentioned include 12 Mile and 3 Mile lakes in Union County, as well as Clear Lake and stretches of the Des Moines River further east, where multi-species action on walleye, sturgeon, catfish, smallmouth bass, and other gamefish is reportedly picking up as river levels stabilize. Safety on moving water is stressed, along with alternative access options such as river barges for those without boats.

The episode closes with a short preview of upcoming food plot work in Madison and Adair Counties and a timely reminder about getting youth and families involved in turkey hunting to help sustain the tradition for future generations.

Aaron begins with the Des Moines River, calling it one of the best current options for fishing. He shares that recent trips have produced a mixed bag of walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, white bass, and hybrids moving upriver to spawn. While the walleye spawn is largely over and the bite is now post-spawn, he notes that many interior rivers across the state are fishing very well. Because water temperatures range from the upper 40s to around 60 degrees, he emphasizes the importance of a slower presentation and recommends plastics, often tipped with minnows or Blue Creek chubs, for consistent success. He also mentions strong catfish action and describes a productive outing at the Humboldt dam where nearly every species was biting.

Shifting to lakes, Aaron reports that Brushy Creek Lake east of Fort Dodge is just starting to pick up, with a strong reputation for big fish, especially walleye that typically respond to leeches. He encourages anglers to fish it repeatedly rather than giving up after one trip. He then highlights Black Hawk Lake, where both walleye and crappie are biting well, and where shore anglers have excellent access along manicured shorelines.

Aaron previews the Iowa Great Lakes walleye opener on May 2, describing it as a major social and fishing event that draws anglers from in and out of state. With water temperatures near 60 degrees and a favorable forecast, he suggests techniques like pulling crankbaits or jigging with minnows or leeches. He also notes the tagged walleye promotion on Spirit Lake, which offers substantial cash prizes.

Beyond fishing, Aaron touches on northeast Iowa trout fishing, current turkey season strategies—including youth opportunities, cautious calling, and bowhunting from blinds—and warns about severe tick activity and Lyme disease risks. He closes with an update on morel mushroom hunting, which remains good thanks to cool, moist conditions, and promises future episodes with follow-ups from the walleye opener and other trips across Iowa.