Iowa, the Hawkeye state. Primarily a rural state with rolling fields of corn, soy beans, alfalfa and pastures. At one time farming was the leading occupation and family lifestyle. With today's larger and larger corporate farms, agriculture has become a minor occupation with the majority of the people working in urban industries, yet while still preferring to live in a rural setting closer to nature. It is natural that Iowans have always enjoyed fishing and hunting, and still do to this day. Iowa has few natural lakes, but has many streams and rivers. It is bordered on the east by the Mississippi River and on the west by the Missouri River, truely a land between two rivers. It is not surprising that the most sought after fish species is the Catfish. Second is the Bluegill, abundant in the many farm ponds and man-made lakes. Third in popularity is the Largemouth Bass, a sport fish prized for it's battle. It can be found in most of Iowa's waters. The Iowa DNR also maintains an excellent put-and-take Trout fishery in the spring-fed streams of the state's northeast. Much information can be found on the state's angling opportunities at the Iowa DNR website. Many rural Iowans enjoy spending their summer vacations fishing in the cool waters of Minnesota or Canada. The rest of the year they enjoy fishing the local rivers and impoundments for catfish, bullheads, bluegills, crappies, walleyes, white bass, largemouth & smallmouth bass and the occasional northern pike or musky.
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