The state of Iowa is a diverse region, providing different angling opportunities as you cross the state. Iowa is located in an ecotone between the deciduous forests of the east and the prairies of the west. It is a transition zone, and its fishing waters reflect this diversity. From the border rivers of the Mississippi to the Missouri, through farmponds, natural and man-made lakes, and interior rivers and streams, a rich fish fauna provides nearly every angler with the chance for an enjoyable outing. Currently, there are 148 different fish species within the state. Each is described below, with information on family characteristics, methods of identification, distribution and food habits, state record fish, tips to bring in the big one, and a brief biology on the fish.

*Note: This information is from Iowa Fish and Fishing (Mayhew, J. (editor). 1987. Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Des Moines, Iowa. 323 pp.)

On the Iowa Fish & Fishing pages the black dots on the distribution map denote where fish species has been collected in Iowa. Small black dots represent a single collection; large dots indicate numerous collections. Hollow dots indicate the fish has not been collected in the last 10 years.

The family with the most popular sportfish in the state, the channel catfish.

There are only two members of the herring family in Iowa, the gizzard shad and the skipjack herring.

With two members of this family in the state, neither of which are an important angling species, the mooneyes contribute to forage fish populations in larger rivers.

This family includes many common bait species of fish found in the state, as well as the common carp.

Iowa has several peculiar families with only one or two members. This is a grouping of these oddities.

The perch family has 20 representatives in the state, including the popular gamefish walleye and yellow perch.

Respected by anglers, these important gamefish have four representatives in the state.

Primitive fishes in Iowa include the paddlefish, sturgeon, bowfin, gar, and lamprey.

Many of the 16 members of this family in Iowa are endangered or threatened.

This family includes some of the most popular sportfishing species, such as the basses, bluegill, and crappies.

Once referred to as "sea basses", currently there are four members of this family in Iowa, two native and two exotics.

One native and two naturalized species, these fish are the only coldwater gamefish in Iowa.