Outside Iowa: It’s farm pond mania time
Boy, this is one of my favorite times of the year. The turkeys are gobbling, the mushrooms are popping up, the fish are hungry and biting, I just love it! There’s no denying that spring came early this year and the fishing has been tremendous about anywhere you go. You won’t hear me complaining about that!
Farm pond fishing is certainly not rocket science, but if you spend enough time fishing on them, you will begin to better understand the patterns and what bait presentations work best as the spring turns into summer. We are going to take a look at a few of the most prominent species of fish that fill up Iowa’s nearly 80,000 fishable farm ponds.
Bluegills and/or crappies are typically the most abundant fish in any of these miniature bodies of water. Under many circumstances, these fish are usually overpopulated and talking with the pond owner about your catch and release tactics is a good idea. If there is tons of five to seven inch fish, it’s probably wise to keep as many as you catch, or donate to the local raccoon food pantry. They’ll thank you for it.
There really isn’t a better presentation than a worm suspended under a bobber, but if you are interested in the casting approach, a small 1/32 oz. white hair jig is going to create a lot of interest. Small spinners can also work very well; work your way around the pond and determine which presentation will be most productive and dig in! I strongly urge you to put the largest fish back as they carry the kind of genetics that are most desired.
Largemouth bass will likely be the next most numerous species in the pond. Nearly all of the time, these fish maintain a well-balanced population. However if there are a lot of smaller fish dominating the feeding session, you may want to resort to the aforementioned approach, based on the pond owner’s wishes of course.
There really isn’t a bad bait selection for bass on Iowa’s farm ponds. For early in the spring, I prefer spinnerbaits, lipless cranks and floating worms with a 1/16 to 1/8 oz. nose weight rigged Texas style. Spending some time working the obvious structure and brush piles will help you identify what they are in the mood for. Again, if you catch a big fish, put her back.
Ponds are also excellent fisheries for big channel catfish. While they don’t typically reproduce in ponds, they can grow to mammoth proportions offering a major tackle busting experience. I prefer to use lighter tackle to increase the challenge, but don’t hesitate to “go big, or go home” when it comes to your rod and reel selection.
For the most part, stink bait, cut bait or blood bait like chicken liver will be the most productive. If you choose to go the bait route, I suggest suspending the bait below a big float as farm pond cats feed throughout the water column just as much, if not more than the bottom. You will catch more fish this way.
Having said that, I have caught a lot of cats on the same baits I use for bass, and it’s a lot of fun sticking a big ‘ol kitten on a crank bait or spinner. Same as the other fish we discussed, putting them back might be the best option.
Finally, this is a great way to get the kids involved in the sport. The action is usually quick and action packed holding their attention as much as any cartoon on the tube. Take them along and help cultivate their passion at one of the finest fisheries Iowa has to offer.
If you have any questions, I would be happy to help in any way I can! tha481@gmail.com
Live It Up!
Thomas resides with his wife and two children in Guthrie Center. He is a professional outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and outdoor talk radio show host; for more information visit www.outsideiowa.com