Four Fantastic Fishing Spots in the Midwest (Spring Fishing Season)

Apr 14, 2025

We’re back with another fun Classic Travel Guide! And what could be more classic than spending a warm spring day out in the boat, enjoying the pristine waters and sunshine, and casting a line for the catch of the day. While you’re waiting for Summer Vacation season to roll in, let’s make the most of the ice melt and snow thaws, so get out your best bait and tackle and let’s hit the road.

Today, we’re sharing four of our personal picks for great Midwest Fishing destinations! Got a spot that’s not on our list? Or perhaps have a hot tip for netting the biggest fish? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line in the comments and share your thoughts with our readers and social media friends.

Fishing at the Missouri River in Iowa can net you some pretty impressive hauls, thanks to its fast currents and channelized riverbeds; although the area is not the most “beginner friendly” destination, avid anglers will find a real satisfying challenge here, and some of the best fishing in the state. Be on the lookout for prize winning catfish of both the channel and flathead varieties. In April and May, you’ll also have the opportunity to snag a few shovelnose sturgeon. Smallmouth bass, bluegill, and crappie are also available seasonally.

Fishing at the Upper Wolf River Fishery Area in Wisconsin is part angler’s paradise, part wilderness retreat, thanks to 95% of the watershed being wooded and wild and free. This wide, boulder-strewn area is largely undeveloped and a perfect home to numerous fish varieties. The prizes are top notch here with everything from Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and both Large and Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, musky, and bass. You’ll also find a significant population of pan fish and forage minnows as well.

Grand Traverse Bay in Michigan is a fabulous fishery with easy access, making it a perfect choice for the avid angler or someone just testing the waters. You can BYO Boat if you’re a seasoned fisherman, or charter a fishing excursion to find the best areas with a little help from the pros. Be on the lookout for prime catches including Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Steelhead Trout, and Lake Trout. Additional fish such as yellow perch, lake whitefish, smallmouth bass, and walleye are also quite plentiful in the area. Fishing here starts in the spring and rolls right on through summer, so it’s a must-visit destination.

Springtime visits to the Rainy River in Minnesota are dependent on the ice melt conditions, but generally season opens starting March 1st through April 15th range, and then you can swing back for the official Minnesota Fishing Opener on May 10th 2025 this year. This is an annual spawning ground for walleye as they migrate from the Lake of the Woods into the Rainy River region, and be on the lookout because there have been some serious trophy-winning snags in recent years. Of course, the area also has a year round pike fishing season, with Northern Pike reaching well over 40” apiece. Sturgeon season opens from April 24th through May 7th, with 1 allowed per calendar year.