As the summer heat continues to move in, the common pastime of being near the water is on people’s minds.

While some enjoy taking a dip in the chlorinated waters of swimming pools, others may wish to spend their time in and around fresh, natural bodies of water. Swimming, boating and fishing are common activities, and when it comes to fishing, there are a few different species to catch in Guthrie County. Conservation Director Brad Halterman says that in the Middle and South Raccoon Rivers, catfish are the most commonly caught species, with channel catfish providing most of the numbers, and a few flathead catfish being included as well. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that thanks to its clearer nature, the Middle Raccoon River has some additional species that have been commonly recorded.

“The Middle Raccoon River down in the Lennon Mills Park area is known for a lot of different fish. The folks can catch crappie, and bluegill, they can also catch catfish. They can also catch walleye down through that stretch, and then it is an absolutely fantastic smallmouth bass fishery.”

Iowa Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Jeremey King mentions that the thing people should keep in mind though, especially for game fish like largemouth and smallmouth bass, is any regulations that may be in place for those species. He explains that for a certain stretch of the Middle Raccoon River, it’s mandatory catch and release for all bass species.

“Well we’ve extended that from the Lennon Mills Dam up to Lake Panorama’s Dam. So now basically, from Lake Panorama Dam all the way down to Redfield Dam, any largemouth or smallmouth bass that you catch has to be released immediately, no matter the size of it. And I get people every year be like, ‘Well, what if I catch a state record?’ Well, weigh it, take a picture of it, let it go. You don’t get to keep it.”

Both Halterman and King agree though, if fishing is what you’re wanting to do, Guthrie County has plenty of public places to go out and have some fun.