Des Moines River — Keosauqua, Ia Fishing Conditions
Updated 55 minutes ago · 2 attached data sensors
Today and tomorrow look broadly similar
Today is 70/100 and tomorrow is 72/100. The difference is too small to justify postponing solely because of the forecast. The tomorrow comparison changes forecast weather while carrying forward the latest measured water context, so recheck the gauge or tide before leaving.
Current streamflow is 9,060 cfs. Flow is falling by about 15% over 24 hours.
Wind should be relatively manageable for most fishing logistics.
This reading becomes biologically useful only when paired with a species that is actually confirmed for this water. The site no longer turns temperature compatibility into an unverified species claim.
- No authoritative species evidence is attached yet, so this page deliberately does not recommend specific fish species.
- No qualified multi-year monthly flow baseline is available yet, so the current flow cannot be labeled high or low for the season.
Current score drivers
- Streamflow is down 15% versus roughly 24 hours ago.
- Current wind is about 5 mph.
- Current precipitation probability is 53%.
Best planning windows
light wind · near dawn/dusk
5 mph wind · 60% rainlight wind · low rain risk · near dawn/dusk
5 mph wind · 17% rainlight wind · low rain risk · near dawn/dusk
0 mph wind · 7% rainThese rank weather/light/tide logistics only. They are not bite forecasts.
Weather-based trip planning
Future scores primarily reflect forecast weather while using today's water conditions as the baseline. Recheck before the trip because river flow, tides and water temperature can change.
Confirmed fish targets
No authoritative species occurrence evidence is attached to this water yet, so the site deliberately does not recommend trout, bass or any other target merely because the temperature looks compatible.
Species recommendations require stored authoritative/editor-confirmed occurrence evidence. Broad temperature compatibility is not enough.
Useful starting points
Multi-weight jig assortment
Multiple weights let you adjust to current speed and depth.
See options on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where this page gets its facts
- USGS: Des Moines River At Keosauqua, Ia (sensor ID 05490500)
- USGS: Des Moines River At Ottumwa, Ia (sensor ID 05489500)
Water data: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Weather forecasts/alerts: National Weather Service (NWS). Coastal tide/observation data: NOAA CO-OPS where applicable. Derived scores are site calculations, not official agency products.
Verify before you fish
Licensing and exemptions vary.
USFWS license finder →Seasons, limits and special reaches can change.
Verify official rules →A sensor coordinate is not proof of legal public access.
Check location/access context →Nearby data-backed waters
What this score means
This is a planning score based on measurable conditions. It is not a bite forecast and cannot guarantee catches. Missing facts are left unavailable rather than invented.