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State guide
When to catch Iowathrough the year
We follow 2 places in Iowa for winter wildlife and spring migration: winter at DeSoto Refuge and spring at Port Louisa Refuge. Each timing below is the place's own source, in its words; none is a forecast.
When are you going?
Fall in Iowa
Good in fall
- DeSoto RefugePeak waterfowl migration, typically November
- DeSoto RefugeFishing, no-wake boating and off-trail exploring (expanded public use season)
- Port Louisa RefugeFall migratory birds: September to November are the best months
- Port Louisa RefugeNorth Trail (a paddling trail through the refuge) open, as conditions allow
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Winter in Iowa
Good in winter
- DeSoto RefugeBald eagles peak, early December
- DeSoto RefugeBald eagles peak again, late February and early March
- Port Louisa RefugeNorth Trail (a paddling trail through the refuge) open, as conditions allow
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Spring in Iowa
Good in spring
- DeSoto RefugeBald eagles peak again, late February and early March
- DeSoto RefugeSpring waterfowl migration peak, early March
- DeSoto RefugeFishing, no-wake boating and off-trail exploring (expanded public use season)
- Port Louisa RefugeSpring migratory birds: April to May is the best time
- Port Louisa RefugeNorth Trail (a paddling trail through the refuge) open, as conditions allow
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Summer in Iowa
Good in summer
- DeSoto RefugeFishing, no-wake boating and off-trail exploring (expanded public use season)
- Port Louisa RefugeWildlife with young: June to August is the best time
- Port Louisa RefugeNorth Trail (a paddling trail through the refuge) open, as conditions allow
Open places and seasons from each place's sources; no peak claimed.
Places in Iowa
Pin color: each place's season now or next
- Spring
- Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Planning a Iowa trip
Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · checked Sep 28 · How we know