<p>The Maquoketa River is one of Iowa's best smallmouth fisheries, whether you are fishing in it's upper reaches near the town of Dundee or further downstream beneath the dam at Delhi, there is some superb action to be had. The Maquoketa flows from two spillways out of the lake at Backbone state park. I used to fish directly downstream from these spillways with much success, however a few years back, the lake was emptied and dredged. I have found that since this was done, the fishing is not nearly as good as it used to be in this section. I would say the best stretches are located from Dundee downstream. </p><p> </p><p>The section of the this river located directly downstream from the dam at Delhi provides one of the best chances in the state for a trophy fish, and most of the fish you catch will probably be in the 12 to 15 inch range. The DNR has managed this section as Catch-and-Release for black bass for nearly a decade now. The picture above was taken in late April from this section. As with most streams in Iowa, the smallmouth fishing depends heavily on water levels. If the levels are steady and not fluctuating the fishing is usually pretty good, if the water levels are fluctuating it can make it challenging to catch even a few fish. </p><p>Wading the Maquoketa below the dam is most accessible when the water is low. If the water is high or even at a moderate level, I'd recommend using a small flat bottom, or canoe to float this section. I have not fished below the Catch-and-Release section, but have heard the fishing is good downstream through much of Delaware and Jones counties. </p>