Iowa Fishing

Ellis Harbor

The stunning waters of Ellis Harbor in eastern Iowa are home to abundant saltwater gamefish. Ellis Harbor is located near eastern Iowa at coordinates 42.00, -91.69. The saltwater environment supports abundant Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder populations year-round. Local anglers frequently report success with Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder at Ellis Harbor.

Bay Iowa 42.0000, -91.6900
Updated 2026-04-29

Location

View on Google Maps 42.0000, -91.6900

Target Species

RedfishRedfishSpeckled TroutSpeckled TroutFlounderFlounder

Fishing Tips

  • Focus on shallow bars during dawn when Redfish are active.
  • Focus on rocky outcrops during sunset hours when Redfish are active.
  • Target shallow bars during winter months migrations.

Fishing Techniques for Ellis Harbor

Focus your efforts around natural structure: points, submerged timber, weed edges, and rocky areas tend to hold fish in Iowa bays. Dawn and dusk are peak feeding windows, especially during warmer months when fish move shallow. A varied approach — starting fast to locate active fish, then slowing down — pays off.

What to Expect at Ellis Harbor

Fishing pressure is moderate year-round, peaking on weekends and holidays from spring through fall. Weekday trips typically mean fewer crowds and better fishing. The ecosystem here supports healthy populations of Redfish and Speckled Trout, with good catch rates for prepared anglers.

Regulations

Current Iowa license mandatory. Iowa Department of Natural Resources maintains regulations on their website.

Fishing Tips for Ellis Harbor

Cooks Pond

Kirkwood Swan Pond

Ephemeral Pond

Frequently Asked Questions

Depth varies across Ellis Harbor. Scout shallow areas and deeper channels for best results.

Many areas of Ellis Harbor allow wade fishing. Check conditions and regulations before heading out.