Iowa Muskie Fishing with Iowa Muskie Guide Steve Jonesi: Mastering the Bite at Pleasant Creek and Beyond
When it comes to Midwest muskie fishing, Iowa is often overlooked—but according to veteran angler and muskie guide Steve Jonesi, that’s a mistake.
“Iowa’s got a lot more to offer muskie anglers than most people realize,” Jonesi said. “Places like Spirit Lake and Brushy Creek get some attention, but lakes like Pleasant Creek is another place to get into some serious fish.”
Tucked just northwest of Cedar Rapids, Pleasant Creek Lake is quickly earning a reputation among muskie insiders. The 425-acre reservoir is small by big-fish standards, but don’t let that fool you. “It’s a sleeper,” Jonesi said. “And the fish in there are smart, heavy, and mean.”
Why Pleasant Creek Stands Out
Pleasant Creek has been stocked with muskies for over 30 years, and Jonesi says it’s only gotten better with time—especially now that the vegetation has made a comeback.
“For a long stretch, that lake didn’t have a ton of weed growth,” he explained. “Now we’re seeing deep, healthy weed beds down to 12–14 feet. That’s muskie heaven.”
Jonesi says most muskies suspend above those weed beds in about 5 to 10 feet of water. “It’s not a shallow game. You’ve got to fish smart, vertical, and stay just above the weeds. That’s where they’re hunting.”
Best Iowa Muskie Baits: Jonesi’s Top Lure Picks
According to Jonesi, matching baits to structure and clarity is critical on Pleasant Creek—and across Iowa. And for him, it starts with the right tools.
1. The Livingston Jerk Master
“This is the bait I rely on when muskies are holding over those deep weeds,” he said. “The Jerk Master gives you a perfect hang-time with that slow rise, and it kicks with unpredictable action. If you’re not using slack line on the rise, you’re doing it wrong.”
The Jerk Master also features Livingston’s EBS (Electronic Baitfish Sounds). “It draws fish in from farther away, which is a big deal in clear water.”
2. The Kraken from Livingston Lures
Forget tubes—Jonesi said the Kraken has replaced soft plastics for him in Iowa.
“It’s got the bulk and realism to mimic forage in Pleasant Creek,” he said. “I fish it just above the weed canopy. Let it flutter down, give it slack—it’s almost like working a jig, but for muskies.”
White and perch are his top-producing colors.
3. Big Mac (Livingston Lures)
“Topwater with depth—that’s how I describe the Big Mac,” Jonesi said. “It looks like a surface bait, but the cut-out lip lets you dive it just subsurface. I had a muskie follow it three full turns at the boat before smashing it. That versatility keeps fish committed.”
4. Squeaky Pete
“In smaller lakes or in pressured situations, I like the Squeaky Pete,” he said. “It’s got a tight, subtle action that looks exactly like a wounded baitfish. When they’re moody, that bait gets bit.”
5. Rachel
“Colder water? It’s Rachel or nothing,” he said. “That thing flat-out works when the water’s in the 40s and low 50s. It’s subtle, balanced, and slow enough to keep a cold-blooded predator interested.”
Understanding Iowa Muskie Fishing: Structure
Jonesi emphasized that Iowa muskies are heavily structure-oriented, especially in places like Pleasant Creek.
“You’ve got to fish where they live. That means weed edges, isolated humps, and transitions,” he said. “I’m always scanning for a little turn in the weeds, or a pocket—something different. That’s where the eat happens.”
Boat positioning is key. “Fish off to the side of the weedline, not on top of it. Get your lure to cruise that 6- to 8-foot zone and let it work above the cover.”
Tips for Iowa Muskie Fishing Success
Jonesi offered a few non-negotiables for anglers targeting muskies in Iowa:
- Finish Every Cast with a Figure 8
“Pleasant Creek fish love to follow. You’ll see them late. If you’re not doing a figure 8, you’re leaving fish behind.” - Fish Off-Peak Hours
“When the lake gets hit hard, especially weekends, get there early or stay out late to beat the pressure. - Release Them Right
“Iowa’s muskie program works because anglers take care of the fish. Have the right net, cutters, and release tools. Handle them quick, get them back. We need those 45s and 50s to keep swimming.”
Iowa Muskie Fishing Beyond Pleasant Creek
While Pleasant Creek is a highlight, Jonesi doesn’t stop there.
“I fish them all —you name it. Iowa’s muskie lakes are diverse, and they all fish a little differently. Some are trolling bites, others are structure grinds. But they all have potential.”
He says anglers should be paying more attention to Iowa’s role in the muskie conversation.
“There are 50-inch fish in this state. You just have to fish smart, commit the time, and use the right gear. Iowa muskie fishing isn’t a fluke—it’s a real deal fishery.”
Looking for an Iowa Muskie Guide connect with Steve Jonesi at his website HERE.
Livingston Lures