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Flats N Cats Guide Service

Flats N Cats Guide Service

Flats N Cats Guide Service is a fishing charter and guide service based in Des Moines, IA.

Fishing GuideInshore Fishing

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Trip details

Fishing Types
Inshore Fishing
Trip Durations
half-day, full-day

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Angler reviews

What anglers are saying

4.2· 10 reviews on Google
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  • D
    Donnie Morlan· 7 years ago

    I have fished with Johnny several times. I have always caught fish, always had a good time, and always learned something new. He uses top quality equipment and has a very nice boat with a cover if needed. I would recommend Flats and Cats Guide Service to anyone looking to catch fish.

  • C
    Chet Goemaat· 7 years ago

    I have fished with Johnny several times now and have never been disappointed! He has found ways to make catfishing so much fun and although he tells me he guarantees we will catch fish he has never had the opportunity to prove this, as we always catch fish!!!!!! He is very professional and knowledgeable in his trade. Has a great boat and top of the line equipment. I have never beat him to the boat ramp and I show up early.

  • M
    Matt Zimmerman· 8 years ago

    My family and I have booked multiple trips with Flats N Cats over the last several years, and we have yet to be disappointed! Johnny does a great job putting you on fish and making sure that fun is had by all. Fishing is about making memories, and I can say that we have made some great ones with Flats N Cats Guide Service. FISH ON!!!

  • C
    Charles Kline· 7 years ago

    Flats n cats guide service and Johnny colman, is hands down the best catfishing guide service in iowa. The vast knowledge that Johnny has for not only the sport of catfishing and new and inventive techniques to put fish on the boat is unbelievable and the most incredible part is he will share every bit of that with you! His passion and drive to promote and help catfishing as both a sport but also as a sustainable resource for generations to come can be seen while while talking with him! Go check flats n cats out I promise you if you want to (cat)hFish .This is the only guide you need for catfishing!

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Typical flow by month

1997 to 2026

The water at Flats N Cats Guide Service typically runs highest in May, at a median 7,960 cfs, and lowest in September, at 595 cfs. The highest flow on record for any single day is 46,700 cfs, in 2008.

Typical flow by month at Des Moines River at 2nd Avenue at Des Moines, IA, in cfs
MonthTypical (cfs)Usual range (cfs)Relative level
January663292 to 1,660
February890309 to 1,740
March3,4201,390 to 6,440
April5,9402,670 to 11,050
May7,9604,520 to 13,000
June7,3504,210 to 12,850
July5,7602,360 to 9,890
August1,330701 to 4,450
September595324 to 2,475
October686248 to 3,700
November1,290275 to 2,910
December1,050382 to 2,150

Typical is the median of each month’s daily median values, and the usual range runs from the median 25th to the median 75th percentile, across about 30 years of record. Statistics published by the US Geological Survey for Des Moines River at 2nd Avenue at Des Moines, IA (site 05482000). Conditions on any given day can fall well outside the usual range. Check the current reading before you go.

Current conditions

86Go/ 100 conditions scoreBest day: Wed, Sep 23 (95)

Streamflow

4,450 cfs

Above normal (81st)

Water level

16.93 ft

High today

58°F

Wind

9 kt

Gusts 24 kt

Rain chance

22%

Week ahead

Tue58°F22%
Wed65°F1%
Thu65°F19%
Fri62°F36%
Sat69°F62%
Sun71°F27%
Mon72°F27%

Forecast from Open-Meteo global models (NOAA & ECMWF). See full conditions →

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