The Top 30 Fishing Lakes in Iowa Ranked

If you like fishing in Iowa, you’ve got plenty of options—but some lakes are definitely better than others. I’ve spent years casting lines in different parts of the state, and while I’ve had my fair share of good days and bad ones, I wanted to know what other local anglers thought, too. So I asked around. I talked to folks in bait shops, sent messages to friends who fish, and ran a poll on social media. The response was solid. People were happy to share their go-to spots and which lakes they thought were overrated.

This list of the Top 30 Fishing Lakes in Iowa is based on a mix of my own experience and input from everyday Iowans who love to fish. Some lakes showed up over and over again in the comments. Others were new to me but clearly favorites for a lot of locals. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to spend an afternoon or a lake known for pulling in big ones, there’s probably something here for you. This isn’t a ranked list, just a solid guide to help you figure out where to go next time you pack up your gear and hit the road.

30. Three Mile Lake

Three Mile Lake spans 880 acres in Union County with depths to 47 feet. Inboards and personal watercraft are prohibited. Lake levels were lowered in 2024 and can remain several feet below normal; use caution and check current DNR updates for ramps and hazards. Shore anglers and boaters have plenty of access, including a hard-surface ramp, fishing jetty, accessible pier, rentals, and good bank fishing. Families will find picnic areas, a beach, trails, playgrounds, camping, restrooms, and a fish cleaning station. Target largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel and flathead catfish, yellow bass, wipers, carp, and green sunfish.

29. Grays Lake

Grays Lake in Des Moines covers 96 acres with a max depth of 16.4 feet. Electric motors only keep the water calm, which helps bank fishing and small craft. Shore access is excellent with an accessible pier, paved trails, and a hard surface ramp. Expect bluegill, white and black crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow bass, hybrid striped bass, carp, drum, and river carpsucker. Try slip bobbers with worms for bluegill, minnows near structure for crappie, and soft plastics along weed lines for bass. Catfish bite on cut bait in the evenings. Rentals, restrooms, beach, and concessions make trips easy.

28. Twelve Mile Creek Lake

Twelve Mile Creek Lake is a 635-acre, no wake fishery in Union County with depths to about 42 feet. Anglers have easy access with a hard surface ramp, boat rentals, a fishing jetty, accessible shoreline, and restrooms. Target bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, yellow perch, and bullheads. Try jigs tipped with live bait along rocky shorelines or shallow coves for bluegill. Work minnows under a slip bobber near structure for crappie. Cast plastics to coves and points for bass, and troll windblown points for walleye. It fishes well for both bank and boat anglers.

27. Green Belt Lake

Green Belt Lake is a 19-acre, no motor water in Black Hawk County with a depth of 18.6 feet. It’s built for shore anglers with accessible banks, a fishing pier, and trails that make switching easy. Spring 2024 sampling showed abundant 4 to 7 inch bluegill and excellent bass recruitment, with largemouth up to 18 inches. Crappie run lighter in numbers, but the ones you find are quality size. Forty-two pallet bed structures added in 2022 created habitat; target them with slip bobbers, jigs, or plastics. Expect bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow perch, and both black and white crappie.

26. Minnewashta Lake

Minnewashta Lake covers 118 acres in Dickinson County and is part of the Iowa Great Lakes. With a max depth of 15 feet and no motor restriction, it’s easy to run boats and kayaks. A hard surface ramp, accessible shoreline, restrooms, trails, and camping make trips simple. Anglers can target bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, yellow bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and channel catfish. Work weed edges with plastics for bass, jig minnows near structure for crappie and perch, and try slip bobbers or cut bait for catfish. Walleye and pike often show early and late around points and inflows.

25. Liberty Centre Pond

Liberty Centre Pond is a small, 4-acre community spot in Johnson County that’s easy to fish. An accessible pier, fishing jetty, accessible shoreline, and walking paths give plenty of room for bank anglers. Expect bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout. Keep it simple: slip bobber and worm for bluegill, dough or cut bait on bottom for catfish, and small jigs or soft plastics along the edges for bass. For trout, try inline spinners or PowerBait where allowed. The pond allows motors, but small craft keep things calm. It’s a quick, family-friendly option for after-work casts and weekend outings.

24. Big Woods Lake

Big Woods Lake is a 55-acre, no-wake lake in Black Hawk County with easy access in the Cedar Falls and Waterloo area. Shore anglers do well thanks to good bank access, a fishing jetty, and a hard-surface boat ramp. Expect bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow bass, and carp. Try a slip bobber with a nightcrawler for bluegill, or a live minnow near structure for crappie. Trails, picnic space, restrooms, and nearby camping make it a simple day trip. It’s also a handy backup when rivers run high, with cleaner water after levels drop and clear.

23. Blue Heron Lake

Blue Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park spans 232 acres with a maximum depth of 29.3 feet. It’s a no-wake lake with no motor size limit and lots of shore access. Anglers work the accessible pier and ramp for bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, carp, drum, and river carpsucker. Recent surveys show good bass numbers from 9 to 20 inches. Channel cats are abundant, commonly 12 to 16.5 inches with fish into the low twenties and bigger possible. Expect mostly white crappies around 8.5 to 10 inches. Trails, beach, playgrounds, and restrooms round out the visit.

22. Lake Ahquabi

Lake Ahquabi State Park sits in south-central Iowa and takes its name from a Sauk and Fox word meaning “resting place.” Dedicated in 1936, the park still features CCC stonework in the lodge and picnic shelters. A sandy beach faces calm, no-wake water that is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Rent boats and pick up bait, firewood, snacks at the beach concession. Six miles of trails loop the lake and wind through the woods for hiking and biking, with skiing and snowmobiling in winter. Anglers target largemouth bass, channel catfish, and panfish from shore, a pier, or a fishing jetty.

21. Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake in Linn County is an 84 acre, no restriction water that fishes well from shore. The accessible banks make it a true community spot for quick sessions before or after work. Expect bluegill, yellow bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, carp, freshwater drum, and green sunfish. Try a slip bobber with worms for bluegill, small jigs or minnows for yellow bass, and soft plastics or spinnerbaits for largemouth along riprap and weed edges. Cut bait or stinkbait works for catfish on the bottom. Walk the shoreline and fish dawn or dusk to find active schools near easy access points.

20. George Wyth Lake

George Wyth Lake is a 75-acre no-wake lake in Black Hawk County within George Wyth State Park. Depths reach about 19 feet, and the shoreline offers good bank access plus a hard surface boat ramp. Anglers target bluegill, black and white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, northern pike, wiper, and yellow bass. A fishing jetty, beach, picnic areas, playground, restrooms, accessible facilities, and camping make it easy to spend the day. Paved trails connect to the park for walking and biking. Try a slip bobber with nightcrawler for bluegill or a minnow near structure for crappie when water clears.

19. Prairie Lakes

Prairie Lakes Park in Cedar Falls features two sibling waters: North Prairie Lake and South Prairie Lake. Anglers find reliable bites for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish, with good bank access and room for kayaks and small boats. A wide, easy path wraps much of the shoreline for walking, running, and biking. Families like the open lawns, picnic shelters, and nearby playgrounds close to parking. Calm mornings are perfect for paddleboards and canoes, and evening bites can be solid along points and riprap. It’s an approachable, close to town spot for quick trips or a relaxed day outside.

18. Easter Lake

Easter Lake Park centers on a 165-acre lake inside 468 acres of green space in southeast Des Moines. Anglers come for steady action on catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, and walleye. A four-mile paved loop circles the water for walking, running, and biking, with nature trails branching into quiet pockets for birding and wildlife. Families find easy picnic spots, shelters, and playgrounds near the shore. Don’t miss Polk County’s last remaining covered bridge, a photo favorite steps from the trail. Whether you’re casting from shore or making a day of it with the kids, Easter Lake delivers relaxed outdoor fun.

17. Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Lake, located in southern Iowa, is one of the state’s larger lakes and a favorite for anglers. It covers over 11,000 acres, which gives you a lot of space to spread out and fish without feeling crowded. The lake is stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Spring and fall are solid times for crappie, especially near the bridge piers and rocky shorelines. In the summer, you’ll often find catfish biting near the deeper channels and drop-offs. Rathbun also has a good number of boat ramps and fishing jetties, making it easy to get on the water or fish from the bank. The nearby Honey Creek Resort and state park make it a great spot for a weekend trip with the family. While fishing is the main draw, it’s also just a laid-back place to spend a day outside without having to go too far off the map.

16. Lake Panorama

Lake Panorama in Iowa is a big man-made lake created in 1970 by damming the Middle Raccoon River, about 35 miles west of Des Moines in Guthrie County. It covers around 1,400 acres with over 30 miles of shoreline, making it the state’s largest private lake development. The community around it is private, home to over 1,100 residences for Lake Panorama Association members. Fishing is a highlight here—the lake’s stocked with species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, walleye, perch, catfish, and channel catfish. They added about $21,000 worth of fish in 2024, including smallmouth bass. Access is mainly for members and guests, with no public boat ramp, but the water itself is public. Shore fishing works well with setups like slip sinkers and long leaders. Members also get beaches, sports courts, and two golf courses, some open to everyone.

15. Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake in northwest Iowa is a popular spot for fishing, especially if you’re after bluegill, walleye, or channel catfish. It covers about 957 acres and sits right next to the town of Lake View, which makes it easy to get to. The lake has a mix of shallow and deeper water, which helps support a variety of fish all year round. There’s a good number of fishing jetties, a handicap-accessible pier, and boat ramps, so it’s set up well for anglers of all kinds. The shoreline is mostly open, with a few docks and weed beds where fish like to hang out. Locals know it’s one of the better spots in the area during spring and early summer, especially for panfish. If you like to fish from a boat or prefer casting from shore, Black Hawk Lake has enough space and structure to keep you busy.

14. Prairie Rose Lake

Prairie Rose Lake sits in Shelby County and offers solid fishing opportunities without the crowds. It’s a 218-acre lake that’s been restocked and improved in recent years, so the fish population is healthy. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. The shoreline has several easy access points, and there’s a fishing jetty for those who don’t have a boat. Kayaks and small boats do well here since the lake has a no-wake rule. Water clarity tends to be good, especially in spring and early summer. Prairie Rose State Park surrounds the lake, which adds clean facilities, camping options, and shaded picnic spots. It’s a good choice for a quiet day on the water with decent chances of going home with a few fish. If you’re looking for an Iowa lake that’s been managed well and isn’t too built up, this one’s worth checking out.

13. Coralville Lake

Coralville Lake sits just outside Iowa City and gives anglers plenty of space to spread out. It’s a flood control reservoir, so water levels can shift, but that also helps stir up fish activity. You’ll find crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, and walleye, depending on the season. The lake’s long shoreline and arms make it easy to find quiet spots away from the main boat traffic. There are boat ramps, campgrounds, and nearby parks that make it an easy place to spend a day or weekend. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable, especially if you’re after numbers over size.

12. Storm Lake

Storm Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Iowa and sits right on the edge of its namesake town. It’s known for being a solid spot if you’re looking to catch walleye, catfish, crappie, or even bullhead. Fishing is steady year-round, with people ice fishing in the winter and casting from boats or the shoreline in warmer months. The lake covers around 3,200 acres, so there’s plenty of space to spread out whether you’re fishing solo or bringing friends. Storm Lake also has a few public docks, a marina, and fish-cleaning stations, which makes things easier if you’re planning a longer stay. Water clarity can shift depending on the season, but that doesn’t seem to bother the fish too much. If you’re planning a weekend trip or a quick stop, it’s worth bringing your gear and seeing what bites. You’ve got a real shot at pulling in something decent here.

Viking Lake

Viking Lake in southwest Iowa is a solid pick if you’re looking to fish and unwind in a quiet setting. The lake covers about 136 acres and is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. There’s plenty of shoreline access, and the fishing jetties make it easy to cast without a boat. The water’s usually clear, and the fish population stays healthy thanks to regular management. If you’re there in the summer, early mornings or late evenings are best—especially for bass. Viking Lake State Park surrounds the area, so you’ll find trails, campgrounds, and spots for picnics if you’re bringing the family. It’s a place where you can fish at your own pace without a lot of noise or traffic. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of fishing behind you, Viking Lake is worth a visit when you’re planning a trip through Iowa.

11. Pleasant Creek Lake

Pleasant Creek Lake is a solid spot for fishing in eastern Iowa. It covers about 410 acres and has clear, deep water, which helps support a good mix of fish like walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. The lake is stocked and managed regularly, so the fishing stays pretty consistent. There’s a no-wake rule for boats, which helps keep things calm for anglers. Shoreline access is decent, and there are a few jetties and docks that make it easier to fish without a boat. It’s a laid-back place where you can focus on fishing without a lot of noise.

10. Rock Creek Lake

Rock Creek Lake, located near Grinnell in central Iowa, is a solid spot for folks who want a laid-back fishing trip. The lake covers around 600 acres and has plenty of shoreline to spread out. It’s stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill, so you’ve got options no matter what you’re after. There’s a boat ramp, a fishing jetty, and spots along the shore that are easy to reach. Water clarity changes with the weather, so plan your day based on recent conditions. It’s also part of a state park, which makes parking and access simple and stress-free.

9. Lake Red Rock

Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake, sitting just outside of Pella. It covers more than 15,000 acres, giving anglers plenty of room to spread out. Crappie, white bass, walleye, and catfish are the main catches here. Spring and fall are especially good times to fish, but you can usually find action year-round if you’re patient. There are several boat ramps and shoreline spots, so it works whether you fish from a boat or the bank. The lake was originally built for flood control, but now it’s also known for fishing and weekend trips. Water levels can change depending on rainfall, so keep an eye on that if you’re heading out. The area also has nearby campgrounds and trails if you want to turn your fishing trip into a weekend hangout. It’s a solid pick for anyone who wants space, a variety of fish, and a mix of open water and quiet coves.

8. Spirit Lake

Big Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and one of the oldest fishing spots in the state. It’s located up north near the Minnesota border and is known for its deep, clear water and strong populations of walleye, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. The lake covers about 5,684 acres, giving anglers plenty of room to spread out. Shore fishing is solid here, but boat access makes it even better, especially during peak seasons. Spring and fall are big for walleye, while summer brings good perch action. Ice fishing in winter draws a crowd, too. There are boat ramps, cleaning stations, and nearby bait shops to keep things easy. Whether you’re new to fishing or you’ve been at it for years, Big Spirit has something to offer. It’s a solid pick if you’re looking for size, variety, and consistent bites throughout the year.

7. Clear Lake

Clear Lake is one of the most well-known fishing spots in northern Iowa. It covers about 3,684 acres and sits right next to the town of the same name. Anglers come here for the walleye, yellow bass, channel catfish, and muskie. The lake is shallow overall, with a mix of rocky reefs, vegetation, and dredged channels that help keep the fish active throughout the year. There are several boat ramps, plus a marina, which makes it easy to get out on the water. You’ll also find plenty of shoreline access for bank fishing. Ice fishing is popular in the winter, especially for yellow bass. There’s a local stocking program that helps keep the walleye population in good shape. Clear Lake is busy in the summer but still delivers consistent fishing. If you’re planning a trip, it’s a good idea to check local reports for seasonal tips and hot spots.

6. Saylorville Lake

Saylorville Lake is a popular fishing spot just north of Des Moines. It stretches over 5,950 acres, giving anglers plenty of space to spread out. This man-made reservoir was built for flood control, but it’s also packed with fish. You’ll find walleye, crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, and white bass here. Spring and early summer are great times to fish from shore or by boat, especially near the dam or rocky points. The lake can get windy, so check the weather before heading out. There are also fishing jetties and boat ramps around the lake, making access easy. The nearby marina and parks offer restrooms, picnic areas, and places to clean your catch. If you’re looking for a solid day of fishing without driving too far, Saylorville is a strong option. It’s big enough to feel like a real getaway but close enough to make a quick trip work.

5. Big Creek Lake

Big Creek Lake sits just north of Polk City and is one of the more popular fishing spots near central Iowa. It covers about 866 acres and has plenty of shoreline to spread out along. Anglers come here for a mix of species, especially walleye, bluegill, and crappie. The lake is also stocked with muskies, which adds some excitement for those looking for a challenge. Fishing is good from the bank or by boat, and there’s a modern marina if you need to rent one. The water stays fairly clear most of the year, and there’s a decent amount of submerged structure where fish like to hang out. Big Creek is also family-friendly, with nearby trails, picnic spots, and a beach. It’s easy to spend a whole day here without getting bored. Whether you’re casting early in the morning or staying until sunset, there’s usually something biting.

4. East Okoboji Lake

East Okoboji Lake is one of Iowa’s oldest natural lakes and a reliable spot for fishing, especially if you like panfish. It’s long and narrow, which makes it easy to fish from shore or a small boat. Locals often go for bluegill, yellow bass, and crappie here. The water warms up quickly in spring, so fish activity starts earlier than in deeper lakes nearby. It’s connected to other Iowa Great Lakes, so you’ll sometimes catch unexpected species too. The lake has a mix of rocky edges, docks, and shallow bays, giving anglers lots of options depending on the season.

3. Lake Macbride

Lake Macbride is a 940-acre fishery with depths to 45 feet. From the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, boats are limited to 10 hp at 5 mph, which keeps fishing friendly for small craft. Target crappie around brush and docks with minnows under slip bobbers. Work windblown points and rock for walleye with jigs or crawler harnesses. Largemouth and spotted bass hold on riprap and timber; use soft plastics or crankbaits. White bass and wipers surface-feed; watch for boils. Channel cats bite on cut bait near flats. Multiple ramps, piers, rentals, and a fish cleaning station simplify trips.

2. Lost Grove Lake

Lost Grove Lake is a man-made spot in Scott County, Iowa, just northeast of the Quad Cities, about six miles north of Davenport. You can get there easily by heading north on Highway 61 and exiting at LeClaire Road. It’s a 400-acre lake set in a 1,700-acre wildlife area, perfect for a quiet day out. Fishing is the big draw here—think largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, plus catfish, muskie, and walleye. It’s a no-wake lake, so boats go slow, up to 5 mph. They’ve got boat ramps, a jetty, an accessible pier, and even wheelchair-friendly trails. Great for paddling too, with calm waters. Recent reports say bass can be tricky, but crappie and bluegill bite well in spots.

1. West Okoboji Lake

West Okoboji Lake is one of the clearest and deepest lakes in Iowa, and it’s a popular spot for people who are serious about fishing. The water comes from underground springs, which helps keep it cool and clean—great for species like smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, and walleye. Anglers like how easy it is to find structure, whether that’s drop-offs, rocky points, or weed beds. It’s not a massive lake, but it has enough size and depth to support a healthy fish population year-round. During winter, ice fishing draws a steady crowd, especially around Millers Bay and Emerson Bay. There are several public access points, and if you’ve got a boat, it’s simple to cover a lot of water. Whether you’re fishing from a dock or drifting in a kayak, West Okoboji gives you a solid shot at a good day on the water without needing to overthink things.

More Info + FAQ About Fishing Lakes in Iowa

If you’re planning a fishing trip in Iowa, here’s some useful info to help you out.

Quick Facts

License Requirements: Anyone 16 or older needs a fishing license. You can get one online or at local shops around the state.

What You Can Catch: Walleye, bass (both largemouth and smallmouth), bluegill, crappie, catfish, northern pike, and muskie are all common.

Conditions: Weekly fishing reports are updated by the state and tell you where the fish are biting and what’s working.

FAQ

Do I need a license to fish in a private pond?
Yes, if you’re 16 or older, unless you’re the landowner or tenant.

Are there special rules for certain lakes?
Yes. Some lakes have limits on fish size or number. For example, some have slot limits where certain sizes of fish must be released. It’s always smart to double-check local rules.

Can I fish all year in Iowa?
Yes, including ice fishing in winter. Just make sure conditions are safe before heading out.

Where can I find info about different lakes?
There are guides available with maps, fish species, and facility info for most major lakes.

Let me know if you want this shortened, styled for social media, or tailored for a certain region in Iowa.