One of Iowa’s best kept secrets is excellent fall fishing. Many Iowa anglers love to fish this time of year simply because it’s a relaxing time to enjoy being on the water, with smaller crowds and picturesque views. But just as importantly, cooler temperatures trigger fish to actively search for food, and that means a lot more action on Iowa lakes and streams. Here are five top picks for fall fishing destinations in Iowa:
NW Iowa: West Okoboji
West Okoboji Lake, a popular Dickinson County tourist destination during the summer, becomes an angler’s paradise in the fall. Catching a fish is truly a bonus while visiting this beautiful lake. It offers great opportunities for panfish, walleyes, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and muskie. Take advantage of incredible aquatic vegetation lines, many rock reefs, points, and drop offs.
Others to consider: Silver Lake in Dickinson County and Storm Lake in Buena Vista County both for fall walleye fishing. Clear Lake in Cerro Gordo County for great yellow bass fishing, plus walleye and muskie.
SW Iowa: Little River Lake near Leon
Just an hour south of Des Moines, Little River Lake is a gem for fall fishing. The lake was recently renovated and is now in its fourth year for producing healthy populations of walleye, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish. The lake has a small campground along its shore and is on the outskirts of Leon for easy accessibility to convenience stores and restaurants.
Others to consider: Twelve Mile Lake and Green Valley Lake near Creston both for crappie and bluegill.
NE Iowa: Decorah
Check out Trout Run trail near Decorah for several easy-access fishing spots. Start in Decorah at the Bow String Bridge Park along Highway 9 and cast your way all the way to the trout hatchery. Bring the kids and take a walking tour to view the thousands of trout raised here for stocking in area streams. Various trout streams, campgrounds, small shops, eateries, bike trails and the State Trout Hatchery are all located within a short distance. Added bonus: access to all the streams improves later in September and into October, as vegetation begins to die back, which makes casting for the big one much easier.
Others to consider: The DNR stocks trout in 50 trout in northeast Iowa in September and October. See the stocking calendar for locations.
SE Iowa: Lost Grove Lake
Iowa’s newest lake, Lost Grove Lake near the Quad Cities, is now at full pool and offers plenty of opportunity to catch many different species. For being a young lake, sunfish and channel catfish sizes are already good. The area also includes accessible fishing trails and structures, special canoe and kayak accesses, courtesy docks and restrooms. Fish cleaning stations will be added next spring.
Others to consider: Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County for crappie, blue gill and bass, Mississippi River (especially near Lock and Dam 17 at Muscatine for walleye, Sylvan Slough at Lock and Dam 15 near Davenport too).
Central Iowa: Banner Lake South, Summerset State Park
Trout fishing is not just for travelers to northeast Iowa; Banner Lake South in Summerset State Park north of Indianola is an established location for cold-weather trout stocking. The DNR stocks trout in about 18 urban lakes across Iowa during the fall and winter months as a way to introduce visitors to this enjoyable fish to catch. Banner Lake South is admired for its clear water and is located on Highway 65/69 between Des Moines and Indianola.
Others to consider: 17 additional locations for cold-weather lake trout stockings across Iowa; see the DNR stocking information.
For a complete listing of places to fall fish in Iowa including lake maps, directions and amenities, visit the DNR Places to Fish webpage. A 2015 fishing license is valid through Jan. 10, 2016, and is a bargain for your leisure time at $19 for resident or $41 for nonresidents. Seven-day and one-day licenses are also available. Licenses can be purchased online at www.iowadnr.gov, or at any one of the 900-plus license vendors in the state.
