If you’re an avid angler looking for the perfect spot to go bass fishing, then Iowa is one of the best places to begin your search. The Hawkeye State offers a bounty of options when it comes to freshwater fishing and is home to some of the finest lakes, rivers, and streams in all the Midwest.
Whether you’re a novice looking for lessons or an experienced fisherman searching for hot spots, this guide will give you insight into the top locations in Iowa to catch bass. Not only can these waters provide an incredible outdoor experience filled with beauty and challenge alike – but they also provide rewarding catches that make them well worth checking out!
Top Bass Fishing Locations in Iowa
Iowa, known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, is also home to some of the best bass fishing spots in the country. In this article, we will discuss six top locations that are perfect for bass fishing enthusiasts. Each location is unique and offers a variety of fish species for anglers to target. Let’s dive in!
1. Lake Macbride
Lake Macbride is a 940-acre lake located in Johnson County, close to Solon. Created in the 1930s as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, it has since become a popular destination for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass and other species. The lake has a maximum depth of 45 feet and features several fish habitat structures, including brush piles and stake beds, which provide excellent cover for bass.
Fish species often seen in Lake Macbride:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Walleye - Channel Catfish
2. Clear Lake
Clear Lake, situated in Cerro Gordo County, is a natural glacial lake that spans 3,684 acres. With a rich history dating back to the Ice Age, the lake boasts crystal-clear waters and an abundance of aquatic life. Anglers flock to Clear Lake for its excellent bass fishing opportunities and other game fish species. The lake has an average depth of 10 feet and reaches a maximum depth of 30 feet, offering a diverse range of habitats for fish.
Fish species often seen in Clear Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Yellow Bass - Walleye - Northern Pike - Muskellunge - Crappie - Bluegill
3. Big Creek Lake
Big Creek Lake, located in Polk County near Polk City, is a 866-acre reservoir created by damming Big Creek. This picturesque lake is a favorite among bass anglers due to its abundant cover, such as submerged trees and vegetation, which provide excellent hiding spots for bass. The lake has a maximum depth of 51 feet and features numerous underwater humps and points that attract bass and other game fish.
Fish species often seen in Big Creek Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Crappie - Black Crappie - Bluegill - Walleye - Channel Catfish
4. Brushy Creek Lake
Brushy Creek Lake, a 690-acre reservoir in Webster County, is one of Iowa’s newest fishing destinations. Constructed in the late 1990s, the lake features a diverse habitat that includes submerged timber, rock piles, and steep drop-offs, making it an ideal location for bass fishing. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 80 feet, providing ample opportunities for anglers to target deep-water bass.
Fish species often seen in Brushy Creek Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Yellow Perch - Walleye - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
5. Coralville Reservoir
Coralville Reservoir, also known as Coralville Lake, is a 5,280-acre reservoir located in Johnson County. Created in 1958 as a flood control project, the reservoir has become a popular fishing destination for anglers targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake has a maximum depth of 100 feet and features diverse habitats, including rocky shorelines, submerged timber, and aquatic vegetation.
Fish species often seen in Coralville Reservoir:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Walleye - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
6. Mississippi River Pools
The Mississippi River offers numerous pools that provide excellent bass fishing opportunities. These pools, created by a series of locks and dams, range in size and depth, providing diverse habitats for various fish species. Some popular pools for bass fishing in Iowa include Pool 9, Pool 11, and Pool 13.
Fish species often seen in Mississippi River Pools:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Spotted Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Walleye - Northern Pike - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
7. Three Mile Lake
Three Mile Lake is a 1,100-acre reservoir located in Union County near Afton. Constructed in the 1970s for flood control and recreation, this lake has become a popular destination for bass anglers due to its diverse habitat. The lake has a maximum depth of 39 feet and features submerged timber, rocky points, and aquatic vegetation, which provide excellent cover for bass and other fish species.
Fish species often seen in Three Mile Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Walleye - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
8. West Okoboji Lake
West Okoboji Lake is a 3,847-acre natural glacial lake located in Dickinson County, part of the Iowa Great Lakes region. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters, the lake is a popular spot for both recreational boating and fishing. With a maximum depth of 136 feet, the lake offers diverse habitats for various fish species, including rocky shorelines, underwater humps, and weed beds.
Fish species often seen in West Okoboji Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Bluegill - Crappie - Yellow Perch - Walleye - Northern Pike - Muskellunge
9. Rathbun Lake
Rathbun Lake, also known as Rathbun Reservoir, is a 11,000-acre reservoir located in Appanoose County. Constructed in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake serves multiple purposes, including flood control, water supply, and recreation. The lake has a maximum depth of 50 feet and features numerous coves, points, and submerged timber, providing ideal habitats for bass and other game fish.
Fish species often seen in Rathbun Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Walleye - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
10. Red Rock Reservoir
Red Rock Reservoir, also known as Lake Red Rock, is a 15,250-acre reservoir located in Marion County. Created in the 1960s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the reservoir is a popular recreational destination and a flood control measure. The lake has a maximum depth of 45 feet and offers diverse habitats for bass fishing, including rocky points, submerged timber, and aquatic vegetation.
Fish species often seen in Red Rock Reservoir:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - White Bass - Crappie - Bluegill - Walleye - Channel Catfish - Flathead Catfish
Fishing can be a great bonding activity with your friends and family or by yourself. Iowa has some of the best bass fishing locations around, so if you’re looking to enjoy a day out on the water, make sure that you check out what our fantastic state has on offer. Whether you’re an experienced bass fisherman or just starting out, Iowa provides plenty of spots to try your hand at it.
Of course, make sure to stay updated on the regulations for any water body within Iowa before heading out! Now that you know where all Iowa’s best bass fishing locations are located – time to hit those lakes, rivers and streams. If you want more advice on fishing fun around Iowa, read our other articles – we have plenty of helpful tips and tricks!