FreeFishFishing in Iowa: lake depth maps and where to start
Natural lakes in the north, reservoirs and rivers across the state. How to use Iowa's lake depth maps, notable waters, and where to find the official rules.
Iowa may not be the first state that comes to mind for lakes, but it has excellent fishing in its northern glacial lakes, big reservoirs, farm ponds and rivers. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources maintains depth maps for many public lakes, and FreeFish shows them on the map.
What you can fish for
Walleye, yellow perch, bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass are popular across the state. Northern lakes also hold muskellunge and northern pike, and Clear Lake is known for yellow bass. Rivers offer channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye, and northeast Iowa has cold-water trout streams.
Waters to know
- The Iowa Great Lakes: a group of natural lakes in northwest Iowa, including West Okoboji, a deep, clear lake, and Spirit Lake. Walleye, perch, bass and muskie are all popular.
- Clear Lake: a large, shallow natural lake in north-central Iowa with walleye and yellow bass.
- Saylorville and Red Rock reservoirs: large reservoirs on the Des Moines River with crappie, white bass, walleye and catfish.
- Northeast Iowa trout streams: spring-fed streams stocked with trout.
Using Iowa depth maps
On the glacial lakes, look for rock reefs, points and weed edges. West Okoboji's deep, clear water means fish may hold deeper than you expect in summer. On shallow lakes like Clear Lake, small changes in depth, rock piles and the edges of soft bottom can hold fish. Reservoir maps show river channels, points and flats; fish relate to channel edges much of the year. Read our depth map guide for the basics.
Through the seasons
Spring brings walleye spawning runs and good crappie fishing in shallow water. Summer is a good time to fish the Iowa Great Lakes for walleye and perch at dawn and dusk, and rivers for catfish. Fall is excellent for walleye and muskie on natural lakes. Winter ice fishing is popular on northern lakes for bluegill, crappie, perch and walleye when ice is safe.
Before you go
Iowa regulations include statewide limits plus special rules for certain lakes, including some walleye length limits. Check the official regulations linked below. Help prevent the spread of invasive species by draining all water and removing plants from your boat and trailer before you leave.
Official rules
Seasons, limits and license requirements change. The official source is the state agency: Iowa fishing regulations and licenses.