Fishing Fun: 7 Iowa State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Iowa's diverse landscapes and abundant waterways make it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. From serene lakes to flowing rivers, the state's parks offer a variety of fishing experiences suitable for all skill levels. Here's a guide to some of the best state parks in the Hawkeye State for fishing.

1. Lake Macbride State Park

Located in Solon in Johnson County, Lake Macbride State Park boasts a 900-acre lake teeming with species like crappie, bluegill, walleye, channel catfish and the elusive muskellunge. Anglers can take advantage of accessible fishing docks, twelve jetties and a 24-hour fishing area. The park also offers seven boat ramps and a boat rental facility, making it convenient for both shore and boat fishing.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Muskellunge, channel catfish, walleye, crappie, bluegill
• Fishing Type: Boat, pier, shore

2. Geode State Park 

Centered around the 187-acre Lake Geode, this park in Danville is renowned for its clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can expect to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, bullhead and red-eared sunfish. The park's trails provide easy access to various fishing spots along the shoreline.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bluegill, largemouth bass, bullhead, red-eared sunfish, crappie
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

3. Lake Wapello State Park

Lake Wapello, in Drakesville, is considered one of Iowa's premier largemouth bass fisheries. The lake also supports abundant populations of bluegill and crappie. With seven fishing jetties, anglers without boats can enjoy ample fishing opportunities. 

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, jetty

4. Black Hawk State Park

With species such as bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass, yellow perch, channel catfish and black crappie, Black Hawk State Park offers a diverse array of fishing experiences. Popular fishing spots include the West Stone Pier, Ice House Point and the state marina. Both shore and boat anglers can find productive areas throughout the lake, which is located in Lake View.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, walleye, largemouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

5. Volga River State Recreation Area

Volga Lake and the adjacent Volga River offer excellent fishing for catfish, crappie, bluegill and smallmouth bass. The Volga River is particularly noted for its smallmouth bass fishing. With accessible fishing jetties and a walkway, the Fayette park is suitable for anglers of all abilities to discover from a private boat lift for rent.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Bluegill, catfish, crappie, smallmouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

6. Prairie Rose State Park 

Prairie Rose Lake is known for its healthy populations of bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie. The lake has two boat ramps and several jetties, facilitating both shore and boat fishing. Situated in Harlan, in Shelby County, the park's amenities make it a family-friendly fishing destination for anglers coming from private boat dock rentals or marinas.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Crappie, bass, bluegill, channel catfish
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

7. Nine Eagles State Park 

The 64-acre Nine Eagles State Park's lake, located in Davis City. offers a peaceful fishing experience. Fish species include bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. Anglers can utilize the boat ramp, jetty and multiple docks for fishing. The surrounding trails and campgrounds make it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.

• Water: Fresh
• Key Species: Channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, dock