Public hunting & fishing · No lotteries

Your next hunt. Your next fishing spot.

Find named public hunting areas, lakes, ponds and fishing access with ordinary-license or directly purchased entry. Explore official maps, permits and local restrictions before you go.

417 hunting areas901 fishing opportunities50 states represented
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30 reviewed official opportunities in this selection · Showing 1–24

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Black Hawk County · Northwest edge of Cedar Falls · Fishing

Big Woods Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Big Woods Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

55 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Adams County · 1 mile northeast of Corning · Fishing

Binder Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Binder Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

76 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Black Hawk County · 12 miles south of Waterloo · Fishing

Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake)

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Casey Lake (aka Hickory Hills Lake) using the agency's named-water access information.

37.6 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Appanoose County · South edge of Centerville in Lelah Bradley Park along 210th Avenue · Fishing

Centerville Lower Reservoir

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Centerville Lower Reservoir using the agency's named-water access information.

32 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Cass County · 1 mile south of Lewis. · Fishing

Cold Springs Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Cold Springs Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

16 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Allamakee County · 2.5 miles northeast of Waukon on HWY 9 · Fishing

County Home Park Pond

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at County Home Park Pond using the agency's named-water access information.

2 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Buchanan County · .5m S Hazleton · Fishing

Fontana Mill Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Fontana Mill Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

63 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Boone County · W edge Frazer · Fishing

Fraser

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Fraser using the agency's named-water access information.

55 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Black Hawk County · N edge Waterloo · Fishing

George Wyth Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at George Wyth Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

75.2 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Carroll County · ¼ mile west of Manning · Fishing

Great Western Park Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Great Western Park Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

6 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Black Hawk County · W edge Waterloo · Fishing

Green Belt Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Green Belt Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

19 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Adair County · 1 mile southwest of Greenfield · Fishing

Greenfield Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Greenfield Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

56 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Buena Vista County · 1 mile south of Sioux Rapids · Fishing

Gustafson Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Gustafson Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

10 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Benton County · 4 miles Southwest of Blairstown · Fishing

Hannen Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Hannen Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

38 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Boone County · 3 miles west of Boone · Fishing

Jay Carlson Pit (west)

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Jay Carlson Pit (west) using the agency's named-water access information.

25.6 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Cass County · 1/2 mile south of Anita · Fishing

Lake Anita

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Lake Anita using the agency's named-water access information.

159 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Adams County · 4 miles north of Corning · Fishing

Lake Icaria

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye, Yellow Perch

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Lake Icaria using the agency's named-water access information.

648 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Audubon County · 4 miles east of Exira · Fishing

Littlefield Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Littlefield Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

70 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Adair County · 1 1/2 miles southeast of Bridgewater · Fishing

Mormon Trail Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Mormon Trail Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

33 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Appanoose County · North edge of Mystic on the west side of T14 · Fishing

Mystic Reservoir

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Mystic Reservoir using the agency's named-water access information.

7 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Black Hawk County · SW edge of Cedar Falls · Fishing

North Prairie Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at North Prairie Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

10 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Adair County · 1 mile southwest of Orient · Fishing

Orient Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Walleye

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Orient Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

16 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Bremer County · · Fishing

Plainfield Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Plainfield Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

25 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

Public land & waterNo lottery

IA · Benton County · 3.5 miles Northwest of Vinton · Fishing

Rodgers Park Lake

Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie

Plan ordinary recreational fishing at Rodgers Park Lake using the agency's named-water access information.

22 agency-reported acres

Open access · Check seasons and closures

Licenses, access and what to check

Carry an Iowa fishing license unless exempt; buy ordinary recreational fishing licenses directly. Follow the waterbody-specific rules in the agency record.

Check the official page for current hours, closures, fish size and bag limits, boating restrictions and access conditions. Public fishing does not reserve a shoreline or guarantee a catch. Motor rules differ by lake.

Why this is included: The agency identifies this named water for ordinary public recreational fishing. The cited rules use a directly purchased fishing license or lake permit, rather than a draw, for the listed fish. This classification excludes special events and camping reservations.

Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.

What “no lottery” means. It applies to the species and access described, not every hunt on that property. Seasons, licenses, check-in, closures and capacity still apply. Public access does not reserve an exclusive spot. Check the agency’s current rules before travel. Back40 does not sell public-land access.
How we build this database

We match named agency areas and maps with ordinary-license species rules and area-specific exceptions. Each record has a source-check date. Records requiring an access or species drawing, unresolved access, and reviews older than 90 days stay out of search. This is a trip-planning database, not a live availability feed.

Broad program directories are separate research tools and are not counted as hunting areas: Minnesota grouse trail finder · Wisconsin public-access parcels.

Download reviewed records (CSV) · View structured data (JSON)

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