Public land & waterNo lottery
IA · Black Hawk County · Northwest edge of Cedar Falls · Fishing
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 · Boone County · north of Pilot Mound · Hunting
Fox and gray squirrels and cottontail rabbits
Boone County explicitly identifies this Des Moines River floodplain wildlife area as public hunting land for squirrels and rabbits.
160 agency-reported acres
Season: 2026–27: cottontail September 5–February 28, sunrise to sunset, daily ten and possession twenty. Fox and gray squirrel September 5–January 31, daily six and possession twelve. Jackrabbit hunting is closed.
Open access · Check seasons and closures
Licenses, access and what to check
Carry the applicable Iowa hunting license and Wildlife Habitat Fee unless exempt. Meet hunter education, apprentice and youth-supervision requirements; purchase ordinary small-game licensing directly.
Parking is limited to the road. No camping, fires or off-road vehicles. Follow posted hunting boundaries; labeled stands must be removed within one week of deer season closing.
Why this is included: The county affirmatively allows rabbit and squirrel hunting on this public property. Current Iowa DNR rules require ordinary hunting licensing and habitat fees for these species, sold directly; no area draw is specified for this small-game access.
Source checked 2026-10-07. Agency entry or reservation; no Back40 booking fee.
