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Fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region
Explore fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region of Iowa. Spirit Lake Inlet, Okoboji, Clear Lake, Storm Lake, L
The inlet streams feeding Spirit Lake offer good fishing for the region's target species.
1. Spirit Lake Inlet (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Spirit Lake Inlet, IowaThe inlet streams feeding Spirit Lake offer good fishing for the region's target species.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
2. Okoboji (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Okoboji, IowaOkoboji offers excellent fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Okoboji Yacht Club →
3. Clear Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Clear Lake, IowaClear Lake offers excellent fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
4. Storm Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Storm Lake, IowaStorm Lake offers excellent fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes with good public access and scenic surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
5. Lake K10 (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Lake K10, IowaLake K10 offers good fishing opportunities in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes of Iowa with scenic natural surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
6. Anderson Goose Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Anderson Goose Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
7. Elm Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Elm Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
8. Saylorville Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Saylorville Lake, IowaPopular fishing lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Saylorville Lake Marina →
9. Silver Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Silver Lake, IowaSilver Lake (Region 2) offers good fishing opportunities in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes of Iowa with scenic natural surroundings.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
10. Beaver Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Beaver Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
11. Black Hawk Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Black Hawk Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
12. Boone River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Boone River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
13. Buck Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Buck Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
14. Canoe Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Canoe Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
15. Cedar River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Cedar River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Mt. Auburn Boat Launch →
16. Davis Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Davis Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
17. Ioway Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Ioway Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
18. Little Cedar River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Little Cedar River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
19. Little Turkey River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Little Turkey River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Auburn Canoe Access →
20. Little Wapsipinicon River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Little Wapsipinicon River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
21. Minnesota River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Minnesota River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
22. Mississippi River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Mississippi River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- ⚠ This water: Catfish: no bag limit; bass min 14 in; paddlefish max 33 in; bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Mississippi River →
23. Raccoon River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Raccoon River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
24. Shell Rock River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Shell Rock River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
25. Trout River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Trout River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
26. Turkey River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Turkey River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Turkey River Park Canoe Access →
27. Volga River (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Volga River, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Boat Launch: Turkey River Park Canoe Access →
28. Waterloo Creek (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Waterloo Creek, IowaPopular river fishing in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
29. Butler Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Butler Lake, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
30. Lake George (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Lake George, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
31. Little Wall Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Little Wall Lake, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
32. Lake Ahquabi (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Lake Ahquabi, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
33. Arnold Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Arnold Lake, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
34. Avon Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Avon Lake, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
35. Badger Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Badger Lake, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
36. Balls Lake (historical) (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Balls Lake (historical), IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
37. Bancroft Lake (historical) (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Bancroft Lake (historical), IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
38. Bass Lake (historical) (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Bass Lake (historical), IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
39. Bear Lake (historical) (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Bear Lake (historical), IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
40. Big Creek Lake (Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Crappie)
Big Creek Lake, IowaNamed lake in the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region region of Iowa.
- ⚠ This water: Black bass min 18 in (special lake).
- Walleye, sauger, saugeye · Limit: See walleye table
- Yellow perch · Limit: 25/day (50 possession) · Missouri River: no limit
- Northern pike · Limit: Inland: 3/day (6); Mississippi/Missouri: 5/day (10); Big Sioux: 6/day (12)
- Bluegill, crappie, pumpkinseed · Limit: 25 bluegill + 25 crappie/day (public waters), no possession limit · Mississippi: bluegill/pumpkinseed 25 (50 possession); crappie 25 (50)
Fishing Tips for the Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region
- Get a licence — All anglers need a valid state fishing licence — check your state's wildlife agency site.
- Check the weather & water conditions — always check forecasts and wind before heading out, especially on big water.
- Know the regulations — size and catch limits vary by water body in Iowa; check the local regulations first.
- Best times — early morning and late evening are prime. Many Northern Iowa & Great Lakes Region waters fish best in spring and fall.
- Use the right gear — match your rod, line, and tackle to the species you're chasing and the water you're fishing.
More Regions in Iowa
- Central Iowa & Des Moines
- Northeastern Iowa & Mississippi
- Southern Iowa
- Western Iowa & Missouri River
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