DNR picks top fishing spots in Iowa

The Department of Natural Resources has issued a guide to some of the best fishing spots in each county.

In Linn County, the DNR highlighted Pinicon Ridge Park near Central City, where the Wapsipinicon River provides good fishing for smallmouth, walleye and northern pike and its secluded backwaters are well suited for paddlers.

In Johnson County, the nod went to Lake Macbride, 'the best walleye lake in the area,' according to fisheries biologist Paul Sleeper. Macbride anglers also have a chance to catch trophy wipers and catch and release 30-inch-plus muskies (which must be at least 40 inches long to keep), Sleeper said.

'The hottest bass lake with big fish and big numbers' is Lake Belva Deer in Keokuk County, according to fisheries biologist Chad Dolan, who also lauds the lake for big bluegill and redear sunfish.

In Benton County, the DRN recommends Hannen Lake (southwest of Blairstown) as a fun place for kids to catch and release bass shorter than the 15-inch minimum length. 'Shoreline access is excellent and you can fish right outside your camper,' Sleeper said.

Central Park Lake in Jones County also offers fast action for children with plenty of 6- to 8-inch bluegills and bass just short of the 15-inch minimum length, the DNR said.

The DNR recommends the Wapsipinicon River for 'super' smallmouth bass fishing in the southern half of Buchanan County and for northern pike fishing in the county's northwest corner. 'Walleye numbers are down a tad, but still good,' said fisheries biologist Dan Kirby.

For family trout fishing, the DNR recommends the ponds at Big Springs Trout Hatchery or the adjacent Turkey River in Clayton County. The Turkey below Elkader provides multispecies opportunities with easy access for float trips, the DNR said.

In Delaware County, excellent trout fishing is available both for stocked brookies and rainbows on Spring Branch Creek at Baileys Ford County Park and for a nearly self-sustaining population of brown trout in upstream portions of the same creek, according to the DNR.

Trout fishing is also a main attraction in Fayette County, where the DNR recommends Glovers and Otter creeks east of West Union. The DNR also recommends Volga Lake for panfish, bass and catfish.

Allamakee County offers excellent cold-water fishing for trout and excellent warm water fishing for other species in the Mississippi River, according to the DNR. French Creek, with its wild and wary trout and plentiful public areas, will test the skills of avid anglers, while walkways in Lansing provide easy Mississippi River access, the DNR said.

An anticipated hot spot in Washington County, the DNR said, is the recently renovated Lake Darling, which is experiencing rapid growth of bass and bluegills.

The full guide is available here.

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