Rivertiger's Fishing in Iowa

 I am a pretty avid fisher-woman.  At least I like to think so. I have a lot of people that ask me, "What is the best fishing spot in Iowa"?  I have a few favorites.  I decided to make a top-ten list of these places, include information about them, talk about what kind of fish you can catch at those locations, and a little more...maybe even a big fish story or two. 

1. Lake Ahquabi

This lake is roughly 108 acres in a wooded area.  It has great shore fishing locations around the lake for those who don't have a boat.  You can boat at the lake with any size motor, but it must be at "no-wake" speed, so you might prefer a trolling motor or less horsepower engine.  It is located 5 miles southwest of Indianola, Iowa (south of the State Capital, Des Moines).  The types of fish that the lake are stocked with are: bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, redear sunfish, and large-mouth bass.  There are hard surface boat ramps, fishing jetties, handicapped accessible pier, boat rental, and picnic areas.  There is also camping available at the lake, with trails, playgrounds, and concession stands close by.  For a contour map click this link: http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/fishing/lakes/maps/ahq91.gif   If you need directions to the location starting in Des Moines to Lake Ahquabi State Park and lake follow these directions:  Total Travel Estimates: Time: 39 minutes    Distance: 24.68 miles  E. 14TH ST/US-69 S. Continue to follow US-69 S.  22.7 mi then turn right onto CR-G58. This will get you into the park. If you need a map click here: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Des+Moines&1s=IA&2qn=Lake+Ahquabi&2c=Indianola&2s=IA&2y=US&2l=41.289716&2g=-93.592994&2id=14156187  One of the fish often caught at the lake is a white crappie. Here's what they look like. http://www.iowadnr.gov/fish/iafish/whc-card.html

Next time I will cover my number two favorite spot!!! Stay tuned!

 It's time for me to cover my number two favorite spot for fishing in Iowa.  This particular spot is very popular with anglers, boaters, waterskiing enthusiasts and more.

#2. Red Rock Lake

Red Rock Lake is located in Marion County, Iowa, and north of the city of Knoxville (famous for being the Sprint Car Capital of the World).  Red Rock is a large flood control basin.  The Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers flow through these waters, as well as smaller tributaries.  Interesting to note is that there once was a town of Red Rock which is now about 50 feet under water.  Water-covered trees along the banks can cause a snag or two, but are excellent locations to troll over if you want to catch a bass or crappie.  Shore fishing is usually fair - there aren't too many locations that are cleared of trees or rock cliffs to actually get down to the water.  The best way to fish this lake is in a boat with a trolling motor as well as either an outboard or inboard engine.  The waves can get a little choppy on windy days as this lake covers 19,000 acres.  This is an Army Corps of Engineers project lake complete with a large dam.  During the floods of 1993 in Iowa, the area below the dam (where many picnic and camping sites are located) was totally devastated as the Corps had to release more and more water through the locks for flood control.  It has been vastly improved since that time!  The area below the dam is a great place to fish straight out of the release area and river that flows from the lake.  Catfish, carp and other fish get pulled through the locks with the water and are feisty fighters as they travel downstream.  Above the dam locations for good fishing vary, but there are many coves.  Fish commonly caught at Red Rock Lake include: channel cat fish, crappie, large-mouth bass, white bass, walleye.  Some of these fish get very large due to the depth of the lake.  There is no motor restrictions at this lake.  Camping, showers, fish cleaning stations, recreational trails, boat ramps, and a marina are some of the ammenities. This is a great place to go camping, either in a tent or in an RV or motor home!