Muskie fishing in Iowa?

[psychlone99]

Anyone here a muskie fisherman? I've been wanting to try out some areas in Iowa as I've heard that there are a few lakes where the muskie fishing is surprisingly good. Honestly, I rarely fish here in Iowa as it always seems to be more of a hassle than in any neighboring state. Most of the muskie fishing I have done has been in northern Wisconsin, specifically the Chippewa Flowage near Hayward.

The DNR website has some info, but not much on specific lakes and hot spots. Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[Cyclonick182]

I was a Muskie in high school if that counts for anything.

 

[4429 mcc]

Last year I saw a couple guys trolling on Big Creek pull a huge Muskie, so I know Big Creek has a some.

Big Creek is a no wake lake but during peek summer months can get pretty crowded out there.

 

[CHim]

I think Clear Lake has established a pretty staple muskie fishery. I was lucky enough to get to ride on one of their trips when they net walleyes, and we also brought in a 30-odd inch muskie. The night before they had one that was 40-plus.

 

[Cydole]

Check into Spirit lake.

 

[BigM]

ya big spirit has a lot of good muskie fishing all of the iowa great lakes do, if im not mistaken the state record was taken up there

 

[ajk4st8]

If you like Muskie check into Brushy Creek Park. It is somewhat near Webster City.

 

[cdekovic]

Clear Lake has an annual Muskie tournament each spring in April.

 

[ajk4st8]

Anyone going to Clear Lake this weekend?

Have the walleyes been biting much yet?

We've caught plenty yellows so far this year.

 

[HOTDON]

Big Spirit Lake for the win. Grew up on that lake. On very hot days in the summer you would see some monster muskies hiding in the shadows of docks and boats every now and then. Made me a nervous swimmer when I was a kid.

You should also check out the DNR's hatchery between Spirit and East Okoboji. Alot of muskies in various stages of the life cycle on display there.

 

[temperflare]

3 Mile Lake in southwest Iowa near Creston/Afton is a GREAT place to fish. Some nice muskie have been caught there. I like walleye and have done okay there. It is very much worth looking in to.

 

[Kyle]

ya big spirit has a lot of good muskie fishing all of the iowa great lakes do, if im not mistaken the state record was taken up there

I think it might be on display at Oh Shucks Bait and Tackle. Spirit Lake and West Lake Okoboji have some big Muskie. I fished up there with the family quite a bit when I was back in high school. Never did catch a Muskie of decent size, but we never tried specifically for them either.

 

[illinoiscyclone]

well i dunno bout iowa, but if you ever try ne ill, i have a sweet spot (private lake). the state record tiger muskie was caught there, 31LB/3OZ x 40" i believe. it had a huge girth, so i think that was where a bunch of the weight was, and it obviously had some weight deducted because i think i read that it was like 46 lbs. I have seen 2 others since that time that were probably 40"+, but may not have weighed as much.

 

[intrepid27]

Pleasant Creek (NW of Cedar Rapids) has a good muskie population. A friend of mine witnessed a 38 incher pulled out two years ago. Also, a local DNR employee showed me a pic of 3 over 40 inches that they shocked up all at the same time.

 

[psychlone99]

Thanks to everyone for their help. I'm aware of some of these spots (Big Spirit, Big Creek, others), but there is one in particular that intrigues me: Three Mile Lake, which temperflare mentioned.

I had never even heard of this lake until a couple months ago, and I was hoping that someone here would confirm what I had been told: that this is apparently a very good (and somewhat unknown) Iowa muskie lake.

Any more tips on this spot would be appreciated.

 

[wineguy1]

Anyone here a muskie fisherman? I've been wanting to try out some areas in Iowa as I've heard that there are a few lakes where the muskie fishing is surprisingly good. Honestly, I rarely fish here in Iowa as it always seems to be more of a hassle than in any neighboring state. Most of the muskie fishing I have done has been in northern Wisconsin, specifically the Chippewa Flowage near Hayward.

The DNR website has some info, but not much on specific lakes and hot spots. Any tips would be appreciated!

Hey man,
I am an active "Muskie Nut" and am always looking for a reason to get out my boat (Triton 186DCF) and go Muskie fishing. About the best lake for this time of year is called Tree Mile Lake by the town of Creston in South West Iowa. It is a 1.5 hour drive from my house in West Des Moines. Otherwise, the Iowa great lakes in North West Iowa are also fun, but it is a 3.5 hour drive and if the wind is howling (which it normally does up there) this can make for long days on the water. If you are interested give me an email at [email protected] and let's set something up.
I am a member of Muskies Inc. and my chapter is based in Clear Lake, Iowa. Each Spring we have a "Spring Cleaning" Tournament on Clear Lake the last Saturday in April. We catch some fish and have a lot of fun too!
Just let me know. My boat does not go to storage until Thanksgiving!

Kyl Cabbage "Wine Guy"
515-491-6432 cell

 

[Cyclonepride]

Dude......why don't you throw your social security number in there for good measure?

(You can click on the name of the person that you want to contact and send them a private message)

Lake Anita (SW Iowa) has (or had) musky in it 20 years ago. Not sure if they are thriving in there, or if they're still stocking it or not?

 

[psychlone99]

Interested to know some specifics for those who have fished SE Iowa musky. I'm hoping to hit Pleasant Creek near Palo for the first time this fall. I've also been pointed to Big Hollow Creek south of Mediapolis and Lake Sugema near Keosaqua. Any info on these three lakes would be appreciated!

 

[BODWP]

I think it might be on display at Oh Shucks Bait and Tackle. Spirit Lake and West Lake Okoboji have some big Muskie. I fished up there with the family quite a bit when I was back in high school. Never did catch a Muskie of decent size, but we never tried specifically for them either.

The state record muskie at shucks is a tiger muskie.

 

[psychlone99]

Just got back from a week on the Chippewa Flowage. A lot of activity, but ultimately a frustrating trip. I had five follows to the boat, but not a single strike. I had a couple of aggressive 4lb walleye hit a crankbait, but no musky.

Anyone had luck anywhere in Iowa this spring?