Best Spots for Fishing near Ankeny

[mdk2isu]

Hy-Vee

 

[Cyclonepride]

Good bump, as I'm looking for a good fishing lake around central Iowa with boat access.

 

[IAStubborn]

Places I remember going as a kid growing up in Ames: Little Wall Lake (gets weedy mid to late summer), Hickory Grove (east of Ames, south of Hwy 30 near Colo), Big Creek, Des Moines River at lower Ledges State Park, the pond at McFarland Park, Don Williams Lake (north of Ogden).

Check out the DNR website for tons of info, including maps to lakes, maps of lakes (shows depths and fish structure), lists of gamefish in each lake, stocking schedules, etc.: http://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing.aspx

You can fish the Skunk river for small mouthed bass. I used to catch a ton and it was fun fishing.

 

[IAStubborn]

I'd be interested if anyone has any tips as well. I've tried Ada Haden and the pits some, but have never had much luck. That's all from shore and I'm definitely no expert. I've heard Hickory Grove over SE of Nevada is decent, but I haven't made it over there this year.

I have a couple spots that were good around hickory park when I was a kid. The creeK west of the spillway I caught a lot of big catfish. It is actually good for a while down stream. On the gravel road about a mile west right before you go up a big hill there is a grazing area that my dad and I used to fish but probably hasn't been hit in years. A lot of good spots there. You will have to jump a couple fences and go by a bunch of cows but hay that's why it's good!

 

[2020cy]

I would stop in Sportsmans outfitters in ankeny. They usually have a board where fish are biting and would be likely to get some tips if you are a newbie.

 

[AgronAlum]

Good bump, as I'm looking for a good fishing lake around central Iowa with boat access.

Rathbun.

 

[iowa_wildcat]

The best place for fishing in Ames is Red Lobster.

 

[ISUcyclones11]

Went fishing at a pond in Marion Co today. Buddy caught a 10lb 23in. bass (state record is 10 lb 12 oz) and I managed to catch a 15lb 30in. catfish with a crankbait (which I hear is rather rare).

Also, any of you ever fished the Mississippi River near Prarie Du Chien? I have an opportunity to do that soon on a boat. Guys ever caught anything?

 

[clonebb]

Fished many places along the old Muddy. Mainly night fishing for catfish. Back channels are good for blue gills and perch.