The Iowa Lakes Database is an independent, reader-first guide to the lakes, reservoirs and ponds of Iowa. Our aim is simple: to be the most useful, honest and complete resource for anyone planning time on Iowa’s water — whether you are chasing walleye, bass and panfish, launching a boat, pitching a tent along the shore, or just looking for a quiet place to swim.
For every lake we cover, we bring together the details that actually matter — surface size and depth, the fish species present, boat ramps and marinas, camping and swimming, water levels, and the best times to visit — and lay them out in one clear, no-nonsense profile. Alongside the individual lakes, our guides round up the best waters by what you have planned: the largest and deepest lakes, the top fishing spots, and the closest lakes to Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and the Iowa Great Lakes.
We are an independent publication and are not affiliated with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, any state park system, or any government body. Fishing regulations, licenses, stocking schedules, water levels and public access can and do change — always confirm current rules and conditions with the official Iowa agency before you head out.
Spotted something out of date, or know a lake we have missed? We would genuinely like to hear from you — reach us any time through our contact page.