Brushy Creek Lake, IA: Trophy Muskie & Walleye in a Deep Lake

Brushy Creek Lake is one of Iowa’s best and deepest fishing lakes – a 690-acre reservoir in Webster County at the heart of the huge Brushy Creek State Recreation Area. Plunging to nearly 80 feet, it’s famous for trophy muskie, big walleye and quality panfish, and it’s wrapped by 6,500 acres of prairie and timber laced with 45 miles of trails. For anglers and horseback riders alike, it’s a destination. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.

Brushy Creek Lake at a glance

• Surface area: ~690 acres, with about 21 miles of shoreline
• Depth: average ~29 ft, maximum ~77 ft – one of the deepest lakes in Iowa
• Elevation: in the Des Moines Lobe country of north-central Iowa
• Location: Webster County, southeast of Fort Dodge
• Setting: Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – one of Iowa’s largest state parks (~6,500 acres)
• Top fish: muskie (40″+), walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch

How deep is Brushy Creek Lake?

Brushy Creek is one of the deepest lakes in Iowa, averaging about 29 feet and reaching roughly 77 feet at its deepest across 690 acres. A relatively new lake (completed in the 1990s), it flooded steep, timbered valleys, giving it deep, clear, structure-rich water that grows big fish.

Fishing Brushy Creek Lake

Brushy Creek consistently produces excellent fishing across the board:

• Muskie – a marquee fishery, with many fish over 40 inches.
• Walleye – the lake grows very large walleye.
• Largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie – quality panfish and bass throughout.
• Channel catfish – with many big fish, including channels over 10 pounds.
• Yellow perch are a bonus in good years.

A Iowa fishing license is required; note muskie regulations. The lake has four boat ramps, eight fishing jetties and an accessible fishing pier, so access is excellent from boat and shore. The deep, clear water rewards anglers who fish structure and vary their depths.

Camping, trails and recreation

Brushy Creek State Recreation Area is a giant – about 6,500 acres of prairie, grassland, timber and lake, with more than 45 miles of multi-use trails (including a 12-mile gravel loop around the lake) that make it one of the top horseback-riding destinations in Iowa, with two equestrian campgrounds. There’s also a modern campground, boat ramps and shoreline access. Hiking, mountain biking, riding, hunting and fishing all thrive here.

Swimming and boating

The deep lake is good for boating and paddling, with four ramps; there’s no developed swimming beach, so swimming is limited. The size and depth suit powerboating and fishing, while the quiet arms reward kayakers and anglers.

Water level

Brushy Creek is a fairly stable reservoir, though levels can vary with rainfall and management. Check conditions before launching.

Getting there and what’s nearby

Brushy Creek Lake is southeast of Fort Dodge in Webster County, north-central Iowa, off US-20. Fort Dodge and the Des Moines River valley are nearby.

Know before you go

• Fishing license: an Iowa license is required; note muskie regulations.
• Deep & big fish: trophy muskie and walleye in 77-foot water.
• Trails & camping: 45+ miles of trails and equestrian campgrounds in a 6,500-acre park.

Frequently asked questions

How deep is Brushy Creek Lake?

It averages about 29 feet and reaches roughly 77 feet at its deepest – one of the deepest lakes in Iowa.

What fish are in Brushy Creek Lake?

Trophy muskie (40″+), large walleye, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and yellow perch.

Can you camp at Brushy Creek?

Yes – Brushy Creek State Recreation Area has a modern campground and two equestrian campgrounds, plus 45+ miles of trails.

Where is Brushy Creek Lake?

In Webster County, north-central Iowa, southeast of Fort Dodge off US-20.

Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.

Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.