Saylorville Lake is Des Moines’ backyard lake – a 5,400-acre reservoir on the Des Moines River just northwest of the capital, built for flood control and now central Iowa’s busiest spot for boating, fishing and birdwatching. With marinas, beaches, miles of trail and huge flocks of pelicans and eagles passing through, it packs a lot of recreation within minutes of the city.
This guide covers Saylorville Lake: the fishing, the wildlife and trails, the recreation, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Saylorville Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~5,400 acres on the Des Moines River
- Location: Polk County, central Iowa (just northwest of Des Moines)
- Built: Saylorville Dam, completed 1977 (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
- Top fish: walleye, white bass, crappie, channel & flathead catfish, wiper
Fishing Saylorville Lake
Saylorville is a productive central-Iowa fishery: walleye and white bass are the headliners, with strong crappie, plenty of channel and flathead catfish, and hard-fighting wiper (hybrid striped bass). An Iowa fishing license is required. The tailwater below the dam and the river above the lake are productive, and the lake’s points and flats hold fish through the season. As a flood-control reservoir, the level fluctuates.
Wildlife, trails and Jester Park
Saylorville is a fantastic wildlife lake. Migrating American white pelicans stage here in spring and fall, and bald eagles winter below the dam – the Saylorville visitor center and overlooks are great viewing spots. The paved Neal Smith Trail runs along the lake all the way into Des Moines, and nearby Jester Park features an elk-and-bison enclosure, a nature center and trails. It’s a rich outdoor hub right by the city.
Recreation and access
The Corps and county parks ring the lake with campgrounds, beaches, marinas and boat ramps, supporting boating, sailing, water sports, swimming and fishing. Its closeness to Des Moines makes it the metro’s go-to lake – busy on summer weekends, with everything from sailboats to paddleboards on the water.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Saylorville Lake is just northwest of Des Moines near Polk City and Johnston, off I-35/80 and IA-415. Big Creek Lake sits just above it, and the Des Moines metro’s attractions are minutes away.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Fluctuating level: a flood-control reservoir – the level changes; check before launching.
- Wildlife timing: pelicans in spring/fall, eagles below the dam in winter.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Saylorville Lake?
Walleye, white bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, and wiper (hybrid striped bass).
What is there to do at Saylorville Lake?
Boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, the Neal Smith Trail to Des Moines, wildlife watching (pelicans and eagles), and nearby Jester Park.
Where is Saylorville Lake?
In Polk County, central Iowa, just northwest of Des Moines near Polk City and Johnston.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
