Big Lake is a city fishing lake in the heart of Council Bluffs, in Pottawattamie County, western Iowa — a shallow Missouri River oxbow set inside Big Lake Park and managed as a community fishing lake by the Iowa DNR. Easy to reach and easy to fish, it’s a popular local spot for bank anglers, families and anyone after a quick outing close to town. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Big Lake at a glance
- Location: Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County (Big Lake Park), western Iowa
- Type: Missouri River oxbow / urban community fishing lake, managed by the Iowa DNR
- Top fish: largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, plus stocked rainbow trout
- Access: shoreline fishing and park facilities; the adjoining Gilbert’s Pond adds more water
- License: an Iowa fishing license is required; a trout fee applies in the stocking season
An oxbow lake in the city
Big Lake began as a bend of the Missouri River that was cut off as the river shifted course, leaving a shallow oxbow now wrapped by Big Lake Park on the north side of Council Bluffs. As a designated community fishing lake, it gets regular attention from Iowa DNR fisheries staff and is one of the most accessible places to wet a line anywhere in the metro area.
Fishing Big Lake
The lake holds a dependable mix of warm-water fish — largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill — with recent DNR surveys turning up quality bass and healthy panfish. In the cooler months the DNR stocks rainbow trout in fall and winter, giving anglers a rare chance at trout right in town. A valid Iowa fishing license is required, and a trout fee applies if you fish for or keep trout.
Boating, swimming and the park
Big Lake is first and foremost a bank-fishing and park lake; it’s shallow and best suited to shore angling, electric-motor boats, canoes and kayaks rather than big powerboats. Big Lake Park offers the usual city-park amenities — walking paths, picnic areas and open green space — making it an easy family destination. There’s no developed swim beach; come to fish, paddle and relax.
Know before you go
- License: Iowa fishing license required; trout fee during the stocking season.
- Best for: shore fishing, kids, quick urban outings and stocked winter trout.
- Nearby: Gilbert’s Pond adjoins Big Lake, adding more shoreline to fish.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Big Lake in Council Bluffs?
Largemouth bass, channel catfish and bluegill year-round, plus rainbow trout stocked by the Iowa DNR in fall and winter.
Do you need a license to fish Big Lake?
Yes — a valid Iowa fishing license is required, and a trout fee applies if you fish for trout during the stocking season.
Where is Big Lake?
In Big Lake Park on the north side of Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, western Iowa.
Related: explore more small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.
