Black Hawk Lake holds a special distinction: it’s the southernmost natural glacial lake in Iowa – and in this part of North America – a 900-acre lake at the town of Lake View in west-central Iowa. Named for the Sauk leader Black Hawk, ringed by a state park and a friendly lake town, and restored to health by major conservation work, it’s a classic Iowa natural lake for fishing, boating and beaches.
This guide covers Black Hawk Lake: the fishing, the state park and town, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Black Hawk Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~900 acres – the southernmost natural glacial lake in Iowa
- Location: Sac County, west-central Iowa (at Lake View)
- Top fish: walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, yellow bass
The southernmost glacial lake
Black Hawk Lake marks the southern edge of the natural glacial lakes left behind by the ice sheets – making it a geological landmark as well as a recreation lake. Named for the Sauk leader Black Hawk, it has been the focus of sustained restoration work to manage sediment and improve water quality, keeping this historic prairie lake healthy and fishable for generations.
Fishing Black Hawk Lake
The lake is a productive warmwater fishery: walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and channel catfish, with yellow bass also present. An Iowa fishing license is required. The shallow, fertile water grows fish well, and the lake fishes nicely from boats, the shore and the fishing jetties – with a popular winter ice fishery for panfish.
State park, beach and Lake View
Black Hawk State Park and the surrounding wildlife area wrap the lake with a campground, a swimming beach (Denison Beach), boat ramps and trails, while the welcoming town of Lake View offers a boardwalk, dining and lakeside charm. Boating, paddling, swimming and birding round out the recreation, and the lake’s beaches and pavilions are summer gathering spots.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Black Hawk Lake is at Lake View in Sac County, west-central Iowa, off US-71, about 1.5 hours northwest of Des Moines. It’s an easy stop in the rolling farm country of west-central Iowa.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- A natural landmark: the southernmost natural glacial lake in Iowa.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for walleye and panfish; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Black Hawk Lake?
It’s the southernmost natural glacial lake in Iowa – a geological landmark – named for the Sauk leader Black Hawk.
What fish are in Black Hawk Lake?
Walleye, bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and yellow bass.
Where is Black Hawk Lake?
At Lake View in Sac County, west-central Iowa, off US-71, about 1.5 hours northwest of Des Moines.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
