Bussey Lake is a 213-acre backwater lake on the Upper Mississippi River at Guttenberg, in Clayton County, eastern Iowa – a rich, sheltered slough just above Lock and Dam No. 10 that’s both a popular sport fishery and an important fish-overwintering area. Part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, it offers classic big-river backwater fishing for bass, crappie, walleye and pike. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Bussey Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~213 acres
- Depth: a shallow river backwater, with deeper holes near the channel
- Location: Clayton County, eastern Iowa, just north of Guttenberg on the Mississippi
- Setting: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge, above Lock and Dam No. 10
- Top fish: largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, black & white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, perch
A Mississippi River backwater fishery
Bussey Lake is a classic Upper Mississippi backwater – a sheltered slough off the main channel about two miles above Lock and Dam No. 10 at Guttenberg. Its calm, fertile water is a vital overwintering area for river fish, which concentrate here in cold months, and it fishes well year-round. As part of the national wildlife refuge, it’s also a haven for waterfowl, eagles and herons.
Fishing Bussey Lake
The backwater holds a big-river mix: largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, black and white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, yellow perch, bowfin and drum. An Iowa fishing license is required (with Mississippi River regulations). Anglers fish the timber, weed edges and channel mouths for bass, crappie and pike, and the deeper holes for walleye and catfish. It’s a productive open-water and ice-fishing spot and a popular overwintering hotspot for crappie.
Boating, access and water level
Bussey Lake connects to the main Mississippi channel, so it’s accessed by boat from Guttenberg and nearby ramps; smaller craft can explore the quiet backwater. As a river backwater, levels and current follow the Mississippi and the lock-and-dam pool, so check river conditions before heading out. There’s no developed swim beach; it’s a fishing, boating and wildlife-watching water.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Bussey Lake is on the north side of Guttenberg in Clayton County, eastern Iowa, along the Great River Road. Guttenberg, the Mississippi River bluffs and the wider refuge are right there.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required; follow Mississippi River regulations.
- Backwater fishing: great for bass, crappie, walleye and pike – and a noted overwintering spot.
- Refuge: part of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge – watch for eagles and waterfowl.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Bussey Lake?
Largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, black and white crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, yellow perch, bowfin and drum.
Where is Bussey Lake?
On the Upper Mississippi River just north of Guttenberg in Clayton County, eastern Iowa, above Lock and Dam No. 10.
How do you access Bussey Lake?
By boat from Guttenberg and nearby Mississippi River ramps; it’s a backwater connected to the main channel.
Related: explore the 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.
