Hickory Grove Lake is a popular 98-acre county-park lake in central Iowa, set between Ames and Marshalltown near Colo. Recently renovated and improved, it offers a beach, campground, fishing jetties and good panfish-and-bass action – an easy, welcoming recreation lake for the heart of the state.
This guide covers Hickory Grove Lake: the fishing, the park, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Hickory Grove Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~98 acres, a Story County park lake
- Location: Story County, central Iowa (near Colo, between Ames & Marshalltown)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish
Fishing Hickory Grove Lake
Hickory Grove is a productive panfish-and-bass lake: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. An Iowa fishing license is required. A recent restoration – including dredging and new fish habitat – improved the water quality and fishery, and the lake’s jetties and shoreline access make it a great spot for bank anglers, families and kayakers. Winter ice fishing for panfish is popular.
The park and recreation
The Story County park around Hickory Grove Lake offers a swimming beach, a campground, picnic shelters, boat ramps and trails – all recently upgraded. Its central location between Ames (home of Iowa State University) and Marshalltown makes it a convenient, well-used recreation spot for boating, paddling, swimming and fishing close to home.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Hickory Grove Lake is near Colo in Story County, central Iowa, just off US-30 between Ames and Marshalltown. Both cities, and Des Moines to the south, are a short drive away.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Recently renovated: improved beach, campground and fishery.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for bass and panfish; summer for the beach.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Hickory Grove Lake?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish, in a recently restored fishery.
Where is Hickory Grove Lake?
Near Colo in Story County, central Iowa, off US-30 between Ames and Marshalltown.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
