Lake Anita is a clean, scenic 170-acre lake in southwest Iowa, the centerpiece of Lake Anita State Park near the town of Anita. Known for clear water, good bass-and-panfish fishing, a swimming beach and a popular trail around the shore, it’s a well-kept favorite for the Atlantic and Cass County area.
This guide covers Lake Anita: the fishing, the state park, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Anita at a glance
- Surface area: ~170 acres at Lake Anita State Park
- Location: Cass County, southwest Iowa (near Anita & Atlantic)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, walleye
Fishing Lake Anita
Lake Anita is known for relatively clear water and a solid fishery: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and stocked walleye. An Iowa fishing license is required. The lake’s habitat and structure make it a good bass-and-panfish water, productive from shore, jetties and small boats, with winter ice fishing as well.
The state park
Lake Anita State Park offers a swimming beach, a large modern campground, cabins, picnic areas, boat ramps and a paved trail circling the lake that’s popular with walkers and cyclists. Boating (electric and low-horsepower), paddling, swimming and fishing fill the summer in this clean, well-maintained park in the rolling hills of southwest Iowa.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Anita is just south of Anita in Cass County, southwest Iowa, off I-80 near Atlantic, about 1 hour west of Des Moines. The southwest-Iowa countryside and the town of Atlantic are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Clean family park: a well-kept lake with a beach, trail and big campground.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for bass and panfish; summer for the beach.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Anita?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and walleye, in relatively clear water.
Where is Lake Anita?
Just south of Anita in Cass County, southwest Iowa, off I-80 near Atlantic, about an hour west of Des Moines.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
