Lake Geode is a scenic 190-acre lake in the rugged hills of southeast Iowa, the centerpiece of Lake Geode State Park and named for the sparkling rock that makes this region the “geode capital.” With a swimming beach, wooded campground, trails and good bass-and-panfish fishing, it’s a peaceful, character-filled getaway between Burlington and Mount Pleasant.
This guide covers Lake Geode: the fishing, the state park and geodes, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Geode at a glance
- Surface area: ~190 acres at Lake Geode State Park
- Location: Henry & Des Moines counties, southeast Iowa (near Danville)
- Named for: the geode – Iowa’s state rock, abundant in the region
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, redear sunfish
Fishing Lake Geode
Lake Geode is a pleasant warmwater fishery for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and redear sunfish. An Iowa fishing license is required. The lake was dredged and restored to improve water quality and the fishery, and its timbered, hilly shoreline gives anglers plenty of structure. It fishes well from the bank, jetties and small boats, with quiet, electric-friendly water.
The state park and geodes
Lake Geode State Park offers a swimming beach, a wooded campground, picnic areas and hiking trails through the steep, scenic terrain of southeast Iowa. The area is famous among rockhounds for geodes – hollow, crystal-lined stones that are Iowa’s official state rock – found in the surrounding hills and celebrated at the nearby Geode Fest. It’s a rewarding spot for hikers, anglers and amateur geologists alike.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Geode is between Burlington and Mount Pleasant in southeast Iowa, near Danville, off US-34. The Mississippi River town of Burlington and the rolling hills of southeast Iowa surround it.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Rockhounding: the region is famous for geodes – check local rules before collecting.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for bass and panfish; summer for the beach and camping.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Geode?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish and redear sunfish.
Why is it called Lake Geode?
For the geode – Iowa’s state rock – which is abundant in the surrounding southeast-Iowa hills, making the area a rockhounding destination.
Where is Lake Geode?
Between Burlington and Mount Pleasant in southeast Iowa, near Danville, off US-34.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
