Lake Keomah is a classic small state-park lake in the wooded hills of southeast-central Iowa – an 84-acre, CCC-era lake near Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, surrounded by Lake Keomah State Park. A quiet, electric-motor-only lake known for bass and panfish, with a beach, campground and trails, it’s a longtime local favorite (currently being restored to improve its water and fishery). This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Keomah at a glance
- Surface area: ~78-84 acres
- Depth: maximum ~18 ft
- Elevation: in the rolling hills of southeast-central Iowa
- Location: Mahaska County, near Oskaloosa
- Setting: the 366-acre Lake Keomah State Park (electric motors only)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish
How deep is Lake Keomah?
Lake Keomah is a small, shallow park lake – about 84 acres with a maximum depth around 18 feet. The lake’s name combines “Keokuk,” “Oskaloosa” and “Mahaska,” tying it to the local towns and county. It’s a classic CCC-built lake set in pretty woods and meadows.
Fishing Lake Keomah
Anglers typically catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie. A Iowa fishing license is required. The park even allows fishing during extended hours (overnight) from the bank in designated areas, and motoring is restricted to electric motors only, keeping the lake calm for fishing and paddling. Note: the lake was drained in late 2024 for sediment removal, dredging and shoreline work, with refilling and restoration expected around 2026 – so check current status before planning a fishing trip.
Swimming, camping and trails
Lake Keomah State Park has a swimming beach (unsupervised), a campground, picnic shelters and hiking trails through 366 acres of woods. During the restoration, water-based recreation has been limited, but the park, trails and campground remain a pleasant destination. Once refilled, the improved lake should offer better swimming, paddling and fishing than ever.
Water level
Lake Keomah was intentionally drawn down for its restoration and is being refilled – so its level and availability are changing. Check current Iowa DNR status before visiting for water recreation.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Keomah is near Oskaloosa in Mahaska County, southeast-central Iowa, off IA-92. Oskaloosa and the surrounding farm country are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Restoration: the lake was drained in 2024 for dredging; check current status (refill expected ~2026).
- Electric motors only: a quiet lake for paddling and fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Keomah?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.
Can you swim at Lake Keomah?
The state park has a swimming beach, though the lake’s recent restoration has limited water recreation – check current status before a swim trip.
Where is Lake Keomah?
In Mahaska County, southeast-central Iowa, near Oskaloosa.
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.
