Lake Sugema is a 574-acre lake in the scenic Villages of Van Buren County in southeast Iowa, widely regarded as one of the best bass and bluegill lakes in the state. A relatively young lake set in quiet, wooded country near Keosauqua, it’s a favorite of anglers who prize big panfish and largemouth in a peaceful setting.
This guide covers Lake Sugema: the fishing, the recreation, and access. It’s part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Sugema at a glance
- Surface area: ~574 acres on Big Cedar Creek
- Location: Van Buren County, southeast Iowa (near Keosauqua)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, channel catfish, walleye
Fishing Lake Sugema
Lake Sugema has a strong reputation for largemouth bass and big bluegill and redear sunfish, with good crappie, channel catfish and walleye as well. An Iowa fishing license is required. The lake was designed with fish habitat in mind, and its abundant timber, coves and structure make it a panfish-and-bass haven – a destination lake for southeast-Iowa anglers, with fishing jetties and boat access.
Recreation and the Villages of Van Buren
The lake has boat ramps, a campground and a wildlife management area, in the quiet, scenic hill country of Van Buren County. Nearby, the historic Villages of Van Buren – including Keosauqua, Bentonsport and Bonaparte along the Des Moines River – offer some of Iowa’s best small-town heritage, and Lacey-Keosauqua State Park adds more trails and lake fishing. It’s a rewarding region for a slow-paced getaway.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Sugema is near Keosauqua in Van Buren County, southeast Iowa, off IA-2/county roads, about 2 hours southeast of Des Moines. The Villages of Van Buren and Lacey-Keosauqua State Park are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Bass & panfish destination: one of southeast Iowa’s best for bass and big bluegill.
- Best seasons: spring through fall for bass and panfish; winter for ice fishing.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Sugema?
Largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, channel catfish and walleye – it’s known for big bass and panfish.
Where is Lake Sugema?
Near Keosauqua in Van Buren County, southeast Iowa, about 2 hours southeast of Des Moines.
Related: explore the small lakes of Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
