Swan Lake is a friendly 110-acre lake just outside Carroll, in west-central Iowa – the centerpiece of Swan Lake State Park, a 510-acre county-managed park with a strong largemouth bass fishery, a campground, a nature center and an easy family-day feel. Close to town and well stocked, it’s one of the most popular small lakes in the Carroll area. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Swan Lake at a glance
- Surface area: ~110 acres
- Depth: average ~4.6 ft, maximum ~12 ft
- Location: Carroll County, west-central Iowa, just southeast of Carroll
- Park: Swan Lake State Park (510 acres, managed by Carroll County Conservation)
- Top fish: largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch
Fishing Swan Lake
Swan Lake is best known for its strong largemouth bass population, backed by regularly stocked channel catfish and good numbers of bluegill, crappie and yellow perch. An Iowa fishing license is required. The shallow, fertile water (averaging under five feet) warms quickly and grows healthy fish; anglers work the shoreline structure and weed edges for bass and panfish and soak baits for catfish. It’s an easy lake to fish from a boat, kayak or the bank, and a popular ice-fishing spot in winter.
Camping, the park and things to do
Swan Lake State Park wraps 510 acres of woods and prairie around the lake, with a campground, picnic areas, trails, a nature center and the restored Swan Lake Conservation Education facilities. Families come to camp, hike, paddle and fish, and there’s a small beach area for swimming. It’s one of the best all-round outdoor spots in west-central Iowa.
Water level and getting there
As a managed lake, Swan Lake holds a stable pool, varying modestly with the season. It’s just southeast of Carroll in Carroll County, west-central Iowa, off US-71. Carroll, Lake View (Black Hawk Lake) and the Raccoon River valley are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- Camp & fish: a state-park campground, nature center and small swim beach.
- Strong bass: a well-managed largemouth and catfish lake close to Carroll.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Swan Lake?
Largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie and yellow perch.
Can you camp at Swan Lake?
Yes – Swan Lake State Park near Carroll has a campground, picnic areas, trails and a nature center.
How big is Swan Lake?
About 110 acres, within the 510-acre Swan Lake State Park in Carroll County.
Where is Swan Lake?
Just southeast of Carroll in Carroll County, west-central Iowa.
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.
