Which Iowa Lakes?

[IaDave]

Got a new boat and I've got the itch. I normally go to Canada in late May but the group has changed to a fall trip so I have decided to keep it to Iowa. I have a weeks vacation coming in May that can be taken anytime before Memorial Day weekend. What lakes would you hit and when. I live in Cedar Rapids and can fish the lakes around here on the weekends so I am looking to travel. I am looking for walleye but really want to get on the crappie and bluegill as well. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Bob Jensen]

I would spend a couple of days on Clear Lake, then go to the Lake Pepin or Lansing area. Chase panfish in the backwaters, walleyes out in the lake or river. I know Pepin is not in Iowa, but it's close. You can also catch yellow bass in Clear Lake if you're looking for a meal.

Lake Rathbun can be good for crappies, there are other lakes down there that I have heard about but never been on. I've heard good things about Sugema.

It would be fun to go on a week long road trip across Iowa, fishing an area for a couple of days, then moving on. We have more very good fishing opportunities here than many people realize.

Let us know what you decide on.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[IAMUSKY]

If i was to stay in Iowa in may and wanted walleyes, crappies and gills i would have three choices. 1. Iowa great lakes For walleyes spirit lake, East okoboji and center lake are the best choices . Crappies and gills are very good in the canals of west okoboji. Gills try upper& lower gar and minnewashta lakes. Center lake for crappies and the grade on spirit lake can also be good. 2. 3 MILE lake has some good walleye fishing and also is very good for crappies and gills in the trees and brush piles. . 3. I would go to the mississippi river for bigger walleyes and the backwaters for panfish. What week is best is hard to tell anymore with the weather we have i would look at the forcast and if you see a warming trend and low precipitation go for it. Good luck, Tracy

[IaDave]

Thanks for the advice. I have fished Sugema and I can hit that on a weekend along with Rathbun. I think I will head to NW Iowa for a few days and then Clear Lake and then over to Guttenburg. I have a retired friend who has a trailer over there. Since I have never fished NW Iowa or Clear Lake where is a good place to get more info on the web concerning those areas. Not fishing help but motels,bait shops, etc.
Thanks again.

[Smitty]

You can get lodging info here for Clear Lake.

http://www.clearlakeiowa.com/vi/hotel_motel.htm

[Dreamer]

Try for bait: http://crazyminnowcompany.com/

[Fred_G]

Here's a good place to start for the Iowa Great Lakes:

http://www.okoboji.com/live/

[Ia Walihntr]

SW corner of West Okoboji---Shucks Bait-- on hwy 84. Also, Kabele's on Hill Ave just on north side of Spirit Lake. Check out this website for lodging http://www.vacationokoboji.com/2002/04_lodging/04_01_resdirc.html
Enjoy!
Marv

[schulzee]

I would try Storm Lake for eyes.

[ducky]

Check out Ryan Hales site, hes on West Okoboji. WWW.ryanhale.net I believe.