Fishing At Black Hawk Lake

AKA: Lake View Lake

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch and muskie at Black Hawk Lake in Iowa.

Considered one of the better fishing lakes in northwest Iowa, Black Hawk Lake is conveniently located at the town of Lake View. The lake covers 950 acres and has over a dozen miles of shoreline.

Lake Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Black Hawk Lake in Iowa is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts, offering a serene setting and a variety of fish species to target. Nestled in the heart of Sac County, this picturesque lake provides anglers with a rewarding fishing experience.

One of the popular fish species in Black Hawk Lake is largemouth bass. Anglers can find healthy populations of largemouth bass, providing ample opportunities to test their skills and catch these prized game fish. With its abundant vegetation and structure, the lake offers excellent habitat for bass. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits to entice these feisty fish.

Crappie fishing is another highlight of Black Hawk Lake. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching crappie, which are known for their tasty fillets and willingness to bite. Spring and early summer are particularly productive times to target crappie near submerged structures, brush piles, and fallen trees. Anglers often use small jigs, minnows, or artificial lures to entice these panfish.

Other fish species found in Black Hawk Lake include bluegill, channel catfish, and northern pike. Bluegill provide great fishing opportunities, especially for families and novice anglers. They are plentiful and readily caught using small jigs or worms near the lake's edges or structure. Channel catfish can be targeted using baits such as stinkbaits, cut baits, or live baits, and the lake's northern pike offer thrilling action for anglers seeking larger predators.

In summary, Black Hawk Lake in Iowa offers a delightful fishing experience, with popular fish species such as largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and northern pike. Boating and camping opportunities further enhance the enjoyment of this scenic lake, making it a perfect destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a memorable fishing adventure in Iowa's beautiful countryside.

Anglers pursue bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, perch and muskie throughout the year, including some productive ice fishing in winter. Most of the lake is surrounded by private homes, many of which have boat docks. There are plenty of access points around the lake for fishing from the bank as well as a fish house, provided by the Iowa DNR. The lake has plenty of cover for both fish and bait, including boat docks, trees, vegetation and rocky shorelines. Several boat launch ramps are available to the public for launching fishing boats, pleasure boats and pontoons. Canoes and kayaks can be portage from the Blackhawk State Park as well as other public access areas. There are three camping areas, plus lodging at the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Black Hawk Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Black Hawk Lake Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Black Hawk Lake, with a boat ramp available for easy access to the water. Anglers can enjoy exploring different areas of the lake, searching for their favorite fishing spots. Additionally, kayaking and canoeing provide a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing anglers to access more secluded areas and enjoy the tranquility of the lake.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Black Hawk State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off S State Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Black Hawk Lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing adventures and enjoy a complete outdoor experience. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, providing a comfortable and convenient base for anglers to relax and unwind after a day on the water.