Fishing Storm Lake

AKA: Big Storm Lake

Most Popular Fish
Storm Lake Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Storm Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species Storm Lake, IA

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Storm Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Walleye Fishing

Walleye are thriving in Storm Lake again this year thanks to a plenty of forage in the lake. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rocky and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

White Bass Fishing

White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. Numerous successful spawn years have increased the population of white bass in Storm Lake, and anglers can expect some great fishing this year. When fishing for white bass, the average fish is typically in the one- to two-pound range. These schooling fish tend to roam around the lake looking for ideal water conditions and baitfish. Look for them to generally be in 15 to 35 feet of water, whether they are hovering around the bottom or swimming in open water. Fish finders are the best way to locate big schools of white bass. Fish near the bottom at night with live bait. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing for white bass. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. When white bass chase schools of bait near the surface, spinners, spoons and small crank baits work well. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including small crankbaits, small jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for channel catfish, black crappie, walleye, white bass and yellow perch at Storm Lake in Iowa.

Storm Lake Fishing Video

The town of Storm Lake wraps around the northern shores of Storm Lake, a 3,200-acre lake in northwest Iowa. Visitors will find over eight miles of shoreline to explore from a boat or from shore.

Storm Lake in Iowa is a premier fishing destination, renowned for its diverse fish populations and scenic beauty. This 3,200-acre lake offers anglers a wide range of opportunities to catch a variety of popular fish species.

One of the sought-after fish species in Storm Lake is the walleye. The lake is known for its excellent walleye fishery, attracting anglers from near and far. Anglers can target walleye using various techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs, or live bait rigging. The lake's structure, including points, drop-offs, and submerged structures, provides ideal habitat for walleye. Spring and fall are typically the most productive seasons for walleye fishing in Storm Lake.

Black crappie is another popular species in Storm Lake. Anglers can find good numbers of crappie near submerged structures, such as brush piles or fallen trees. Small jigs, minnows, or artificial baits are effective in enticing these panfish. Spring and early summer are often the best times to target crappie in the shallower areas of the lake.

Storm Lake is also home to other fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and white bass. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds, submerged structures, or rocky areas, providing thrilling fishing experiences for anglers. Bluegill, known for their feisty nature, can be targeted using small jigs, worms, or crickets near vegetation or submerged structures. Channel catfish can be pursued using cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait in areas with good cover. White bass, known for their schooling behavior, can provide exciting action during their spring and fall runs.

Storm Lake in Iowa offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including walleye, black crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and white bass. With its boating options, camping facilities, and diverse fishing opportunities, Storm Lake provides a complete outdoor experience for anglers of all levels, making it a top destination for fishing in Iowa.

There is a fishing jetty and pier, boat launching, rental boats, camping and plenty of places with easy access for fishing from the bank. Anglers favorite species here are walleye, perch and crappie. There is good fishing for catfish and white bass as well.

Primary fish species residing in Storm Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Storm Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
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 Storm Lake, with multiple boat ramps available for easy access to the water. Anglers can enjoy cruising along the lake, finding their favorite fishing spots, and taking advantage of the lake's vast expanse. Whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, boating adds another dimension of enjoyment to the fishing experience.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lakeside Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Lakeshore Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

South Side Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Mallard Avenue, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Storm Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Marina Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Storm Lake

Okoboji Fishing Guide - walleye, crappie

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available near Storm Lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lakeside Marina & Campground - 712 732-7465

Sunrise Campgrounds - 712 732-8023

Storm Lake Sunrise Campgrounds - 712 732-8023