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Fishing Lake Wapello

AKA: Lake Wapello State Park

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By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Lake Wapello, IA

Popular Fish Species Lake Wapello, IA


Lake Wapello Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Wapello. 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. 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.


Lake Wapello Popular Fish - Bluegill

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Lake Wapello. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.


Lake Wapello Popular Fish - Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish Fishing

Fishing for redear sunfish, also known as shellcrackers, is popular here at Lake Wapello. Like most bream, they are a popular species with young and old, as well as beginners and seasoned anglers alike. This year, much like recent years, the redear sunfish population is healthy and always looking for something edible. Redear sunfish fishing is about as simple as fishing gets. Any lighter fishing pole, reasonably light line, small hooks baited with anything eatable, creates a great setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Redear prefer clear, warmer water and hang around brush, rocks, vegetation, docks or any cover available.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish and hybrid striped bass at Lake Wapello in Iowa.

Lake Wapello Fishing Video

Boating, camping and fishing are all popular at Lake Wapello, a 1,150-acrelake in southeast Iowa, 8 miles east of Unionville. Fish species here include bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and wiper.

Lake Wapello in Iowa is a picturesque destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a serene and tranquil setting. This 289-acre lake, nestled within Lake Wapello State Park, provides anglers with ample opportunities to catch a variety of popular fish species.

One of the sought-after fish species in Lake Wapello is largemouth bass. The lake's clear waters, submerged structures, and abundant vegetation make it an ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques, such as casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits. The lake's structure, including weed beds, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides plenty of cover for bass to hide and ambush their prey.

Bluegill is another popular species in Lake Wapello, offering anglers a fun and rewarding fishing experience. These feisty panfish can be found near the lake's shoreline, particularly around submerged vegetation or brush piles. Anglers can use small jigs, worms, or crickets to entice bluegill bites. They provide excellent action for young anglers or those looking for a relaxing day on the water.

Channel catfish can also be found in Lake Wapello, presenting an opportunity for anglers to reel in some impressive fish. Catfish can be caught using techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. The lake's deeper areas and submerged structures are prime locations to target catfish. Nighttime or low-light conditions can often be the most productive times for catfish angling.

Lake Wapello in Iowa offers a serene and picturesque fishing experience for anglers seeking tranquility. With popular fish species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, the lake provides diverse fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether fishing from a non-motorized boat or the shoreline, anglers can appreciate the peacefulness and natural beauty of Lake Wapello, making it an ideal destination for fishing and outdoor recreation.

Bass are the favored species, crappie are a close second and wiper fishing can vary from good to poor. Trails or roadways outline over 7 miles of shoreline, providing access to many areas for fishing from the bank. Rental boats, a fishing jetty, several boat launch ramps, a bait shop, fish cleaning station, a pier and Lake Wapello State Park Campground are open to the public.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Iowa

Primary fish species residing in Lake Wapello

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Bluegill Redear Sunfish Hybrid Stripers

Lake Wapello Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

While Lake Wapello does not allow motorized boats, it is an ideal lake for non-motorized boating. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards provide anglers with a peaceful way to navigate the lake and explore different fishing spots. The calm waters and scenic beauty enhance the overall experience, allowing anglers to fully immerse themselves in nature.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Wapello Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Campground Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.

Fishing License

Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.

Camping facilities are available within Lake Wapello State Park, offering a range of options for overnight stays. The campground provides amenities such as electric and non-electric sites, shower facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Camping near Lake Wapello allows anglers to extend their fishing trips and enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding park.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Wapello State Park Campground - 641 722-3371

Lake Wapello IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Lake Wapello
Lake Wapello State Park
15248 Campground Rd
Drakesville, IA 52552
641 722-3371

 

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