Fishing Black Hawk Lake

AKA: Lake View Lake

Most Popular Fish
Black Hawk 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

Black Hawk Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species Black Hawk Lake, IA

Black Hawk Lake Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Black Hawk Lake holds a plentiful population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. 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 always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. 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

Thanks to a significant baitfish population, and presence of numerous small sunfish in the lake, walleye are thriving in the fertile waters of Black Hawk Lake this year. Iowa Department of Natural Resources has done a great job managing the fishery. 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. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on 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. A proven method 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 productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during other times of the year.

Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskellunge in Black Hawk Lake could provide a trophy fish on any given cast. Giant musky roam these waters and are aggressive eaters. Muskie fishing can bring some exciting moments to your fishing day, as big muskies are spectacular, and strong fighters. Use a strong rod in medium- to medium-heavy action, with heavy line - 20# or heavier. Because of their sharp teeth, steel leaders are highly recommended. Muskie have a big mouth so use big baits, same baits you would use for bass but in larger sizes. Topwater, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and jerkbaits all work well for hungry muskie. The best time of year to chase these big fish is Spring, and then again in Fall as the water temperature starts cooling. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for musky can be very exhilarating. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find muskie during summer.

Fish species 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.

Black Hawk Lake Fishing Video

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.

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 impressive 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.

Fishing Guides On Black Hawk Lake

Kevan Pauls Guide Service - walleye, bass, crappie, muskie

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 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.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Blackhawk State Park Campground - 712 657-8712

Lake View City Camp Crescent Campground - 712 657-2189

Black Hawk Fish and Wildlife Campground - 712 657-2638