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Fishing Coralville Lake

AKA: Coralville Reservoir

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Coralville Lake, IA

Popular Fish Species Coralville Lake, IA


Coralville Lake Popular Fish - Walleye

Walleye Fishing

Fertile water and plenty of baitfish create an ideal walleye fishery in Coralville Lake. While fishing has been a bit slow, it can be great if you land here on the right days. 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.


Coralville Lake Popular Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Coralville Lake, as they are plentiful and grow to bragging size. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.


Coralville Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Coralville Lake is considered a decent bass fishing lake, varying from fair to good especially in Spring and Fall. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Coralville Lake, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.


Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, green sunfish, white bass, hybrid striped bass and northern pike at Coralville Lake in Iowa.

Coralville Lake Fishing Video

Created by the Coralville Dam on the Iowa River, Coralville Lake is a 5,300-acre reservoir in east-central Iowa just northeast of the town of North Liberty. Plenty of amenities are available at the lake to make fishing trips or family vacations a pleasant success.

Coralville Lake in Iowa is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering a range of fishing opportunities and a picturesque setting. Situated on the Iowa River, this reservoir provides anglers with ample chances to catch a variety of fish species and enjoy a day on the water.

One of the popular fish species in Coralville Lake is largemouth bass. The lake is known for its excellent bass fishery, attracting anglers in search of trophy-sized fish. Largemouth bass can be found near submerged structures, weed beds, and along the lake's shoreline. Anglers can employ various techniques such as casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits to entice these prized game fish.

Catfish fishing is another highlight of Coralville Lake. The lake offers opportunities to catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, and blue catfish. Anglers can target these species using a variety of methods such as bottom fishing with cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. Catfish can be found near areas with good cover, such as submerged logs, rock piles, or deeper holes.

Other popular fish species found in Coralville Lake include crappie, bluegill, walleye, and northern pike. Crappie can be targeted using small jigs, live bait, or artificial lures near submerged structures or brush piles. Bluegill, known for their tasty fillets, can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets around vegetation or near the lake's edges. Walleye and northern pike can be found in deeper areas of the lake and are often targeted using trolling techniques or casting with artificial lures.

In summary, Coralville Lake in Iowa provides excellent fishing opportunities for a range of popular fish species, including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, walleye, and northern pike. With its boating options, camping facilities, and diverse fishing opportunities, Coralville Lake offers a complete outdoor experience for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike in the beautiful landscape of Iowa.

Camping options are available at numerous locations around the lake. Fishing enthusiasts will find over 50 miles of shoreline to explore - some for fishing from the bank, while most is easily accessible by boat. There are half a dozen boat launch areas for launching everything from kayaks and canoes to pontoons, sailboats and fishing boats. Anglers fish here for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, hybrid stripers and northern pike. Catfish, stripers and pike grow to bragging size and the lake has a healthy population of bass. In winter, ice fishing for crappie, walleye and sunfish is quite popular.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Iowa

Primary fish species residing in Coralville Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Spotted bass Channel catfish Flathead catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Green Sunfish White Bass Hybrid Striped Bass Northern pike

Coralville Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a common activity on Coralville Lake, with multiple boat ramps available for easy access. Anglers can explore the lake's various fishing spots and enjoy the flexibility of reaching different areas. Whether it's cruising, water skiing, or simply enjoying a peaceful day on the water, boating adds another layer of enjoyment to the fishing experience.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Coralville Lake Marina
Rentals: Pontoon boats
319 351-8343

Rez Adventures
Rentals: Pontoon boats
319 855-7905

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Citrus Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Citrus Bridge Road NE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Coralville Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Lake MacBride Road NE, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Mehaffey Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, at the west end of the Mehaffey Bridge Road NE Bridge, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Sandy Beach Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, north side, off Sandy Beach Road NE, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Sugar Bottom Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Sugar Bottom Beach Access Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

West Overlook Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, west side, off W Overlook Road NE, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

Coralville Lake Marina
2860 Prairie Du Chien Road NE
Iowa City, IA 52240
319 351-8343

Mid River Marine
2988 Mid River Marine Rd.
North Liberty IA, 52317
319 626-3625

Scales Pointe Marina
1850 Scales Bend Rd NE
North Liberty, IA 52317
319 665-3474

Fishing Guides On Coralville Lake

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 Coralville 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 convenient stay for visitors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Sandy Beach Campground - 319 338-3543 ext 6300

Sugar Bottom Rec Area Campground - 319 338-3543 ext 6300

Scales Point Campground - 319 665-3474

Coralville Dam Complex Campground - 319 338-3543

Tailwater West Campground - 319 338-3543 ext 6300

Coralville Lake IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Coralville Lake
Sugar Bottom Recreational Area
2192 Mehaffey Bridge Road Northeast
Solon, IA 52333
319 338-3543 ext 6300

 

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