Fishing Saylorville Lake
AKA: Saylorville Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Saylorville Lake, IA
Crappie Fishing
Crappie are a favorite of local anglers fishing Saylorville Lake. Crappie fishing has been decent, when you can locate schools. White crappie have been running a bit larger than black crappie for several years now. 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. 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. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.
White Bass Fishing
After several very successful spawn years, white bass are flourishing in Saylorville Lake and running in the 8- to 12-inch range. Anglers can expect some decent fishing this year. White bass are aggressive, hard-fighting and just plain fun to catch. 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. In spring, once the water temperature rises into the mid sixties, they move shallow into the backs of coves and creek channels to spawn. At this time anglers can fish from shore and often do quite well. Use lures that imitate baitfish, including crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs and spoons.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Saylorville Lake continues to offer good fishing for largemouth bass. Some quality bass roam Saylorville Lake, thanks to excellent fisheries management by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as well as the availability of extensive cover for both baitfish and bass. When the bite is good, bass typically move shallow and are quite aggressive. If you find them shallow and they are not tempted to bite, slow down and use smaller, lighter baits. Fishing for largemouth bass is good virtually any time they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer, and during warm Fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Saylorville Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, hybrid striped bass and northern pike at Saylorville Lake in Iowa.
Saylorville Lake Fishing Video
Offering a wide variety of fish species, Saylorville Lake is a 5,400-acre lake with healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, perch, hybrid stripers and northern pike. Located in central Iowa at Polk City. For anglers who enjoy fishing from the bank, there is good to excellent shoreline fishing along the 10 miles of shoreline, as well as a fishing jetty.
Saylorville Lake in Iowa is a popular fishing destination, known for its diverse fish populations and scenic surroundings. Located on the Des Moines River, this 6,000-acre lake offers anglers plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of popular fish species.
One of the sought-after fish species in Saylorville Lake is the walleye. This lake is known for its excellent walleye fishery, attracting anglers from near and far. Walleye can be found near points, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Anglers often have success using techniques such as trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs, or live bait rigging. Early morning and evening hours are typically the most productive times to target walleye.
Channel catfish are another popular species in Saylorville Lake. These hard-fighting fish can be caught using techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. The lake's deeper holes, submerged structures, and rocky areas are prime locations to target channel catfish. Nighttime or low-light conditions can be particularly productive for catfish angling.
Saylorville Lake also offers opportunities to catch other fish species, including black crappie, white crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and northern pike. Anglers can target crappie near submerged structures or brush piles using small jigs or minnows. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds, submerged structures, or along the shoreline. Bluegill can be caught using small jigs, worms, or crickets near vegetation or submerged structures. Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature, can be pursued using larger lures or live bait.
Boat ramps, rental boats and a marina assist the public with ways to navigate and enjoy this scenic waterway. No limitations are set for motorized boats, so all type boats are welcome here. Fishing boats, pleasure boat, pontoons, canoes and kayaks are all popular craft for experiencing Saylorville Reservoir. Camping and lodging are available at and nearby the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Saylorville Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Saylorville Lake Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
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 Saylorville Lake, and the lake provides ample boat ramps and marinas for easy access. Whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, boating allows anglers to explore different areas of the lake and find their preferred fishing spots. Additionally, the lake offers opportunities for water skiing, tubing, and other water-based activities.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Big Creek Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
515 984-6083
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Cherry Glen Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, southeast side, off NW 94th Avenue, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Sandpiper Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off McBride Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Saylorville - Main Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off NW Beaver Drive, this is three, two-lane, concrete ramps with docks and lots of paved parking.
Southwest Saylorville Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, at the west end of the Northwest Saylorville Drive Bridge, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.
Marinas
Saylorville Lake Marina
6170 NW Polk City Dr
Polk City, IA 50226
515 984-6541
Fishing Guides On Saylorville 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 Saylorville 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
Jester Park Campground - 515 323-5300
Acorn Valley Campground - 515 276-0429
Bob Shelter Campground - 515 276-0873
Cherry Glen Campground - 515 964-8792
Prairie Flower Campground - 515 984-6925
Saylorville Lake IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Saylorville Lake
Saylorville Marina
6170 N.W. Polk City Drive
Polk City, IA 50226
515 984-6541
Fishing lakes in each state.
061624
Saylorville Lake in Iowa.
IOWA
Information about fishing lakes in Iowa
Fishing in central Iowa for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, hybrid stripers and northern pike.
