Guide To Taking Kids Fishing In Iowa
Ideas and locations to take kids fishing in IA.

Fishing and the great outdoors offers kids an alternative to many influences they encounter in their busy lives today. A single fishing trip could be the turning point in a young life, and we encourage you to invest the time in kids. A nice way to introduce kids to fishing is via ice fishing. It is a great way to get them outdoors when they are normally cooped up in the house. The rewards are endless and it takes so little effort.
Places in Iowa to take kids fishing
Consider these small lakes, ponds, creeks and urban fishing locations as places to take a kid fishing in the Hawkeye State.
Hatchery Fishing
Big Spring Hatchery is the home of Iowa’s first kid's trout fishing pond.
Cedar Rapids
- Ellis Park
Davenport
- Credit Island Park
Des Moines
- Gray's Lake Park
Dubuque
- A.Y. McDonald Park
- Bergfeld Rec Area
Iowa City
- City Park
- Peninsula Park
Lehigh
- Brushy Creek Lake
Spirit Lake
- Little Spirit Lake
Waterloo
- Cedar Bend Park
- Cedar River Park
- Riverview Rec Area
Trout stocking in urban lakes.
Urban lakes which are stocked with trout include Ada Hayden, Banner Lake (South), Big Lake, Discovery Park, Heritage Pond, Lake of the Hills, Moorland Pond, North Prairie, Ottumwa Park Pond, Petoka, Prairie Park, Sand Lake, Scharnberg Pond and Wilson Lake.
Top 3 tips for taking kids fishing in IA
1. Make sure that the goal is to have fun. Catching fish is a bonus.
2. Keep it simple. Simple tackle, techniques and locations.
3. Keep the focus on the kids. Be a hero by helping them enjoy the day.
Click here for additional tips to create a successful day of fishing for kids.
Kids Fishing Video
Youngsters with their prized catch

Alex Carlton, age 8 landed this big albino catfish at a fishing derby at Davenport Iowa's Vaderveer Lagoon. The fish was 25 inches long.

Kids, fishing and smiles naturally go together. Take a kid fishing and you just might change the course of their life. Then take pictures and send us one of them holding their prized catch. We will happily post it here.
See additional tips, ideas and instructions for taking kids fishing.
Kids fishing locations and information, by state.
Help us identify other youth fishing spots in IA.
If you are aware of a great place to take kids fishing in your area, please let us know. We can add it to our list. Every kid that catches a fish will appreciate the fact that you made the effort.
IOWA

