Arnold Lake, Iowa: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Set in Story County, Arnold Lake is an Iowa water. The water sits 994 feet up. This is a pocket water of some 4 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. Most waters listed here for Story County are larger. Ames at 2 miles is the nearest place to stop. Gilbert lies 4 miles off, Nevada another 8.1 miles. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Arnold Lake

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Bays and points beat straight shoreline every time on water like this. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. County-wide records name green sunfish, bluegill, johnny darter and white sucker. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. On Arnold Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 18°F and July at about 74°F, the water has a wide range to work through. The year splits cleanly: hard water, then open water. Look for the thaw near late March; the fishing lifts straight after. Climate figures give an open season running late March to early December. Just after the ice goes and just before it returns, the fishing lifts. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Arnold Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. A campsite lies 0.9 miles away for anyone staying over. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is McFarland Lake, 2.9 miles out. Treat access at Arnold Lake as something to verify.