Fishing Dakins Lake in Story County, Iowa

• Overview

  Within Story County, Iowa, you have Dakins Lake. The ground round it is pine and birch. This is a pocket water of some 5 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. 11 miles away sits Roland, the nearest town. For a city, Des Moines is 43 miles off. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near. There is no development on most of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Dakins Lake

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. County-wide records name green sunfish, bluegill, johnny darter, white sucker and common carp. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. On Dakins Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 16°F in January to roughly 73°F in July. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late March. Climate figures give an open season running late March to early December. The open run goes from the thaw to the freeze, and April through October covers most of it. Plan any trip to Dakins Lake around it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. Boat Ramp sits about half a mile away and carries the launch. A parking area is marked roughly half a mile out. Facilities include toilets around half a mile from here. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Twin Anchors Lake, 12 miles out. Where Dakins Lake is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.