Half Moon Lake Fishing in Des Moines County, Iowa

• Overview

  Half Moon Lake is set in Des Moines County, Iowa. The ground around here is pine and birch. The water covers some 63 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Burlington sits 6.6 miles from here and is the nearest stop. West Burlington lies 7.9 miles off, Fort Madison another 11 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Half Moon Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Survey and observation records for Des Moines County include freshwater drum, channel catfish, white sucker, yellow bass and bluegill. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Half Moon Lake the first feature you find is usually worth a session.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 23°F to 76°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Hard cover is dependable here; it goes around mid March. Break-up sits around mid March on average, with the water closing again about late December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. On Half Moon Lake the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. No car park, ramp or path is recorded within easy reach of the shore. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. If the gate is shut, Millman Lake at 3.1 miles is the nearest alternative. None of that is settled for Half Moon Lake in what we hold.