Fishing Lake Afton in Union County, Iowa

• Overview

  This water sits in Union County, Iowa. Lake country bush runs right down to the water. At roughly 14 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is a small entry by Union County standards. Creston lies 8.1 miles from the water. After that come Lenox at 21 miles and Buffalo (historical) at 22 miles. Rules here are straightforward: one county, one set of rules.

• Where to Fish on Lake Afton

  No published figure covers depth, so learn it as you fish. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Union County include largemouth bass, bluegill, common carp, black crappie and walleye. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. At Lake Afton light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Average temperature peaks around 75°F in July and bottoms out near 21°F in January. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from mid March. From about mid March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. At Lake Afton the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. You can launch from a ramp around 170 yards away. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. A jetty or pier is mapped about 170 yards from here. Dad's Bait Shop is the mapped fishing point, half a mile out. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. The nearest alternative is Thayer Lake, 7.5 miles out. Rules at Lake Afton are worth checking on the day.