Lake McKinley Fishing Guide, Union County, Iowa

• Overview

  Lake McKinley falls in Union County, part of Iowa. It lies 1,240 feet above sea level. The town to know is Creston, 1.4 miles out. The nearest city of size is Des Moines, 55 miles away. Alternatives close at hand: Summit Lake lies 1.1 miles on, Green Valley Lake the better part of 3.6 miles, Lake Afton lies 9.3 miles on, Lake Orient the better part of 11 miles and East Lake lies 14 miles on. There is no boundary nearby to worry about.

• Where to Fish on Lake McKinley

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Fish documented in Union County include largemouth bass, bluegill and common carp. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. Lake McKinley gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 20°F and July at about 75°F, the water has a wide range to work through. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Look for the thaw near mid March; the fishing lifts straight after. Ice usually gives way near mid March, and forms again about mid December. From the thaw to midsummer the fishing improves week by week. Lake McKinley runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping shows parking within half a mile. Facilities run to toilets half a mile from the water. 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. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Summit Lake at 1.1 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm access to Lake McKinley locally before you travel.