Lake Morris Fishing near Chariton, Iowa

• Overview

  This water sits in Lucas County, Iowa. The country here is pine and birch. It measures about 129 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. There is roughly 3.2 miles of bank, more than one visit can cover properly. It is the biggest water on our Lucas County list. Start from Chariton, 2.9 miles down the road. Beyond it, Melcher-Dallas at 15 miles and Corydon at 18 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Morris

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Reported across Lucas County: johnny darter, smallmouth bass and rock bass. County records show what lives in the area; the local agency holds the water-by-water list. Lake Morris gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 75°F; the cold one sits at 21°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The freeze runs deep into the year, with break-up near mid March. From about mid March to around mid December, expect open water on the long-run figures. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. On Lake Morris the same rules apply, with local timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. East Lakes covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. Failing this one, try Red Haw Lake, 1.8 miles away. Check the position at Lake Morris before loading the car.