Fishing Meadow Lake in Adair County, Iowa

• Overview

  Meadow Lake is one of the Adair County waters in Iowa. The ground around here is pine and birch. The water covers some 36 acres, so pick a bank rather than trying to cover it all. Nothing else we list in Adair County covers more water. Greenfield lies 5.6 miles from the water. Beyond it, Stuart at 10 miles and Earlham at 18 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Meadow Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name bluegill, channel catfish and largemouth bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Meadow Lake where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 74°F; by January the average is down near 20°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. The lid arrives early and lasts until roughly late March. Open water usually runs from late March until about mid December. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Meadow Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. The water borders Meadow Lake Wildlife Management Area, so expect the reserve rules to apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Should this one be busy, Greenfield Lake is 6.5 miles off. None of that is settled for Meadow Lake in what we hold.