Fishing at Storm Lake, Buena Vista County, Iowa

• Overview

  Storm Lake lies within the bounds of Buena Vista County, Iowa. Elevation runs to 1,385 feet. At roughly 4.9 sq miles it ranks among the larger waters in the region. Some 9.5 miles of bank gives room to move when the wind turns. Nothing else we list in Buena Vista County covers more water. The closest town, Storm Lake, is 1.1 miles distant. The nearest city of size is Sioux Falls, 99 miles away. It lies deep inside the county rather than near an edge.

• Where to Fish on Storm Lake

  Depth on file is 20 ft. The productive water is a rod length or two out, not a hundred. Weed, then depth: that is the order to fish a water of this kind. County-wide records name common carp, white bass, walleye and black crappie. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. Work Storm Lake in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 73°F and January near 16°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about early December. The middle of summer slows a little, with dawn and dusk carrying it. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Storm Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  The bank is open to all, according to our records. It formed naturally, so levels move with rainfall rather than with a gate. Storm Lake Wildlife Management Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Little Storm Lake at 1.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Confirm before you fish Storm Lake.