Water Works Lake, Iowa: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  The Taylor County entry here is Water Works Lake, in Iowa. The water sits 1,260 feet up. At roughly 9 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. It is one of the smaller waters we list in Taylor County. Nearest place of any size is Lenox, 1.1 miles away. It is 69 miles to Des Moines, the nearest city. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Water Works Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. A natural lake fishes on cover, and cover here means weed and timber. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. Taylor County records list bluegill, white crappie, largemouth bass and black crappie among the fish reported. Species recorded across the county may be limited to a few waters. On Water Works Lake the obvious spot is not always the productive one.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warm month here averages 75°F; the cold one sits at 21°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough mid March. Climate figures give an open season running mid March to mid December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. Expect Water Works Lake to follow that timing.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. Nothing in the way of made access shows up nearby: no ramp, no car park, no path. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Maharry Lake sits 0.2 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Water Works Lake are worth checking on the day.