Looking for a place to go fishing in Des Moines? There are plenty of options! Many city parks and residential areas have public ponds for family fishing fun. June 5, 6, and 7 is free fishing weekend in Iowa.
Neighborhood ponds are great places for residents to spend time together outdoors. Partnerships with city officials, community, and neighborhood groups help boost community pride while providing a safe, convenient place for families to fish.
Don’t forget a fishing license! Kids under 16 do not need a fishing license, however, parents WILL need a fishing license if you assist your child in any way (removing the fish from the hook, etc). Get your fishing license at Go Outdoors Iowa. An annual fishing license is $22 and goes back to the Fish and Wildlife Trust Fund to keep improving fisheries and wildlife habitats.
Where to fish in Des Moines
There are lots of great places to fish in Iowa communities, but many anglers don’t know where they can fish close to home or work. The Community Fishing Program collaborated with city governments to identify public ponds and river access in their cities. Signs posted at these ponds quickly identify them as places where you can fish.
Here are some of the places you can fish in Des Moines.
Gray’s Lake – Des Moines
Paved parking and trails, picnic area, beach, playground, and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, white bass, crappie, and river species.
Witmer Park Pond – Des Moines
Many new updates including a new trail, fishing pier, playground equipment, designated parking, and bathrooms.
City Pond – West Des Moines behind the West Des Moines Public Library
Paved trail from the library or the West Des Moines City Hall. Close to Southwoods Park (350 S. 35th Street ) with disc golf, picnic tables, trails, and nature preserve. Catch largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Copper Creek Lake Park – Pleasant Hill
Paved walking trails and know for largemouth bass and crappie fishing, throw a line at this well-maintained, family-friendly spot.
Saylorville Lake – north of Des Moines
One of the largest and most versatile fishing destinations in Central Iowa, here you can catch crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and more. Enjoy hiking, biking, camping and urban amenity convenience
Big Creek State Park – Polk City
A family friendly destination, with one of the largest state park beaches and clear waters. Catch crappie, walleye, and bluegill from several fishing jetties or the pier.
Terra Lake – Johnston
Amenities include walking trails, a park, picnic shelter with restrooms, shore fishing, and a fishing pier. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Sawgrass Pond – Ankeny
Features a walking trail, shelter, picnic tables, playground equipment, a bathroom, and off-street parking. . Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie.
Find more places to fish on the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/fishlocal. Additional locations will be added as cities expand or add new public fishing spots.
Ready to get go fishing with your family? Check out our Tips for Fishing with your Family
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