Biggest lakes in Iowa: the top 10 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Lake Red Rock

Lake Red Rock spreads over 15,500 acres of water. The lake is about 21 miles northwest of Des Moines. Like most lakes its size in Iowa, it should hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Lake Red Rock, Iowa's largest lake by normal-pool area, can expand to roughly 70,000 acres during major flood storage.

Lake Red Rock today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Rathbun Lake

Rathbun Lake is a reservoir of 11,000 acres of water. The lake is about 6.2 miles southeast of Centerville. Rathbun Dam holds it on the Chariton River. Crappie, walleye and catfish are the draw. Rathbun Lake on the Chariton River is Iowa's largest reservoir by normal-pool surface area aside from Red Rock.

Rathbun Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Big Spirit Lake

At 5,680 acres of water, Big Spirit Lake is a good-sized lake. It lies near Spirit Lake. Expect walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. It goes down to about 24 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and an upper arm to work. Big Spirit Lake is the largest natural lake in Iowa and anchors the Iowa Great Lakes chain.

Big Spirit Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Coralville Lake

Coralville Lake is a reservoir of 5,280 acres of water. The lake is within an easy drive of Iowa City (about 4 miles). Like most lakes its size in Iowa, it should hold largemouth bass, walleye, crappie and bluegill. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Coralville Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. West Okoboji Lake

West Okoboji Lake spreads over 3,850 acres. You will find it next to Arnolds Park. It holds yellow perch, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. It goes down to about 136 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. West Lake Okoboji is Iowa's deepest lake and is listed among the state's Outstanding Iowa Waters for its exceptional water clarity. It is a clear lake, so long casts and a quiet approach pay off.

West Okoboji Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Clear Lake

At 3,680 acres of water, Clear Lake is a good-sized lake. You will find it right by Clear Lake. The fish here are walleye, white bass and catfish. At about 30 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. Clear Lake is a natural, spring-fed lake in Cerro Gordo County and a popular walleye fishery.

Clear Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Storm Lake

Storm Lake spreads over about 2,930 acres. The lake is right by Storm Lake. Like most lakes its size in Iowa, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and a steep ledge worth a first look.

Storm Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Okamanpeedan Lake

At some 2,300 acres, Okamanpeedan Lake is small enough to learn in a few trips. The lake is near Fairmont. Expect walleye, northern pike, crappie and yellow perch.

Okamanpeedan Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Heidelbaugh Pond

At about 1,560 acres, Heidelbaugh Pond is small enough to learn in a few trips. It lies about 3.8 miles west of Wapello. Like most lakes its size in Iowa, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and an upper arm: good places to start.

Heidelbaugh Pond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Lost Island Lake

Lost Island Lake spreads over 1,160 acres. You will find it near Emmetsburg. The usual Iowa mix applies: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. At about 16 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. Lost Island Lake straddles Palo Alto and Clay counties north of Ruthven, Iowa.

Lost Island Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

The bigger the lake, the more the wind matters. Plan the day around the forecast, start on the sheltered side and give yourself a way home if it builds.