Deepest lakes in Iowa: 5 lakes ranked by depth

Deepest first

1. West Okoboji Lake

At some 3,850 acres, West Okoboji Lake is a good-sized lake. The lake is next to Arnolds Park. The fish here are yellow perch, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The deepest water is around 136 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. 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

2. Clear Lake

At 3,680 acres, Clear Lake is a good-sized lake. You will find it right by Clear Lake. The fish here are walleye, white bass and catfish. It goes down to about 30 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and a sheltered cove to work. 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

3. Big Spirit Lake

At 5,680 acres, Big Spirit Lake is a good-sized lake. You will find it about 1.6 miles south of Spirit Lake. It holds walleye, yellow perch, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. At about 24 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and an upper arm worth a first look. 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. Black Hawk Lake

Black Hawk Lake covers some 960 acres. The lake is right by Lake View. Like most lakes its size in Iowa, it should hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. It goes down to about 20 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Black Hawk Lake in Sac County is a natural glacially-formed lake, though the USGS also classifies it as a reservoir.

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

5. Lost Island Lake

At 1,160 acres of water, Lost Island Lake is small enough to learn in a few trips. You will find it about 11 miles east of Emmetsburg. The usual Iowa mix applies: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. At about 16 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and an upper arm to work.

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

The clearest of them

West Okoboji Lake is known for clear water. On a clear lake fish see a long way: lighter line, natural colours and longer casts make the difference.

Fishing deep water

In summer a deep lake splits into a warm top layer and a cold bottom; fish hold near the line between them, often 20 to 40 ft down. A depth finder, a slow troll or a jig dropped straight down finds them.