The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (steep ledge) is open for everyone; the other 3 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Storm Lake
Buena Vista County, Iowa · about 2,930 acres (4.6 sq mi)
48°F water, level 1399 ft, calm this morning.
About Storm Lake
Storm Lake spreads over about 2,930 acres in Buena Vista County, Iowa.
It stretches about 3.1 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 9.4 miles. At about 1,400 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. Storm Lake is right by the lake. Sioux City, the nearest city, is about 60 miles west.
- Size
- About 2,930 acres (4.6 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 9.4 miles
- End to end
- About 3.1 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,400 ft
- County
- Buena Vista County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise
- 3:15 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 0 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:30 am – 8:45 amsunrise · wind 5 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 5 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
Expect the usual Iowa mix for a lake this size: largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. At 48°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Steep ledge
A sharp wall beside deep water; fish hang along the edge at the depth they like.
- 2
- 3
- 4
3 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
7-day trend: not enough daily readings yet.
Latest reading .
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 7:10 am · sunset 4:59 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Storm Lake
- Storm Lakeon the shore
- Altaabout 3.7 mi northwest
- Sac Cityabout 16 mi southeast
- Cherokeeabout 18 mi northwest
- Sioux Citynearest city, about 60 mi west
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Questions about Storm Lake
What fish are in Storm Lake?
Lakes like Storm Lake usually hold largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Storm Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Storm Lake?
About 2,930 acres, with about 9.4 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Storm Lake?
Storm Lake is on the shore; Alta is about 3.7 miles northwest.
What is the water temperature at Storm Lake today?
The surface was about 48°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Storm Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
