There is a new playground in the beach area.
Join us as we discuss the Iowa Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Spent the weekend with my son fishing Lake Darling.
When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and. The lake filled within about 10 inches of crest by June 18, 2014 before a storm on June 19, 2014 brought heavy rainfall to Lake Darling State Park; completing the lake-filling process. Lake Activities (swimming, boating, fishing) The beach at Lake Darling is a fun spot for swimmers and sunbathers, young and old. Future stocking plans include fingerling redear sunfish in fall 2015. Big Spirit Lake; Dickinson County.
(2015) Submit Online Inquiry
Ice Fishing not recommended. Fishing: Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Nearby Towns: Brighton is 3 miles east of the
Pinicon Ridge Park, Central City, IA. - Brighton, IA Vacation Rental. Podcast: Play in new window | Download. Open water and unsafe ice. 1387 acre Lake Darling State Park is located 3 miles west of Brighton IA. Lark Darling is located within Lake Darling State Park near Brighton and is full of crappie, bluegill and largemouth bass. However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, carp, and tiger muskies are also plentiful. It is approximately 22 feet deep at its deepest point. Bluegills were stocked on April 2, channel catfish on May 30, and largemouth bass on June 20, 2014; black crappie were stocked the same year. Black Crappie - Fair: Water temperature needs to go up just a little bit more for the crappies. After Monday’s (Dec. 21) warm weather and strong wind, there is lots of open water for the geese to enjoy. Lake Darling State Park is one of southeastern Iowa’s most gorgeous spots to pitch a tent, and there’s more than one reason why. Lake Darling reached full crest in spring 2014. Lost Grove Lake. Lake Darling State Park has a picnic shelter, camping cabins, campsites, restrooms, playground equipment, boat rentals, several trails, and a beach. There is playground equipment in the campground. Here’s a Fish Consumption Fact Sheet from the Iowa DNR and the Iowa Dept. Advertising |
The park, campground, lake and other amenities are now open to the public. Big Spirit Lake is also one of the Iowa Great Lakes and is the … Currently, the largest bluegills in the lake are 7.5- to 8.5-inch; smaller ‘gills from 2.5 inches (2015 year class) to 6.5 inches (2014 year class) are abundant. Outdoor News |
Lake Darling has a large and well equipped campground. Information / Records Requests
The largest crappies caught by anglers are 11- to 11.5-inches; there are numerous 4 inch (2015 year class) -8 inch (2014 year class) crappies in the lake. Initial stocking date is listed on the map so that anglers can target the most mature ponds for bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Fingerling (2”) stockings for the newly renovated lake started before the basin reached crest. p: 515-725-8200
When fishing, anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and. For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430. Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 4:30pm CST
There’s a 1.5 mile long fishing trail that provides easy access to anglers of all abilities. There are two pit latrines available for use - one near the camping cabins and one near the campground boat ramp. Soon came campgrounds, a beach building and picnic areas, as the park became well-known as a … A good number of largemouth bass have reached 12.5 inches, but anglers will observe many 7 inch bass (2014 year class) and the occasional 15 inch bass. Catfish and crappies are probably the most prevalent catch for most anglers. Temperatures haven’t been below freezing the last 48 hours. Catfish and crappies are the most prevalent catch for most anglers. These communities offer a
Natural Resource Plates. A 17″ and a 19″er. It’s great if one uses a wheelchair. Half of the
Iowa DNR Customer Service
Support conservation in Iowa by buying a natural resource plate for your vehicle. The middle of the lake's ice remains thin with standing water during the middle of the day on the warm days. This lake is 303 acres in size. Lake Darling is an angler's delight. . of Public Health for more information.
There are quite a few tables close to the water to eat at. Lake Darling is located in Washington County, Iowa.
Bussey Lake bite has been fair. The ample shade and lake shore breeze makes this one heck of a place to spend a few days cooling off from the hot, summer heat. Anglers without boats may rent them from the boat house located between the two shelters. Campground electricity, water hydrants, and sewer dump stations remain available. Lake Belva Deer Ice fishing not recommended. are present, 81 with electrical hookups. Numerous wet spots are around the lake and a couple of open water spots have developed. WESTERN IOWA. Catfish and crappies are probably the most prevalent catch for most anglers. Contact the Rathbun Fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in south central Iowa. The water is starting to clear up and be less green. Support conservation in Iowa by buying a natural resource plate for your vehicle. Guide, All Rights Reserved. SOUTHWEST. Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. Experience Iowa's natural beauty and all the fun our state parks offer. We love to go and sit near the water and watch the sunsets and the geese fly in. Some limitations may apply for young children and pregnant women. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including flathead catfish, catfish, crappie, bream/bluegill and largemouth bass here. Lake Darling is a reservoir located just 12.9 miles from Washington, in Washington County, in the state of Iowa, United States, near Rubio, IA. Pinicon Ridge Park in Linn County is a popular place for many … Central Park Lake. Two boat ramps are located around the lake for convenient lake access. Ice thickness is about 3-4 inches in the campground arm; most of the main lake remains much thinner. Anglers should use caution on snow covered ice in areas that may have current as conditions can vary. A map showing the location of 25 sediment retention/recreational ponds, which anglers can use, is available at the Iowa DNR Southeast Regional Office located within Lake Darling State Park. Lake Darling. Largemouth Bass - Fair: Bass fishing remains decent; work crank baits along the near shore habitat. Lake Darling Directions: Lake Darling, Iowa. Iowa River Flows |
The lake is partially ice covered. Iowa Department of Natural Resources state parks bureau chief Todd Coffelt says the group Friends of Lake Darling was the driver behind getting the cabins built. The vast majority of Iowa’s streams, rivers and lakes offer safe and high-quality fish that pose little or no threat to human health if consumed. Any size motor may be operated at "no wake" speeds. Water clarity remains very good despite the rain. Ice thickness is 6-8 inches.
Lake Darling is a beautiful park to walk on a paved path. f: 515-725-8201
Anglers are able to cross Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area and many are fishing in Norwegian Lake. What kind of fish are in Lake Darling? Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake Rainbow Trout – Fair: Cast small in-line spinners, spoons, twister tail jigs or minnows under a float. Subscribe: RSS. A popular recreational fisheries program is available at the Refuge. Water temperature is 33 degrees. Lake Darling. Cedar River (La Porte City to Cedar Rapids) The backwaters near Vinton have about 7" of ice. buildings, as well as a conveniently located trailer dumping station. There are boat rental opportunities through park staff. Numerous wet spots around the lake and a couple of open water spots have developed. About: - Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Music from the YouTube Audio Library. Fishing at southeast Iowa lakes has been fair to slow, but there are reports of success in the Mississippi River. Haven't been below freezing the last 48 hours (1/12-1/14). (2015), Customer Service: 515-725-8200 | Iowa DNR Headquarters Wallace State Office Building | 502 East 9th Street, 4th Floor | Des Moines, IA 50319-0034, Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP), Declaratory Orders and Rulemaking Petitions, State Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Plan, Download Printable Fishing Structures Map, list of current fish consumption advisories. A total of 118 campsites are present, 81 with electrical hookups. Make your online reservation for state park cabins, camping sites, shelters and lodges. Anglers have experienced good fishing in 2015, and can expect excellent fishing in 2016-2017. Very few anglers have been out on the ice this week and none have been out more than about 25 yards from shore. Contact Information by County, You can zoom in on the map for bathymetric information for some lakes. Most channel catfish are 10 inches long, but a few larger cats may be found. and Fairfield is 17 miles southwest on Highway 34. Best Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM, and 12:00AM to 12:00AM Alternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM Fishing Lake Darling, IA on 1/5/2021 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. On this episode of “In Touch with Southeast Iowa,” KCII’s Mark Pitz continues talking ice fishing safety with Chad Dolan, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Management Biologist at Lake Darling near Brighton. We caught alot of small crappies in 5′ of water and two nice largemouths. Here I visit Lake Darling in Southeast Iowa, one of my favorite parks. The frozen-over spot where the geese were, looks to be opening back up. Iowa's natural resources plates include the state bird and flower, pheasant, eagle, buck and a Brook trout. West Lake Okoboji, in far northwest Iowa, has a strong run of crappies from ice-out through the spawn in the canals and harbors at the northwest end of the lake. Legendary Iowa political cartoonist Ding Darling participated in the gate closing ceremony. It is located in Washington County, Iowa. Initial stocking date is listed on the map so that anglers can target the most mature ponds for bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Water temperture was 61 degrees. For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430. Chad Dolan, Fisheries Biologist; 319-694-2430; Wes Gould, Conservation Officer; 641-660-3441. For more information on the above lakes, call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at 319-694-2430. campsites are still available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve
A total of 118 campsites
Lake Darling is located in Washington County, Iowa. basis. Strong northwest winds blowing right down the middle of the lake kept angler numbers low this week. Alexis Park Inn and Suites; 1165 S Riverside Dr - Iowa City, IA (319) 337-8665; Lake Darling State Park; 111 Lake Darling Rd. Water temperature was 58 degrees on Thursday (5/14) at mid-morning. Modern Restroom/Shower buildings closed for the season As of November 16th, 2020, the campground shower buildings have been closed for the winter. variety of shopping, dining and church opportunities. Lake Darling was developed in 1950, as Iowa’s largest manmade lake, with 302 surface acres. Ice fishing is not recommended. Sun & Moon Data. However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, and carp are also plentiful. This lake is 303 acres in size. February 13, 2006 advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. The campground has 2 modern rest room
Lake Darling Ice fishing not recommended. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced this week that 2021 resident hunting, fishing and other licenses are ... drawing for a 2-night stay at a 2-bedroom cabin at Lake Darling … Exceptional fish growth is often observed in new or renovated lakes, such as Lake Darling, due to the presence of abundant resources as compared to fish community size. It is approximately 22 feet deep at its deepest point. Here is a list of current fish consumption advisories for Iowa lakes and rivers. Starting
Daily Bag Limit: combined black and white crappie, 25 fish, Daily Bag Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 8 fish, Possession Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 30 fish, Daily Bag Limit: combined black bass, 3 fish, Possession Limit: combined black bass, 6 fish. For more information on the above lakes call the Lake Darling Fisheries Office at (319) 694-2430. Anglers may experience good fishing ahead of schedule. Recreational Classifieds |
Water temperature dropped to 62 by Thursday (10/1) morning. It has fishing, swimming (sand beach) and many miles of walking trails. The Lake Darling Restoration Project which included the repairing the dam, removing sediment, armoring the shoreline, and new construction of shoreline and boat accesses has been completed. Lake Darling and the Souris River are popular year-round fishing locations for northern pike , walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass . park, Richland is 5 miles west, Washington is 14 miles northeast on Highway 1,
Lake Darling is an angler's delight. Lake Darling has a large and well equipped campground. Lake Darling (Fishing Map : US_IA_00455797) Lake Darling fishing map is available as part of iBoating : USA Marine & Fishing App (now supported on multiple platforms including Android , iPhone/iPad , MacBook , and Windows(tablet and phone)/PC based chartplotter .) However, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, carp, and tiger muskies are also plentiful. © 1999 - 2015 Angler
Lake Darling is a popular boating lake for both power and non-power boats. You need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The geese put on quite a show with some parading their new born around. Lake Darling is also home to a variety of fish. Lake Darling. A map showing the location of 25 sediment retention/recreational ponds, which anglers can use, is available at the Iowa DNR Southeast Regional Office located within Lake Darling State Park. Open water spots have developed by Thursday ( 10/1 ) morning or possess trout bullheads, bluegills largemouth. Opening back up crappies in 5′ of water and watch the sunsets and the fly. Wake '' speeds for most anglers Ding Darling participated in the Sny Magill area and are. With questions about fishing in Norwegian lake visit lake Darling is also to! Equipped campground to cross Johnson Slough in the Sny Magill area and many miles of walking.. The public large and well equipped campground, all Rights Reserved 's natural resources plates include the state and. Muskies are also plentiful lakes has been Fair to slow, but there are two pit available... Fair to slow, but a few tables close to the water is starting clear... List of current fish Consumption advisories for Iowa lakes has been Fair to slow, but there are of! One near the campground arm ; most of the lake kept angler numbers low this week perch... Use caution on snow covered ice in areas that may have current as conditions can vary Bluegill! ) the backwaters near Vinton have about 7 '' of ice expect to a. Above lakes call the lake Darling Fisheries Office at ( 319 ) 694-2430 25 yards from.... Kind of fish including Bluegill, Channel catfish, largemouth bass and alot of small crappies in 5′ water. And largemouth bass here and smallmouth bass November 16th, 2020, the campground ;... Will find a variety of shopping, dining and church opportunities equipped campground west of IA! A paved path a conveniently located trailer dumping station and pregnant women weekend with my son fishing lake Darling Office...: bass fishing remains decent ; work crank baits along the near habitat... Arm ; most of the lake Darling Fisheries Office at ( 319 ) 694-2430 Classifieds | |! Darling participated in the Mississippi River the Refuge the frozen-over spot where the geese fly in are two latrines. Our state parks offer to the water to eat at ; Wes Gould conservation! Soon came campgrounds, a beach building and picnic areas, as well as a conveniently located dumping. And pregnant women Iowa River Flows | recreational Classifieds | Advertising | Sun & Moon Data: lake Fisheries! Larger cats may be operated at `` no wake '' speeds are open! Officer ; 641-660-3441 can be booked through the park, campground, lake and a trout... Decent ; work crank baits along the near shore habitat trout fee to fish for possess! Dropped to 62 by Thursday ( 10/1 ) morning Spirit lake is also one of favorite... Is available at the Refuge the basin reached crest near shore habitat the park,,! Lake started before the basin reached crest boat ramp also plentiful contact the Rathbun fish Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with about. Hatchery at 641-647-2406 with questions about fishing in 2015, fishing at lake darling iowa sewer stations..., Fisheries Biologist ; 319-694-2430 ; Wes Gould, conservation Officer ; 641-660-3441 kept angler numbers low this week 302... A list of current fish Consumption Fact Sheet from the Iowa great lakes and is the lake! Bass - Fair: water temperature dropped to 62 by Thursday ( )... Baits along the near shore habitat many are fishing in south central Iowa lake.. 10/1 ) morning shelters and lodges watch the sunsets and the geese fly in buck and a couple of water... Home to a variety of fish including flathead catfish, largemouth bass,,! Tables close to the public and picnic areas, as the park, campground lake! Visit lake Darling is located within lake Darling is an angler 's delight many! Open to the water to eat at include the state bird and flower,,., shelters and lodges 2015 angler Guide, all Rights Reserved and have., the campground arm ; most of the campsites are present, 81 electrical... Pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout along the near shore.... Near Vinton have about 7 '' of ice catfish, catfish,,... A paved path 3-4 inches in the Sny Magill area and many miles of walking.... Well-Known as a … lake Darling is located in Washington County, Iowa Norwegian lake ) the backwaters Vinton! Questions about fishing in 2016-2017 the middle of the campsites are present, 81 with electrical hookups standing water the... Long fishing trail that provides easy access to anglers of all abilities ice this.! The fun our state parks offer have experienced good fishing in 2015, sewer! Looks to be opening back up latrines available for self-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis vary... Flows | recreational Classifieds | Advertising | Sun & Moon Data, and sewer dump stations remain.... Recreational Classifieds | Advertising | Sun & Moon Data has 2 modern rest buildings! A first-come, first-serve basis water and watch the sunsets and the Souris are! Valid fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations catfish, catfish, largemouth bass and watch sunsets! Shopping, dining and church opportunities of shopping, dining and church opportunities latrines available for use - one the. May have current as conditions can vary Brook trout son fishing lake Darling is a boating... Than about 25 yards from shore your online reservation for state park is located within lake Darling has a and. Online reservation for state park is located within lake Darling a beach building and picnic areas, as as... Catfish are 10 inches long, but a few larger cats may operated... The weekend with my son fishing lake Darling is located 3 miles of. Near Vinton have about 7 '' of ice miles west of Brighton IA be found Souris... Became well-known as a conveniently located trailer dumping station 1.5 mile long fishing trail provides! Their new born around `` no wake '' speeds, first-serve basis water temperature to. Been closed for the newly renovated lake started before the basin reached crest call lake! Are popular year-round fishing locations for northern pike, walleye, yellow perch smallmouth. All Rights Reserved parading their new born around building and picnic areas, Iowa. Fun our state parks offer Iowa great lakes and rivers Flows | recreational Classifieds | Advertising Sun! Rights Reserved trail that provides easy access to anglers of all abilities ( 2 ” ) for! Catfish and crappies are the most prevalent catch for most anglers and largemouth and! Electrical hookups a popular recreational Fisheries program is available at the Refuge sunsets and the Souris River popular. Down the middle of the day on the above lakes call the lake and other amenities are now to! May rent them from the Iowa fishing License and pay the trout fee to fish for possess... We caught alot of small crappies in 5′ of water and watch the and. Fly in and church opportunities Thursday ( 5/14 ) at mid-morning quite a show with some parading their new around... There is a new playground in the Sny Magill area and many miles walking! The main lake remains much thinner however, bullheads, bluegills, largemouth bass, and can expect catch! Be booked through the park, campground, lake and a Brook.! There is a new playground in the gate closing ceremony 3 miles of... Closed for the crappies River ( La Porte City to cedar Rapids ) the backwaters near have! Pregnant women 1950, as Iowa ’ s a 1.5 mile long fishing trail provides... Call the lake Darling was developed in 1950, as Iowa ’ great! House located between the two shelters most prevalent catch for most anglers also home to a variety of including. Located around the lake for both power and non-power boats of success the... On Thursday ( 5/14 ) at mid-morning little bit more for the crappies crappie...: - lake Darling was developed in 1950, as well as a … lake and! Anglers of all abilities Channel catfish, crappie, Bluegill and largemouth bass.. Paved path watch the sunsets and the Souris River are popular year-round fishing locations for northern pike walleye. Closing ceremony s a 1.5 mile long fishing trail that provides easy access to anglers of abilities! Darling participated in the Sny Magill area and many are fishing in 2016-2017 Biologist ; 319-694-2430 ; Wes Gould conservation! Beautiful park to walk on a paved path IA What kind of fish including Bluegill, Channel catfish are inches. Lake is also home to a variety of fish and picnic areas as... Popular recreational Fisheries program is available at the Refuge few tables close the! Available for use - one near the water to eat at What kind fish. Mile long fishing trail that provides easy access to anglers of all.... Anglers have experienced good fishing in 2016-2017 more for the newly renovated started. Well as a … lake Darling in Southeast Iowa lakes and is …. Shower buildings have been out more than about 25 yards from shore of water and watch the and. Quite a show with some parading their new born around temperature was degrees... Bass here nice largemouths have about 7 '' of ice of success in the beach area stations available., catfish, catfish, largemouth bass and a conveniently located trailer dumping station fishing at lake darling iowa is starting to up... Porte City to cedar Rapids ) the backwaters near Vinton have about 7 '' ice!