Hunting + Fishing
Bauer Slough
This 417 acre public hunting area is a combination of native and restored prairie along with restored wetlands. Upland game and waterfowl hunting is the most common here along with wide variety of prairie plant species. Non-toxic shot is required for hunting at all times.
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Boone Forks Wildlife Management Area
The Boone Forks Wildlife Management Area consists of 4,456 acres and is designated as a Bird Conservation Area. The heavily timbered river valley is an outdoor paradise for hunters, fishers, and photographers.
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Boone River
The Iowa DNR has designated the lower 26 miles of the Boone River from Webster City to its mouth as a “Protected Water Area”. This stretch of river cuts through a wooded valley and allows canoeing and fishing for smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, northern pike and flathead catfish.
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Briggs Woods Lake
This 55-acre lake is located in Briggs Woods Park. Electric motor only is allowed on the lake. Fishing includes crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, walleye and catfish.
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Brushy Creek State Recreation Area
At 6,500 acres, Brushy Creek SRA is one of Iowa’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. The land is a mosaic of native prairie, grassland, timber, riparian, and lake habitats with a 690-acre lake. The area has an extensive network of equestrian, mountain biking, and hiking trails. It also features two equestrian campgrounds and a non-equestrian campground.
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Buffalo Grove Wildlife Area
Buffalo Grove Wildlife Area, located in southwestern Boone County, is one of our many hidden gems within Boone County. Beaver Creek meanders through the property where Smallmouth Bass can be targeted by anglers. This 127 acre area has a variety of wildlife habitat perfect for whitetail deer, wild turkey, and pheasant hunting throughout the property.
WEBSITE Des Moines River – Saylorville Wildlife Management Area
The Des Moines River stretches 38 miles north and south within Boone County and offers a wide variety of fishing and hunting opportunities throughout. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources manages over 10,000 acres as part of the Saylorville Wildlife Management Area with various access points throughout.
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Dickcissel Park
Dickcissel Park, located east of the city of Boone, offers a 13 acre lake that has recently undergone a re-stocking program in 2015. The lake has been re-stocked with Yellow Perch and Largemouth Bass with varying size. Hunting is not permitted at Dickcissel Park.
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Don Williams Recreation Area
Don Williams Recreation Area, located north of the city of Ogden, is home to the 150 acre Don Williams Lake where anglers can get out and try their luck year round. A variety of fish can be found here including Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and Channel Catfish and a bait shop is located on site. Hunting is not permitted at Don Williams Recreation Area.
WEBSITE Gordon’s Marsh Youth Hunting Area
This area is 283 acres in size and is the first designated youth hunting area in the state. A permit is required to hunt this area for youth and adult supervision. Pheasant and waterfowl are most abundant and non-toxic shot is required.
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Gypsum City OHV Park Ponds
Aside from its excellent trails, Gypsum City OHV Park contains several ponds throughout. These are available for fishing and make a great rest spot during your ride.
WEBSITE Harrier Marsh WMA
Harrier Marsh, located just southeast of the City of Ogden, is an upland game and waterfowl hunters dream. The 420 acre property is comprised of grasslands where pheasant, dove, and other upland game can be found. The remaining area is comprised of marsh and wetlands which is a popular location for a variety of waterfowl that can be found along the Mississippi Flyway.
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Jay Carlson Wildlife Area
Jay Carlson Wildlife Area, located just west of the City of Boone, is a one stop shop for all of your hunting and fishing needs. There are 22 acres of water combined between two gravel pits here with a variety of fish to target as well as 100 plus acres of wetlands, prairie, and woodlands that offer a wide variety of hunting opportunities as well.
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John F. Kennedy Memorial Park
This park, one of the largest and most popular managed by the Webster County Conservation Board, is a 400-acre multiple-use recreation area. The 53-acre Badger Lake provides the focal point for a wide variety of outdoor activities including camping, fishing, picnicking, hiking, canoeing, and boating (no gas motors).
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Kamrar Wildlife Area
This 127 acre area is open for public hunting. It has restored prairie, food plots and two re constructed wetlands. Pheasant and waterfowl are abundant and non-toxic shot is required.
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Little Wall Lake Park
Little Wall Lake Park is located south of Jewell and has one of the most southern glacial lakes in Iowa. 250 acres of surface water is fun for fishing or power boating and water sports. 106 campsites are available along with 3 year round cabins.
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Lizard Creek Water Trail
The Lizard Creek Water Trail follows the North Fork Lizard Creek flowing from northwest to the southeast and merges with the Des Moines River in the City of Fort Dodge. This beautiful water trail is best suited for experienced kayakers and fishermen looking for a remote experience. Large rocks and fast-flowing water make it essential to check water levels before entering the system.
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Moorland Pond
A borrow pit resulting from the construction of U.S. 20, the Moorland Pond area is 22.5 acres in size and is a popular fishing spot that offers a variety of fish species. Moorland Pond has played a key role in the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Program and is included in the IDNR Urban Trout Stocking Program.
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Rhoads Acres
Rhoads Acres, located along the Des Moines River Bottom northeast of Pilot Mound, is a 160 acre bottomland woodland area that was acquired in 1997 with the help of the National Wild Turkey Foundation. With its location, limited access, and terrain, Rhoads Acres is another location which is prime territory for wild turkey and whitetail deer hunting off the beaten path.
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