Blue Lake

Blue Lake is a reservoir in Monona County, Iowa. Blue Lake covers about 275 acres and reaches a recorded 12 feet.

How the Size and Shape of Blue Lake Affect Fishing

Blue Lake has an old channel, incoming water and quiet coves, and small water-level changes can move fish from the bank to the first drop.

Fish and Baits at Blue Lake

Fish reported from Blue Lake include black bullhead, bluegill, channel catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Stocking records for Blue Lake also list channel catfish and northern pike, though that does not mean those fish will be easy to catch on every trip.

Bass

For bass at Blue, fish weeds, wood and shade with a spinnerbait, jig or Texas-rigged worm for largemouth.

Crappie, Perch and Sunfish

For panfish at Blue, fish a worm, cricket or tiny jig near weeds for bluegill, redear or other sunfish.

Muskellunge and Pike

For large predators at Blue, cast a spoon, spinnerbait or swimbait beside weeds for northern pike.

Catfish, Bullheads and Carp

For bottom fishing at Blue, put cut bait, a nightcrawler or prepared bait on bottom for channel catfish, and fish a worm or small piece of cut bait in quiet water for bullheads, and use corn or dough bait on a simple bottom rig for carp.

How the Seasons Change Blue Lake

Spring around Blue is a good time to check warm coves and incoming water, and summer is best early or late around weeds, shade and the few deeper holes. Fall around Blue can bring fish back to windy points and banks, while winter calls for smaller baits fished slowly.

A Simple Plan for Fishing Blue Lake

On a first trip to Blue, check incoming water, one bend in the old channel and a point near deep water with a moving lure, then slow down with a jig or worm where you get a bite.

Useful Tackle for Blue Lake

A medium spinning rod covers smaller lures at Blue, while a heavier rod and stronger leader are better for pike or muskellunge.

Blue Lake FAQs

Where should an angler start on the 275-acre Blue Lake?

At Blue, pick one cove and the closest point or drop into deep water, then fish that small area well before making a long move.

Should anglers fish the 12-foot deep end of Blue Lake?

Not every trip. A better place at Blue is where a point, drop-off or group of baitfish gives the fish a reason to stop.

Which reported fish is a simple first target at Blue Lake?

Black bullhead is on the fish list for Blue, so start with a bait made for that fish instead of guessing at a species that may not be there.