📍 Danville, Iowa

LakeGeode

Fishing at Lake Geode, Iowa

5Species
Lake / reservoirWater type
YesKid friendly
DanvilleNearby town

Overview

Lake Geode, situated within Geode State Park in Henry County, Iowa, spans approximately 185.7 acres with a maximum depth of 43.8 feet. The lake is accessible via two boat ramps on the east side and offers shoreline fishing along the lakeshore and dam. Boats must operate at 'no-wake' speeds; in-board motors, including jet skis and jet boats, are not permitted. The lake is home to species such as Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie, and Bluegill. In 2024, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources stocked 2,604 Channel Catfish averaging 8 inches in length. The lake has undergone restoration efforts to improve water quality and habitat, including the construction of erosion control ponds and the addition of fish habitat structures like PVC stake beds and cedar trees.

Fish species

Discover what swims here. Tap a species to explore its Species Quest guide.

Swipe to explore 5 species
Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass
Channel Catfish

Channel Catfish
Redear Sunfish

Redear Sunfish
Black Crappie

Black Crappie
Bluegill

Bluegill

Know your water

185.7 acresSurface area
43.8 ftMaximum depth
20.7 ftAverage depth
As of October 29, 2026, water clarity was reported as good to excellent.Water clarityRead full details

As of October 29, 2026, water clarity was reported as good to excellent.

The lake underwent major renovations starting in 2018, including work on the lakebed ...Bottom compositionRead full details

The lake underwent major renovations starting in 2018, including work on the lakebed and underwater structures, aiming to enhance fishing opportunities.

Specific details about fishing pressure are not provided in the available sources.Fishing pressureRead full details

Specific details about fishing pressure are not provided in the available sources.

Where to fish

Promising areas

Crappies are found along the rip-rap in sunny areas and near the long mounds across from the beach. Bluegills are located along the outer edges of water willow beds and around the in-lake silt dam at the upper end of the lake. Largemouth bass are abundant in the 6-8 feet of water around artificial fish habitats and along the edges of water willows.

Habitat & structure

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created fish habitats, including 'octo-habitat' structures made from five-gallon buckets, Quikrete, and flexible PVC, designed to mimic underwater trees or bushes.

Getting on the water

Shoreline fishing is available from several picnic areas along the lakeshore and the dam.

Did you know?

✦ Lake Geode is home to the rare whooping crane and the endangered eastern tiger salamander.

Location & map

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Best time to fish

Fishing tips & conditions

Access, regulations & planning

Regulations and access can change. Verify current rules before fishing.

Public access & launching
Rules and restrictions

Records & notable catches

FAQs

What species can I fish for at Lake Geode?

Anglers can fish for Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Redear Sunfish, Black Crappie, and Bluegill at Lake Geode.

Are there any fishing tournaments held at Lake Geode?

Specific fishing tournaments at Lake Geode are not documented in the available sources.

What are the boating regulations at Lake Geode?

Boats must operate at 'no-wake' speeds; in-board motors, including jet skis and jet boats, are not allowed on Lake Geode.

Is there a fish cleaning station at Lake Geode?

Yes, there is a fish cleaning station near the main boat ramp at Lake Geode.

Can I camp at Lake Geode?

Yes, camping is available at Lake Geode, with both electric and non-electric campsites.

Are there any aquatic invasive species in Lake Geode?

Yes, Lake Geode has been identified as having Brittle Naiad and Curlyleaf Pondweed as aquatic invasive species.