Hook n' Paddle Passport
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Paddle Iowa Waters. Catch Fish. Win Prizes.
Explore easy and safe paddling spots across Iowa this summer with the Hook n’ Paddle Passport. Catch fish, stay active and get up close with nature. Some check-in locations offer kayak/canoe rentals.
The more locations along the passport you visit, the more prizes you’ll unlock!
• The first 500 users to check into 3 locations will win an exclusive Hook n' Paddle Passport Sticker
• The first 100 users to check into 10 locations will win a stocked mini tackle box!
Additionally, each check-in to a location on the Hook n’ Paddle Passport earns you one entry into the monthly and end of season sweepstakes drawings with a chance to win a telescoping rod, water bottle and drybag and a grand prize of a sit on kayak, paddle, life jacket and dry bag. Have fun exploring!
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake
Ada Hayden Heritage Park Lake is a popular destination near Ames for outdoor pursuits. Amenities include paved parking, accessible fishing pier, paved trails, restrooms, pedestrian bridge and picnic area. A new ADA compliant canoe and kayak launch provides a safe and quick entry on the water. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass. Rainbow trout are stocked in the north lake each fall and winter, may still be caught in spring and early summer.
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Bacon Creek Lake
Bacon Creek Lake is a fun family fishing spot on the east edge of Sioux City in Bacon Creek Park. Amenities include a paved loop trail, playground, restrooms, picnic area and dog park. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Rainbow trout stocked each fall and winter.
Badger Creek Lake
Badger Creek Lake in the popular Badger Creek State Recreation Area is just a few miles southwest of the Des Moines metro area. Amenities include two boat ramps; one on the east side and another on the west side of the lake. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.
Banner Lakes
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park is nestled in the rolling landscape between Des Moines and Indianola. The area was once the site of a coal mine and now offers excellent boating and fishing. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Rainbow trout is stocked in the south lake each spring and fall.
Big Creek Lake
Big Creek Lake is the centerpiece of family-friendly Big Creek State Park. Five boat ramps with parking throughout the park provide easy lake access. Catch crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, channel catfish and walleye. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent at Big Creek Marina.
Big Woods Lake
Big Woods Lake Recreation Area is a popular paddling destination. Enjoy easy access to the water with a kayak launch and boat ramp. Amenities include a fishing jetty, picnic area, trails, restrooms and camping. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Black Hawk Lake
Black Hawk Lake in Lake View is North America's southernmost glacial lake. Home to Black Hawk State Park, the lake is a popular boating and fishing destination, offering boat ramps, fish cleaning station, picnic shelters, trails and more. Popular species include crappie, blue gill, walleye and yellow perch.
Blue Heron Lake
Blue Heron Lake is the center piece of Raccoon River Park. Amenities include a boat ramp, nature lodge, picnic tables, paved trail, dog park and playground and lots of parking options. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie along with river fish like white bass, suckers and carp.
Blue Pit
Blue Pit is in Lester Milligan Park on the southwest side of Mason City. The park was used for 90 years by the Brick and Tile Co. as a quarry for brick and clay tile products. Amenities include an accessible fishing pier, playground, beach, paved trails and parking. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Rainbow Trout stocked each fall and winter.
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Bluebill Lake
Bluebill Lake is in the Bluebill Wildlife Area southwest of Mason City. Amenities include a fishing jetty, kayak launch, and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Boone River from Briggs to Albright
For paddlers, the Briggs Woods Park put-in has nearby restrooms and boat rentals, along with camping and cabins. Fish for smallmouth bass, walleye. northern pike and catfish. Take out is a gravel ramp downstream of the bridge at Albrights Access, river left. 400cfs to 800cfs ideal flow.
Brushy Creek Lake
Brushy Creek Lake is surrounded by state recreation lands with an amazing view of wildlife and habitat throughout the park. Explore the lake's many different coves and creek arms with a scattering of islands, either by boat or on the shore. Catch bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish and walleye.
Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is two miles northeast of Winterset. The 1911 historic Jurgensen Bridge, once over the North River 9 miles east of Winterset, has been re-located to Cedar Lake and re-purposed with new decking, railing, lighting, landscaping and plaza area. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.
Clear Lake
Clear Lake is one of Iowa's most popular recreational lakes and a destination for boaters and anglers. The passport check-in location is Clear Lake State Park and offers bathrooms, picnic areas, beach, public parking. Catch crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish, northern pike, muskie, yellow bass and walleye.
Copper Creek
Copper Creek Lake Park is a beautiful oasis in Pleasant Hill. Amenities include a small paved parking lot, boat ramp, fishing pier, shelter, restrooms, picnic tables and paved trail. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Deep Lakes
Deep Lakes is a former sand and gravel quarry with more than 130 acres of clear water lakes surrounded by sand dunes. Amenities include several boat ramps, swimming beach, trails, rental cabins, restrooms, courtesy docks and fishing pier. Catch bluegill, crappie, largemouth, channel catfish and muskie.
Des Moines River, Ledges State Park to E-57 Access (7.5 miles)
This lengthy scenic stretch is perfect for all skill levels and features catfish, walleye and striped bass. Interesting geology includes fossils and historic remains. The river starts to just creep along below 400cfs, so this level and above is ideal. Ledges State Park offers great hiking and picnicking.
Des Moines River, Prospect Park to Birdland Marina (3 miles)
This urban stretch of the wide Des Moines River can be paddled and fished even at fairly low levels. Several boat rental contacts are nearby. Look for catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass and more. Get out at Birdland Marina and have lunch at the riverside resturaunt. Do not go farther downstrream as there is a low-head dam just past the freeway overpass.
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Easter Lake
Des Moines' Easter Lake Park is a favorite with anglers and paddlers. Amenities include a fishing jetty, picnic area, swimming beach, paved trail, playground and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and walleye. Access the boat ramp on the south shore of the lake off Easter Lake Drive. Canoe and kayak rentals are available.
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Fort Des Moines Pond
The large pond at Fort Des Moines Park rests on a portion of the former army post established in 1903. The peaceful surroundings and mature woodlands are a welcome escape in this urban park. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. The boat ramp is near Shelter #1, close to the park’s main entrance.
George Wyth Lake
George Wyth Lake and State Park offer a secluded environment on the edge of nearby Waterloo and Cedar Falls. Amenities include a fishing jetty, accessible pier, boat ramp, picnic area, beach, trails, playground, restrooms, camping and paved parking. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.
Grays Lake
Gray's Lake offers in the heart of Des Moines offers views views of the city skyline as a stunning backdrop. Access the boat launch near the northwest parking lot by the park entrance. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, white bass, crappie and river species. Canoe and kayaks are available to rent at the concession stand on the south shore of the lake.
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Greenbelt Lake
Greenbelt Lake is part of the Katoski Greenbelt managed by the City of Waterloo. Explore a new handicap accessible pier and multiple walk-down access areas around the lake. A paved walkway connects the pier to the parking lot. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Greenfield Lake
Greenfield Lake offers excellent fishing and easy paddling opportunities southwest of Greenfield. Amenities include a boat ramp, trails, playground, picnic area and restrooms. Catch bluegills, crappies, channel catfish, and largemouth bass.
Harold Getty Lake
Harold Getty Lake is in the Riverview Recreation Area. Fishing jetty, paved parking and trails, picnic area and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.
Iowa River, Steamboat Rock to Pine Lake (6.3 miles)
This scenic stretch features sandstone bluffs with smallmouth bass with some walleye. Swift riffles make for good fishing and fun paddling. Boat rentals nearby. 300cfs is a comfortable fishing flow for paddlers
Lake MacBride
Lake Macbride is a popular outdoor destination with family-friendly recreation. Enjoy easy access to limestone shores, numerous fishing jetties and a handicapped accessible fishing pier connected via sidewalk to the parking lot. Lake Macbride is the only lake in Iowa where anglers can catch the prized Kentucky spotted bass. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the beach at Lake Macbride State Park.
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Lake Manawa
Lake Manawa is one of western Iowa's premier outdoor recreation destination with thousands of visitors each year to the lake and state park. Amenities include a fishing jetty, accessible pier, playground, picnic area, beach, trails and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the beach area.
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Little Sioux River, Walling Access to Little Sioux Park (4.2 miles)
This stretch of the Little Sioux River is located in the Loess Hills and offers beautiful scenic views of one of Iowa's most unique natural areas. Anglers can catch catfish and walleye as they meander down river. 450+cfs is a decent level for angling and paddling.
Lost Grove Lake
Lost Grove Lake, Iowa's newest lake, is a popular paddling spot. Special canoe and kayak accesses are located along the shore fishing accesses.Catch bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye and muskellunge.
Marble Lake
Marble Lake is a hidden gem for anglers who love to paddle. Located just west of Spirit Lake, amenities include a boat ramp, accessible pier, picnic area and bathrooms. Fish for bullhead, northern pike and yellow perch.
Meyers Lake
Meyers Lake is the showcase of Evansdale's Angels Park. Amenities include an accessible fishing pier, boat ramp, picnic area, playground, trail system and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie and bullhead.
Middle Raccoon River, Lenon Mill Dam to P28 or Middle River Access (Linden) (2.1 or 5.2 miles)
The Middle Raccoon River is one of only five Protected Water Areas in Iowa. Discover great fishing and scenic beauty. Smallmouth bass and walleye are numerous. The trip can be extended to Linden and the river is a bit swifter than most in central Iowa. Look for levels between 400 and 800cfs but avoid higher levels. Several boat rental rentals can be found in the area.
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Moorland Pond
Moorland Pond is just east of the city of Moorland on Highway 20. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Rainbow Trout stocked each fall and winter.
Ottumwa Park Ponds
The greater Ottumwa park system boasts five ponds for fishing and paddling. Amenities include a picnic area, trails, playground, restrooms and camping. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Pleasant Creek Lake
Pleasant Creek Lake is a popular fishing and boating destination surrounded by Pleasant Creek Recreation Area. Four boat ramps and a kayak launching area provide easy access to the water. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie.
Prairie Park Fishery
Prairie Park Fishery, along the Cedar River, offers great paddling adventures inside the Cedar Rapids city limits. The park was served for more than 50 years as a quarry. Amenities include paved parking and trails, boat ramp, picnicking area and restrooms.Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Rainbow trout stocked each fall and winter.
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Prairie Rose Lake
Prairie Rose Lake is the focal point of Prairie Rose State Park, nestled in the scenic hills of southwest Iowa. Amenities include a boat ramp, trails, beach, campground, restrooms and picnic area. Catch largemout bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish.
Purple Martin Lakes
The Purple Martin Lake Water Resource Area is near Walnut Woods State Park and offers two water bodies for fishing and paddling. Enjoy the pristine waters and beautiful views while paddling around the lake. Access the boat ramp on the lake's south side, near the parking area. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie along with river fish like white bass, suckers and carp.
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Quarry Springs
Photograph by Jessica Storey.
Quarry Springs, in Quarry Springs Park, is a popular paddling and fishing destination with easy access boat ramps and three connected lakes. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Kayak rentals are available.
Quarry Springs, in Quarry Springs Park, is a popular paddling and fishing destination with easy access boat ramps and three connected lakes. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish. Kayak rentals are available.
Sand Lake
The Sand Lake Recreation Area is an important stopover and wintering area for wildlife. Amenities include a boat ramp and kayak launch, fishing jetty, accessible pier and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye. Rainbow trout stocked each fall and spring.
Skunk River, Sleepy Hollow to SE 16th (6 miles)
In this section of the Skunk River, a section of rapids can be run or portaged around. Enjoy a peaceful urban section of stream with catfish for anglers, and nearby biking and hiking trails for a full day of adventurous possibilities. Boat rentals are available.
South Prairie Lake
South Prairie Lake is in Cedar Falls' Prairie Lakes Park. Amenities include an accessible fishing pier, fishing jetty, fitness stations, restrooms and paved parking and trails. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and crappie.
Terra Lake
Discover both kayaking and fishing opportunities at Terra Lake in Johnston. Parking on the north side of the lake and by the Crown Point Community Center. Amenities include an ADA fishing pier, boat ramp, playground, paved trail, bathrooms and picnic tables. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Rainbow Trout are stocked here each spring and fall. Kayak rentals are available.
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Terry Trueblood Lake
Terry Trueblood Lake is in Iowa City's Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. This newer park offers a boat ramp, fishing jetty, paved trails, concession stand and restrooms. Catch largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Rainbow trout stocked each fall and spring. Kayak and canoe rentals are available.
Thomas Mitchell Lake
Thomas Mitchell Park is named after Polk County’s earliest Anglo-American settler. The lake and park offer accessible walkways connecting a playground, restroom, horseshoe pits, shelters, ball field, and unique creek access leading into Camp Creek. Catch bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Upper Iowa, Lundy Bridge Access to Canoe Creek Access (2.9 miles)
This short paddle is said to be the most scenic river in Iowa and and offers great fishing for walleye and bass. Avoid paddling below 200cfs as you will scrape bottom.
Upper Pine Lake
Upper and Lower Pine Lakes are in Pine Lake State Park, a hidden gem with wooded trails, deep ravines, and scenic lake views in the midst of Iowa’s rolling farmland. Historic structures can be found throughout the park, including the Pine Lodge, beach house and stone cabins. Enjoy easy lake access for paddling and fishing. Catch bass, crappie and catfish.
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Wapsipinicon River, Wapsi State Park to Newport Mills (8.9 miles)
The Wapsipinicon is both a paddler's hidden gem and an angler's dream. Catch catfish, smallmouth bass, drum, walleye and northern pike as you paddle past limestone cliffs and formations on this quiet route that deserves more attention. Boat rentals are available in the area.
West Lake
West Lake is easily accessible from Interstate 35 and surrounds Lakeside Hotel and Casino. Amenities include a boat ramp and restrooms. Catch crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.
West Nishnabotna River, Botna Bend Park to Oakland (7.3 miles)
This lazy and slow stretch of the West Nishnabotna provides great fishing for catfish. A boat rental livery is close to the ramp. Enjoy the historic Botna Bend Park at the put-in. You'll scrape if the water level is below 200cfs.