Fishing Lake Red Rock
AKA: Red Rock Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Red Rock, IA
Walleye Fishing
Thanks to over a decade of consistent walleye stocking, a healthy population of walleye are now thriving in the waters of Lake Red Rock this year. May and June are usually the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water, as always, staying close by schools of baitfish. Walleye over 10 pounds are not uncommon recently. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.
Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing
Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Red Rock. These wipers are plentiful, run in schools and grow to bragging size. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass is likely to be in the area. Fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and wipers. Live bait is very very effective here, and these chubby fish can be caught year round.
Crappie Fishing
Lake Red Rock is fortunate to have nice quantities of both black crappie and white crappie and they are a very popular species this year. Crappie fishing has been on the rise, and they can be found in sizeable schools. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Lake Red Rock Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, saugeye, white bass, hybrid striped bass and northern pike at Lake Red Rock in Iowa.
Known for quality wiper (hybrid striped bass) fishing, Lake Red Rock also offers good fishing for other species. The lake has healthy populations of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, hybrid stripers and northern pike.
Lake Red Rock in Iowa is a fantastic destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering abundant fish populations and a picturesque setting. Located along the Des Moines River, this 15,000-acre lake provides anglers with ample opportunities to reel in a variety of popular fish species.
One of the sought-after fish species in Lake Red Rock is the channel catfish. Known for their impressive size and fighting ability, channel catfish are a favorite among anglers. The lake's expansive shoreline and deep holes provide excellent habitat for these fish. Anglers can target channel catfish using techniques such as bottom fishing with cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. Fishing at night or during low-light conditions can often yield the best results.
Walleye fishing is another highlight of Lake Red Rock. The lake's structure, including points, drop-offs, and submerged rock piles, makes it an ideal habitat for walleye. Anglers can find success by trolling with crankbaits or spinner rigs, casting with jigs, or live bait rigging. Spring and fall tend to be the most productive seasons for walleye fishing in Lake Red Rock.
Crappie are abundant in Lake Red Rock and provide exciting angling opportunities. Anglers can target both black crappie and white crappie near submerged structures, such as brush piles, fallen trees, or rocky areas. Small jigs, minnows, or artificial baits are effective in enticing these panfish. Spring and early summer are typically the best times to catch crappie in shallower areas of the lake.
Other popular fish species in Lake Red Rock include largemouth bass, bluegill, and saugeye. Largemouth bass can be found near weed beds, submerged structures, or rocky areas, providing thrilling fishing experiences for anglers. Bluegill, known for their feisty nature, can be targeted using small jigs, worms, or crickets near vegetation or submerged structures. Saugeye, a hybrid fish resulting from a cross between a walleye and a sauger, can be caught using techniques similar to walleye fishing.
Lake Red Rock in Iowa offers excellent fishing opportunities for a variety of popular fish species, including channel catfish, walleye, crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, and saugeye. With its boating options, camping facilities, and diverse fishing opportunities, Lake Red Rock provides a complete outdoor experience for anglers of all levels, making it a top destination for fishing in the heart of Iowa.
This 15,200-acre lake in central Iowa is 3 miles west of Pella. Over 75 miles of shoreline await anglers and vacationers. Fishing enthusiasts who prefer to fish from shore can find access via the parks, campgrounds and public access roads around the lake. The lake is a good ice fishing destination during winter, including ice fishing tournaments held on the lake. Half a dozen boat launch ramps provide public access for launching bass boats, pontoons, pleasure boats, kayaks and canoes. There are no restrictions on boats and motors. Camping and lodging are available both at the lake and at close by locations. Convenience stores, restaurants, bait and tackle, a marina and boat rentals are also very convenient.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Red Rock
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Red Rock Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake Red Rock, and anglers can take advantage of the lake's multiple boat ramps for easy access to the water. Whether it's a motorized boat, kayak, or canoe, boating provides anglers with the freedom to explore different areas of the lake and find their favorite fishing spots.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Red Rock Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and pontoon boats
641 627-5743
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Cordova Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Highway G 28, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Elk Rock State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, southwest side, off 146th Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Red Rock Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off Highway G 28, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
South Overlook Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, at the west end of the dam, off Highway T15, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Wallashuck Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, east side, off 190th Avenue, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Whitebreast Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, west side, off County Road S71, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Marinas
Red Rock Marina
1768 Highway G28
Pella, IA 50219
641 627-5743
Fishing Guides On Lake Red Rock
Wonderlich Outdoors Fishing Guides - largemouth bass, white bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Lake Red Rock, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Campgrounds offer amenities such as RV hookups, tent sites, picnic areas, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for visitors.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Roberts Creek West Campground - 641 627-5507
Wallashuck Campground - 641 828-7522
Elk Rock State Park Campground - 641 842-6008
North Overlook Campground - 641 828-7522
Red Rock Dam Campground - 641 828-7522
Howell Station Campground - 641 828-7522
Ivan's Recreation Area Campground - 641 828-7522
R V's Full Facility Campground - 641 842-3055
Marion County Park Campground - 641 828-2214
Lake Red Rock IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Red Rock
Elk Rock State Park
811 146th Ave
Knoxville, IA 50138
641 842-6008
Fishing lakes in each state.
031924
Lake Red Rock in Iowa.
IOWA
Information about fishing lakes in Iowa
Fishing in central Iowa for bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, sunfish, hybrid stripers and northern pike.
