Fishing Trumbull Lake
AKA: Trumbull Slough
Popular Fish Species Trumbull Lake, IA
Northern Pike Fishing
Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Trumbull Lake. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Trumbull Lake. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for yellow perch and northern pike at Trumbull Lake in Iowa.
Trumbull Lake Fishing Video
Dense vegetation lines much of the 7 miles of shoreline at Trumbull Lake, a 1,180-acre lake in northwest Iowa 2 miles north of Ruthven. Northern pike and yellow perch thrive in these aquatic shelters which provide great nesting areas for fry.
Trumbull Lake in Iowa is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts, offering a tranquil and rewarding fishing experience. This small, secluded lake covers approximately 40 acres and is located near the town of Trumbull. Despite its size, Trumbull Lake is home to a variety of popular fish species, making it a favorite spot for anglers seeking a peaceful escape.
One of the sought-after fish species in Trumbull Lake is largemouth bass. The lake's calm waters and abundant vegetation provide an ideal habitat for bass. Anglers can target largemouth bass using various techniques, such as casting with soft plastic baits, topwater lures, or crankbaits. The lake's structure, including submerged logs, weed beds, and lily pads, offers plenty of hiding places for bass to ambush their prey.
Another popular species in Trumbull Lake is bluegill. These feisty panfish can be found near the lake's shoreline, particularly around submerged vegetation or fallen trees. Anglers can use small jigs, worms, or crickets to entice bluegill bites. They provide a fun and action-packed fishing experience, especially for young anglers or those new to fishing.
Trumbull Lake also harbors channel catfish, offering anglers the chance to reel in some impressive specimens. Catfish can be caught using a variety of techniques, such as bottom fishing with cut bait, stinkbaits, or live bait. The lake's deeper areas, such as holes or drop-offs, are popular spots to target catfish. Nighttime or low-light conditions can often be the most productive times for catfish angling.
Trumbull Lake in Iowa offers a serene and rewarding fishing experience for anglers seeking tranquility. With popular fish species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, the lake provides ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether fishing from a kayak, canoe, or the shoreline, anglers can appreciate the peacefulness of Trumbull Lake and the opportunity to catch a variety of fish species in a picturesque setting.
The lake has virtually no facilities except for a boat launch ramp on the west side of the lake off 310th Street. Canoes, kayaks and portables are popular here.
Primary fish species residing in Trumbull Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Trumbull Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
While Trumbull Lake may not accommodate large boats due to its size, it provides an ideal setting for kayak or canoe fishing. Anglers can silently maneuver through the calm waters, exploring different areas of the lake and finding their preferred fishing spots. The peacefulness of Trumbull Lake and the absence of motorized boats add to the overall serenity of the fishing experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Trumbull Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off 310th Street, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing License
Click here for a Iowa Fishing License.
Camping facilities are not available directly at Trumbull Lake. However, there are nearby campgrounds and parks that provide camping options, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. These campgrounds often offer amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to other nearby lakes and rivers.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Lost Island – Huston Park Campground - 712 837-4866
East Leach Park Campground - 712 580-7265
Trumbull Lake IA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Trumbull Lake
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
712 336-1840
Fishing lakes in each state.
102224
Trumbull Lake in IA
IOWA
Fishing for yellow perch and northern pike in northwest IA.
