What You'll Find at Banner Lakes

Banner Lakes sits inside Summerset State Park near Vesta in Taylor County, about 90 minutes south of Des Moines. The park holds two separate lakes — the upper and lower Banner Lakes — connected by a channel, giving you roughly 90 acres of water to fish. The lakes are shallow, murky, and rich with organic matter, which means they warm quickly in spring and hold fish year-round in the deeper holes.

Walleye and channel catfish are the main draw here. The walleye population is solid but not explosive; you'll catch them, but you won't fill a cooler in an afternoon. Channel cats run bigger and more predictable, especially in summer and fall when they move into the shallower water at night. The lakes also hold bluegill, crappie, and carp, so if you're bringing kids or want a mixed bag, you have options.

The character of Banner Lakes is different from the clearer, deeper reservoirs you might fish elsewhere in the Midwest. These are intimate, weedy lakes where you're reading the water closely and adjusting your approach to the season and time of day. That intimacy is part of the appeal — you can fish the whole park in a day and actually learn the structure.

Key Takeaways

  • Banner Lakes holds walleye and channel catfish in two connected shallow lakes totaling about 90 acres of water.
  • Spring and early summer are best for walleye; summer and fall are prime for channel catfish, especially at night.
  • The park has a boat ramp, camping, and day-use facilities, making it a full weekend destination rather than a quick morning trip.
  • Iowa fishing licenses are required; you can purchase them online through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or at the park office.
  • The lakes are shallow and weedy, so you'll need to adjust your tackle and technique to the season and water conditions.

When to Fish Banner Lakes

Spring (April through May) is when walleye move shallow to spawn and feed heavily. You'll have your best success in the early morning and late evening, working the channel between the two lakes and the deeper holes along the shoreline. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well; so do crankbaits that mimic the baitfish the walleye are chasing.

Summer (June through August) is tougher for walleye because they retreat to the deepest water during the day. If you want walleye in summer, fish at dawn or dusk, or switch to night fishing with live minnows in 8 to 12 feet of water. This is when channel catfish shine — they're active all night and will take cut bait, chicken liver, or stink bait. Set up near the deeper holes and fish from sunset through midnight.

Fall (September through October) brings walleye back into shallower water as the water cools. The bite improves steadily through the month, and you can fish productive hours during the day again. Channel catfish remain active through October, though the bite slows as water temperature drops below 55 degrees.

Winter is possible but not popular at Banner Lakes. The lakes can freeze solid, and the shallow water means ice-out can be unpredictable. If you do fish in winter, focus on the deeper holes and fish live minnows under the ice.

Tackle and Technique for Banner Lakes

Walleye fishing here calls for light to medium tackle — a 6-foot spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Jigs in the 1/8- to 1/4-ounce range are your bread and butter; tip them with a live minnow (shiners or chubs) or a soft plastic like a 2-inch shad body. Work the jig slowly along the bottom, pausing frequently to let it sit. The walleye here are not aggressive; they'll mouth a bait and drop it if it doesn't feel right.

For channel catfish, step up to a medium or medium-heavy rod with 10- to 15-pound line. Use a simple three-way rig or a slip sinker rig with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook. Cut shad, bluegill, or chicken liver work well; so do commercial stink baits if you want to keep things simple. Cast out, set your rod in a holder, and wait for the run. Circle hooks often hook themselves, so you don't need to set hard — just reel when you feel the weight.

Because the lakes are shallow and weedy, you'll snag bottom frequently. Carry extra jigs and rigs, and learn to feel the difference between a snag and a fish. If you're losing too much tackle, move to shallower water or switch to a lighter jig that won't dig as deep into the weeds.

Facilities and Access at Summerset State Park

The park has a concrete boat ramp on the lower lake, suitable for small to medium boats. There's a parking area right at the ramp, and the launch fee is included with your day-use permit or camping fee. The ramp can get soft in wet weather, so check conditions before you go if it's been raining hard.

Summerset has 67 camping sites, most with electric hookups, spread across the park. Reservations are handled through the Iowa State Parks Reservation System online or by phone. Sites fill quickly on weekends in spring and fall, so book early if you want a may provide spot. Day-use permits are available at the park office; the fee varies but is typically a few dollars per vehicle.

The park also has a picnic area, restrooms, and a small store. There's no bait shop on-site, so bring your own or stop in Vesta or the nearest town to pick up what you need before you arrive.

Iowa Fishing License and Regulations

You'll need a valid Iowa fishing license to fish Banner Lakes. Licenses are sold online through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website, at the park office, and at many sporting goods stores and gas stations across the state. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license, so if you're just visiting for a weekend, that's an option.

Walleye have a daily bag limit of five fish per person, with a 15-inch minimum length. Channel catfish have no bag limit and no minimum length, so you can keep as many as you want. Bluegill and crappie have a 25-fish combined daily limit. Check the current Iowa Fishing Regulations before you go, because rules can change year to year.

The park is open year-round, but the boat ramp may be closed temporarily during spring thaw or after heavy rain. Call ahead if you're making a long drive and want to confirm the ramp is open.

Getting There and Nearby Water

Banner Lakes is about 90 minutes south of Des Moines via US-65 and IA-2. From the Des Moines area, take US-65 south toward Osceola, then head east on IA-2 toward Vesta. The park entrance is well-marked. If you're coming from Kansas City, it's roughly two hours north on US-69 and then east on IA-2.

If you want to fish other water in the region, Nodaway River runs through Taylor County and holds walleye, catfish, and smallmouth bass. The river is smaller and shallower than Banner Lakes, but it's a good option if you want a change of pace or if the lakes are too crowded. Several public access points are marked along the river; check the Iowa DNR website for current locations.

Lacey-Keosauqua State Park, about 30 minutes east, sits on the Des Moines River and offers a different fishery — deeper, clearer water with walleye, catfish, and some musky. If you're planning a longer trip to southwest Iowa, you could fish both parks in a weekend.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Pack your tackle box with jigs, soft plastics, and live bait rigs before you leave home. Bring extra line, hooks, and sinkers — you'll lose tackle in the weeds. A headlamp or flashlight is essential if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk, and it's necessary for night catfishing. Sunscreen, bug spray, and a hat are standard for any Midwest lake trip.

If you're camping, bring a cooler with ice, a camp stove or grill, and enough food for your stay. The park has water and electric hookups at most sites, but no shower house, so plan accordingly. If you're day-tripping, bring plenty of water and snacks — there's no food service at the park.

Check the weather forecast before you go. Banner Lakes can get choppy in wind because it's shallow and exposed. If the forecast calls for sustained winds above 15 miles per hour, the lake can be rough for small boats. Spring and fall storms can come up fast, so keep an eye on the sky and don't stay out if lightning threatens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Banner Lakes?

Yes. There are several shoreline access points around both lakes, and you don't need a boat to fish here. Shore fishing is often productive for catfish at night and for walleye in spring and fall. The banks are soft in places, so wear boots and watch your footing.

What's the best bait for walleye at Banner Lakes?

Live minnows — shiners or chubs in the 2- to 3-inch range — are the most reliable. Soft plastics like 2-inch shad bodies or tube jigs work well too, especially if you're casting and retrieving. Avoid large baits; walleye here tend to be cautious, and a smaller bait often gets more bites.

Is there a size restriction on channel catfish?

No. Channel catfish have no minimum length and no daily bag limit in Iowa, so you can keep as many as you want, regardless of size. Most anglers keep fish in the 1- to 3-pound range for eating, though larger cats are fun to catch and release.

How deep is Banner Lakes?

The lakes average 8 to 12 feet deep, with the deepest holes reaching about 15 feet. Most of the water is shallower than 10 feet, which is why the lakes warm quickly and why weeds are a factor. The channel connecting the two lakes is slightly deeper and often holds fish.

Can I use a trolling motor at Banner Lakes?

Yes. Electric trolling motors are allowed, and many anglers use them to move quietly through the weeds and position the boat for casting. Gas motors are allowed too, but the shallow water and weeds make them less practical. Check current park rules before you go, as regulations can change.