What You'll Find at Hickory Grove Lake

Hickory Grove Lake is a 110-acre impoundment in Warren County, Iowa, about 20 miles south of Des Moines near the town of Indianola. The lake holds a solid mix of walleye, largemouth bass, and channel catfish, with walleye being the primary draw for serious anglers. The water is relatively clear in summer, and the lake has enough depth variation—ranging from shallow bays to holes exceeding 30 feet—to hold fish across seasons.

The lake sits in rolling terrain typical of central Iowa, with tree-lined banks and several developed access points. It's not a destination lake that requires a long drive from the coasts, but rather a reliable local fishery that rewards anglers who understand its seasonal patterns and structure. The character of the place is quiet and manageable—you won't find the boat traffic or tournament crowds you'd encounter on larger reservoirs.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through early June) and again in fall (September through October), with night fishing and live bait producing the most consistent results.
  • Summer walleye move to deeper water and structure; focus on the main lake basin and points where depth changes occur, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Largemouth bass fishing is strong in spring and early summer around shallow cover, including fallen timber and weed edges in the northern bays.
  • The lake has a public boat ramp at the main access area, and a 10 horsepower motor limit applies, making it ideal for smaller boats and kayaks.
  • Channel catfish bite well from late spring through fall using chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom near deeper holes.

Spring Walleye: April Through Early June

Spring is the most productive season for walleye at Hickory Grove. As water temperatures climb from the mid-40s into the 50s and 60s, walleye move from deeper winter holes into shallower flats and along the shoreline to feed. Live shiners or crawlers fished on jigs or simple slip-sinker rigs work well during this window. Focus on the northern and eastern shorelines where creeks enter the lake, as these areas warm first and concentrate baitfish.

Night fishing during spring produces exceptional results, particularly around the full moon. Walleye feed more aggressively in low light, and many anglers fish the shallower bays after dark using live bait under a bobber or casting small crankbaits along the weed line. The bite typically peaks in the hour after sunset and again before sunrise. Water clarity is usually good in spring, so don't overlook sight-fishing opportunities in 4 to 8 feet of water during overcast days.

Summer: Deeper Water and Structure

By mid-June, surface water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, and walleye retreat to deeper structure. The main lake basin holds most of the summer population, particularly around the deepest holes and along the drop-offs that connect shallow flats to deeper water. Vertical jigging with live minnows or soft plastics in 20 to 30 feet of water is the most effective approach. Early morning and late evening remain the most productive times, but summer walleye will bite throughout the day if you're fishing the right depth.

Don't neglect the shallower areas entirely—some walleye hold in deeper weed beds or around submerged timber in 10 to 15 feet of water, especially if the weeds provide shade. A depth finder is essential for summer fishing at Hickory Grove; the lake's bottom is relatively featureless in many areas, so locating the subtle breaks and holes that hold fish makes the difference between a slow day and a productive one.

Largemouth Bass in Spring and Early Summer

Largemouth bass fishing at Hickory Grove peaks from late April through June, when spawning activity and post-spawn feeding create aggressive fish. The northern bays hold the most consistent bass population, particularly around fallen timber, brush piles, and emerging weed growth. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics all produce, but topwater lures at dawn can be spectacular when bass are actively feeding in shallow water.

By mid-summer, bass move deeper and become less predictable, though you can still find them around deeper weed beds and the edges of the main lake basin. Summer bass fishing requires more patience and precision than spring fishing, and many anglers shift focus to walleye or catfish during the heat. If you're committed to summer bass, fish early and late in the day, and concentrate on any available shade or structure.

Fall Walleye and Catfish

September and October bring a second strong walleye bite as water temperatures cool and fish move back into shallower feeding zones. The pattern mirrors spring fishing—live bait on jigs or slip-sinker rigs in 6 to 12 feet of water produces well. Night fishing remains effective, and many anglers find fall nights more comfortable than spring nights for extended fishing sessions. The bite can be fast and furious during the first two weeks of October as walleye gorge before winter.

Channel catfish fishing is strong throughout fall, particularly in September and early October. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges using cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink baits. Catfish are less light-sensitive than walleye, so daytime fishing is productive, and many anglers fish multiple rods simultaneously. A simple three-way rig with a sinker and a short leader to a circle hook is standard and effective.

Access, Regulations, and Practical Details

Hickory Grove Lake has a public boat ramp at the main access area on the south side of the lake, near Indianola. The ramp is maintained by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and is open year-round. A 10 horsepower motor limit applies to the entire lake, which keeps the water quiet and makes it suitable for smaller boats, canoes, and kayaks. There is no fee to launch, though parking is limited during peak times.

Iowa fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older. A current license can be purchased online through the Iowa DNR website or at most bait shops in the area. Walleye have a daily bag limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum length. Largemouth bass have a daily limit of five fish with a 12-inch minimum. Channel catfish have no size or bag limit. Regulations can change, so check the current Iowa fishing guide before you fish.

The lake has limited shoreline development and no lodging directly on the water, but Indianola is nearby and offers hotels, restaurants, and bait shops. Several small parks and picnic areas surround the lake, making it a reasonable half-day or full-day destination for central Iowa anglers. The lake is also stocked periodically with walleye fingerlings by the Iowa DNR, which helps maintain the fishery.

Tackle and Bait Recommendations

For walleye, bring a medium-action spinning rod with 6 to 8 pound test monofilament or braided line. A selection of 1/8 to 3/8 ounce jigs in white, chartreuse, and natural colors covers most situations. Live shiners, crawlers, and minnows are the most reliable baits. For bass, a medium-heavy casting rod with 10 to 12 pound test is standard; spinnerbaits in sizes 1/2 to 3/4 ounce, crankbaits in the 2 to 4 inch range, and soft plastics in 4 to 6 inches all work. For catfish, a heavy-action rod with 15 to 20 pound test and a simple three-way rig is all you need.

A depth finder is valuable for summer fishing and for locating structure year-round. A small tackle box with a variety of jigs, hooks, and terminal tackle is sufficient—Hickory Grove doesn't demand specialized or expensive gear. Local bait shops in Indianola carry live bait and can provide current fishing reports and recent catch information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish Hickory Grove Lake?

Spring (April through early June) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons, particularly for walleye. Summer can be good if you fish early and late and focus on deeper water. Winter fishing is possible but less popular and requires ice-fishing equipment and knowledge.

Can I fish from shore at Hickory Grove?

Yes, several areas around the lake allow shore fishing, particularly near the main access area and at a few public parks. Shore fishing is most productive in spring and fall when walleye and bass move into shallower water. Summer shore fishing is slower but possible if you fish at dawn or dusk.

Do I need a boat to fish Hickory Grove effectively?

A boat is helpful but not required. Spring and fall walleye fishing from shore can be productive, and bass fishing in the shallower bays is possible without a boat. However, a boat gives you access to deeper summer structure and allows you to cover more water, especially during slower periods.

What size fish can I expect to catch?

Walleye typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish exceeding 20 inches. Largemouth bass average 12 to 16 inches, with some reaching 18 inches or more. Channel catfish range from 12 to 24 inches. These are realistic averages; individual fish vary based on season and fishing pressure.

Is there a motor size limit, and what does it mean for my boat?

The 10 horsepower limit means you can use any motor up to 10 hp, but not larger. This keeps the lake quiet and makes it suitable for small aluminum boats, canoes, and kayaks. If you have a larger boat with a bigger motor, you'll need to use a smaller auxiliary motor or fish from shore.