What You'll Find at Gray's Lake

Gray's Lake is a 167-acre impoundment in the heart of Des Moines, managed by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The lake holds a solid population of walleye, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, making it one of the most accessible urban fisheries in central Iowa. The water is relatively shallow—averaging 8 to 12 feet—which means fish concentrate in predictable zones, especially during summer and winter.

The lake sits within Gray's Lake Park, which wraps around the water with paved trails, picnic areas, and a boat ramp on the north shore. Unlike many urban lakes, Gray's has genuine structure: a dam on the south end, submerged timber in the central basin, and a creek inlet on the west side that brings cooler water and baitfish during summer. The park is open year-round, and fishing is allowed from shore and boat.

Key Takeaways

  • Gray's Lake holds walleye, catfish, and bass in a shallow, 167-acre impoundment accessible by boat ramp and shore fishing.
  • Spring and fall walleye fishing peaks around the dam and creek inlet; summer requires early morning or evening trips to avoid heat and algae blooms.
  • Channel catfish bite reliably from May through September on cut bait and chicken liver fished on the bottom near deeper holes.
  • The lake is open year-round, but winter ice fishing requires checking current conditions with Des Moines Parks and Recreation before heading out.
  • A valid Iowa fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and older.

Walleye Fishing: Spring and Fall Peak Times

Walleye are the main draw at Gray's Lake, and they follow a predictable seasonal pattern. In spring (April through May), walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively along the dam structure and the creek inlet on the west side. Jigs tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work well in 4 to 8 feet of water during low-light hours—early morning and dusk are most productive.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water cools and walleye move back into shallower feeding zones. The same areas that produce in spring—dam structure, creek mouth, and the submerged timber in the central basin—hold fish again. Casting crankbaits and jigs from the boat ramp area or fishing from shore near the dam can yield consistent results.

Summer walleye fishing at Gray's Lake is possible but requires patience. The lake warms quickly and can develop algae blooms by mid-July. Fish move deeper and become less active during midday. Your best bet is to fish the deepest holes (10 to 12 feet) in the central basin before sunrise or after sunset, using live minnows on jigs or slip sinker rigs.

Channel Catfish: A Reliable Summer Option

Channel catfish are abundant at Gray's Lake and bite consistently from May through September. Unlike walleye, catfish don't require perfect timing or light conditions—they feed throughout the day and night. Cut bait (shad, bluegill, or chicken liver) fished on the bottom near the dam or in the deeper central basin produces steady action.

Set up a simple three-way rig or slip sinker rig with a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook, and let the bait sit on the bottom. Catfish are not picky about presentation. Fish from the boat ramp, from shore along the north bank, or anchor in the central basin if you have a boat. Evening and night fishing often produces larger fish, but daytime catfishing works too.

Largemouth Bass and Panfish

Gray's Lake also holds largemouth bass, though they are not the primary target for most anglers here. Bass fishing is best in spring and early summer around the submerged timber and vegetation near the creek inlet. Soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures work in shallow water. The lake's shallow profile means bass don't have deep refuge during summer heat, so they become less active.

Bluegill and other panfish are present and provide a good option for anglers with kids or those looking for a relaxed outing. Simple bobber and worm setups work near the shoreline vegetation and around the boat ramp area.

Access and Facilities

Gray's Lake Park has a public boat ramp on the north shore with parking for vehicles and trailers. The ramp is maintained by Des Moines Parks and Recreation and is open during park hours. Shore fishing is available all around the lake; the paved trail provides easy walking access to multiple spots. Picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water are available throughout the park.

The lake is located at 3901 Glendale Avenue in Des Moines. There is no day-use fee for the park. Parking is free. The boat ramp is free to use with a valid Iowa fishing license.

Winter Fishing and Ice Conditions

Gray's Lake freezes most winters, and ice fishing for walleye and catfish is possible from December through February. However, ice thickness and safety conditions vary year to year. Before heading out, contact Des Moines Parks and Recreation or check local fishing reports to confirm ice is safe. Jigging with live minnows or spoons works for walleye; tip-ups with live bait catch catfish through the ice.

The shallow depth of the lake means ice can be uneven—thicker near the dam, thinner near the inlet. Stay away from the creek inlet and dam structure during ice-out in spring.

Licensing and Regulations

All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid Iowa fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at many convenience stores throughout Des Moines. A one-day license is available if you want to fish without committing to an annual license.

Gray's Lake follows standard Iowa fishing regulations for walleye, catfish, and bass. Check the current Iowa fishing regulations guide for size and bag limits, which can change year to year. The regulations are available on the Iowa DNR website and at the boat ramp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Gray's Lake from shore without a boat?

Yes. The paved trail circles the lake and provides access to multiple shore fishing spots. The dam area and creek inlet are particularly productive from shore. You'll need a valid Iowa fishing license, but no boat is required.

What's the best time of day to fish Gray's Lake?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and evening (late afternoon through dusk) are most productive for walleye. Catfish bite throughout the day and night. Summer fishing is best before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid heat and algae blooms.

Is there a size limit on walleye at Gray's Lake?

Yes. Iowa's current walleye minimum size is 15 inches, but regulations can change. Check the Iowa DNR fishing regulations guide before you fish to confirm current size and bag limits.

Can I use live bait at Gray's Lake?

Yes. Live minnows, shiners, and other live baitfish are allowed. Cut bait and prepared baits like chicken liver are also permitted. Check current Iowa regulations for any seasonal restrictions on specific bait types.

How deep is Gray's Lake?

Gray's Lake averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with the deepest holes in the central basin near the dam. The shallow profile means fish concentrate in predictable areas, especially during summer heat.