What Lakeside Marina offers and where to find it

Lakeside Marina is a full-service boat rental and launch facility on Storm Lake's south shore, near the town of Storm Lake in Buena Vista County. The marina rents fishing boats, pontoons, and jet skis by the hour or day, and maintains a public boat launch for anglers who bring their own craft. It's the most developed rental operation on the lake and the easiest entry point if you don't own a boat but want to fish Storm Lake's walleye and northern pike populations.

The marina sits in a protected cove with fuel service, a bait shop, and a small restaurant. Parking is ample, and the launch ramp is concrete and well-maintained. If you're coming from outside the region, Lakeside Marina is your quickest path from the highway to the water.

Key Takeaways

  • Lakeside Marina rents fishing boats and pontoons by the hour or day, with fuel and bait available on-site.
  • The public boat launch is free to use if you have your own boat, with ample parking and a concrete ramp.
  • Storm Lake holds walleye and northern pike year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action.
  • The marina's bait shop stocks live shiners and crawlers, and staff can point you toward current hot spots on the lake.
  • Rental boats come with basic safety gear, but you should confirm what's included before you commit to a half-day or full-day rate.

Boat rental rates and what's included

Lakeside Marina charges by the hour for smaller fishing boats and by the half-day or full-day for larger pontoons. Hourly rates for 16- to 18-foot fishing boats typically run between $40 and $60, depending on the season and day of the week. Full-day rates (usually eight hours) are lower per-hour but require a deposit and a signed rental agreement.

All rental boats come with life jackets, a basic first-aid kit, and a kill switch lanyard. Most include a depth finder and GPS, though you should ask when you call to confirm. Fuel is not included in the rental rate—you pay for what you burn, charged at the pump when you return. The marina requires a valid driver's license and a credit card for the deposit, which is refunded when you return the boat on time and in the condition you rented it.

Pontoon rentals are higher—typically $80 to $120 for a half-day—but they're stable platforms for families or groups of four or more anglers. If you're fishing alone or with one other person, a smaller fishing boat is more efficient and less expensive.

Using the public boat launch

The public launch at Lakeside Marina is free and open during daylight hours. The concrete ramp is wide enough for two-trailer launches side by side, and the approach is gradual, so even larger boats can be launched without difficulty. A parking lot with about 40 spaces sits adjacent to the ramp, and there's a separate lot for boat trailers if you need to leave your rig for the day.

The marina staff monitor the launch during peak hours (early morning and late afternoon) and can help if you get stuck or need advice on the ramp. There's no attendant fee, but a small donation box supports ramp maintenance. If you're launching in early spring or late fall, call ahead to confirm the ramp is clear of ice or debris.

What fish to target and when

Storm Lake is known for walleye and northern pike. Walleye are the primary draw—the lake holds a solid population of keeper-size fish (18 to 24 inches), with some larger specimens in the 27- to 30-inch range. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak walleye seasons, when fish move into shallower water to feed. Summer walleye fishing is slower but possible if you fish early morning or late evening in deeper water (20 to 30 feet).

Northern pike are present year-round and often aggressive in spring and early summer. They're typically caught incidentally while walleye fishing, though some anglers target them specifically in the lake's weed beds and shallows. Winter ice fishing for walleye is popular, though it requires different gear and knowledge of safe ice conditions.

The bait shop at Lakeside Marina stocks live shiners and crawlers, which are effective for both walleye and pike. The staff can tell you which areas of the lake are producing on any given day and what presentations are working.

Amenities and services at the marina

Beyond boat rentals and the launch, Lakeside Marina has a small tackle shop with rods, reels, line, hooks, and terminal tackle. The bait selection is limited to live shiners and crawlers, so if you need specialty lures or specific tackle, bring it with you or plan to stop in Storm Lake proper. The marina also has a fuel dock with regular and premium gasoline, and a small restaurant that serves sandwiches and drinks during the day.

There are no overnight slips or long-term storage at Lakeside Marina, so you can't leave a boat there between trips. Restrooms are available, and there's a fish-cleaning station if you want to process your catch before heading home. The marina is open year-round, though hours may be reduced in winter.

How to get there and what to bring

Lakeside Marina is on the south shore of Storm Lake, accessible via County Road M-18 from the town of Storm Lake. If you're coming from Interstate 35, take US 20 west toward Storm Lake, then follow local signs to the marina. GPS coordinates are approximately 42.6°N, 95.2°W, and most mapping apps will route you directly to the entrance.

Bring a valid driver's license and a credit card for the rental deposit. If you're launching your own boat, have your registration and proof of insurance ready. Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are essential—Storm Lake offers little shade on the water. If you're renting, ask the marina staff what safety gear is already on the boat so you don't duplicate it.

Nearby lodging and services in Storm Lake

Storm Lake has several motels and a few bed-and-breakfasts within a few miles of the marina. The town also has a grocery store, a hardware store, and a couple of casual restaurants. If you're planning a multi-day trip, you can stay in town and make the short drive to the marina each morning. Camping is available at a county park on the north shore of the lake, though it's more basic than the marina itself.

Gas stations and a small hospital are in Storm Lake proper, about 10 minutes from the marina by car. Cell service is reliable throughout the area, so you can stay in touch if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fishing license to fish Storm Lake?

Yes. Iowa requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, three-day, or annual license through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website or at most bait shops, including the one at Lakeside Marina. Licenses are inexpensive and support lake management and fish stocking.

Can I fish at night from a rental boat?

Yes, but rental boats must be returned by dark, and the marina does not offer night rentals. If you want to fish after sunset, you'll need to launch your own boat or arrange a special agreement with the marina in advance. Night fishing for walleye can be productive, especially in summer.

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

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon through dusk are most productive for walleye. Midday fishing is slower but possible if you fish deeper water or use live bait. Pike can bite throughout the day, especially in spring and early summer.

Is there a size or catch limit on walleye and pike?

Iowa has specific size and bag limits for both species. Walleye have a minimum size of 15 inches, and pike have a minimum of 24 inches. Bag limits vary by season and water body, so check the current Iowa fishing regulations before you go. The bait shop at the marina can provide a summary of current rules.

What if the weather turns bad while I'm on the water?

Storm Lake is relatively small (about 3,000 acres) and shallow, so you're never far from shore. If weather deteriorates, head back to the marina immediately. The marina staff monitor conditions and can advise you on safety before you launch. Always check the forecast before you go, and don't hesitate to cut a trip short if conditions worsen.