Fishing

"We have not inherited the Earth from our fathers, but are borrowing it from our children." -Native American Proverb

Fishing at Willow Lake

Willow Lake Recreation Area has a 27-acre lake with great fishing for all ages! Fish found in Willow Lake are largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. The legal size limit of bass is 15 inches or more. Anything under must be released immediately.

There is a boat ramp located next to the South parking lot. Only electric motors are allowed on the lake; no gas motors.

Willow Lake Water Depth Topographical Map (.pdf)

Several lake improvements have been made over the past few years, in part to the Iowa Fish Habitat Program. This grant, which provides 90% of the funds to complete these projects, is made possible by fishermen buying their license and fish habitat stamp.

Nearly 2000 feet of shoreline has been protected with rip-rap, providing excellent bank fishing and a great place for young fish to hide. Three 75 feet long fishing jetties also provide access to deeper waters without the need for a boat. Also, a summer aeration system, which runs on a bi-annual basis, opens up the entire depth of the lake for fish to live and increase their size.

Every year the Woodbine Kiwanis and Harrison County Conservation has a Kids’ Fishing Derby the first Saturday in June during Iowa’s Free Fishing Days. Kids have fun at the casting contest, trying to catch the “big one” and everyone gets cool prizes! Call HCCB for more information.

Harrison County Conservation collects Christmas trees after the holidays and sink them into the lake. This provides more habitat for the fish and is often where ice fishing is the best.

Fish Habitat Map (.pdf)

Please do not throw trash or fishing line into the lake—it can be deadly for our wildlife!

To learn more about Iowa fish and fishing regulations, visit the DNR fishing website.

Hunter Safety Information

Public hunting is allowed at the Willow Lake Recreation Area (in designated areas*), Schaben Park, and in our wildlife areas. Click here for a complete list of all park and wildlife areas.

No shooting is allowed within 200 yards of
any occupied building or livestock feed lot.

Please remember that recreation and wildlife areas are open to the public for multi-use activities. Respect boundaries adjoining private landowners - always ask permission before crossing onto private land.

If you are an Iowa resident and were born after January 1, 1972 or a non-resident and born after January 1, 1967 you must be certified in hunter safety to purchase a hunting license in Iowa.

Harrison County Conservation sponsors two hunter safety education classes a year - one in August and one in March. For dates and times, contact HCCB at 712-647-2785. There is no charge for classes.

Iowa DNR Hunting Information and Regulations

Hunter Safety Education Class
August 21st 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and August 23rd 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Willow Lake Recreation Area, Woodbine

Participants must be 12 years old and attend the classes to receive certification. No fee. Registration is required and will ONLY be accepted beginning July 7th, 2008. Class size is limited. Call HCCB at 712-647-2785 to register or for more information.