Blue Heron Lake

About: Blue Heron Lake

Fishing Paradise at Blue Heron Lake

Blue Heron Lake in West Des Moines, Iowa, offers a fantastic fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is well-stocked with a variety of fish species, making it an ideal spot for recreational fishing. Whether you are casting from the shore or fishing from a boat, Blue Heron Lake provides a serene and productive environment for a memorable fishing trip.

Overview of the Water Body

Blue Heron Lake is a picturesque reservoir located within Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. Spanning approximately 232 acres, the lake features clear waters, ample shoreline access, and diverse aquatic habitats. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers numerous amenities, including fishing docks, boat ramps, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fish Species

• White Crappie (Pomoxis annularis): White crappie are recognized by their silvery bodies with dark vertical bars and a relatively deep, compressed profile. They are a popular target due to their abundance and excellent taste.
  • Best Natural Baits: Minnows and small insects.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Small jigs, soft plastics, and spinners.
  • Best Method to Catch: Focus on submerged structures and brush piles. Use a slow vertical jigging motion or steady retrieval with small lures to attract bites.
• Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus): Bluegill are small, colorful fish with deep, flattened bodies and a dark spot at the base of the dorsal fin. Known for their aggressive nature, they are easy to catch and provide great sport for anglers.
  • Best Natural Baits: Worms, crickets, and insect larvae.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Small jigs, spinners, and fly patterns.
  • Best Method to Catch: Fish near shallow, weedy areas and drop-offs. Use light tackle and a slow retrieval with small jigs or let live baits drift naturally in the water.
• Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio): Common carp are large, robust fish with a golden-brown coloration and a distinctive set of barbels on either side of their mouth. They are known for their strength and provide a good challenge for anglers.
  • Best Natural Baits: Corn, dough balls, and bread.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Carp-specific boilies and flavored dough baits.
  • Best Method to Catch: Fish on the bottom using a method feeder or hair rig setup. Pre-baiting the area with corn or pellets can help attract carp to your fishing spot.
• Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens): Freshwater drum, also known as sheepshead, are silver-gray fish with a rounded body and a prominent humpback. They are known for their drumming sound and can grow to substantial sizes.
  • Best Natural Baits: Nightcrawlers, shrimp, and cut bait.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Soft plastic worms, crankbaits, and jigs.
  • Best Method to Catch: Fish near the bottom in deeper parts of the lake. Use a slip sinker rig or a jigging technique to attract freshwater drum.
• River Carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio): River carpsuckers are bottom-dwelling fish with a slender, silver body and a downturned mouth adapted for sucking up food from the substrate. They are often found in slow-moving or still waters.
  • Best Natural Baits: Worms and algae.
  • Best Artificial Lures: Algae imitations and small soft plastics.
  • Best Method to Catch: Fish on the bottom using a small hook and light line. Allow the bait to rest on the lake bed and wait for the carpsucker to find it.

Expert Techniques for Fishing in Blue Heron Lake

To enhance your fishing experience at Blue Heron Lake, consider the following expert techniques:

• Utilize a fish finder to locate schools of fish and underwater structures where fish are likely to congregate.
• Fish during early morning or late evening when fish are most active and likely to be feeding.
• Experiment with different retrieval speeds and lure types to determine what works best for the conditions and species you are targeting.
• Pay attention to seasonal patterns and water temperature changes, as these can significantly impact fish behavior and feeding times.
• Ensure you have a variety of baits and lures to adapt to different species and environmental conditions, increasing your chances of success.

Conclusion

Blue Heron Lake in West Des Moines, Iowa, is a premier fishing destination that offers abundant opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of species, including white crappie, bluegill, common carp, freshwater drum, and river carpsucker. By understanding the habits and preferences of each species and employing expert techniques, you can enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of success. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, Blue Heron Lake provides a beautiful and rewarding environment for all your fishing adventures.