Saylorville Lake

About Saylorville Lake

Saylorville Lake is an artificial reservoir on the Des Moines River bordering the city of Polk City. The reservoir was completed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s after the area had experienced five major floods in the last hundred years.

Today, there are 5,950 acres of Saylorville Lake, and fishermen can fish in S Baylorville Reservoir year-round.

The reservoir is also home to bluethroats, catfish, cappies and whales, and many come to hunt for the white perch, which is home to hybrids of white-on-white perches. Over the years, a population of perch has developed in the reservoir, with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources occasionally conducting additional stocking operations.

As the reservoir is used for flood control, water levels often change, which is a challenge for anglers who constantly have to change their current fishing spots to find the best spot for their next catch.

Access to the boat is plentiful, but the reservoir has no horsepower restrictions, making it ideal for a variety of water sports.

Boating is only recommended on the west side of the lake, near the shore and in the upper part of the lake. Other parts of this reservoir are sometimes too shallow for boat trips, so if you plan a trip to this lake, check the current water level of your lake.

With a total of twenty-four recreational areas, visitors to Saylorville have many opportunities to enjoy the sun and the beauty of this beautiful lake and its natural beauty. Each of the four campsites has all the amenities necessary for a day trip to the lake to create a comfortable and comfortable camping experience. Pack a picnic, enjoy your day and camp in the shade of a tree or on the grassy shore with your friends and family.

Another popular destination is Jester Park, operated by the Polk County Conservation Board and located on the west bank of Saylorville Lake. The 1,834-acre park has a long history as one of the most popular recreational areas in Iowa.

Enjoy a day of nature watching around the lake by starting your trip at the Saylorville Lake Visitor Center, where you can view educational exhibitions and find maps and brochures to plan the rest of your visit. Landlubbers also have a lot to love about S Baylorton Lake, including scenic views of the Iowa River and the Great Lakes, and a variety of wildlife.

The trail winds along the banks of the Saylorville Reservoir and is a great way to enjoy the scenery in this tranquil area. Follow the path that runs from Des Moines to S Baylorton Lake, not far from the visitor center, south and then back to the lake.

Finally, you can end your day with a bird watching: Saylorville Lake often rewards visitors with the Black-tailed Gull, which is normally seen in China, Korea and Japan. If you find the right time for your trip, you can visit the annual Pelican Festival, which takes place in September and attracts over 10,000 pelicans.

With so many leisure activities on offer, it's easy to see why Saylorville Lake is so popular, so don't miss the opportunity to visit this Midwestern oasis.