What You'll Find at Easter Lake Park

Easter Lake is a 167-acre impoundment in Des Moines that holds walleye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. The lake sits in a city park with paved boat ramp access, parking, and restroom facilities — making it one of the most accessible fishing destinations in central Iowa. Water clarity varies with season and recent rainfall, but the lake is generally fishable year-round, with spring and fall producing the most consistent results for walleye and catfish.

The lake's depth ranges from shallow flats near the inlet to holes exceeding 30 feet, which concentrates fish in predictable locations. Because Easter Lake is managed as a city park rather than a state recreation area, regulations and access rules differ from Iowa's public lakes. You'll need to understand those rules before you fish, and you should know which seasons and techniques work best for each species.

Key Takeaways

  • Easter Lake allows year-round fishing from shore and boat, with a paved public ramp and ample parking at the park entrance.
  • Walleye fishing peaks in spring (April through May) and fall (September through October), with live shiners or jigs in deeper water producing best results.
  • Channel and flathead catfish are present year-round; flatheads prefer live bluegill or shad at night, while channels respond to cut bait and stink baits.
  • A current Iowa fishing license is required; check the Des Moines Parks and Recreation website for any lake-specific rules or temporary closures before you go.
  • The park closes at dusk, so plan your evening fishing to end before sunset; night fishing is not permitted.

Seasons and What to Expect

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season for walleye at Easter Lake. As water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, walleye move from deep winter holes into shallower feeding zones. Fish the transition areas where the lake bottom drops from 8 to 15 feet, using live shiners under a slip bobber or casting small jigs tipped with minnows along the weed edges. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes.

Summer (June through August) slows the walleye bite considerably. Fish move deeper to cooler water, and the lake's algae growth can reduce visibility. Catfish become the more reliable target during summer months. Channel catfish respond well to cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink baits fished on the bottom in 12 to 20 feet of water. Flathead catfish, which are nocturnal and aggressive, are less active during daylight but can be caught on live bluegill or shad if you fish the deeper holes.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for walleye fishing. As water cools and daylight shortens, walleye feed more actively throughout the day. The same techniques that work in spring — live shiners, small jigs, and crankbaits — produce well in fall. Catfish remain catchable, and the cooler water often brings flatheads into shallower feeding zones earlier in the evening.

Winter (November through March) is slower but not dead. Walleye fishing requires patience and precise location work; fish concentrate in the deepest holes, and you'll need to drill through ice or fish from shore if the lake freezes. Catfish remain active under the ice, though the bite is more sporadic. Many anglers focus on bluegill and crappie through the ice during winter, as these panfish are more predictable in cold water.

Access, Parking, and Facilities

Easter Lake Park has a paved public boat ramp on the north side of the lake, accessible from Sunnyside Avenue. Parking is available at the ramp and at the main park area. The ramp is free and open during park hours. Restrooms are located near the parking area, and picnic facilities are scattered throughout the park, making it convenient for a full day of fishing.

The park closes at dusk, so you cannot fish after sunset. This is a hard boundary — night fishing is not permitted at Easter Lake. Plan your trip to end before dark, especially in winter when sunset comes early. The ramp is maintained year-round, though ice removal may delay spring access if the lake freezes solid.

Shore fishing is allowed around most of the lake's perimeter, though some areas are restricted for wildlife management or safety reasons. The park's walking paths provide access to several productive shoreline spots. If you're fishing from shore, arrive early to secure a good location, especially on weekends during spring and fall.

Walleye Fishing Techniques

Walleye at Easter Lake respond best to live bait presentations. Live shiners, 3 to 4 inches long, fished under a slip bobber in 10 to 18 feet of water, are a reliable spring and fall method. Set your bobber stop so the minnow hangs just above the bottom, and work the deeper transition zones where the lake floor slopes from shallow flats into holes. Cast and let the bobber drift with any wind; walleye often strike as the bait moves.

Jig fishing is equally effective and allows you to cover more water. Use 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs tipped with a live minnow or plastic tail, and cast along the drop-offs and weed edges. Work the jig with a slow, steady retrieve or a lift-and-drop motion near the bottom. Early morning and the last hour before dusk produce the most consistent bites.

Small crankbaits (2 to 3 inches) can work well in fall when walleye are more aggressive. Cast toward structure — fallen trees, rock piles, or weed beds — and retrieve at a steady pace. Walleye often hit crankbaits on the pause, so don't be afraid to stop the lure for a second or two during your retrieve.

Catfish and Panfish Options

Channel catfish are abundant at Easter Lake and less finicky than walleye. Cut shad, chicken liver, or commercial stink baits fished on a simple three-way rig or slip sinker setup work well. Cast into 12 to 20 feet of water and let the bait sit on the bottom. Catfish are scavengers and will find your bait; you don't need to cast repeatedly. A medium-action rod with a sensitive tip helps you detect bites, and a rod holder keeps your hands free while you wait.

Flathead catfish are larger and more aggressive than channels, but they're also more selective. They prefer live bluegill or shad and are most active at night — a problem at Easter Lake because night fishing is not permitted. Your best bet for flatheads is to fish the last hour before dusk with live bait in the deepest holes. Some flatheads feed during low-light conditions and may strike in the hour after sunrise.

Bluegill and other panfish are present year-round and provide a reliable option when walleye and catfish are slow. Small jigs (1/16-ounce) tipped with waxworms or crickets, or a simple bobber and worm setup, will catch bluegill in shallow water near weed beds and structure. Winter ice fishing for bluegill is popular at Easter Lake and requires only a small jig, a hand auger, and patience.

Regulations and Licensing

You must have a valid Iowa fishing license to fish Easter Lake. Licenses are available online through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods retailers, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a short trip.

Iowa's statewide regulations apply at Easter Lake: walleye have a 15-inch minimum length limit with a daily bag limit of five fish; channel catfish have no minimum length and a 25-fish daily limit; flathead catfish have a 24-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit; largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Check the current Iowa fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change. The Des Moines Parks and Recreation department may also have lake-specific rules posted at the ramp or on their website.

Some areas of the park may be closed seasonally for wildlife management or maintenance. Call Des Moines Parks and Recreation ahead of your trip if you're planning to fish during winter or if you haven't visited recently.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

Bring a medium-action spinning or baitcasting rod, 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line, and a selection of jigs, crankbaits, and terminal tackle. If you're fishing live bait, bring a small aerator or bait bucket with a lid to keep minnows alive. A net makes landing larger walleye and catfish easier and safer.

Wear polarized sunglasses to spot structure and shallow-water fish, and bring sunscreen and a hat for protection during long days on the water. A tackle box or bag keeps your gear organized and accessible. If you're fishing from shore, a rod holder or sand spike frees your hands and lets you fish multiple rods (check regulations for the number of rods allowed).

Check the weather forecast before you go. Easter Lake can get choppy in strong wind, making boat fishing uncomfortable and reducing visibility for sight-fishing. Spring and fall weather in Iowa is unpredictable, so dress in layers and bring rain gear. In winter, dress warmly and bring a thermos of hot coffee or tea — shore fishing in cold weather requires patience and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Easter Lake at night?

No. Easter Lake Park closes at dusk, and night fishing is not permitted. You must finish fishing before sunset. This is a significant limitation if you're targeting flathead catfish, which are most active after dark.

Is there a boat launch fee?

No. The paved boat ramp at Easter Lake Park is free and open to the public during park hours. Parking is also free.

What's the best time of year to fish Easter Lake?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the most productive seasons for walleye. Summer is slower for walleye but good for catfish. Winter fishing is possible but requires more effort and patience.

Do I need a boat to fish Easter Lake?

No. Shore fishing is allowed around much of the lake's perimeter, and you can catch walleye, catfish, and panfish from shore. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more structure, but it's not required.

What's the difference between channel catfish and flathead catfish at Easter Lake?

Channel catfish are smaller, more abundant, and will eat cut bait or stink bait. Flatheads are larger, prefer live bait, and are most active at night — which is a problem at Easter Lake because night fishing is not allowed. Flatheads are harder to catch during daylight hours.