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Fishing at DeSoto

Fishing opportunities at DeSoto are available from April 15 through October 14. DeSoto Lake has a good fishery for crappie, walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, white bass and drum. The lake also contains bluegill, carp and buffalo fish. A number of access points allow for bank fishing, and three separate boat launch facilities are available during the season (April 15 - Oct 14). Over the years a considerable number of fish habitat structures, including tree piles, rock piles, and pallets (see Maps page) have been placed in the lake to enhance the fishery. To protect the fragile lake shore from erosion due to wave action there is a no-wake policy in effect.

Fishing Regulations

Anglers are welcome on DeSoto Lake. State and federal regulations apply. An Iowa or Nebraska license is required. Some special regulations may be posted, in addition to the following regulations:

• Permitted on DeSoto Lake during public use season, April 15-October 14.
• Fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, walleye, northern pike, carp.
• Much of the lakeshore is available for bank fishing. Some areas are accessible only by boat.
• Ice fishing available during January 2 through the end of February, weather permitting.
• Leaving fish or any part thereof on the banks, in the water, or on the ice is prohibited.
• Digging or seining for bait is prohibited.
• Trot lines, bank lines and float lines are prohibited.
• No more than 2 lines and 2 hooks per line may be used, including ice fishing.
• Archery and spearfishing are permitted for roughfish only.
• Motor or wind-driven conveyances are not permitted on the lake during ice fishing season.

Boat operation is permitted in accordance with state regulations, and the following special regulations:

• Boating limited to no-wake speeds, not to exceed 5 mph.
• No boat, except sailboats, shall be operated with any person sitting or riding on the gunwales or decking over the bow.
• Airboats, houseboats, and boats containing toilets that flush directly into the water are prohibited