Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - Grays Lake


About Grays Lake

Surface Area (acres): 96.00
Maximum Depth (feet): 16.4 ft. (2018)
Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Polk
Description: Gray's Lake
Coordinates: 41.56993962, -93.64025491

Amenities

Amenities at Grays Lake include:
  • Boat Access
  • Boat Rental
  • Picnic Area
  • Beach
  • Trails
  • Accessible Facilities
  • Playground
  • Restrooms
  • Concessions
  • Good/Excellent Shorefishing
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Community Fishing Location

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

Grays Lake contains a good Largemouth Bass fishery. Surveys in 2023 found bass at sizes from 8- to 18-inches. Bluegill were sampled in good numbers, but size is topping out around 6-inches. White Crappies are fairly abundant in the 8- to 9.5- inch range. Channel catfish are the most abundant game fish with the majority being 11.5- to 15-inches. Channel catfish have been found up to 28-inches. - Last updated on 12/15/2023.

Consumption Guidelines

Iowa-Caught Fish Are Safe to Eat, In Almost All Cases

In nearly all cases, Iowa fish are safe to eat. Cleaning and/or preparing the meal causes most of the problems regarding taste or color of fish. Like all living creatures, fish are susceptible to diseases, parasites, and other naturally occurring conditions in the water. If you suspect your fish is affected by any of these conditions, do not eat it. Consider eating smaller and younger fish which usually have lower levels of contaminants than larger ones. Most contaminants accumulate in larger, older fish. For additional information, check out our resources for eating and cooking Iowa caught fish.

To learn more about fish tissue monitoring, visit our Fish Tissue Monitoring page .

Stocking

  • 6/21/23 - 603 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.7)
  • 6/21/22 - 1,059 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.2)
  • 06/24/2021 - 977 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.5)
  • 06/26/2019 - 950 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.3)
  • 6/29/2017 - 950 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (2")
  • 10/9/2017 - 548 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (6.13")

Management

  • 2011 - Stocking-Wiper: First stocking of 100,000 wiper fry.
  • 2009 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Des Moines Parks and Rec. employees sunk cedar trees.
  • 2009 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Cedar Trees
  • 2009 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Cedar Tress
  • 2009 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Cedar Trees
  • 2009 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Cedar Trees

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only

Contacts for this Location

Fishing Regulations

The summaries listed below are a partial listing provided for your benefit. Familiarize yourself with the complete Fishing Regulations here: Iowa DNR Fishing Regulations and Laws.

Aquatic Invasive Species

    No known aquatic invasive species have been found

To learn more about AIS, visit the Iowa DNR's Aquatic Invasive Species page for more information and resources.

Fish Surveys

Tip: Click the arrow in the lower right corner to view the Fish Survey Data tool in full-screen mode.