If you have a boat, jet ski, kayak, or canoe it's time to get outside and enjoy the Iowa waterways.

Whether you like pulling the kids around on a tube, someone enjoys water skiing, or you prefer trolling for trout along the shoreline, there's no better time to spend a day on the water in Iowa than in June. Normally, June months aren't as humid and brutally hot as July, which can make for a more comfortable time on the water.

If you're someone who likes to fish, you might already know about this underrated fishing spot in Iowa but if you haven't been here yet, you might have to add this destination to your summer list.

According to Only In Your State, Prarie Rose Lake, located in Prarie Rose State Park could be the perfect place for some amazing fishing for fishermen/fisherwomen who want to enjoy something more laid back.

It can potentially get crowded on Iowa's most popular lakes like Black Hawk Lake, West Okoboji Lake, East Okoboji Lake, or Saylorville Lake to name a few. Prairie Rose Lake is located 3 miles southeast of Harlan and is on the west side of Iowa. The lake is the heart of the park, which is also surrounded by a 5.7-mile trail that loops around the lake.

Planning a Visit?

If you'd like to spend a weekend at the park, there are 2 camping cabins, which are equipped with AC or Heating, as well as 2 campgrounds, with electric hookups on the east and west sides of Prarie Rose. You can make a reservation today!

According to the Iowa DNR, anglers can find bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie in the 218-acre lake. 8 fishing jetties on hand provide shoreline access as well as two fish-cleaning docks.

Have you ever fished at night? The park provides an overnight fishing area, one of the very few overnight fishing spots in Iowa's state parks.

There's no better time to enjoy being outside, than right now, in Iowa. If you're looking for a new spot to try and real in "the big one," Prairie Rose Lake might be your new destination!

Iowa's State Record Fish

Fishing season has arrived in the great state of Iowa and here are photos of 34 of the state record-holders for particular species. There are actually a total of 55 record-setting fish in the state of Iowa but, unfortunately, pictures aren't available for all of them.

Gallery Credit: Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Where to 'Glamp' in Iowa in 2024

Want to have a camping experience without having to sleep on the ground? There are plenty of options here in Iowa! Here are 12 places that you can go "glamping" in Iowa this summer:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

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