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Saylorville Lake, a man-made reservoir on the Des Moines River near Polk City is a 5,950-acre water body. Its a great spot for fishing, camping, hiking, birdwatching, and other water recreational activities. Anglers enjoy year-round fishing here for striped bass, largemouth bass, white bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and walleye.
With six boat launches at various locations you enjoy a variety of water sports. Some spots on the lake restrict boating due to the shallow waters and you ought to always check for advisories.
Its the 24 recreation areas around Lake Saylorville that draw visitors in hordes. Especially during summers. Nothing like swimming and having picnic lunches here. You can slice the waters at Sandpiper Recreation Area or Oak Grove Beach.
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There are four Army Corps campgrounds - Acorn Valley, Bob Shelter, Cherry Glen, and Prairie Flower. All have restrooms, showers, and playgrounds including all other amenities. All this just steps from the lake shore.
Jester Park Beach located on the western shore of Saylorville Lake, is another popular destination. This 1,834 acre park has boat launches, 252 campsites and eight miles of hiking trails.
Best of all is nature watching and trails by the lakeside. Hit the twenty-six mile Neal Smith Trail thats a paved multi-purpose trail from Big Creek State Park to the northern tip of the lake. The trail winds along the shores facilitating hiking, cycling, rollerblading or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery as you walk.
A birdwatchers haven, you can glimpse unique birds here - black-tailed gull, Pacific loon, black vulture and the favored bald eagle. The Pelican Festival in September occurs when nearly 10,000 pelicans migrate here. All these options make Lake Saylorville a very popular destination. This midwestern oasis offers fantastic summer outdoor fun - swimming, hiking, camping, fishing and lots more.
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