Fishing is open year round at Saylorville Lake with a valid State of Iowa Fishing License.  Multiple game species are able to be caught above the dam as well as in the tail waters of the reservoir. The USACE has teamed up with local state agencies and clubs to provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all ages and abilities to catch the many fish species of the Des Moines River. Some of the popular species are Wipers, Flathead and Channel Catfish, Walleye, Largemouth, Muskie, Northern Pike and different species of panfish. Lake maps are available locating planted fish structures with GPS coordinates.

Public hunting is allowed on certain federal lands in accordance with all U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulations and the regulations of the State of Iowa.  Please refer to the Saylorville Lake public hunting map for information on areas that are open to public hunting.  Saylorville Lake also participates in the Polk County Controlled Bowhunt.  This is a special hunt administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that is designed to manage the population of whitetail deer on federal lands.  For more information on this special hunt or any other questions relating to public hunting please contact the Saylorville Lake Administration Office.