Cedar Rapids’ Best Places to Fish Without a Boat

Do you need a boat to find fish? Clearly, a boat can take you places on the water that you can't get to on foot. But there are still plenty of great places to fish from the shore in Eastern Iowa.

The website FishFishFind.com recently put together a list of some of the best places near Cedar Rapids to fish from shore this summer. So get your tackle box organized and grab your pole! It's time to go fishing!

Lake Macbride State Park - Coralville

According to FishFishFind, Lake Macbride offers some of the most scenic shore fishing in all of Eastern Iowa. The 812-acre lake is stocked with walleye, channel cats, crappie, and even muskie! There are many piers to choose from and trails that lead to secluded fishing spots.

Fishing Tip: Fish the spillway in early summer, right after a rain, when the water is moving. The current attracts bait fish, which brings in gamefish.

Palisades-Kepler State Park - Mt. Vernon

This gorgeous state park sits along the banks of the Cedar River and is the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure. FishFishFind states that the Cedar runs fast and deep through the park, with smallmouth bass, flathead catfish, and walleye all available to catch.

Fishing Tip: In the early morning hours, try fishing close to the rocks. Smallmouth bass hug the ledges as they hunt for food.

Ellis Park - Cedar Rapids

Who says you can't find a great fishing spot within the city of Cedar Rapids? The Ellis Park area features plenty of shoreline along the Cedar River with wide, deep bends. FishFishFind reports that anglers can catch catfish, carp, and smallmouth bass in the waters near Ellis.

Fishing Tip: Worms, cut bait, or stink bait in the evening near the walking trails could land you a big catfish.

Prairie Park Fishery - Cedar Rapids

Prairie Park Fishery is a former quarry, and it features some great shoreline fishing spots! The deep waters hold fish like bass, panfish, and even trout, according to FishFishFind. Mornings and evenings are the best times, especially after the DNR stocks the lake during the spring and fall.

Fishing Tip: After a stocking, try spinners and dough bait near the east shoreline for a shot at some nice trout.

Indian Creek Nature Center - Cedar Rapids

Indian Creek Nature Center offers some nice shoreline access for panfish and bass, according to FishFishFind. Bring your ultralight gear or try live bait underneath lying logs.

Fishing Tip: Focus on slower pools and submerged roots.

Coralville Reservoir Tailwaters - Coralville

Downstream from the Coralville Dam, the Iowa River spills out into deep, rocky water filled with fish! FishFishFind reports that spring and early summer are the best times to fish here, as water levels rise and push the fish closer to shore. You'll find bass, walleyes, wipers, and more!

Fishing Tip: Try jigs or live bait rigs along the breaks and eddies after a rain.