City of Waukee staff members have been working closely with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to provide accessible, quality fishing opportunities in the Waukee community.
“Fishing is a gateway activity for families to spend time together and to be outdoors,” said Joe Larscheid, Chief of DNR Fisheries. “With Iowa’s growing urban populations, we have all recognized the need for more ponds and lakes that are easily accessible in community parks and near trail systems.”
Suburbs around the Des Moines metro area boast more than 70 ponds and lakes within their city limits. Three of those ponds reside within Waukee’s Kettlestone development. The ponds – located south of the Grand Prairie Parkway and Tallgrass Lane intersection in southern Kettlestone – are now stocked with a total of 1,435 bluegill and 24 largemouth bass. Fishing fans are encouraged to access these ponds via the Kettlestone Trails System.
“Waukee citizens often express a desire for public fishing in the community. We are excited that with the DNR’s assistance we are now able to fulfill that gap in amenities,” said Waukee Recreation Supervisor Josh VandeKamp. “Kettlestone provides great ponds for our first urban fishing locations, and we look forward to growing the program in years to come.”
The City of Waukee is planning to build a pond and an all-inclusive fishing pier at the future Waukee Youth Sports Complex and Park; a 2022 completion date is anticipated.
Those wishing to buy a fishing license, explore maps, get Iowa fishing regulations and learn more can visit iowadnr.gov/fishlocal. In Waukee, residents and visitors can purchase fishing licenses in person at the Hy-Vee Gas Station, located at 1025 Hickman Road.
Additional note: Per Iowa's fishing regulations, the daily limit for bluegills is 25. The daily limit for bass is three, but bass must be at least 15 inches in length to keep. Releasing bass back into the waterbody helps maintain healthy fish populations.
