Hunting & Fishing
Wildlife is abundant in Butler and Grundy counties, and for the hunters and fisherman, there are plenty of options.
For more information on wildlife reserves and conservation efforts across Butler and Grundy counties, please visit their conservation offices.
Butler County Hunting & Fishing
Big Marsh Wildlife Area
Parkersburg, IAThe Big Marsh is Iowa’s largest marsh area, boasting over 3,000 acres for public hunting, fishing, bird-watching, and hiking. This hunter’s paradise is located six miles north of Parkersburg along Highway 14.
Boylan Creek Wildlife Management Area
Dumont, IAPurchased using Habitat Stamp Money, and with help from the local Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited Chapters, this 369-acre area is located just south of Bristow on Highway 3. This area features excellent hunting for upland game birds, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer. The cree, timber edges, and fence lines provide trappers with excellent runways for many furbearers. The Boylan Creek Wildlife Management Area has been enhanced with food plots, tree and shrub plantings, and nesting areas for wildlife that provide for the needs of wildlife throughout the year.
Lake Considine
Dumont, IAThe majority of the area provides excellent hunting opportunities for deer, turkey, squirrel, and duck. The West Fork River and small pond provide fishing opportunities for a variety of fish species. Since most of the pond is privately owned, we ask that you respect private property in this area.
Moore’s Access
New Hartford, IAOriginally designed as a walk-in area in 1997, Moore’s Access provides entry to Beaver Creek. A small, open area located along the creek and walk0in access make this spot a good choice for the beginning of a backpacking trip. The stream allows for good early-season waterfowl hunting as well as fishing for smallmouth bass and catfish.
South Fork Park
Dumont, IAWhat South Fork Park lacks in size, it makes up for in camping, hunting, and fishing opportunities. This 20-acre area offers access to the South Fork or West Fork Rivers and a 3-acre lake stocked with bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. In addition to its fishing resources, the area provides a small variety of upland and forest type resources for hunting. Primitive camping is allowed, but no water or toilet facilities are available.
West Fork Forest Access
Between Shell Rock and New HartfordThe West Fork Access is a 204-acre area that provides excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Open to public hunting, the area is located on both the north and south sides of the West Fork Cedar River and is dotted with potholes that provide opportunities for early season waterfowl hunting. Good stands of swamp white oak trees and plantings for pines and cedars provide food and cover for squirrels, deer, and wild turkey. Access to the north side of the area is found on Temple Avenue while a parking area allowing access to the south side is located on County Road C-55. Primitive camping is allowed, but water and restroom facilities are not available.
Grundy County Hunting & Fishing
Black Hawk Creek Wildlife Area
Near Morrison, IAThis 53-acre area contains native grass seedings, tree and shrub plantings, and wildlife food plots. Its woodland trail has extensive wildflower plantings and is a lovely area to walk through in late April and Many. Different tree species are labeled to aid in identification.
Buckles Wildlife Area
Between Morrison and Reinbeck, IAThis wildlife area spans 27 acres and provides hunting and fishing in the Black Hawk Creek.
Century Farms Hunting
Dike, IAStep back in time and experience pheasant hunting as it used to be. At Century Farms, you can enjoy the challenge of hunting on over 2,000 acres of agricultural and prairie fields that offer some of the best wing shooting for wild birds in Iowa.
Grundy County Conservation Board
Morrison, IAThe Grundy County Conservation Board manages several areas for public hunting. These areas have restricted hunting meaning that hunting is limited to certain species of game. Bow hunting for whitetail deer is allowed by permit only. Likewise, those areas open to trapping of furbearers are by permit only. Contact the Conservation Board Office at (319) 345-2688 or email for details.
Grundy County Lake
Dike, IAThis 40-acre lake has a variety of amenities to make a fishing, hunting, or boating trip a success. This includes picnic tables, a concrete boat ramp, fishing pier, and grills available for cookout which are all handicap accessible. This area is presently day use only but overnight camping is planned with the development of a modern 64-site campground. Fish species stocked in the ponds include channel catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and bluegills. There is a 15-inch length limit in place for largemouth bass. A large portion of this area is also open to hunting, and contains a restored wetland, native grass areas, tree and shrub plantings, and wildlife food plots.
Holland Marsh Wildlife Area
Holland, IAThis 50-acre area contains two restored wetlands, native grass areas, tree and shrub plantings, and wildlife food plots.
J.H. Roadman Memorial Park
Dike, IAFacilities at this 10-acre park include handicap accessible restrooms, water, picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, and a shelter house with electricity. Also included on the well-maintained grounds are two small ponds which can be used for fishing. Trails include a self-guided interpretive trail with brochures available in the shelter house and each trail goes around its own pond, providing a pleasant way to stretch your legs after traveling any distance. Overnight camping is allowed.
Reinbeck Section of County Greenbelt
Near Reinbeck, IAThe Black Hawk Creek winds its way through this 67-acre area for fishing and hunting.
Stoehr’s Fishing Area
Grundy Center, IAFind two spring-fed fishing ponds that are about one acre in size each on this 5-acre land. Fish species stocked in these ponds include channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegills. There is a 16-inch length limit in place on the largemouth bass. Facilities here include a shelter house with electricity, picnic tables, pit style toilets, and a fishing pier which are all handicap accessible. Grills are available for cookout and overnight campaign is available.
Wolf Creek Recreation Area
Near Beaman, IAApproximately 70 acres of this park are open to hunting and the Wolf Creek that meanders through the area provides fishing.
Enjoy Outdoor Recreation in the Cedar Valley Region
