Brushy Creek

Review(s)

Submitted By: Ben Petty
AKA: bpetty
Put In: North boat ramp
Take Out: same
Date of Paddle: July, 2004
Overview of this Section: This 690 acre lake is one of Iowa's newest, created (somewhat controversially) several years ago by creation of a dam across Brushy Creek. There are many areas of interest to paddlers, especially the many little bays & inlets, and large areas of flooded timber. From the north boat ramp, if you head left (northeast), you'll pass under a newly constructed pedestrian bridge, and into one of my favorite inlets of the lake - the further you paddle into these inlets, the more difficult the paddling becomes as you try to wind your way through the timber (but this is the best way to find seclusion and put some distance between yourself and the fishing boats). Fortunately, there is a no-wake law in effect on this lake, so although fishing boats are present, they're generally traveling slow, and there aren't PWC / jet-skis to deal with. Wood duck boxes have recently been placed throughout the areas of flooded timber, and odds of seeing these colorful birds are pretty good in this type of habitat. Other inlets worth exploring include the northwest end (this is where Brushy Creek enters), and a few areas at the far southeast corner of the lake. There is also a beach that you can paddle up to at the southwest corner of the lake. Some links that may be helpful; An aerial view of the lake - DNR info. & a map - http://www.iowadnr.com/parks/state_park_list/brushy_creek.html
Is there camping available: Yes - There are a couple campgrounds, and a modern campground currently under construction near the beach area.
Other launches in this section: See the link to map
Places to rent or buy outdoor equipment: No rentals I know of (although there is talk about having rentals at the lake in the future), but canoes & kayaks can be purchased in Fort Dodge at Keith's Outdoors (formerly Nordquist's) and Dunham's Sporting Goods.
Other items of interest about this area: Many miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Access to the Des Moines River by kayak is possible (though there may be scrapes & snags to contend with) during normal-high water conditions by floating down on Brushy Creek below the dam.
Overall opinion of this lake: Very good - Flooded timber and many inlets provide great opportunities for exploration, and there are many other opportunities nearby for paddling, hiking, and other outdoor recreation.