When the weather gets cooler, outdoorsy types head into the great wild yonder in search of unique locations to hunt, fish, and explore. It doesn’t get any more remote than the West Fork Wildlife Area in rural Palo Alto County, just outside the small town of Janesville. This is a popular spot for those who want an unspoiled destination for exploring, and it’s not far from the equally popular Turkey Ridge Wildlife Area. This quiet area is known for some of the best fishing in Iowa, as well as being a top spot for pheasant hunting in season. However, what makes West Fork Wildlife Area so unique is that it literally was born of a disaster – it was developed after a devastating flood in 1993, and as residents left the flooded area, the state stepped in to transform it into a natural paradise.

The tiny town of Janesville, population 1034, is your portal to some of Iowa's best outdoor adventures.
Billwhittaker/Wikipedia
The popular destination in the area is Turkey Ridge Wildlife Area, but this area is right next door to another, lesser-known destination.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
West Fork Wildlife Area was developed out of flooded plains and expanded significantly after 2019 floods.
Darrin Ochsner/Google Local
The area can't be farmed anymore, so it's now been returned to prairie and grassland that attracts wildlife.

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Deer are a common sight here, offering beautiful views to those looking to see to wildlife.
Charles J. Sharp/Wikipedia
For those looking to take some home with them, this is considered an excellent hunting ground - particularly for pheasant, one of the most popular game birds.
Andy Vernon/Wikipedia
And, of course, it's amazing fishing grounds. Meaty walleyes are stocked here every spring, and the anglers soon follow.
Engbretson/Wikipedia

Have you visited the West Fork Wildlife Area in Palo Alto County? What are your favorite spots for the best fishing in Iowa? Let us know in the comments section! If you want to find out more about the unique history of the West Fork Wildlife Area, check out the official Iowa DNR press release.

If you’re looking for more Iowa adventures, make sure to stop by the stunning Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption. You’ll be doing a lot of driving in the area, so make sure to bring your favorite road trip snacks!

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Featured Addresses
West Fork Wildlife Management Area, Emmetsburg, IA 50536, USA