Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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Located in Barnes City, the Hawthorn Wildlife Area provides convenient access to Pleasant Creek for kayakers, canoeists, and boaters. This site offers a dedicated kayak launching area along with boat ramps, making it suitable for various watercraft and skill levels. The access point includes parking facilities nearby, allowing easy preparation before heading out on the water.
Pleasant Creek offers diverse fishing opportunities with species including smallmouth bass, rock bass, white bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie, and walleye. The waterway maintains a "no wake" speed requirement, which helps protect the ecosystem and makes it suitable for paddlers seeking a more peaceful paddling experience. With multiple launch sites available around the broader Pleasant Creek system, this location serves as one of several convenient access points in eastern Iowa for recreational boating and paddling.