West Hottes Lake

West Hottes Lake

Orleans, Iowa 51360

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About this Location

Important Bird Area.
Actually two lakes, West Hottes and East Hottes. located within the much larger Kettleson Hogsback Wildlife complex.

To West Hottes Lake, follow Co. Highway M-49 around the west side of Big Spirit Lake until reach 125ths street (across from Marble Beach State Park). Turn west on 125th and follow 1/2 mile to Kettleson Hogsback WMA entrance road. Turn north on access road and follow paved driveway 1/4 mile to West Hottes Lake boat ramp. To East Hottes Lake, follow Co. Highway M-49 around the west side of Big Spirit Lake until reach the access & parking area for both Sunken Lake and East Hottes Lake, on the west side of the road (about 3/4 mi. north of previously described turnoff to reach West Hottes Lake).

These are sizable, shallow prairie lakes, surrounded by forest, oak savanna and restored prairie. A variety of wetland vegetation surrounds the edges of the lakes. These lakes (especially West Hottes) are prime migration stopovers for virtually all waterfowl and other water birds, as well as nesting areas for Redheads, Canvasbacks, Black Terns, Forsters' Terns, grebes, Black-crowned Night Herns, Great Blue Herons (on island rookery) and much more. This is a public hunting area.

Features

  • Roadside viewing

  • Entrance fee

Content from Iowa Ornithologists' Union and Iowa Ornithologists' Union

Last updated June 17, 2023