Story

Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond


Canoeing & Kayaking at Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond Askew Bridge Access is part of the Skunk River Water Trail. The water trail offers approximately 34 miles from Story City Park (below the dam in Story City) to C.J. Shreck Access (South of Cambridge). Skunk River Water Trail Access Points (listed from north to south): Story City Park #246 Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation Broad Street, Story City, 50248 Lekwa Access #242 56156 130th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.25 miles east of 560th on E-18) Anderson Access #239 56743 150th Street, Story City, 50248 (0.1 miles west of Pleasant Valley Road on 150th Street) Soper’s Mill Access #235 56364 170th Street, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of 170th and 563rd) Peterson Park Access #233 17952 Templeton Road, Ames, 50010 (1.5 miles east of Highway 69 on 180th) Sleepy Hollow Access #230 646 W. Riverside Road, Ames, 50010 (Intersection of Riverside Road and Highway 69) River Valley Park Access #227 Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation 725 East 13th Street, Ames, 50010 South 16th Street #224 Not owned or managed by Story County Conservation Ames 265th Street Access #220 56091 265th Street, Ames, 50010 (Near 560th Avenue) Askew Bridge Access #217 57887 290th Street, Cambridge, 50046 (Intersection of 580th Avenue (R70) and 290th Street) C.J. Shreck Access #212 59627 Highway 210, Cambridge, 50046 (South of Cambridge on Highway 210; north side of road) For up-to-date information on water levels, view the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's website: River Gauges. Best float periods: · April-July · September-October · When river is high Hazards:** · Log jams are usual between Story City and Soper’s Mill · There is a major log jam 0.5 miles below the Anderson Access which must be portaged · Sharp turns and other obstacles are present in many sections · Dam above Sleep Hollow/Riverside Road; portage on river right · Dam at River Valley Park must be portaged Water Trail – South Skunk River Map
Fishing at Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond Fishing is allowed during park hours in the 4-acre borrow pit on the area. Typically the pond produces bluegill, largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and bullhead. The pond is not stocked and occassional flooding from the adjacent South Skunk RIver means other species may be present. The South Skunk River runs along the eastern edge of the park and a low-impact water trail access has been created to the river. This water trail access is a public fishing area on the Skunk River featuring bullhead, buffalo, carp, channel catfish, & smallmouth bass. Iowa fishing regulations apply, for a listing of state rules/regulations please click here: Iowa DNR - Fishing Seek permission from landowners for access to private property. Although the water is public, some of the land along the river is private property. Public Fishing Brochure
Hunting at Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond This 26.5 acre area offers upland hunting in native vegetation as well as waterfowl hunting in a 4-acre borrow pit and along the South Skunk River which forms the park' s eastern boundary. Hunting and trapping are allowed. No target shooting is allowed. Only non-toxic ammunition is allowed. All state hunting laws apply. Hunters must possess the proper license(s). Please remember to get permission when hunting within 200 yards of any occupied building, even when hunting on public land. For a complete listing of all state hunting regulations, visit www. iowadnr.gov or contact the IDNR in Des Moines at 515-281-5918. Pets must be on leashes at all times. Pets shall be deemed as running at large unless the owner carries such animal or leads it by a leash or chain not exceeding six feet in length, or keeps it confined in or attached to a vehicle. Hunting dogs are permitted in designated hunting areas for training, exercise, or hunting, but must be kept on leashes from March 15 to July 15 to protect nesting birds and must be kept under control at all times. Public Hunting Brochure
Trails & Hiking at Askew Bridge/Cambridge Pond A 1.25 mile hiking trail surrounds the 4-acre borrow pit.

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