There are a large number of small impoundments scattered across the state of Iowa. The purposes of these types of systems vary. Some are water supply reservoirs, others were built exclusively for recreation. In 1933 the Iowa Board of Conservation and the Iowa Fish and Game Commission created a report that declared "The south half of Iowa is lakeless; and the streams are muddy. The logical means to provide good fishing is by the construction of artificial lakes." Thus, most of these water bodies are concentrated in the southern portions of the state. Water acreage can vary from less than one acre to several hundred; however, most public waters that are managed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources are at least 20 acres in size. These systems provide a vast amount of angling opportunity for Iowa anglers and should never be over looked. Many of these lakes provide some of the best largemouth bass and bluegill fishing in the state. In some cases northern pike and channel catfish form an additional important fishing opportunity.