Each of the county conservation boards have lakes, too. Willow Lake Recreation Area, Schaben Park, and Sawmill Hollow in Harrison County, Arrowhead Park and Farm Creek Public Wildlife Area in Pottawattamie County, and Pony Creek Park and Mile Hill Lake are both nestled in the Loess Hills near Glenwood in Mills County. Largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, crappie, and red ear sunfish are some of the common species found in these areas.

The West Nishnabotna River is a state-designated water trail through Pottawattamie County, with additional accesses in Mills counties. The East Nishnabotna River also skirts the southeastern edge of Pottawattamie County. Mosquito Creek, Boyer River, and other streams are often used for fishing and paddling. While nearly all the streams in the region were channelized and greatly altered from their natural state, they are still an excellent way to experience nature and see wildlife.