Iowa DNR
Iowa DNR
Fish Kill DatabaseDB
The Iowa DNR Fish Kill Database stores the data from fish kill investigations across the state. The primary function of this database application is to track the magnitudes, causes, and locations of the fish kills.

Depending on the cause and magnitude, the DNR Legal Bureau may assign restitution, investigative costs, and/or penalities to the responsible party.

Fish Kill Reporting

If you believe a fish kill has occurred, immediately contact the nearest Iowa DNR Field Office or Fisheries Office.

You should have available the name of the stream, the location of the kill, and any other conditions or observations that may aid in the investigation of the cause and source of the kill.

Do not touch the water or remove any dead fish.

515-725-8694

24-hour Environmental Reporting Hotline

Recent Additions
McLoud Run - 9/16/2024 - Chlorinated Water
over a month ago
Unnamed Tributary to Dry Run and Dry Run Creek - 3/10/2025 - Animal Waste
over a month ago
South Branch Lizard Creek and Lizard Creek - 4/14/2025 - Ammonia/Fertilizer
over a month ago
Hardin Creek - 11/6/2024 - Environmental
3 months ago
Ten Mile Creek - 11/12/2024 - Unknown (Anthro Suspected)
3 months ago
Robbins Lake - Backwater of Cedar River - 2/28/2025 - Environmental
3 months ago
Little Wapsipinicon River - 9/19/2024 - Environmental
6 months ago
Dry Branch Creek - 9/18/2024 - Organic Material
8 months ago
Des Moines River - 9/11/2024 - Gas Bubble Disease
8 months ago
Coralville Reservoir - 7/8/2024 - Environmental
9 months ago
East Branch Buffalo Creek - 8/27/2024 - Unknown
9 months ago
Des Moines River - 8/28/2024 - Environmental
9 months ago
Des Moines River - 7/26/2024 - Gas Bubble Disease
10 months ago
Red Rock Reservoir - 8/12/2024 - Disease/Parasite/Stress
10 months ago
Meyer Lake - 7/25/2024 - Disease/Parasite/Stress
10 months ago
Mud Creek - 7/18/2024 - Animal Waste
11 months ago
Mill Creek Lake - 5/31/2024 - Disease/Parasite/Stress
12 months ago
Cedar Creek - 7/17/2023 - Unknown
12 months ago
Crane Creek - 6/7/2023 - Unknown
12 months ago
McLoud Run - 1/23/2024 - Chlorinated Water
12 months ago
Otter Creek - 9/5/2022 - Other Chemical/Pollutant
12 months ago
Ioway Creek - 7/9/2021 - Chlorinated Water
12 months ago
Soldier Creek - 11/8/2022 - Environmental
12 months ago
Unnamed Tributary to Little Volga River - 10/22/2023 - Animal Waste
13 months ago
Shirey Lake - 2/16/2024 - Environmental
13 months ago
Des Moines River - 7/10/2023 - Environmental
14 months ago
East Nishnabotna River - 3/11/2024 - Ammonia/Fertilizer
14 months ago
Des Moines River - 8/25/2023 - Environmental
21 months ago
Upper Iowa River - 8/21/2023 - Environmental
21 months ago
Bee Branch Detention Basin - 6/18/2020 - Ammonia/Fertilizer
21 months ago
Fish Kills and Water Quality Assessments

One or more fish kills on a waterbody can affect the water quality assessment of the waterbody. As described in DNR's current methodology for water quality assessments, the occurrence of two or more unresolved pollutant-caused fish kills, or fish kills of unknown origin, on a waterbody during a five-year assessment period could lead to an aquatic life use impairment.

Fish kills caused by a one-time illegal, or unauthorized release of manure, or other toxic substances will be addressed through the DNR Legal Bureau's enforcement procedures. In addition, fish kills determined to be caused by natural phenomena will be used for water quality assessments but will not lead to impairment.