Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - Ahart/Rudd N.R.A. Pond

Fishing Forecast

Ahart used to have a very strong bass population, but siltation has significantly impacted the lake and its habitat. This pond is managed for a high density channel catfish population. Advanced fingerling catfish are stocked on a regular basis at a higher rate than typical lakes.(2020)

Consumption Guidelines

Iowa-Caught Fish Are Safe to Eat, In Almost All Cases

In nearly all cases, Iowa fish are safe to eat. Cleaning and/or preparing the meal causes most of the problems regarding taste or color of fish. Like all living creatures, fish are susceptible to diseases, parasites, and other naturally occurring conditions in the water. If you suspect your fish is affected by any of these conditions, do not eat it. Consider eating smaller and younger fish which usually have lower levels of contaminants than larger ones. Most contaminants accumulate in larger, older fish. For additional information, check out our resources for eating and cooking Iowa caught fish.

To learn more about fish tissue monitoring, visit our Fish Tissue Monitoring page .