Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
A comprehensive survey was conducted on Carter Lake in 2024. Carter has some of the largest bass in the Cold Springs District as 61% of the bass sampled in 2024 were over 15 inches and 4% were over 20 inches. The Carter Lake fishery has developed into a largemouth bass and channel catfish fishery since the 2010 renovation. Bluegill do not attain any size, and crappie, though some are in the 9 inch range, the vast majority are not a harvestable size. Channel catfish are stocked by Nebraska and Iowa to maintain numbers and as a result, there is a very robust catfish population in Carter Lake. Over 800 catfish were netted among 5 nets in 2024 and they averaged about 15 inches with the largest being nearly 25 inches. - Last updated on 02/03/2025.
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 .
The summaries listed below are a partial listing provided for your benefit. Familiarize yourself with the complete Fishing Regulations here: Iowa DNR Fishing Regulations and Laws.