Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
The lake has been in a steady decline since the infestation of common carp in 2010. Bluegill and crappie size has become stagnant, and bass size and numbers have dropped. Water quality has also been affected by the carp. For these reasons, the lake will be drained fall/winter of 2026 and undergo a major lake restoration project. The project will take 2-3 years and will eventually be restocked once in-lake construction is completed and the lake refills. - Last updated on 10/01/2026.
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.