Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
Bluegill numbers are moderate with many 6- to 8-inch fish. There are some redear sunfish available and most are 7- to 9-inches. Crappies are moderate with a good number of 9- to 11-inch fish, and a good year class of 5- to 6-inch fish coming on. Largemouth bass numbers are moderate with almost all fish under the 15-inch minimum size. - Last updated on 01/09/2019.
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.