Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - Minnewashta Lake


About Minnewashta Lake

Surface Area (acres): 118.00
Maximum Depth (feet): 15 ft. (2015)
Motoring Restrictions: None
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Dickinson
Description: Minnewashta
Coordinates: 43.36019575, -95.12416587

Amenities

Amenities at Minnewashta Lake include:
  • Boat Access
  • Trails
  • Restrooms
  • Camping
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Accessible Shoreline

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

In recent years, Minnewashta has provided anglers with good fishing opportunities for many different species. In recent surveys, healthy numbers of largemouth bass were observed. A large portion of the bass caught were 12+ in. with one individual being almost 20 in. at just over 5lbs. Large numbers of pumpkinseed and bluegill were observed with some individuals pushing 9 in. respectively. Large numbers of younger fish should provide ample forage for any predator species allowing them to grow quickly. A handful of walleye were also observed ranging from 14-25 inches. Bullhead anglers can expect to catch preferred sized fish around 11-13 inches. Numbers of yellow perch and black crappie were observed, but most were were not of notable size. - Last updated on 03/20/2025.

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 .

Stocking

- No results found

Management

  • 2023 - Vegetation-Treatment: Bump to 5 ppb with Sonar (A.S.)
  • 2022 - Vegetation-Treatment: Whole lake systemic treatment utilizing Sonar (A.S.) for Eurasian watermilfoil and curly leaf pondweed control. East Okoboji and rest of lower chain also treated.
  • 2022 - Exotic Species-Vegetation: Eurasian watermilfoil found by vegetation survey crew
  • 2014 - Fish Kills-Undetermined: Low dissolved oxygen and dead fish were observed on the lake in February. Most of the fish were found to be freshwater drum.
  • 2014 - Water Sampling-Dissolved Oxygen: Winter D.O. readings were taken under the ice.
  • 2013 - Exotic Species-Mussels: Subsequent sampling of boat hoists from the lake confirmed zebra mussel infestation

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: None

Contacts for this Location

Fishing Regulations

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.

Aquatic Invasive Species

  • Curlyleaf Pondweed
  • Eurasian Watermilfoil
  • Zebra Mussel

To learn more about AIS, visit the Iowa DNR's Aquatic Invasive Species page for more information and resources.

Fish Surveys

Tip: Click the arrow in the lower right corner to view the Fish Survey Data tool in full-screen mode.