Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs

Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs DNR Homepage

About Lake Oelwein

Surface Area (acres): 23.00
Maximum Depth (feet): Unknown
Motoring Restrictions: None
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Fayette
Description: Oelwein - actual size may be defined as 78 acres (23 South Basin + 55 North Basin)
Coordinates: 42.64837580, -91.91671984

Nearby Parks

- No results found

Amenities

Amenities at Lake Oelwein include:

Picnic Area
Playground
Restrooms
Camping
Hard Surface Boat Ramp
Community Fishing Location

What to Fish For

Fishing Report

- No recent updates found

Popular Fish Species

Fishing Forecast

Several cedar tree clusters were placed within casting distance from the shore in 2013. Crappie from 6- to 9-inches are common. Catch abundant numbers of channel catfish from 10- to 28-inches. Catfish are stocked every other year. An occasional 8-inch bluegill can be caught while 6-inches is more frequent.(2017)

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 .

Where to Go

Explore the full Fishing Atlas

Stocking and Management

Stocking

09/19/2019 - 414 Channel Catfish (8.8)
9/26/2017 - 332 Channel Catfish (9.3")
09/28/2015 - 414 Channel Catfish (8")

Management

2013 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Three cedar tree clusters were placed off fishing jetty with assistance from Oelwein Parks and Recreation Department and Oelwein Kids Fishing Days Committee personnel.
2013 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Three cedar tree clusters were placed south of boat ramp with assistance from Oelwein Parks and Recreation Department and Oelwein Kids Fishing Days Committee personnel.
2013 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Three cedar tree clusters were placed off south point in 6 feet water with assistance from Oelwein Parks and Recreation Department and Oelwein Kids Fishing Days Committee personnel.
2013 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Three cedar tree clusters were placed off fishing jetty on southeast side of lake with assistance from Oelwein Parks and Recreation Department and Oelwein Kids Fishing Days Committee personnel.

Regulations and Who to Talk To

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: None

Contacts for this Location

Chris Jones, Conservation Officer; 319-939-4448; Chris.Jones@dnr.iowa.gov
Caleb Schnitzler, Fisheries Biologist; 5633828324; caleb.schnitzler@dnr.iowa.gov

Fishing Regulations

Bluegill

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: 25 fish
Possession Limit: unlimited
Length Limit: none
Other: No daily limit on private waters

Channel Catfish

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 15 fish
Possession Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 30 fish
Length Limit: none
Other:

Common Carp

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: none
Possession Limit: unlimited
Length Limit: none
Other: May be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spear or by bow and arrow, day or night.

Largemouth Bass

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: combined black bass, 3 fish
Possession Limit: combined black bass, 6 fish
Length Limit: 12-inch minimum
Other:

Rock Bass

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: none
Possession Limit: unlimited
Length Limit: none
Other:

White Sucker

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: none
Possession Limit: unlimited
Length Limit: none
Other: May be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spear or by bow and arrow, day or night.

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