Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
Blue Heron offers Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish and Hybrid Striped Bass fishing. White and Black Crappies are present, with the majority being White Crappies. Black Crappie sizes are mostly 7- to 9-inches. The White Crappies are a little larger at 8- to 11-inches. Expect to catch White Crappies mostly 8.5- to 10-inches. The Largemouth Bass fishery is good with fish surveyed at all sizes from 8- to 20-inches. Channel Catfish are very abundant with the most common sizes being 12- to 16.5-inches. Channel Catfish over 25-inches are likely present. Hybrid Striped Bass continue to be stocked. They are not typically caught in many numbers during standard surveys, but a sample of fish from 18- to 24-inches was captured in 2025. - Last updated on 01/02/2026.
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.