Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - Slip Bluff Lake


About Slip Bluff Lake

Surface Area (acres): 16.00
Maximum Depth (feet): 23 ft. (2014)
Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Decatur
Description: Slip Bluff
Coordinates: 40.65290245, -93.85200748

Amenities

Amenities at Slip Bluff Lake include:
  • Boat Access
  • Fishing Jetty
  • Camping
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Accessible Shoreline

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

Spring electrofishing indicated a good abundance of Largemouth Bass up to 12 inches. Bluegill up to 8.5 inches are available to anglers. Good numbers of Channel Catfish were sampled in 2025. Channel Catfish up to 24 inches are available to anglers. - Last updated on 11/13/2025.

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

  • 9/15/23 - 161 Channel Catfish (7.8)
  • 10/07/2021 - 172 Channel Catfish (9)
  • 09/17/2019 - 159 Channel Catfish (8.6)
  • 9/18/2017 - 160 Channel Catfish (8.2")
  • 09/24/2015 - 80 Channel Catfish (8")

Management

  • 2025 - Vegetation-Treatment: Treatment of Brittle naiad.
  • 2025 - Survey-Population: A comprehensive survey was conducted using spring electrofishing, summer hoop nets, and fall fyke nets.
  • 2024 - Vegetation-Treatment: Brittle naiad control with herbicide provided using MFT funds and a private applicator applied.
  • 2024 - Survey-Population: A general spring electrofishing survey as conducted to evaluate the Largemouth Bass population.
  • 2023 - Vegetation-Treatment: private applicator - brittle naiad broadcast treatment with tribune
  • 2022 - Vegetation-Treatment: Aquatic Control application of Reward and Cide Kick II in determined management zones for NAMI control.
  • 2021 - Survey-Population: A standard trend survey was conducted using spring electrofishing.
  • 2021 - Vegetation-Treatment: Spot treatment of brittle naiad with contact herbicide in treatment zones established in management plan.
  • 2021 - Vegetation-Treatment: Spot treatment of brittle naiad with contact herbicide in treatment zones established in management plan.
  • 2020 - Vegetation-Treatment: Brittle naiad control using spot treatment herbicide in 2 management zones.
  • 2019 - Vegetation-Treatment: Spot treatment for brittle naiad control in treatment zones identified in vegetation management plan.
  • 2019 - Vegetation-Treatment: Spot treatment in treatment zones identified in vegetation management plan.
  • 2018 - Structures-Trees Hardwood: Oak Trees
  • 2018 - Structures-Trees Hardwood: Oak Trees
  • 2018 - Vegetation-Treatment: Brittle naiad management in treatment zones. Diquat treatment completed by DW, and JS.
  • 2017 - Vegetation-Treatment: 2017 brittle naiad spot treatment based on management plan.
  • 2017 - Survey-Population: A comprehensive fish population survey was conducted using electrofishing, baited hoop nets, and fyke nets.
  • 2016 - Vegetation-Treatment: Brittle naiad treatment using Reward at 2 gal/acre subsurface application. Area treated highlighted in the 2016 management plan. DW and AM applied the herbicide.
  • 2015 - Survey-Population: A trend survey was done with electrofishing and fyke netting.
  • 2014 - Exotic Species-Vegetation: Brittle Naiad reported by Andy Jansen
  • 2014 - Exotic Species-Vegetation: Brittle Naiad reported by Andy Jansen
  • 2013 - Survey-Population: A trend survey was done with electrofishing and fyke netting gears.
  • 2011 - Survey-Population: Slip Bluff was sampled with spring electrofishing and fall trapnetting.
  • 2009 - Survey-Population: Slip Bluff was sampled with spring electrofishing, baited hoopnets, and fall trapnetting.

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: Electric Motors Only

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

  • Brittle Naiad

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

Fish Surveys

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