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Executive Summary: Recent Iowa DNR surveys of Scharnberg Pond indicate a bustling fishery dominated by panfish, although body condition varies across species. Bluegills and Black Crappies are by far the most plentiful fish, with both species maintaining healthy weights despite high numbers of younger, smaller fish and occasional quality catches reaching up to 8 to 10 inches. Largemouth Bass are numerous but small—averaging around 11 inches—and appear somewhat skinny, suggesting they may be competing for food. Stocked Rainbow Trout continue to provide an enjoyable cold-water angling opportunity, although like the pond's sparse populations of Yellow Perch, they are currently on the skinny side. Green Sunfish and Black Bullhead are available for anglers in low abundance. Detailed Summary: Scharnberg Pond is a small, 10-acre waterbody located adjacent to the Scharnberg Park and campground complex. Maximum depth is 12 feet. A standard daytime electrofishing survey was conducted on May 12, 2026 as part of the Iowa DNR comprehensive survey protocol. 81 fish representing the following 6 species were captured in the electrofishing survey: Black Bullhead, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. The most abundant fish in the electrofishing survey were Bluegills (N = 24, 33.5 fish/hour) and Largemouth Bass (N = 48, 67.0 fish/hour). Bluegill length averaged 6.3 inches and ranged from 4.3 to a respectable 7.7 inches. Bluegill weight averaged 0.2 pounds, ranging from 0.06 to 0.36 pounds. Mean relative weight of Bluegills was 90, which is on the lower end of the target range (90–100) and indicates an adequate average body condition (i.e., weight) relative to length. Largemouth Bass were generally below or near catchable size, with lengths averaging only 11.0 inches and weights averaging only 0.7 pounds. Mean relative weight of Largemouth Bass was only 89, indicating fairly skinny fish experiencing some difficulty in obtaining adequate forage. The following species were documented in low abundance in the electrofishing survey: Black Bullhead (N = 1, 1.4 fish/hour), Black Crappie (N = 4, 5.6 fish/hour), Rainbow Trout (N = 3, 4.2 fish/hour), and Yellow Perch (N = 1, 1.4 fish/hour). The lone Black Bullhead captured in the electrofishing survey measured 9.2 inches and weighed 0.4 pounds. Black Crappie length averaged 9.3 inches (range: 8.9–9.6 inches) and weight averaged 0.44 pounds (range: 0.4–0.48 pounds). Rainbow Trout stocked by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources offer a unique fishing opportunity in Scharnberg Pond during the colder months. Rainbow Trout length averaged 12.0 inches and ranged from 11.0 to 12.7 inches. Rainbow Trout weight averaged 0.5 pounds, ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 pounds. Mean relative weight of Rainbow Trout was only 75, which is well below target range, indicating skinny fish in poor condition and likely an unfavorable foraging environment for Rainbow Trout. The lone Yellow Perch Yellow Perch captured in the electrofishing survey measured 7.7 inches and weighed 0.2 pounds. A fyke-net survey was conducted over a 24-hour period (September 28–29) in 2026 in accordance with the Iowa DNR comprehensive survey protocol. 1,189 fish representing the following 5 species were captured in fyke nets: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, and Yellow Perch. Fish with the highest fyke-net abundance included Black Crappies (N = 650, 130.0 fish/net-night) and Bluegills (N = 498, 99.6 fish/net-night). Black Crappie length averaged 3.7 inches and ranged from 1.6 to a respectable 10.4 inches. Black Crappie weight averaged 0.4 pounds, ranging from 0.1 to 0.7 pounds. Mean relative weight of Black Crappies was 97, indicating that the average fish had a healthy weight for its length and foraging conditions were favorable. Small Bluegills were abundant, dropping the average length to 3.1 inches (range: 0.6–8.3 inches) and the average weight to 0.3 pounds (range: 0.1–0.4 pounds). Mean relative weight of Bluegills was 91, indicating generally healthy, well-proportioned fish and adequate foraging conditions. The following species were documented in low abundance in fyke nets: Green Sunfish (N = 29, 5.8 fish/net-night), Largemouth Bass (N = 8, 1.6 fish/net-night), and Yellow Perch (N = 4, 0.8 fish/net-night). Green Sunfish are generally small-bodied fish. In Scharnberg Pond, their length averaged 4.9 inches and ranged from 4.1 to 5.7 inches. Green Sunfish weight averaged 0.1 pounds, ranging from 0.08 to 0.14 pounds. Body condition of Green Sunfish (i.e., weight compared to length) was favorable as expressed through relative weight (mean: 103), reflecting an abundant prey supply for this species. Largemouth Bass were small, averaging 4.2 inches and ranging from 3.7 to 4.7 inches (no weights were recorded as fish must be 5 or more inches to register an accurate scale reading). Finally, Yellow Perch length averaged 7.9 inches and ranged from 7.8 to 8.0 inches. Yellow Perch weight averaged 0.21 pounds (range: 0.20–0.22 pounds). Unfortunately, mean relative weight of Yellow Perch was low (82), indicating fish in poor body condition that may have difficulty obtaining adequate forage and nutrients, although this finding may reflect a small sample size for this species. - Last updated on 11/05/2026.
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.