The fishery in Terra Lake has developed well since 2015. A fish survey in 2018 showed 6- to 14-inch largemouth bass and bluegills under 5 inches. Larger fish, especially bluegills, are present, but evaded capture due to very clear water at the time of sampling. The originally stocked channel catfish are around 18-inches long. Catchable size trout are here from November through April. - Last updated on 01/14/2019.
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.