Fish Iowa - Rivers and Streams - Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)


About Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City)

River length (miles): 77.00
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Black Hawk
Description:
Coordinates: 42.33577208, -92.16412857

Nearby Parks

- No results found

Amenities

Amenities at Cedar River (Nashua to La Porte City) include:
  • Boat Access
  • Picnic Area
  • Beach
  • Trails
  • Restrooms
  • Camping
  • Good/Excellent Shorefishing
  • Gravel Boat Ramp
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Carry Down Boat Launch

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

The Cedar River throughout this stretch offers excellent angling opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish and occasional northern pike. Boat electrofishing catch rates for walleye are good providing abundant numbers of walleye in this stretch of river. There are many access points throughout this stretch of river. Navigation on this entire stretch is good for smaller flat or V-bottom boats with a smaller hp motor or canoe. A fall 2024 electrofishing survey in Bremer County sampled 42 walleye with 55 percent of them equal to or greater than 15 inches long, the largest walleye measuring in at 24 inches. Another fall 2024 electrofishing survey above LaPorte City provided good numbers of channel catfish with decent numbers of walleye, smallmouth bass and shovelnose sturgeon. A sample taken in Black Hawk County above George Wyth State Park revealed a highly abundant population of smallmouth bass with many year classes represented along with a smattering number of walleye. - Last updated on 01/07/2025.

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

  • 5/31 & 6/1/23 2023 - 84,465 Walleye (1.4)
  • 6/2/22 - 97,495 Walleye (1.3)
  • Spring 2021 - 112,712 Walleye (1.26)
  • June 2020 - 107,278 Walleye (1.6)
  • June 2019 - 94,828 Walleye (1.5)
  • 06/06/2018 - 19,159 Walleye (1.39)
  • 06/01/2018 - 44,868 Walleye (1.7)
  • 5/24/2017 - 92,476 Walleye (1.5")
  • 6/8/16 - 10,632 Walleye (1.7")
  • 6/8/16 - 10,641 Walleye (1.9")
  • 5/26/16 - 90,537 Walleye (Fingerling)
  • 09/26/2015 - 30 Flathead Catfish (18")
  • 06/04/2015 - 9,742 Walleye (1.9")
  • 06/04/2015 - 10,973 Walleye (1.6")
  • 05/29/2015 - 13,556 Walleye (2")

Management

  • 2018 - Exotic Species-Fish: Silver carp caught in Cedar Falls by angler and verified by Jason Euchner
  • 2018 - Exotic Species-Fish: Silver carp caught by angler and verified by Jason Euchner
  • 2018 - Exotic Species-Fish: Silver carp caught by angler and verified by Jason Euchner

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: None

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

  • Silver Carp

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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