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The Maquoketa River offers great paddling and angling opportunities throughout this 70-mile stretch. Very good smallmouth bass fishing occurs in many areas of this river with all the suitable rocky habitat. Concentrate efforts near these areas in which "smallmouth " love. There is a Catch & Release Area for all bass in Delaware County extending downstream for four and a half miles from below Lake Delhi Dam as posted to the first county gravel road bridge, Pioneer Road. A strong population of channel catfish, smallmouth bass and walleye from Manchester downstream will provide great fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages. This stretch of river is most accessible by kayak or canoe as the river is fairly wide and shallow in places. Ten access points, mostly carry-down, provide paddlers and anglers many options throughout this scenic area of river. Stop and visit the newly constructed/dam removal project, "Manchester Whitewater Park," a must see for all outdoor enthusiasts. Voyage a ride through the six drop structures or enjoy the view from the beautiful landscaped park. Fish habitat and passage were also designed into the new park to add exceptional habitat for smallmouth bass and walleye. A hard surface boat ramp at Bailey's Ford County Park, Delaware County, provides boat angler access to a popular overwinter staging area for walleye. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in Manchester. Check the local directory for phone numbers and rental availability.(2025)
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 .