Fish Iowa - Trout Streams - Big Mill Creek


About Big Mill Creek

Stream segment length (miles): 0.90
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Jackson
Description: Big Mill is stocked April-October with catchable rainbow trout, and also provides excellent opportunities for wild brown trout. Angling access has improved dramatically with two floodplain restoration projects having occurred over the last four years on t
Coordinates: 42.26907796, -90.51068016

Nearby Parks

- No results found

Amenities

Amenities at Big Mill Creek include:
  • Camping

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

Mill Creek at Big Mill WMA is stocked with catchable rainbow trout during April - October and also maintains a high density of wild brown trout. A floodplain restoration project was completed on the upper 1000 feet of Mill Creek on Big Mill WMA during spring 2014 and an additional 1200 feet in 2019. This project mitigated negative impacts of the incised channel and provided improved shoreline access along the stream in the project area. Access continues to be challenging downstream of the restoration sites and below the mouth of South Fork Mill Creek. - 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

  • Apr-Oct 2023 2023 - 7,408 Rainbow Trout (12)
  • Annual 2022 - 7,084 Rainbow Trout (12)
  • Annual 2021 - 7,375 Rainbow Trout (12)
  • Annual 2020 - 7,431 Rainbow Trout (12)
  • annual 2019 - 2,501 Brook Trout (10.8)
  • annual 2019 - 5,798 Rainbow Trout (10.8)
  • annual 2018 - 1,524 Brook Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2018 - 5,138 Rainbow Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2017 - 1,891 Brook Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2017 - 5,216 Rainbow Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2016 - 1,325 Brook Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2016 - 6,522 Rainbow Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2015 - 1,545 Brook Trout (2-3/lb)
  • annual 2015 - 5,505 Rainbow Trout (2-3/lb)

Management

    - No results found

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

    No known aquatic invasive species have been found

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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