Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
Joy Springs is stocked with catchable rainbow trout from April - October. The Upper Maquoketa River (Joy Springs) also has stream-reared brown trout. In a 2024 summer fisheries survey a twenty inch brown trout was collected and measured. A recent fish habitat project was completed in the late fall of 2021. Primitive camping is allowed on this county park area along with a picnic shelter. - Last updated on 01/07/2025.
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 .
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.