Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
South Bear is stocked weekly April through October with catchable 10-12 inch Rainbow Trout. This fishery maintains a wild Brown Trout population. Sampling data from 2009 showed 872 Brown Trout per mile with fish up to 16 inches collected. This is an estimated population and actual trout numbers will be higher. Please be aware that segments of the stream are on private property where only angling is permitted. Primitive camping is allowed on the state owned South Bear Wildlife Management Area. A private campground and general store are located in Highlandville. - Last updated on 02/04/2022.
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.