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Backbone Lake is an impoundment of the Maquoketa River that is challenged by a large watershed area to lake area ratio that causes water quality and sediment problems. The upstream end of the impoundment has limited access and provides opportunity for crappie, largemouth bass and trout. The downstream portion of the impoundment is more degraded in terms of habitat quality and provides easier access and opportunity to catch small bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass and white sucker.(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 .
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