Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.
Executive Summary: A June 2024 fish survey conducted by the Iowa DNR at Willow Creek Lake, a four-acre waterbody near Allendorf in Osceola County, documented six different fish species: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. The collected data indicated varying health conditions among the population. Bluegills averaged 5.1 inches in length and were found to be in good physical condition with adequate food resources. In contrast, Black Crappies averaged 7 inches but were underweight for their length, which may point to a food shortage or competition among the fish. The survey also recorded average lengths for the remaining species—including Rainbow Trout at 18.2 inches, Largemouth Bass at 12.2 inches, Yellow Perch at 5.2 inches, and Pumpkinseeds at 4.7 inches—though weight and overall health data were not evaluated for these four groups. Detailed Summary: Willow Creek Lake is a small, 4-acre lake located near Allendorf in Osceola County, Iowa. Maximum depth is unmeasured. An electrofishing survey was conducted on June 12, 2024 as part of the Iowa DNR general survey protocol. The following species were observed: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, and Yellow Perch. Black Crappie length averaged 7 inches and weight averaged 0.14 pounds. Mean relative weight of Black Crappies was 79, indicating that fish were relatively skinny for their length. This may reflect a shortage of appropriate diet items for Black Crappies or competition within or among species. Bluegill length averaged 5.1 inches and ranged from 3 to 7.7 inches. Bluegill weight averaged 0.2 pounds and ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 pounds. Mean relative weight of Bluegills was 97, indicating that fish are in good body condition and food resources are likely adequate. Largemouth Bass length averaged 12.2 inches and ranged from 5 to 17.1 inches. Largemouth Bass weights and relative weights were not measured. Pumpkinseed length averaged 4.7 inches and ranged from 4 to 5.1 inches. Pumpkinseed weights and relative weights were not measured. Rainbow Trout length averaged 18.2 inches. Rainbow Trout weights and relative weights were not measured. Yellow Perch length averaged 5.2 inches and ranged from 4.3 to 6.4 inches. Yellow Perch weights and relative weights were not measured. - Last updated on 06/08/2026.
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.