Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - West Lake (Osceola)


About West Lake (Osceola)

Surface Area (acres): 320.00
Maximum Depth (feet): 28.7 ft. (2014)
Motoring Restrictions: No Size Limit at No Wake.
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Clarke
Description: West Osceola
Coordinates: 41.03593277, -93.80449316

Nearby Parks

- No results found

Amenities

Amenities at West Lake (Osceola) include:
  • Boat Access
  • Restrooms
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Community Fishing Location

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

Spring electrofishing indicated good abundance of Largemouth Bass up to 18 inches. Wipers up to 20 inches are available to anglers. Bluegill up to 8.5 inches and Crappie mostly in the 9-10 inch length range are available to anglers. - Last updated on 11/13/2025.

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

  • 9/12/23 - 1,600 Channel Catfish (7.3)
  • 6/29/23 - 3,732 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (2.4)
  • June 2022 - 7,037 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.4)
  • 5/16/22 - 320 Muskellunge (12.8)
  • 09/09/2021 - 1,602 Channel Catfish (8.1)
  • 06/22/2021 - 3,572 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.3)
  • 05/12/2020 - 320 Muskellunge (12.4)
  • 09/17/2019 - 1,598 Channel Catfish (8.6)
  • 06/27/2018 - 3,246 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.64)
  • 05/04/2018 - 320 Muskellunge (11.8)
  • 9/13/2017 - 1,601 Channel Catfish (7.4")
  • 6/29/2017 - 3,654 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (2")
  • 6/16/2016 - 3,384 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.4")
  • 6/16/2016 - 3,881 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.3")
  • 09/24/2015 - 1,593 Channel Catfish (8")
  • 06/29/2015 - 3,363 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (1.7")
  • 06/16/2015 - 3,232 Wiper (Hybrid Striped Bass) (479/lb)

Management

  • 2025 - Survey-Population: A general survey using spring electrofishing was conducted.
  • 2022 - Survey-Population: A comprehensive survey was conducted using electrofishing, hoop nets, and fyke nets.
  • 2019 - Survey-Population: A standard trend fish population survey was conducted using electrofishing and fyke nets.
  • 2018 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Cedar Trees
  • 2018 - Structures-Trees Cedar: Cedar Trees
  • 2018 - Survey-Population: A standard fish population survey was conducted using electrofishing and fyke nets.
  • 2017 - Survey-Population: A standard trend fish population survey was conducted using electrofishing and fyke nets.
  • 2016 - Survey-Population: A comprehensive survey was conducted using electrofishing, hoop nets, and fyke nets.
  • 2015 - Survey-Population: A fishery trend survey was done with electrofishing and fyke netting.
  • 2014 - Survey-Population: A fishery trend survey was done with electrofishing and fyke netting gears.
  • 2013 - Survey-Population: A fishery trend survey was done with electrofishing and fyke netting gears.
  • 2012 - Survey-Population: A fishery trend survey was done with electrofishing and fyke netting gears.
  • 2011 - Survey-Population: West Osceola was sampled with electrofishing and trapnetting gear.
  • 2010 - Survey-Population: A comperhensive sample was done on West O. with electrofishing, hoop netting, and trapnetting gear.
  • 2009 - Survey-Population: West Osceola was sampled with spring electrofishing and fall trapnetting.

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: No Size Limit at No Wake.

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

  • Curlyleaf Pondweed

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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