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The fishery was sampled in 2024. West Peterson Pit offers Bluegill, Crappie, Largemouth Bass and Channel Catfish. Bluegill are small with the maximum size reaching only 6-inches. White Crappie historically reach sizes more acceptable to anglers, but the 2024 survey found mostly small crappies from 6- to 8-inches. Largemouth Bass are present in good numbers with good chances of fish over 15-inches. Bass were sampled from 8- to 18-inches. Channel Catfish were not targeted in 2024 surveys, but a population is maintained with regular stocking.(2024)
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 .