Fish Iowa - Lakes, Ponds, and Reservoirs - Lake Delhi


About Lake Delhi

Surface Area (acres): 448.00
Maximum Depth (feet): Unknown
Motoring Restrictions: None
See below for additional location-specific regulations

Location

County: Delaware
Description: Delhi
Coordinates: 42.40716387, -91.34709465

Nearby Parks

- No results found

Amenities

Amenities at Lake Delhi include:
  • Picnic Area
  • Restrooms
  • Camping
  • Hard Surface Boat Ramp
  • Carry Down Boat Launch

Fishing Report

Please contact the local fisheries management biologist for current information.

Fishing Summary

Lake Delhi is a 448 acre impoundment of the Maquoketa River. This fishery offers a wide variety of angling opportunities for walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill. Other species include yellow bass and bullhead. A recent 2025 fisheries survey showed excellent numbers of fish and fish of quality size. There is excellent recruitment of both largemouth and smallmouth bass with fish ranging in size from 8 inches up to 18 inches. Numerous bluegill sampled ranged anywhere from 5 inches up to 8 inches. Both black and white crappie were very abundant with size ranging from 7-10 inches. The few walleye sampled ranged in size from 19 inches up to 25 inches. This lake is heavily used for recreation during the spring, summer and fall months with no motor restriction. It is highly advised for anglers to target the early morning or late afternoon hours for the best angling opportunities in avoiding heavy boat traffic. - Last updated on 12/16/2025.

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

  • 5/15/2017 - 236 Black Crappie (7" - 9")
  • Mar 2016 - 269,527 Bluegill (Fingerling)
  • 8/9/16 - 35,000 Largemouth Bass (2.2")
  • 7/20/16 - 9,714 Largemouth Bass (1.7")
  • 7/15/16 - 2,024 Largemouth Bass (2")
  • 10/29/2015 - 26,057 Bluegill (1.4")
  • 10/29/2015 - 92,177 Bluegill (1.3")

Management

  • 2018 - Structures-Pallets: 13 Pallet Bed Structures Northing- 4695974 Easting- 633445
  • 2016 - Structures-Stake Beds: Constructed with HFFA. UTM = 4695899 northing; 633470 easting.
  • 2015 - Structures-Stake Beds: Stake Bed added south of east Turtle Creek boat ramp
  • 2015 - Ramp-Construction: New boat ramp constructed at East Turtle Creek
  • 2010 - Other-Other: South dam embankment failed during flood event and impoundment dewatered

Motoring Restrictions

Motoring Restrictions: None

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

    No known aquatic invasive species have been found

To learn more about AIS, visit the Iowa DNR's Aquatic Invasive Species page for more information and resources.

Fish Surveys

Tip: Click the arrow in the lower right corner to view the Fish Survey Data tool in full-screen mode.