NEW MARKET, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has relaxed the fishing regulations at Windmill Lake, near New Market, to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish before the lake is renovated this fall to eliminate common carp.
Anglers with a valid fishing license may harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and all other fish species from Windmill Lake. Any number of fishing poles or jug fishing will be allowed, but anglers must stay in sight of these lines at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules.
Trot lines will be allowed (name and address must be attached), but no more than five trotlines per angler with a valid fishing license. These trot lines cannot have more than 15 hooks total. Trot lines may not be set across the entire water body.
Nets, dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices, or any stupefying substances are not allowed. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters. All navigation rules still apply.
Liberalized fishing regulations for Windmill Lake will be in effect from now through October 15, 2019. Specific regulation changes include:
- Removal of bag and length limit restrictions on largemouth bass.
- Removal of bag limit on channel catfish.
- Removal of bag limit on crappie and bluegill.
- Removal of the two line/two hook fishing restriction, but anglers must stay in sight of these lines at all times.