Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 8 fish
Possession Limit: combined: channel, blue and flathead catfish, 30 fish
Length Limit: none
Other: Associated chutes and backwaters of border rivers (Missouri, Big Sioux, and Des Moines) where intermittent or constant flow occur have a catfish combined daily bag of 15 fish. Associated chutes and backwaters of the Mississippi River have no daily bag or possession limit.

Common Carp

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: none
Possession Limit: unlimited
Length Limit: none
Other: May be taken by hand fishing, by snagging, by spear or by bow and arrow, day or night.

Largemouth Bass

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: combined black bass, 3 fish
Possession Limit: combined black bass, 6 fish
Length Limit: 15-inch minimum
Other:

Northern Pike

Season: Continuous
Daily Bag Limit: 3 fish
Possession Limit: 6 fish
Length Limit: none
Other: Associated chutes and backwaters of border rivers where intermittent or constant flow occur have the following limits: Mississippi River-5 fish daily bag, 10 fish possession limit; Missouri River-5 fish daily bag, 10 fish possession limit; Big Sioux River-6 fish daily bag, 12 fish possession limit

The size structure of largemouth bass is very good in Blue Lake. It's a good lake to catch a memorable or trophy, but don't expect a lot of fish as densities are average. Abundant 6- to 7-inches bluegill and 10-inch bullheads. The channel catfish population is good and underutilized.(2020)

Fish Survey Data

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Contacts

Katie Hoeppner, Conservation Officer; 712-420-1486; katherine.hoeppner@dnr.iowa.gov
Ben Wallace, Fisheries Biologist; 712-657-2638; Ben.Wallace@dnr.iowa.gov

Iowa-Caught Fish Are Safe to Eat, In Almost All Cases

The vast majority of Iowa’s streams, rivers and lakes offer safe and high-quality fish that pose little or no threat to human health if consumed. Some limitations may apply for young children and pregnant women. Here’s a Fish Consumption Fact Sheet from the Iowa DNR and the Iowa Dept. of Public Health for more information.

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