Summer Heat Causes Northeast Iowa Fish Kill

The Iowa DNR says summer heat has led to a fish kill in northeast Iowa.

Theresa Shay, fisheries technician with the DNR, says dead fish in the unnamed tributary to Otter Creek that flows through Oelwein is the result of a natural kill caused by extremely warm water temperatures and low flow conditions on the stream.”

Just over two miles of stream was affected by the warm water and less than 1,000 fish were killed. Species primarily affected include smaller minnows, dace and suckers.  

Shay said investigators saw live fish of multiple species in the same locations that appeared in good condition. 

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If you see dead fish when you are at a lake or river, call the DNR’s 24-hour spill line at 515-725-8694 as soon as possible. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of a fish kill and potentially stop a fish kill in progress.

For more information, contact Theresa Shay at the Decorah Fish Hatchery at 563-382-8324 or by email at [email protected].