November 07, 2024

Fishing regulations to be relaxed at Three Mile Lake

Pictured is Three Mile Lake, located a few miles north of Afton. (CNA file)

AFTON – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will relax fishing regulations at Three Mile Lake in Union County starting April 1 to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated this fall.

Anglers with a valid fishing license will be allowed to harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, channel catfish and all other fish species from Three Mile Lake. Any number of fishing poles or jug fishing will be allowed. Anglers must remain in sight of these lines at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules. Trot lines will be allowed and name and address must be attached, however, lines may not be set across the entire water body. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters. All navigation rules still apply.

Plans to eliminate yellow bass and common carp, as well as future watershed and in-lake improvements to further improve the lake’s water quality and recreation opportunities, were presented at a public meeting March 15 in Creston.

Liberalized fishing regulations for Three Mile Lake will remain in effect from April 1 through Sept. 15.

Specific regulation changes include:

• Removal of bag and length limit restrictions on largemouth bass

• Removal of bag and length limit restrictions on muskellunge

• Removal of bag limit on walleye

• Removal of bag limit on channel catfish

• Removal of bag limit on crappie and bluegill

• Removal of the two line/two hook fishing restriction, however anglers must still adhere to being within visual sight of the lines

It is very important that anglers never transport and release common carp or any fish species into any water system. Growing yellow bass and common carp populations in Three Mile Lake have reduced game fish populations, decreased water quality and limited fishing activity. All lake water from boats, live wells and bait buckets must be drained before leaving the boat ramp.

For more information contact Iowa DNR Fisheries biologist Andy Jansen at 641-464-3108.