Orleans, IA (northwestiowanow.com) — The Iowa DNR says fish numbers are strong based on fall netting operations. That includes Lost Island Lake in Ruthven.

Northwest Iowa Fisheries Biologist Andrew Carlson says the numbers were strong all summer on Big Spirit Lake, and the fall count was too.

And the paddlefish that were reintroduced to the Iowa Great Lakes in 2024 appear to be thriving.

Carlson will discuss the full results at DNR night sponsored by the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club Thursday night.