DNR Stocking Wiper Fish at Area Lakes, Including Schildberg Recreation Area in Atlantic

(Lewis) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will introduce Wipers, a cross between a white bass and a striped bass, into the Schildberg Recreation Area in Atlantic, Lake Icaria, Lake Manawa, and other lakes.

These native fish are raised at the Mt. Ayr fish hatchery. According to DNR Fisheries Biologist John Lorenzen, Wipers are a forage species that inhabit the lake’s center, which sets them apart from many other species that tend to spend more time in shallow areas.

He also mentioned that Wipers are an anadromous fish traditionally found on the Atlantic coast, and they swim up rivers to spawn. Lorenzen hopes the DNR will stock more trout at the Schildberg Recreation Area Lake again this fall. He also noted that the state record for Wipers is 19.63 pounds, caught at the Saylorville Reservoir.