In many ways, our rivers and streams are our pride and joy. In spring and summer, boats, pontoons and canoes can be seen all along the St. Joe River. On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the Upper St. Joe River Flotilla. People regularly fish at the Johnson Street Bridge over the St. Joe. But did you know that several of our rivers and streams are regularly highlighted as being so contaminated that fish and wildlife should not be consumed by humans at all? Fortunately, most fish in the area can be consumed in moderation. It is important to know which fish can be safely consumed at regular intervals. Refer to the local map below that can provide information on local fish that can be eaten from our ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers.
The Indiana Fish Consumption Guidelines are a set of recommendations for the consumption of recreationally caught fish from Indiana public waters created by the Indiana Department of Health, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and Indiana Department of Natural Resources. If the waterbody you are fishing does not have specific guidelines or the guidelines do not include the fish species you plan to eat, use the Indiana Statewide Safe Eating Guidelines for the Sensitive Population or General Population. In either case, it is not recommended that you eat from ice fishing in areas quarantined for pollution, such as the local quarry pond. Indiana Department of Health provides a Wallet Card that is handy to keep available for guidance. Indiana has an interactive map where you can check for Waterbody Advisories.