Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council

The Iowa Great Lakes Water Safety Council, Inc is a not-for-profit public service organization formed to promote boating and water safety along with improved water quality on the Iowa Great Lakes. This chain of lakes is located in Dickinson County- Northwest Iowa.

Five of the lakes (East Okoboji- West Okoboji, Lower Gar - Upper Gar, and Minnewashta) are connected so boats can travel between the lakes. Boats must pass under bridges to move between the lakes with clearance that varies from five to nine feet depending on lake water level.

The spillway between Big Spirit Lake and East Okoboji does not permit the passage of boats.

WHATS NEW?

This past summer's flooding allowed Asian Carp (Bighead & Silver) to swim around the two dams that normally block their migration up the Little Sioux River. In August Bighead Asian Carp were found near "the Narrows" on East Lake Okoboji. This fall Asian Silver Carp - known as the "jumping fish" - were found in Lost Island Lake, just 20 miles south of the Iowa Great Lakes. These "jumping fish" when stimulated by a boat motor are infamous for jumping into the face of a boater, tuber, skier, wake boarder, or jet skier causing serious injuries. We do not want these dangerous fish populating our lakes. The solution is for the DNR to build an electric fish barrier at the Lower Gar Outlet. Timing is critical to construct the fish barrier this summer, so the lakes are protected. See urgent threat brochure for more information.

CLICK HERE FOR URGENT THREAT BROCHURE

IOWA GREAT LAKES WATERSHED

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• Contributions to promote water safety on the Iowa Great Lakes are welcome.

• The WSC is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit corporation.

• Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

• Federal Tax ID number 36-4513880

              Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is believed to be accurate.

              Users should consult the official versions as the final authority.