Lake Delhi is a 9-mile-long, 448-acre reservoir on the Maquoketa River in Delaware County, eastern Iowa – a popular boating, fishing and lake-home destination famous for a dramatic comeback after its dam failed in the 2010 floods and was rebuilt in 2016. With walleye, bass and catfish and miles of scenic river-lake shoreline, it’s one of eastern Iowa’s favorite summer waters. This guide is part of our growing Iowa Lakes Database.
Lake Delhi at a glance
- Surface area: ~448 acres (a long, narrow river impoundment)
- Depth: a river reservoir, deepest near the dam
- Location: Delaware County, eastern Iowa, on the Maquoketa River
- Dam: failed in the July 2010 flood; rebuilt in 2016 with a landmark labyrinth spillway
- Top fish: walleye, smallmouth & largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill
The lake that came back
Lake Delhi is one of Iowa’s great recreation comeback stories. After heavy rains in July 2010 overtopped and breached the dam, draining the lake, the community rallied to rebuild – and in 2016 a new dam with a labyrinth spillway (the first of its kind in Iowa) restored the reservoir. Today the long, winding lake is back to being a busy summer destination for boating, fishing and lakeside living.
Fishing Lake Delhi
The restored fishery offers a strong mix of walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill. An Iowa fishing license is required. Anglers work the rocky stretches and current near the dam and feeder creeks for walleye and smallmouth, the coves and timber for largemouth and crappie, and the flats for catfish and bluegill. The river-lake character gives it more current and structure than a typical Iowa reservoir.
Boating, swimming and recreation
Lake Delhi is popular for powerboating, water sports, paddling, fishing and swimming, with public access at the Turtle Creek Recreation Area and other points around the lake. The narrow, scenic shoreline is lined with homes and bluffs. As a managed reservoir, the level is held fairly steady in season, but always check current conditions and any no-wake zones before launching.
Getting there and what’s nearby
Lake Delhi is near the town of Delhi in Delaware County, eastern Iowa, between Manchester and Maquoketa. Manchester, Backbone State Park and the Maquoketa River corridor are nearby.
Know before you go
- Fishing license: an Iowa license is required.
- River-lake: more current and structure than a typical reservoir – good for walleye and smallmouth.
- Boating & swimming: public access at Turtle Creek Recreation Area; watch for no-wake zones.
Frequently asked questions
What fish are in Lake Delhi?
Walleye, smallmouth and largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill.
What happened to the Lake Delhi dam?
The dam failed in the July 2010 flood, draining the lake; it was rebuilt and the lake restored in 2016, featuring Iowa’s first labyrinth spillway.
How big is Lake Delhi?
About 448 acres, a long, narrow impoundment of the Maquoketa River in Delaware County.
Where is Lake Delhi?
In Delaware County, eastern Iowa, near the town of Delhi between Manchester and Maquoketa.
Related: explore more of the largest lakes in Iowa, or head back to the Iowa Lakes Database.
Explore more Iowa lakes: the largest lakes in Iowa and the deepest lakes in Iowa.
