(Lewis) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources initiated a renovation project at Cold Springs in August. The water volume was reduced by about four feet, and Rotenone was applied to eliminate the Red Ear Sunfish.
Lorenzen says that prior to the renovation, the bass population was not exceeding 14 inches, the bluegill population was extremely low, and the Redear population was high.
The DNR is currently maintaining a low lake level to allow shoreline areas to dry out for necessary maintenance work.
Lorenzen says each spring, the lake hosts fishing clinics for kids and families. In the past, a small area of chipped limestone spawning beds served as the hotspot for the events—roughly 90 percent of the fish were caught there. The limited space meant young anglers crowded in, with only some getting the chance to reel in a catch.
To improve that experience, organizers decided to expand the spawning beds and create better fish habitat near the event area. About 30 tons of pea gravel and sand were placed in sections stretching from the north side of the beach along the north side of the peninsula.
The goal is to provide a stronger spawning habitat while ensuring more participants have an opportunity for success at future fishing clinics.
