CHEROKEE — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled a chemical renovation for Spring Lake, in Cherokee, on October 26. The project aims to restore the lake's ecological health by eradicating an undesirable fish population left behind by the 2024 floods.
Public Safety Closure
Spring Lake will be closed to the public during the application process. DNR officials plan to start the application in the morning, and the treatment is expected to take approximately three to four hours to complete. If weather forecasts or site conditions fluctuate, the renovation may be postponed until conditions improve.
Restoring the Ecosystem
Fisheries managers will apply rotenone, a naturally occurring botanical compound, to remove the current fish population. The lake is currently overrun with undesirable and invasive fish species that infested the lake during high-water flood events two years ago.
The goal of the renovation is to revitalize Spring Lake, improve water quality and clarity, and establish a sustainable fishery for local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.
Once the renovation is complete and the water has detoxified, the DNR will systematically restock Spring Lake with a healthy balance of sport fish, including, bluegill, largemouth bass and channel catfish.