The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has requested the City of Creston to begin lowering McKinley Lake ahead of an upcoming fish renovation project.
The 42-acre McKinley Lake, on the southwest side of Creston, has had an active lake restoration project underway since 2024. The project included targeted dredging, construction of an in-lake forebay, shoreline armoring, fish habitat additions, and fishing access improvements that had been completed earlier this spring.
Unfortunately, above average rainfall filled the lake in early June before the fish renovation could be completed. The fish renovation is needed to eradicate common carp, which stir up the lake bottom and uproot aquatic vegetation that can negatively impact water quality for sportfish, such as largemouth bass and bluegill. It’s the final piece of the lake restoration project.
Hurley Creek Pond, a 15-acre lake within McKinley Lake’s watershed, will also be lowered and fish population renovated as part of this project.
The Iowa DNR will restock largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, and channel catfish in McKinley Lake and in Hurley Creek Pond.
A public meeting to discuss the details of the fish renovation will be held Nov. 19, 2026, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the PAC Multi-purpose Room at Southwestern Community College in Creston.