Iowa DNR staff in Marion County are hoping that the 2024 ice fishing shortage will lead to a strong fish population in Red Rock Lake for anglers this spring and summer.
Lake Red Rock, which is the top fishing destination in Marion County and one of the top spots for anglers in South Central Iowa, sees a nearly non-existent ice fishing season in 2024 due to higher than normal that temperature.
The lake, known for its strong populations of white bass, crappie, wiper, and catfish, has been unsafe territory for ice anglers for much of this winter and will likely remain unsafe well into next winter. due to limited freezing. Marion County DNR Officer Eric Hoffman said warmer temperatures could prevent fish kills that sometimes occur due to low oxygen levels during the winter. Hoffman hopes these warmer winters will benefit the fish population at Red Rock.
“In somewhat milder winters, this will help. We occasionally get some fish kills from low oxygen levels when there is heavy ice and a lot of snow so it will be beneficial for the fish population from only with some stress that can sometimes occur during the winter.
Hoffman also said local anglers are already having success in open water fishing this year.
