Part of the many exciting renovations at Easter Lake involves the improvement of the fishery and long awaited restocking of the lake.
In late 2018, internal lake restoration work was completed resulting in the removal of 678,000 cubic yards of sediment and over 4 miles of shoreline stabilization to improve water quality. Additionally, 130 fish habitat structures were installed including fish spawning beds, catfish hides, rock piles, and more. In March of 2019, Easter Lake was filled once again bringing Easter Lake to the next exciting step of restoration: restocking the lake.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has worked with Polk County Conservation to develop a stocking plan for Easter Lake. We are happy to share that the plan has been implemented and fishery at Easter Lake has greatly improved.
Easter Lake Restock Timeline
April 2, 2019
Completed
The Iowa DNR stocked 58 adult Largemouth Bass (which will spawn spring 2019) and 50,000; 1-2 inch Bluegill.
Late April 2019
Completed
The Iowa DNR will stock Walleye fry into the main lake (500,000) and the rearing pond (30,000).
Late May 2019
Completed
The Iowa DNR will harvest 1.5″ Walleye (that were grown from the fry) from the rearing pond and stock them into Easter Lake.
October 2019
Completed
The Iowa DNR will stock 2,000 eight-inch Channel Catfish.
Fall 2019 - Spring 2019
Completed
The Iowa DNR will stock 250-500 adult Black Crappie, which will spawn in the spring of 2020.