The Iowa DNR staff in Marion County is hopeful that a lack of ice fishing in 2024 will lead to a strong fish population in Lake Red Rock 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, has seen an almost non-existent ice fishing season in 2024 due to higher than normal temperatures. 

The lake, which is known for a strong population of white bass, crappie, wipers, and catfish, has been unsafe territory for ice fishers most of this winter and will most likely remain unsafe until next winter due to limited freezing. Marion County DNR Officer Eric Hoffman says that warmer temperatures can prevent fish kills that sometimes happen due to low oxygen levels during the winter. Hoffman hopes this warmer winter will benefit the fish population at Red Rock.

“With a little bit more mild winter it will help out. Every once and awhile we get some fish kills from low oxygen levels when there is heavy ice and a lot of snow so this will be beneficial for the fish population just from some of the stress that sometimes can occur during the winter.”

Hoffman also states that local anglers are already having success with open water fishing this year.