Successful Renovation of a Small Natural Iowa Lake

Center Lake, having a surface area of 264 acres, is located in northwestern Iowa. During 1958 management problems in the form of stunted bullheads and carp along with very poor fishing, indicated the lake should be renovated. During October, 1958 liquid toxaphene was applied at a rate of 0.05 ppm. Apparently, a complete kill resulted. During 1962 an estimate of the bluegill population was made. Nearly 1,100,000 bluegills or about 500 pounds per acre, were present at that time. The 1962 black crappie population was estimated at 250,000 or about 140 pounds per acre. Based on a comprehensive creel census conducted on the lake during 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966 approximately 124,200 angler trips totaling nearly 311,500 hours were made to the lake during the 4-year period. During these trips an estimated 1,054,853 fish totaling 291,305 pounds were creeled. An average year produced an estimated angler harvest of 275 pounds per acre. The high harvest rate occurred during 1964 when an estimated 480 pounds per acre were creeled