Why a Fish Barrier?
Because Black Hawk Lake needed one. Excess rough fish (carp) in a lake degrade the water clarity and quality, and also reduces the quality of sport fishing.
A fish barrier can prevent rough fish (carp) from entering their favorite hatchery site, the shallow waters of Inlet Bay.
Construction was completed this summer on a new, larger and more effective fish barrier at the inlet to Black Hawk Lake. This project also included the installation of a large pump that will let the DNR de-water the inlet, allowing them to address rough fish issues and re-vegetate the inlet bay to positively affect water quality.
The Iowa DNR constructed this project with the assistance of Ducks Unlimited. The City of Lake View was also a financial partner, funding a portion of the project through the State Revolving Fund’s Sponsored Projects. The Black Hawk Lake Protective Association also contributed to this terrific lake improvement project.
The fish barrier is one of several completed projects to preserve and improve the lake. The Inlet Bay was recently dredged in order to act as a filter and catch basin for sediments and chemicals before they enter the lake. Also, many conservation farming practices have been placed in the lakes13,000 acre watershed to improve the quality of run off water entering the lake.
