Daryl Bauer, Fisheries Outreach Program Manager
Normally I would split these news items into separate posts, but to be timely I want to spread the word on all of them now. Please look at both news releases. Again they are not large fisheries, but if you are one who fishes them, you will want to know!
Two I-80 lakes to be treated to remove unwanted fish
Two Interstate 80 lakes in south-central Nebraska soon will be renovated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to remove unwanted fish species.
During the week of July 20, Lake No. 1 at Windmill State Recreation Area near Gibbon and the east lake at Dogwood Wildlife Management Area near Overton will be treated with the fish toxicant rotenone to eliminate fish populations.
An aquatic habitat and angler access project recently was completed at Windmill. As part of the project, a new bypass channel and dikes were created around Lake No. 1 to reroute flood waters and prevent future flooding and the introduction of undesirable fish species.
Common carp and gizzard shad were introduced during previous floods and have negatively affected aquatic habitat conditions and the quality of the Windmill Lake No. 1 fishery. At Dogwood Lake, common carp populations are higher than desired, leading to poor water quality and declining abundance of bluegill, crappie and largemouth bass.
Both lakes will be restocked with yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass this fall. With undesirable fish species absent, biologists anticipate a rapid recovery of the fishery due to improved water quality and aquatic habitat conditions.
For questions about fisheries management at these two areas, contact Game and Parks’ south-central district office at 308-865-5310.
To find information about fishing in Nebraska, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov/fish.
Maintenance at Grove Trout Station may temporarily affect creek conditions
Anglers fishing the East Verdigre Creek below the Grove Trout Rearing Station at Grove Lake Wildlife Management Area near Royal may experience intermittent periods of stained water and increased aquatic vegetation in the creek during late July and early August.
These temporary changes are the result of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s annual maintenance of the water diversion at the Grove Trout Rearing Station. Maintenance is necessary to ensure the diversion operates efficiently and supports the station’s trout-rearing operations.
During the maintenance period, water conditions may fluctuate, with short-term increases in turbidity and aquatic vegetation moving downstream. These conditions are expected to be temporary and should be returned to normal once maintenance is complete.
“The Game and Parks Commission appreciates anglers’ patience and understanding as crews complete this important annual work to maintain the trout-rearing facility and support future fishing opportunities in Nebraska,” said Matthew Perrion, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s fish production manager.
For additional information, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.