Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : October 6, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Bret Preston, Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Woodrum Lake Fishery Restoration Begins

  The Division of Natural Resources has begun efforts to restore the Woodrum Lake fishery, according to Frank Jezioro , director of the Division of Natural Resources. Woodrum Lake was a 240-acre impoundment in southern Jackson County that supported outstanding fishing opportunities for many West Virginia anglers. The lake had to be drained in August to allow repairs to a dam gate that was damaged when opened during an inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS is the agency that controls the dam.

  Approximately 6,000 pounds of winter wheat have been sowed at several sites within the dry lakebed. The winter wheat seed was supplied by the NRCS. The establishment of vegetation will help stabilize the lakebed soils and reduce erosion. The vegetation also will provide nutrients and benefit the productivity of the restored lake. The planted areas are located near the public boat ramp, within the upper sections of the Second Creek Arm, and along three sites near the dam.

  “DNR employees were assisted by members of several fishing groups,” said Jezioro. “Volunteers from Muskies Inc. and local West Virginia BASS Federation clubs were instrumental in this planting project.”

  NRCS is currently evaluating the condition of the gate structure and expects repairs to be made in approximately two months. However, the lake will not be return to normal pool until sometime next year. DNR is reviewing when the optimum time will be for refilling the lake.

  “Fish for restocking the lake will not be available until next spring and there are advantages to allowing the revegetation to have maximum nutrient affects,” said Jezioro. “We will coordinate the timing of refilling closely with NRCS to give fish restocking efforts the best opportunity to succeed.”

  Fish species that will be stocked into the refilled Woodrum Lake include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, and channel catfish.

**DNR**