Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : March 24, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

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

Woodrum Lake in Jackson County Refilling

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has received notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that the lower gate on the Woodrum Lake dam has been repaired, according to Bret Preston, assistant chief of the DNR Wildlife Resources Section. The lake had to be drained in August of 2005 to allow repairs to the dam gate that was damaged when it was opened during an inspection by the NRCS. The gate is closed now and the lake is filling with water. Woodrum Lake is located in southern Jackson County approximately five miles east of Kenna.

  “We anticipate that Woodrum Lake will return to normal pool within the next 30 to 60 days if the area receives normal precipitation this spring,” said Preston . “The DNR will stock fish into the lake as soon as conditions are suitable and fish are available from our hatchery system.”

  Species that will be stocked include largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, muskie, channel catfish, and fathead minnows. Most of these fish will be stocked this spring, while fingerling muskies and channel catfish are scheduled for fall stockings.

  The DNR took several steps to jump-start the fishery while the lake bed was dry. Approximately 6,000 pounds of winter wheat was planted along several sites within the dry lakebed during the fall and aquatic vegetation was planted in March. This will provide nutrients and habitat for the developing fishery. These efforts were supported by volunteer assistance from Muskies Inc. and the B.A.S.S. Federation. Fences were installed around the planting areas to help protect the young plants. It is hoped that these plants will serve as seed sources for other areas within the lake.

**DNR**