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A fish kill is planned on Lake Nimrod in Yell and Logan counties on Saturday, Oct. 9, as part of the extensive fish habitat renovation by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The lake is about 10 feet below normal level now, and its 3,550 acres have been reduced to 980 acres. The fish kill will cover about 150 acres. Its purpose, district fisheries biologist Bob Limbird said, is to reduce excessive numbers of rough fish and undersized crappie.
The fish kill area will begin just below Prairie Creek and extend downstream to near Carden Point. Fisheries crews will begin distributing rotenone to kill the fish shortly after daylight Saturday morning. Within several hours the fish kill will be well underway.
Limbird asked the public participating in the fish kill to stay out of the way of fisheries crews while they are mixing and distributing the rotenone. "The quicker the rotenone is distributed, the sooner people may begin picking up fish," he said. Normal daily limits on fish apply to persons picking up the dead fish.
Boat launching has been helped by the construction of two concrete launching ramps on Anderson Branch near Carter Cove Recreation Area. However, this area will be crowded and if participants bring a boat and motor that can be easily carried to the water for launching, they could launch off the riverbank at several locations, Limbird said.
People should limit their use of 4-wheelers to established trails along the lake bottom and not drive across heavily vegetated areas. This vegetation is necessary for providing cover and necessary nutrients for the expanding fish population once the lake refills. This vegetation should not be tromped or driven upon.
Limbird said, "The lake will be allowed to refill later this fall. The remaining fish population will expand tremendously next spring and fishing should improve within one year."
The Corps of Engineers has placed 35 brush shelters, and these will be marked with buoys to aid the fishermen in locating them. These shelters, along with the planting of willow and buttonbush, will provide good cover for young fish enhancing survival rates. A water level plan has also been developed to allow these new plantings time to grow, Limbird said.
Contact the AGFC’s Russellville office at (501) 967-7577 or
1-877-967-7577 for additional information.
Uploaded: 10/3/1999
Uploaded: 10/3/1999