The Division of Natural Resources is formulating a plan to salvage fish from Woodrum Lake as a result of the draining of the Jackson County lake by the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service. The lake is being drained so that repairs can be made to a dam gate that was opened during an inspection and will not close. According to Bret Preston, Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section, DNR staff will attempt to salvage fish as the lake is being drained. The effort will be determined by the rate of the draining and may occur within the next week.

“We will try to capture fish for translocation to other waters, or hold some fish in available hatchery ponds for later stocking or as brood stock to supplement hatchery production,” said Preston. “Anglers should be aware that it is impossible to save every fish, but the DNR will make every effort to conserve as many of the valuable fishery resources of Woodrum Lake as possible."