06-03-2014, 11:12 AM
FERGUSON, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will relax the fishing regulations at Green Castle Lake beginning Aug. 3 to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated.
The fishery in the 17-acre lake has changed dramatically since there was an increase in the common carp population causing poor water quality. What had been an outstanding crappie, bass, and catfish fishery has suffered the near complete loss of quality fishing.
Fisheries staff from the Iowa DNR is currently rescuing as many game fish as possible and transplanting them to other area public lakes.
The water level has been lowered approximately 16 feet prior the fishery being renovated later this year. The lake will be restocked again in 2014. Quality fishing should return in 2016.
Anglers with a valid fishing license will be allowed to harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and all other fish species from Green Castle. Any number of fishing poles, jugs or nets will be allowed. Anglers must remain in sight of these lines at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules. Trot lines will be allowed (name and address must be attached), however lines may not be set across entire water body.
Dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices or any stupefying substances will not be allowed. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters. Liberalized fishing regulations for Green Castle Lake will remain in effect until November 01.
Green Castle Lake is part of Green Castle Recreation Area that is run by the Marshall County Conservation Board and offers hiking trails, shelters for gatherings, trumpeter swan and American bison exhibits and more. The park will remain open while the renovation is underway.
The fishery in the 17-acre lake has changed dramatically since there was an increase in the common carp population causing poor water quality. What had been an outstanding crappie, bass, and catfish fishery has suffered the near complete loss of quality fishing.
Fisheries staff from the Iowa DNR is currently rescuing as many game fish as possible and transplanting them to other area public lakes.
The water level has been lowered approximately 16 feet prior the fishery being renovated later this year. The lake will be restocked again in 2014. Quality fishing should return in 2016.
Anglers with a valid fishing license will be allowed to harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and all other fish species from Green Castle. Any number of fishing poles, jugs or nets will be allowed. Anglers must remain in sight of these lines at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules. Trot lines will be allowed (name and address must be attached), however lines may not be set across entire water body.
Dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices or any stupefying substances will not be allowed. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters. Liberalized fishing regulations for Green Castle Lake will remain in effect until November 01.
Green Castle Lake is part of Green Castle Recreation Area that is run by the Marshall County Conservation Board and offers hiking trails, shelters for gatherings, trumpeter swan and American bison exhibits and more. The park will remain open while the renovation is underway.