IA DNR: Fishing Regulations Relaxed at Green Valley

CRESTON - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) relaxed the fishing regulations at Green Valley Lake on March 23, to allow anglers to more freely harvest fish before a planned September renovation. The DNR will begin lowering the lake water level the day after the July 4 holiday and will maintain this level until the day of renovation. The water release period is expected to take 30 days.

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 Valley Lake. Any number of fishing poles or jug fishing 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. Nets, 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.

The normal park hours of 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. will remain in effect. All boats must be off the lake or docked when the park is closed. Anglers may fish from the east roadway and adjacent access points or dam area during all hours of the day. Liberalized fishing regulations for Green Valley Lake will remain in effect until the date of the planned renovation on or about Sept. 4, 2008.

The fishery renovation is only part of a process to improve the lake's water quality. Implementation of soil conservation practices in the watershed and investigations into other sediment and nutrient delivery sources are underway. Green Valley was selected for restoration because it shows the greatest potential economic return for the investment incurred. Public meetings during the past several months have explained various aspects of the project. An expanding yellow bass population and the presence of common carp have lead to dramatic reductions in the numbers and the quality of all sport fish populations. These two species are causing a corresponding reduction in angling and boating use. This reduction in recreational use has caused loss economic revenue to the area economy.

Parks personnel will use this opportunity to reconfigure the campground to better serve today's larger campers, construct an additional shower building, as well as other improvements. Stabilizing shoreline erosion problems, construction of in-lake fish habitat, jetty repair, and boat ramp maintenance will also be part of the restoration project.

Throughout this fall and winter fish will be restocked, boat ramps repaired, and other in-lake construction projects completed, then the lake's water elevation will return to normal. Users should expect limited access to the lake until normal lake water elevation returns in 2009.

It is important that anglers never transport and release yellow bass, common carp or any fish species into any water system.

For more information contact the Iowa DNR Fisheries at 641-464-3108 or Conservation Officer Marc Roberg at 641-414-2173.