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| FishTails |
CONCLUSION: Woodrum Lake Dam Issue
[Wednesday, August 17, 2005]
On Tuesday morning, August 16, the draining of Woodrum Lake due to a faulty bottom gate came to a conclusion. As
we had reported earlier, a plan to rescue fish as they washed through the gate was being planned by the WV DNR.
WV Chapter 09 members were to be a part of this recovery plan.
The DNR went to extreme measures to facilitate the rescue attempt. Heavy equipment was moved in and a road was
cut to provide better, but still limited, access. A culvert was installed and 100 tons of gravel were delivered
to the site to improve the access. Manpower and stock trucks from across the state were scheduled to provide transport
of fish that were recovered. In the case of the muskies, juvenile fish would be placed in Rollins Lake with the
plan to recover them for restocking into Woodrum when needed, untagged fish would have gone to the Kanawha River
As I stated in my previous report, the recovery effort was directed to a pool located just below the gate exit.
DNR personnel were in place when the water level reached the point that they felt fish may begin to exit the lake
through the gate. This included overnight vigil. Generally, as we've seen in the hatchery ponds, the fish try to
move counter to the current and avoid leaving the lake until forced by low water. Unfortunately, in an uncontrolled
draining like this case, many other factors come into play. Heavy current flow at times below the gate hindered
efforts. As can be expected, varying lake bottom contours prevented an ideal situation as the lake drained. Without
doubt, pockets or pools of water formed in low spots creating areas where fish probably became trapped and were
unable to escape. To make matters worse, in the final stages, the water quality was terrible. With the limited
water and high air temperatures, the oxygen content probably dropped to levels unable to sustain the fish. Also,
the water was almost like muck in the final stages.
The end result was our worst scenario. Virtually no fish were recovered alive. A few bass were recovered, only
a minute percentage of what resided in the lake. Almost all crappie, bluegill, etc. were dead as they exited into
the recovery area (again, very small numbers of fish actually came through the gate considering the population
probably within the lake). Two muskies were retrieved, both dead when netted. One was 26" and the other was
42". One interesting fact was noted on the 26"er. It had the orange polymeric tag we placed in the advanced
fingerlings last October from Apple Grove. Those fished averaged 14" when stocked so this fish showed excellent
length and weight gain in the short life that it had enjoyed in the lake. Certainly a number of muskies were stranded
in the reaches of the lake bottom and suffered untimely deaths.
We can hope that some fish may have exited earlier throughout the draining process and could possibly have survived
by moving downstream through the Middle Fork of the Pocatalico River into the main river. The Pocatalico can undoubtably
support some population if they made it downstream. Anglers fishing that stream should make note of any fin marking
indicating Advanced Fingerlings that previously had been stocked in Woodrum.
Where do we go from here? Gate repairs are expected to take a minimum of two months. After that, it's up to mother
nature to fill the lake back up. This may not take place until spring. The DNR will treat restocking as they would
a new impoundment. The first year, (2006) bass, crappie and bluegill will be the targeted species. Fathead minnows
may be purchased for stocking as a forage base. Muskies probably won't be restocked until the 2007 year class.
Other items could possibly be addressed if time, manpower and money are available. Habitat improvement, aquatic
vegetation and other things may be considered while the level is down.
At this time, I would like to thank the WV DNR on the tremendous efforts put forth in the attempt to salvage this
fishery. A specialist had been brought in from Oklahoma in an attempt to make emergency repairs to the gate. Believe
me, lots of manpower hours, money and sweat went into the effort by all involved in the last two weeks. They are
saddened as much, if not more, than us at this loss. They had invested much time and money into this fishery over
the years. This was an unfortunate incident and one we hope won't happen again. This should remind us all how fragile
this great resource we partake of can really be. Will Woodrum come back? Yes it will! It will take some time but
if we work together to make it happen, it will.
Thanks also to the numerous Chapter 09 MI members who responded to our requests for help when it was needed. You
members are the ones that make a difference in our state fishery. We had a great show of support for this effort
and had a plan in place when the time came for us to be called. Our VP, Larry Robinson, did a commendable job of
coordinating the efforts on our behalf when I was unavailable and I thank him.
Jim Moore, President
WV Chapter 09 Muskies, Inc. |
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