American Horse Lake

[Deer Slayer]

The drawdown of American Horse lake has begun and is approximately half done. The water is down approx 15 feet and another 15 feet is coming out. The construction start is July 1, 2012and will last 60 days. The launch ramp is not safe to use and will be barricaded next week. If you value your truck,trailer or boat then it is not advisable to try to and launch. Let's hope the summer is not tooooooo hot and we do not see a fish kill hit this lake. This is the premier bluegill/redear lake in the state and I know there is a state record redear that was electrofished from there 2 years ago. The fish was measured and released unharmed.

I know many people love to fish this lake and to save everyone some grief I thought I would post this notice.

 

[Bowhunter]

I swung by there today and couldn't believe how low it was. Hopefully they dont take much more water out or i'm afraid the lake will die this summer. Heres a couple of pics from the end of the boat ramp.

Facing southeast from the boat ramp

 

[Deer Slayer]

There is another 10 + feet to go before the gate is closed

 

[yanksdad3]

Holy Cow. Is the problem with the dam? Let's hope the summer does not wipe out the fish population.

 

[LBnM]

Drawdowns are always a good time to take some photos of structure. From what I understand it will be another 10-15 feet down and a fish kill is very possible.

 

[dennishoddy]

It's also a good time to put in some structure, like spider blocks, old artificial Christmas trees, etc.

 

[Deer Slayer]

I will see if there is any plans on adding additional brush for habitat. Papa John will know.

 

[Super_soph198]

Went there last weekend and it is even lower than the picks by about 15 feet. I was shocked at how low it was. There was a tube fisher in it Saturday that caught 5 fish all decent size, but it is a long walk before you get to the water. Does anyone know the status of Elmer?

 

[Deer Slayer]

Lake Elmer has been restocked and is waiting for a good rain to fill it back up. I inspected it a couple of weeks ago. Fresh brush has been added along with spider blocks. We just need some more rain in the water shed.

Regarding American Horse, yes fresh cedar piles will be added after the repairs are made. The repairs are scheduled to start the Monday following the 4th of July and will last 60 days. The lake will be closed during the repairs.

 

[cvrx4]

I have a question, sorry for my ignorance, but why not do this in the fall when water temps and air temps are lower instead of the hottest part of the summer?