DNR to Relax Fishing Regulations Ahead of Lake Keomah Restoration
Lake Keomah (May 2024)
“This long-awaited project will help stop shoreline erosion, improve water quality, increase the depth of Lake Keomah, and improve public access and fishing opportunities,” said Mark Flammang, area fisheries biologist for the DNR.
Anglers with a valid fishing license will be able to harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and other fish species from Lake Keomah. The use of multiple fishing poles or jug fishing will be allowed, as long as anglers remain in sight of their lines. Trot lines are permitted with proper labeling, but nets, dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices, or any stupefying substances are prohibited. Selling fish or stocking captured fish into public waters is also illegal.
These relaxed regulations will remain in effect until the lake is drained. Fishing is permitted during the normal park hours of 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
During a public meeting at the Lake Keomah State Park Lodge on May 14, DNR representatives detailed the upcoming restoration plans. “This is a lake restoration process,” said Chad Kelton, a supervisor for the state park system. “The idea is to pull the lake down, remove silt and sediment from the upper arms, and try to improve the water quality and the overall features of the lake itself to improve the fishing and the recreation asset here.”
The project will include shoreline stabilization, dredging in targeted areas, upgrading the boat ramp and trail, spillway repairs, and fish habitat enhancements. Despite the lake’s draining, park facilities such as the campground and lodge will remain open, though lake access will be limited.
“The park will remain open, the campgrounds will remain open, and the lodge and group sites will remain open as much as we can. There will be impacts to the public, but this is a major construction project,” Kelton explained.
The lake’s water level will begin to be lowered mid-summer, after the 4th of July weekend. Heavy construction is expected to start in the winter or the following summer and continue through spring 2026. The DNR plans to restock the lake after the restoration efforts are completed and the water levels return to normal.
An additional aspect of the project is the creation of a new trail connecting the two boat ramps to enhance public access. “The trail is a simple trail connecting the two boat ramps. We’re hoping to increase the public use and the public access on that side to more clearly define where the state park really maps and get the people to be able to use that area more freely,” Kelton noted.
Addressing public concerns about the trail, Kelton added, “It’s the typical telephone call stories. One person gets it and then they build a little more, and then they build a little more. So we’re trying to get back out there in front of it in as much detail as we can.”
“One of the people out there is one of our water specialists, and just listening to her talk and explain how changing the topography or using a lot more as we’re changing the depth will keep the lake stratified more,” Kelton said.
