Conservation News

Florida’s Suwannee Lake renovation project

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Originally built by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, Suwannee Lake had a history of producing trophy bass.
Originally built by the Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission, Suwannee Lake had a history of producing trophy bass.
However, over time the habitat had degraded and the quality of the fishing declined. As a result, very few anglers visited the lake.
However, over time the habitat had degraded and the quality of the fishing declined. As a result, very few anglers visited the lake.
In the winter of 2013/2014, the lake was drained as low as possible and the remaining pockets of water were treated with rotenone to kill off any remaining fish so that the population could be restarted with appropriate species in balanced numbers.
In the winter of 2013/2014, the lake was drained as low as possible and the remaining pockets of water were treated with rotenone to kill off any remaining fish so that the population could be restarted with appropriate species in balanced numbers.
During summer and fall of 2014, 60,000 cubic yards of muck were removed from the lake. Muck was as deep as 8 feet in some areas.
During summer and fall of 2014, 60,000 cubic yards of muck were removed from the lake. Muck was as deep as 8 feet in some areas.
The southern end of the lake was deepened and the sand bottom was exposed.
The southern end of the lake was deepened and the sand bottom was exposed.
Several features were constructed once the muck was removed, including an island, a large underwater ridge and deep holes.
Several features were constructed once the muck was removed, including an island, a large underwater ridge and deep holes.
Many logs and stumps that had been scattered around the lake were piled together to serve as habitat and fish attracting features.
Many logs and stumps that had been scattered around the lake were piled together to serve as habitat and fish attracting features.
While the lake was being renovated, bank fishing access was increased and improved. One fishing pier was re-decked, and one fishing pier was completely rebuilt. Dense underbrush was removed from most of the west side of the lake to allow bank fishing access.
While the lake was being renovated, bank fishing access was increased and improved. One fishing pier was re-decked, and one fishing pier was completely rebuilt. Dense underbrush was removed from most of the west side of the lake to allow bank fishing access.
As the lake was refilled, beneficial native vegetation was planted.
As the lake was refilled, beneficial native vegetation was planted.
Forage fish species were stocked in fall 2014 followed by pure Florida Largemouth Bass in spring of 2015 and spring 2016.
Forage fish species were stocked in fall 2014 followed by pure Florida Largemouth Bass in spring of 2015 and spring 2016.
Suwannee Lake Fish Management Area was reopened in June 2016. In the first month it was open, an average of more than 350 anglers per week visited the lake. As of December 2016, approximately 150 anglers per week were visiting the lake. Anglers are catching bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass up to 4 pounds.
Suwannee Lake Fish Management Area was reopened in June 2016. In the first month it was open, an average of more than 350 anglers per week visited the lake. As of December 2016, approximately 150 anglers per week were visiting the lake. Anglers are catching bluegill, catfish and largemouth bass up to 4 pounds.

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