Chambers County Public Fishing Lake will temporarily close Aug. 30
Chambers County Public Fishing Lake near Lafayette will temporarily close Aug. 30 because of the resignation of the manager. The lake will reopen this fall but close again in 2021 for renovations, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said Wednesday.
During the renovation, the aging dam structures will be evaluated and repaired by the ADCNR Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). The lake will be restocked to improve fishing quality, said WFF Director Chuck Sykes.
Chambers County Lake was constructed in the early 1960s and has provided almost 60 years of fishing to the public. The renovation will ensure future generations have access to quality fishing, Sykes said.
As WFF lakes age, structures such as drainpipes, spillways and piers deteriorate and create safety hazards. To ensure continued access to the quality fishing the state lakes provide, regular maintenance and renovations are necessary, Sykes said.
After the renovations in 2021, Chambers County Lake will be restocked with sport-fish species. The lake will remain closed as the fish grow to a catchable size. This creates a new lake effect in which fish populations experience a rapid increase in abundance and growth due to the improved lake conditions, Sykes said. The fish will reach a catchable size in about two years and be aggressive when the lake reopens, leading to a better experience for anglers.
People looking for an alternative to Chambers County Lake during the renovation are encouraged to visit Lee County Public Fishing Lake south of Opelika. For more information, contact managers Chris and Tina Wright at 334-745-6563 or visit www.outdooralabama.com/alabama-public-fishing-lakes-pfls/lee-county-pfl.
To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.