Ocmulgee PFA set for temporary closure as lake level continues to drop
NewsCentral Staff
Story Created:
Nov 1, 2012 at 3:56 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Nov 1, 2012 at 3:56 PM EDT
The Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area (PFA) is scheduled to close on November 7th due to needed repairs.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division plans to collect remaining fish and move them to other state public fishing areas. Bass that are in the eight to 12 pound range will be moved to other public fishing areas, such as Paradise PFA near Tifton. Younger, smaller bass will be held at hatcheries to stock back into Ocmulgee PFA after the lake is repaired.
"Closing the area so that we can drain the lake and fully assess
needed repairs is the only solution available in this situation," said
Bert Deener, Fisheries region supervisor. "While we have been able to identify and begin working on one significant leak already, the reality
is that the lake continues to drop and we are likely looking at
additional needs for repair."
The lake was last at full pool in April 2011, but due to low water
levels, the boat ramps were closed in August at the PFA. Since that
time, pool levels have continued to drop and now the lake sits at more
than 17 feet below pool.
The remaining lake pool will be drained and an engineering firm will
provide an assessment with repair options. Regardless of the repair
needs, the area is expected to re-open by Spring 2014.
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