Corydon – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will relax fishing regulations at Corydon Reservoir in Wayne County, effective immediately, to allow anglers to more freely harvest game fish before the lake is renovated this fall.
Anglers with a valid fishing license will be allowed to harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and all other fish species from Corydon Reservoir. Any number of fishing poles or jugs will be allowed. Anglers must remain in sight of these lines at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules. Trot lines will be allowed (name and address must be attached), however lines may not be set across entire water body.
In late September or early October, Corydon Reservoir will be treated with rotenone to remove all fish.
“The lake is dominated by common carp, yellow bass and gizzard shad at this time,” said Mark Flammang, Iowa DNR fisheries biologist. “Removal of these fish will not just improve angling in the future, but will improve the water clarity,” he added.
Liberalized fishing regulations for Corydon Reservoir will remain in effect until the lake is renovated. Nets, dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices, or any stupefying substances will not be allowed. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters.
It is very important that anglers never transport and release common carp or any fish species into any water system. Growing yellow bass, common carp and gizzard shad populations in Corydon Reservoir have reduced game fish populations, decreased water quality and limited fishing.