Goose Lake in Holt County is scheduled to be chemically renovated, weather depending, May 3 to remove the existing fish population. It will be closed to the public that day.
The rotenone treatment is aimed to eliminate common carp, an undesirable species detrimental to aquatic habitat and water quality. Because rotenone is a restricted-use pesticide, the area will be closed during the chemical application May 3 and no fish may be picked up for human consumption.
“Goose Lake is in major need of a renovation, and we have a great opportunity to get that done right now,” said Jeff Schuckman, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Northeast District fisheries manager. “The water is extremely turbid, the sportfish population has severely declined, the current drought has dropped the water elevation to the edge of the cattails and the current maximum depth is only about 4 feet.”
Restocking the lake will be the next step in restoration and will occur over the next two years. Species to be restocked include largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and northern pike.
Expected benefits include restoring a sustainable aquatic ecosystem and sportfish community for improved angling opportunities, and an increase in waterfowl and migratory bird use due to improved water quality and habitat conditions.
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