Anglers rejoice.
Lee County Lake is reopening June 11 after nearly two years of renovations and restocking of aquatic life.
The lake was closed August 2011 when the overcrowding of largemouth bass made fishing difficult.
The largemouth bass population in the lake increased to the point where their growth had stagnated. The bass were also eating many of the bluegill living in the lake.
Doug Darr, aquatic education coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, described largemouth bass as efficient predators.
"The problem of crowded largemouth bass occurs throughout the state," Darr said.
In addition to the overcrowding, some physical features of the lake were posing problems to anglers.
"So many places were really shallow," said Ken Weathers, a district fisheries supervisor for the ADCNR.
Renovations occurred to fix these physical challenges.
"One of the big changes was that they deepened the edges so larger fish would be closer for anglers," Darr said.
Weathers, a biologist for the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries of the ADCNR since 1990, and district supervisor since 2006, said more than 50 oak trees were placed in the 130-acre lake in order to attract fish to certain areas. The trees are marked with buoys and visible from the surface of the water, making them great targets for anglers.
"Smaller ponds are easy to change, 130 acres are difficult," Darr said.
Darr said the fish and water was drained downstream and into surrounding creeks after the lake was closed.
Other aspects of the lake have been renovated as well.
"All of the decks have been refurbished with new wood," Weathers said. "The earth piers have also been redone."
The lake was restocked last year with largemouth bass, bluegill and shellcracker, but the fisheries department wanted to allow a full season for growth and mating.
Initially, anglers will only be allowed to keep bass smaller than 14 inches, but they can keep as many as 10 small bass.
This regulation is in place to protect the large fish and increase the number of trophy fish in the future.
"It takes about a year to become a catchable size," Darr said.
Currently, there are no catfish in the lake. Weathers said they want to wait before introducing them into the population to encourage bass fishing now.
Fishing gurus are already dispensing advice for future fishermen.
Hunter Baker, an employee of Fish Tales Bait and Tackle in Alexander City, said it is best to start fishing early in the day.
"The morning and evening are best," Baker said. "It gets hot during the day, and the fish stay away."
Baker said good catches could be made from the shore or on the water with the new changes.
When Lee County Lake reopens, bait, tackle and snack foods will be available to purchase.
People can also rent boats, life jackets, paddles, trolling motors and batteries for use at the lake. Overnight cabins are available for rent.
Fishing licenses are required for all anglers older than 16 and must be purchased ahead of time. Licenses are not available for sale at the lake.
Fishing licenses can be acquired from probate offices, some sporting goods stores, www.outdooralabama.com, or by telephone at 1-888-848-6887.
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