Washington County Lake carp removal

NASHVILLE, IL - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced that a fishery enhancement project involving removal of common carp begins this week at Washington County Lake, a 247-acre public lake that is managed by the IDNR at Washington County State Recreation Area near Nashville, Illinois. 

Washington County Lake has historically provided excellent angling opportunities for gamefish such as largemouth bass and crappie.  During recent years, water clarity in the lake has declined, resulting in less healthy game fish populations.  The decline in water clarity has been due in part to an abundance of common carp and their tendency to disturb the lake bottom sediments while feeding. 

In an effort to improve habitat in the lake for sport fishes, the IDNR is contracting with a commercial fish removal crew to harvest common carp from Washington County Lake.  The commercial fishing crew will be removing carp during daylight hours on weekdays only.  The project will last up to four weeks, with the goal of removing approximately 60,000 pounds of carp. 

For further information, contact the IDNR division of Commercial Fishing, at 618/466-3451.