West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources recently stocked more than 5,000 largemouth bass fingerlings into Woodrum Lake, a body of water that was drained in 2005.
According to Bret Preston, Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section. The stocked bass ranged in size from 2 to 6 inches. The Jackson County lake was drained in last year after one of its lower gates were damaged during a routine inspection.
During the following winter the U.S. Department of Agriculture repaired the gate and the lake began to fill in late March. It currently needs about four additional feet of water to be completely full.
“So far this year Woodrum has received bluegills, fathead minnows and largemouth bass,” Preston says. “Other species that will be introduced include muskie and channel catfish, which may be stocked this fall.”
While the lake was dry the DNR, with assistance from Muskies Inc. and B.A.S.S. members, took several steps to jump-start the developing fishery. “Last fall, approximately 6,000 pounds of winter wheat seed, purchased by the NRCS, was planted along several sites within the dry lakebed,” Preston says. “During March, aquatic vegetation was also planted.”
Hundreds of soft stem bulrush, sago pondweed and arrowhead plants were introduced in two areas. To minimize loss of the developing plants, fences were constructed around the planted areas. These sites are located in two upper areas of Woodrum Lake and it is hoped that these plants will supply seed sources for other areas within the lake. Anglers should note that because of the low water, only small boats can be launched at the boat ramp. Woodrum Lake is located in southern Jackson County approximately five miles east of Kenna.
