Department of Conservation encourages ‘fish salvage’ at Mexico lake

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Conservation has authorized an emergency fish salvage order for a lake in Mexico.

The city government is draining the Lakeview Park Lake to replace a culvert nearby. The decreasing water levels and summer heat have resulted in low oxygen levels, making it impossible to sustain the fish population, officials say.

“In addition to fishing methods already authorized for the lake, the order enables anglers to take fish by the following methods: gigging, snagging, grabbing, dip net, throw net, seine, and by hand. The order also calls for a temporary suspension of length limits, daily limits, and possession limits for all fish taken from Lakeview Park Lake,” a Wednesday press release from MDC says.

The salvage order lasts through Aug. 31. Anglers must have a fishing license.

A press release from MDC says fishing regulations start again on Sept. 1. The lake will likely be restocked in the spring.