AMES — Area residents looking to fill their coolers have a unique opportunity this month as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has officially relaxed fishing regulations at Lake LaVerne. The temporary change is designed to allow anglers to freely harvest game fish before the lake is drained in late May as part of an upcoming restoration project.
Effective immediately and continuing through May 15, anglers with a valid fishing license are permitted to harvest any size or number of all fish species within the lake. The DNR has specifically removed bag and length limit restrictions on Largemouth Bass, as well as bag limits for Channel Catfish, Crappie, and Bluegill.
In an effort to maximize the harvest before the drainage begins, the DNR is also allowing the use of any number of fishing poles or jug fishing. However, Iowa residents must remain in sight of their lines at all times and continue to follow all other standard area rules and regulations. Trot lines remain prohibited during this period.
While the rules regarding harvest numbers have been lifted, the methods of capture remain strictly regulated. The use of nets, dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices, or any other stupefying substances is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, it remains illegal to sell any fish caught at the lake or to stock captured fish into other public waters.
The relaxation of these rules marks the final chapter for the lake’s current fish population before the restoration project begins later this month. For those hoping to take advantage of the expanded limits, the window of opportunity closes in mid-May.
(TOP PHOTO: Lake LaVerne, Iowa State University Facilities Planning and Management Collection, Iowa State University Library Digital Collections.)