Chambers County Public Fishing Lake Will Temporarily Close on August 30

Chambers County Public Fishing Lake near Lafayette, Alabama, will temporarily close on August 30, 2020, due to the resignation of the lake manager. The lake will reopen this fall, but will close again in 2021 for renovations. The fall reopening date will be announced soon.



During the renovation, the aging dam structures will be evaluated and repaired by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). The lake will also be restocked to improve fishing quality.



Many state-owned and -operated Public Fishing Lakes were built 60 to 70 years ago. Chambers County Public Fishing Lake was constructed in the early 1960s and has provided almost 60 years of fishing. This renovation will ensure future generations have access to quality fishing in Chambers County and the surrounding areas.



As WFF’s State Public Fishing Lakes age, structures such as drainpipes, spillways and piers deteriorate and create potential safety hazards to the public. To ensure continued access to the quality fishing these lakes provide, regular maintenance and renovations are necessary to repair infrastructure and improve fishing quality.



After the renovations in 2021, Chambers County Public Fishing Lake will be restocked with various sport fish species. The lake will remain closed as they grow to a catchable size. This creates a new lake effect in which fish populations experience a rapid increase in abundance and growth due to the improved conditions in the lake. The fish will reach a catchable size in about two years and will be very aggressive when the lake reopens, leading to a better fishing experience for anglers.



Anglers looking for an alternative to Chambers County Lake during the renovation are encouraged to visit Lee County Public Fishing Lake south of Opelika, Alabama (about a 30 minute drive from Chambers County Lake). For more information about Lee County Public Fishing Lake, please contact lake managers Chris and Tina Wright at (334) 745-6563, or visit www.outdooralabama.com/alabama-public-fishing-lakes-pfls/lee-county-pfl.



The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.



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