New fish structures are being placed in Lake Moomaw this spring

Patrick Sheridan, District Ranger,  James River and Warm Springs Ranger Districts

The James River and Warm Springs biologist, in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, added to the roster of fish structures at the bottom of Lake Moomaw this spring. Fish structures provide hiding cover and security cover for fish where it may be lacking it its current environment.  Over 200 structures have been placed in the lake dating back to it’s origin in the early 1980’s.  Lake Moomaw is a man-made lake and does not have the normal vegetation and structure found in natural lakes.  Fish structures provide places for fish to hide from prey and rest in security.  We have used several different kinds of material in our fish structures such as plastic, processed lumber and tires.  Our favorite fish structure is the natural tree with the root wad attached.  We anchor the structures to the bottom of the lake so they don’t float away.  Any way it is done, it is a plus for fish populations in Moomaw.

The James River District will host the annual Kids Fishing Day on April 19 at Boys Home in Covington.  Past years have brought in over 100 children, and as many adults, for a day of outdoor education and fishing fun.  If you miss that event, the Warm Springs Ranger District Kids Fishing Day is set for Sunday, June 8, at the Dominion Power ponds in Bath County.  Both events are free to the public and feature environmental education and fishing instruction. Equipment, bait and prizes are provided and no license is required.  We just need your kids. 

Employees on the Warm Springs and James River Districts are in the woods performing field work that includes; invertebrate sampling in our streams, water quality monitoring, trail clearing, timber sale preparation, campground opening, landline maintenance and prescribed fire preparation.