NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

March 31, 1998

CONTACT: Danon Moxley (941) 499-2421

HYDRILLA LAKE TO CLOSE FOR SUMMER

Hydrilla Lake, a Special Fishing Opportunity lake at the Tenoroc Fish Management Area just north of Lakeland, will be closing for the summer. The 46-acre phosphate pit lake has experienced some unique water quality problems that is believed to have caused poor fishing success for largemouth bass.

"As a result of this closure, we will not be taking reservations as scheduled on April 1, 1998 to fish the popular lake," said Danon Moxley, Tenoroc Area Manager.

Moxley indicated the problem could be related to poor water clarity or lots of natural bass prey. Both of these factors can make it more difficult for anglers to catch bass during summer months. The bass seem to be more cooperative and angler success increases when water temperatures are cooler during the fall, winter and early spring.

"The poorest success occurred last summer when similar conditions prevailed; so by closing the lake now, we’re restricting access when we expect fishing to be slowest," Moxley said. The number of quality-sized bass in Hydrilla Lake is extraordinary according to Moxley. The bass in this lake have lots of food available to them. As a result, the bass are fat as footballs and their growth is exceptionally fast. For example, bass tagged in the spring of 1997 were 13 inches long. According to Moxley, these fish are now 16 inches long and have gained about two pounds.

Tenoroc biologists hope that the clarity of the water will improve over the summer and anticipate re-opening the lake again in August. Moxley suggests that anglers be patient and not be concerned over Hydrilla Lake’s temporary closure.

"Since anglers pay a special fee, unless exempt for various reasons, we want the fishing experience to be worth the price. Quality fishing is our objective here at Tenoroc, and we want to continue to maintain our good reputation with the public," Moxley concluded.