Fishing rules relaxed at Ankeny's Hawkeye Pond ahead of dredging project

ANKENY, Iowa- The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is relaxing fishing regulations at a pond in Ankeny ahead of a lake renovation.

It means anglers with a valid fishing license may harvest any size or number of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and all other fish species from Hawkeye pond, at 400 NW Lakeshore Drive, near Ankeny's Parkview Middle School. The policy's in place until the end of October, or until construction begins.

The city of Ankeny issued additional information:

Trot lines, nets, dynamite, poison, electric shocking devices or any stupefying substances are not allowed. It is illegal to sell fish or stock captured fish into public waters. Boats and paddle vessels are not allowed on the pond. Liberalized fishing regulations for Hawkeye Pond will be in effect from now through Oct. 30, 2019 or until construction begins. Specific regulation changes include:

·Removal of bag and length limit restrictions on largemouth bass.

·Removal of bag limit on channel catfish.

·Removal of bag limit on crappie and bluegill.

·Removal of the two line/two hook fishing restriction, but anglers must stay in sight of these lines at all times.

Hawkeye Pond improvements will include:

·Excavation, dewatering and disposal of sedimentation from the pond

·Enhanced fish habitat

·Removal and replacement of existing pipe structures

·Shoreline stabilization

·Trail reconstruction

·Installation of a 40’ x 10’ fishing pier on the east side of Hawkeye Pond

The dredging of the existing pond will remove sediments and nutrients, improving the overall health of the pond with a restored habitat. Fishing pier construction will begin in early 2020. The pier will provide a safe and handicap accessible place for Hawkeye Park users to experience the many benefits that fishing has to offer. City staff is working with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to address the potential removal of game fish prior to dewatering. The City is also working with the Iowa DNR to restock Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Channel Catfish upon project completion in 2020.


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