Lake Lincoln repairs underway, DNR drains lake

DNR has begun the process of repairing the dam at Lake Lincoln, located within Lincoln State Park in Spencer County.

The dam was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Inspections by the Indiana DNR Division of Water found multiple issues with the dam, resulting in this renovation. The project will also address the aging control structure that is used to lower the water level in the lake.

Last month, the lake was drained so that the repairs could take place. In preparation for the draining, DNR fisheries biologists collected adult bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish from the lake. These fish are being moved to Weber Lake, also located within the park. Once an acidic strip mine pit that could not sustain fish or other wildlife, Weber Lake was restored during the early 2000s through the Division of Reclamation’s Abandoned Mine Lands program and is now a healthy aquatic feature in the park.

After Lake Lincoln refills, fish from Weber Lake will be brought back to Lake Lincoln to jumpstart the fishery. Lake Lincoln will also be restocked with 3- to 4-inch largemouth bass, and 2- to 3-inch bluegill and redear sunfish in fall 2026. Channel catfish will be added in 2027.

Additionally, this project allows DNR to address the gizzard shad population in Lake Lincoln and should result in the removal of that species. The lake was once a prime spot for bluegill and redear sunfish in southern Indiana, but the fishery has declined over the years due to an infestation of gizzard shad. Gizzard shad compete with bluegill and small largemouth bass for food. In lakes with gizzard shad populations, bluegill growth is stunted, and bass numbers decline.

Needless to say, this project will have many positive outcomes as it is completed, said DNR in a press release.

Find more details on the dam repair here: https://ow.ly/KrJZ50WAgXH