Shad Eradication Planned for Elmer Davis Lake

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Elmer Davis Lake in Owen County will be closed to the public from Dec. 12-30 as part of an effort to eliminate gizzard shad.

Fisheries biologists with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources plan to spray the 149-acre Owen County lake with a chemical designed to eliminate the undesirable shad.

Although the chemical is not harmful to humans, wildlife or pets, the department will close the lake as a precaution.

The department is taking action because shad are affecting the growth of bluegill and redear sunfish in the lake. Shad are prohibited from being used as bait in Elmer Davis Lake, because of their potential to harm the panfish fishery.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife manages this lake for fishing. Gizzard shad removal will help begin the restoration of the panfish fishery that was once popular at Elmer Davis Lake. The eradication will have minimal impact to bass, catfish and panfish.

The department has performed similar shad removal projects over the past 20 years at several small impoundments, including Beaver, Corinth and McNeely lakes.