SPENCER CO. — The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has started a significant project to repair the dam at Lake Lincoln within Lincoln State Park. The dam, originally built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, was found to have multiple issues during recent inspections.
The renovation will also address the lake’s aging control structure. To allow for repairs, the lake was drained on July 7. Before this, DNR fisheries biologists relocated adult bluegill, redear sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish to Weber Lake, which was restored in the early 2000s after being an acidic strip mine pit. The fish will be returned to Lake Lincoln after it refills, and additional fish will be restocked in 2026 and 2027 to “jumpstart the fishery.”
Project to Restore Fishery by Removing Invasive Species
The project provides a crucial opportunity for the DNR to tackle the gizzard shad population that has plagued Lake Lincoln.
The lake was once a top fishing spot in southern Indiana for bluegill and redear sunfish, but the gizzard shad infestation caused a decline in the fishery. Gizzard shad compete with bluegill and small largemouth bass for food, leading to stunted bluegill growth and a decrease in bass numbers. The draining of the lake is expected to result in the complete removal of the gizzard shad, which should significantly improve the lake’s health and fishing quality.
