MDC reports major leak in North County Park Lake and approves emergency order to save fish

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has approved an emergency fish rescue order for North County Park Lake in Cape Girardeau County Park.

According to a press release from the MDC, the order was issued because a large leak is developing on the north side of the lake, causing a significant drop in water levels.

According to MDC, the order allows anglers to remove as many fish as possible to minimize waste before fish kills occur due to lack of oxygen and shallow sea conditions.

Anglers can catch fish during public fishing hours, which are Sunday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Fish can be caught with a gig, hook, landing net, cast net, seine or by hand.

All species of fish may be taken from the lake, except those on the endangered species list. You can find this information by clicking here.

Angers between the ages of 16 and 65 must have a valid Missouri fishing license to fish in the lake.

The order is effective immediately until Monday, September 30th.

North Park Lake in Cape Girardeau County is approximately 8.1 acres in size and is owned by Cape Girardeau County. The fishery is managed by MDC through the Community Assistance Program (CAP).

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