JACKSON– After being closed for three years, Shadow Lake at Roosevelt State Park south of Morton reopens for fishing Sept. 23, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

The action is expected to be fast and furious during the first few days and weeks.

"At our last opening at Lake Ross Barnett (Smith County), over 500 fishermen showed up on the first day," MDWFP Fisheries Biologist Larry Bull said.

"We may have fishermen backed up at the entrance gate," Bull said. Over 1,100 fishermen came to Lake Ross Barnett during the first four days.

"Needed repairs to the dam required that the lake be drained in 2001," Bull said. "That summer we took the opportunity to remove the remaining fish in preparation for restocking in the fall and following spring."

The MDWFP also added an abundance of fish habitat by felling large pines and oaks located along the shoreline. Some trees were dragged to deeper drop-offs, humps, and ridges.

A combination of redear, bluegill, and coppernose-bluegill bream were stocked in fall and early winter of 2001. Florida largemouth bass were stocked in the spring of 2002.

The lake was also limed in 2002 and has been regularly fertilized to promote a healthy fish population. Recent population studies have indicated large numbers of bluegill and redear. "We are going to manage this lake for good fishing," Bull said.

Regulations for largemouth bass include a five bass daily creel limit with a 15-inch minimum size limit. One bass over 20 inches is allowed per day.

The daily limit for bream is 100, and the daily limit for crappie is 30.

There is no limit on catfish.

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