Fish moved from lake at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

UNION, Ky. (WTVQ) — Fish at the lake at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site are being moved due to the leaking dam.

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife offered its assistance to the Kentucky Department of Parks after the recent discovery of a leaking dam at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Boone County. The dam, which does not appear to be in imminent danger of failing, impounds a 9-acre lake.

State officials are drawing down the water level of the lake in order to determine the source of the leak and assess any damage.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife crews utilized electrofishing boats to recover the fish. The technique involves applying electrical current to the water, temporarily stunning the fish so they can be netted then released alive. Largemouth bass up to 15 inches, channel catfish up to 18 inches and bluegill were recovered and relocated to 88-acre Benjy Kinman Lake in Henry County.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site with channel catfish every other year and Big Bone Creek, downstream of the leaking dam, with rainbow trout three times each year.

Signs are posted along Big Bone Creek notifying anglers of the possible danger. The lake and surrounding area, along with a picnic shelter, are closed because of the leak in the dam. The remainder of the park is open.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife will continue to evaluate the situation before determining future stocking efforts in the lake and creek.