![]() Since that dam has passage opportunities for native and desirable fish species, the Pucker Street Dam’s removal should not have any adverse effects on invasive species proliferation. The $232,800 grant for the boat launch restoration is pending before the Michigan Legislature as of June 2022, and, given the timing, construction would likely begin in 2023, Hamilton said.Īnother dam on the Dowagiac River closer to Lake Michigan, the Berrien Springs Dam, serves as a blockade against invasive species, including sea lamprey, said Jennifer Kanine, director of the Pokagon Band’s Department of Natural Resources. For the fishing community, the city and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources agreed to renovate the boat launch at the dam site (with the state maintaining the site beyond that) and local experts volunteered to map out fish habitat below the dam site, before and after the dam’s removal. To remove the dam, the city had to get about 50 landowners to agree to construction easements on their property, which took time and money to negotiate. “The fish were contained in the river here as they were unable to cross the dam.” Joseph River to the dam is considered the golden waters of the Dowagiac River system because of the intact habitat, since this area was not dredged and straightened in the early 1900s,” Hamilton said. While originally the city expected it to cost $3.4 million, the total price tag has come out to nearly $12 million, funded through grants, a utility surcharge and local bonds. The dam’s removal took years, more money than expected, and buy-in from the entire community around the river – including local residents, the Pokagon Band and fishing guides who rely on the river for their livelihoods, Hamilton said. ![]() Efforts to restore the river channel where it formerly stood are ongoing. ![]() The dam removal took place in the summer of 2021. Joseph River Watershed, its removal was found to be the top priority, according to a recent Joint Aquatic Sciences Meeting conference presentation by Marcy Hamilton, senior planner with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. In a 2011 study on fish migration barriers in the St. The dam lacked any kind of fish passageway, blocking migratory fish from habitat in the cold-water river’s upper reaches. The Pucker Street Dam used to sit on the Dowagiac near the city of Niles. This work offers valuable insight and lessons for restoration efforts elsewhere in the Great Lakes, officials say. Please discard leftover bait in a trash can.The Dowagiac River, which flows in southwestern Michigan in the Lake Michigan basin, has seen a flurry of restoration activities in recent years thanks to efforts of local municipalities, federal and state agencies, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians (a Potawatomi Tribe) and other outside organizations. Remember it is illegal to release any fish into public water unless it was taken from that water. Also, the Old Marina Ramp is getting really shallow, therefore would use caution while unloading off that ramp. Started releasing water for irrigation on June 27, 2023, and shut off releases on August 25, 2023.Īll boat ramps are open at this time, except Morel which is high and dry. The water level is 6.04' lower than it was one year ago at this time. SURFACE ELEVATION- 1877.33 - 15.12' below conservation pool Would be fishing in the coves and along the rocky areas using plastics and crank baits. Have had reports of bass being caught in Old Marina Cove, Rock Point Cove and along the bluffs. Also, would try fishing up to the west end of the Reservoir. Would try fishing in the shallow areas using shad, shrimp, stink bait and worms off the bottom. Have had reports of catfish being caught off Goose Flats and point south out the old Methodist Camp. It's also a good time to fish under the lights at night using jigs and minnows. Would also look for them surfacing on shad around the reservoir as they feed. Fish can probably be caught lake wide and would definitely fish into the wind. Trolling diving lures can also be productive. Have had reports of fish being caught around the north and south shore fish attractors and breakwaters using jigs and jigs tipped with minnow. Fish can also still be caught along the Dam trolling diving lures. Would also work the Flats and river channels where the walleye will be feeding. ![]() Have heard of walleye being caught along the Dam and around the Little Sahara swim beach using night crawlers. Have just finished placing new cedar trees around all 4 maintained fish attractors. ![]() Have had reports of fish being caught around the north and south shore breakwaters and fish attractors using jigs, slab spoons and jigs with minnows. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |