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Lake Conway drawdown

4053 Views 68 Replies 37 Participants Last post by  rowdyrabbit
I have not used the search feature on here to look for info, but there are some rumors going around on FB that there is a pretty good draw down coming for Lake Conway. This was posted in one group:

"Ok just got off the phone with biologist over lake Conway , he said the lake draw down is gonna happen, can not give a start date , but the whole lake will be renovated in his words, including the dam and spillway, he also said that the lake will be allowed to dry out so equipment can get in and compact the silt, this will take years to accomplish , so lake will be drawn down for years. All depends on the weather as of how long, the rumor I heard was 5 years he said he hoped it didn’t take that long…….."

Anyone got an real knowledge on it?
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our end of the lake needs it. what used to be some of the best bass fishing on the planet you need a weed eater to get to.
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So does this mean all fish limits and regulations are lifted since it’s drying up? I would think so…
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So does this mean all fish limits and regulations are lifted since it’s drying up? I would think so…
Yes!

But....we'd still like a first hand report please.....
I was on the crew that rebuilt the dam in 99. The gates are operated by common electric motors and wormdrive gears on site. Seems to me it would be eazy to modernize what's already there. Must be more about working on the lake.
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People will prob think their property will be worth more with a new and improved lake conway in the future.
Until they look at a sex offender map…
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All I’ve heard about it from a friend of a friend that works for AGFC is it’s a $10million project to get the silt off the bottom, dig it deeper and build a new damn. Gotta drain and let it dry before they can get the equipment in. The guy at Bates told me the other day that he’s worried about their business and they don’t expect the lake to be the same until 2033.
All I’ve heard about it from a friend of a friend that works for AGFC is it’s a $10million project to get the silt off the bottom, dig it deeper and build a new damn. Gotta drain and let it dry before they can get the equipment in. The guy at Bates told me the other day that he’s worried about their business and they don’t expect the lake to be the same until 2033.
I can only speak on what I have seen here and I thought I’d never catch a fish in it again but my friends have done well within the first couple of years of flooding back up. I’ve been amazed and in a good way with how our lake has come back.
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What are they going to do with the gators?
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Bates is a pretty good local tackle shop. It’s worth going.
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In the 5 year strategic plan talks about revitalizing several lakes IIRC. It has been a while since I read it. Conway is probably one of those lakes.
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In the 5 year strategic plan talks about revitalizing several lakes IIRC. It has been a while since I read it. Conway is probably one of those lakes.
Question…..
Since they are draining the lake, you think you could talk those state employees into something?
Once they draw it down, can you get em to net a few thousand lbs of bass and crappie, have them clean em all, and then have a massive fish fry for AHnet members? They would need to supply the hush puppies, fries, and cold beverages as well.
Thanks in advance.
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All I’ve heard about it from a friend of a friend that works for AGFC is it’s a $10million project to get the silt off the bottom, dig it deeper and build a new damn. Gotta drain and let it dry before they can get the equipment in. The guy at Bates told me the other day that he’s worried about their business and they don’t expect the lake to be the same until 2033.
If all they're doing is hauling off the silt off there's no need to let it dry. Long reach can mop silt until it quits running in on him then the dozer can start pushing it to the long reach. Get it back down to the original bottom and it'll hold a wide track up if you have a real operator.

What kind of yardage are they talking about?
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The yardage will be significant Millions of $ worth
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10 million must be the low bid.
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If it stays dry for very long, you can kiss the stumps and fish cover goodbye.
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Question…..
Since they are draining the lake, you think you could talk those state employees into something?
Once they draw it down, can you get em to net a few thousand lbs of bass and crappie, have them clean em all, and then have a massive fish fry for AHnet members? They would need to supply the hush puppies, fries, and cold beverages as well.
Thanks in advance.
I will get on the horn ASAP @Arky73
IDK if the ADE will go for it but we can try!
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Renovating lakes is necessary from time to time. Especially with new knowledge and info coming to the table all the time. Pond/lake management is as big or bigger than wildlife management and we all know how big that is. If they have a bunch of northern strain largemouths and huge gizzard shad, killing it out and starting over could have it in better shape within 4 years, than it ever was before. Maybe the goals of the lake have changed over time, like all things. Maybe they’re going to try to manage for a higher quality experience, because the experience people were having, even though they were happy with it, was truly a low quality experience when compared against some other lakes with different management techniques.
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I'm curious about "complete drainage" when the creeks run through it? I've seen it drawn down to gold creek channel many times and you could still put in and fish gold creek. Awesome fishing too, btw. Talk about having them hemmed up! One of the boat ramps over there almost goes right into the channel, if I remember correctly.
What are they going to do with the gators?

I had a gator silently rise up to the surface right beside my boat, years ago. Then he submerged. Scared me to death.

But......in my best Crocodile Dundee voice........"He wasn't a gator, THIS is a gator".
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Trey Reid said on 103.7 this morning that the rumors about having a plan for draining Conway are completely erroneous. He said they been kicking the idea around for the last ten years but there is no current plan. Take that for what it’s worth.
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