TURKEY CREEK – Boating and fishing activities at Hillsborough County’s Edward Medard Park will be impacted by low water levels due to a rehabilitation project to refurbish the Medard Park Reservoir.
The boat ramp will close Monday to motorized vessels. The reservoir will remain open to canoes and kayaks until Monday, Nov. 23.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has suspended bag and size limits for largemouth bass, bream, and black crappie caught by pole or rod during this time. Anglers must still adhere to all other sportfish regulations, including those regulation concerning legal methods of take.
After Nov. 23, the reservoir will be closed to all fishing or boating activities because of the low water level. No Trespassing signs will be installed around the top bank of the reservoir and no one will be allowed to enter the reservoir area during construction.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District will refurbish and fortify the Medard Reservoir embankment to protect against erosion. To prepare for the repairs, the district is lowering the level of the reservoir by 12 feet. Construction should begin in January and is expected be complete by May. Boating will resume again after the project is completed and water levels are restored naturally by rainfall.
For more information about the Medard project, call the district’s Operations Department at (800- 423-1476 or (352) 796-7211.
Other amenities at Medard Park such as camping and picnicking will remain open during the project. For information on Hillsborough County Parks call (813) 635-3500 or visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/parks.
Till next time tight lines and good fishing….
From Staff Writer BASSonline – fishing@bassonline.com
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