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News Release

Laurel Bed Lake Being Drained

Russell County, VA — The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has found it necessary to drain Laurel Bed Lake in Russell County. Extensive monitoring identified two areas where water is seeping through the lake's dam. Engineers have determined that lowering the lake level is necessary until the Department can find sufficient funds to complete a Laurel Bed Dam Renovation project. The lake is expected to be completely drained by mid to late July.

VDGIF personnel have been in contact with local legislators and other authorities in preparation for the lake being drained. Water levels in the lake were drawn down by 10 feet in fall 2007. A siphon system was installed earlier this year to help lower the lake and maintain the level during storm events.

The water level has already dropped to the point that anglers can not use the concrete boat ramp, so only hand launching of boats is recommended.

Because the lake is being drained, VDGIF has decided to remove the catch and release regulation on smallmouth bass and allow harvest of this species. Anglers will be allowed to harvest up to five smallmouth bass per day with no size restriction; six trout per day with a 7-inch minimum size limit; and rock bass without size or creel limit.

The Department has every intention to repair the dam and to re-establish the fishery as soon as adequate funds can be set aside for this renovation project. Laurel Bed Dam is the highest priority on the current list of Department dams requiring repairs.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is a special fund Agency, funded primarily from fishing, hunting, and boating fees, and there are not enough funds, at this time, to make the necessary repairs and improvements to the Department’s dams.

It is the mission of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to manage Virginia's wildlife and inland fish to maintain optimum populations of all species to serve the needs of the Commonwealth; to provide opportunity for all to enjoy wildlife, inland fish, boating, and related outdoor recreation, and to work diligently to safeguard the rights of the people to hunt, fish, and harvest game as provided in the Constitution of Virginia; to promote safety for persons and property in connection with these outdoor activities; and to provide educational outreach programs and materials that foster an awareness of and appreciation for Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, their habitats, and hunting, fishing, and boating opportunities.