NEWS RELEASE

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

January 20, 1999

CONTACT: Tom Champeau (941) 648-3202

MIDDLE LAKE PUBLIC FISHING PIER TO BE DEDICATED

Anglers are about to reap the benefits of continuous fisheries enhancement efforts at Middle Lake Park in northern Pasco County. On Wednesday, January 27, at 3:00 p.m., a brief dedication ceremony will officially open the new fishing pier (interactive map, note clicking the red-X will take you back to our boat ramp directory) to public use at the 200 acre lake.

"Opportunities for anglers will be greatly enhanced because of the cooperative efforts of government agencies and area residents," said Tom Champeau, regional fisheries biologist for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The Middle Lake project is the result of a cooperative partnership between the FWC, Pasco County Parks and Recreation Department, Southwest Florida Water Management District and local citizens. The facility at Middle Lake Park includes a boat ramp and a new fishing pier with access for the physically challenged. There is also a public picnic area and an informational kiosk which lists special fishing regulations for the lake.

"Our goal was to develop a facility which had the potential to offer a quality angling experience that was universally accessible to everyone. Initially however, there were some critical habitat improvements and management regulations which needed to be implemented," asserted Champeau.

In order to insure the success of the Middle Lake project, it was necessary to remove almost 40 acres of dense floating mats of vegetation called "tussocks". Once the tussocks were removed, speckled perch and bream were stocked and protective harvest regulations were enacted. Stocking will occur again this spring and fish attractors will be installed. According to anglers, special fishing regulations and a continuous management effort are beginning to result in improved fishing success.

Middle Lake Park is located west of County Road 41 in northern Pasco County. Take Dan Brown Road west from County Road 41 to Townsend House Road, then south to Rice Ridge Road. For more information, contact the Division of Freshwater Fisheries at (941) 648-3202.