(Provided by IDNR)

Shakamak, Kickapoo and Lenape lakes in Shakamak State Park now have a 14-inch minimum length limit for black bass.

The change became effective July 1 as a way to help control gizzard shad populations in the park. The park is located in southwestern Indiana.

The previous regulation involved a 12- to 15-inch slot limit. It was enacted to encourage anglers to harvest more largemouth bass, thereby increasing the size of remaining bass.

The new regulation will result in decreased bass harvest. Decreased bass harvest will lead to increased predation on gizzard shad, helping protect panfishing at all three lakes.

Gizzard shad compete with panfish such as bluegill and redear sunfish for food. This competition often leads to slow growing panfish in lakes where gizzard shad are present.

A recent DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife survey found an abundant gizzard shad population in Shakamak Lake.

It is illegal to stock fish into public waters without a permit by the DNR.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov .