Nebraskaland

58 Nebraskaland • June 2023 MIXED BAG It may not have been in the plans, but anglers this summer are enjoying the latest improvement on the Fort Robinson State Park fishing scene — a renovation of the North Grable Pond. Seven ponds were renovated during the initial phase of the park's comprehensive aquatic habitat and access improvements, but North Grable was not included because it already supported a healthy fishery. As luck would have it, not long after those seven projects wrapped up in 2020, a wooden dam board broke in North Grable's aging outlet structure and all the water quickly drained from the pond. The Game and Parks Commission turned misfortune into opportunity. With the 1.7-acre pond drained, the agency sought funding for a complete renovation. They were successful and the project was completed last fall. Workers constructed a new outlet structure, with durable aluminum instead of wood, as well as a covered fishing pier with wheelchair access. They also deepened the pond and created fish habitat of rock piles and more than a half-dozen massive cottonwood stumps harvested on-site. The dam was fortified with packed clay to avoid seepage. North Grable is positioned at the end of a chain of three ponds that were once used by the now defunct federal fish hatchery in Crawford. The southernmost pond receives cool spring water, and the water naturally becomes warmer as it moves northward through two dams to reach North Grable. Nebraska's diverse fish species thrive at varying water temperatures, a big consideration when choosing what to stock. Fisheries biologist Joe Rydell said a surprise source of cool water has created a little uncertainty about North Grable, so temperature will be monitored in coming months. "We did open up some new springs during the construction, so there's a chance that it could be trout- supporting," Rydell said. Rainbow trout were released in the pond last fall to provide anglers with an immediate harvest opportunity. The pond also was scheduled to receive largemouth bass, bluegills, yellow perch and rock bass this year. When those populations become established, black crappies and channel catfish can be added. Rydell said the Grable ponds, as well as the park's streams and other ponds, provide anglers diverse fishing opportunities in a small area. The other two ponds, comprising 4 acres, were stocked with brook trout, tiger trout, rock bass, bluegills, smallmouth bass and rainbows following renovation. They will soon receive cutthroat trout. Other Fort Robinson ponds renovated in recent years are the three Ice House Ponds, the Cherry Creek Pond and Cherry Creek Diversion Pond. Funding for the North Grable project was provided by the Game and Parks Commission's Aquatic Habitat and Angler Access Fund and the federal Sport Fish Restoration program. NORTH GRABLE POND RENOVATION By Justin Haag North Grable Pond at Fort Robinson State Park begins to refill last fall after an aquatic habitat project. JUSTIN HAAG

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