Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Had my lake committee on the dam to open the 100 year old valve 10 feet down in the lake. This was the third try. Experience from the first two tries helped gain the experience to figure out how to find it, how to get the valve key on the valve, grease it, new underwater camera, more people.
Camera holders, valve tuners, boat holders and backups. Got it open. It can drop a foot a day if the weather is dry.

Our preferred method of weed control. Hasn’t been opened in 4 years. Hoping dry and cold will kill the weeds and give us a couple years before repeating. It will drop 10 feet if lack of rain permits. There are parts 23 feet deep for the fish to live in. Anyone else out there managing a lake with a story?

Did a little fishing all day Sunday. Couple of pictures Kathy took. She was along on the last voyage of the season. Maybe a surprise heavy week of rain will allow boating before March. Otherwise, boat will be grounded.

Black spinner bait. Useless until I added the worm. St. Croix 6’6” med extra fast, 20lb power pro braid. Shimano Aldebaran baitcaster. Great light setup.

I’m in the blue shirt woking the valve key open and close carefully not to break the valve.


Success at last.


Lake Killarney Pontoon Armada


View of dam. Water level going down. There always is water going over. Unusual to see this.


Here fishy fishy.


Here we go got one.


Another nice one.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Jwid. Ran into valves like that when I worked water n sewer. Had a guy snap the top off a valve stem. It wouldn't turn so he added a 4' pipe wrench n a piece of pipe. He was turning it the wrong way. We then had to dig it up. The dumbbass was the boss. Nice looking lake brother 👍👍

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Thanks. This is a gate valve. Turning a captured nut lifts a 3/4 inch threaded rod attached to lift the gate. It was scary trying to turn it. I figured if I packed the valve key end with marine grease it would coat the threads of the valve stem. Working the valve open and closed even just a little would work the grease into the nut. It worked. Every time the thread started to bind up I closed the valve forcing more grease into the nut. Going to grease again when closing it in March.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Very cool story and process that you need to go thru. Thanks for posting. Always lot's of interesting stuff on the Forum that relates to fishing and resource management!

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Plenty more to come. I have some dredging to plan that means I have some money to raise. 100 years of build up and nothing has been done. Deepest part of the lake was 30 feet. Now it is 23 feet. Shallower parts of the lake have suffered. That is one of the reasons for the weeds. Water less than four feet is a problem.

Looking for information if anyone has experience with lake mgmt.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Very interesting process. Glad all worked out and you got to catch some fish.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

A little “sweat equity” makes the end result a little more satisfying. Good luck!

Jeremy Loc: America

Reminds me of many bosses I had to fill in for over the years. Upper Mangers didn't want me in the positions because I wouldn't lie on a regular basis like they all did.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Good job Jwid, and caught some fish to boot. Great idea about greasing the valve threads. Good luck with the weed control, and the dredging. Thanks for sharing the story.

bric Loc: Helena, MT

Good job hope the weed control works out. Nice lake you have there and nice fish!

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

Learn the coolest stuff on the stage. Thanks for the post. Super cool

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

Thanks to all. Big responsibility. Weeds can help fish and fishing, but balance is needed. Giving up fall fishing for a number of better years is a trade off. Can’t make everyone happy, but someone has to get things done. It should have been done sooner. 50% or more was so thick in weeds boats couldn’t make it through. Better times coming.

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

Jw, thanks for all the pictures. I understood more about what you were doing. Beautiful water and Bass. Very nice fishing rig.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺

Jwid Loc: Lake Killarney, Ironton, MO

The rock drop off is across the lake about 300 feet from my dock. It will still be 13 feet deep and packed with fish. Depending on the lake bed I might be able to walk over there if it dries or freezes. Otherwise, it is quite a hike to get over there. I’ll be looking for opportunities. Could get interesting.

hacksaw Loc: Pasadena, Texas

What about a boat or yak? I’m not understanding why you can’t get over there.
Hack 🇺🇸🍺🍺