Fellows Lake fishing facilities to undergo repair, renovation

SPRINGFIELD MO -- Beginning Monday, Sept. 19, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) courtesy dock and disability-accessible fishing dock on the east end of Fellows Lake will be closed for a short period of time while those facilities undergo repairs and updates. MDC staff estimates these facilities will be closed for approximately a week.

High lake levels this spring caused structural damage to the disability-accessible ramp leading to the courtesy fishing dock. Along with making the necessary repairs to this ramp, MDC also plans to revamp the courtesy dock with new bumpers and a hand rail.

For two decades, MDC has partnered with City Utilities of Springfield through MDC’s Community Assistance Program to provide public fishing opportunities at Fellows Lake. In addition to managing the lake’s sport fishery, MDC has provided a boat ramp, a disability-accessible fishing dock and a courtesy boat dock to promote public fishing access. These repairs and renovations will ensure safe public access to the lake’s popular fishing resources.

The boat ramp at Fellows Lake will still be available for use by the public during the repair work. Boaters are reminded that they are required to purchase an annual permit from City Utilities for $35 and boat motors are restricted to 40 hp.

For more information about this construction project or about fishing opportunities at Fellows Lake, contact MDC Fisheries Biologist Dave Woods at 417-895-6881, ext. 1623 or Dave.Woods@mdc.mo.gov