The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will hold a ribbon-cutting and rededication ceremony Friday at 10:30 at the newly constructed fishing pier at Lake Wilhelmina near Mena to celebrate the reopening of the lake.
The 200-acre lake underwent a major renovation beginning in June 2024 after officials discovered failing infrastructure connected to the lake’s water-control system.
According to the AGFC, falling water levels first noticed in 2019 led to the discovery of two large holes in the lakebed caused by ruptures in the outflow pipe beneath the dam.
Crews repaired and re-sleeved the aging pipe system, upgraded water-control tower equipment and replaced radial gates used to regulate water levels. A new floating courtesy dock and fishing pier were also added during the project.
Fisheries staff also used the lake drawdown as an opportunity to improve fish habitat throughout the lakebed. AGFC officials say crews installed numerous fish attractors, stakebeds, log cribs and spawning beds designed to benefit bass, crappie, catfish and bream populations.
The lake began refilling in March, and recent rains have helped bring water levels close to normal pool elevation.
The AGFC has already started stocking forage fish and game fish, including bluegill fingerlings.
While anglers will once again be allowed to fish the lake, the AGFC says a catch-and-release-only regulation will remain in place temporarily while fish populations continue to recover.
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