Jackson Guard reopens two fishing ponds

  • Published
  • By Jerron Barnett
  • Eglin Environmental Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eglin natural resources managers at Jackson Guard have restocked fish and plan to reopen Lower Memorial Lake and Speck Pond for fishing enthusiasts on March 16.

These two fishing areas have been inactive after dams had failed at each of the areas in 2004, Jeremy Preston, Eglin wildlife technician said. The dams have been repaired.

The inactive period was also necessary to allow the fish to spawn and mature in these fishing areas, Mr. Preston said. Large-mouth bass and panfish have been restocked in both Lower Memorial Lake and Speck Pond. Catfish have also been restocked in Speck Pond.

Eglin natural resources managers currently manage 16 fishing ponds on the Eglin reservation. To fish at these ponds, people must first obtain any appropriate Florida and Eglin fishing licenses. Lower Memorial Lake is located on Eglin main base, so only people with base access will be able to fish there. Speck Pond is located off Highway 285, near Mossy Head.

For more information, contact Jackson Guard's permit sales lobby at 850-882-4165. Jackson Guard is located along Highway 85 in Niceville, Fla.