Lancaster County lake closed 2 years for fishing improvements

Sunrise Lake in Lancaster County will be closed for about two years while the state Department of Natural Resources completes a restoration project aimed at improving fishing.

S.C. DNR officials said Monday they plan to lower the 25-acre lake’s water level and temporary relocate Sunrise Lake fish to other local lakes. The lake has been closed since July 1.

The project involves renovating the Sunrise Lake dam and spillway. Officials say they will also improve fish habitats on the lake bottom by installing gravel spawning beds, fish attractors, culverts and other structures that help form habitats for fish.

Sunrise Lake is home to various types of fish including largemouth bass, shellcracker, bluegill and channel catfish. Part of the state’s DNR “State Lakes Program,” the Lancaster County lake recreational site includes a small picnic area and boat ramp.

Money for the improvement project comes from the Lancaster County Water Recreation Fund, which pools together funds from taxes paid for motor boat fuel.

Sunrise Lake is located close to the Pleasant Hill community.

This story was originally published August 31, 2015 at 10:21 AM with the headline "Lancaster County lake closed 2 years for fishing improvements."