A separate public fish salvage was put in place in May that removed creel and length limits on fish but still required legal methods of take.
The current fish population will be killed off as water levels continue to drop.
“Before refilling, fish habitat will be added to the basin,” the agency said in the statement. “Other enhancements may include extending boat ramps, as well as improving fishing piers and shoreline access. Once repairs and habitat enhancements are complete, the lake will be refilled and restocked. This process may take up to a year.”
The 180-acre lake, located 5 miles east of Toronto, Kan., was built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The KDWPT said it will take several years for the lake’s fishery to fully develop and provide good angling opportunities once the lake has been refilled. Yates Center City lakes, Toronto Reservoir and Wilson State Fishing Lake are all within a 30-minute drive of Woodson.