Well I went to my favorite pond again today to nail some big fish again! Then I see some type of wildlife official checking the drain out when I was walking to my spot. I asked what was up and he told me "it probably be better fishing tomorrow". I asked why and he tells me they just started draining it a couple hours ago. I was shocked, I told him that I was told we had to Sept 30 to fish and then they would drain it. He told me I had bad info and that no they wouldn't be doing any shocking. I about LOL at him when he tried to tell me there wasn't anything over 5lbs in the pond anyway. Long story short he said I can come out and fish plus take photos until they put a closed sign up. His guess was it would take two days to drain. My friend has a cooler with a live well kit set up and I'm considering taking it out there with some hip boots. I'm seriously so bummed part of me really doesn't want to go out there On the other hand I wouldn't doubt I could find some DD fish that i could take and put into another pond or lake.

UPDATE: Well I went back out today with some supplies to try and save a few big fish if the water level was low. I went ahead and stopped in the Visitors Center to ask about the water levels ect. I found out the water level had only dropped about a foot and I could fish all week!

After that I was setting up to go out to the pond and a DNR official pulled up and checked the water level. We had a conversation that made me very happy! He plans to go out either Thursday or Friday and shock some of the fish and save some. I offered my help and he seemed happy to have some. Apparently there is also another group who is going to help with the shock and hopefully we can save some fish. The only bad news is the drain pipe is only 8 inch wide so what we don't save will die. I'll be sure to take plenty of pics.

save as many big ones as you can is what i say. good luck.

Save as many as you can.

Take photos of the drained pond so when they fill it up you will have the information to fish it in the future.

Consider stocking it yourself.