Anglers fishing Lake Thom-A-Lex must observe the restrictions on fishing within the buoyed off area of 100 acres near the water-source intake structure on the lower end of the lake. The use of gas-powered engines is prohibited within the area, which is designated by eight buoys. Fishermen may fish the area with electric trolling motors.
Fishermen are not allowed to anchor within 50 feet of aeration lines or use cast nets. Fishing is limited to rod and reel and pole fishing with light monofilament line. No trolling or use of downriggers is permitted.
Signage indicating the restrictions is posted at the lake.
The area became a concern after a boater struck floating aeration lines that were to be held out of the reach of motors by an anchoring system. While the anchoring system remained intact, whatever caused the aeration lines to float could not be determined.
Concerns about safety, water quality and future damage to aeration lines prompted the Lake Thom-A-Lex Recreation Authority to install the buoys and to initially declare the area off limits to boating and fishing.
Fishermen countered that a permanent off limits was unwarranted given that since 2007 only two incidents occurred with motors coming in contact with aeration lines. They suggested more diligent maintenance might have prevented the happenings.
At a TAL Authority public meeting in Lexington, the TAL Authority offered a compromise that reopened the area to fishing but imposed the above restrictions. Fishermen generally accepted the compromise, though they and the TAL Authority agreed that further tweaking of the restrictions might be necessary.
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