The fish have returned to the lake at Burroughs Park near Tomball, as recent rains brought water levels up enough to restock.

Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle was on hand to help restock the lake Feb. 2, which only a few months ago was nearly dry.

Photo: Several people showed up to help restock the lake at Burroughs Park near Tomball Feb. 2. From left Harris County Commissioner Jack Cagle, fish expert Zack Sueskue and Brody Watto watch as Maulie Bush hold up a large catfish before releasing it into the lake.

“We work closely with Texas Parks & Wildlife to maintain and manage this lake,” Cagle said. “We treat each lake as a unique eco-system by making the most of the conditions presented to us and adjusting to those conditions to provide the best possible fishing environment.”

The lake was restocked with more than 200 catfish, 200-plus bass and 1,500 bluegills, which will serve as food for the larger fish. The fish were provided by Clearwater Lake and Fisheries Management, a Magnolia area private fish provider.

While the lake was dry, Harris County park workers spent hours rebuilding the lake’s bed, cleaning and clearing the area in preparation for rains they hoped would soon come.

They have.

Officials from the National Weather Service say the Houston area has received more rain in January then it received during an entire six-month period in 2011.

Cagle cautioned future anglers at the lake to exercise restraint when fishing and resist the urge to keep fish that are caught.

“It will take time for these fish to establish themselves and grow, so we ask that anglers catch and release the bass in our lakes,” Cagle said. “This helps us offer a great recreational fishing experience for residents around our parks in Precinct 4.”

The 320-acre park is located off Hufsmith Road just northeast of the Tomball city limits and includes hiking trails, ball fields, playgrounds, picnic areas and a boardwalk.

Several people were on hand to witness the fish release, including Maulie Bush, the daughter of Precinct 4 Parks Superintendent Sammy Bush. She experienced a bit of nature first hand, while releasing a fish into the water, it left a little present behind on her hand.

“Oh that was gross,” she said.

Photo by Caleb Harris

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