Easier than a gun and a barrel

HAZLETON, Iowa - Residents found the fishing easy after a malfunction in a dam caused a lake to suddenly empty. Members of the Amish community near Hazleton waded into the muck with spears and nets to catch fish that were stranded in shallow pools after the lake emptied Monday.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said the malfunction caused much of the lake's water to be released through the opening. The lake is created by the dam which backs up Otter Creek.

The lake was completely drained to facilitate repairs, officials with the DNR said.

To minimize wasting fish that would die, the DNR relaxed fish harvest rules.

Through 5 p.m. Wednesday people can take fish by just about any means except electricity, explosives or substances which stupify the fish.