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Dickinson, N.D. (AP) State wildlife officials say an effort to rid Dickinson's Patterson Lake of unwanted fish resulted in the removal of more than 5,000 pounds of fish, mostly carp.

Thousands of fish in the lake died last winter because of winterkill, which happens when heavy snow cover on a lake leads to reduced oxygen levels.

Undesirable fish such as carp and bullheads remained, and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department this fall used a chemical to kill them.

District Fisheries Supervisor Jeff Hendrickson says officials will begin stocking the lake next year with desirable fish such as crappies and Walleye. He says officials hope to have a decent sport fishery established in a few years.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-23-09 1041CST | save this article / add to your favorites list