Net installation finished at Bagnell Dam to protect fish

OSAGE BEACH — Installation of a massive net to protect fish at the Lake of the Ozarks' Bagnell Dam has been completed.

St. Louis-based utility AmerenUE installed the nearly 900-foot-wide net across a portion of the dam to keep fish from running into the turbines.

The net stretches from the North Shore to the first spill gate at the dam.

Work on the project began in 2005 as AmerenUE and federal and state officials sought a way to protect the fish. They also tested flashing strobe lights and sound, but some fish ignored it. Installation of the mesh netting started in the fall.

The project was also completed as part of AmerenUE's relicensing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.