Christmas IN The Lake - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

January 4th may not be the best day for fishing, but the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is already preparing for anglers to return to the shores of Lake Arrowhead... and they need your help!

The department is asking residents to drop off their Christmas trees - so they can drop them in the lake and create a better habitat for fish. Parks & Wildlife Assistant District Biologist Robert Mauk said, "Most of our lakes need habitat and it also is excellent for attracting fish so the fisherman can catch them."

We took a trip out to Lake Arrowhead's fishing pier where we were able to see trees from years past, sticking out of the low water.

Mauk said some of the biggest donors are the Christmas tree lots at the Optimus Club and Wal-Mart, but this year the numbers are down. He said, "Last year we actually had over 200 now this year we're sitting at 60-70." 

With the water so low, Mauk said they may wait until the water level comes up to sink the trees this year. Until then, they're still looking for your trees. He said, "The public can bring the trees to 409 Chester, our office. There's a sign along the fence and you'll see a pile of trees there, just drop them off. We don't have to be there to do it. Just make sure there's no ornaments on them or anything that's all we ask."

Jack Lamson, Newschannel 6