Here We Go Again

[Brian Sloss]

Just when we thought we were getting close to get our river back, here we go again. Another flood, hope we don't get too much rain today. So far not as bad as last time, keep your fingers crossed.

[smbass43]

Man...another flood? I hope these two floods back-to-back don't have a damaging affect to the river. What do you think this will do to the Smallmouth spawn?

[Brian Sloss]

Some fat females were caught this wekend before the river came up again on the upper river, presumbably filled with eggs. At least that was what I was told. I hope this doesn't hurt the spawn, but I can't say for sure. Any fisheries biologists out there.?

[Al Agnew]

At this point it shouldn't have an effect on the spawn. The water temps were still too cold for the fish to be really getting into spawning mode. These rains, however, were warmer, and this warm weather may bring water temps up enough that when the flood recedes the fish will probably move toward spawning areas. As long as we don't get a flood while the fish are actually spawning, or when the fry are just barely out of the nest, things should be okay. And not all smallmouth spawn at the same time, so even a badly timed flood may only partially damage the spawn.

[smbass43]

Thanks for the info Al!