24 Inch Minimum Limit In 2009

[Phil Lilley]

but it would be better if the average was over 20!

I think MDC has deemed this impossible. Upper Taney will not support that many big fish at one time. If you thin out the lower end too much you're not going to get 15-18 inchers. The 12 was established because that's about the size of a stocker. They're immediately protected when stocked. If they are allowed to be taken before hitting the lower slot, the rule won't work. The question therefore is how many would survive the 6-12 months to grow from 12 to 15 inches?

[zsmith62]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[laker67]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Zack,

I'm not saying it's broke, but I think that it needs a tune-up. The upper lake has improved a lot since 1997, but in the last three years it has stalled out somewhat. More 20 inch fish are being creeled than ever before. You're down there alot, you see it. We are getting more first time fishermen every year. Look at the out of state plates in the parking lot. In the summer, most times they outnumber Mo plates. New people to the sport, normally keep the first 4 or 5 big fish they catch. The 4 pounders that are being creeled right now, would have a chance to become 8 pounders and a little wiser. T-como is a great fishery, would'nt hurt to make it a little better. The down side to the 24 inch limit, we would probably need a bigger parking lot.

[Murdoc]

Below is a email that Mike Kruse sent me today. Very Nice Guy! Read it and see what you think. I think that the Survey clerks are good idea but (there's always a "but") Are they there at night? Are they talking to the tourists? I think this is the only way with the servey clerks taking polls that they can find out what the people want. Thank you Mike and MDC for helping us to have one of the best trout fisheries in the country!!!! They are the ones that have made Taney #1!!!!

I was involved in establishing and evaluating the fishing regulations in Lake Taneycomo from 1993-2002. During that time we conducted a survey of anglers fishing Lake Taneycomo. Survey clerks interviewed anglers fishing throughout the lake during all months of the year. From that survey we determined that nearly all of the legal size brown trout that anglers caught were voluntarily released. Depending on the year, our estimates of the percentage of legal size brown trout (greater than or equal to 20 inches) that were released ranged from 98 percent to nearly 100 percent. Under those high levels of voluntary release, it is doubtful that a higher length limit would increase the number of large brown trout by any measurable amount.

We are currently conducting another angler survey at Lake Taneycomo and it will allow us to determine if voluntary release rates or other elements of angler effort and success have changed since the last survey. Such information will help determine if any changes to fishing regulations are needed. Again, I will make sure staff conducting this survey are aware of your suggestion as they evaluate the results.

Thanks for your interest in Lake Taneycomo fishing regulations. I hope the upcoming fall season brings you many fishing opportunities and that you are successful in catching some big brown trout!

Mike Kruse

Fisheries Administrative Manager

[laker67]

Thank you Murdoc and thank you Mike Kruse!

I can believe those release percentages for 2002. Right now,present time, I see a lot of 20 inch plus fish creeled. Not by night fishermen, but in the daytime. I've witnessed several browns come out of #1 in the past 4 months. Boat fishermen may be doing the same thing.

[Danoinark]

Murdoc,

Stellar job..thanks for the efforts.

Dano