Mdc Meeting On Trout Habitat

[Wayne SW/MO]

I would think that the concrete stops used for vehicles could create holes that would attract a lot of fish, If they were laid 90 degrees to the flow direction. They could be anchored with rebar, just as they are on land. They should create some nice shallow holes without creating bars behind the holes.

They wouldn't create anymore of a hazard to boats then rocks would, and probably not as much. As far as boats go, no operator should expect a nice clean bottom in a flow, if they can't negotiate anything else they should stay out of the area.

[Phil Lilley]

Would be nice to experiment alittle. That doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.

[dfield]

If they would ban boats from the water above the boat ramp then they could build structure for all water levels. Then when the water was running wade fishermen would have a few more places to fish then just the outlets.

[bigredbirdfan]

Bass Pro paying money to add obstructions to lose tackle on.

[Phil Lilley]

If they would ban boats from the water above the boat ramp then they could build structure for all water levels. Then when the water was running wade fishermen would have a few more places to fish then just the outlets.

Good point. May have to look at creating places during generation where people can fish from the bank.

Wouldn't have to ban boats though.

Just have to keep in mind the Corp won't let MDC put anything in the lake that would slow down flow creating back pressure on the turbines.

Any suggestions?

[Phil Lilley]

Also have to keep in mind we're talking about 8-9 feet during full generation. That's alot of structure.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I would think that the only thing that would increase bank, or wade fishing during generation would be wing dams, and that won't fly. Wing dams would raise the level and put back pressure on the turbines.

I think working towards holding more fish in the upper end by creating more places they feel secure would be the answer. It seems that anytime there is water say 18" deep or more, you'll find trout.

If you ban boats then the fishing all but ends in the winter.

[Zack Hoyt]

Phil, I am assuming the Corp has a regulation in place for the minimum distance structure can be placed in regards to the turbines and such.

Banning boats is probably not an option. Most structure is setup for a nomral flow situation. During higher generation events it offers a place for fish to hold, a "protection" if you will, for the trout instead of them heading toward the banks. A 8'-9' rock would have to have an insane base size to keep from toppling over during high generation or if a boat hit it.

[laker67]

I like Wayne's idea of wing dams. Years ago bssp had wing dams that angled downstream, unlike the ones they have now that jut straight out. Using the angle, you can redirect the water flow in addition to adding an area that could be fish during generation. By staggering them downstream, you could pretty much make the water flow in more desired locations when the water is off. You could create another chute on the back side of the upper island much like it was in the old days. Another chute from #3 over to the guantlet would be nice also. I would think that redirected water flow would eventually create another channel in these areas. Add some in the water structure, and you have a trout stream again.

[dfield]

At one time bass pro sold a product to create artificial structure in ponds. It seems like it was made out of PVC pipe with black plastic leaves. It seems like something like that would work to hold fish.

I wonder where the fish hold when the water is running and if there was any kind of structure that would attract fish closer to the bank when the water was running.