Mdc Meeting On Trout Habitat

[Wayne SW/MO]

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.

Trout are very adept at finding seams and any thing that breaks the current can create one. The water is always slightly slower on the bottom due to friction, and if you add a small rock trout will use that area. Trout, at least Bows, don't seem to be attracted to structure that hides them, but to structure that breaks or slows the current they prefer.

There are two kinds of habitat for trout, one that creates holding areas, and another that creates food producing areas. The tailwater area is the most is probably in need of both. There are a lot forces working on the food environment, from generation flows to shuffling and wading. There's also a lack of current breaks. Any current breaks have to withstand the effects of generation, while not depositing gravel from holes produced immediately downstream creating more shallow water.

[denjac]

How many years has that u shaped railroad track been in the water just above outlet 1? It always holds a fish or two.

[Zack Hoyt]

Here is a picture of what was done on beaver however many years ago. This is just upstream from the boat ramp and maybe 150yds from the dam itself. These are placed all down the river and make for great habitat.

[troutgnat]

Just my two cents worth here. Wayne is 100% correct, when your talking habitat for trout, it's all about current breaks. Trout will use these for feeding and resting both. I like the picture of the structure on Beaver. This is ideal but several of these together (a wall of sorts) would be nice as well.

As far as boat traffic, structure does not necessarily need to be right in the channel. On the edge would suffice I believe, the stucture will help divert the current anyway. Most boaters know where the channel is. As far as safety is concerned what's wrong with some signs and buoys to alert boaters of "man made" structure.

Better yet, if there is ever to be a "Hot Spots" map of Taneycomo or other this would be the perfect opportunity to mark "permanent" habitat! Yes, this may alert some more fishing pressure, however, it's a win-win for the trout and keeps us all safe!

As far as "brush" structure or the like. This is a great idea for the lower lake and somewhat deeper water as it would help all species.

There is plenty of opportunity to make this work. Everyone please keep putting forth your ideas. Input is the best medicine!

[jefly77]

Here's something I've never seen talked about on here.

How about putting a bridge to the island across from Outlet 2? It would have to be from the southside, of course. It would pull some pressure from the outlests and create a lot more bank fishing space in high water. The little backside channel could be developed with structure to make it better than it currently is. It's small enough I think a little bobcat could place boulders and such for cheap.

Any thoughts?

[Indiana Trout]

Here's something I've never seen talked about on here.

How about putting a bridge to the island across from Outlet 2? It would have to be from the southside, of course. It would pull some pressure from the outlests and create a lot more bank fishing space in high water. The little backside channel could be developed with structure to make it better than it currently is. It's small enough I think a little bobcat could place boulders and such for cheap.

Any thoughts?

Like it! That is one great idea if they'd do a little development on the South side.

[Wayne SW/MO]

It would pull some pressure from the outlests and create a lot more bank fishing space in high water

It does tend to shrink depending on the height of the water. .

[jefly77]

It does tend to shrink depending on the height of the water.

True, but there is a pretty large piece of it that stays above the waterline in all but the highest flows. If the water gets too high, close the bridge.

Has anyone ever thought of the bridge to the island idea before? Just wondering.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I see one major problem, how much stream enhancement could you do for the price of a bridge? Then there's the fact that the high water is most persistent when the pressure is lowest.

[naru70]

How about 8 or 9 ft. of rock and concrete on top of powersite dam. That would give a little more depth to both ends. Sure could use more depth on the bottom end for the native fish in this lake. There are miles of unfishable water on the lower end.