Lake Map Question

[jovush]

I recently purchased a Stockton Lake map from "Fishing Hot Spots" and was reading in the "Lake Profile" portion that the water in the Big Sac Arm is "considered as being moderately infertile". I hope this refers to spawning oppurtunities and not as toxic as it sounds. Any ideas?

[Fireflies]

Hope this helps.

Mesotrophic lakes separate into layers in the summer. The top layer of water becomes warm from the sun and contains algae. Since the by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen, oxygen concentration remains high at the surface of the lake. The bottom layer remains cooler and can become anoxic in mid-summer. This change occurs because as all the algae and other organisms die and are decomposed at the bottom of the lake, oxygen gets used up. Since this bottom layer of water does not mix with the top layer of water in the summer, oxygen cannot be replenished. The implications of anoxia are that no fish or other organisms can live where there is no oxygen; therefore, in late summer, fish move shallower where there is still oxygen available.

[straw hat]

I saw that on my copy as well. This comment stricks me as particularly odd. As your comment indicated fertility references the ability to reproduce. Usually us bioligists refer to a body of water as being fertile if it is capable of supporting reproduction of organisms. That sounds like double talk but essentially it means that fertile waters contain high enough levels of nutrients to support the growth of algae (as firefly mentioned) because with the growth of algae you get populations of microorganisms that feed on the algae and then small fish that feed on the microrganisms and larger fish that feed on the small fish.... the food chain. The more fertile the water the larger the population of organisms that it can support (eg. fireflies mesotrophic lake). If the water becomes so full of fertilizer that it is polluted it can generate a lake or stream that produces so much algae that it becomes choked with it and the algae begins to die and sucks all the oxygen out of the water (called an eutropic lake or stream). As far as Big Sac is concerned there has been several studies done by the state that reflects a HIGH fertility for the stream. The Mo DOC is very concerned about Big Sac and other streams over the introduction of livestock waste, leaking septic tanks and overferilization by farmers. They have had several internal meetings over how to address these issues. I don't know where the Hot Spot map came up with this but the studies indicate they are wrong. Just go to the back of this arm of the lake during summer when there hasn't been any recent water flow and look at the algae bloom and algae growth on trees, rocks, etc.

[jovush]

Thanks to Firefly and Straw Hat for so eloquently answering my question!! I knew I came to the right place for knowledge about what is quickly becoming my favorite lake. I'm also thankful to have access to this forum where a guy can go for answers. Thanks again gentlemen!! I plan on landing some "moderately" sized fish from this "moderately infertile" body of water.

[straw hat]

My freinds tell me that "eloquently" is another word for talking too much. lol If they are right then I sure can be eloquent a lot. HAHA. I look forward to your fishing reports, good luck on your next trip.

[jovush]

I guess I could have said you guys did a fine job of explaining but wanted to use a big word, I only have a few. Thanks again and I did appreicate your responses. I hope to have a report soon, with pictures if the weekends will cooperate with me, seems all the best weather is during the work week.

Joe