Fall Shocking Surveys

[Justin Spencer]

Water is already markedly cooler with the cool nights, by the first week in October (which is when they will do the NFoW) it will have cooled even more. I would agree that lower water is preferred in order to get a better sample. I for one trust the experts to do what they do, I would like to think if it was too hard on the fish they wouldn't do it.

[ozark trout fisher]

. I for one trust the experts to do what they do, I would like to think if it was too hard on the fish they wouldn't do it.

Probably not Justin, and I also trust that the MDC is knowledgeable and knows what they are doing on this. Still doesn't hurt to ask questions.

[Outside Bend]

As far as the shocking itself goes, you're typically only netting a small fraction of the fish that are out there, often only 10 or 20%. Many fish avoid the electric current, shoot through it, become hung up in rootwads, undercuts, etc, or otherwise aren't netted. Of the ones that are caught, mortality is typically less than 10%, but just like C&R it depends a lot on who's handling the fish and how, and how careful they're being. But overall, trout are often more durable than we give them credit for.

[3wt]

If only they would get biologists involved in this stuff...oh wait...they do.

[laker67]

In years past, I have witnessed MDC doing the shocking at night on taney. They would motor up as high as the rebar during low water. Is there an advantage to shocking, and doing their surveys at night?

[Tim Smith]

In years past, I have witnessed MDC doing the shocking at night on taney. They would motor up as high as the rebar during low water. Is there an advantage to shocking, and doing their surveys at night?

Electrofishing CPUE is higher at night, especially for large fish that more easily avoid the electrical field.

It also keeps the public out of your hair a bit more.

[Wayne SW/MO]

They use it extensively to catch walleye for their temporary brood stock. You don't see dead fish after they leave and I know they bring a truck load back, so It apparently isn't too harmful.