Mdc's Trout Habitat Project

[eric1978]

I'm almost always for habitat improvements, but I can think of about a dozen other projects on freestone rivers that the money would have been better spent on. Let's be honest...Taney is a fish bowl. All the boulders in the world won't make it look natural. But people enjoy it still in all its artificiality, so I say leave good enough alone and focus on more needed and beneficial habitat improvements on other streams.

Yet another example of MDC confusing "what people will like" with conservation. That said, good for Taney...should make your drifts a little more interesting.

[Outside Bend]

In part I agree with Eric, but having trout anywhere in the state is unnatural, it's hard to say at what point an unnatural spring creek trout fishery should take precedence over an unnatural tailwater fishery.

I don't fault MDC for doing habitat work on what's probably the state's most popular trophy trout fishery. Maybe I'm being overly cynical, but it makes a good 10 second sound bite when MDC is hauled in front of the state legislature every year in an attempt to repeal the Conservation sales tax. The MDC PR folks can physically point to the habitat improvements at Taney and say "This is what we did, this is how much it cost, and here's the positive feedback we've received from anglers (read: constituents)."

Are their more pressing issues MDC could be focusing on? Probably. But if you step back and take a look at the broader picture (and the current political climate), I don't fault them at all for trying to put another arrow in their quiver.

[ColdWaterFshr]

I agree, OB. Considering the # of wade-fishing anglers on the upper end of Taney, I think it offers significant bang for the buck. Of course it remains to be seen how it all works out, but I think its a step in the right direction.

[eric1978]

I guess I've just had enough of stupid things being done because it's politically convenient. MDC is supposed to be responsible for conservation, not fundraising. I'm not naive and realize that they are forced to somewhat sacrifice the former for the latter in this economic environment. But still...let Taney County raise some taxes if they want more tourists. Leave the MDC funds for conservation instead of amusement parks.

JMO.

[Gavin]

I agree with Eric...These "habitat improvements" arent going to last long, but at least a few old men will have a place to sit down while they lob a scud for a year or two.

[drew03cmc]

In part I agree with Eric, but having trout anywhere in the state is unnatural, it's hard to say at what point an unnatural spring creek trout fishery should take precedence over an unnatural tailwater fishery.

I don't fault MDC for doing habitat work on what's probably the state's most popular trophy trout fishery. Maybe I'm being overly cynical, but it makes a good 10 second sound bite when MDC is hauled in front of the state legislature every year in an attempt to repeal the Conservation sales tax. The MDC PR folks can physically point to the habitat improvements at Taney and say "This is what we did, this is how much it cost, and here's the positive feedback we've received from anglers (read: constituents)."

Are their more pressing issues MDC could be focusing on? Probably. But if you step back and take a look at the broader picture (and the current political climate), I don't fault them at all for trying to put another arrow in their quiver.

I will tell you where an unnatural spring creek trout fishery should take precedence. That point is when the trout in the spring creek can sustain themselves without the assistance of big brother and the hatcheries. Crane could benefit from A big boulder in the bridge hole, mic says that Blue Spring Creek could benefit from some rocks in the creek, any of the wild trout creeks around Rolla could use some work done to add fish holding habitat.

Hell, even a fishery such as Capps Creek could benefit from a few boulders placed in runs, not to mention Hickory Creek which the boulders will add valuable fish holding habitat.

Taneycomo is a fishery for trout which may as well be sterile. These rocks will be rolled around and into a hole somewhere during our next high water event. I hope THAT goes into their little butt-kissing report as to how "well" they spent the money.

[Phil Lilley]

I'm almost always for habitat improvements, but I can think of about a dozen other projects on freestone rivers that the money would have been better spent on. Let's be honest...Taney is a fish bowl. All the boulders in the world won't make it look natural. But people enjoy it still in all its artificiality, so I say leave good enough alone and focus on more needed and beneficial habitat improvements on other streams.

Yet another example of MDC confusing "what people will like" with conservation. That said, good for Taney...should make your drifts a little more interesting.

Money was a grant, Bass Pro and a federal entity.

Not trying to make it look natural. Never said that.

As I've said many times... trying to create pockets to hold trout where before it was flat with no holes or pockets. Can't dig a hole- it would just get filled in.

[Phil Lilley]

I will tell you where an unnatural spring creek trout fishery should take precedence. That point is when the trout in the spring creek can sustain themselves without the assistance of big brother and the hatcheries. Crane could benefit from A big boulder in the bridge hole, mic says that Blue Spring Creek could benefit from some rocks in the creek, any of the wild trout creeks around Rolla could use some work done to add fish holding habitat.

Hell, even a fishery such as Capps Creek could benefit from a few boulders placed in runs, not to mention Hickory Creek which the boulders will add valuable fish holding habitat.

Taneycomo is a fishery for trout which may as well be sterile. These rocks will be rolled around and into a hole somewhere during our next high water event. I hope THAT goes into their little butt-kissing report as to how "well" they spent the money.

No state or MDC money was spent.

Taneycomo - no trout reproduction so yes it is sterile.

Rocks won't go anywhere. There are much smaller rocks in the stream bed that have been there for years--even through this spring's high water.

[Guest]

deleted

[Phil Lilley]

http://www.nfwf.org/Content/NavigationMenu/MoreFish/GrantPrograms/table_rock_lake_fact_sheet.pdf

Sorry- not federal- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Bass Pro