Dredging at Bennett

[brittsnbirds]

While I was down at BSP this past weekend I noticed a track hoe setting by the hatchery outlet. Another gentleman asked me what it was for. I didn't see any open holes. Hopefully they are not planning on dredging. I was wondering if anyone had any info?

Plus, I wonder when they are going to get started on that cleaning station?

[NoLuck]

Brit,

You should try e-mailing Weavers to see if they know anything about dredging.I haven't heard anything but,you never know.Just some good water flow would do wonders down there now.

Rich

[drew03cmc]

If they dredge it will lose most of the fly fishing appeal (riffles and such), but will be more open to lure fishermen in the deeper areas.

[sight fisherman]

I was there this past weekend, and it looked like all the work had been done in zone 3. They widened the zone 3 side of the whistle bridge, which lowered the water level. It looked like they also removed some of the big rocks down in the suzy hole area. I'm not sure if they have any more plans to clear or dredge anymore areas, and no one seemed to know at the park store on Sunday. As for the fishing, it could of been better. The stained water makes it hard on us sight fisherman.

[brittsnbirds]

Actually the water flow was better this past weekend. It rained Saturday and night then a little Sunday. But the water is definately stained.

[Snow Fly]

Received an e-mail from Jerry at Weavers,this date,concerning my e-mail to him about dredging in Zone 3. Jerry talked to the Hatchery Manager & his Assistant and NO dredging has done in Zone 3. The work done below the Whistle Bridge was to rearrange some of the rip-rap in that general area. Jerry was also informed NO DREDGING was planned this winter at Bennett Springs.

You can depend on Jerry checking everything out to make sure the info given to him is correct. I'm still getting over the terrible dredging done a few years ago above the Hatchery Inlet and just below the island. This was a terrible example of what dredging can do to good water when not properly managed. Now you have one deep hole that grows more moss every year.

[Thom]

Your absolutely right about the moss. I didn't know why the stretch had changed at the hatchery outlet, but it is really different. They ruined what was one of the best riffles and runs in the stream. I seldom even fish there anymore because it is almost impossible to get a drift because of the moss dragging line and fouling the fly.

The comment about the owners at Weavers is right on. They are a class act and very customer friendly. I often buy something there at least once when I am at Bennett if I need it or not just to stop by and chat. Awesome and very accurate web site also. a must to visit if you plan a trip to Bennett

[mizzouflyfisher]

They don't dredge very often, but they do cut weeds from time to time. It's good to get the water up and clearing up the stream some. At montauk they have a boat that they take out in some of the slower stretches to cut the weeds. Bennett does need to get some high fast water at some point to get the slick moss off the rocks. I don't think that stuff is good for the stream, and it's horrible to walk on.

Mizzouflyfisher