Scuds -- Freshwater Shrimp in Abundance

[Phil Lilley]

Taken this morning off our boat ramp (June 9, 2015). After 10 days of flood gates and 57 degree water, our scud population seems to have exploded. In my 32 years, I've never seen this along my bank - and they're everywhere.

We've been catching rainbows that are belching scuds all the way to the boat and in the boat. Their bellies are bulging and their growth rates is amazing.

If only we had warmer water flowing from the dam... think of the trout fishery we'd have!!

[podum]

That is unreal.

[sms_alum]

I'm confused why that would be the case. Scuds seem most prevelent in the trophy area where water temps would be cooler. Why would a rise in water temps create more scuds down at your ramp?

[Lancer09]

I'm confused why that would be the case. Scuds seem most prevelent in the trophy area where water temps would be cooler. Why would a rise in water temps create more scuds down at your ramp?

I would assume there are EVEN more than there were up by the dam now..

[Phil Lilley]

I believe people assume there are more up lake than down lake. Not so.

I talked to our fisheries biologists last week (actually took him fishing to show off our rainbows) and he said the pond weed down at Rockaway are full of scuds.

[moguy1973]

So I guess there's a scud pattern right now?

[Phil Lilley]

Has been for a couple of weeks...