Lower Taney Inaugeration

[Trav]

As I have posted before, Trout rank below bass and especially carp as well as even bluegills and crappie on the intelligence scale. According to studies from the berkley science department.

So fishing on a cold water trout lake must give substantial diversity to the fishery. Not with just activity but productivity.

Additions of the brown trout over decades have changed those numbers.

Walleye is obsolete on the Lower, catfish is soon to be a dying species. Numbers of Bass and crappie are becoming depleted but are consistant. Maybe due to the increasing numbers of brown trout. I for one have adjusted to the change in the fishery but is it fair to those that want other species?

Is it fair to establish a trophy trout fishery at the expense of other species? As a guy that catches numerous quality brown trout, I still see the cause and effect to the bass population. And as a fisherman in general, I can see the effect on cats and crappies.

The bows dont eat each other, Browns eat everything. Your opinion on this subject could mean life or death to a culture. A dying culture to the Lower Taney. Cats and and bass being harvested nibbles away at the natural where the stocking nibbles of alpha fish like browns chip away at the natrual population.

[JobyKSU]

I'll stay out of the argument, and this is at best an aside: but the source you are siting is the head of "Fish Research" At Berkley products - as in powerbait - not "University of".

From what I've gathered from the scientific research, very little is actually known about fish intelligence, and Doc Jones hasn't actually shared any results. The only actual results I've been able to find of his are in regards to bass avoiding bait they've been exposed to a month or so earlier. I'm not saying he's wrong, I just don't necessarily trust someone who is trying to sell me something That neither changes your point nor addresses your question, so feel free to disregard!

[Phil Lilley]

Trav,

I'd ask for a link to any studies you would refer to in your opening statement, if nothing else, to give credence to your arguments.

Is there any studies referring to your statement about browns eating "everything"?

[crappiefisherman]

I thought I would help by researching the (brown trout diet) on the internet and all I found was how to lose 12 lbs in one week by jenny craig

[Danoinark]

I agree with Trav, I think EVERYONE needs to fish lower Taney....There are no more fish in the upper trophy sections. Yes, nothing left, Please, Please go to the downstream reaches. Yessir, no fish up this way.

[Seth]

I agree with Trav, I think EVERYONE needs to fish lower Taney....There are no more fish in the upper trophy sections. Yes, nothing left, Please, Please go to the downstream reaches. Yessir, no fish up this way.

Uh huh....tell us another one sir. I think you done seen that Taneycomo squid one too many times already.

[Danoinark]

Uh huh....tell us another one sir. I think you done seen that Taneycomo squid one too many times already.

[Trav]

Joby

After further review, you are correct, thanx for the clarification.

Phil, The study I am referring to was in an article from the Bass Times. As Joby pointed, it probably isnt the most unbiased source. But a study all the same.

As far as Brown trout eating everything, That is common knowledge. Not unlike Bass they will consume anything that may or may not have a pulse. They are ravenous opportunistic feeders. Just ask any stocker bow or the occasional bass stuck in the throats of many a brown I have caught. Infact, I catch the bulk of my Browns on home-made lures that resemble a cross between a hubcap and a louisville slugger. Haha

I for one have exclusively fished the Lower Taney for 3 decades and have noticed changes in its diversity since the influx of Browns. Granted, I dont believe the impact is a continuing trend, just a noticable reaction to the existing population. The majority of my observation is just that. A single point of view from an individual whom likes to stir up controversy for conversation sake. Wink

With that said,

Dano, Sarcasm aside, Haha, I dont see any reports of people catching 50 plus fish on the Lower Taney. If your looking for numbers then the upper is the place for you.

Just watch out for those squids, I havent seen any reports of them down here on the lower..... But of course they prefer tourists if I am correct. And the tourists tend to be drawn to the phrase "Trophy Area".

[Phil Lilley]

There's a similar occurrence on Bull Shoals... decline in shad. But I don't think you can blame that on brown trout can you? Since the lakes are so closely connected, the cause could be the same, could it not?

By the way, MDC doesn't know the reason for the decline (BS), only that it may be a natural progression of an aging, man-made lake... ie. freshwater shrimp/Lake Taneycomo.

[Trav]

Valid point Phil.