Quote Originally Posted by Old Sarge View Post
How's about blueback herring? I know they aren't indigenous to Ar but they have really helped the lakes in the southeast.
Sarge - You are correct. Blueback herring are not native to Arkansas. While they may be of benefit to some of the lakes in the southeast, they also have some drawbacks. the literature on blueback herring demonstrate that they eat the eggs of other game fish, which can cause a decline in their population. Specifically they seem to target walleye eggs. I'm not exact;y sure why this is. Also, as a general rule of thumb, it isn't good to bring in a species that isn't native because to could cause unforeseen negative consequences. I know that in the past, AGFC has introduced some non native species. Since the early days of fish management in the state, the mind set has changed. Hopefully getting a strong threadfin shad population in our lakes that our laking them, will help fill this void and will result in a healthy fishery.