Thread: Question on lake biology

Just curious Craig have you ever seen a lake turn around to have quality sized Crappie or Largemouth from increased harvest after It has gotten overpopulated with stunted 6 to 9 inch fish that you were referring to. I have in a real small farm pond but never have in something 50 acres or bigger.

Originally Posted by skinner80

Just curious Craig have you ever seen a lake turn around to have quality sized Crappie or Largemouth from increased harvest after It has gotten overpopulated with stunted 6 to 9 inch fish that you were referring to. I have in a real small farm pond but never have in something 50 acres or bigger.

skinner80,

Yes, I have seen lakes show improvement in fish populations. Reasons for improvements are usually multiple vs. only increased harvest. Harvest is immediate and helps decrease density RIGHT NOW. Predation is also effective in controlling crappie density but it takes longer especially if you have to establish or modify an existing population to provide the needed increased predation.

More than one single management option is needed to improve fisheries in poor shape. The lake manager(s) need to have a goal and a plan as improving undesirable fisheries can take several years.