Just got back from the big meeting

[Wiskers]

Well I went to the meeting tonight about the crappie population at Ky & Barkley Lakes. Thought the meeting was very informative. The KDFW boys took the opportunity to also talk about an Aligator Gar stocking program that they are gonna impliment in the Oxbow lake.

Although we did get off topic a time or two there was some goo imput from all. The subject of closing off some of the bays during the spawning period was brought up. Mr. Rister didn't give it much credence although there was the idea of extending the off limits areas designated for Eagles until May. They're gonna look into that as a possibility. That way they can blame it on the bird watchers! :D We also discussed things like predation from other fish species, Comerans (I call'um water turkeys), Pelicans, etc... We discussed loss of habitat and water conditions that have effected the last few spawns. I believe the main thrust of the meeting was to gather suport for a stocking program. They are a little iffy on whether it will have an impact but seem to be willing to try it. They said that they would probably focus on Blood River on Ky' & Little River on Barkley. And CP you got your wish. They also mentioned stocking programs for Taylorsville & I believe Carr Creek. They are looking to have some "tournaments" to gather brood stock from the lakes & I will try to get info on that. The must be wanting to get go'n on this cause the first tournament is gonna be the 28th of this month at Blood River I thing.

Got to meet Joey Briggs & his son. Saw my ol'buddy Yodibuzz & got to shake the hands of some other fine folks.

All in all I enjoyed the meeting.

[badbrad]

Wiskers, appreciate the update, would have liked to attended the meeting myself. I'm just glad the F&W guys are receptive to the idea of supplemental stocking, that is if it seems necessary. Seems like with the popularity of Crappie fishing and the revenue it generates, taking steps to improve the fishery would be beneficial to everyone.

I've never fished Blood, but may try to come over and fish the tourney if the catch helps with restoration efforts.

[High Tide]

Wiskers, thanks for the post! Glad to hear things are moving forward...

[EDDY CREEK BANDIT]

Thanks, Wiskers! And by the way this is the first time I have been on in a while. Thanks for the info via PM. As is seems like always the case there are issues here at my little store that requires my presence for the next several weeks. On the weekends there are family oblligations that need me to travel to see Kids and Grand Kids. Happens every year during the best fishing time. All this will let up sometime in May.
THE BANDIT

[Quackrstackr]

Why in the world are they going to stock alligator gar anywhere?

[pab1981]

Maybe to combat asian carp?

[Wiskers]

Why in the world are they going to stock alligator gar anywhere?

Back 40 years ago when I was a little fella fish'n the lake in Ballard county bottoms with Grandaddy you would see these giant gar swim by the boat. Now they are all but gone from those lower lakes. I guess farming chemical, drought and other factors have depleted their numbers.

Basicly the way they explained it there is some money there that has to be used for endanger species. It's kindof a "use it or lose it" deal. Plus, have you been down to the lower lakes lately? The Asian Carp have taken over big time. I actually mistook schools of them for shad this fall while I was fish'n down there. They were everywhere! This has caused a reduction in game fish numbers due to the Carp changing the ecosystem. They believe that these Giant Gar prefer to feed on carp & the like and will help control them to some degree. Sure they're gonna eat a few crappie, bluegill, bass, etc... when they're small, but when they get bigger they'll start feeding on bigger fish like the carp.

After listening to the information that was presented I can see the logic behind the move.

[Quackrstackr]

I figured a reduction in the carp might be their motive. I can't see them stocking enough to make a dent without making the fishery out of whack with too many gar. They will have to make them off limits to the bowfishing crowd also if that is their intent.

I would be afraid that all of their stocking efforts are likely to go right out into the river with the first flood. Trying to stock bodies of water that are most certainly going to flood (even multiple times a year) doesn't seem like the most productive use of their $. I guess I have to remember that this is a political entity that we are talking about, though. :D

[Joey Briggs]

Wiskers you must have took some good notes you sumed up that three hour meeting in just a few minuits nice to meet you and yodibuzz.Anybody needs any info about the tournament just pm me when i get all the info i will let you know.

[Yodibuzz]

nice to meet you guys last night. not many surprises except the news about the alligator gar. paul was up front about flood control being the problem and i really like the fact that they are willing to try something new anyway. good meeting and i am glad they took the time to inform us.