Biologiest opinion of dinks at Sardis

[ATM]

Mr. ATM,
Good morning and thank you for contacting MDWFP. I work under the head fisheries biologist over Sardis Reservoir, Mr. Keith Meals. You are correct that there was an unusually high harvest of large crappie as compared to years past. I don't believe all of the quality fish were caught this spring so there should be some 1 1/2 + pound fish caught this fall and next spring. The under 12" fish you are catching now came from our 2009, 2010 year classes (spawn) of white crappie. In 2009, we had high water during the spring spawn, which led to a more numerous than average amount of young surviving. We haven't sampled Sardis yet this year so I can't tell you exactly what to expect this fall. According to past growth rates, some of the 2009 year class should be exceeding 12 inches soon. As far as fishing next year, you should expect an excellent spring with lots of fish in the 12" - 14" range.
We expectedly see larger fish in the spring due to better body conditions with fattening up to reproduce. Lowest average weights on all four reservoirs every year are encountered during these hottest months. We also didn't encounter high losses through the spillway this winter. The main cause of high losses through the spillway follows a major rainfall event when water temperatures are very cold. I hope I have answered your questions and reassured you that there is better fishing on the horizon. Once again thank you for contacting MDWFP.
Josh Howell
Fisheries

[majflyboy]

Thanks ATM..

[Rees Guide]

That was rite nice of to take the time, thanks for posting it for us.

[Wannabe...]

If you'd a tolt him you was Barbie's husband, they'd of told you the truth - it's Feelay's fault.

Wannabe...

[ScottV]

Thanks ATM, that's some good info.

["G"]

Thanks for sharing that info ATM

[crappiholic]

Nice work!

[ATM]

A couple of things I learned from it was:
1) Gonna be tons of LEGAL fish come from Sardis next year.
2) Sardis can grow a 12" fish in 2 1/2 years. I assume the other of the Big 4 can also.
3) A large rain on COLD water somehow affects crappie going thru the spillway.
4) We really didn't catch them all, we just have an unusual amount of small fish.
5) MDWFP is happy with the # of 1 1/2 pound crappie and the general health of the fishery.

[BigKyd]

A 10 or 11 inch crappie is not a dink. The big four have a lot of folks spoiled.

[DonDon]

I'll keep a 11 inch fish in a heart beat if I'm allowed