Saw on KDWP's website today. (spelled Kanopolis wrong in title and can't change it)
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Saw on KDWP's website today. (spelled Kanopolis wrong in title and can't change it)
Well I guess Glens next, they're already everywhere. I heard from a source a couple years ago that based on the size of the ones recovered from Wilson, that they has "probably" been there for two (2) years prior to their discovery. What do you know about that?
Yes, I saw this today as well. I imagine that every reservoir now has them, it's just a matter of time until they show up in testing samples. It's very unfortunate!
$#@^. That's my home lake. And yes, Glen will be next if it hasnt already been affected. It would sure be nice to pinpoint the introduction.
One "good" thing, now I don't have to wash or disinfect my boat near as much, cause now I'm surrounded with them. IMHO Glen's got 'em to, it's just the high water these last 3 years is controlling their recruitment. The Wilson "thing" had plenty of us out here tweening those 2 lakes at the time, as well as Kanop. Hope I'm wrong, but sure seems inevitable.
Thats exactly why even though we had the oppotunity to fish other lakes we didn't, we didnt want to be the ones responsible for spreading nuisance while fishing multiple lakes. Im not saying all people who fish multiple lakes are irresponsible but I think overall, the average fisherman isnt up to speed on the invasive species. I've talked to many fellow fishermen and some have heard of it and some haven't. Here's a stunning example of fellow fishermen not having a clue.
My son and I were heading to Kanopolis for our annual walleye and saugeye trip. We stopped at Perry on the way over and fished for crappie from shore. The only reason we stopped here is we never been here before and we werent meeting our friends until that evening at Kanopolis. We fished a half day and caught 30 crappie, maybe half of them were keepers. We went to the fish cleaning station where a couple guys from Topeka had their vehicle and boat parked while cleaning fish.
After visitng them for awhile, I asked them how long the zebra mussels have been there. Neither one of them knew what I was talking about. However, someone who just moved to the area fishing from shore already had a clue of their existance by walking the shorline fishing for crappie. But I was also aware of their existence because of KDWP. That right there is just one example of an encounter with fellow fishermen not educated about the species.
Until something drastic is done, but my guess there wont because of resources, the spread will continue. Like most, I think it's inevitable that its going to spread. But, I can sleep better at night knowing I wasnt responsible for the spread of species.
El Dorado is the lake that gets me. I know that they had mussels a few years back (prior to me moving to Wichita and fishing the lake I guess they were a big pain). I can snag trees, pull up rocks, etc, and not find any in the lake. I talked to a gal at the marina last year and she said that they either don't have them anymore, or they are way controlled. I know that this isn't the 'ask the biologist' page, but Craig, is there any truth to this.
When we get a snag at Cheney or Wilson, it's full of mussels. Or our hooks are. And you can find them along the shorelines everywhere.
It didn't take long for the White Perch to get established in the El Dorado though. All they have to do now (if they haven't already) is figure out every point/flat/roadbed that guys are fishing for walleye on with nightcrawlers and they'll be just as big of a pain as in Wilson and Cheney.