Zebra Mussels on Pomme

For those of use who fish Pomme de Terre lake and others. The Missouri Department of Conservation has confirmed the presence of zebra mussel veligers (babies) on Pomme de Terre Lake. Samples taken in 3 locations (nemo bridge, P-6, and in front of dam) have all come back with high concentrations of veligers or the microscopic spawn of the zebra mussels. So far they haven't found the adults but obviously they are around. The concentrations are not as high as LOZ but high enough. Samples from Stockton were clean, and Truman was clean on two tests and inconclusive on the third (they will be re-testing). However if they are in Pomme they are in Truman. It was only a matter of time but hoped it would take longer. Lots of folks fish both Pomme and Stockton and I'm sure everyone has seen the signs at boat ramps etc. No one really knows what the impacts will be at Pomme but we will find out I guess.

If there are mussels in there, the Black Crappie Population will eventually exceed the White Crappie Population.

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Originally Posted by Kit Papermouth

If there are mussels in there, the Black Crappie Population will eventually exceed the White Crappie Population.

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hey greg whats the scoop on the statement, I know not much on the zebra mussell,, other than it is considered verry bad what does it do to the white crappie

Mussels eat by filtering algae and other organic matter out of the water. Maybe that leads to clearer water, which black crappie prefer? That's my guess.

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Originally Posted by beagle man

hey greg whats the scoop on the statement, I know not much on the zebra mussell,, other than it is considered verry bad what does it do to the white crappie

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Beagle, since the muscles are filter feeders, they actually clean the silt out of the water. Black crappie thrive better in clearer water than whites. I think thats what Kit was talking about. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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Originally Posted by polvo

Mussels eat by filtering algae and other organic matter out of the water. Maybe that leads to clearer water, which black crappie prefer? That's my guess.

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Give that man a kewpie doll. :)

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Originally Posted by rlsiv

Give that man a kewpie doll. :)

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Woot! How about a giant crappie doll, eh? :)

Don't They Get Into Pumps And Stuff And Plug Them Up?

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Originally Posted by Kit Papermouth

If there are mussels in there, the Black Crappie Population will eventually exceed the White Crappie Population.

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No scientist here but agree with this statement 100%. The public campaign for zebra mussel control could only hope to stall the inevitable I believe. No knock on MO DOC or other agencies that have waged the battle because they have performed miracles. Best hope is that the result isn't disastrous, the Great Lakes have come through fairly well for the sport fisherman. Can you imagine being able to see in 10' fow at Truman? I'm probably old enough not to see it happen but some of you younger guys might. Still catch fish? Absolutely, but maybe with different techniques.

The fellers are correct. Clearer water = more black crappie.
Kentucky lake is a good example. Used to be 10 whites for every black. Now the water is clear enough to see your jig at 1ft or better. Blacks are more prevalent in those areas.

g.

ok again I learn something on here. thanks all



your humble dog

Gravois says it all. LOZ

Truman has such a high inflow at times I can't believe that they will turn the water into super clear. Pomme they will likely have some effect, part of which may be good. Many years ago Pomme used to have large beds of aquatic plants, MDC has been working in recent years to re-establish some of those aquatic plants. however a combination of high water which covers the plants too deep to get sunlight, murky water which block the sunlight also, and a year or two of low water which put the shallow water plantings onto mud and froze them over winter have been detrimental to those attempts. It remains to be seen what the impacts actually will be. Sadly its also just a matter of time until Stockton has them too, and all the other lakes in MO, we can slow down the spread with dilligent efforts but there is no real way to treat for them or completely stop them. Black Crappie do seem to prefer clear water. But I don't know what the long term effects will be for sure.