Butlas Fish population lokoing good according to MDWFP
Fish Populations Rebound in Arkabutla Reservoir
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MDWFP fisheries biologists saw dramatic increases in the numbers of fish during fall electrofishing efforts on Arkabutla Reservoir this year. Compared to 2012, catch rates of Largemouth Bass during these surveys increased from three to 73 bass per hour, and crappie catch rates increased from 17 to 33 crappie per hour. Bluegill catch rates also increased from 14 to 84 fish per hour. Not only are the numbers much greater, but growth of Largemouth Bass and White Bass spawned this year is also excellent.
"Some of these fish have already reached harvestable size," said MDWFP Fisheries Biologist Keith Meals. According to Meals, the number of fish have increased due to low water levels during 2012 which allowed the growth of vegetation on thousands of acres of exposed lake bottom. "Arkabutla is a very dynamic system, with water levels that change regularly," said Meals. "This vegetation flooded during spring 2013, which created excellent spawning habitat. Anglers should catch the benefits of this large spawn during the next few years."
