Predator fishin' in the Ozarks

[johno]

Just thought I'd relate this interesting phenomenon...

Weeks ago, during the floods, the Corps of Engineers had to open the flood gates on the dams here for the first time since they were built. Millions of gallons of lake water from the surface were released, and lots of predatory fish along with them.

This is particularly problematic on the North Fork River, because there's a trout hatchery just at the base of the dam, where trout are released. The striped bass, white bass, walleye, blue channel catfish, etc. are eating all the trout in the river. Some of the bass are around 20 lbs., some of the catfish around 30lbs., so you can imagine how much they eat.

They have been encouraging fishermen to catch all they can, but that's not doing the trick, so they are considering desperate measures - I don't know what those are just yet...

My brother caught a 25 pound striped bass 2 weeks ago, which was half of the 50 pounds of fish on his stringer. Let me tell you, striped bass and walleye is goood eatin'!

So, just a heads-up to any travelling fishermen.

[plantsnobin]

Well, my dad was a well driller. Had access to dynamite. Liked to use it. Let's just say it makes quick work of fishing.

[canadamike]

I would trade ten pounds of trout for one pound of walleye any day...

and run away laughing at the poor guy who traded with me, thinking I really screwed him. Mind you, he would think the same thing...

[sammyqc]

Are you kidding me? Trout is good eating. Then again, I prefer smelts. Nothing like a night out, smelt fishing in the dark (only time to do it), and a pan fry at midnight. Good memories.