Susky Smallies (Spawning Stress)

[Fishidiot]

The question of the decline of smallmouth bass in the lower Susquehanna River has been a frequent topic on this forum. This year, there has apparently been evidence that spawning stress is (or may) be a major problem.

Personally, I remain unconvinced that we have a solid answer to this problem but any new studies or info is good.

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/newsreleases/2009/susqu_fish_kills.pdf

 

[afishinado]

FI,

Thanks for the FYI link. My read from the notice in the link is that the dead and/or dying fish reports on the lower Susky have been from spawning stress, a normal process. I don't believe it is intended in any way to explain the population decline of SM in recent years in the lower Susky.

Everyone should keep an eye out for dead or dying fish, but a limited amount of die-offs after spawning is normal and expected.

 

[JasonS]

There's also a problem with the smallie population in the Big D. I'm not sure how widespread it is, but many anglers are reporting that they are catching smallies that have sores and lesions on them. I know the organization Delaware Riverkeepers is aware of it and is asking people to report any fish caught that have sores/lesions.

 

[afishinado]

JasonS wrote:
There's also a problem with the smallie population in the Big D. I'm not sure how widespread it is, but many anglers are reporting that they are catching smallies that have sores and lesions on them. I know the organization Delaware Riverkeepers is aware of it and is asking people to report any fish caught that have sores/lesions.

I haven't heard of this. I checked the Delaware Riverkeepers site and couldn't find any info. Do you have any more info or details about this?

 

[JasonS]

I'm not sure why they don't have it on their site, I also checked. I did ask Mike about it and he said he was aware of the it.

 

[wgmiller]

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/239004