Quote:
Originally Posted by HunterDave
If the total of lakes that are classed as "quality" is not 17 as listed on SRD website, then what's the problem? Can they not grow fish big enough, in which case the "quality" fishery experiment has failed in them, or, are the fish still growing and have not reached the anticipated 50 cm size? If it's the latter, then it should be a non-issue because "quality" fishery proponents have said all along that it would take 3 or 4 years to reach the quality status.
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In most cases when the fish are not reaching the expected size you can count on Poaching playing a huge role. Over harvest by increased anglers does not help the situation. Limits may be reduced but harvest stays the same.
There are very few of the lakes mentioned that cannot sustain a healthy population of good sized trout. Use Carson Lake history as a window. Rarely do you see a trout over 16 " these days. Rainbow trout to 12-14 pounds and over 30 " in the 70's and 80's. Over harvest, increased population have made Carson Mediocre to say the least. Carson would be a much bigger tourist draw if one was able to fish for those large trout again.
In the case of Muir the water level had dropped 7-8 feet from the 60's. The lack of water column has stunted/limited the fishery potential. It was a nice thought(project) but very poor location.