Parksville, Chatuge, and Notley

[Carl Guffey]

A retired biologist friend of mine just finished spring sampling on Parksville, Chatuge, and Notley. Seems that some enterprising fishermen have introduced Alabama spots into that watershed. There are going to be some suprising numbers coming out in this years report. A large number of hybrid, spot and smallmouth crosses were identified. Needless to say the introduction of Alabama spots was a bonehead stunt. It was done by persons who totally disregarded the rights of the general public and have put these reservoirs at risk. Don't get me wrong, Alabama spots are fun to catch. I am really disappointed in any fishermen who could do such a thing.......

 

[fisherpal2k]

Carl, I don't know if there is a differnce in Alabama spots and Kentucky spots or whatever but it is bad. Spots have been in Lake Chatuge for several years now. They have crossed with the smallies and actually have almost decimated the smallie population there. Chatuge used to be the premeir lake in Ga for catching smallies but now it is almost impossible to find a pure smallie there. </p>

 Nottley lake has had spots for several years also. They have crossed with the smallies and large mouth up there. It is also a lost cause for the smallies. </p>

 Blue Ridge lake is the only lake left in GA that is considered to have a decent population of small mouth left. But that will soon end as someone has introduced spots to that lake also. The Ga DNR has increased the limit on spotted bass and even asks fishermen to keep them. During the winter draw downs at this lake the DNR even advertises for people to come and catch and keep them. </p>

  Parksville has had spots for  a few years now and the population is exploding with them. I can remember fishing all the above mentioned lakes and being able to catch a limit of Smallies. Not any more. You may luck up and hit a few but not consisitantly.</p>

  I will have to agree with you. Who ever put them there caused a lot of long term grief for the fishery. The smallie and the spots fight for the same bedding areas and usually spawn at about the same times. Thats why they cross so much. Thanks for bringing this out and keep up the good work .</p>

 By the way, saw the write up in the mag and maybe it will pass. I hope that folks will see that the fisheries are in trouble and need help. A stamp ain't a bad idea.</p>

 

[Guest]

I don't if there were 'bama strain or not but spots have been in Chatuge and Nottley at least 15 years and in Parksville at least 10. Also don't forget Coosa bass have also been introduced to Parksville, so most of the black bass there are already hybrids (even though they may look like largemouth, smallies, or spots).

 

[Guest]

I have been catching the coosa fish at parksville for over 10 years