Catfish 1
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Questions/ concerns for Crappie population-Watts Bar, Chick and Nickajack-Replyfrom Mike Jolley TWRA
Reply Used By Permission:
Questions and concerns for the Crappie population - Watts Bar, Chickamauga and Nickajack Reservoirs
We have observed a significant reduction in the crappie population and size of the crappie on the referenced reservoirs. 2009 thru May of 2011, we were catching crappie well over 11 inches…some as large as 16 inches-2 plus lbs on a regular basis, with limits (15-10” per person) being reached consistently. We have not been catching the crappie on docks and structure as in the past…in short they are not in the usual locations. Our short (<10”) to keeper (10”>) ratio has been steady at 8-10 short to 1 keeper.
QUESTION: What has caused the decreased size of crappie and the smaller population? This is our (group) observation.
QUESTION: When will this observed situation return to the 2009-2010 levels?
ANSWER/REPLY:
I'm glad you have been enjoying crappie fishing on these Region 3 reservoirs and are concerned and inquisitive enough to seek explanations. I will be happy to provide input from my perspective as TWRA, Reg 3 Reservoir Fisheries Biologist. My reply should address both of your questions since they have a direct correlation with one another.
Let me begin by saying that reservoir crappie populations tend to be very cyclic in nature across all reservoirs in the state. That is, it's either "boom" or "bust" population numbers that are reflected and realized annually in data surveys and observed by fishermen. The major dictator of this is the spawning success which can be influenced by a multitude of things with full stable water levels in the spring being the most critical. As you know, the delayed fill up for Chickamauga and Watts Bar is now achieved by May 15 as compared to April 15 before the new TVA River Operation Study (ROS) went into effect. The month of April is the big one for crappie spawning but often this month is the most unstable in reference to water levels...not good for crappie spawning as well as other species of fish. Let me illustrate how this recently played out on many of our TN River reservoirs which is much of what you have experienced. In the spring of 2003, there was a huge spawn of crappie and bass for that matter, it was off the charts in our trend data. Why? Because there were huge spring rains (flood) that kept the reservoir levels full providing optimum spawning success. If we follow that year class (2003) of crappie through, we will see them show up to a creelable size (10") in 2006 (3 year old fish), and we did. This large year class of crappie can now spawn and produce another good number of offspring. But remember, the success of their spawn will be determined in large part by environmental factors (water levels). We evaluate crappie spawning success, usually annually, on Chickamauga and Watts Bar Reservoirs via fall trap netting that catches juvenile crappie. Good numbers of crappie captured in these nets are good predictors of a successful spawn. However, the first winter is very critical on these juveniles surviving to show up the next year and subsequently in the creel. The harder the winter, the more negative the impact can be. Also, upon hatchery availability, we stock crappie in reservoirs with failed year classes of crappie due to poor spawning success.
The large 16 inch crappie you and others were catching were most likely the adults of the 2003 year class. I would add that areas (water depth) and lure selection will many times determine the overall size fish that are being caught by specific anglers. The smaller population you are seeing now is another year class coming on which offers promise of good fishing opportunities as they reach the legal limit. In 2010, our trap netting showed a pretty good spawn, especially for the white crappie on both Chickamauga and Watts Bar reservoirs. These fish should show up in the creel in 2013. Speaking of crappie limits, a few years ago TWRA recommended going from a 30/day to 15/day crappie creel limit in part as an effort to spread out these good years ("boom") over a greater period and amongst more fishermen. Chickamauga, when compared to its neighbors above (Watts Bar) and below (Nickajack) is more consistent currently with crappie production and overall population numbers. Watts Bar has been getting minimal crappie spawning successes off as compared to years ago. Ample forage, habitat, and over all environmental conditions also play a large role in the success of fish populations. As our reservoirs are getting older, they become less productive and historic habitat is depleted. Nickajack offers good crappie fishing but never rivals Chickamauga in numbers due to the more riverine integrity of Nickajack and the acreage difference between the two. Although the lower end of Nickajack has very good crappie habitat in certain areas.
I hope this helps give you some insight to why you and others experienced the crappie fishing you did and also to provide you with enough information to have well founded expectations for upcoming crappie years. Basically, when you are catching those 8-9" crappie, the next spring fishermen should make crappie fishing a priority as much as you can and enjoy one of those "boom" year classes coming through. Because, the "bust" years will usually be sure to make an appearance as well.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Happy Fishing!
Mike Jolley
TWRA
Region 3 Reservoir Biologist/ Reservoir Manager
PS: I also wanted to add to my earlier response that we continually check crappie populations via electrofishing and creel surveys as well. This, along with trapnetting surveys, allows us to make the best recommendations we can for the resource. We are constantly monitoring fish populations in order to provide sound biological decisions.
Reply Used By Permission:
Questions and concerns for the Crappie population - Watts Bar, Chickamauga and Nickajack Reservoirs
We have observed a significant reduction in the crappie population and size of the crappie on the referenced reservoirs. 2009 thru May of 2011, we were catching crappie well over 11 inches…some as large as 16 inches-2 plus lbs on a regular basis, with limits (15-10” per person) being reached consistently. We have not been catching the crappie on docks and structure as in the past…in short they are not in the usual locations. Our short (<10”) to keeper (10”>) ratio has been steady at 8-10 short to 1 keeper.
QUESTION: What has caused the decreased size of crappie and the smaller population? This is our (group) observation.
QUESTION: When will this observed situation return to the 2009-2010 levels?
ANSWER/REPLY:
I'm glad you have been enjoying crappie fishing on these Region 3 reservoirs and are concerned and inquisitive enough to seek explanations. I will be happy to provide input from my perspective as TWRA, Reg 3 Reservoir Fisheries Biologist. My reply should address both of your questions since they have a direct correlation with one another.
Let me begin by saying that reservoir crappie populations tend to be very cyclic in nature across all reservoirs in the state. That is, it's either "boom" or "bust" population numbers that are reflected and realized annually in data surveys and observed by fishermen. The major dictator of this is the spawning success which can be influenced by a multitude of things with full stable water levels in the spring being the most critical. As you know, the delayed fill up for Chickamauga and Watts Bar is now achieved by May 15 as compared to April 15 before the new TVA River Operation Study (ROS) went into effect. The month of April is the big one for crappie spawning but often this month is the most unstable in reference to water levels...not good for crappie spawning as well as other species of fish. Let me illustrate how this recently played out on many of our TN River reservoirs which is much of what you have experienced. In the spring of 2003, there was a huge spawn of crappie and bass for that matter, it was off the charts in our trend data. Why? Because there were huge spring rains (flood) that kept the reservoir levels full providing optimum spawning success. If we follow that year class (2003) of crappie through, we will see them show up to a creelable size (10") in 2006 (3 year old fish), and we did. This large year class of crappie can now spawn and produce another good number of offspring. But remember, the success of their spawn will be determined in large part by environmental factors (water levels). We evaluate crappie spawning success, usually annually, on Chickamauga and Watts Bar Reservoirs via fall trap netting that catches juvenile crappie. Good numbers of crappie captured in these nets are good predictors of a successful spawn. However, the first winter is very critical on these juveniles surviving to show up the next year and subsequently in the creel. The harder the winter, the more negative the impact can be. Also, upon hatchery availability, we stock crappie in reservoirs with failed year classes of crappie due to poor spawning success.
The large 16 inch crappie you and others were catching were most likely the adults of the 2003 year class. I would add that areas (water depth) and lure selection will many times determine the overall size fish that are being caught by specific anglers. The smaller population you are seeing now is another year class coming on which offers promise of good fishing opportunities as they reach the legal limit. In 2010, our trap netting showed a pretty good spawn, especially for the white crappie on both Chickamauga and Watts Bar reservoirs. These fish should show up in the creel in 2013. Speaking of crappie limits, a few years ago TWRA recommended going from a 30/day to 15/day crappie creel limit in part as an effort to spread out these good years ("boom") over a greater period and amongst more fishermen. Chickamauga, when compared to its neighbors above (Watts Bar) and below (Nickajack) is more consistent currently with crappie production and overall population numbers. Watts Bar has been getting minimal crappie spawning successes off as compared to years ago. Ample forage, habitat, and over all environmental conditions also play a large role in the success of fish populations. As our reservoirs are getting older, they become less productive and historic habitat is depleted. Nickajack offers good crappie fishing but never rivals Chickamauga in numbers due to the more riverine integrity of Nickajack and the acreage difference between the two. Although the lower end of Nickajack has very good crappie habitat in certain areas.
I hope this helps give you some insight to why you and others experienced the crappie fishing you did and also to provide you with enough information to have well founded expectations for upcoming crappie years. Basically, when you are catching those 8-9" crappie, the next spring fishermen should make crappie fishing a priority as much as you can and enjoy one of those "boom" year classes coming through. Because, the "bust" years will usually be sure to make an appearance as well.
Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Happy Fishing!
Mike Jolley
TWRA
Region 3 Reservoir Biologist/ Reservoir Manager
PS: I also wanted to add to my earlier response that we continually check crappie populations via electrofishing and creel surveys as well. This, along with trapnetting surveys, allows us to make the best recommendations we can for the resource. We are constantly monitoring fish populations in order to provide sound biological decisions.
