Fish Size and Drought Musings

[joatmon]

I've kept fairly detailed records over the past few ice fishing seasons, and it seems to me that the average fish size is down.  I know there are exceptions, but fish length has been shorter and many fish seem leaner too.  My theory is that lower water levels have the same effect as increased fish populations; in other words, waters are relatively overpopulated (more fish per unit of water) during a drought.  My guess is this may affect forage species as well, resulting in less food available.  Overall, this results in stunted growth, with average fish size down and fewer large fish to be found.

Lower water also affects water temperature, which can have the same or similar effects on fish size and prey availability.  And probably lots of other factors at play as well.  And of course, this is not restricted to ice season, but that's where I have my data set.

Anybody else see this trend the last couple of drought years, and especially this year?