08-04-2003, 07:38 AM
Shad are fairly tough, so let's keep our fingers crossed. However, Willard Bay is a bathtub. There's no buffer (depth) to protect the Bay from nature. The water temperature trend follows the air temperature trend so closely (even at depth) that I can't imagine the fishery would be the same from year to year. Our weather's been so weird in recent years (precip and temp). There are so many variables to consider. Temperature, oxygen, nutrient influx, food (for predator and prey), cover, etc, etc. I think the best we can do is hope that Mother Nature dishes out what's best for the prey population and hence the predator population from time to time. The DWR can do some good with planting and regulations, but they can't whip Mother Nature at her own game if she's intent on an outcome that's contrary to what we would like.
[signature]
[signature]