04-05-2014, 02:35 PM
[#0000FF]Yes, there was an apparent carp catastrophe a few years ago. Seems like all species have periodic "adjustments" in their populations but seldom with carp. Haven't heard of anything definitive. Not like the "carp aids" virus that was discovered in (I think) Lake Mojave. Even if they were able to isolate that virus and mass produce it for use as a treatment for specific waters it would likely take many years of research before it could be cleared for actual use. Until biologists know all of the potential "side effects" and how the virus MIGHT affect other species it will remain as only a potential for the future. Highly doubtful it would EVER be approved for use in Utah Lake unless it could be proven beyond doubt that it wouldn't also croak June suckers.
While there are a lot of carp in Willard, they are a much smaller percentage of the biomass than they are in Utah Lake. As with several other Utah ponds with carp in the ecosystem Willard carp are not currently a major detriment to the fishery.
In fact, if not for carp, many of the predators in Willard might go hungry at times. Gizzard shad are the primary forage species in Willard but they spawn later than the carp do. The young of both species grow quickly and the carp reach edible size before those of the shad. So baby carp are heavily munched before the baby shad are big enough to produce boils. In short, there is enough predation on carp...from eggs to adults...to help keep the population of carp in most lakes at a manageable level.
One of the best carp eradicators is a 30 inch solid fiberglass fish arrow.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
While there are a lot of carp in Willard, they are a much smaller percentage of the biomass than they are in Utah Lake. As with several other Utah ponds with carp in the ecosystem Willard carp are not currently a major detriment to the fishery.
In fact, if not for carp, many of the predators in Willard might go hungry at times. Gizzard shad are the primary forage species in Willard but they spawn later than the carp do. The young of both species grow quickly and the carp reach edible size before those of the shad. So baby carp are heavily munched before the baby shad are big enough to produce boils. In short, there is enough predation on carp...from eggs to adults...to help keep the population of carp in most lakes at a manageable level.
One of the best carp eradicators is a 30 inch solid fiberglass fish arrow.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]