03-04-2015, 08:27 PM
The biggest problem in introducing Red Ear's to Powell is that they are a non-native species and that gives some folks with NPS and NFWS heart burn. While they are not a riverine species, if the food moves upstream they will also. Crappie can be found as far upstream in the Colorado as Grand Junction, following the Shad.
One thing in favor of the Red Ear's is that they are already in the system, Lake Havasu. Introduced some where between 40 -50 yrs ago, they are firmly established there, as previously discussed. Not sure what the process will be, but if they are introduced to Powell, there will be studies upon studies to "be sure" that they don't have a negative impact.
How the fact that Zebra/Quagga's are now in Powell may or may not have an impact on such a decision. My guess will be that they will look at how the Red Ear's impact the Zebra/Quagga population in Havasu vs Mead which does not have them.
As to the question of Stripers being "rats". That may come mainly from some anglers that feel that Stripers negatively impact the other fisheries in the lower lakes. While Shad are the primary forage down below, the Stripers still have a major impact on several other fisheries, specifically the stocked Rainbow's below Hoover. There is a major tailrace fishery for Rainbows below Hoover, in the upper reaches of Mohave and the Stripers chow down on the stocked bows. It also produces a trophy Striper fishery in the same waters due to reduced water temps and increased food source.
Remember, the primary goal of this management plan will be to preserve the Striper fishery in Powell, at the same level, if possible. BUT, the impact of the Zebra/Quagga mussel infestation may change the ecology of the lake to the point that DWR will not be able to maintain the fishery we have now. That means putting focus on another species to continue to provide quality fishing at Powell.
One thing in favor of the Red Ear's is that they are already in the system, Lake Havasu. Introduced some where between 40 -50 yrs ago, they are firmly established there, as previously discussed. Not sure what the process will be, but if they are introduced to Powell, there will be studies upon studies to "be sure" that they don't have a negative impact.
How the fact that Zebra/Quagga's are now in Powell may or may not have an impact on such a decision. My guess will be that they will look at how the Red Ear's impact the Zebra/Quagga population in Havasu vs Mead which does not have them.
As to the question of Stripers being "rats". That may come mainly from some anglers that feel that Stripers negatively impact the other fisheries in the lower lakes. While Shad are the primary forage down below, the Stripers still have a major impact on several other fisheries, specifically the stocked Rainbow's below Hoover. There is a major tailrace fishery for Rainbows below Hoover, in the upper reaches of Mohave and the Stripers chow down on the stocked bows. It also produces a trophy Striper fishery in the same waters due to reduced water temps and increased food source.
Remember, the primary goal of this management plan will be to preserve the Striper fishery in Powell, at the same level, if possible. BUT, the impact of the Zebra/Quagga mussel infestation may change the ecology of the lake to the point that DWR will not be able to maintain the fishery we have now. That means putting focus on another species to continue to provide quality fishing at Powell.