Opinions Wanted on Small Crappie In Lake Nimrod

[slabbandit]

I would like to hear some ideas as to what we as fishermen could do to help raise the average size of crappie caught here on Lake Nimrod. The last report that I heard was that crappie caught during the last trap netting done by the G&F proved that the crappie in this lake are capable of fast growth. But why are we plagued with so many small ones that you have to catch 70 or 80 to get a decent limit?
I would like to here any and all comments and hopefully a few biologist will chime in.

[Mojorig]

For more information about their sampling results call Frank Leone at 1-877-967-7577 (AGFC Russellville office)

[Special K]

I spoke to a fish biologist with the North Carolina Department of Wildlife Resources Commission years ago about the subject who said that crappie species in some of the smaller North Carolina lakes and reservoirs sustain an annual harvest of as many as 30-40 percent of the entire 3 year old and older adult population. This should begin to show you that heavy fishing pressure (year around) over a period of just one year… can easily eradicate almost half of all mature fish in a heavily fished lake or waterway. If you look at the equation over two years time you can see that it is reasonable to think that 70-80% of all mature fish might be removed from these lakes.

He went on to say: "Over-harvesting clearly affects the fish size ratios of a lake and "I think a lot of anglers assume crappies are an unlimited resource that can't be over-harvested, but that's quite simply not the case at all. Crappies are prone to what is known as stunting. Because a strong year-class often dominates in a lake or reservoir, crappie might appear some years to be all of the same size or “stunted” (As you are indicating is the case in this thread). When these fish of a strong year-class grow large, however, the lake can quickly gain a reputation as a crappie hot spot which tends to draw more fishing pressure as the word gets around and then over the course of a couple of more years might just as quickly fade into mediocrity as a younger year class takes over again and the population crashes and the cycle starts all over again. This cycle is why you hear so much about lakes tending to have (either) a few really nice crappies and lots of small ones, or a good number of good-sized fish with few small or large ones.”

It is well known that crappie populations are cyclic or erratic in (both) abundance and size distribution in any lake or waterway as indicated above. When a strong year class develops in a lake, it can dominate the population for several years. Reproduction is limited and survival of young crappie is low until the dominant year class has been thinned out or environmental and hydrological conditions again become favorable for survival of young crappie. This pattern usually results (as a general rule of thumb) in two to three years of good fishing followed by two to three years of fair to poor fishing… which may be the part of the crappie life cycle where your area lake is this year and the total cause of what you are observing.

[jtresn]

Hey Dave, you know nimrod is a great fishery every year. Start eating the little ones and let any over 12" go. That way there will be more big ones for me. LoL.

[D10]

For more information about their sampling results call Frank Leone at 1-877-967-7577 (AGFC Russellville office)

I agree with Jeremy, call Frank. He is the most familiar with the crappie population data on Nimrod.

[shawnh]

Keep them little ones. Nothing wrong with them

[slabbandit]

Some good info and thanks for the contacts. It's been so long since I fished Jerry I bought forgot what they taste like! I'll be out there soon though. Little work on my trailer and she'll be ready.

[jtresn]

Nice. We ve been catching them. Eating our share of those little ones too. I'm just glad they are out of the trees.

[NIMROD]

We have way too many big spawns which can slow growth and tremendous fishing pressure which removes the big ones. Folks keeping the smaller ones but even more so the Black Crappie which tend to stay small for the biggest part , should help. I used to be against folks keeping too many small fish . The 10'' min length years back did not help . I still have a self imposed limit of 10'' Crappie The folks just wanting fish should target the Black Crappie which hold more on wood and few make the 10'' length but are fat right now .

[BigRiverMarine]

Them small ones eat good whole. Sounds like a bunch of fish fries awaiting!!!