Ask the Biologist

**Craig Johnson** · 11-01-2011, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by Lowellhturner

Another couple of questions: #1: the "Friends" will soon be back at it again and the subject of introducing rock rubble piles has come up repeatedly; I suggested simply await safe ice after deciding on a spot, mark and rope off a hole and use a chain saw to open the ice. Then simply wheel barrow the material to said hole and "Splash!" To expand said pile await the 1st hole to refreeze, break the chain saw back out and repeat as necessary. 3 basic differences of opinions as to how big they should be, how tall vs area and whether littering them with 3 and 10 hole red bricks would further "enhance" the ensueing crayfish populations. My guess was 10` round, 2` tall and HECK YES! Placed on a flat gravel/ sand area creating these transition zones alone would be a fish magnet, plus the crayfish habitat? #2: Several persons want to create cat spawning areas. I suggested 12" cement or steel culvert pipe 3`- 4` long. They laughed, saying a cat wouldn`t use it. #3: There is quite a bit of talk about attempting to introduce SOME kind of aquatic plants to several shallow bays and inlets bordered by DEEP water. Keep in mind the reservoir gets drawn down 3-5` every winter. Can you think of any plants that are freeze resistant yet not very prolific that might work. I REALIZE that many plants ARE extremely "prolific" and can quickly become a problem. Your expert opinions, sir and again, Thank You !

Lowellhturner,

Rock piles can supply fish attracting qualities to areas with little structure. I don't know that there is any one size that is better than all the others, but I would say that having piles of various sizes and heights would be advantageous as diversity of available cover will supply the fish with 'options' depending on depth, water clarity, and temperature. Here in Kansas, a hole cut in to the ice can be no larger than one square foot. I'm not sure if Ohio has similar regulations but you may want to check before cutting!

Catfish spawning structures can be constructed out of numerous materials. Our Kansas fish hatcheries use old cream cans in the spawning ponds to collect the eggs of channel catfish. As long as the structure is closed on one end and large enough the fish can turn around in it, it should make a suitable habitat. However, having too large of an opening on the structure may not be suitable for smaller fish.

I'm hesitant to suggest any plants for your project as plants that may be fine here in Kansas may not be as 'friendly' in Ohio. This question would best be answered by your local fish bio.

**Lowellhturner** · 11-02-2011, 06:08 PM

Thank you for the information, sir! We were going to get permission from the COE prior to cutting the holes, they informally have said we can cut a 3`X 3` hole, but it MUST be roped off and marked with flags on the rope. Was curious what sized culvert you would recommend for the catfish nests? We were going to try to place cement 1s since they would last longer. And ANY plant recommendations would be apprieciated; ODNR seems rather reluctant; they`re saying there are NO plants they could see as useful. Understand that many types are difficult to control once introduced. Again Thank You for your time, sir !

**Craig Johnson** · 11-03-2011, 10:51 AM

Originally Posted by Lowellhturner

Thank you for the information, sir! We were going to get permission from the COE prior to cutting the holes, they informally have said we can cut a 3`X 3` hole, but it MUST be roped off and marked with flags on the rope. Was curious what sized culvert you would recommend for the catfish nests? We were going to try to place cement 1s since they would last longer. And ANY plant recommendations would be apprieciated; ODNR seems rather reluctant; they`re saying there are NO plants they could see as useful. Understand that many types are difficult to control once introduced. Again Thank You for your time, sir !

Here is a link to the May 2011 Fall River District Fisheries Newsletter by fish bio Carson Cox. The newsletter contains information on artificial spawning containers for channel catfish that I think you will find useful.

In Kansas, we have found that water willow Justicia americana is a desirable plant in our reservoirs. Nearly all of our larger reservoirs are devoid of vegetation due to turbidity, wave action/erosion, or grazing pressure by herbivorous fish or turtles. Aquatic vegetation is desirable in Kansas reservoirs as it provides shoreline stabilization, decreases shoreline erosion, provides habitat diversity, including increased quality/quantity of near shore nursery habitat for multiple fish species. A study at El Dorado Reservoir in the mid 1990's was designed to identify plants that could endure the rigors of life in a Kansas reservoir. The study showed the most promising plant for the reservoir was water willow. This plant is emergent so it can withstand increased turbidity. It is a native plant of Kansas. Water willow can grow in depths of up to five feet (depth limited so it can't over run in to deeper, mid lake areas). It can grow on varied substrates from silt to rip rap. Water willow can endure some flooding and is very drought resistant. Plants are readily transplanted with various methods. Successful introductions of water willow have been completed in numerous Kansas waters. Here are a couple of studies on water willow: Study 1 Study 2

**Lowellhturner** · 11-03-2011, 08:17 PM

Sir, once again, you have provided a great deal of very useful information. Thank You ! Lowell

**Danny W** · 12-12-2011, 12:16 PM

What is a black nose crappie? Is it a hybrid or its own species of crappie and do they spawn?

**Craig Johnson** · 12-13-2011, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Danny W

What is a black nose crappie? Is it a hybrid or its own species of crappie and do they spawn?

Danny W,

Check out this LINK to a thread from this forum last month. I think it will answer your questions.

Tight Lines!

**riverhorse** · 05-07-2012, 11:16 AM

Craig the crappie at Clinton lake this year are huge, there are a lot of 1.75 lb+ fish being caught. Do you attribute that to a good year class or did the mild winter have a lot to do with their size this year?

Ths, river

**Craig Johnson** · 05-10-2012, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by riverhorse

Craig the crappie at Clinton lake this year are huge, there are a lot of 1.75 lb+ fish being caught. Do you attribute that to a good year class or did the mild winter have a lot to do with their size this year?

Ths, river

River,

I sent your question to Richard Sanders, Fish Bio at Clinton, and his response is provided below.

Craig,

I think that it was a combination of things that resulted in large crappie. First, a strong year class that was able to still have "good" numbers on the backside of their lifespan despite natural and fishing mortality reducing strength. Good young of the year (YOY) gizzard shad production over the past few years allowed good growth and over winter survival. Finally in 2011, good YOY shad production along with very slow growth of these shad has allowed larger crappie to continue to feed on the 2011 year class of shad to the present. Growth certainly slowed over the winter, but fish should have still been able to grow some and probably at a faster than normal rate due to mild temperatures and abundant, suitable - sized prey.

Richard

**riverhorse** · 05-11-2012, 03:27 PM

Thanks Craig

**20watt** · 03-24-2013, 04:39 AM

Craig,

Will a male crappie after he hatches off a bed of eggs go back and repeat the process until the spawn is completely over or is it a one and done thing??

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