Thread: Whats floating on Kentucky Lake ?

From Paul Rister,
We did look into the floating mussel meat. This is almost an annual occurrence. The meat is the bodies from Corbicula, a non-native Asian Clam. Their die-offs have been linked to sudden changes in water temperature and / or bacterial infections which are specific for this clam. When the clams die, I am sure it sets off a feeding frenzy with most catfish and some other fish. Once the meat is at the surface, I suspect it has decayed enough that fish won’t eat it. In our investigation in the past, we have not found any other mussels to have died. This kill seems to be very specific for Corbicula.


Paul Rister
Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Fisheries Biologist - Program Coordinator
30 Scenic Acres Drive
Murray, KY 42071

Thank's for the info paul.You guy's do an excellent job for our water's and I want to thank you.I have seen you with Tim Farmer and you know your job very well.Kentucky is lucky to have people like you looking out for our water's and fishery.