RE: creek restoration
2008/01/14 18:26:57
(permalink)
i get sick and tired of hearing about prime steelhead holes getting posted
look, it is obvious that areas such as the manchester hole is a major holding spot for steelies regardless of the chutes being their or not. however, during a typical steelhead season on the very fast receding streams (walnut, 20 mile, 16 mile etc.) of erie the fish are stuck down in these lower portions for long periods of time.... thus the fishermen are ALSO forced to fish these areas. what do you have? 90% of the anglers in the lower stretches, and 10% upstream. now, i must ask. where do you think the problems will come from? obviously where the hundreds of fishermen and fish are stacked.
now, this has not been the case over the past three years or so due to near record rainfalls early in the season and erosion of the falls, but the damage is already done. manchester hole and the dohlber property are PRIME examples
yes it is true that you can not merely install ladders on private property.... but you may be able to get permission to do so----especially if the landowner is informed that it will probably result in fewer anglers tromping around on his/her property.
yes the fish do stage heavily at elk access. but, they are also spread out the entire length of the stream. could you imagine if there was a large waterfall near the launch ramp? you would have 5x as many anglers there.
ladders allow fish to pass easily through an area even in LOW water. to say that steelies can navigate over falls more easily than a ladder is absolutely false.... there isn't even a leap required with ladders, and the fish do not have to wait for abnormally high flows to pass through.
install ladders, let the fish and anglers spread out, and lessen problems for landowners.... not to mention adding more fishing opportunities for all to enjoy.
Caaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrppppppp!!!!