Rainbow Trout-Spawning (Info.) 4/10/12

[MadisonBoats]

Rainbow Trout-Spawning (Info.) 4/10/12
I just wanted to remind those that are interested that rainbow trout are spawning on the Clinch and many other tailwaters right now. Be careful of walking on/over the redds. Also; be mindful of releasing the females that are full of eggs. I was filming yesterday and a guy walked right over a redd. He asked if I noticed those fish fighting.

I don't think this is a huge issue in respect to the whole scope of survival for the fish. However; I just wanted to remind others....

I have some underwater video and some other video to post later...

Here is a reference image from http://www.conservationinc.net/our-work to help illustrate a redd.

[Knothead]

a guy walked right over a redd. He asked if I noticed those fish fighting.

Sounds like his shoe size is bigger than his IQ.

[waterwolf]

Awesome picture, and where is Bfish when you need him to tell us this isn't possible.

Or for that matter, TWRA and their infinite wisdom of coldwater fisheries.

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by waterwolf

Awesome picture, and where is Bfish when you need him to tell us this isn't possible.

Or for that matter, TWRA and their infinite wisdom of coldwater fisheries.

Jim,
My understanding of the TWRA's stance is that the trout do spawn and reproduce on the Clinch. However; the depletion rate is more than the reproduction rate due to various factors. If it were not stocked; it would be a finicky river to fish.

Here is a video I shot Monday. It illustrates the three zones of the water column if you watch closely. Also; you will notice many of the females swollen with eggs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zpWKno4RPM&feature=plcp&context=C4a869feV DvjVQa1PpcFOkgXF_k-FAeHqlCVGh3Le5Nhn5GRc5RAM%3D

Originally Posted by Knothead

Sounds like his shoe size is bigger than his IQ.

I don't think he was aware of it at the moment.

[Wilson10]

Cool video shawn, thx

[Wade Blevins]

Amazing footage. Those are some nice fish too!

[Rodonthefly]

pretty cool man, did you catch any?

[MadisonBoats]

Originally Posted by Rodonthefly

pretty cool man, did you catch any?

Yeah, I landed a few of the meatier ones. However; they were being finicky on this day and I had to actually use some split shot to hit the bottom layer. It was a challenge as I was not prepared to do that and my rig kept coming up with tons of vegetation. The smaller fish were actively taking midges (emergers) just below the surface. The larger fish were holding on the bottom layer and taking larger nymphs with a selective take...

To clarify; most of the larger fish in this video are in the 12-15" range. Notice the abnormal dimpling in the females' bellies.

Note: If you have a fast connection; be sure and change the video setting to 480p and use a larger window to get the best views.

[Rodonthefly]

Originally Posted by MadisonBoats

Yeah, I landed a few of the meatier ones. However; they were being finicky on this day and I had to actually use some split shot to hit the bottom layer. It was a challenge as I was not prepared to do that and my rig kept coming up with tons of vegetation. The smaller fish were actively taking midges (emergers) just below the surface. The larger fish were holding on the bottom layer and taking larger nymphs with a selective take...

To clarify; most of the larger fish in this video are in the 12-15" range. Notice the abnormal dimpling in the females' bellies.

Note: If you have a fast connection; be sure and change the video setting to 480p and use a larger window to get the best views.

Try using tungsten beads if you don't already, also florocarbon is well worth the extra money as well.

[psnapp]

Outstanding video. Thanks, Shawn!