Bass fingerlings arrive

Submitted by admin on Mon, 04/28/2008 - 20:58

By: CARISSA HEBERT

Managing Editor

Members of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife (LDWF) and Fisheries’ biologist team were busy stocking bass fingerlings at Chicot Lake at the state park Thursday, April 24.

Jody David, biologist district manager with LDWF, said 79,596 fingerlings were put into the lake this year. This number totals over two million fingerlings have been added to the lake since 1988.

“We’ve stocked every year since 1988,” David said.

David was joined by Martin Plonsky and Phillip Allemond. Plonsky said the Florida gene is doing well in Chicot Lake. He said a genetic sample is sent to the LSU School for a report, and information is returned on the Florida bass, hybrids and natives. He said the Florida gene is reproducing well with the native fish. “Chicot looks real good,” he said.

David reminded everyone the lake is still being lowered. He said the gate will probably close April 28, when they reach the two feet from pool stage. This is being done so a herbicide application to control the nuisance aquatic plant hydrilla can be applied.

“The lake will not be closed during this process, despite rumors,” David explained. This is the third application in six years. The first was in 2003 and then 2005, and David said they have had excellent results.

He said the herbicide should be applied next week. He said if boaters or fishermen see the biologist at work, he advised them to maintain a safe distance. He said it will not take them long to apply the herbicide, which is a SONAR PR® brand of fluridone.

This extremely safe herbicide interferes with the plant’s ability to produce food and causes the plant to slowly break down, David explained. This EPA-approved herbicide has no water use restrictions and is not harmful to fish. Fluridone, an active ingredient in SONAR, needs to be in contact with the vegetation for at least 30 days for effective control. The removal of two feet of water from the lake prior to the application will lessen the possibility of losing herbicide as the result of a significant rainfall event. This application will not eradicate hydrilla from the waterbody, but will significantly increase access and enhance opportunities for recreational activities.

For more information contact at (337) 948-0255 or jdavid@wlf.louisiana.gov.