Fishing Reports News

Atlantic cod

The Atlantic cod favours cool waters and is found all around the UK coast and throughout the North Atlantic. Highly valued as a food resource, it has been fished extensively throughout UK waters, resulting in a severe decline in numbers over the past century. Irish Seas stocks are “seriously depleted” and west Scotland stocks are “seriously over-fished”, while North Sea populations, and stocks to the west of Britain and south of Ireland, are also “outside safe biological limits”.

While over-fishing has been identified as the greatest cause of population decline of the Atlantic cod, the species is also sensitive to temperature variation – studies suggest that the ability of stocks to adapt to temperature change is limited. Further warming of our seas, caused by climate change, may force southern cod stocks northwards, squeezing the range of northern populations resulting in an overall reduced population size. Changes in planktonic activity as a result of climate change may also impact populations because the availability of food for larval cod at the time of hatching is affected.

Calanus zooplankton

Calanus is a group of marine shrimp-like copepods which form the most abundant zooplankton species in the North East Atlantic. The effect of sea surface temperature rise is considered the most important characteristic affecting plankton productivity and distribution and has changed so dramatically that it is referred to as a regime shift in the NE Atlantic. There has been an overall long-term downward trend in copepod abundance in many areas, which is believed to be climatically induced. The overall abundance of Calanus has reduced by 60% since the 1940s. Furthermore, the ratio of the cold-temperature C. finmarchicus to the warm- temperature C. helgolandicus is a useful indicator of the warming trend in the North Sea, with the latter becoming dominant over the past decade.

These changes have important implications for many other species (notably the Atlantic cod and sandeels) in terms of food availability given that all other parts of the ecosystem ultimately rely upon them.

Pacific wire weed

Warming waters as a result of climate change favour a number of non-native species. These species are therefore more likely to extend their distributions and become established following introduction.

For example, wire weed – a large brown seaweed that is native to the waters around Japan – is now widespread and it is believed that the spread of this species throughout UK waters is inevitable.

It was introduced with commercial oysters to France and has subsequently spread to Britain. It is one of more than 50 alien species which have invaded UK waters, many of which pose a threat to native species. In UK waters wire weed can grow up to 12 times bigger than normal and is known to compete with native, some of which are protected, species such as eelgrass.

It can grow in a variety of habitats because it is tolerant of large environmental fluctuations and can even thrive in estuarine conditions. It establishes itself on hard substrata in shallow waters and grows upwards to form large floating masses, which can block out sunlight, slow down the flow of water, increase sedimentation and reduce the nutrients available to other species.

Kittiwake

An increasing number of studies have shown climate effects on UK seabird populations and some worrying changes in UK seabirds have been witnessed over recent years. For instance, populations of black-legged kittiwakes have declined by more than 50% in the North Sea since 1990. Climate change is likely to have contributed to these problems as several studies have shown that warm winters are bad for seabirds – both breeding success and individual survival of black-legged kittiwakes was found to be lower following warm winters. It is believed that this happens because warm sea temperatures impact upon the availability of sandeels – which form a major part of their diet – resulting in a reduction of the seabirds’ food supply. Seabirds such as kittiwakes are particularly dependent upon sandeels in the breeding season for feeding their young. Breeding failure in many seabird species has been linked to a chronic shortage of food and, in particular, key fish stocks such as sandeel.

Sandeel

Sandeels are small eel-like fish which spend most of their life buried in the sand. They are an important component of food webs in the North Atlantic, being important prey species for many marine predators. Sandeel populations are currently in decline and there has been a correlation between poor recruitment to sandeel stocks and periods of positive North Atlantic oscillation (ie warm spells in winter). The decline in sandeel stocks has been proposed as an explanation for the widespread failure of many seabird colonies in recent breeding seasons.

It appears that climate change has played a significant part in sandeel declines. Sea surface temperatures in the North Sea in recent years have been significantly higher than the 30-year average. A study of sandeels in the North Sea indicates that their numbers are lower in years which are warmer during the eggs and larval stages and there is further evidence that this is, in turn, linked to plankton abundance around the time of sandeel egg hatching. The study also indicated that the adverse effect of rising sea temperatures is most marked in the southern North Sea where the lesser sandeel is near the southern limit of its range. The southern limit of sandeel distribution may shift northwards if conditions continue to get warmer.

Crab Orchard – Crappie action remains good. Fish are being found at varied depths, ranging from very shallow to about 10 feet. Minnows and jigs are equally effective. Some bluegill are still being caught on the rip rap. Wax worms and meal worms are the best bets for bluegill. Some catfish anglers are still taking fish on cut bait.

Horseshoe Lake – Some anglers are still reporting catching catfish drift fishing night crawlers just off the bottom. Crappie action remains fair on the west side of the lake. Minnows fished over heavy cover are producing the best results. Outboard motors are off limits until March 1.

Kinkaid Lake – Fishing traffic has slowed down with the recent cold front. Muskie action is rated good. Anglers are primarily trolling crank baits and some success on spinner baits. Several anglers have been targeting walleye, but results have been fair at best. Crappie are rated fair to good. Anglers aren’t taking great numbers of fish, but good quality fish. Crappie are scattered at depths ranging from 3-12 feet. Minnows are currently the best bet. Catfish action has slowed.

Lake Murphysboro – Crappie are the best bet. Crappie are still scattered. Fish can be found at depths of 3-12 feet. Some catfish are being caught on night crawlers and large minnows as well as chicken liver. Bluegill anglers are taking good numbers, but nothing of any size. Bass are slow.

Lake of Egypt – Bass are still rated good to excellent. The lake is clear and about a foot below pool. Fish are hanging around edges of the weed beds in 20 feet of water. Jigs and soft plastics are the primary baits. Crappie are still fair to slow. Fish are holding in about 15 feet of water. Minnows and jigs appear to be equally effective.

Little Grassy – The Little Grassy Campground and Marina is closed for the season.

Mermet Lake – The lake is closed to fishing through the end of duck season.

Ohio River-Smithland Pool – The river is at normal pool and clear. Crappie are fair in the creeks, particularly the creeks closest to the dam. Minnows fished over shallow cover are effective. Catfish were doing well before the recent cold snap. Bass and bluegill are slow. The Golconda Marina will be closed for the season beginning Nov. 19.

Rend Lake – Crappie are rated good on both minnows and jigs. The best action has been along the Route 154 rip rap and crappie sets. Most fish are holding in 6-10 feet. Catfish are also rated good on stink baits, cut shad, shrimp and shad gut. Anglers are taking fish by bank fishing around trees and drift fishing shallow areas. Bass are slow. White bass are fair on shad-colored jigs and crank baits. The lake is more than a foot below normal pool.

ANGLERS enjoyed some exciting sport in the first of the season’s pike fishing trials fished at Chew Valley Lake.

Andy Baldock travelled from Northampton and his journey proved well worthwhile for he landed a fine specimen weighing 38lb 6oz, while fishing from a boat.

Baldock took his fish fishing with a lure for his personal best pike. His previous best was a fish of 26lb 4oz.

The second FCT Fishing Festival will not hold this year, because of the huge volume of water in the area, Mr Abdullahi Idris, managing director, Abuja Tourism Board has said.

Idris told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the large volume of water was not good for fishing, but that it was the best for other water events.

He noted that the large volume of water in the Yaba area of Abaji council area had hindered the 2007 fishing festival.

According to him, our experience last year informed our decision to shift the festival to between March and April next year.

“This will give us sufficient time for planning and get private sector involvement in the event,” he said.

Idris said that the board was making efforts to get corporate sponsorship to brand the festival and give it a proper image.

“The 2008 fishing festival will be branded to give the festival a name and attract more participation. We are looking forward to a time when the Abaji fishing festival will be engraved in the Nigerian tourism map in comparison with the Argungu Fishing Festival,” he said.

He noted that the festival would offer local fishermen the opportunity of interacting with other fishermen from various states and give them an opportunity to witness better catches with modern fishing equipment.

Midwest fishing report

October 17, 2007
TROUT ALERT: Fall trout season opens Saturday. However, because of warm waters, DuPage County pushed back the opener on Grove, Deep Quarry and Silver until Nov. 3. Until then, the three lakes are closed to all fishing. But the IDNR planned to go on schedule, said Larry Dunham in fisheries. Nearby lakes open for trout on Saturday include Axehead, Belleau and Horsetail (Cook County); Bird Park Quarry (Kankakee); Big Lake (Kendall); and Banana and Sand (Lake). Daily bag is five. Anglers 16 and older need an inland trout stamp and a fishing license.

AREA RIVERS: Changing: With hunting starting, fishermen must give waterfowlers berth. Barring violent weather on Thursday, it should be another good weekend, especially for waders. On the Fox, wader Ken Gortowski reminded that discharges become key as the water cools. On the Kankakee, the topwater bite has been good for smallmouth, said Ed Mullady. His son, the guide Matt, even caught a walleye on topwater; and catfishing remains good.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA: Good: Triangle reports crappie are the best bite on small jigs and minnows; Marie and Bluff are best. Bluegill are good on waxies and small jigs around piers; best is Channel. Muskies are good on big suckers or big jerkbaits. White bass are good; Lake Marie, best. Catfish are fair.

LAKEFRONT: Improving: The lake recovers from last week’s blow, but salmon are spotty. Boaters should start to find perch again. SNAGGING NOTE: Lakefront salmon snagging is allowed only at the inner and outer harbors at Jackson Park, the Lincoln Park lagoon from Fullerton south, the Winnetka power plant discharge area and Waukegan’s north harbor basin only. No snagging is allowed within 200 feet of a moored boat or where posted. MEETING NOTE: Mayor Daley’s Fishing Advisory Committee meets at McKinley Park at 10 a.m. Thursday.

MICHIGAN LAKEFRONT: Expectant: Cooler weather should turn on the steelhead starting to come in at St. Joseph and New Buffalo. In St. Joe, B-J’s Sports said some steelhead are in the river; some fresh kings in the lower river and Berrien Springs has had decent kings and walleye. Paw Paw already has had good numbers well up river.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN: Improved: Cooldown dropped lakes into the 40s and 50s, turning on fishing. Minocqua guide Kurt Justice said muskie are very good; best on suckers. Walleye also are very good, especially with redtails on the flowages. Crappie improved, too.

NORTHWEST INDIANA: Improving: As the water clears from the blow, fishing improves. Mik-Lurch reported perch improving off Inland on the shoals. Kings are rebounding at Amoco, Hammond and Pastrick. Some big stray walleye have been taken at the Hole in Wall by those casting for salmon. Creeks are filling with incoming fish.

WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT: Variable: Thursday and Friday may be good days to head to Racine and Kenosha; if the rains turn on flows in the Root and Pike. Otherwise, it has been spottier than usual. There are chinook, a few coho and rainbows from shore at Racine, while Kenosha has reported mixed kings, browns and coho.

WOLF LAKE: Note: Because of waterfowl opening Saturday on the Illinois side, the park will be partially closed. Bank fishing remains open on the west side of the park.

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN: FREMONT: Variable: Guide Bill Stoeger said crappie remain very strong around deeper brush; white bass have been variable, best around the Rat.