Aquatic Vegitation???

[Big Fish Hunter247]

I have a question and I would like some of you FM'er's opinions do you think that the spread of aquatic vegitation is because of us fisherman or is it because of the "rec boaters" or could it be a little of both. Myself I make sure before I leave the landing that all of it is off of my boat and anywhere else it could be. any opinions are open thanks for the info
Big Fish Hunter247

[EBass]

My .02 as I really don't know, but makes sense is both.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I would like to add birds to the list also. I think both fishing boats and rec boats do some also. But you see a lot of small ponds choked with different types of aquatic weeds that have never had a boat in them. Birds have to be the culprit.. LOL

[Big Fish Hunter247]

yea you do have a point there than you have these people that put way to much fertilizer on the yards that a bad thing too

Big Fish Hunter247

[Tonka Boy]

You have a good point about the fertilizers. For example, I have a cabin on a small lake near Alex. 1/2 the lake is surrounded by farm fields, the rest cabins. Back in the late 80's we had a drought so the farmers were adding many chemicals to their fields. With the ground being so dry, the runoff ran directly into the lake before it could be soaked up.

Within 1 year, the lake was 75% overgrown with weeds (from 15-20%). Most of the gamefish died off, and the lake became overrun with dogfish and bullheads.

It is now about 15 years later and the lake is finally recovering...but never will be back to pre-drought conditions.

I know they (the farmers) weren't responsible for the weeds being there, but they were responsible for the rapid growth.

So we can put the blame on just about everyone who is on or near the waters. Nature does it's share also. Knowledge is the only thing that can help in the future!

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Tonka Boy

[Big Fish Hunter247]

I fish a lake over in Northern Wisc there used to be maybe 6 houses on the lake back about 10 years ago but anyways they used to drain there sewer systems into the lake but now the DNR has ban that the lake is all green for most of the summer it hasnt killed much of the native fish popilation plus there is a river that drains into the lake and lot of farm land along the river so I think that might have some reason on why the lake has a over gruth of weed

Big Fish Hunter247

[smartguy]

I think both groups are responsible for the spread of these exotic species. I've even heard several people brag about how good milfoil is for bass fishing, so I wouldn't be surprised if some selfish bass fisherman intentionally tried spreading milfoil to bass lakes. I even rad an article in the "Up North" section of the Brainerd Dispatch (last spring, I believe), where a fishing pro, was celebrating milfoil's role in bass fishing. He stopped shy of actually promoting intentionally spreading it, but he didn't mind milfoil. Just my 2 cents.

[Big Fish Hunter247]

bump

[rushing]

Lakes also seem to go through cycles. My dad lives on a lake and every year it seems to be different. It has changed alot since he has moved out there almost 10 years ago. The changes haven't really been all that good or bad, just different. The fish populations seems to change with the lake. Some years there is better habitat for certain fish which effects all the other fish. I know the farm land and all the houses are a big polution factor on how the lake is any given year.

Rob

[Big Fish Hunter247]

bump

[fishface5]

Get over it! adapt!Sorry, but the ones responsible,are the ones who brought the ---- here in the first place! We do need to take careof our watersheds though. The filtration systems for the lakes and rivers are the wetlands. If the ducks go, the fish go! Read Dennis Andersons Articles in the St. Paul Pioneer press, the last 2 or 3 Sundays. It all relates.