The NB of the Root

[TimH]

In the next couple of days I will be heading down to the NB of the Root. Anybody have any suggestions on where to start? Mainly I am looking for trout but I will never turn down a fight with a smallie.

Thanks,

Tim

[uffdapete]

First - smallmouth season doesn't open until May 28.

For trout, look near the confluence of any of the many trout streams that empty into the Root.

For those of you who weren't able to make Trout Day last weekend the DNR folks said their electrofishing and creel surveys are finding considerably less trout this year as a result of poor spawning conditions for a couple years (they didn't think this year would be good either) so it could be a little lean for a while.

My angling experience last year and so far this year is agreeing with their reports.

[TimH]

Thanks for the tip. I don't think I will try that stream now. I might hit the WW area or the south Branch of the Root. I am used to other states rules where I can hit a stream with both trout and smallies (since I practice C&R) and I don't have to worry. I appreciate the heads up.

Tim

[fish2live]

as long as you are fishing for trout it is ok if you catch some smallmouths as long as you release them right away

[A Fly Angler]

Quote:

---

creel surveys are finding considerably less trout this year as a result of poor spawning conditions

---

This has lots to do with lower than normal water levels, and the continuous run off from the agricultural side of things. When you tile every field, drain the wetlands, and ultimately plow up to the banks to plant a few extra rows, all of that sediment ends up in the river, and ends up creating more silt backup in the river and covering spawning sites.

[uffdapete]

Quote:

---

as long as you are fishing for trout it is ok if you catch some smallmouths as long as you release them right away

---

You will likely catch some smallmouth this time of year on some streams if you're fishing for trout, but it NOT okay to target them. The season is closed for a reason - they're spawning right now. It can be very easy to catch spawning fish but they don't need the additional stress of being caught.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not the tree hugger or PETA type, but I do know how fragile these streams are. There are very few things we can do to help a successful spawn but not targeting them right now is one way we can help.

On the water quality point, runoff is a huge problem. It not only carries off precious topsoil but with it, pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer and none of it is good for a stream or the rivers or lakes they feed.

But it is also not a simple problem for the farmer. Think about it - land prices have gone up by 8-10x over the past 40 years, machinery prices are ridiculous, taxes have risen steadily and while technology has increased yields, grain prices are not much, if any different than 40 years ago. Livestock prices are sometimes up but the bottom line is the selling price of a bushel of grain or a pound of meat doesn't even come close to inflation. Do the math. I'm not saying all farmers are living in poverty either, but you better be very good at the many aspects of it or your out of business. I am very well acquainted with literally hundreds of folks on both sides of that fence and closely related to a few.

I would like to see a lot more incentive for sound soil conservation practices. And for that, there's not a simple solution for the govt. due to a few individuals and corporations who abuse it.

Do we want food prices to increase 100-200% so farmers don't have to cultivate every acre. At this point price increases would benefit and increase corporate farms the most. Do we want to pay a lot more taxes to subsidize farming?

There aren't easy answers. Maybe the best answers lie in us.

Be committed to honesty and integrity, and respect for each other and our resources.

[turiprap]

Uffdapete, you make a great point. The farmers have a duty to be responsible stewards, but we consumers have to support them in their efforts, either through tax supports or food prices. A society always hangs on to that which it values, so now we will find out if we value clean water, topsoil and trout or if we favor cheap soy beans.

[WxGuy]

This is a start. Even though there are some who may take issue with instituting more government subsidies, I for one think this is an excellent step forward to promote cleaner water, stabilize the banks, and grow some healthier fish. Because of the "bottom line", it can't be left up to every individual to take it upon themselves to take care of sensitive waterways...

[uffdapete]

That looks like a very good start.

The CRP program at it's height did a lot to benefit watersheds and wildlife. Hopefully we can get back to those levels some day soon.

My father-in-law was a pioneer in soil conservation practices in NW Iowa in the early 1950's. All of his land is terraced with grass waterways in the bottoms handling what does run off. Many farmers, not only in the surrounding townships, but in several counties followed his lead. So one person can make a difference. By the way the topsoil conserved over the years resulted in 200 bushel per acre corn for the entire farm last year. That's not an exxageration. To put that in fishing terms, that's like catching 200 walleyes a day!