I have not observed many small cats for several years. In past years there were areas in which most of the action was on cats from 12 to 18". Under normal circumstances...and with average success in spawning...there should always be good numbers of cats in all size ranges...SHOULD BE.
Not sure what the reason might be for an apparent lack of juvenile cats. Poor spawning and recruitment? Lack of food during their first months of life? Heavy predation on the young by bigger fish? I will address an inquiry to Chris Crockett of the Springville office of DWR and hope he can provide some insight.
Edit: Got a return email from Chris...out of town for a few days but will reply when he returns.
Not sure what the reason might be for an apparent lack of juvenile cats. Poor spawning and recruitment? Lack of food during their first months of life? Heavy predation on the young by bigger fish? I will address an inquiry to Chris Crockett of the Springville office of DWR and hope he can provide some insight.
Edit: Got a return email from Chris...out of town for a few days but will reply when he returns.