09-09-2010, 03:38 PM
You have a good point on the bias of the stocking programs, but most warm water species are able to reproduce in the waters they are planted in, so little additional stocking is needed. Many trout plantings are considered "put and take" that type of stocking is important to a lot of other people also.
Warm water fisheries are growing more popular every year, but here in Idaho I think we have some unique conditions. Many states only have warm water fishing with few cold water areas. Idaho is blessed to have both, but we are also hamstrung on where they can introduce non-native species. It is quite an involved process to justify introducing a new species to a water. Even when it is only something like adding crappie to a bass water.
I am glad that they are careful, but it is frustrating also. I would love to see more crappie and catfish in the southeast Idaho area, besides the bass. Maybe even more smallmouth in a few places.
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Warm water fisheries are growing more popular every year, but here in Idaho I think we have some unique conditions. Many states only have warm water fishing with few cold water areas. Idaho is blessed to have both, but we are also hamstrung on where they can introduce non-native species. It is quite an involved process to justify introducing a new species to a water. Even when it is only something like adding crappie to a bass water.
I am glad that they are careful, but it is frustrating also. I would love to see more crappie and catfish in the southeast Idaho area, besides the bass. Maybe even more smallmouth in a few places.
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