Wolf Creek hatchery to release more trout--more rain

[peter]

Kentucky Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Resources News Release

Trout stockings moved up as result of conditions at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery



Frankfort, Ky. – Conditions at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery located below Wolf Creek Dam at Lake Cumberland deteriorated following the recent rains. Trout stockings for October and November must be moved up as a result.
“Lake Cumberland jumped up nearly 5 feet in the last two weeks,” said John Williams, southeastern fishery district biologist for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “We’ve had a really unusual year so far; the amount of rain has really been a problem.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers keeps the water level on Lake Cumberland as close as possible to an elevation of 680 feet above sea level to relieve pressure on Wolf Creek Dam during ongoing repairs to the structure. This means the Corps must quickly release water coming into the lake from rainfall.
During normal conditions, the hatchery uses cold water from deep in Lake Cumberland to produce rainbow and brown trout for release in waters across Kentucky. The last heavy rainfall caused the Corps to release a large amount of water from Lake Cumberland to maintain the desired water level in the lake.
The combination of lower lake water levels and the excessive rainfall resulted in warm water with low oxygen levels flowing into the hatchery. This made the overall water conditions in the hatchery unsuitable for trout.
“The water conditions are so bad that it’s about put us out of business,” said James Gray, manager of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, “There is little dissolved oxygen in the water and it’s too warm for trout. If you have warm water, but the trout can still breathe, they can deal with it for a short time. If the water is warm and there is no dissolved oxygen, then that is a death sentence.”
The hatchery experienced much higher mortality of eggs and fry in the last few days because of the adverse conditions. “The fish outside in the raceways are so stressed that we have to take extra precautions while feeding them and loading them on the truck,” Gray said. “Any added stress could be enough to cause a huge increase in mortality.”
Trout scheduled for release in October and November will be stocked in the next 10 to 12 days, depending on the condition of fish in the hatchery. As a result, no stockings will occur in November.
Anglers should check Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov for stocking information. The website will be updated daily.

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The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.

[troutcrazy]

Oh boy...that doesn't sound good. When the head guy says the warm water about puts you out of business it's really puts this into the "grave concerns" catagory. I guess catch 'em while you can!

[kygorski]

Thats a quick fix, BUT there is another problem, what can be done about this clinging moss that is starting to cover a lot of the bottom? This is supposed to supress natural insect larve and smaller eatibles that trout need.

[etcfishin]

Thats a quick fix, BUT there is another problem, what can be done about this clinging moss that is starting to cover a lot of the bottom? This is supposed to supress natural insect larve and smaller eatibles that trout need.

The didymo is getting pretty bad down there. I haven't seen the hatches like I used to see since it took hold. Nothing can be done to stop this either.