removing the dams off elkhorn

[etcfishin]

Smallmouth thrive in ripple pool combinations in creeks and rivers that run relatively clear. Dams on creeks tend to build up silt that is not condusive to their habitat. I know that fish can be caught in the dammed up section, but I personally have had better luck below the dams in the ripple pool sections. I understand that these sections can't be fished in periods of low water due to drought. However, I've often thought that the best thing for the creek would be to take those dams out. There's a new effort going on around the country to restore native habitat by removing dams. The only problem I see with this is that there is so much silt that is built up behind these dams, that there could be water quality degradation for years. Imagine taking 50 years of mud and having that wash down the creek into the good sections below the dam. That could have unintended consequences. I'd like to see a fisheries biologist weigh in on the subject. An expert I'm not, but I am familiar with the habitat that these fish prefer. Interesting topic.

I would also like for others to weigh in on whether they've had better luck fishing the dammed section or the undammed sections. I prefer undammed.

I agree nothing can happen without the proper authorization here.

Personally I think they should remove the dams on the Kentucky river instead. It would have been an awesome smallmouth fishery before the dams and pollution. We've spent millions of our taxpayer dollars repairing those things over 100 years.

[Tim_T]

I think the reasons that you catch more fish in riffle areas is because they move to these areas to feed. There still needs to be deeper water for the fish to winter over and to survive hot summers.

[etcfishin]

I think the reasons that you catch more fish in riffle areas is because they move to these areas to feed. There still needs to be deeper water for the fish to winter over and to survive hot summers.

Agree with what you're saying for small creeks. Elkhorn has enough natural pools for fish to survive.

[redneckshadrap]

I, personally, don't see it happening. I definitely wouldn't want the one gone behind my house.

[agreynolds]

I think that you missed my point etcfishin. This effort has nothing to do with improving a resource that has proven to be on of the finest smallmouth stream fisheries in the south. The people who would like to remove these dams are using this action as a payback to excuse the fact that their clients have destroyed wetland habitat in other places. A ridiculous loophole created by developement loving congressmen allows these people to ustify the destruction of irreplacable wetland habit by saying that they have restored some somewhere else. Apparently the cheapest way they have found to do that within the regs is to tear out a dam somewhere. You can imagine how quick a Cat D-9 doser could knock down a 100 foot long five foot high dam. I would guess it would take longer to get it off the trailer. As to the silt deal there isn't any siltation behind these dams if you dont believe me come and wade up the solid rock bottom.

[etcfishin]

Yeah, I would never want something like this to happen by some loophole being used by some out of state group. Agree with your point.