Lake Cumberland Striper Question

[DAVIDP]

Are stripers still being stocked in the lake? I keep reading about short stripers being caught. I would think that if they haven't been stocked for several years, then all the stocked fish should be keepers by now.

[Duayne]

Yes, Stripers are being stocked. We have two primary issues right now. First, in 2009 and 2010 there were massive die offs due to warmer than normal water in the dog days and seasonal issues. The water was warmer because of the massive rains in the spring and it was compounded by the heat and not getting fresh water into the lake in the dog days of summer due to lack of rain. The die off affected the larger fish and not the smaller ones. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but they increased the stockings to make up for the die offs. Those fish have survived at a much higher rate due to the lack of competition from not having the larger classes. I would also think the bait population grew as well since there were not many adult stripers to help control it.

Then, the over abundant smaller striper population was hit with a parasite. It's noticeable as a worm in the mouth. One of the side affects is stunted growth. I honestly don't know how much they are stunted as they were 20 " fish last spring and were 23.10-23.75 last fall. They are now starting their summer grow season and I fully expect them to all (all being the 23.10-23.75) to be keeper size very soon.

The great news is there are plenty stripers in Cumberland and they shoulf be the perfect keeper size for table fair very soon. It will be good to thin them out a little as the class behind them is right on their heels.

[apb]

Limits changed this year to 22 inches on stripers.

Andrew

[Duayne]

Limits changed this year to 22 inches on stripers.

Andrew

Hey Andrew, when did that happen? They haven't updated the online guide yet and I can't find a news release on it.

[thunderstorm]

The 22" size limit does not become official until later this year. Sorry, forgot the day it happens.

[stripernut]

the proposal still has to go to the legislature, and then there will be a brief "commentary period". if the commentary period does not result in serious opposition then the date the new regulation will be implemented will become official, advertised, and signs will be posted around the lake.

[apb]

Looks like I jumped the gun on the new regs. Appreciate the updates guys!

Andrew