Lakes or streams with shade

[Tim_T]

Its amazing there are any fish at all in Kentucky, how did they possibly survive all those decades when there were far more otters than now?

[Shellkat]

Fish survived because otters had predators, mainly trappers, now when I said otter watching I meant with my monocular that has a plus sign in the middle

[Tim_T]

Fish survived because otters had predators, mainly trappers, now when I said otter watching I meant with my monocular that has a plus sign in the middle

I don't entirely disagree about trapping, but otters were an also-ran during the height of the fur trade. Beaver are where the money was. Btw, not sure I would discuss shooting otters on a public forum unless you have all your ducks in a row!

[Shellkat]

I said watching not shooting

[luvtohunt]

Cumberland is not much further than an hour from Lexington. Lots of coves/creeks with shade. Decent fishing depending on what species you are looking for. Summertime is good bluegill and channel cat fishing in most of those places.

[mhall]

Its amazing there are any fish at all in Kentucky, how did they possibly survive all those decades when there were far more otters than now?

Ok Tim instead of throwing smartass comments about it what is your reasoning behind the decline of fish populations in the creeks and small waterways? I had a conversation with a DNR fellow in Hooterville about this and he told me his opinion off the record was Ky had an issue that was becoming a real problem with Otters. He also said pressure and Nimrods not playing by the rules was also a big issue as well which I agree with. But I am convinced the Otters are making a dent in fish populations. BTW, he did have a fishery biology degree also.

The time frame you mentioned the Elkhorn probably didn't even have Smallmouth in it or at least a limited amount. That is a KDFWR project and has been their baby for years. I hear alot of people scoffing at the Otter issue and those same people can't tell me where the fish Are going in Eagle, Beshears, Elkhorn and other creeks. Some farmers have also reported having their stocked ponds litterally cleaned out by these little ********.

I have said it before and I'll say it again, whoever was the mental Giant that thought it was a good idea to release Otters back into our waterways is a flippin Moron....my two cents!

[inrll]

Its amazing there are any fish at all in Kentucky, how did they possibly survive all those decades when there were far more otters than now?

There were otters and hardly any people. Then there were people and no otters. Now there are a lot of people AND otters. Its just that simple, too many predators.

[ESOX2009]

Every time I see an otter, he is smacking his mouth chewing on a fish. I doubt that otters would have any more impact on fish populations than wolves would on sheep.

[riverrat12]

And while we're at it...I never thought I'd say it, but I don't like beaver either.....dang destructive critter. OK I'm gettin the popcorn this is gettin good

[mhall]

Don't worry Tipton I stiil luv ya and all.................even your grossly enormous mongaloid deformed head...