Stocking Sturgeon in the River

[gfishes]

Not entirely muskie related post. Hopefully, this is ok.

Perhaps, its because I am a Biology Teacher, (possibly a nerd) but I have a great fascination with the health of the river...

Has anyone come across a paddlefish yet? I have read that there is a population in the area below Kinzua along with the dammed up sections of river. I have never seen one in my area (Kennerdell-Parker)yet.

With the apparent successful reintroduction of paddle fish, which fish is next? I would certainly love to see the Lake Sturgeon make a comeback. It was an incredible sight to run into one ice fishing on Lake Erie a few years back. They are native to the river and were common into the early 1900's. As seen in this youtube video. https://youtu.be/S2gxRqeDhh8?t=1m45s

I have always assumed There were two main reasons for the population collapse. The locks and dams preventing successful spawning and overfishing. I contacted Pa Fish and Game on the matter. They responded with this link. http://www.fishandboat.com/Resource/Documents/SWAP-CHAPTER-1-apx14e-fish.pdf Basically, it is saying that it is being looked at. However, there are issues with botulism outbreaks.

I am left with some questions. As far as reproductive success being an issue. Is it even necessary anymore? The fish can live 150 years. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/sturgeon/lakeSturgeonLifeCycle.html Isn't there very little to no natural spawning success with muskie in river?

In any case, I love to see the increased biodiversity which comes with a rebounding ecosystem. Hope to see it continue.

[Red Childress]

The Paddlefish were reintroduced to this drainage about 12 or so years ago and originated in the NY waters (NYDEC) of the Rez. Yes, I have seen several paddlefish in the river but most of them have been dead due to the violent exit thru the gates of the dam. A few have made it through alive, however. I did see one a few years ago that was big enough to get my attention from afar...........thinking it was a huge musky, I motored over to make a cast or three at her only to see the bill. I would guess it was 55 inches or so. Most of them wash up on shore within 2 miles of the dam and are 30-40 inches long. I haven't seen a dead one in quite a few years.

[Ivan]

Not the river, but I accidentally caught a 62" paddlefish at Chq this year. It was definitely the heaviest fish I've ever handled. We have also accidentally caught some pretty big sturgeon at LSC.

[Red Childress]

I think I saw a pic of that fish, Adam.

She had the proper length but if she only had some teeth.............:)