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Shor e l i n e S
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2017 Vol :1
Illustration by da n By num – Striped bass (left) and largemouth bass (right) need water conditions to
remain stable for spawning.
Spotted bass seek out similar habitat,
while largemouth bass make their nests
in shallower backwater. Once they stake
out spawning sites, it is important that
water conditions remain stable or the
fish will abandon their nests.
Biologists closely monitor water
temperatures, watch other signs and
talk to crappie and bass anglers who
know the signs that are present when
fish spawn. State officials usually
make a request to Alabama Power to
hold the water levels steady around
early or mid-April.
"They've been very easy to work
with in giving them the prime time and
them following through," Holley says.
Anderegg notes that the lakes' flood
control function is paramount.
"If we have to operate for flood
control, that trumps everything,"
Anderegg says. "If we get in a flood
situation, we have to operate according
to our flood control guidelines."
Holley says biologists understand
that flood control comes first. But
otherwise stabilizing the water level has
been a real boost to fish populations.
"As long as nature allows it, it has
been a good process," Holley says.
Comparing what humans can do
in a hatchery against nature illustrates
why the spawn is so important. The
Conservation Department releases
