Fishing Slow At Winchester Lake

Fishing success has been good to excellent at many of the local lakes and reservoirs, but high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels are to blame for poor fishing at Winchester Lake, a traditional fishing destination for many. According to Regional Fisheries Biologist, Ed Schreiver, "Catch rates have been poor, mainly because of high water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels so low that fish can only survive in a small portion of the reservoir." In much of the shallow, 74-acre reservoir where temperatures are suitable for fish survival, recent testing revealed dissolved oxygen levels less than half what fish need to survive. Currently, IDFG, the Division of Environmental Quality and several community groups including the Winchester Watershed Advisory Group, are proposing to use air compressors to add oxygen into the lake. "This aeration system is life-support for cold-water fisheries," said Schriever. Fish kills have occurred at Winchester Lake in the past, and can be attributed to a combination of factors. A significant change from past years is the increase in development and land use practices near the reservoir. Logging and agricultural use near the lake also contributes to the nutrient load, which feeds water-borne algae and other aquatic plants. When these aquatic plants die, the process of decomposition uses oxygen and the fish are left with a limited supply. The reservoir, which is actually a converted mill pond, depends on a delicate balance of temperature and other factors to be able to exist as good fish habitat. When conditions fall short of perfect, all the fish are in jeopardy.