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Lake Erie’s dead walleyes not a problem anymore, biologist says

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By Jim Morris, Contributing writer 7:00 PM Saturday, May 28, 2011

There still are people talking about the many dead walleyes floating on Lake Erie and washing up on the shore.

“That’s pretty much over,” said fisheries biologist Travis Hartman. “It was a concern a few weeks ago, but it’s not the problem that some people thought it was.”

Hartman said some of the walleyes were tested for VHS (viral hemorrhagic septicemia), but none was found.

“Generally after spawning, a number of fish die from the stress,” Hartman explained. “Most of the time when they die they sink to the bottom and decompose and nobody ever sees them. But this year with all the storms we have had, the water has been stirred up, and they floated to the top.

“We are talking thousands of fish out of the millions that are out there.”

Back in action

Chances are some avid Caesar Creek anglers are getting their first opportunities to fish on the lake for some time.

Ramps opened during the past week, but there are still problems with docks.

“Right now our biggest problem is the beach,” said park manager Tim Carr. “The beach will be open, but we will have signs up saying it is not advisable to swim there. It’s very muddy ... a real mess.”

Down at Paint Creek Lake, the high-water woes continue. Ramps have been out of action for about six weeks.

The Army Corps of Engineers was lowering the lake last week, but storms brought more water.

Most lakes have not had the flooding problems that Caesar Creek and Paint have experienced, but the weather has made all of them muddy and has messed up fishing this spring.

Chicks are gone

Nobody knows what happened to the two chicks in the nest of the Dayton peregrine falcons.

Earlier this month, there were two chicks, then one they both disappeared.

Instead of nesting in the rooftop box placed by the Division of Wildlife, this year the falcons, Dayton and Daniel, chose a spot on a ledge below.

The chicks could have been nabbed by a predator, but that seems doubtful with the two parent peregrines always around. Or the chicks might have died and were disposed of by the parents.

Wildlife specialist Diana Malas said there is a chance the pair could produce more eggs this year since the first nest failed. If that happens, they hopefully will move back to the rooftop box, which has better protection from the elements.

Troy in nationals

Teams from Troy High School and Troy Junior High recently competed in the National Archery in the Schools Program’s national tournament in Louisville, Ky.

The high school team placed 29th out of 111 teams. It was third among teams from Ohio.

The junior high team placed 54th out of 104 teams and was fifth among Ohio schools in the tournament.

Paddle time

Paddle in the Park returns Saturday to Eastwood Lake from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The free program is for people who are interested in kayaking or canoeing.

There will be expert instruction on technique and safety and the opportunity to take a “test paddle.”

No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit metroparks.org/pip or call (937) 277-4374.

Outdoors columnist Jim Morris can be reached through his Website at www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-in-dayton/jim-morris or by e-mail at sports@DaytonDaily

News.com.

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