COVID & fush stocks

[mr smokey]

Just a curiosity. I wonder on people's thoughts on how this lockdown will affect fish stocks in the lakes/rivers. With a fairly large drop in recreational fishers coming down do you think it may have a positive impact on breeding stock and growth rates? No correct answers & I suspect it couldn't be measured in any way other than anecdotal reports. From what I hear, it is most unusual for whiting to be still around in numbers (may or may not be correct) for example.

Just idle thoughts for a windy Sunday afternoon/evening Nothing serious.

[purple5ive]

Every time, the desperate heroes have run out the door after every lockdown being lifted there has generally been only one outcome.
Disappointment..
Im thinking this time wont be any different.

ps- winter whiting is definitely a thing. im obviously no expert, but i have seen it a few seasons where the whiting have basically just slowed down, not stopped. aka the season never ended..

[mazman]

I have experienced great fishing after the longer lockdowns, especially after the first lockdown in some areas that are typically heavily pressured. In my opinion this has nothing to do with fish stocks and is just from the lack of pressure allowing the fish to get back into some regular feeding habits before being disturbed by anglers again.

I don't think that the recreational take is large enough to have a noticeable affect on fish stocks currently around. Potentially improved future stocks if there was a spawning season throughout lockdown for something that isn't normally protected but I imagine environmental factors would still be the main aspect of determining a successful spawn.

[re-tyred]

For the Gippsland lakes, the rain and slightly warmer water temperature is the biggest factor. Less boats zooming around will help the fish feed in the shallower areas. The quantity of fish taken is not a huge factor and is offset by less Burley going into the water. In popular areas Burley is a significant food source.

[Scraglor]

I reckon if you had a few yesrs of lockdown it would make a huge difference, a few weeks/months, wont really have much of an impact, especially over off season. Maybe if the lockdown was november--> feb or something and locked us out of a spawning cycle I could see it.

[e.welch]

Before the first lockdowns last year I was catching very little now I catch heaps I don’t know if it’s from the lockdowns or I have learnt some new skills but it conveniently started happening after the lockdowns

[cantevencatchacold]

Noticed no difference; still can't catch them

[mr smokey]

Goodo thanks for the comments. Just putting it out there

[Pirkz]

And in case anyone is wondering fished Nungurner this arvo for 3 hrs. Bloody windy so launched at Metung but still endured a bit of a bounce to get across there. Used well tried cut n paste methodology from previous sessions but ....Nowt.. not even a bite ....just 2 nibbles. Will give the lakes fishing away now until some favourable reports pop up.
Tight Lines
Pirkz

[Whiskers]

Fished at Marlo today, not too cold but bloody windy.

It seems that no-one has told the fish that lockdown is over for now. They're still in iso. Not even a touch today.