Tracking Efforts
As of July 2021 we have been able to locate all of the 47 fish tagged in March of 2021. We started weekly tracking since the first week of June. Thanks to assistance from our various collaborators we were able to upgrade our equipment for this season. The new 2021 radio transmitters send information on the water temperature the fish in inhabiting.
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Preliminary Results
As of the last week of July, Stonewall Jackson Lake's surface water temperature has been fluctuating above 80 degrees. The thermocline has developed in the lake with hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen) present below `16 feet. This low dissolved oxygen limits the muskellunge to water temperatures above the thermocline. The water temperatures at the thermocline with adequate oxygen is on average 73 degrees F. Muskellunge are utilizing water temperatures averaging 75 F.
A total of 36 fish have been caught so far in 2021. A total of 23 fish have been caught since June 1st, which is the start of the warm water period of Stonewall Jackson Lake, as well as the start of the $50 reward for each tagged muskellunge caught. Two mortality has been observed so far this year.
More information including an updated location map and additional information from last year can be found in the drop down under Stonewall Jackson. WV.
A total of 36 fish have been caught so far in 2021. A total of 23 fish have been caught since June 1st, which is the start of the warm water period of Stonewall Jackson Lake, as well as the start of the $50 reward for each tagged muskellunge caught. Two mortality has been observed so far this year.
More information including an updated location map and additional information from last year can be found in the drop down under Stonewall Jackson. WV.