Inland weedkills effecting fishing!?!?!?

[javelin]

Has anybody else noticed the drastic decline the fishing seems to take after weed kills take place? I have really noticed a difference on some of the inland lake around me! I also wonder if adding these chemicals to the water and destroying fish habitat is affecting the mortality rate on new hatchlings. You would think that a lot of the little critters that the new fish feed on would be affected therefore taking a toll on youngins not to mention the older fish as well. What are your guys thoughts or experiences?

[Can't Touch This]

i know right after the weed kill of houghton lake the fishing was gangbuster for about 2 to 3 years, i mean the best i have ever seen it, now it suxs. so i dunno affects right after it but i dont think it is good for lakes for the long term.

[ezyeric]

I dont know any stats but I think this:

Similar to if you destoyed most all the forests in an area the animal populations would be affected.

Weeds (forest) are used for protection from predators, ambush points, and food. Removing them creates more competition for the remaing cover, shortages create problems, the competitions always have a winner.

[ALLEYES]

After a weed kill the oxygen level is decreased substantually. Most of the fish will be in 10 fow or less. At least that has been the case on the lakes I have fished this year.

[icefishermanmark]

It effects the fisherman more than the fish. They're there, but without cover are much more weary of biting. This also takes away many spots that a fisherman has, confusing him. Weedkills generally don't kill all weeds, so there is still plenty of oxygen. Weedkills are meant to kill those that cover the surface and make navigation difficult, or swimming unappealing. Bottom cover weeds will produce oxygen, and the fish just need to find a new place to live. Try boat docks during this time;)

[waterfoul]

I can tell you without a doubt (in my experience anyway) that weed kills definitely affect fishing and the fish we are chasing. I'd like to see the DNR step up and limit the week kills... some lakes do it multiple times a summer. Wabasis is one example... Duncan another.

[mrblugil]

fished lake tuesday an they had two big "thrashing" machines harvesting weeds on the titt side,they wern't loading them either just chopping them off an allowing them to float off,nothing on tobacco side:fish:

[smoothz1977]

Couldn't agree more about Houghton Lake. Was up there couple of weekends ago....finally, one stinking walleye this year ONE! I didn't snag it either, my cousin did. Check my pics... my cousin caught a 1 1/2 perch...how, I don't know. That'll give you the story of Houghton Lake for me this year.