Stocking Sturgeon in the River

Not entirely muskie related post. Hopefully, this is ok.

Perhaps, its because I am a Biology Teacher, (possibly a nerd) but I have a great fascination with the health of the river...

Has anyone come across a paddlefish yet? I have read that there is a population in the area below Kinzua along with the dammed up sections of river. I have never seen one in my area (Kennerdell-Parker)yet.

With the apparent successful reintroduction of paddle fish, which fish is next? I would certainly love to see the Lake Sturgeon make a comeback. It was an incredible sight to run into one ice fishing on Lake Erie a few years back. They are native to the river and were common into the early 1900's. As seen in this youtube video. https://youtu.be/S2gxRqeDhh8?t=1m45s

I have always assumed There were two main reasons for the population collapse. The locks and dams preventing successful spawning and overfishing. I contacted Pa Fish and Game on the matter. They responded with this link. http://www.fishandboat.com/Resource/...px14e-fish.pdf Basically, it is saying that it is being looked at. However, there are issues with botulism outbreaks.

I am left with some questions. As far as reproductive success being an issue. Is it even necessary anymore? The fish can live 150 years. http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/stur...LifeCycle.html Isn't there very little to no natural spawning success with muskie in river?

In any case, I love to see the increased biodiversity which comes with a rebounding ecosystem. Hope to see it continue.

The Paddlefish were reintroduced to this drainage about 12 or so years ago and originated in the NY waters (NYDEC) of the Rez. Yes, I have seen several paddlefish in the river but most of them have been dead due to the violent exit thru the gates of the dam. A few have made it through alive, however. I did see one a few years ago that was big enough to get my attention from afar...........thinking it was a huge musky, I motored over to make a cast or three at her only to see the bill. I would guess it was 55 inches or so. Most of them wash up on shore within 2 miles of the dam and are 30-40 inches long. I haven't seen a dead one in quite a few years.

Not the river, but I accidentally caught a 62" paddlefish at Chq this year. It was definitely the heaviest fish I've ever handled. We have also accidentally caught some pretty big sturgeon at LSC.

I think I saw a pic of that fish, Adam.

She had the proper length but if she only had some teeth.............:)