This week, fisheries biologist Dianne Emerson gives a "didymo" update, along with a few suggestions for late-summer fishing in the Great North Woods.
We have a few last slots left in the intermediate fly-fishing weekend for women coming up September 28 - 30 at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H. Some fly-fishing experience is required. Applications at www.nhbow.com or call (603) 271-3212.
Fish New Hampshire and Relax... We have what
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Didymo: Let's hope for the best By Dianne Emerson, Fisheries Biologist/Coldwater Project Leader, Region 1/Lancaster
Didymosphenia geminata, a.k.a. didymo or rock snot, is a diatomaceous algae that has infiltrated the Connecticut River and various tributaries. I recently attended a two-day international workshop dedicated to this microscopic gem. The information on this species is a bit overwhelming after it came to be such a nuisance in New Zealand. What was really interesting is that I found out that genetic work is being performed to determine where this species originated. It was originally believed to be from New Zealand, but the preliminary results of the genetic analysis indicate Norway to have the oldest population and North America to be older than New Zealand. That's right -- Norway! It turns out that didymo is also present in various provinces in Canada, Iceland, Poland and the United Kingdom. That being said, we on the New Hampshire/Vermont line may have received it from any one of those countries.
Didymo seems to have preferences on habitat, but can survive under a range of conditions. It prefers cool water temperatures, stable water flows and substrate and high levels of UV light. Didymo can also swim upstream and live in one drop of water, which is why it is so critical to take the steps to "CHECK, CLEAN, DRY" your fishing or recreational gear after being in waters where didymo is present. New Zealand has taken drastic measures to insure the protection of the northern island from acquiring this alga, and so far they are holding it in the southern island.
Didymo has not always been such a nuisance to fish species and habitats. In Norway and the United Kingdom, salmon and fall spawning trout species have not been impacted. In these countries that experience winter, the mats of didymo that are abundant in the summer, slough off in the fall prior to spawning. The substrate needed for egg incubation is exposed, so egg development is and has been unaffected so far. That is not to say that salmon declines haven't occurred in these countries, because they have, but the researchers do not attribute the losses to didymo. These countries have weather patterns like the United States, and we are hoping that we will experience similar results. We still need to be diligent and responsible when dealing with this alga, because we do not know what it is going to do here in the northeast. Didymo is new here and, like any invasive, its introduction can be catastrophic. Always remember -- CHECK, CLEAN, DRY!
For more info on Didymo in New Zealand and New England, visit these websites:
If you observe Didymo in New Hampshire, contact Amy Smagula at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services: 603-271-2248 or asmagula@des.state.nh.us.
On a more fun note...Let's go fishing!
The water levels are very low up north, so big rivers and ponds may be the places to target (versus small mountain brooks). The Connecticut Lakes have been draining in anticipation of winter and spring runoff, so the river is up. Fishing in its headwaters can be challenging, but hatches were coming off last week and fish were rising in Pittsburg. Try size 18-20 yellow dun emergers or larger woolly buggers. Below Murphy Dam, small pieces of worm can be really effective this time of year. The hatcheries have been cleaning out raceways so they have room for the holdovers to reside. Some ponds to hit up here include Akers Pond, Cedar Pond, Martin Meadow and Christine Lake. Also, Moore Reservoir has a variety of species within its boundaries and always provides an afternoon of fun!
REMINDER FOR LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE BASS ANGLERS:
N.H. Fish and Game continues to count on help from anglers for an ongoing study of the movement of largemouth and smallmouth bass after bass tournament release. Angler captures of tagged bass are the major source of information for this study. Bass are being tagged upon release from tournament weigh-ins at Ames Farm Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee, identified with a numbered yellow tag at the base of the fish's dorsal fin. IF YOU CATCH A TAGGED BASS - PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE TAG!!
Bass Movement Study contact: Gabe Gries, Fish and Game Warmwater Fisheries Project Leader: NHFG Region 4, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, NH 03431; phone 603-352-9669; fax 603-352-8798; or email ggries@nhfgd.org.
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