A habitat improvement project has anglers hoping for their next big catch at Cave Run Lake.
Over the next three years, natural and man-made structures will be sunk at several lake locations. These structures will provide safe cover for small fish and foraging habitat for larger fish.
Fisheries biologists from state and federal agencies are coordinating with sport fishers and volunteers to implement the project.
“The primary goal of the project, which anglers will see, is increased opportunities and places to catch fish,” said Tom Timmermann, assistant district biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in the Northeastern Fishery District.
The habitat improvement structures vary in shape, size and material but simple in design.
“The structures will promote algae and periphyton growth on submerged surfaces, which will provide a food supply and refuge for small fish and aquatic insects. Larger fish will be attracted to the structures as feeding zones, which should be a great area to catch all the sport fish of the lake - bass, muskie and crappie,” added Timmermann.
Wooden pallets, cable spools, concrete blocks, tree stumps and recycled Christmas trees are some of the materials being used to develop these sunken fish attractors. Local businesses and individuals have donated much of the materials being used for the project.
“The pallets are used to create an open cage-like structure with trees strapped inside for added cover,” said Pam Martin, fisheries biologist with the U.S. Forest Service, Daniel Boone National Forest.
Bass, muskellunge and crappie are just a few of the sport fish expected to benefit from the improved habitat at Cave Run. The sunken brush and other material will quickly attract fish to the habitat improvement areas.
Following the recommendations of several anglers, the structures are being placed perpendicular to the shoreline with shorter parallel reefs that create a T shape. The structures will alternate from shallow to deep, with a maximum depth of 20 feet at summer pool level.
“The perpendicular lines will allow fish usage during all stages of lake temperature changes. The shallow parallel lines will allow for small fish usage as cover, and the deeper parallel lines will allow for some warmer water cover in the winter months,” said Anthony Orr with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The targeted areas for habitat improvement are Clay Lick, Stoney Cove/Adams Point, Scott’s Creek, Ramey’s Creek, Warix Run, Zilpo Flats, Cassidy’s, and Poppin Rock. The Clay Lick and Stony Cove/Adams Point sites will be completed this year.
“Anglers should expect to see fish in these areas anytime. They should be ready hotspots this coming fall and winter on the lake,” said Timmerman.
Anyone interested in donating material or serving as a volunteer for the fisheries project should contact Tom Timmerman at 606-783-8650 or by email at: tom.timmermann@ky.gov
Volunteers currently participating in the project include the Friends of Cave Run, Kentucky Chapter 52 of Muskies Inc., the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, local bass fishers, and private businesses and individuals.
Story provided by Daniel Boone National Forest
