The 5625(ish) Rainbow Trout that were loaded into the hatchery truck were destined for nearby Turquoise Lake. Once the truck is loaded the stocking itself is a one-person job, but we tagged along to help.
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| On the Road. |
The lake has been lowered in order to catch the snow melt that is on the way. So Joe had to back several hundred feet down a long boat ramp. I helped him get into position at the bottom.
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| Getting Close. |
Once in position you might think that there is an elaborate process to gently introduce the fish into their new environment. Nope! Kick the cap off of the big pipe.
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| Uncapping. |
And pull the plug on tank #1.
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| Tank #1 Going In. |
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| What a Ride! |
It takes about 60 seconds for a tank of fish to empty into the lake. On to tank #2.
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| Tank #2 |
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| In the Lake |
With their sudden entry into the water we expected to see a casualty or two. But aside from a few confused fish that beached themselves in the excitement all seemed fine. Teri was in charge of helping those few back into the water.
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| Home Sweet Home! |
Our final tasks were to check the water temperature (46 degrees) and get the truck back up the ramp.
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| Checking the Temperature. |
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| All Finished. |
The scenery on our drive back to the hatchery wasn't too shabby!
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| Mount Massive |
Mark
That's quite a fish story. Is this a public fishing area? Will the water temp stay that cold all summer? I've watched fish being unloaded in several places over the years... always find it interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a popular public fishing lake. I expect that the water might warm up some, but the snowmelt will continue into July and it starts to cool off again here in mid-August, so I think it stays pretty cool! The well water here is a constant 42 degrees, so that gives an idea of the average ground temperature. Brrrr!!
DeleteVery interesting job. I have seen them load trucks but never the unload. Were the fish shouting wheeeee.
ReplyDeleteVirginia
We may have heard a few fish screams!!!
DeleteI have seen stocking many times and in a few different types of release. It always amazes me that the fish do just fine. The mountains look great
ReplyDelete