Oakview Lake Netting August 2018

Summer removal of small fish provides a rare opportunity to see lots of big carp in mid season.

Summer removal of small fish provides a rare opportunity to see lots of big carp in mid season. Not a full carp count this time, but interesting to compare the spawned out fish with the fat bellies we see at a winter netting.

Why Net Oakview In Summer?

Unlike a winter netting, summer nettings usually have a single objective; which in this case is the removal of small fish. The freak weather conditions experienced over the last 12 months has resulted in an explosion in numbers of juvenile fish, which are far too numerous to be controlled naturally by predation. If left unchecked, the numbers and speed of growth could potentially lead to a critical level of biomass in the water.

What Biomass Was Removed?

Nearly half a metric ton (over 450KG) of small roach, rudd and carp was removed, equivalent to 30 carp weighing 33lb each. All of the large carp, jack pike and grass carp remain in the lake to enjoy healthier levels of oxygen and water quality.

How Many Carp Were Netted?

In the winter months, around 95% of the carp are usually netted. During summer, when the carp are much more active, this percentage is less. On this occasion 68 of the lake's big carp were counted back into the lake, along with a few smaller home grown carp and grass carp.

Is Carp Fishing Affected?

The carp will sulk for a day before going back on the munch. Anglers Waine and Terri Morgan watched the netting and started catching soon afterwards.