ODWC has started stocking hybrids in Arcadia in the past 5 or 6 years. Overholser and Hefner get some from the river above OKC. A big reason hybrids are not stocked into Thunderbird is so we are not overstocking predators. T-Bird is one of the best saugeye fisheries in the state and ODWC biologists are VERY conservative about stocking multiple predators into a single waterbody. Just ask Bill W about the saugeye stocking history in Sooner for a good example of why we do not stock multiple predators in many lakes.
There are some obvious exceptions like Fort Cobb, Tom Steed, and Carl Blackwell but they are exceptions. We also have a limited supply of hybrids that our hatcheries can produce each year. Is it worth Birch or Fort Cobb missing a year of hybrids to experiment with them in Thunderbird instead? We are trying to find a balance in terms of hybrid production supply and stocking into KNOWN good hybrid waters versus trying to establish them in other lakes. Konawa is having growth issues with LM bass and in that case the biologist chose to reduce hybrid stockings in an effort to reduce predator density to try and bring the bass weights back up.
I realize that most of you have a strong preference for Morone species (some of you probably borden on insanity
) but ODWC is trying to balance multiple predator species stocking with angler desires and what is biologically sound for any given lake. The best way to get your voice heard is to contact your local biologist and have a civil conversation about the idea of stocking hybrids. Just be willing to listen to their expert opinion if you expect them to listen to your expert opinion.
