Learn More about Didymo
Didymo is confirmed in the river near the confluence of Indian Stream and the Connecticut River. What is Didymo? A rare diatom (type of algae) restricted to pristine lakes and streams of northern latitudes. In recent years, its reputation has changed. Didymosphenia geminata has been documented to form excessive growths in many streams and rivers of North America and has been introduced to New Zealand where it has had dramatic effects. While there have been many occurrences of didymo in the US and Canada, only New Zealand's rivers have had seriously threatening effects. The alga is also called rock snot.
The Dept of Environmental Services forwarded us a poster which we have printed and have put up long the river at fishing access points. While we have placed the posters in the trophy stretch to increase awareness, currently there are no reports of didymo in that section of river.
WE URGE EVERYONE FISHING BELOW TOWN TO FOLLOW THE CLEANING STEPS BEFORE FISHING THE TROPHY STRETCH OR THE RIVER ABOVE FIRST LAKE!
There are several ways of cleaning but the ways we think will be most practical for the on stream angler are spraying a solution of either bleach and water or better yet, dishwashing detergent and water, onto all fishing gear that has come into contact with the water. Cleaning your equipment; never a bad idea anyway. Other ways to kill didymo or stop its spread is hot water or thoroughly drying you equipment as it needs water to live.
Felt soled wading boots are big culprits. They do not dry out well. For this we will be setting aside some space in our shed with a large bucket. Just step in and step out of a 2% bleach and water solution.
This week we will be putting in our cabins a spray bottle with a dish soap and hope to put some along the river as well. The spray bottle will contain a 5% dish soap and water solution.
So what does this mean for the fishing? Currently not alot. Algae, in normal quantities, can be beneficial to invertebrate and aquatic life according to biologists. Excessive blooms of alga can be detrimental. Currently, our fishery is in great shape. Even effected spots south of town are fishing great and we are not in a 'bloom' state with the alga.
We ask for your help. Please clean your gear and/or let it dry out completely. Clean you equipment thoroughly after fishing the river below Lake Francis. Didymo is in Arkansas, Tennessee, Montana, South Dakota, Quebec, Alberta, Virginia, Calif, Colorado and beyond. It is important to do this cleaning between all rivers.
