Winter 2024
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For example, I fished Shasta following a TOC event held at Bridge Bay. I graphed all of the areas outside of the marina – from approximately 15 feet out to about 40 feet and graphed very few fish.
I am curious if the stress coupled with being released in a new area diminishes their feeding behavior and they focus more on orienting to their new environment, recovering, then based on conditions (instinct, habitat preferences, water quality, temperature, etc.) slowly moving away from the release site. I do believe many of these fish go deep – I
would have to do some more research to see if anything has been published regarding post release behavior with respect to depth/water column.
We should count our blessings that we have such healthy fisheries to continue to enjoy. Take good care of your fish. •
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