The quantity and quality of fish habitat in a water body has a direct impact on fish populations.

 

Cover for fish is often lacking in man-made ponds, and even in some lakes. Fish structures provide an aspect of habitat that is critical to survival and reproduction.  They provide places for small fish and fry to hide, thereby allowing them to survive long enough to reproduce. Structures can also improve fishing success by concentrating bait fish and creating hunting grounds for larger game fish.

 

When selecting habitat structures, you have two options: artificial or natural.

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ARTIFICIAL

 

Artificial structures are easy to assemble and transport. The structures we use have a textured surface to promote algae growth, a prime food source for small fish, and V-shaped branches, which reduce snagging when fishing.

 

Artificial structures can only be placed in private waterbodies. If you have a public waterbody, you will need to focus on natural habitat structures and may require a permit for installation.

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NATURAL

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Natural materials, such as fish cribs, fish sticks or fallen trees work well, but are cumbersome to transport and decay rapidly, requiring replacement. Sourcing and installing these natural structures can be problematic. However, grant funding is available for habitat improvement projects, such as building and installing fish sticks. 

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Cason & Associates have the locally source materials, equipment, and know-how to build and install these structures. We also work with lake groups and handle any applicable permitting and grant writing that may be required to help you improve your fishery.

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Contact us to learn how structure could improve your fishery, for structure recommendations and to place an order.

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