more on spawning: Identifying spawning habitat and fish

Thanks for the post Steven,

Good question, how do you recognise spawning fish and spawning habitat?

smallmouth yellowfish spawn where their eggs are exposed to well oxygenated water, typically this is up in the fast water at the eye of a pool or in long stretches of rapids. This water is usually shallow (less than 30cms). The fish will often not spook until you are right on top of them. They will probably be rubbing against each other (unless they have dropped back a little to rest): the males use their rough textured gill covers to stimulate the females to release eggs. When the female releases her eggs this is often done with a wild thrashing sometimes sending water spraying a meter into the air.

bottom line: when in doubt, relocate.

respect the fish,
keith