08-26-2011, 04:32 PM
For what it's worth, I tend to believe (from what i've researched) that smallies are pretty hardy and probably are reproducing at some rate.
However, PBH is correct. Little fry are adversely effected by weather changes and cold 10 fold more than adult fish. That's why storms effect fry of all types. Little fish get discombobulated by wind and cold snaps a lot more than adults, therefore allowing the bigger fish to be even more efficient predators.
I would guess that a "healthly" population of smallies would be a bonus for Strawberry because they don't compete directly with the cuts and rainbows and they could hammer the dads in there. But I doubt a "healthy" population could ever be established.
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However, PBH is correct. Little fry are adversely effected by weather changes and cold 10 fold more than adult fish. That's why storms effect fry of all types. Little fish get discombobulated by wind and cold snaps a lot more than adults, therefore allowing the bigger fish to be even more efficient predators.
I would guess that a "healthly" population of smallies would be a bonus for Strawberry because they don't compete directly with the cuts and rainbows and they could hammer the dads in there. But I doubt a "healthy" population could ever be established.
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