08-30-2016, 09:51 AM
[quote gaardvark]I am replying to TubeDude's post, but I guess this would be an open question to anyone with educated responses.
How do wipers fare when stocked in a water with carp? Do the carp grow too fast to remain a viable food source for the wipers? What about bullheads?
Also, how dependent on water clarity are wipers?
Any opinions on whether we might expect to see them in Cutler any time?
I would love to have some further north than Willard if it's feasible. If they can eat enough carp, water clarity might even improve a little.[/quote]
[#0000FF]Wipers in Willard eat lots of small carp...especially since they reach edible size sooner than the shad. They also eat baby catfish. In short, they anything they can wolf down when they are hungry. But, like shad, young carp grow quickly and are too big for most predators by late fall.
Wipers can survive and prosper in murky water. But they do better when the water is clear enough for them to employ their more efficient sight feeding tactics. And they school up better when they can see each other. But when the water is cold and murky they almost become like catfish...following their noses and using their lateral lines to find edibles.
Sorry, can't answer your question about northern Utah waters...specifically Cutler. I suspect they could make a living there. The decision will be made by DWR as they have sufficient stock to try some there.
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How do wipers fare when stocked in a water with carp? Do the carp grow too fast to remain a viable food source for the wipers? What about bullheads?
Also, how dependent on water clarity are wipers?
Any opinions on whether we might expect to see them in Cutler any time?
I would love to have some further north than Willard if it's feasible. If they can eat enough carp, water clarity might even improve a little.[/quote]
[#0000FF]Wipers in Willard eat lots of small carp...especially since they reach edible size sooner than the shad. They also eat baby catfish. In short, they anything they can wolf down when they are hungry. But, like shad, young carp grow quickly and are too big for most predators by late fall.
Wipers can survive and prosper in murky water. But they do better when the water is clear enough for them to employ their more efficient sight feeding tactics. And they school up better when they can see each other. But when the water is cold and murky they almost become like catfish...following their noses and using their lateral lines to find edibles.
Sorry, can't answer your question about northern Utah waters...specifically Cutler. I suspect they could make a living there. The decision will be made by DWR as they have sufficient stock to try some there.
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