Bass club helps restore fish population Posted On: Friday, Jul. 31 2009 06:31 AM   By Hayley Kappes
Killeen Daily Herald

After months of frustrated fishermen returning from trips empty-handed, recreational anglers will soon experience greater numbers and quality in Belton Lake's fish population.

At least that is what the CenTex Bass Hunters fishing club is trying to bring to fruition.

James McDonald, conservation director for the club, said every year members focus on a restorative project for local lakes.

The club is installing artificial habitats, or fish covers, in 15- to 20-foot-deep areas in the lake, where small fish have protection and nutrients from aquatic vegetation to flourish.

McDonald said the club previously tied Christmas trees to weighted PVC pipes in the lake to provide structure to artificial habitats.

The horseshoe-shaped structures are 10 feet in diameter and placed in cinder blocks with rebar to hold them in place.

Algae grows on the pipes, which creates the foundation of a food chain. Big fish eat the smaller ones, which feed on algae.

"It creates a whole new ecosystem in that area," McDonald said.

Even if Belton Lake's level continues to decrease, the habitats are deep enough for populations to thrive.

McDonald said Stillhouse Hollow Lake already has a great number of natural underwater structures with grass and trees.

Belton Lake proved difficult for fisherman to suss out lucrative fishing spots. McDonald said the lake's bass population did not have the platforms to substantially grow.

The lake's park rangers supported and offered guidance for the project, and provided the club with special event permits.

Todd Spivey, Belton Lake park ranger, said natural fish covers in lakes deteriorate with time. Belton Lake is more than 50 years old.

"You can't have too much cover," Spivey said. "As overgrowth begins to deteriorate cover, artificial structures help reverse that."

Dan Watson, tournament director of the club, has fished in Belton Lake for the past 20 years.

He said club members will install the structures this weekend, and it will take six months to one year for fish numbers to noticeably increase.

"Through this, our future generations will still have places to fish," Watson said.