5 replies to this topic

[ccoyle]

Hi, again. As I reported in my introduction, I'm a California transplant to SC, so I'm very unfamiliar with the native fish assemblage here. Last year I bought a minnow trap and collected a few creek chubs and greenhead shiners in the creek (a small tributary to Brushy Creek in Taylors) behind my house. Today I noticed what looks to me to be very much like spawning activity, with some larger minnows having excavated some redds in the sandy riffles and pool tail-out. These look to be about 10" in diameter and roughly circular, with the larger bits of gravel left in the center. February seems a bit early to me for spring spawning, but I'm the new guy here, so what do I know? Is this activity normal for either of the two species I have so far identified in my creek?

[centrarchid]

Creek chubs may be going in your locality.

[mattknepley]

Different species are gearing up about now. For all the Creek Chubs I've seen I can't say that I've ever actually seen a nest/mound of theirs. As warm as it's been and with days starting to lengthen, I wouldn't be surprised if you've got some activity. The Greenheads aren't nest makers, they're waiting to freeload off the chubs.

[Matt DeLaVega]

So, I read that creek chubs start spawning at 55 degrees. With this unseasonably warm weather, It seems possible that water temps in SC might be approaching that. You guys would know.

[mattknepley]

I'd say that temp is a definite possibility. My stock pond was at 62 last week, if my thermometer is correct.

[ccoyle]

Well, it has been warm here, so I guess it is not too early then. I counted at least six redds along my short stretch of creek. All that activity attracted a blue heron this morning, too. On a sadder note, I learned today that my wife inadvertently hauled my minnow trap off to Good Will recently.