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Minnows spawning already?


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#1 ccoyle

ccoyle
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  • Taylors, SC

Posted 24 February 2018 - 10:56 AM

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?



#2 centrarchid

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Posted 24 February 2018 - 11:27 AM

Creek chubs may be going in your locality.


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#3 mattknepley

mattknepley
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  • Smack-dab between the Savannah and the Saluda.

Posted 25 February 2018 - 07:40 AM

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 Knepley
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."

#4 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
  • Forum Staff
  • Ohio

Posted 25 February 2018 - 11:57 AM

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.


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#5 mattknepley

mattknepley
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  • Smack-dab between the Savannah and the Saluda.

Posted 25 February 2018 - 12:36 PM

I'd say that temp is a definite possibility. My stock pond was at 62 last week, if my thermometer is correct.
Matt Knepley
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."

#6 ccoyle

ccoyle
  • NANFA Guest
  • Taylors, SC

Posted 25 February 2018 - 10:08 PM

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.  :-(





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