FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Feb. 26, 2015) -- Staff of the Directorate of Public Works Wildlife Branch recently installed fish attracting structures at two sites in Weston Lake.
Twelve fish attractors were constructed using Christmas trees collected for recycling. The trees were anchored to the lake bottom by concrete blocks.
"The structures will provide benefits to the aquatic community of the lake as well as to recreational fishermen," said Travis Dodson, wildlife technician.
The branches of the submerged trees will immediately provide escape cover for small baitfish. Over time, algae and aquatic insects will colonize the trees, continuing to attract baitfish by providing them a food source in addition to cover from predators. As the baitfish congregate around the structure, larger predatory fish such as bluegill and largemouth bass will be attracted by the abundance of prey.
"Because these game fish are ambush predators we pruned the Christmas trees to provide several pockets from which the larger fish can rush out to capture their prey," Dodson said.
Recreational fishermen will be able to recognize the installation sites at Weston Lake by marker buoys floating above the submerged fish attractors.
Fishermen on Fort Jackson must possess appropriate South Carolina licenses and permits specific to Fort Jackson, both of which are available at Marion Street Station.
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