An unfertilized fish egg sitting in a nest at Lake Hartwell was having trouble remembering what he was doing there … then it spawned on him.

Although today is April Fools’ Day, this time of year is no laughing matter for largemouth bass that live in sub-basins along the Savannah River.

Each spring, male fish build nests in shallow water by swinging their tails back and forth to create saucer-like depressions on the bottom, according to James Sykes, a fisheries biologist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District.

“If the water is clear enough, you can actually see the fish spawning,” Sykes said.

After establishing the nest, males attract females, who essentially lay eggs and swim away, leaving the males to protect the fertilized eggs.

Though the process seems straight-forward, it can be a harrowing experience for the males, who are vulnerable to predators from above (birds) and below (other fish) while they guard the eggs in the shallow water.

Far from the life-and-death action, district water managers also play a part during spawning season.

“The goal is to try to keep the pools as flat as possible,” said Jason Lavecchia, a water manager for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. “It’s a challenge.”

During the four- to six-week spawning season, water managers monitor inflow and outflow, and strive to keep reservoir levels from fluctuating more than one half foot up or down, Lavecchia said.

This stability is critical for the success of the largemouth bass, which are the primary predators and have a considerable role in maintaining a balance in fish populations.

If water levels fall too quickly, males will abandon the nest, which makes the eggs vulnerable to predators, Sykes said.

However, it’s not all about the fish; in keeping with the Corps’ overall mission, biologists and water managers must balance the needs of local industry and citizens while protecting wildlife like the largemouth bass.

“We try to end the season as quickly as we feel practical … when we feel like most of the fish have spawned,” said Sykes. “It makes the [the water managers’] job harder, but it’s the most important thing we do for fisheries management.”

The 2015 spawning season began March 28 and is expected to last until late April or early May, Sykes said.

~ By Jeremy S. Buddemeier, public affairs specialist

Shamrock Shuffle is a family friendly event for all ages and levels of runners.  It takes place at one of the most beautiful views you will ever experience of Lake Hartwell and the Savannah River.  The path along the dike to the dam and back is the most fatigue-friendly running/walking venues available in outdoor events.  It’s easy to access right on Hwy 29 with plenty of parking right at the starting line (at Big Oaks Recreation Area).

The race and fun-run will not be the only reasons to come out to the event. There will be lots of activities for spectators as well. Among them will be marshmallow roasting, traditional Irish recreational games, music, kid’s activities, giveaways and more. Contests will be held for the “greenest” family, largest family to attend and more.

With wonderful facilities and fun activities for everyone this is sure to be a memorable day.  Bring the whole family, wearing your favorite green of course, and join in the fun.  Reserve your spot today!

Event details and scheduleDate: March 14, 2015 Packet Pickup: Big Oaks Park (Hartwell, GA) – next to the Hartwell Dam from 7:00am – 9:30am Start Time: 5k – 10:00am , 1 mile Fun Run/Walk – 11:00am Parking: Free Parking is available at Big Oaks Park and the Corps of Engineer office area. Restrooms: Are available in the park area.   Awards Awards will be given to the Overall Male/Female, Overall Masters Male/Female and Grand Masters Male/Female. Age Group awards will be given 3 deep in standard age groups.

Shirts and Goodies Shirts are guaranteed to those who pre-register by 2/21/15 and will be given while supplies last to race day registrants.  There will be plenty of fluids and snacks after the race.   Benefiting: Rice Bowls (ricebowls.org)   Additional information at www.impactsportevents.com.

February has arrived and Groundhog Day has come-and-gone. So this makes me a little late in giving my annual prediction on how the three Corps of Engineers’ Savannah River reservoirs will begin the 2015 tourist season.

Now whether my prognostication will be any better than those of large, furry rodents is to be determined. Will I be better than Punxsutawney Phil (Pennsylvania), Gen. Beauregard Lee (Georgia), Jimmy the Groundhog (Wisconsin) or those pesky prairie dogs of my west Texas childhood? Time will tell.

In my past forecasts, I correctly predicted conditions about half the time but I’m getting better – which is about the same as the groundhogs crawling out of their holes. At least I won’t bite the ear of a local mayor as happened in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, this month. So here goes…

I didn’t use a crystal ball or my shadow to make this foretelling, but rather forecasts from the National Weather Service for rainfall and discussions with Savannah District water managers for inflow and outflow expectations.

As of this writing Hartwell, Russell and Thurmond reservoirs continue on the rise, as does the winter guide curve for Hartwell and Thurmond. (Russell has one guide curve year round.) The rising levels have ‘chased’ guide curve for some weeks but remain about one foot below the daily guide curve. As noted in last week’s posting, winter rainfall gives more runoff into the reservoirs than the same rainfall would in the summer. However, the rainfall in January did not reach average levels. As of this writing we remain in Drought Level 1 conditions which limit discharges from the system.

The National Weather Service predicts dry and wet spells through the next 14 and 30 day range. Some precipitation will be above average, some below. The 90-day outlook shows equal chances for above or below average rainfall. What does this mean? It means 2015 matches an ‘average’ year.

Average years have reservoir levels slightly below full summer pool (660 ft-msl at Hartwell, 330 ft-msl at Thurmond). Average rainfall, average runoff, average, average, average.

So at this time it looks good – very good, in fact – for reservoir levels to reach or remain just slightly below full summer pool on Memorial Day at Hartwell and slightly below at Thurmond. We must keep Thurmond no higher than 329 ft-msl for worker safety while ongoing gate repairs continue.

All in all, a good place to start the summer. Just two or three extra rain storms in the meantime and the levels could be even better.

I’m not sure whether I saw my shadow for this posting. I’m not sure what difference it makes, either. I just know I feel good for the start of the season. Until then, I think I’ll crawl back into my hole.

Courtesy corp of engineers