Artificial Fish Structure

As with tree revetments, artificial fish structure is something that we can construct to help enhance our fisheries. As anglers, we have a unique, almost intimate, knowledge of our local lakes. We know where our fisheries need a little bit of help. Put that knowledge to use and create some artificial fish structure in your local lake.

Structure, whether natural or artificial, is an important feature in a water body that helps to maintain a diverse and healthy population of fish. Structure supplies cover for fish looking to evade predators. Structure provides shade in the summer. Structure provides a place for fish to spawn as well as a place for food organisms to grow.

And by creating artificial fish structure in your lake, you are adding to the habitat that helps fish to thrive.

There are various types of materials that can be used to create artificial structure.

Spent Trees: Spent evergreen trees provide excellent cover for fish. They are also inexpensive and are readily available after Christmas. They should be anchored in the lakebed with cinderblocks or some type of weight such as rocks.

Palettes: Used palettes can be used to construct a triangle or box shape. They, too, can be anchored in the lakebed with a cinderblock.

Pipes: Used pipes can be plugged at one end with concrete and tied together. The weight of the concrete will hold the pipes in the lakebed. Catfish, in particular, are fond of such hiding places.

Before you undertake any sort of artificial fish structure project, get permission. Find out who has jurisdiction over your lake and obtain the necessary permits.

An artificial habitat project is something that an individual or group can do that is inexpensive and will help the fish in your local fishery thrive.

For More Conservation Tips visit www.recycledfish.org