Starting June 29, 2010 the US Army Corp of Engineers will be reducing the flow from St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries from 3,000 cfs to 450 cfs. This decision was made in light of the forecast of less than normal rainfall throughout Florida for this years rainy season.
This is great news for those who fish on Sanibel Island! With the reduced flow salinity levels at the oyster reefs in the lower estuary get better, greater water clarity for seagrass beds near the mouth of the river, and will result in less nutrient loading in San Carlos Bay and the waters of Sanibel.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission fisheries biologist Corey Lee has great news for Sanibel Island fisherman heading to Lake Okeechobee:
“The most bass we’ve seen in three to four years,” Lee said. “We’re seeing eight-to-10-inch bass everywhere. There’s a lot of crappie — the highest numbers we’ve seen in five years. It’s been amazing watching it turn around.”
