On Tuesday November 17th, we had our meeting at Bobby’s Colorado Steakhouse with guest speaker, Rex Watters. He spoke to us about many of the management strategies taking place at both Monroe Reservoir as well as the Stillwater Marsh Wetlands area he manages. He also mentioned a few ways we can help including volunteer days planting trees and helping manage and keep these areas that we use so often clean.

Rex informed us about the issue with the Asian Carp here in Bloomington. While most of us do not use live bait, there is still a concern about the spread of this invasive species due to their destructive quality and their ability to outcompete other fish in the region.  He also spoke to us about how we can prevent the spread of these Carp from entering Lake Monroe, informing us about the resemblance of Gizzard Shad to the Asian Carp. With both looking so similar in their growing stages, many are unable to differentiate these species and will accidentally spread these invasives into undesired areas such as Lake Monroe.

One project Indiana DNR is currently attempting to implement here in Monroe County is building disposals for the fishing line (leader, tippet) and bait. This will help decrease the chances of spread of invasive species as well as keep the environment and the critters in it happy!

Rex also spoke to use about the Bald Eagle population at Monroe Reservoir, and it seems they are thriving in the region with 17 nests currently being used as well as one of the oldest documented Eagles living right here in Monroe County.

The fly tying demonstration part of the meeting was presented by Mike Donovan, tying a Parmachene Belle Streamer as promised in previous meetings. Mike always does a good job of explaining about the materials he uses and why they are important in reproducing classic flies.