Being a Steward is Fishy at Times

Baker Woods Preserve (BWP) was recently visited by former DEC biologist, Douglas Carlson. Doug is apparently not good at retirement as he continues to enthusiastically learn (and teach) about our local fisheries.

Doug spent a recent morning with us examining the contents of gill, hoop and trap nets to better understand the fisheries in our headwater section of the Indian River which is home to “a pretty good mixture of fish” including brown bullhead, largemouth bass, mudminnows, shiners and suckers. Doug also explored shallow areas (3-4’ deep) with “lots of submerged aquatic plants and lots of beaver crossings to offer sampling”.

Further Doug completed a two hour paddle upstream toward the Indian River Flats which he enthusiastically describes as “a beautiful place… I really liked the cliffs”. He requests that you please let us know when / if you catch trout or fallfish (see photo) in the Indian River headwaters…

We look forward to Doug’s return as he continues to explore and report on the “fishy” aspect of the Indian River and her headwaters. Meanwhile, we appreciate his insight and look forward to sharing Doug’s knowledge (and our newfound insights) with our BWP visitors!

Enjoy the remains of summer.

~Matt & Linda