Batesville, in. — Some Batesville area residents have reported dead fish along the banks of the reservoir near Liberty Park.
A study from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources done in 2014 says shad have a high mortality rate when temperatures fluctuate dramatically or conditions become too cold.
Officials from the city of Batesville have identified the fish as “shad.”
Jeremy Price is the DNR regional fisheries supervisor and he says, “We have seen some widespread increases in shad populations in recent years throughout the region. That may have been due to warmer winter weather we have experienced up until this year. During harsh winters, shad kills occur throughout the Midwest and as far south as Tennessee.”
Shad can grow up to 18-inches long and have a silvery appearance. The fish are typically not targeted by anglers because of their foul taste, and they compete for food with other popular sport fish. Where shad populations are high corrective steps are often needed to control their numbers.
