Can someone inform me as to why some lakes get rid of this and consider it invasive? I am sure that there are several lakes you would not want it on such as the recreational lakes. But the lakes that are made for fishing, it would be perfect.

Isnt Hydrilla what makes Fork such a great lake?

it sure kicked amistad up a few notches

There are several lakes in Oklahoma that I think could greatly benefit from it, but I have noticed its never introduced and is considered invasive on some lakes.

I've only heard of it on heavy recreational lakes. Like Lake Austin where they drain it every coouple of years so, at least in part, to kill off the grass. They know who butters their bread and it's not us fisherman.

If Falcon had some hydrilla, it would be the best bass lake on the planet (and it may be anyway), but the dropping water levels in the summer, prevent it from growing. (And it's illegal to plant it.)
But there were times when the hydrilla in some lakes, like Choke Canyon and Amistad, could be a problem just navigating.

It's considered invasive on all U.S. lakes. Left unchecked, it will take over a system.

From texasinvasives.org

Ecological Threat: Dense underwater stands of hydrilla raise water pH and temperature, and lower dissolved oxygen. While the number of fish is often increased, large fish become more rare. Promotes mosquito habitat. Potentially affects power generation by clogging dams

So Hydrilla got to most of these lakes by accident I assume? Wouldnt most people agree that for the most part, it only improves the lakes fishery?

Three letters...HOA.

Hydrilla is considered invasive by the state because it is a non-native species. That's a shame.

Anyway, because it is classified as an invasive, lakefront HOAs who are dominated by recreational 'boaters' partner with the state to rid their areas of hydrilla. Triploid grass carp and spraying are the primary means of eradication. One only look to Lake Conroe for a model of HOAs destroying a bass fishery.

Kill the (good) grass, kill the bass.

case in point. Lake Cypress Springs. Used to be LOOOOAAAADED with great 'drilla. Now, not so much. Grass carp, and heavy spraying by all the Homeowners have all but killed it off. There is SOME left, but not nearly how it used to be.

Now the homeowners complain because the water isnt as clear. . . duhhhhhh

[quote=Ride-or-Fish � case in point. Lake Cypress Springs.
Now the homeowners complain because the water isnt as clear. . . duhhhhhh [/quote]

Duhhhhhh LMAO! Good 'un, Sheb!

No such animal. All public lakes are water wells and are managed as such. State tries to keep a happy balance between recreational users, home owners, & sportsman but it's use as a water source is there primary concern.

Let me re-phrase. The lakes that are made primarily for boating and skiing and partying, Hydrilla may not be wanted. But lakes that are not used for that, weed those suckers up.

Hydrilla makes a lake. It will not take over a system. It grows rapidly in the summer making a great habitat for all fish and their forage and dies back some in the winter. TP&WD needs to wake up and realize the benifits that this plant species can have in our otherwise barron lakes. Native species just dont cut it on some of our lakes that fluctuate several feet every year. Hydrilla can be easily sprayed around swimming beaches and marinas and left to benefit the rest of the lake. TP&W dept. does a great job overall but really has their head up their ---- on this one.

It makes me wonder if their hands are tied by the federal government though, either that or they just dont want to start a poop storm with them.

Here's a good read. Explains the complications Hydrilla can cause. University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Hydrilla