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Due to tneir semi-aormancy most species of fish do not feed much when water tempera tures approach the freezing point. Consequently a great deal of their accumulated fat is utilized in the maintenance of body functions and they become thin and weakened. In this condition they are much more susceptible to disease and parasites. Old age also takes its greatest toll at this time of year, since ser^ior citizens of the fish world 'are not as able to withstand these j seasonal stresses. Winter weather can also take its toll of fish but not from j exposure as in the case of land Icreatures. Heavy build-ups of lice and snow block sunlight land cause plankton algae, and ! [larger plants to consume oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. This plant respiration can reduce oxygen to the point at which fish begin to die. Fortunately, ice and snow rarely | laccumulate to this level in Virginia. Decomposition of organicmaterials which have built up over the winter increase rapidly when water temperatures rise in the’^spring. The resulting oxygen consumption can lower oxygen in lakes and slow moving streams. Game fish are usually the first to suffer. Carp, catfish and suckers are milch more tolerant of low oxygen conditions. In some cases selective die-offs of game fish can hurt fishing since rough fish soon predominate in such a situation.
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