This letter is to discuss our June 2023 management efforts. I came out once in June on the 28th. Overall things look really good. July and summer are right around the corner. So just be ready. It’s fixing to be summer in Texas. We all know what that means.
On the 28th. Water temp was Hot, just hot. I measured water temps of 88 F all around the lake. It is interesting how a week of high humidity and 100 F outside temperatures can make water temps soar. And I realize I was there at the end of June, basically July, but technically Summer just started. Just another big jump in water temps this month. Alkalinity was 140 and pH was 8.5. pH is still running high. Still a lot of birds, Canada Geese, and ducks primarily. I’m pretty sure there is a population of geese that don’t go anywhere. They have just decided to make Vilbig their home, and the population is expanding. Water looked great, visibility of 28 inches, it had an olive great green tint to it, an indication that the plankton bloom is going through its natural cycle and dissipating a little with the higher water temperatures. Normally at Lake Vilbig I don’t see lake color change much. It is usually very fertile and a bright green color. This month I actually saw a little variance in the water color. All this is perfectly normal, in the grand scheme of things, but it is a little interesting, nonetheless.
Other than that, everything looks really great I looked for vegetation in several areas and was unable to find any. There is still a chance for some chara to sprout up but hopefully, it won’t be too bad. I do want you all to consider managing some of the alligator weed. It seems to be spreading and relocating out further from shore and in shallow areas where it wasn’t growing previously. Especially around the fish bowl area.
Thanks, Vilbig Residents!
Chad Fikes
Fisheries biologist
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