Lochow Lake & Ranch Management consider river otters to be a serious threat to private lakes and fisheries. If suspected, contact Lochow and they will direct inquirers to a licensed trapper.
According to Lochow Ranch Pond and Lake Management, they consider otter predation to be the most detrimental factor facing private lakes in Texas today.
River Otters are becoming increasingly prevalent throughout Texas and they have observed firsthand how devastating to fisheries they can be. They are elusive primarily nocturnal predators that target larger adult fish of all species.
A fishery or private lake can always restock forage fish but ten pound bass are essentially not replaceable.
You can learn more about River Otters by watching this video. https://youtu.be/O8D5trnZ9JY
Because River Otters are near-sighted, due to underwater sight adaptation, they may come within a few feet of a person or a boat. Otters go where there is food and water flow, so a fishery can be an ideal habitat. Otters generally feed on prey that is easy to catch. That would include slower-moving species such as bass, sunfish, shiners and catfish.
Otters may den in rock crevices, hollow logs, abandoned beaver structures or abandoned human structures. Otters are a regulated species, so it is necessary to know the laws of the state. They are efficient predators.
If River Otters are present or suspected on the property, contact Lochow Ranch and they will direct clients to a licensed trapper.
Besides helping with direction regarding river otter problems, the team of technicians, biologists and other professionals at Lochow Ranch Pond & Lake Management can provide the tools necessary to maintain a healthy balance in a managed lake or pond and make it the ideal location for fishing pleasure. They will help owners maintain a healthy pond with the right predator-to-prey ratio for strong growth rates in game and forage fish.
They carry bass, trout, sunfish, catfish and forage fish. Many other species are also available for specific requests. They can work with owners in the future to make sure the outcome is in line with their goals. If it involves a private lake, pond, or fishery, Lochow Ranch Pond and Lake Management has the expertise to solve any problem.
