Didymo, a short name for Didymosphenia germinate and pejoratively called rock snot by anglers, is no sneezing matter. It is an algae that can affect trout streams and other waters, and in time can blanket the bottom to kill trout, other fish and aquatic insects.
It is also easily transported to other streams after hitching a ride from a fisherman or boater. One solution suggested a few years back was for anglers to get rid of all their felt soled waders and boots and go to the new boots with so-called “sticky rubber” soles.
Some states even went the route of having saltwater filled basins at parking lots where anglers exit from streams, the idea being to stand and soak boot soles in the salt solution to kill it before visiting other streams. The problem was to keep the salt basin disinfectant pans filled using staff or volunteer personnel. The idea had problems.
While Didymo problems still exist, all users shortly came to the realization that rock snot (so named for its slimy appearance and feel) can be carried by lots of methods. Trout fishermen in their felts are not the only culprits here.
A list of possible carriers can include trout anglers, but also boaters, canoeists, kayakers, kids in their Keds and Converse that can also pick up the algae, wading staffs, laces and gravel guards of wading boots, float tubes, etc.
Boot users also realized that the sticky rubber boots that can be more easily washed clean of Didymo, are also not as good for wading as are the traditional felt soles. Naturally, debates will continue over the best possible footwear for all purposes – felts, felts with metal cleats, standard cleated rubber, sticky rubber or just tennis shoes.
The secret to preventing further invasions of Didymo is to make sure that all your gear that might have come in contact with the bottom is clean and free of mud when leaving any stream. Wash, scrub or bring along your own salt solution to kill the nasty stuff. This is particularly important if going the same day to another stream for boating, kayaking or trout fishing.
The important thing is to prevent the spread of the disease so that trout can continue to get to the bottom to pick up some groceries such as mayflies, caddis and stoneflies and other tasty treats. Heck, with rock snot smothering those goodies, they would all be dead anyway, as will trout if they can’t find something to eat.
Comments