I’m Don Rouse, the dissolved oxygen measurement coordinator for the club. Dissolved oxygen is an important factor in fishing and fisheries management. Fish and other aquatic organisms rely on dissolved oxygen in the water to grow and reproduce. Dissolved oxygen levels vary depending on temperature and water movements. Our goal is to develop a program in conjunction with the game and fish commission to accumulate data on dissolved oxygen in different areas of the lake. Information on dissolved oxygen levels will assist us as fishermen to locate fish more efficiently and assist game and fish in developing fish management programs.
I am a native of Mountain Home and grew up fishing Bull Shoals and Norfork lakes as well as the white river with family and friends. Some of my fondest memories are of evening fishing trips to the lake with my grandfather.
After graduating high school, I went to college in Jonesboro before moving to Little Rock to work in accounting. For way too many years, fishing and other outdoor activities took a back seat to work and family. I’m now trying to make up for lost time in my fishing and outdoor experiences.
I joined the club to learn more about walleye and fishing in general. I’ve already learned some really great information and am looking forward to learning even more and assisting our other members as they increase their fishing knowledge.
If you are interested in assisting with the dissolved oxygen measurement program, feel free to reach out to me.