There is certainly a science to fishing, and a team from the Alabama Department of Conservations and Natural Resources spent much of the past week catching the fish — and crunching the numbers — at the new Duck River reservoir. But, the approach they took is (literally) a bit shocking.

Led by Jay Haffner with the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, a small group of scientists have been literally shocking fish, knocking them unconscious with an electrical current, so they can be caught and measured, then released back into the lake. The technique does not kill the fish, but instead stuns them temporarily, causing them to float to the top of the water so they can be scooped up by a net. The boat is equipped with a rig on the front, which has live wires running into the water that shocks the water within several feet of the boat.

Haffner put it simply: “We’re tasing the fish.”

The state already stocked the new lake with 100,000 redear and bluegill sunfish a couple of months ago, and in the wake of the massive Christmas flooding that prematurely filled the lake to capacity, the team wanted to see exactly what was washed into the lake, as well as how the stock fish were progressing. The team caught the fish, measured their size, and took inventory of the types of fish before releasing them. Some of the fish accidentally killed by the process are being genetically tested to provide data on the stock quality. Everything from bass to catfish were pulled from the lake over the week, a testament to the impact of the Christmas storms and the fish already living in the creek before it was dammed.

“Our objective is to provide high quality recreational fishing,” Haffner said in a statement. “We don’t have the opportunity to stock brand new lakes and reservoirs these days. New reservoirs and lakes simply aren’t being built like they were in the ‘50s and ‘60s, which makes this is a really unique opportunity.”

The lake is tentatively set to open to the public in late May or early June, and will be home to outdoor activities like hiking, biking and recreational fishing. The lake will also feature three public boat ramps, once construction is complete. City officials are still working to decide exactly what size boat motors will be allowed on the water.

Though the new lake certainly represents an exciting opportunity for study, Haffner noted dams and man-made lakes can also limit biodiversity by changing the area — so there is certainly a trade off. But, city officials note the dam is required to maintain minimum flows downstream year-round, an effort designed to mimic the natural flow of water in the creek.

The Duck River Reservoir project is a 650-acre reservoir project designed to meet the water needs of Cullman residents for the next 75 years. The Duck River Reservoir is located approximately six miles east of the Cullman water treatment plant. The $100-million-dollar construction project featuring a dam spanning 2,000 feet long and 135 feet high.

* Trent Moore may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 134.