I agree with you. They were eating but just not as much as they could have with more optimum forage. Profound difference I think with optimum forage in front of them. With your forage supplements, I think (1.5) lbs in the spring next year would be doable (even as early as 4.1.25). It will depend on the LMB consuming what it would take. But between TP and the GSH there should be plenty of forage out there to support the consumption that would be required.

I don't believe we have seen your latest catch before. It has distinguishing marks much like "Dottie" of Dixon Lake had distinguishing marks. This fish was probably less than 10" on 9.23 ... at least that makes sense to me. Up to now, you may have not caught any particular fish more than once.

The image below is the dead "Dottie"

[Linked Image from outdoorlife.com]

Have you been out yet to try to sample today?

It isn't what we don't know that gives us trouble, it's what we know that ain't so - Will Rogers