I think surviving vs thriving is a key point. Is the pond clear and mostly oligotrophic? In a river system, fish can always move from less suitable habitat to more suitable habitat. The formation of oxbows don't happen overnight, so they can get out before being trapped and most probably know the cues and do so. There's always exceptions to the rule, and I'm smart enough to know that I don't know everything. So aside from what I've already said, I don't really know.

I doubt they gave much thought to anything back then regarding fish passage. That's why we're in the mess we're in most places. I am working closely with VA and NC agencies on documenting and understanding where all Alabama Bass have been introduced into their systems.

Scientist and Author, Fly Fishing for Redeye Bass: An Adventure Across Southern Waters and Alabama's Best Fly Fishing
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"I do not hunt turkeys because I want to, I hunt them because I have to." - Tom Kelly