The good news is that fishing for bass, crappie and bream at Lake Talquin near Tallahassee ain't bad.

The bad news is that it's not all that good either.

Giving the eutrophic reservoir only "so-so" fishing marks, Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC) biologist Rich Cailteux is leading a TEAM (Team Effort Accomplishing Management) task to reestablish a quality sportfishery at the once popular 8,200-acre angling hotspot.

Formed in the late 1920's, following completion of Jackson Bluff Dam that impounded part of the Ochlockonee River, Lake Talquin already has experienced two extreme drawdowns in 1984 and 1991, which provided a quick fix for local and area anglers. Another drawdown is scheduled early this year, which Cailteux is confident will be a significant step in restoring the lake to robust health.

Drawdowns are vital to lakes with stabilized water levels because they expose bottom sediments to the sun's rays which, in turn, makes mechanical muck removal easier and more economical.

To ensure a quality sport fishery following the drawdown, TEAM personnel will maintain or exceed fishing expectations of freshwater anglers by creating a Fish Management Area and improving littoral habitat by planting native vegetation.

During the drawdown's low-water period, oyster shell, limerock and rock rubble beds will be placed on shallow organic sediments to create a substrate for fish spawning and invertebrate production.

In April, a program for transplanting aquatic vegetation will be initiated to increase expansion of desirable emergent plant communities.

Also on tap this year, in addition to creating more bank fishing opportunities by clearing shoreline areas, will be the construction of a fishing pier, upgrading public boat ramps, and adding three new fish attractors.

In the long-term, TEAM will investigate the feasibility of performing minimal (3 to 6 feet) fluctuations (every two to four years) to the water level during August and September, which are Lake Talquin's off-peak fishing months.

These "mini-drawdowns" are expected to reduce bottom sediments, encourage further aquatic plant growth, and create better fish habitat.

A major effort is being made to enlist support from Georgia officials to reduce or stop sediment flow pouring into Lake Talquin through the Ochlockonee River and Little River.

"This Georgia sediment is caused by agricultural runoff flowing south through these tributaries," said Cailteux. "Georgia doesn't think it's a problem, and we might have to involve the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to settle the dispute."

Various fishing regulation changes are now being discussed aimed at providing a quality black bass fishery. A reduced bag limit on crappie from 50 fish per day to 25, is a viable option currently on the "drawing board" too. Additionally, stocking of advanced-sized fingerling bass could be used to supplement the lake's natural production. Because of its location, Talquin is "home lake" to a large segment of north Florida's angling community, and it's essential that TEAM provide a first-rate opportunity to exercise their piscatorial explorations.