River Relief

June 29, 2009

July 14 Big Muddy Session:

"Beyond Catfish: A Peek Below Muddy Water at the Diversity of Missouri River Fish"

7:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14 at Les Bourgeois Bistro, Rocheport, MO

Presented by Andy Plauck, USFWS Biologist

We all know about catfish and sturgeon, but can you name any other Missouri River fish? Few people know the denizens of the Big Muddy deep as well as the biologists at the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office here in Columbia. Biologist Andy Plauck has been studying Missouri River fish for years, and this time he'll give a window into the many fish species that never make the headlines. From minnows to paddlefish, it's a dizzying diversity - and he'll even bring some live specimens for you to see!

This Big Muddy Session is being held in a special location, the lower floor of the Les Bourgeois Bistro in Rocheport, MO. Andy will start with a slideshow about his work and a look at some of the diversity of fish in the river.

We'll then go outside to check out his tank of live specimens that he and his hardworking crew sampled that day.(Don't worry, they'll get put safely back in the river!) It's a perfect educational opportunity for fish lovers of all ages!

Les Bourgeois is offering a cash bar, and you can come early to order dinner from their tasty menu.

Note: the fish card above is from a deck of Big Muddy Fish created by US Fish and Wildlife Biologists. They should have some copies available for door prizes!

Directions to the Les Bourgeois Bistro:

Take I-70 to the Rocheport, MO, exit (Exit #115). It's the first exit east of the Missouri River. Head north toward Rocheport. After about a mile, turn left at the sign for Les Bourgeois Bistro. Follow the signs to the Bistro. You will probably need to park in the lot above the Bistro and walk the trail down. (for GPS folks... I was unable to find an actual address for the location).