I think you can find a inverse relationship between crayfish numbers and the rock bass population. Most likely it is the juvenile rock bass eating the crayfish fry in the shallows.
It would be interesting to have a rock bass fishing tournament with prizes for the most pounds of fish taken. Opposed to some of the other tourneys on the lake, this would be accessible to everyone with a fishing rod regardless of skill!
Another possible reason could be an increase in water temperature along the shoreline. Decreased overhead cover leads to increased water temperature. These crayfish thrive in cold water.
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