Why does the second male have so fewer spots? Will it get more spots as it gets older? Is that common? If it was a brown I would say the lesser spotted one was a female. But obviously not if it has a kype.
Nice fish and good illustrations of the kypes on males. I think you're right on with the fresh fish and older one.That biggest male has been around for a while. He will probably be alone doing his dance at the spawning bed this Fall. He will never completely lose that kype but will have a good start next fall. The younger one will lose that one and get a bigger one next year. I've seen some real old males that actually developed a "socket" in the lower jaw from repeated kypes that got bigger every year.I think I need to put a gps locator on your vehicle.
Nice fish, Randall. Low water must have made it a real challenge!
Nice ones! I hope to run into you later this fall on the other river.
just waiting for those stocking trucks now