They appear to be quite cyclic in both size and numbers. Severl years back Oregon experienced a multi year wet period and many closed basins (areas that don't drain) suddenly filled and held water for 5 or 6 years. In prior years they were just dry lake beds, so there were no fish present. Within a year or two of being stocked, they generated 18 to 24 inch crappie. Now they're all back to being minnie salt flats again.
