Understanding Bloody Upper Lips in Cold-Water Fish

Question
I am from Okla. and I mainly fish farm ponds that are spring fed. Most of the fish I catch in the winter or cold weather have a bloody or red upper lip mainly in the center of the lip and was wondering why that is.

Answer
Junior,

There could be many reasons for the coloration. It could be a physical characteristic of the region directly related to season (cold), food availability (scarce), water quality (murky), or a combination of these factors--most likely a combination.

I hope this helps.  But it's hard to know for sure.  If you need any further assistance with this subject or another, please feel free to ask again.

Sincerely,
Chris "Evin" Carter