01-16-2013, 09:37 PM
While we are at it, it might be informative to post all the recommendations from the 2010 study. in spite of all the gloom and doom posted on this thread, the DWR seems to have a good idea on what to do.
Recommendations
1. Continue the annual stocking of 40,000 splake. The decrease in quotas implemented in
2006 has improved growth and condition of splake in Fish Lake. [#FF0080]Funny, I thought that the splake fishing had gone to pot, reading this thread. Yes, the perch are a problem, but splake do eat perch, unlike the lakers (per the study) and are benefitting from a better stocking strategy. If you aren't catching decent splake, get the $@*& out of the weeds and go get them. [/#FF0080]
2. In order to evaluate the rainbow trout stocking regime initiated in 2009, stocking quotas
must be more consistent from year to year. Ideally, spring and fall quotas should consist
of single lots stocked at the same size and batch-marked. After additional monitoring it
may be necessary to change the size, number, and timing of stocking in future years to
improve survivability and return of rainbow trout to the creel. [#FF00FF]This is unscientific as heck, but it seems to me that the DWR's changes here have yielded some dividends and I've been getting much better rainbows out of there the past 3 years. [/#FF00FF]
3. The illegal introduction and proliferation of yellow perch has led to the decline of
important forage fish and increased competition with other sport fish species. Continue
to promote and encourage yellow perch fishing and harvest at Fish Lake. Investigate
other alternatives to decrease the yellow perch population. Stocking of other salmonids
that may be more effective predators on yellow perch, such as brown trout or tiger trout
should be evaluated. A reduction in the yellow perch population could improve the
splake, rainbow trout, and lake trout fishery and improve the size distribution of yellow
perch.
[#BF0060]The body of the paper also mentioned tiger muskies as a possibility. I think that holds the most promise for perch control, but that is just my opinion only. Others no doubt will disagree and that's fine. [/#BF0060]
4. Investigate the potential for an additional forage base for lake trout. Kokanee salmon
were stocked in Fish Lake in 1961 and maintained a reproducing population through
1968 (Bangerter 1968). However, kokanee were unable to establish a self sustaining
population most likely due to limited stream spawning habitat. Water temperature in
Twin Creeks was most likely not conducive to high yield reproduction. With the
development of lake-spawning Kokanee salmon in Flaming George and Strawberry
reservoirs it may be possible to establish a population in Fish Lake, thus providing an
additional sportfish and forage fish for lake trout with only supplemental stocking.
[#6000BF]I hope this happens too![/#6000BF]
5. Encourage anglers to harvest lake trout. Currently very few lake trout are caught and
harvested at Fish Lake. Investigate the potential of holding seminars or fishing events
targeting lake trout and educating fishermen. Additionally, evaluate the possibility of
changing harvest regulations at Fish Lake that may encourage additional harvest. [#BF00BF][/#BF00BF]
[#0080FF]This hasn't been talked about much on here. We need more small laker harvest. [/#0080FF]
6. Conduct an angler survey in 2015. This may be a good opportunity to further evaluate
the fall and spring rainbow trout stocking regime with batch marked fish. Additionally,
public comments could be collected regarding stocking additional sportfish (i.e. kokanee
salmon, brown trout, and tiger trout) and possible changes in lake trout regulations.
7. Continue with annual spring gill netting for monitoring rainbow trout and splake
populations. Conduct fall and summer gill netting every 3rd year (i.e. 2012) to assist with
monitoring the lake trout (fall) and forage fish (summer) populations.
[signature]
Recommendations
1. Continue the annual stocking of 40,000 splake. The decrease in quotas implemented in
2006 has improved growth and condition of splake in Fish Lake. [#FF0080]Funny, I thought that the splake fishing had gone to pot, reading this thread. Yes, the perch are a problem, but splake do eat perch, unlike the lakers (per the study) and are benefitting from a better stocking strategy. If you aren't catching decent splake, get the $@*& out of the weeds and go get them. [/#FF0080]
2. In order to evaluate the rainbow trout stocking regime initiated in 2009, stocking quotas
must be more consistent from year to year. Ideally, spring and fall quotas should consist
of single lots stocked at the same size and batch-marked. After additional monitoring it
may be necessary to change the size, number, and timing of stocking in future years to
improve survivability and return of rainbow trout to the creel. [#FF00FF]This is unscientific as heck, but it seems to me that the DWR's changes here have yielded some dividends and I've been getting much better rainbows out of there the past 3 years. [/#FF00FF]
3. The illegal introduction and proliferation of yellow perch has led to the decline of
important forage fish and increased competition with other sport fish species. Continue
to promote and encourage yellow perch fishing and harvest at Fish Lake. Investigate
other alternatives to decrease the yellow perch population. Stocking of other salmonids
that may be more effective predators on yellow perch, such as brown trout or tiger trout
should be evaluated. A reduction in the yellow perch population could improve the
splake, rainbow trout, and lake trout fishery and improve the size distribution of yellow
perch.
[#BF0060]The body of the paper also mentioned tiger muskies as a possibility. I think that holds the most promise for perch control, but that is just my opinion only. Others no doubt will disagree and that's fine. [/#BF0060]
4. Investigate the potential for an additional forage base for lake trout. Kokanee salmon
were stocked in Fish Lake in 1961 and maintained a reproducing population through
1968 (Bangerter 1968). However, kokanee were unable to establish a self sustaining
population most likely due to limited stream spawning habitat. Water temperature in
Twin Creeks was most likely not conducive to high yield reproduction. With the
development of lake-spawning Kokanee salmon in Flaming George and Strawberry
reservoirs it may be possible to establish a population in Fish Lake, thus providing an
additional sportfish and forage fish for lake trout with only supplemental stocking.
[#6000BF]I hope this happens too![/#6000BF]
5. Encourage anglers to harvest lake trout. Currently very few lake trout are caught and
harvested at Fish Lake. Investigate the potential of holding seminars or fishing events
targeting lake trout and educating fishermen. Additionally, evaluate the possibility of
changing harvest regulations at Fish Lake that may encourage additional harvest. [#BF00BF][/#BF00BF]
[#0080FF]This hasn't been talked about much on here. We need more small laker harvest. [/#0080FF]
6. Conduct an angler survey in 2015. This may be a good opportunity to further evaluate
the fall and spring rainbow trout stocking regime with batch marked fish. Additionally,
public comments could be collected regarding stocking additional sportfish (i.e. kokanee
salmon, brown trout, and tiger trout) and possible changes in lake trout regulations.
7. Continue with annual spring gill netting for monitoring rainbow trout and splake
populations. Conduct fall and summer gill netting every 3rd year (i.e. 2012) to assist with
monitoring the lake trout (fall) and forage fish (summer) populations.
[signature]