07-11-2004, 08:28 PM
2004 Leech Lake Assessments
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources annually monitors Leech Lake fish populations as part of the Large Lake Program. This program, which includes Minnesota's 10 largest natural walleye lakes, began in 1983. Each year, various sampling techniques are used to assess fish populations in Leech Lake. Gill netting, shoreline seining, and bottom trawling provide information on fish abundance, size structure, age, growth, and natural reproduction. Water quality data are also collected annually. The gathered information allows fisheries personnel to recognize biological or environmental trends that may identify potential stresses on fish populations such as over harvest or poor reproduction. If warranted, remedial measures can then be employed before a small concern becomes a big problem. In addition, Leech Lake anglers will always have current information regarding the status of the lake.
2003 Leech Lake Summary
Leech Lake is the third largest lake entirely within the boundaries of Minnesota and has approximately 112,000 surface acres. The lake is geographically located in three glacial zones and has an irregular shape with many large and small bays. The deepest area of the lake is located in Walker Bay where depths reach around 150 feet deep. Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 35 feet deep. Similar to other large lakes in Minnesota, the fish community is dominated by species in the perch and pike families. Walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge are the primary predator species, whereas yellow perch and cisco are principal forage species. Leech Lake is well known among anglers for its excellent walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge, tullibee, largemouth bass, sunfish and black crappie fishing.
Walleye: The 2003 catch of walleye per experimental gill net set was 5.2, which is below the 1983-2003 average of 7.5 walleye per set. Historically, catch rates have ranged from 4.6 walleye/set (1993) to 13.4 walleye/set (1988). Walleye sampled in experimental gill nets ranged in length from 6.6 to 24.1 inches with an average length of 16.7 inches, up from last years 15.7 inch average. Over the past several years, changes in walleye biological performance indicators (or BPI’s) have been noted. For example, the age and length at which walleye mature is decreasing. This may be due to warm weather and abundant forage, or due to high angler harvest. We will continue to monitor these walleye parameters and enact conservation measures should they be warranted.
Northern Pike: The 2003 catch of northern pike per experimental gill net was 5.0. Since 1983, northern pike gillnet catch rates have been stable ranging from 3.6 pike/set (1993) to 6.2 pike/set (1995). Northern pike sampled in experimental gill nets in 2003 ranged in length from 8.9 to 36.2 inches with an average length of 20.6 inches. Larger northern pike are not sampled effectively in experimental gillnets.
Muskellunge: Muskellunge are typically low in abundance and grow to sizes that are not effectively sampled with gill nets. Fishing for muskie in 2003 was good and two catch-and-release tournaments registered 50 inch plus muskie. Muskie fishing can be good all season, but seems to peak in mid to late summer.
Yellow Perch: The 2003 catch of yellow perch per experimental gill net set was 16.2, which is below the 1983-2003 average of 21.7 perch per set. Historically, yellow perch gill net catch rates have ranged from 13.5 perch/set (1983) to 37.7 perch/set (1995). In 2003, the average size of yellow perch sampled in gill nets was 6.9 inches.
Cisco: The 2003 catch of cisco was 0.9 per net, which is the lowest catch rate observed. Since 1983, gill net catch rates for cisco have varied considerably ranging from this year’s low to 18.5 cisco/set (1987). Warm water temperatures may be partly to blame for the low catch rates as cisco are pelagic and form large schools at depths dependent on water temperature. Cisco sampled in gill nets in 2003 ranged in length from 6.2 to 17.5 inches with an average length of 10.8 inches.
Leech Lake also provides quality angling opportunities for largemouth bass, black crappie, and sunfish in shallow vegetated bays. These species are not effectively sampled with gill nets.
To promote and maintain a healthy fish population, pollution and other inputs need to be controlled. Fish habitat is directly affected by water quality. Nutrient, sediment and other waste inputs can drastically alter the chemical and physical components of Leech Lake. Best management practices should be employed when developing on or near a shoreline. Careless development within the watershed and the loss of upland and aquatic vegetation can accelerate the natural aging of a lake. It is paramount to maintain the current water quality of Leech Lake through watershed management to preserve this fishery for future generations to enjoy.
(for more info: http://www.brindleysharbor.com/fishing_articles.htm
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources annually monitors Leech Lake fish populations as part of the Large Lake Program. This program, which includes Minnesota's 10 largest natural walleye lakes, began in 1983. Each year, various sampling techniques are used to assess fish populations in Leech Lake. Gill netting, shoreline seining, and bottom trawling provide information on fish abundance, size structure, age, growth, and natural reproduction. Water quality data are also collected annually. The gathered information allows fisheries personnel to recognize biological or environmental trends that may identify potential stresses on fish populations such as over harvest or poor reproduction. If warranted, remedial measures can then be employed before a small concern becomes a big problem. In addition, Leech Lake anglers will always have current information regarding the status of the lake.
2003 Leech Lake Summary
Leech Lake is the third largest lake entirely within the boundaries of Minnesota and has approximately 112,000 surface acres. The lake is geographically located in three glacial zones and has an irregular shape with many large and small bays. The deepest area of the lake is located in Walker Bay where depths reach around 150 feet deep. Approximately 80% of the lake is less than 35 feet deep. Similar to other large lakes in Minnesota, the fish community is dominated by species in the perch and pike families. Walleye, northern pike, and muskellunge are the primary predator species, whereas yellow perch and cisco are principal forage species. Leech Lake is well known among anglers for its excellent walleye, yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge, tullibee, largemouth bass, sunfish and black crappie fishing.
Walleye: The 2003 catch of walleye per experimental gill net set was 5.2, which is below the 1983-2003 average of 7.5 walleye per set. Historically, catch rates have ranged from 4.6 walleye/set (1993) to 13.4 walleye/set (1988). Walleye sampled in experimental gill nets ranged in length from 6.6 to 24.1 inches with an average length of 16.7 inches, up from last years 15.7 inch average. Over the past several years, changes in walleye biological performance indicators (or BPI’s) have been noted. For example, the age and length at which walleye mature is decreasing. This may be due to warm weather and abundant forage, or due to high angler harvest. We will continue to monitor these walleye parameters and enact conservation measures should they be warranted.
Northern Pike: The 2003 catch of northern pike per experimental gill net was 5.0. Since 1983, northern pike gillnet catch rates have been stable ranging from 3.6 pike/set (1993) to 6.2 pike/set (1995). Northern pike sampled in experimental gill nets in 2003 ranged in length from 8.9 to 36.2 inches with an average length of 20.6 inches. Larger northern pike are not sampled effectively in experimental gillnets.
Muskellunge: Muskellunge are typically low in abundance and grow to sizes that are not effectively sampled with gill nets. Fishing for muskie in 2003 was good and two catch-and-release tournaments registered 50 inch plus muskie. Muskie fishing can be good all season, but seems to peak in mid to late summer.
Yellow Perch: The 2003 catch of yellow perch per experimental gill net set was 16.2, which is below the 1983-2003 average of 21.7 perch per set. Historically, yellow perch gill net catch rates have ranged from 13.5 perch/set (1983) to 37.7 perch/set (1995). In 2003, the average size of yellow perch sampled in gill nets was 6.9 inches.
Cisco: The 2003 catch of cisco was 0.9 per net, which is the lowest catch rate observed. Since 1983, gill net catch rates for cisco have varied considerably ranging from this year’s low to 18.5 cisco/set (1987). Warm water temperatures may be partly to blame for the low catch rates as cisco are pelagic and form large schools at depths dependent on water temperature. Cisco sampled in gill nets in 2003 ranged in length from 6.2 to 17.5 inches with an average length of 10.8 inches.
Leech Lake also provides quality angling opportunities for largemouth bass, black crappie, and sunfish in shallow vegetated bays. These species are not effectively sampled with gill nets.
To promote and maintain a healthy fish population, pollution and other inputs need to be controlled. Fish habitat is directly affected by water quality. Nutrient, sediment and other waste inputs can drastically alter the chemical and physical components of Leech Lake. Best management practices should be employed when developing on or near a shoreline. Careless development within the watershed and the loss of upland and aquatic vegetation can accelerate the natural aging of a lake. It is paramount to maintain the current water quality of Leech Lake through watershed management to preserve this fishery for future generations to enjoy.
(for more info: http://www.brindleysharbor.com/fishing_articles.htm
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