Blue
Water Science has issued the final report on the fish survey that was conducted
September 4 – 6, 2014. The survey
involved setting live fish traps at 6 locations around the lake. The trapnets were monitored daily, contents
logged and returned to the lake.
Information regarding number, species, weight and length was recorded.
Blue
Water Science conducted the first fish survey on Birch Lake in 2011. The 2011 survey found six species of fish
compared to the eight species in 2014.
The major difference between the two surveys is the absence of
largemouth bass in 2014. The largemouth bass
decline is attributed to the extreme ice and snow cover during the winter of
2013 – 2014.
The
report has the following recommendations and future considerations:
· In Birch Lake, northern
pike are the dominant game fish, although their average length is relatively
small. Walleyes and perch have been stocked in the past and have not
become established. Future stocking of walleyes and perch are unnecessary
at this time.
· Stocking 2,000
largemouth bass in 2014 should reestablish the bass population and add another
predator to the fish community.
· Because sunfish
currently spawn in the lake, the young fish should produce a forage base on an
annual basis. The fish carrying capacity of Birch Lake will be
established naturally, which is a good long-term management strategy.
· The winter aeration
system is essential to maintain the existing fish community. It is recommended
that efforts continue to ensure proper operation of the winter aeration system.
· Water quality remains
good in Birch Lake and fishing has the potential to be very good for pan fish
and largemouth bass. In three to four years another fish survey should be
conducted to evaluate conditions and re-evaluate recommendations.
No comments:
Post a Comment