On March 17th, 2018, Steven Hogler - DNR Fisheries
Biologist, Green Bay - presented Fish Survey results at our bi-monthly
Manitowoc County Lakes Association meeting for members and guests.
He indicated that surveys are science based that use standard lake survey
protocols that allow comparisons to similar lakes across the state. Survey frequency is based on the size of
lakes as well as public access with larger lakes getting surveyed more
often. In Manitowoc County, the larger lakes are sampled most intensively
every four years while smaller lakes get surveyed every 10 years. In
general he indicated that each year, he samples one large lake and two small
lakes.
For example, Long Lake and Bullhead Lake were surveyed in
2017. Summaries from these lakes showed
increasing numbers of Northern Pike and Largemouth Bass, young Crappies and
growing Bluegill, but few Walleye. Similar recommendations were made for
Long and Bullhead Lakes, to
• Continue to conduct a ‘full
comprehensive fish survey’ based on the sampling schedule.
• Evaluate the results from the Panfish
study to see if they can be applied to these lakes
• DNR , Manitowoc County Soil and Water
Department, Manitowoc County Lakes Association, Long Lake and Bullhead Lake
Associations, and local residents should continue to monitor water quality and
to make changes in the watershed designed to improve water quality.
• Encourage ’near shore fish habitat by
incorporating woody debris and aquatic plants into their landscape.
Steve indicated that we all share a common goal of
sustainable fisheries and stressed that management decisions based on collected
data and public input. Based on survey results we have management tools
available if needed. They include:
• Making fishing regulation changes
• Species manipulation
• Stocking, which involves many
considerations, like ‘current species present, predator-prey ratio, habitat
availability, hybridization, diseases, genetic interactions, undesirable
species
• Habitat projects
• Making improvements in water quality
through watershed changes
Surveys across all Manitowoc County Lakes over the past
twenty-five years shows Bass and Bluegill dominate most fisheries with steady
panfish numbers although in many lakes panfish are small in size. Other
gamefish numbers are moderate but Walleye occur low in number and are sustained
through stocking. In some lakes ‘poor water quality, lack of habitat and
invasive species may negatively affect fish populations.’
Hogler reminded the group of the ongoing statewide Panfish
study. In Manitowoc County, the lakes that are part of the study are Bullhead,
English, Harpt, Pigeon, Long Lakes. Each has a temporary panfish regulation to
see if that regulation can improve panfish size. Spring Lake is a control lake in the study and its
regulations remain unchanged. From 2019-2021 all lakes in the study will
be resurveyed and the impact of the regulations will be evaluated in 2022 with
recommendations made on a statewide basis.
Questions about different lakes, and comments,
followed. One was put by Gene Weyer regarding how our County’s alkaline
water impacts fish growth. Watershed management and fish habitat were
most urgent matters.
Please check these and other individual lake reports
that are on our Manitowoc County Lakes Association website:
http://www.manitowoccountylakesassociation.org
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